PRICE:
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

The most upscale of the Hotel Plaza Boulevard-area properties, popular with business and leisure travelers alike (though business people make up 75% of its guests) now sports a chic and trendy new look. Dramatic white walls, open spaces, stories-high curtains, and hints of silver and aqua welcome guests as they enter the completely redesigned lobby. Guest rooms sport an eclectic mix of stylishly hip furnishings combined with a trendy color scheme of white, aqua, and brown (unfortunately comfort, most notably in the living area, has been sacrificed for appearance's sake -- the bedding, however, is quite cozy). Many of the upscale business-standard rooms, in addition to upgraded amenities, have balconies or patios; ask for one above the fifth floor with a "water view." That's the side facing the pools on Recreation Island, Downtown Disney, and, in the distance, Disney's Hollywood Studios' Tower of Terror. The "Disney view" offers distant views of Epcot's IllumiNations fireworks and a glimpse of Downtown Disney but little else. Families will appreciate the Island Suites, with over 800 square feet of space, one and a half baths, a microwave, fridge, and proximity to the pools and playgrounds. The resort is known for its spacious fitness center and full-service European-style spa (massage, wraps, steam room, saunas, salon, fitness center, private pool, and more), which are open to the public (for a fee). The recreational facilities are extensive (impending renovations bringing them up to par with the rest of the property), and one of the resort's pools is situated partially indoors, providing cover from sun and rain. You'll find the best rates are offered in July and August, contrary to the mainstream tourist resorts -- a bonus due to its popularity with the business set. Facilities: 2 restaurants; grill; 2 lounges; character breakfast on Sun; 3 heated outdoor pools; kids' pool; tennis; spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; arcade; playground; concierge; car-rental desk; complimentary bus service to WDW parks; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee; business center; minimart; salon; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; guest laundry; valet; concierge-level rooms In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, high-speed and limited Wi-Fi Internet access (fee), minibar, fridge, microwave (suites), coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, PlayStation.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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