This was the first hotel we stayed at when we went on holiday to Orlando in 2003, it was then known as the Wellesley Inn but I think changed to Ramada in 2004. It is well situated on International Drive, Orlando for all the attractions and restaurants on this 1 mile long stretch. The room was extremely large with 2 queen sized beds and plenty of space to move around. It had a sectioned off wash area and bathroom with shower over the bath, microwave, safe, fridge, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, desk etc.
Unlike some hotel rooms in Orlando the bathroom was a separate room, some of the others had a room with bath/shower and toilet which was lockable, but the washing area was just sectioned off, meaning you had to warn other people in the room that you were about to wash your "bits." To make matters worse this area is positioned by the front door (luckily the maids knock - they have probably had their fair share of "not very pretty sights" before).
The rooms were very clean, at the time it was in the process of being refurbished so all the carpets, furniture and beds were new. A maid came in daily to tidy and make the beds. The sheets were changed every other day. From our room (all the rooms face the same direction) we had a great view over a lake and Wet n' Wild, one of the water parks in Orlando. If you looked closely you could sometimes see the turtles swimming in the lake.
We booked this holiday with First Choice and the hotel was given the equivalent of 2/3 stars, this was well deserved in respect of room size and cleanliness, but the amenities were somewhat limited. There was a swimming pool, but to swim from end to end would not expend much energy and take about 2 seconds! The games room was an open air corridor between the lifts and the swimming pool with approximately 2 or 3 machines and a cold drinks machine. A free breakfast was on offer but after poking our noses in and seeing just croissants, toast and juice we declined and went to Sizzlers instead (I feel another review coming on!), where for just $3.99 approximately £2.50 you could eat all you want from the breakfast buffet. This was ideal for us because it sets you up for the day and you really don't need (I said need not want!) anything else until the evening. Gives you a chance to burn off those pancakes and maple syrup too!
The style of the hotel, which is generally the same for all the hotels in Orlando, is that you access the rooms from outside the hotel, so anyone can get in the lift and walk along the balconies even if they don't have a room in the hotel. In my opinion, it makes you feel slightly unsafe, but all the rooms have spy holes in the doors so that you can check who is outside. But let you children know that they must never open the door without checking with you first.
The hotel didn't run a shuttle service to the Theme Parks, or it didn't when we were there, fortunately this wasn't a problem for us as we had hired a car. However you can always get the trolley bus that runs the length of International Drive and will take you to Seaworld, Wet n Wild (you could walk there its only 5 minutes away) and Universal Studios. Disneyworld is an approximately 15 minutes away by car.
All in all this hotel would be fine for a couple without children, but if you have children you would be better suited staying in a hotel like the Holiday Inn, which is just over the road, as it is much more family orientated with great swimming pool, games room etc. In the evening you have to find your entertainment along International Drive or elsewhere as there is no bar or entertainment at the hotel.
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I couldn't stay anywhere where ensuites weren't the norm!
mrsmopples 12.09.2005 17:51
you lucky person you!!! : - )
arnoldhenryrufus 12.09.2005 16:09
Its still my dream to get there, always has been, I'm 43 now and still not given up, think I may have to wait for more grandchildren and a little more money - but I will get there one day - great review - lyn x
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Advantages: Centrally located, Fantastic concierge service, Airport Transfer can be arranged Disadvantages: Located in the Garment District Credit Card takes a beating.
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