Any better thoughts?

[Roland Farm]

I have a lot of Marriott reward points so we are considering an offsite, three star hotel. Our choice so far is the Residence Inn by Marriott Lake Buena Vista North. We can get a suite with a bedroom and bath for us and a separate bed/bath for the parents and two grandchildren (age 5 + 8).
I have read the reviews about this hotel and they are mixed but overall good. Just remodeled last fall.
Does anyone have a comment about what we are thinking or do you have a better option for using Marriott reward points for a DW visit?
Thanks,
Tony

 

[MichWolv]

I've stayed at a couple of Residence Inns as well as a Springhill Suites in the area and all have been acceptable, but not great. I do like the fact that Residence and Springhills have free breakfast. Makes for a nice start to the day.

 

[Roland Farm]

Thanks for that input, I would agree about the breakfast, it helps with the cost as well as the logistics.

 

[SAV]

I too have used my Marriott points the last 2 trips and both times we stayed at the Residence Inn - Sea World. We absolutely loved it. The rooms were very nice and the pool is outstanding. If you are renting a car, then the lack of transportation to the resorts isn't an issue. One of the best things is the "free" Breakfast Buffet. Real food and not just donuts to start the day. The suite is great with the kids because you can put them to sleep when you get back to the room and still have the lights on to do the prep for the next day out in the parks.

I was never able to redeem my points at the LBV Residence Inn so I just moved 2 miles further and was able to redeem without a problem.

 

[davinakb]

Stayed at both RI SW (about 2 years ago) and RI LBV Palm Pkwy (about 4 years ago, before renovations) and both were fine. Breakfast is good, free internet access, serviceable pools. Easy to get around to WDW/SW from either location. Depending on the point redemption rate, either would be just fine.

Not sure if you can redeem points for it or not, but if you can you may want to look at one of the vacation club places like Grande Vista or Horizons. You'll be cooking your own breakfast (no maid, either) but they have great pools, activities for kids, washer/dryer, those type of amenities. FWIW.