What is the Highest Rated 4 or 5 star Offsite Hotel?

[Jeremysm1]

Hi everyone! First time taking my family to WDW...grew up going there, but here in Arizona we usually head to California and Disneyland instead. I've been looking up hotels onsite and offsite, and am curious if there are any really highly rated offsite options that are very nice but not too stuffy. Waldorf and Ritz come up a lot, but looking for confirmation that these are good and/or worth it.

Also looking at renting a condo or home for the week. Not totally against onsite property, but with 3 kids it would probably require 2-rooms..argh! Okay, I'm all over the board, so any help with offsite, higher end hotel recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[WWWD]

You can also look into DVC properties for a family of 5. You can reserve DVC rooms directly from Disney or "rent" points from members (much cheaper, but relying on a stranger to make reservations).

 

[Disney Dawg88]

Hi everyone! First time taking my family to WDW...grew up going there, but here in Arizona we usually head to California and Disneyland instead. I've been looking up hotels onsite and offsite, and am curious if there are any really highly rated offsite options that are very nice but not too stuffy. Waldorf and Ritz come up a lot, but looking for confirmation that these are good and/or worth it.

Also looking at renting a condo or home for the week. Not totally against onsite property, but with 3 kids it would probably require 2-rooms..argh! Okay, I'm all over the board, so any help with offsite, higher end hotel recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks!

Well if you're looking at those type of properties then I'm assuming cost isn't an issue. I've never stayed at the Waldorf before, but I'm a Hilton Diamond member, their rewards program, and I love the Hilton Bonnet Creek. The Hilton is usually a lot cheaper than the Waldorf per night. It's not too stuffy, in my opinion, it's close to the parks, and has a great pool too. I've heard that the Waldorf is basically the same hotel, the buildings look identical, but maybe just a little nicer. The only thing I don't like about these two properties is that they nickel and dime you for almost everything - $16 parking fee (ok that's fine) and a $22 resort fee . . . Per night.

I've heard the Ritz is nice, I've stayed at the JW next door and liked it there. If you're planning on spending a lot of time at the parks that's a lot of driving back and forth.

After all this, if you think you might need more than one room you could probably get a nice house in Celebration. One other hotel you might look at is the Hilton Grand Vacations on Arrezzo Way, which is right behind the outlet mall not too far from the parks. I know that they have two bedroom suites with a kitchen. I've stayed here multiple times and it's pretty nice, but not on a luxury scale like the Waldorf or Ritz.

I hope this helps!

 

[deanaandrich]

The waldorf is excellent. We were there last weekend. You've got the deluxe accommodations like on disney property, but such fewer people to deal with! Great staff, great service. The rooms are gorgeous. Excellent restaurants- if you don't want the pricey ones, the pool and lobby bar offer great choices. My DH and I had the best grilled portabella mushroom sandwich and crab and avocado summer rolls. The pools are wonderful. It's definitely relaxing, sitting on the couches or you can rent a cabana. Even the kids are quieter there. If you want more action, you are allowed to use the Hilton's pool next door. There's a bus to get you to and from the airport and the parks. Overall, definitely a 5 star hotel.

 

[Padraig]

I'd also recommend the WA. It's much cheaper than a Disney Deluxe and the quality is far better. It is essentially a wing of the Hilton, the two hotels are connected via the conference facilities. WA is (maybe at most)a third the size of the Hilton, which helps make it much quieter, slightly different crowd - lot of conference people at the Hilton - but it isn't too stuffy either. Decor is nicer, the beds are the most comfortable I've ever been in. Cost of food is more expensive, but you can always hop over and eat at the Hilton if you want to save a few dollars. You can also use pools at both hotels. They do nickel and dime you, but there is a good free bus service to the parks.