I think the important thing is, what do you like -- the heart doesn't follow a rationale. People can argue for you here till we're blue in the face -- go with what you want. And wants are linked with desires which emanate from your emotions -- what does the heart tell you? There's my advice.
Me: I've stayed at the Grand Floridian simply because I like staying in the best hotels when I travel. I live in a nice place, and I want the place where I travel to be nicer. How do I know what's best? I usually go for the most expensive hotel, as long as its not too ornate. G.F. is on the edge there. Rooms there are o.k., but I think C and P's room sizes are a larger (earliest hotels built -- compare a premium like AKLodge or W.L room sizes with the originals -- whoah big difference).
Anywho,
Still, you get what you pay for . So in terms of Value, what do you value? High value, moderate value etc.
Now, I've yet to be in a remodeled room at Poly or Contempt-erary. to be honest, those give G.F. a serious run for the money from the photos I've seen. They look slick.
Atmosphere wise, contemporary is interesting -- very broad theme. Poly def. has its charm, G.F. has its benefits too. I think you can make a case for all three. Just depends what you want in a vacation, what kind of atmosphere you like . I like things wasp-y and simple but also some place that keeps the rif-raff out. But I also like spoiled children running around to remind me how bad of a parent I could be, so G.F. is where its at for me.
Things to do: what do you like to do I like boats, so all the marinas are cool. Although G.F. has an obvious clock for your boating times, which helps when you rent. There are lots of pools at G.F. The volcano slide at Poly is great, their dinner show is cool. The marina at contemporary is more 'stacked'. More options there -- like parasailling and a morning skidoo cruise with the lakes to yourself. But, there's also the gym factor -- if you work out, contemporary has their gym in house I think, Poly uses a gym closer to the G.F. (share facilities).
There's also the dining factor. What do you like there? I like nice stuff when I travel. And the great thing is, I'll do Kona Salad for lunch, some potato salad and pasta salad at the contemp. and a nice dinner at G.F. dining in service -- looking at the fireworks.
General Hotel info:, I like how Poly is coming along with its reno's (shopping area for example and the new-ish volcano pool) and Contemporary's new marina area is nice too. But contemporary's wings scare me. Really low ceilings -- rooms seem nice though.
I'm the type of person that is about: you get what you pay for. Concierge Level, main lodge, Castle view -- that's cool for me.
My personal attitude is -- its nice to do a little research, see what others feel about stuff, but ultimately, only you know you. So take it and leave the advice, and go with what you feel is best for you.
Have fun deciding.
