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Colonial Williamsburg Deluxe Suite Review

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On my most recent trip, my husband and I stayed in a Colonial Williamsburg Deluxe Suite! Since I couldn’t find many reviews of it online, I thought I would post one.

Colonial Williamsburg Deluxe Suite

Colonial Williamsburg Deluxe Suite

You may recall that on our last trip we stayed in a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern Room. However, we wanted something a little more updated and comfortable this trip. So, we decided to try the deluxe suite, which comes with more space and more modern touches. It’s still a colonial house or historic lodging but has been more recently updated.

I believe the entirety of the Lightfoot Tenement building is dedicated to these two suites. We had the upstairs one and the bottom one appeared to stay booked up. I will caution people that the upstairs suite has several steps and can be difficult to traverse with a bunch of luggage.

The Room

I was immediately surprised by how big the suite was. You enter into a sitting room, complete with an old desk, a fireplace, a small tv, an old couch, a coffee table, and a few chairs. Then, you enter a small area with a mini refrigerator and coffee maker. There’s also an extra sink and hidden closet in this space. Next, you come to the bedroom. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a tv. It does have an alarm clock with extra usb plug-ins which came in very handy. Lastly, there’s the bathroom. The sink is separate from the tub and toilet. I imagine that would be useful if two people were getting ready at once.

It was a much bigger space than the room we stayed in last time. Additionally, the mattress and pillows were newer and more comfortable. However, we found ourselves bored after dark without a tv in the bedroom and the couch being well used. Also, the ceiling in the tub cuts in at an angle and I hit my forehead on it the first night. So, it’s better than a regular room but not perfect.

Pros

  • Location – We were close to everything in Colonial Williamsburg. Walking to breakfast and dinner was amazing!
  • Designated parking space – It was really useful to have a designated parking space as parking can be a pain in Colonial Williamsburg.
  • Bigger area – It was nice to be able to spread out in the large suite.
  • Updated furnishings – This was probably the best part of the upgrade. The mattress was pretty comfortable.
  • Quaint – It feels nice to stay immersed in the colonial vibes.
  • Tickets – Every stay at an official Colonial Williamsburg resort comes with free length of stay tickets. That’s great for visiting whenever you feel like it.

Cons

  • Outdated – The couch cushion was thin and was slick enough to slide out periodically.
  • Weird set up – The harsh angle of the ceiling in the tub is not the safest.
  • Lack of modern electrical touches – There weren’t many electrical plug ins and only one tiny tv in the whole suite!
  • Not cheap – It was more expensive than a regular tavern room but comparable to a hotel room. I’ll probably book a hotel room next time just for modern conveniences.
  • Not handicap accessible – Maybe the downstairs suite has a better set up, but the stairs were a big nuisance with luggage. Also, the tub and ceiling could definitely be an issue for some guests.

Is a Colonial Williamsburg Deluxe Suite worth it?

This stay definitely had its ups and downs. I initially loved the idea of staying in a colonial house since it’s so unique. However, I think I will be opting for one of the hotels in the future for the modern conveniences they provide. The suite wasn’t a bad stay just not as up to date as I’d hoped.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Review

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Today, I’m finally highlighting the remaining moderate resort at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort!

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a sprawling tropical paradise. Its size and moderate category designation makes it similar to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney Port Orleans Riverside Resort. However, one big difference here is the addition of the Skyliner! In fact, this resort is the Skyliner hub where everyone has to get off and switch lines. So, it makes it really convenient to head to Hollywood Studios and Epcot!

This resort has a very laid back vibe. There are several sandy beach areas and vibrant hues around every corner. It’s perfect for the beach fan who is visiting a theme park.

Standard Room

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at this resort several times. My mom loves the beach, so she really enjoys the theme and landscaping here. I like the access to the Skyliner. However, we dislike how spread out the resort is. There’s an internal shuttle as well as multiple bus stops. If it wasn’t for that, we’d probably pick this resort more often.

The rooms here are pleasant enough. It’s a pretty typical moderate resort room to be honest. Nothing particularly exciting in terms of room decor. They used to have Pirates themed rooms and I was supposed to stay in one back in 2022. However, a hurricane forced me to cancel those plans. Now, they have some Little Mermaid themed rooms in that area of the resort. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, you can’t specifically book one of those rooms. I’ve heard that you can increase your chances of receiving one by booking a 5th sleeper room (standard or pool/water view) and then requesting to be near the Skyliner. I’m sure it’s a very popular request though.

Here are a few pictures of a standard room from my last stay at this resort in 2018.

Pros

  • Skyliner – I love taking the Skyliner for park transportation. It’s much quicker and easier than taking a bus.
  • Beautiful theme – who doesn’t a enjoy a Caribbean theme?
  • Sebastian’s Bistro – I haven’t eaten at this restaurant since the pandemic, however I enjoyed a lovely solo meal here in 2019. I’d love to go back and it seems to be a good value as far as Disney dining goes (for paying out of pocket).
  • Relaxing – It’s quieter than a value resort and doesn’t host as many groups as Coronado does.
  • On-site perks – I love being able to just hop on a bus (or the Skyliner) and arrive at the parks! Also, being able to book dining 60 days out is helpful!

Cons

  • Spread out resort – It’s another sprawling resort. In fact, you may end up closer to Riviera Resort than to the lobby of this resort.
  • Multiple bus stops – If you are headed to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs, then you will have to ride a bus. That means multiple bus stops here. So, allow extra time to reach your destination.
  • Theme may bore some – The standard rooms are pretty low-key in my experience. If you have kids, consider booking the 5th sleeper and requesting the Little Mermaid rooms. Otherwise, your Disney character loving folks might not appreciate the simplicity of this Caribbean escape.

Is Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort worth it?

As I’ve said in most of my hotel reviews, I think “value” is highly subjective. However, this is a great choice for people who want to use the Skyliner for transportation. It’s also good for beach loving folks who can’t afford Beach/Yacht Club.

Have you ever stayed here? What did you think?

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels Guide

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Having stayed in all of the currently open Universal Orlando Resort hotels, I thought I would post a little guide to help people decide where to stay.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

As of 2024, UO has 8 on-site hotels. There will be two new hotels opening in January/February 2025 and a third one later in 2025. This post will focus on the first 8 until I update it after future trips in 2025 and beyond.

There are now three tiers of hotels at Universal. First up, there’s the Signature Collection: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls, and Helios Grand Hotel (opening in 2025). They are the most expensive resorts. Select resorts (Portofino, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific) come with skip the line privileges called Express Pass. Four of them come with boat transportation to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, and Sapphire Falls. Helios Grand will have its own dedicated park entrance to the new theme park, Epic Universe while providing bus transportation to the other parks.

Next is the Prime Values: Aventura, Stella Nova (opening January 21, 2025), and Terra Luna (opening February 25, 2025). They are considerably cheaper than the Signature Collection while being more upscale than the Values. They are more akin to moderate resorts or more middle of the road in terms of pricing and amenities.

Last but not least are the Values (a.k.a. cheapest) consisting of Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Endless Summer – Dockside and Surfside Inns. Those three hotels are going to offer the cheapest rooms on property.

Portofino Bay

This is currently the top tier hotel at Universal. It’s themed to the lovely Italian village, complete with several restaurants and a bay. In my Portofino Bay Hotel review, I gushed over it as it’s truly a lovely place. It’s very luxurious and relaxing. It is currently the most expensive place to stay on property. However, it also comes with Universal Express Unlimited, which helps explain some of the hefty price tag. This is the ideal resort for a couple’s trip or an adults only vacation due to its relaxing vibes.

Hard Rock Hotel

Typically, the Hard Rock Hotel is the second most expensive hotel on property. It’s filled with lots of neat music memorabilia and is perfect for any music fan (I mean who doesn’t like music?). It’s the most lively of the Signature Collection hotels and is a good choice for folks with kids who want the Universal Express Unlimited. However, I prefer the Royal Pacific for the price.

Royal Pacific

Typically Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort is the cheapest (not cheap though) of the three resorts that offer Universal Express Pass. Royal Pacific is my second favorite resort on-property with its nice tropical paradise. It’s a good option for folks who want that Universal Express without paying as much. The theme also makes it a great option for someone who is pining for a beach/tropical getaway.

Sapphire Falls

Sapphire Falls used to be considered a moderate, but is now part of the Signature Collection. I think it’s a good compromise for accommodations and price, depending on the season. It’s a step up from the Prime Values in terms of theme and restaurant options (it has a sit-down restaurant) but isn’t as nice as the other Signature Collection hotels. It’s in between in practically every way. Sapphire Falls is the hotel where I took the picture used for this blog post seen above. It doesn’t provide Express Pass, but it does have boat transportation to USF and IoA.

Aventura

Aventura is the Prime Value tower hotel beside Sapphire Falls. It’s a tech-centric tower with smooth lines in the design. It’s definitely meant for younger adults on a budget. Technically, you can walk over to Sapphire Falls to enjoy their restaurants and boat transportation to the parks too. I like it, but it was louder than the Signature Collection hotels.

Cabana Bay

Cabana Bay Beach Resort was previously a Prime Value, but is now considered a Value. It’s across the street from Aventura and Sapphire Falls. It’s also much bigger and spread out. There are lots of different room configuration options here making it ideal for larger families or groups. It’s also a good bit cheaper than the hotels listed above. However, it is limited in food options and has only bus transportation. Although, it is right next to Volcano Bay if you plan on visiting it.

Endless Summer – Dockside and Surfside Inn and Suites

Last but not least we have Endless Summer – Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites. Endless Summer is technically two sister resorts across the street from each other. Surfside is a good bit smaller and has fewer people. I prefer it to Dockside just because it’s less crowded and chaotic. However, they both have thin walls and attract tour groups/sports teams due to the prices. They feature a bedroom suite for larger families as well. These hotels are ideal for people on tight budgets and larger groups. They are both considered Value Resorts, along with Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Well, that’s the 8 current on-site options at Universal Orlando Resort. I think there’s probably a good fit for every situation and budget. It all really depends on what you value in a resort and what your budget is. My personal ranking is:

  1. Portofino Bay
  2. Royal Pacific
  3. Sapphire Falls
  4. Hard Rock Hotel
  5. Aventura
  6. Cabana Bay
  7. Surfside Inn
  8. Dockside Inn

So, do you agree with my rankings or not? What is your favorite hotel at Universal Orlando?

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Review

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On my most recent visit to Universal Orlando Resort, I finally checked off staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel! So, it’s time for a review!

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a Signature Collection resort at Universal Orlando. It’s themed after the Italian village complete with its own harbor! It is typically the most expensive resort on property (with Helios Grand Hotel expected to be more expensive when it opens in 2025) but is also considered the most luxurious.

It’s one of three resorts on property to come with free Universal Express passes. It also has boat transportation to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It will provide bus transportation to Epic Universe.

Standard Room

My mom and I stayed in a standard two queen room. There was construction going on across the hall, but we didn’t hear too much noise. It was a pretty quiet stay, especially when compared to the rooms at Endless Summer. The beds were very comfortable with luxe bedding. Again, the difference between the comforter here and the thin cover at Endless Summer was noticeable. The details were classy and simple.

The bathroom was huge, particularly when compared to the other hotels. Although, I was a touch disappointed with the toilet paper quality here. I expected better toilet paper for the price, but it appeared to be the same cheap stuff you get at the other hotels. It also carried the same toiletries found at Royal Pacific.

Pros

  • Gorgeous resort – I loved just walking around this resort and feeling fancy. It truly feels like Italy to me (although, I’ve never actually been to Italy).
  • Boat transportation – It was amazing to walk down to the harbor and catch a boat over to the parks. Although, it did storm once and we had to take a bus back to the resort. That was less tranquil, but free park transportation is still a great perk.
  • Free Universal Express Unlimited – Your room key is your way to skip the lines in the parks. That sometimes makes the select Signature Collection hotels offering this benefit worth the higher price.
  • Relaxing vibes – I just felt so relaxed and peaceful here. I don’t get those vibes at places like the Hard Rock Hotel or Cabana Bay.
  • Several restaurants – We enjoyed Mama Della’s Ristorante as well as the Gelateria. Next time, I’d like to try Bice and Sal’s Market Deli.
  • On-site spa – I didn’t have a chance to experience it, but there is a spa on site here. It sounds lovely.
  • Three pools – This hotel is large and has three pools to spend time in.

Cons

  • Expensive – This is typically the most expensive resort on property. I used an AP discount and it was still around $300/night! If it wasn’t for the price, I would be staying here every trip!
  • Big resort – Thankfully, our room wasn’t much of a hike. However, the resort is sprawling and I can see getting lost here.
  • Theme not for everyone – This is the perfect resort for an adults only stay. However, I think children may find it to be a boring resort.
  • Limited AP discounts – This resort is technically owned/operated by Loews. As such, you can’t use your AP discount in the gift shop upstairs and at some other locations at the resort.

Is Loews Portofino Bay Hotel worth it?

Given the big price tag, I can’t recommend this hotel to everyone. However, if it’s in your budget, I say go for it. It’s now my favorite UO resort. However, the price is cost-prohibitive for many return stays. Also, I think people with children might prefer Cabana Bay or the suites at Endless Summer given the theme and pricing.

Have you ever stayed at Portofino Bay?

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Review

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Having recently given my opinion on the Gran Destino Tower, I thought I would do an overall review of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort!

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

As a quick refresher, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a sprawling moderate resort at Walt Disney World. Its decor has touches of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American flair. There’s even a conference center here! It also boasts a surprising number of restaurants!

Standard Room

On my very first trip to Walt Disney World in 2014, my mom and I stayed in a standard room here. I loved the pretty turquoise color used in 2014, but the current theme is nice as well. The rooms here are comfortable and lovely. They are perfect for an adults only trip.

Pros

  • Lovely theme – This resort has a romantic theme that would be great for a couples getaway.
  • Recently refurbished – You know the rooms should be nice here as they have been refurbished in the past several years.
  • Lots of food options – Since this resort hosts conventions, it has more than the average number of food options on site. So, you don’t have to leave the resort to eat.
  • Awesome pool – I know lots of people love the main pool here with its gigantic pyramid!
  • Quieter – If you aren’t staying during a convention or sports event, it tends to be a quiet place.
  • On-site perks – I love the free park transportation and 60 days advance dining reservations that staying on-site provides.

Cons

  • Large layout – This is my biggest gripe about most of the moderate resorts at Walt Disney World. They are huge! This can make for a long walk at the end of a long day.
  • Multiple bus stops – There’s only bus transportation available here and there’s multiple bus stops around the resort. So, pack your patience when you stay here.
  • Simple theme – While I think the theme is beautiful, it’s not too exciting for kids. There aren’t many Disney touches around this resort.
  • Crowds – I urge you to consult crowd calendars for sports events and/or conventions before booking here. We got lucky because we were staying in between cheer and dance competitions. However, we got to see big crowds leaving on our arrival day and big ones arriving when we were departing.

Is Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort worth it?

While I love the Gran Destino tower here, I don’t intend on spending money to stay in a regular part of the resort again unless I get a good deal. I love the Skyliner access at Pop Century or the small size of the French Quarter. However, it is a good resort. It would really come down to preferences and price for me.

So, have you ever stayed here? What did you think?