Embassy Suites Orlando International Drive I Drive 360, Orlando

This hotel is in need of a renovation. The room appeared to be very worn but the view was great. If you leaned on the beds, they would come off their platforms. The door between the sitting area and bedroom couldn't close due to not being aligned correctly. The toilet flushed slowly and the water ran for a very long time. The mini fridge leaked water all over the floor on our 1st night so I adjusted the temp and that seemed to help. Also, the evening reception definently needs an upgrade. The drinks were nice but chips and salsa every evening isn't acceptable. They could have at least included nacho cheese for kids. The breakfast buffet was ok. Unfortunately, when I checked in I was required to pay for my entire stay again even though I had paid in advance through hotels.com. This took 3 separate phone to hotels.com to resolve, very frustrating, plus the Embassy still hasn't released this double charge. The staff here is what made the stay good. The bartenders were outstanding. The valet guys were extremely helpful even though we weren't using valet services. In addition, the front desk staff and food pantry employees were very nice. Best asset, Great location!

I had booked a 3 night stay from 12/24-12/27. For some reason it had been split into 2 reservations. I was fine with that. Upon arrival we were greeted by a very friendly person at the front desk who confirmed my 3 day reservation dates. While we were at one of the parks on the second day of our stay, I received a text saying the hotel hoped we were enjoying our visit, with nary a mention of checking out. We come back to the hotel and find our key card has been deactivated. I went to the front desk and spoke to someone who was not very friendly and found that because of 2 reservations being made, they thought we were checking out. At that time I was worried about all our luggage in our room, which luckily was all there. So obviously they didn't think the room was being vacated! On top of that, this person who kept saying "you had booked through a third party", a phrase I had heard earlier too. At check-in, I had given my HHonors membership card and the front desk said they couldn't give credit because we booked through hotels.com. Finally the reservation got sorted out and we got the room till the following day. I checked out in the morning according to our reservation through the front desk assuming it was all settled. Then in the evening I get this text message saying they wanted to find out if they could assist with our departure the following day! They really need to get their act together and have staff who is interested in helping people out!

The Staff: Sarah, the Manager was the absolute best. She made this trip memorable for me and I am so appreciative. Initially, I was traveling for work conducting corporate training as I do all over the world, but this hotel stay stood out. In fact, I extended my stay, flew my mother & sisters down. If anyone from the hotel ever reads this - Give her a big hug and kiss for me. She made my mother, who has a hard time walking, feel very accommodated. She moved us closer to the elevator and checked with us daily regarding her comfort. This small gesture went so far in my book. Sarah had no way of knowing my mother has a brain tumor so we are cherishing all the time we have left with her. So comfort is key for us when we travel with her. I can't say THANK YOU enough to Sarah, this company should be so proud of her. The Amenities: The evening manager's reception was the best. Not many hotels offer free drinks for 2 full hrs PLUS snacks to munch on. The free breakfast was also a hit. I had a fresh made to order omelette, plus each day there was something different on the buffet: pancakes, french toast, waffles. They alo had turkey substitutes each day. The bartenders were welcoming and made it fun. The pool was perfect how it connected indoor and outdoor. I LOVED MY STAY! The Location: Hands down perfect for everything. Jamaican Ct. Is the place to be near everything. We walked to Ripley's Believe it or Not. Restaurants galore!!

Hotel was clean and nice. Would have given it a five except for the extremely strong chemical smell in the rooms after they are cleaned and the awful shuttle. We like the breakfasts and the happy hour from 530 to 730 p.m. I'm afraid of heights so I never like staying in an Embassy Suites which has an open railing for the entire eight story building. Area is a little hard to get around as the interchange between the park and the hotel exit is a construction zone. GPS could not figure out how to explain where we were supposed to turn and you have to go six miles out of your way if you don't guess the right exit lane. Shuttle may be convenient in theory but a nightmare in reality. The evening we went to City Walk, the driver told us to get on the wrong bus because he was new. He eventually took us to our hotel but it took close to an hour to go two miles. The next morning, Universal failed to send anyone to the hotel to give out boarding passes and we missed the shuttle. You really need to get your boarding pass the day before and not the morning of your trip to the park but if nobody is at the desk, you cannot. Ended up paying $15 to park at hotel and then $15 to park at Universal which was frustrating since it was due to their employee not showing up. Just don't try to take the shuttle to the park. Not worth it. Stops at all the hotels so it is a long ride even when you manage to get on it.

Had an issue on check in where I had booked a king room and they had put us in a single bed double room, but did not tell us when checking in and when we got all luggage to room and rang the receptionist she was quite rude and said they had no king rooms left (mind you I had spoken to doorman who said there were still 20 odd to check in as yet) and that we would have to pack up and come back down stairs in the morning and check out and they would check us in when another room became available. If it wasnt our anniversary i wouldnt of been so distressed - manager next day was very nice was just inconvenient as had passports and things we didnt want lying around. Anyway a couple of room changes was inconvenient but still had a great time. Hotel is near a couple of good restaurants and they have a courtesy bus to Universal, provided you book the day before and the service is limited and last return trip s 8.30 (too early). I think there is more to do up around the Universal Studios area and would stay closer to that end next time. They have no advice to give to get to Disney other than Uber/Taxi. Breakfast was nice but finishes weekdays at 9.30. Pool is quite small for size of hotel. But other than that the hotel is very nice. Wifi was not the best, could not get reception from bed area only the lounge area near front door. Kept cutting out.