Adequate Lodging if You Need to be in the Area
Written: Apr 17 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clean rooms, fairly economical, safe.
Cons: Limited breakfast, only 1 bath towel provided in two bedroom suite.
The Bottom Line: The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando East provides an acceptable experience. Next time I would seek out a Residence Inn, however.
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| TomQPublic's Full Review: Towneplace Suites Orlando East |
I recently experienced an overnight stay at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando East. This hotel is located at 11801 High Tech Avenue, Orlando, FL, within a stone's throw of the University of Central Florida. I sometimes find it helpful to get in touch with a hotel's general manager to find out a little extra information. If you are the same, the current general manager is Tom Hamilton, 407-243-6100 x5601, todd.hamilton@marriott.com
I stayed in a two bedroom suite, which was quite comfortable for five people, at a rate of $139/night. This was my first stay at a TownePlace Suites, and my hope was that it would be comparable to Marriott's Residence Inn. I found it to be a cut below, however for two basic reasons. The room had more of an apartment feel than the Residence Inn. It was a bit bland in decor. Most Residence Inns that I have stayed at have a fireplace and warm decorating touches. This hotel was sparsely decorated. Residence Inns generally have large common rooms with a generous selection of free breakfast items. This TownePlace Suites had a complimentary breakfast in a tiny room, with just a few items. The sparse breakfast experience included cheap 8 oz. styrofoam cups, 6" foam plates, and cocktail napkins, rather than full sized napkins. Food and beverage selections were limitedd to apple juice, orange juice, coffee varieties, teas, bagels, scones, muffins, granola bars and fruit. One of the toasters was broken on my visit. There did not appear to be anyone responsible for wiping the tables in this area, they were all soiled.
The check-in experience is a bit different than a typical hotel. As you enter the facility, there is an office on the right, similar to what you may find in an apartment building. It appears that this Marriott brand may be designed for longer stays, similar to apartment living.
My room had welcome amenities which included one bottle of water and one bag of pretzels. I found it odd that a room that could hold five people only provided one bath towel and one shampoo bottle. Additional towels and shampoo were happily provided when requested, but I had to go down to the office to pick them up. A pre-visit call to the general manager might be a good idea to request more towels or shampoo in advance, to avoid this hassle. The room had three televisions, one in each room and a hair dryer. It also had an iron and ironing board and pull-out couch in the living area. It would be fully functional as an efficiency unit. The kitchen had an oven/stove, microwave oven, dishwasher, coffee maker, refrigerator, pots, pans, silverware, serving bowls, and toaster. There was a small dining table as well.
The hotel also had coin laundry facilities available. It is my understanding, that for longer stays, there is twice weekly housekeeping services. An outdoor pool is also featured here. Pets are allowed in this hotel, but I believe there is an additional fee. Vending machines are also available.
I found that the room, halls, elevators and most other common areas were clean and well maintained. The only disappointing cleanliness issue was in the aforementined eating area, where the tables were not wiped.
This was an adequate, no frills, lodging experience, very acceptable for an overnight stay, and would work for a long term stay as well, for basic comforts.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
TomQPublic
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Reviews written: 55
Trusted by: 33 members
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