Orlando's BEST Lake Buena Vista Hotel? (Aloft Review!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the splash zone that is the Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista! Forget the polished brochures and carefully-constructed press releases. This is real talk, a messy, honest, and hopefully helpful review of a hotel that claims to be the best in the area. And let me tell you, after surviving (and thriving) a recent stay? I've got opinions.
First, the elephant in the room: IS IT REALLY Orlando’s BEST? Well, that depends. Are you looking for pristine perfection and silent hushed halls? Probably not. Are you looking for a fun, funky, convenient spot with a serious dose of "cool" factor and practical amenities? Then, HELL YES.
The Nitty Gritty: Accessibility & Safety – Because, let's be real, this matters.
I'm not a wheelchair user, but I always check for accessibility because it's just, you know, the right thing to do. Aloft, in general, does a good job. They do mention "facilities for disabled guests," but I'd recommend contacting them specifically about your needs before booking to be 100% sure. CCTV EVERYWHERE, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers…the usual. 24-hour security? Check. They seem on top of it.
And speaking of safety… lets talk about our pal, COVID-19. They're talking about using anti-viral cleaning products with lots of notes on: Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I saw the evidence of cleaning. I felt safe. I'm hoping those things that I mentioned will be there.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and occasionally, my battlefield)
Okay, real talk: Aloft rooms? They're stylish. Modern. Clean. I loved the free Wi-Fi, obviously (more on that later). I'm thrilled to tell you that Air conditioning worked beautifully, allowing me to avoid the Florida heat! Blackout curtains saved my sanity from the Florida sunshine. The bed? Comfortable, with extra-long bed options, that's a massive win for tall folks. I could have coffee/tea maker in my room. I did!
Now, the imperfections. The TV? Okay, the Satellite/cable channels and on-demand movies options are great, but I swear I spent 20 minutes battling the remote the first night. And, while the bathroom was clean and modern with hair dryer and all the toiletries, the shower pressure could have been a teensy bit stronger. But hey, you can’t have everything!
Internet: My Lifeblood (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration…)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Is it fast? Is it reliable? Generally, yes. I could work from my "laptop workspace" with internet access - wireless. The Internet access – LAN is also a thing, but who uses that anymore, right? I'm always a nervous wreck about the internet, so this might be my thing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun
There's an on-site bar and restaurant. The breakfast [buffet] was decent, with your standard Western breakfast options. They also had like, maybe some Asian breakfast dishes. There's a coffee shop and a snack bar if you need a quick bite. Poolside bar? Oh, yes. Essential. They serve bottled water when you want it. And the room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver after a long day at the parks. I may have sampled the desserts in restaurant, and I may have gone back for more. I may or may not have used the cashless payment service exclusively.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart): Family Fun Alert!
Aloft is family/child friendly. While I didn't have kids with me, I saw plenty of families happily enjoying the swimming pool [outdoor] and the general vibe. They mention babysitting service and kids meal, but you know what, it's Orlando. You're gonna have fun!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Car park [free of charge]. Boom. Done. Makes life so much easier. They also have valet parking if you're feeling fancy. And there's airport transfer and taxi service available. Getting around is a breeze.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: Beyond the Parks
They have a fitness center for those who are into that sort of thing. Swimming pool is key. However, what I found most interesting was the terrace.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks of Being Pampered (Sort Of)
They have your basics: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, concierge, and a convenience store. I particularly appreciated the safe deposit boxes. It's a big win for the hotel!
The "Meh" Moments (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, here's where I get real. I didn't investigate all the meetings facilities, and while the front desk folks were perfectly pleasant, the service wasn't mind-blowing. It was good, solid, efficient. The vibe is definitely more "hip" than "luxury." I would have liked to see more massage options, and I'm not sure where the spa actually is.
The Quirks, The Anecdotes, The Feelings!
This hotel got to me! It's not stuffy and it does have some flair. It's the kind of place where you can rock up looking like you've had a roller coaster of a vacation, and no one judges you (much). I think this is one of this hotel's pluses.
The Verdict: Should You Book the Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista?
Absolutely, yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for a stylish, convenient, and relatively affordable base of operations for your Orlando adventures, this is a fantastic choice. If you need absolute luxury and faultless service, you might want to look elsewhere. But for a fun, funky, and generally awesome experience, I give the Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista my enthusiastic thumbs up!
The Offer: Escape to Lake Buena Vista!
Ready to book your own adventure? Here’s a sweet deal to seal the deal:
Book your stay at the Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista within the next 7 days and receive:
- A free upgrade (subject to availability).
- A complimentary welcome drink at the bar.
- 10% off your next stay!
Use code "ALOFTFUN" at checkout to claim your offer! Don't wait – this offer won't last! So get ready to pack your bags, unleash your inner child, and experience the magic of Orlando in serious style!
Turkey's Emerald Paradise: Secret Romantic Hideaway You NEED to See
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and trust me, it's gonna be a glorious, slightly chaotic mess.
The Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista: My Temporary Kingdom (and its Quirks)
Okay, first impressions. The Aloft? Clean. Modern. Loud. Seriously, I swear they pump in the latest TikTok tunes, and my brain is already doing a little jig. And the lobby… it’s HUGE. Feels like waiting for a spaceship to launch. My room? Pretty standard. Slightly underwhelming, I have to admit. Like, where’s the Disney magic? (I know, I know, I'm not at Disney. Still.) But hey, the AC works, the bed’s comfy (important!), and there’s a weirdly-shaped window that lets in just enough sunlight to make me feel like a vampire trying to survive. Impression: Meh…but comfy.
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and Questionable Decisions
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival, Check-in, Disappointment (kidding, mostly). Checked in, no hiccups. Successfully wrangled my luggage (which, FYI, included three pairs of "just in case" shoes). The elevator? Slow. Painfully slow. Mental note: next time, stairwell it. Also, the line at the check-in? Apparently, everyone's here for a party… or maybe they're just really into theme parks.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Recon & Panic Snacks. Unpacked (ish). Found questionable crumbs under the desk (shudder). Raided the mini-fridge for (slightly) overpriced water and a sad-looking granola bar. Panic snack acquired. My stomach is a bottomless pit.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Pool: So Much Sun, So Little Chill. Okay, the pool. This deserves its own paragraph. Honestly, the pool is the only reason I booked this place. It's sparkling, clear, and…loud. Kids. Everywhere. Splashing. Screaming. I swear, I saw a child attempt to eat a pool noodle. But, the sun! Gorgeous. Managed to snag a lounger (victory!), applied sunscreen (holy commitment!), and promptly fell asleep. Woke up with a mild sunburn and a strong desire for a margarita. Did not get margarita.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel's Restaurant: 'Re:Fuel by Aloft'. Let’s be real, the options were limited. Had a burger that was, in all honesty, average. The fries were okay. The burger however, tasted like it was pre-made and sitting under a hot lamp for longer than I’m willing to know. Watched a couple of people get into a quiet but clearly intense argument over ketchup packets. Intriguing.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Pre-Park Stroll. This is where the trip really began. I figured I’d get my bearings, find some cute postcards, and soak up the pre-park buzz. Oh boy. It was a chaotic spectacle. I was bombarded with flashing lights, endless character costumes screaming for attention, and the overwhelming scent of hot dogs and churros. I felt like I was taking a crash course in sensory overload.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Movie & Disappointment. Watched a terrible rom-com on the tiny TV and then, collapsed into bed.
Day 2: Theme Park Dreams (and Nightmares)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. There was. I ate it. It was breakfast.
- 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM: Theme Park Hell. (Details withheld for sanity's sake. Let's just say lines, heat, and general existential dread were involved.) Went to Magic Kindom. I took a ride. I stood in line for a long time. The End
- 7:00 PM: Restaurant Recovery. I needed food. I needed joy. I need to be alone. Found a random Italian place…pasta. Not too terrible.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Attempted relaxation, defeated by exhaustion. Tried to order pizza. My phone died. Gave up. Slept.
Day 3: One Glorious, Weird Day & The Departure
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in. The sweet kiss of the AC. I really, really needed it.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Pool Redemption. Went back to the pool, prepared to face the kid-chaos. But it was EMPTY! Glorious, empty, sun-drenched peace. Actually managed to read a book. Amazing. Almost considered staying forever. Well…at least until lunchtime.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Last-Minute Shopping. Picked up a souvenir for my cat. A tiny mouse-shaped toy. I will probably regret this.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Check Out. Smooth. Quick. Like a whisper in the wind.
- 2:00 PM - onward: Departure and post-holiday let down. A final look at the Aloft, a quick wave, a sense of bittersweetness… and a strong desire for a really, really long nap.
Final Thoughts:
Look, this trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of pure frustration, questionable food choices, and a surprising amount of sunburn. But… there were moments of pure bliss. The pool, the surprisingly decent Italian, the freedom of just being somewhere new. The Aloft? It's not the Ritz, but it’s a solid base camp. Would I stay here again? Maybe. Definitely considering the pool, oh, it was incredible. Would I recommend it? Depends. Are you prepared for chaos? Then, absolutely. If you're looking for pristine, meticulously planned perfection? Maybe skip this one. But if you're looking for a little adventure, a whole lotta sunshine, and a few good stories to tell, then… well, welcome to the madness. And bring extra sunscreen. Seriously.
Escape to Paradise: Meliá's Stunning Suites del Mar Await
Aloft Lake Buena Vista - The Real Deal? My Ramblings & Review
Okay, spill. Is Aloft Lake Buena Vista actually GOOD? Everyone raves...is it the truth?
What's the deal with the location? You walking distance to anything fun?
But here’s the catch. Shuttle schedules can be a little… *optimistic*. One morning, we were supposed to be at Magic Kingdom by 8:30 AM. The bus, bless its heart, decided to stage a dramatic late arrival around 9:00 AM. Slightly stressful when you have a Space Mountain FastPass ticking away. Still, overall, the location is aces. You could *walk* to some restaurants, but it's not like a bustling Times Square situation.
The Rooms! What are they like? Modern, right? But…comfortable?
Bathroom? Clean. Functional. No complaints. The shower pressure was surprisingly good. Praise be! And the lighting...it was enough without feeling like you were under a surgeon's spotlight. A small, but important, detail.
BUT... this is where the "honest" part comes in. One minor thing: the sliding door for the bathroom felt...flimsy. I'm always terrified someone's going to accidentally come sliding in while I’m, you know, doing my business. *Shudders*.
What about the pool? Crucial for surviving Orlando, right?
BUT... and here's the little detail: One day, during a particularly busy pool time, I witnessed a child...yes, you know what's coming... a child *vomiting* into the pool. It's a hazard of traveling with human offspring, isn't it? I have to admit, I felt a combination of horror, sympathy for the poor child, and mild panic. The pool staff handled it *professionally*, draining and cleaning the part of the pool immediately; but, yeah.
Food! Is there even any decent food nearby? Or am I doomed to microwave meals?
You've got a few quick-service places around the hotel itself. Nothing gourmet, mind you. Think grab-and-go options. But hey, it's Orlando. There's an unending supply of fast food.
What about the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or just faking it?
So, overall? Would you recommend Aloft Lake Buena Vista? The final score!
**The Good:** Great location, comfortable rooms, amazing pool. The staff is phenomenal. Good value, especially considering what you get. The free shuttle is a game-changer.
**The Not-So-Good:** The shuttle can be wonky at times. The bathroom door felt cheap The pool area is great but crowded at times. And, you know, the vomit... it happened, let's be real.
**The Final Verdict:** If you're looking for a modern, convenient, and relatively affordable hotel near Disney, then Aloft Lake Buena Vista is a solid choice. It delivered on the promise. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darn close for the price. Go. Have fun. Just, you know, maybe keep an eye on the kids near the pool, ya know?
