Lake Buena Vista, United States
Convenient location; five-minute drive to Walt Disney World
Mostly suites, including kitchens in each room
Free shuttle to major theme parks
Free hot breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Weeknight reception with free beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks
Close to Orange County Convention Center
Game room with video games, air hockey, pool table
No lunch or dinner service
Chain hotel feel, generic, dated decor
Some guests report noisy air conditioning units
A car is almost essential
Pool is small
Some guests report issues with cleanliness and plumbing
The Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista, a Wyndham hotel, bills itself as an all-suite hotel, but there is the executive guest room option for shorter stays. The hotel suits families, with a heated pool, game room, free hot breakfast, and full kitchens in suites. The Hawthorn offers free shuttles to the major parks, including nearby Disney, and gears everything toward fueling up before and resting up after a long day of rides, Epcot, Universal, and Seaworld.
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Scene
Not a destination hotel, but fun for kids, with easy access to theme parks
Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista's shuttle service to Orlando's famous theme parks and its proximity to the Orange County Convention Center make the hotel a popular option for families and business travelers. Its simple and comfortable accommodations might be a bit dated (worn carpeting, conference-room-type chairs, formica tables), but an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and free breakfast in the cafeteria-style dining room are decent enough perks for the limited time spent on-property.
Location
Close to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld
Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista is less than two miles from Disney, and eight miles from Universal Studios and SeaWorld, easily accessible by car or free shuttle from the hotel. Located five miles from the Orange County Convention Center, the Hawthorn is also convenient for business travelers. The surrounding streets are not busy, but there is a large boulevard right outside that prevents the location from being pedestrian-friendly. Views are average, unless rooms look over the pool.
Rooms
Full kitchens, big beds, sleeper sofas
Suites at the Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista come with fully equipped kitchens, including an ice maker, microwave, dishwasher, two-burner cooktop, coffeemaker, toaster, cookware, utensils and dishes. King suites are furnished with a king-size and a sofa bed that some guests have found uncomfortable; queen suites have two queen beds. Rooms are spacious with flat-screen TVs, but unremarkable in decor. Not all rooms have bathtubs. Some guests have mentioned that the rooms look somewhat worn, with chipped furniture, rust, and missing caulk to be found upon close inspection.
Features
Heated outdoor pool, game room, and free breakfast
The Hawthorn Suites Buena Vista offers free shuttles to Disney and other parks, and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, a nearby outlet mall. Some guests have complained that shuttles are unreliable or take too long to reach their destinations. The hotel's heated outdoor pool is small and shallow, but includes a wheelchair lift, and there is a jacuzzi. The workout room is tiny and carpeted. The game room has several video and gaming machines, air hockey and a pool table. The free, unlimited breakfast includes eggs, waffles, fresh fruit, oatmeal and more, but it is not a gourmet experience.
