AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista

The staff have been pleasant and helpful every time I've dealt with them. That's the main thing keeping my rating up. Otherwise, the location and limited amenities would make this a one-star stay for me. The pool closes at “dusk,” so if you're spending the day at a local theme park, you may get back too late to use it. That's especially hard in winter. Most area hotels I've seen keep their pools and hot tubs open until 9pm or 10pm. This pool is beside an open parking lot and a busy freeway, with low walls that don't offer much privacy or quiet. The hotel itself is relatively new and in good condition, but the rooms are very small and short on amenities. There aren't many shops or restaurants nearby. The Waffle House across the lot isn't one I'd recommend. Reaching the closest convenience store, which is a gas station, means crossing a major freeway with traffic moving both ways, which feels dangerous. Disney Springs is across that same freeway and takes over a half hour to reach on foot. Plan to drive or use rideshare to get anywhere, including for food, groceries, or medicine. Driving into the hotel is awkward too, and usually means making a U-turn at a busy intersection down the road. Breakfast was another letdown. It was a European-style meal with one hot item to choose from and cost around $16 USD per person. I ate there once, found the selection very limited, and didn't think it was worth the price.

Bryan Verdejo was a star at the bar tonight. I'd had a not-so-great night in Disney, but the drinks here were much better. Bryan's energy was amazing, and so were the drinks. He's a hidden gem at this little hotel by the highway.

The grounds are well kept, the hotel is clean, and the staff are attentive. Parking wasn't outrageously priced, and I enjoyed browsing the Disney gift shop across the street. I'll book here again.

The rooms were large and comfortable, and the hotel felt like good value for families. It's a convenient base, about 20 minutes from Disney, with a shuttle to Disney Springs. There's a Disney store right across the street with convenient prices, and Olive Garden and Dunkin’ Donuts are about a 10-minute walk away. Breakfast was good quality too, and the front desk staff were friendly and informative. We had a very good experience.