Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park

The location made it easy to leave the car parked for our three days. ICON park and most I-Drive spots are within walking distance, and the trolley can take you farther. One thing to watch for: there’s another, newer Embassy Suites down the road, so double-check directions or you might head to the wrong one. We often choose Embassy Suites when traveling because the rooms feel roomy, and the free breakfast buffet saves money with our family of five. This one is due for renovation. It’s not awful, just tired. The staff were pleasant and helpful, though the buffet was probably my least favorite among the ones we’ve had at Embassy Suites. It wasn’t bad, just not especially good. Still, a solid free meal each day helps a lot when traveling with kids.

The free breakfast was nice, and the suites themselves were new and very nice. But we only got warm water for showers on both of my two-night stays, a week apart. The bedroom temperature also felt quite different from the rest of the suite. One night I arrived at 2 AM and there were no carts to get four people’s luggage up to the eighth floor. After a full day of international travel, a warm shower was the last thing I wanted.

This was supposed to be a night away for my daughter’s 13th birthday, after my husband had just died. Instead, I paid $500 for a room with mold, and the pool looked like it hadn’t had chlorine in months. They say they’re renovating, maybe the mold is why. The manager showed no compassion at all. My daughter has health issues, so I’m appalled they would rent us a room like that. They had no other rooms, and we wouldn’t have stayed anyway. We’re driving home at 7 o’clock at night. What a terrible non-stay.

The staff really made this place for me. Everyone I spoke with was genuinely nice and helpful, and the team cleared breakfast tables quickly. Breakfast itself was great, especially the made-to-order omelettes, which were 10/10. The bar was cute, like a little metal umbrella, and the bartenders helped me pick a delicious drink even though I don’t drink often. My room had plenty of space for my things, the linens were soft, and the beds are a good fit if you like them firm. The bathroom layout was awkward: the shower is behind the door, so you have to close the door to get in, and the toilet is so close you could wash your hands in the shower while using it. I went in November, and the indoor/outdoor pool was extremely cold. It wasn’t heated like the app says. Still, the people here made me want to come back.