We've sailed Solstice three times (and a fourth this coming Dec) making it our most frequent ship. Back in 2010 we did a Western Caribbean cruise and loved the glass making show. In later sailings - Aus-NZ in 2018 and Mexico Riviera in 2023 - the glass show had seemed to have been "dumbed down" a bit to more of an "excursion" and less of a nightly gathering spot for a cool (and fun) alternative show. Still worth the visit, but I do miss the old way.
For us, hands down, the rear of the ship Oceanview Bar is where we spent a good chunk of every day visiting - always for breakfast, and usually pre-dinner for either ice cream or pizza (or both). We also spend a lot of time - mostly sea days - in the Solarium by the inside pool. Less busy than the main pool deck, and interesting food options pop up from time to time.
I've now seen this mentioned over and over in various threads, and I am sort of shocked we rarely stopped by that bar, and would usually be at the Ensemble (evening), Sky Observatory (Happy Hour & night), or Oceannview Bar (afternoon) instead. I will make an effort to branch out.
Check out the Solstice Deck Plan ahead of time if you haven't already as it gives you a perspective on the ship and the comments in this thread. My wife and I only take the stairs, so that's really a fun way to randomly find yourself in a non-typical location. It's also an excuse to eat more desserts. We ALWAYS review the ice cream in Oceanview and ALWAYS pop past Al Bacio dessert counter. While we don't usually bother with a drink package, we definitely still like Al Bacio just for the desserts. The Sky Observatory is often a quiet place to relax when there isn't an event going on, and a nice place to relax inside but watch the scenery pass by. Before most folks are awake, the walking track on 14 is a nice place to get some movement in while the crowds are down.
I don't know what the direct comparison would be, but up in Oceanview (all day) and in the Solarium (most of the day), there is coffee and hot water for tea in various stations (along with water and "juices". Those are up on 12 and 14 (no 13). The coffee is good (Lavazza, still I think), and there are usually a few tea options. Bacio has the "fancier" coffees that aren't free, but those are tasty if you do get a drink package.