Best place to stay for Sea World area hotel?

[Family of 14]

My brother is asking me to bid for him on Priceline for a two night stay near Sea World. I was looking at the Renaissance Orlando Resort because it is the only resort listing and easier to get.

I don't have any idea of what to bid. Is this a nice hotel? Anyplace else I should look at that has a decent price?

Any suggestions? This will be for mid July.

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[This message was edited by Family of 14 on 05-05-04 at 11:05 PM.]

[Family of 14]

Sorry for bumping...I changed the title of the thread to make more sense. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

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[brn2crz]

Well,I wont be much help.But we stayed there 6 years ago,a very nice hotel,right across the entrance from Sea World..But I cant for the life of me recall what Hotel it was??
<RCI-Rhapsody- 2003
RCI-Rhapsody- 2004
until the return to the Rhapsody of the Seas
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;09;12;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
[img]http://heathersanimations.com/Fish2/netdiver.gif[/img]

[cmason]

The Residence Inn by Marriott is FANTASTIC! Its a 8 or so story hotel (unlike most Residence Inns), offering efficiencies and multi-room suites. It has a great pool area, and a hot, buffet breakfast included in the room rate. It is across the street from Sea World, next door to the Renaisance. Highly recommended, just off the interstate, and easy to get to Disney, International Dr, etc.

[url="http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage.mi?marshaCode=MCOSW"]Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center [/url]

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;11;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
...left until Navigator of the Seas 11/13/04

[Family of 14]

brn2crz - you are funny! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

cmason - Thanks! I will check it out.[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

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[tara5525]

I would definitely recommend the Renaissance Resort. I just stayed there for a long weekend a few weeks ago and LOVED it. I got it on priceline for $69/night. What a steal for that place. The rooms were large, clean and the resort was in excellent condition. Good luck!

[Family of 14]

Tara - Anything else you can share? Did you request a room after your Priceline bid? Doubles/King, smoking/non smoking? Is Sea World within walking distance?

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[cmjaffe]

Family of 14...
Of course you know about biddingfortravel.com for the priceline strategy... rennaissance is the ONLY resort hotel for that area so you're "safe" and have a few rebids. Here's our experience with bidding, it might help your family too.. Always check the marriott's website for specials (adv. or otherwise) enroll in marriott rewards if not already, sometimes there are offerings only for members. When we were bidding in Feb. for 2 nights prior to Mike's conf. at Gaylord we were striking out... the bids were going VERY high and I was getting a little anxious. It was the end of Pres. week and I knew we weren't going to get a true bargain, but I was bidding up to $110 for the Seaworld area and striking out. Did a mistake w/adding airport and got Crowne Plaza for a bit higher than I'd like for a airport hotel (think it was $70). But after it got accepted I finally checked mariott website and they had a web special (cancellable too) that included breakfast for around $100, that would have easily matched the priceline bid I was trying for and wouldn't have the extra fees. Check it out for a back up. Hear it's a great hotel and they may have shuttle service if it's not walking to Seaworld.
Carolyn

[Family of 14]

cmjaffe - Yes, I know about biddingfortravel. That's how I knew that the Renaissance Orlando Resort was the only rersort on Priceline. I just wasn't sure what to bid. Now I know to start at $65. My brother said to go to $100. The web site list the hotel for $153(AAA) and up for his dates.

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[cmjaffe]

Call Marriott Rewards to check to see if there are any "bed and breakfast" special packages.. that's what I "missed" when I did my priceline bid... end of Pres. week vacation.. Thurs. Friday.. got caught up in the bidding.. could have just done a direct booking and gotten the breakfast and points for stay. Give them a call.
Carolyn

[Family of 14]

OK, thanks! Good point!

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[bayou cruiser]

Family of 14, the Renaissance is directly across the street from Sea World. You just walk right out the door, cross the street and aross the Sea World parking lot. It is a beautiful hotel and you will not be disappointed. If you can get this for under $100, it will be a steal. If you have time during your stay, go to Discovery Cove, one block away. My son liked this better than all other parks in Orlando. It is kind of expensive but an excellent experience and memories to last a lifetime.

Enjoy your trip!

[Family of 14]

I will tell my brother since his family will be staying at the Renaissance and going to Sea World. My family is staying at the Portofino Resort and going to Islands of Adventure.
We have plans to swim with the Stringrays in GC and with the sea lions in Cozumel anyway.

Thank you for the info on the Renaissance though. I will try bidding tomorrow.

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[cmjaffe]

One more word of "caution" with bidding.. don't get caught up in the chase... don't go over what you feel is adaquate since you still have a bit of time to play w/rebids since special offers directly from the hotel change as often as priceline inventory.
Good luck with the bid.
Carolyn
BTW regarding Discovery Cove allows you to visit SeaWorld for a couple of days before or after your visit to DC if your brother has the time to do both.

[Family of 14]

Don't worry, I am going to check prices on the Renaissance before trying to bid. My brother wants it done ASAP.

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