Radisson or Country Inn and Suites?!?!? About This Page:

[jhoshowski]

Okay, bear with my bit of back-story here - I could really use some help! We are flying down to Orlando on a Saturday. We had planned to stay at the Hyatt at the airport, and get Quicksilver transfers to the port on Sunday, then to Universal after the cruise (3 nights there) then back to the airport. Well, DH has decided that he would like to stay close to the port the first night. I priced out a car rental using every car rental discount code out there (Mousesavers, Walmart, Discover, etc) and renting a car would only save us about $20 when all is said and done (even with a park and stay near the port), so DH said no way on a car rental. We want to do a towncar transfer to the hotel near the port the first night (I am assuming they will do that), then take the hotel shuttle to the port in the morning, then continue as planned.

SO. Do we do the Radisson or the Country Inn and Suites? I priced them and they are exactly the same. Even on the same website, I noticed. Which one is better? We will be arriving around 7 PM or so and will need some dinner (remember, no rental car). The pool isn't a factor since it will be late by the time we eat, and we will be there in late November. Which one will be better for two boys, 11 and 6? Admittedly, we won't be doing much besides eating and going to bed, but is there one you prefer, and why? If one was cheaper, I would go with that, but since they are the same, well . . .

HELP!!

[Daniela75]

We are staying at the Radisson the night before our cruise on 5/9/09. Never stayed before but will post how it was when I get back if it will help you out.

[Colexis Mom]

I have both reserved at this point for our cruise in August. Still not sure which one I'm going to go with. Country Inn is newer, but Radisson has a nicer pool!

[denwol]

I don't know about the Country Inn and Suites, but the Radisson has a cute little Italian place across the parking lot.....We ate there instead of in the hotel. It was inexpensive and decent food.

Good luck deciding!

[denwol]

I don't know about the Country Inn and Suites, but the Radisson has a cute little Italian place across the parking lot.....We ate there instead of in the hotel. It was inexpensive and decent food.

Good luck deciding!

[Luu]

I was wondering the same thing. We also have the Radisson reserved for the night before our cruise (5/9), but I was thinking about checking out the Comfort Inn too. I heard that the pool is very nice at the Radisson though. Is there a cost for the shuttle from the Comfort Inn and Suites?

[Daniela75]

We are leaving our car at the Radisson for free because it costs $105.00 to park at the cruise terminal. We have booked the shuttle already and it is free. Call them now to reserve your pickup time.

[NeilPage]

Country Inn is brand new, and a block closer to the port. I am sure it offers shuttle service to the Port (< 1 mile away).
3 years ago, we stayed at the Radisson which was about the same scenario you have (late November, arrived late, there just to sleep). We had rented a car, one-way from Orlando to Port Canaveral and the Radisson shuttle driver picked me up at the National Car Rental place -- about 4 miles away (I think the National office has since closed) and was very accomodating.
Budget Car Rental is right next to the Radisson, so about a block from the Country Inn. For our cruise last week, we rented a minivan one-way from Port Canaveral to the airport for $105 total (including tax & car seat), since our flight wasn't until later on Saturday when we disembarked (spent day at Downtown Disney). We used the Disney bus service going from airport to the port since they handled the luggage and the cost savings wasn't that much (rental minivan ~$150 plus gas/hassle vs. $210 for 6 passengers on bus).
The Italian restaurant next door is very good.
I don't think you can lose with either choice. Do you belong to a club where you get points at either location?

[jhoshowski]

Nope, no points. I think I am leaning towards the Country Inn and Suites, since it is newer and I haven't heard ANYTHING bad about it. Radisson seems to be a mix. I also saw that CI&S has a 24 hour snack bar in the lobby, and a "deluxe" continental breakfast. I may have to scoot over to Trip Advisor and check it out. I just hate that site because you KNOW some of the reviews are posted by the hotels themselves, or by their competitors. It's obvious.

[jhoshowski]

Okay, I called the hotel to get two questions answered.
#1 - can you reserve the shuttle ahead of time, since we won't be arriving until about 7 PM and we want to get to the port early. The clerk said we can call the day before (they don't start getting the sheets ready until then).
#2 - Is there someplace quick and easy within walking distance where we can get a late dinner. She said there is a Burger King right next door - the kids love BK, and it is quick and cheap.

CI&S was rated #2 on Trip Advisor (Radisson was #3). So I think we will go with it. Thanks to everyone who helped me. I am always so afraid of making the wrong decision!

[VB_Family]

Raddison has a restaurant and bar....

[Colexis Mom]

Thanks for the info Jennifer!! I too am leaning toward the CI&S (we stayed at the Residence Inn the last time but got a great rate.....not so great anymore)!!

[saremca]

We stay at the CI&S in Lake City, Florida every year on our drive down to Disney. It is spotlessly clean and has super comfortable beds. Can't speak for the one in Orlando, but they seem to have a pretty good reputation as a whole.

[Mom of three 1971]

I really liked the Radisson's pool and the king rooms with the whirlpool tub, but I wasn't wowed by the on site restaurant. The breakfast buffet was mediocre without much selection and the dinner choice were expensive and not too good. I'm a definate foodie and will happily pay for any meal that's worth it no matter price, but this was not good.
We did LOVE the Greek restaurant next door to the hotel....can't remember the name of it though, (I'm sure someone here will know it). The food was great, service was wonderful, and atmosphere very relaxing. I will definately return there!
Back to the Radisson....shuttle service was good: organized and smooth running, worth it just for that. Sometime those shuttles to cruises can be a big nightmare

[WFMA]

We are also at the radisson also before 5/9....heard that it was good. Someone did a post for me after their stay.