Guest Reviews for Barcelo Orlando - Orlando

I recently stayed at this hotel, i was a bit dubious about this as i had never booked a seperate flight and hotel before. However when i arrived at the hotel i was very impressed, the staff were very friendly, the hotel was clean, very presentable and gave me a very good first impression. When we checked in they offered us an upgrade to the Tower rooms which cost $10 extra per night (however i definitely recommend this) the rooms in the tower were lovely, spacious and clean. The location of the hotel was perfect we were right in the middle of International Drive near both Universal Studios and Seaworld. I would definitely recommend this hotel. However do not eat at this hotel for breakfast as it costs $11 for breakfast, whilst you can go down the road to a place called Sizzlers for an all you can eat breakfast for $4.99 which is lovely or a Ponderosa which is $3.99.

Part two from us. Try the outlet malls they have, the one to the south is accessibale by IRide stop 43 and just 30 mins away. Timberland shoes with 75% discount on UK prices WOW! We were there for a show, so didnt get to look at much else. Dont just use the hotel resturant - get out and try the cuisine on offer there is lots to choose from. There is a supermarket next to Ponderosa where u can get items for the room fridge. If you want tea, bring a kettle, reception looked at me as if I was speaking Russian when I asked for one. With fresh milk in the fridge, you are set with home comforts. (The americans still dont know how to make tea - they drink cold stuff - must be something to do with the cold water of Boston Harbour and 1776). If you can put up with a grotty room and want something well placed and reasonable in price, this could be a good place for you. Upgrading to the other newer rooms would have cost another $45 per night.

Excellent location. However, the hotel is Jeckell & Hyde in character. It is in two sections, one very old and need of restoration and the other of excellent quality. Guess where we ended up. Room was poor and tired. Carpets marked, bed very old and unstable. Dents and marks in wall as well as item of ladies personal clothing left in room from previous occupant. Bathroom door would not close properly, suspect due to small leak in bathroom that was rotting the doorframe. Breakfast VERY expensive $11.50 for a buffet that was quite limited. Best advice here is to take a walk out of the hotel, turn right and get it at Ponderosa, with a greater selection for just $3.99. Just further on is "Friendlys" another one we tried that was excellent (cooked breakfast to order , not buffet). Air con packed up on second to last night, but fan blowing was just adequate. Aircon very noisy, it is a typical large 1980's unit that struggles on. Good points : Pool excellent with adjacent jaccuzi. Look out for 2 for one vouchers as a first refreshing beer. If you dont have a car, get an I ride pass that comes as 3,5,7 days. This can be purchased at guest services and there are 2 stops very close to the hotel. Restaurant had the BEST ribs ever (we did it several times, but you may get a call from a Japanese Whaling trawler who thinks you are a beached whale!). Staff very friendly and helpful. Please see our next review for further details.

I had to upgrade from resort room booked to a tower room as it was such poor quality, it was damp and the carpets and furniture were of a very poor quality as well as dirty. The tower room was fine but I found the desk staff not helpful and I could not get any help with my bags and had to make several trips from car with a young child and on a rain soaked night. One person at the desk told us no other rooms to upgrade were available, only when I continued to complain and spoke to someone else was I offered not one but a choice of 2 different rooms.

We stayed there only for 1 night and the room was clean. If we were going to stay longer then I certainly would book the Tower Deluxe. We were able to view the rooms as my friend was there for a week and stayed there. The staff were helpful and friendly and a special mention to the lady in Starbucks.