FL Orlando Westin Grand Bohemian Downtown

[BEAV]

Just back from a 5-night stay at this great downtown Orlando hotel.

We visit Orlando every couple of years or so to get our Disney & Universal fix. However, we are adults w/o children and this time decided to stay downtown at the Westin despite it's proximity from Disney World. We were looking for an adult oriented hotel as an escape from all day visits to the parks. We were pleased with our choice as the drive to/and from the parks was well worth it. When I say the Westin was our "choice", the downtown Orlando zone is one of those wonderful zones that only have one reported 4 star hotel, that being the Westin. After touring downtown, there simply is no other possible 4 star hotel to compete w/Westin on Priceline, short of one being built.

We were placed on the Starwood Preferred Guest Floor despite being on a Priceline reservation. This meant daily newspaper delivery and a few other trivial amenities. Our room was large by many hotel standards. In addition to the wonderful Heavenly bed and bath, there was a full size sofa, desk with two-line speaker phone, and hi-speed internet hookup ($12.95 per day). There was a coffee maker in the bathroom w/Starbucks provided. I had strained my lower back a few weeks before the trip and the heavenly bed was just the prescription to recovery. Even better than my chiropractor :) .

A few TripAdvisor reviews mentioned the a la carte nature of the Grand Bohemian, and they are right. There are no freebies at this hotel, and plan to spend bucks! Valet parking (no other options) is $19 per night. Bring a large wad of $1 bills for longer stays as the valets saw us multiple times per day! The Business Center charges $1 per minute for Internet usage and also a charge per page to use the printer.

The nickel-and-diming of the hotel didn't bother us, however, as we paid $94 per night w/Priceline, compared to the hotel's rack rate of $349 weeknights and $149 weekends.

There is a Starbucks outlet built into the corner of the hotel with both an outside public entrance, plus a separate one off the hotel lobby. As Starbucks junkies, we enjoyed getting our caffeine fix here in the mornings before heading to the amusement parks.

The Bosendorfer lounge is very chic with it's Bohemian decor. The Boheme restaurant is a 4-diamond AAA recipient where we enjoyed a wonderful Saturday night dinner. Boheme Restaurant

If you too are looking for an adult atmosphere while visiting Orlando, this is the place!