| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
Linda from Airdrie travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
Virgin
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: The hotel had changed from Travel Lodge to the Wynfield inn after we booked the holiday. A local taxi driver told us that this usually means it has dropped in standard and the former owners no longer wish to be associated with it.
The continental breakfast was as you would expect.
The room was extremely cramped for 5 people and we had to ask for the promised fold down bed. The room was cleaned daily and although old fashioned we had no cause for complaint about it.
However the pool area was absolutely disgusting. It wasn't cleaned for the two weeks that we stayed. The pool toilet was cleaned once, on the day that I complained about it. The furniture around the pool was filthy and extremely old.
The staff tried their best but there just wasn't enough of them to do what needed to be done. Virgin holidays certainly know how to look after you on their flights. The cabin crew, meals and freebies are second to none, but their standard of hotel left a lot to be desired.
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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Berni from Belfast travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
Virgin
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed in this room only hotel as it was cheap. 5th time staying in Orlando at various room only hotels which suited our budget. As it is room only it was a bonus to have free continental breakfast and fridge + microwave...we just bought plastic bowls + cutlery for cereal for kids in mornings + ate out every other meal as there are so many good restaurants to choose from. I have stayed in other hotels which did not supply these...room only meant room only!!!
We found the hotel to be very clean + well run. Our beds were made + bathroom, sink etc cleaned+ bins emptied every day,were provided with clean towels, flannels, shower gel + soap every day also and toilet rolls when the need arose. Air con was great.
Staff friendly + helpful.
Weekly BBQ at clean + safe pool area. Pool bar basic but ok. 2 big + 2 paddling pools to choose from. Would visit here again.
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Jemma and Dave from Barnsley travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
Virgin
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 03 2006 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was our 3rd Holiday to USA with Virgin in under 2 years.
On arrival at the Wynfield Inn (Formerly Travel Lodge at Seaworld formerly Village Premier ?) we were ignored in Reception. The 2 Receptionists didn't have a clue. We were allocated a room which in all honesty you wouldn't let an animal sleep in - the bed linen was disgusting, and looked like some sickos bodily fluid collection and looked as though it had never been cleaned, and the bathroom was worse (pubic hairs on the unsanitised toilet and in the bath) ! Come on Virgin - this is not what we expect from you...
Complaining to Reception was a joke, they seemed amazed that someone actually wanted a clean room? Moved us to another offering - very much the same - so we walked out and went to Holiday Inn International on International Drive to speak with the Virgin Rep... We changed hotels and got a refund.
If you are planning on holidaying here, don't !
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Michael Rothon from Derby travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
Virgin
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11 2005 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We had read all the reports after we had booked a holiday with Virgin, we were very wary of this hotel and contacted Virgin with our concerns prior to the holiday, Virgin said that they have had no bad reports of the hotel, but offered to move us if we wanted, but as we were traveling with another family decided to risk it.
The room was a little smelly and needed a good airing, the room was very basic but the beds were comfy (No bugs) but the room was a little cramped for 5 of us and not enough space to hang clothes etc.
The breakfast was as expected coffee, juice, and a variety of cakes.
The pool was again basic and we never seen any one clean it during the two weeks.
The hotel could be much better, but you have to consider the price you pay and how much time you spend there, we only slept there as this type of holiday is very busy with all the parks and attractions in the area.
The staff are rubbish, as every time you ask for help or advice they didnt seem to know anything.
Overall the hotel was below standard but was adequate for our needs and we had a fantastic time and if we go back to Orlando we would stay again as it is cheap which leaves you extra cash to enjoy what Orlando has to offer.
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Luke and Rebekah Sullivan from Cardiff travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
Virgin
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the now called 'Studio Inn' from July 4th to July 18th 2005, as part of a Virgin Holidays package.
We were not expecting the Ritz, but a suitable place to sleep after a busy day at the Theme Parks. For this reason, we were not too concerned about the 2.5 rating by Virgin.
The Room.
The room was a good size for 2 people but VERY dark with poor electrical lighting. The sink was broken; you could not plug it and was outside of the bathroom. The room consisted of a TV, coffee machine, fridge and a microwave, however this was of no use to us as no cutlery was provided!
The beds were comfy, although the blanket was like sandpaper. The room had air conditioning but sounded like a German Tank once turned on so could not leave it on all night.
Also, there is a pizza delivery place nearby who bombarded the room with their leaflets at least twice an evening, which got very annoying.
The Pool.
Appeared dirty so we never used it.
The Staff.
Ruined my holiday - a strong statement but true. After several late nights, a lay-in would have been most welcome, but this was made impossible by the arrogant, rude cleaning team who would bang on my door at 8am EVERY morning, shrieking "HOUSE-KEEPING". Even with the 'do not disturb' sign on the door they continued to knock.
Location.
You can purchase an I-Drive 14day pass for about $14 at the front desk that allows you to travel on the I-Ride 'busses' as much as you want, the stop is located outside the hotel.
There are several major problems with this service though:
1. Busses are never on time
2. At peak hours many busses will be full and you may have to wait up to an hour and a half to get on one with space, even then you will have the stand.
3. The hotel is located at stop number 35 which is at the
end of International drive/start of Westwood blvd. A journey to stop 15 to Wet n Wild or Universal can be very uncomfortable.
There are 5 places to eat within walking distance - all are terrible, better off going up International Drive to the Ponderosa for a good meal.
The 'Free' Shuttle Bus.
First of all the free shuttle bus isn’t exactly free since the driver expects a tip of $1 per person per one way trip, so $2 each a day which can add up if you have kids with you. This is highlighted to you via posters and an electronic scrolling-sign.
The service times were:
9.05 to Epcot
10.25 to Universal then Epcot
Returning from Epcot at:
8:20 and 9:45
These times made it impossible to get to the parks for opening and to be able to watch the fireworks at parks other than Epcot.
There is also a shuttle to Sea World but we used the I-Drive since its located round the corner and we could leave at whatever time we wanted.
Finally.
We will never stay at this hotel again.
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Debbie from Edinburgh travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
VIRGIN
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked the hotel and later received notification that it had changed name to the studio Inn.
I really booked it because it came as part of a package deal Virgin were offering which was cheaper than flights alone to a villa I had booked.
I arranged to stay in the hotel for 5 days till my villa was ready. The hotel has a very small reception area which to my surprise is where breakfast (cakes and tea/coffee)is served. The pool area is spacious and looked clean.
After the first night we arranged to leave early. The rooms are "smelly" and dark with only a door for ventilation which opens onto the main walkway. Not very private.
I didnt witness any bugs or stains and did have a pool view however several other people who arrived on the same day complained about being situated at the back of the hotel facing the main highway and of dirty rooms.
This hotel does not meet its rating in the virgin brochure and to be honest I am surpised Virgin have anything to do with it. The pool bar is dingy and tacky.
The overall impression I had was cheap and nasty. I was glad to leave and no I would never consider returning. I wish I had read the reviews prior to booking, even if it was just for 5 days out of the 21 days I stayed in Orlando
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hilda from toronto travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
self
on a 18-30s holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 12 2004 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After a wonderful day at Disney we were tired and looking forward to a good sleep. Upon arrival to our room there were roaches of all sizes in this hotel. The dresser had roaches crawling on a wet sticky area, a few were on the microwave.
They changed our room to one that had just been redone; the receptionist came with me to check the room. I could not believe it but in this room there were roaches in the bed.
Very disgusting; We got our money back, but no apology for the inconvenience was given from the staff or manager. Do not stay here, it will ruin your holiday.
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Danny from Birmingham travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
Virgin
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The rooms are filty and smelly, it's located a little way from sea world and discovery cove, the staff are rude, surly and in the case of the guy we checked in with, as dirty and smelly as the rooms they provide. Didn't stay long enough to check out the entertainment, unless you count being woke up by a succession of local youths demanding to know who's in the room as entertaining. I'm sure there are circumstances under which I'd be prepared to stay there again, I just can't imagine for the life of me what they would be!
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R SHOVLAR from NEATH,WEST GLAMORGAN travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
VIRGIN
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have stayed at this hotel on six different occasions. We have enjoyed staying there the staff are polite and considerate.
The rooms are basic but when all is said and done the room is somewhere safe to sleep and keep your clothes etc. If you want all the trimmings like a disco/restaurant, you have to pay for them in the cost of the dearer hotels/inns.
This hotel is in easy reach of all the amenities need and close to all the theme parks I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a clean, cheap, quiet hotel/inn to sleep at.
I am going again to this hotel this year. The room is cleaned every day and a free continental breakfast is supplied. Very happy to stay again, close to a lot of restaurants and public transport a free coach to all parks is supplied free of charge
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Debbie Wright from Hyde, Cheshire travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
Virgin
on a family holiday.
There were 1 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 01 2004 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I chose this hotel because I am a single parent with 1 child and this hotel was nice and small. I couldn't get lost.
I found the Village Premier adequate. Pool view, 2 large clean beds, which my son really liked, all that space to sleep in.
Breakfast was toast & coffee in the reception area.
Pool area was fine all areas clean.
Staff were pleasant enough.
Coach driver who tooks us to the parks was a nice enough fella, he gave us some good tips on where to go and what to do.
I didn't find the accommodation at all smelly or insect infested.
Admittedly there is no entertainment, but after a full day in the theme parks all we wanted to do was have a nice relaxing swim in the pool and then go to sleep, in the nice clean and comfy beds.
Would I stay here again, yes I would.
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Dave, Doreen and Jack from Doncaster travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
Virgin
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2003 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We "stayed" in this motel in May 2003.
On arriving I opened the door to our room and the smell hit me straight away. It was a 3* in the 2002 Virgin brochure when we booked, but I would not put it above a 1*.
We could not use the air-con as it made the smell even worse. The carpet was tacky and dirty and we were told by other guests who had been there a few days not to walk out of the bathroom with wet feet as they would get dirty again on the carpet.
We were 2 families in 2 rooms and it was a bad start to our holiday. Not being able to track down our rep until the following morning (at the very plush Sheraton across the road) we had to sleep in that room the first night. I took photos of the stains on the sheets on one bed and phoned and asked for clean sheets which were delivered but I had to change the beds myself.
The following morning we were among about 40 people insisting on a transfer. We had to pay $40 for this but we moved that day to the Howard Johnson on Kirkman Road, which was a palace in comparison.
It must be noted that people live in this motel, it is not just for tourists. We saw children leaving for school in the morning and there was a dog in one room.
The so-called refurbishment had only taken place in reception, which looked clean and bright and freshly painted on the outside. Also, we understood that we would be just off I Drive, but unless you had a car it was a long way from all the entertainment.
We would never stay there again.
The clean and well positioned Howard Johnson made our holiday, and we had a wonderful time eventually, which is why we went back again this year. But we made sure of our accommodation this time, as we will next time.
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lee archdale from portsmouth travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
virgin
on a family holiday.
There were 6 adults and 5 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 03 2003 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The rooms were very cramped and grubby.They needed a very good clean,not just a so called cleaner sweeping up with a stiff brush supposedly daily but we only saw someone sweep once in the 2 weeks we were there.We also all had to change rooms as ours were infested with fleas which was a major inconvenience.Obviously someone had animals in the rooms which was strongly denied by the staff.The so called breakfast was in the lobby of the hotel and was stale bread(in one instance covered in green mould)and jam with not enough seats for everyone and no high chairs for the little ones.We were told the hotel had changed hands 3 times in the previous 12 months,which probably explains a lot....
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Michelle from Grantham, Lincs travelled to Villager Premier Hotel with
VIRGIN
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 03 2002 |
rated the Villager Premier Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is a 2* plus inn basically not a hotel. We stayed here in 2000 (The details only go from 2002 in the hotel guide), it it was 2000 when visited) As we were guests of Virgin we got a pool side view.
The Rooms.............
They had two kingsize beds
Bath/shower
A rail to hang your clothes
A safe (fairly old)
A Tv with movie channel etc
Coffee making machine.
Table and chair
A sink in the room itself with vanity mirror.
A long drawer for your clothes.
When we visited compared with hotels in LA, i thought it was a little smelly(as you cannot open windows). So the only ventilation was the door which looks out onto the pool.
The carpet was a bit tacky, it was a 3rd of the way up the skirting boards. The beds were comfy no probs there. The rooms do have an interconnecting through door. I was a little apprehensive about it, as it looked like anyone could walk through. The rooms were cleaned every day, with clean linen. The rooms were comfortable but not a high standard, you get what you pay for.
Outside is beautiful, several pools and Jacuzzis. No life-guard present, a poolside bar. All of this area is lovely, surrounded by palm trees and secluded and quiet.
The games room is fairly small, but it will keep the kids amused. This leads into a nice medium sized lobby. The Virgin staff are there everyday, you can hire hair dryers from the front desk.
The thing i didnt like was you arrive really exhausted and you have to sign for this and that and hand over your CC details straight away, money for safes, etc. You do get it back.
The surrounding area is really nice, you can catch the trolley bus outside the hotel for I/D.
You are straight across the road to the Sheraton world Hotel, which is where i am off next July 03. To get to sea-world you go through the back of the sheraton, its only 5 mins walk. Next door is the Villager restaurant, we ate there every day, masses of food, dearer than up I/d, but it fills you up for all day for the parks. There is also close by a chinese restaurant, lovely food in their, beware of the chillies in the food, i had to drink 3 pints of water, ugh.
The gas station is next door to the inn you will be staying in. It has everything you want.A small mall, pizza place, yummy pizzas, all fresh made. It is the quiet end of Westwood Blvd, just around the corner from I/d. further down the road is Benigans, i didnt like this place, it was really dark, and several customers had creepy crawies in the lettuce. The loos were disgusting. This is a pub/restaurant, kids go in here also.
The Villager Premier has since we visited been re-vamped. It is now classed as a honeymoon hotel. The hotel/inn used to be formally the Wynfield Inn.
I wouldnt visit this hotel/inn again, but as i said i am off to the Sheraton which is 4*, i love the area, its not tacky, and the majority of the hotels around this area are more up market. Out of 10 for the.....
Area........10/10
Hotel/inn .....5/10
transport........10/10
Villager restaurant....10/10
Lotation to the parks via car/taxis/buses.....10/10
UPDATE ON THE TRAVELODGE. –July 03
I visited this 'Inn' in the year 2000, which my full report then is at the top of this section.
I went to this inn last week as some friends were staying there. Since my last visit, from the front it has been painted in two colours , green and blue. The reception is blue. The new information is that there are two companies that have taken over. This is why it has two names, eg, "The travelodge' & the name it has always been known as etc. I know that one of the companies has the 'better' rooms, and the other company has the tackier rooms.
Impressions since i last stayed............
Nice clean lobby, it has been re-vamped and made larger with a bright coloured roof.
The pool area has changed. Sorry IMO not for the better. On my last visit it was lovely with clean pools and lovely lush plants. The pool wasn't very clean, several guests were sunbathing, you couldn't use the little jacuzzi, it was closed, very dirty with maggots floating on the top.
What we witnessed reguarding the rooms were they didn't look at all as if they had been revamped. Still the old brown carpet. They were clean and tidy, but IMO a great need of a over-all. Where once there was a games rooms through the back of the lobby, it is now would you believe in one of the hotels rooms ! All the pool area is sectioned off, so no children can get out.
Since my last visit, yes some of the roofs have changed colour, from the road side it does look a lot better, but what rooms we saw hadn't changed, the pool area was not what i would call clean.
As for Virgin saying this hotel/inn is great for 'honeymoon' guests, i think not. I would want a move pronto. It has desperately gone down hill, such a shame as we had a great holiday back in the year 2000.
Please remember though despite the decoration, or lack of it, its still a 2* plus Inn. So the rooms are basic even with added microwave, etc. But the pool was a disaster waiting to happen.
Sorry TRAVELODGE unless you pull your socks up, i for one wont be coming back
* Please note this property is an INN not a HOTEL*
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