Escape to Paradise: Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Maybe. Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside: A Review That's Got Feelings
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because my recent "Escape to Paradise" at the Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside was…an experience. It's not just a hotel, it's a whole vibe, and frankly, sometimes the vibe was a little off-key. Let's dive in, shall we? And by "dive" I mean, let's thrash around wildly in the lukewarm water of my opinions.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and Uhm…
First things first, I'm rating the accessibility situation a mixed bag. They say they're accessible, and on paper, it looks promising. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," and they do have elevators. That's a good start, right? I saw some ramps, but honestly, navigating the sprawling complex felt a bit like a maze sometimes. I’d need a powered wheelchair to truly conquer this place with ease, I think.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disaster):
Oh boy, the food. Where do I even begin? Let's start with the high points:
- Breakfast [Buffet]: The buffet was…well, it was a buffet. A standard, slightly-above-average hotel buffet. Plenty of options, from the "Asian breakfast" corner (which I confess, I bravely avoided) to the "Western breakfast" standbys. The scrambled eggs were…alright. The bacon, though? Glorious. Crispy, smoky, the stuff dreams are made of (okay maybe I'm being dramatic. Maybe.) And, of course, Coffee/tea in restaurant was easily accessible. Score!
- Restaurants: The choices here are quite alright, "A la carte in restaurant" is available, and I was able to get a fantastic salad after a long day.
Now, for the less-than-stellar moments:
- Room Service: [24-hour]: The convenience is fantastic, but the quality? Let's just say I ordered a burger at 2 AM and it arrived looking like it had been through a war. The bun was soggy, the patty was…questionable. I ate it anyway, of course, because I was hangry, but it wasn't a culinary masterpiece.
- Snack bar and "Poolside bar" are alright, nothing to write home about.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Relatively Safe, Mostly
This is where the Marriott really shines, to be honest. They seem to be taking hygiene seriously, and in these times, that’s a huge relief.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: My room (thankfully) looked spotless.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw staff diligently wiping down surfaces.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Like, practically a hand sanitizer fountain in the lobby.
- Safe dining setup: Tables were spaced far apart, and staff wore masks.
Despite my personal paranoia, the hotel definitely seemed to be trying its best. There was also a "First aid kit" in the room, which made me feel a touch safer.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me):
I saw a few families with kids, and the hotel does seem reasonably geared towards them.
- Family/child friendly: Yep. Tons of families.
- Kids facilities: Not sure what exactly, but I saw a playground?
- Babysitting service: Maybe. I didn't have kids, so I didn't need it.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Helpfulness
Ah, the services.
- Concierge: Helpful. I asked a bunch of dumb questions, and they answered them with patience, even though I'm sure I annoyed them.
- Luggage storage: Convenient. I left my giant suitcase (filled with questionable souvenirs from my trip) with them.
- Cash withdrawal: Available. Phew.
- Daily housekeeping: Good! Clean, but they were a bit too eager to replace things.
- Dry cleaning: Got my favorite shirt all crinkled up. Boo!
The Room: My Sanctuary (with Gaps in the Bathroom)
My room? It was…okay.
- Room decorations: standard.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes.
- Air conditioning: Yes.
- Free Wi-Fi: Yes, in all rooms! (Thank. Freaking. God.)
- Coffee/tea maker: Needed that every morning.
- Hair dryer: Good.
- Bathrobes: Yes!
- But the bathroom: Well, it was a perfectly functional space (with a shower and bathtub, and those glorious bathrobes), but the grout was…a bit questionable. And the water pressure was a bit pathetic.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and Embrace the Mild Disappointment):
Okay, this is where the "Escape to Paradise" tagline starts to feel slightly…optimistic.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Pretty. Large. Crowded.
- Fitness center: Filled with people grunting and sweating. (I went once. Never again.)
- Spa/sauna: They have a spa, which is good. And a Sauna, but I didn't use it. Too many things to go wrong, you know?
The Verdict: A Hotel…That Exists
Honestly? The Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside is fine. It's a hotel. It has rooms. It has food. It has a pool. It's cleanish. Its staff is, generally, alright.
It's not exactly paradise, but it's a decent place to rest your weary head after a long day of…well, everything. Just don't expect miracles. And for heaven's sake, skip the 2 AM burger. You’ve been warned.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a messy, slightly caffeinated, and utterly chaotic itinerary for a stay at the Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside. Prepare for the real deal, folks, because this ain't a brochure. This is my brain, trying to remember stuff and occasionally failing miserably.
Day 1: Arrival…and the Great Luggage Retrieval Debacle
Morning (whenever-the-heck-I-finally-wake-up-after-that-red-eye): Okay, so, landing in Orlando. Whew. Always a bit of a shock to the system, that Florida humidity hitting you like a warm, sweaty hug. Ugh. Check in at the Marriott. Hopefully, the lovely people at the front desk don't judge my rumpled clothes and the fact that I've clearly been wrestling with my carry-on all the way from…wherever. (Let's be honest, airports are a special kind of hell, aren't they?)
- The Luggage Labyrinth: Immediately hit a snag. My luggage… MIA. Vanished. Poof. Gone with the wind. Cue the internal panic attack. This usually happens. After what felt like an eternity of frantic phone calls and awkward explanations (yes, I am sure it's black and has a slightly wonky handle), it was finally (sort of) found. Turns out it was playing hide-and-seek with the baggage handlers. They always win.
Afternoon: Lakeside and Luggage Redemption (sort of): Actually, the lobby of the Marriott is kind of nice. Big, airy, and blessedly air-conditioned. Found my room… which, thank God, actually has air-conditioning. The view? Lake. Pretty, peaceful. Might take a picture later. Probably. If I remember.
- Room Service Rant: Okay, so, room service. I attempted to order lunch. I say "attempted" because the phone system was, shall we say, temperamental. After three dropped calls and a near-meltdown, I finally got through. (They now know my voice. Probably also know that I'm hangry.) Food arrived eventually. Was it perfect? No. Was it edible? Absolutely. Needed that carb fix badly.
Evening: Pool Paradise (Hopefully): I intend to go to the pool. Really, I do. It's hot as hades out there. But the pull of the bed? Oh, the siren song of a soft pillow and a nap after the luggage drama… Let's say the pool is a maybe.
Day 2: Theme Park Tantrums…and Unexpected Delights
- Morning: The Dreaded Theme Park Run (…Disney). Okay, I'm doing it. I've got park tickets. The plan is to be cheerful and embrace the magic. The early morning wake-up call? Torture, I tell ya!!! I also need coffee before facing the hordes.
- Disney Disaster (and a Little Bit of Wonder): Okay, let's be honest. Waiting in line is not my strong suit. It's hot. The crowds are insane. I'm pretty sure I saw a small child throw a full-blown tantrum, and I secretly envied them. But! There were also fireworks. And a ride that actually made me laugh out loud. And that, folks, is a win. Also, the churros… amazing.
- Afternoon: Recovery Mode…at the Marriott! Back to the hotel. The pool! I swear I'll go this time. I mean, there's probably going to be more people but I'm tired of the crowds.
- Poolside Musings: The pool was crowded, but I found a little corner. And, okay, it was nice. The sun on my face. The chlorine smell (that's the good part, right?). I may or may not have fallen asleep for a bit, which, considering the day's events, was probably necessary.
- Evening: Dinner, Drinks, and Maybe Some Regret (Kidding…mostly): Dinner at the hotel? Or brave the Orlando restaurant scene. The bar downstairs at the Marriott looked pretty inviting. A few cocktails might be in order after all this…experience.
Day 3: Departure…and the Aftermath
- Morning: Farewell, Orlando! (Or, Until Next Time, Which, Let's Be Honest, Will Be Soon): Check out, hoping the luggage cooperates this time (crossing fingers, toes, and every appendage). Say goodbye to the view, the air conditioning, and whatever sanity I had left.
- The Airport Agony, Part 2: Another airport. Another chance for complete and utter chaos. But, I'm a little wiser this time! I've learned to pack a snack, charge my phone, and brace myself for the inevitable delays. Wish me luck.
- Post-Trip Reflection (And the Need for a Serious Nap): Back home. So much washing. So much unpacking. So many memories (some good, some…interesting). And a deep, burning desire to crawl into bed and not move for, oh, about a week. Then, eventually, do it all again. Because, for all the stress and craziness, sometimes, a little bit of chaos…is pretty great.
Things I Probably Won't Do, But Might:
- Go to the gym. (Highly unlikely. But the intention is there!)
- Actually put on sunscreen every single day. (We'll see.)
- Buy that ridiculously expensive souvenir I see in a gift shop. (Probably.)
Final Thoughts:
This is my trip. It's not going to be perfect. It might be a little messy. It's definitely going to be honest. But that's the point, isn't it? To experience a place, flaws and all, and come away with a few stories…and maybe a slightly sunburnt nose. And a deep, abiding love for the magic of a really good shower after a day at a theme park.
Alright, time to pack (or, more likely, throw things in a bag and hope for the best).Wish me luck.
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Okay, spill it. Is this place really paradise? "Escape to Paradise" sounds… optimistic, doesn't it?
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? Depends on your definition. After a red-eye where the air conditioning fought me tooth and nail, getting off that plane and seeing "Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside Awaits" was... relief, more than outright rapture. It's a clean, well-appointed hotel. The *real* paradise, though? That first ice-cold beverage by the pool. Seriously, *that* was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. But don't expect pre-angel-choir-singing paradise. Expect… well, a really solid, convenient, and comfortable place to crash after a travel day from hell. And trust me, after *that* flight, comfortable is enough.
Airport hotel… ugh. Is it loud? Do you hear planes all night? Because I *need* sleep. Like, NEED it.
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, it's an airport hotel. Yes, there's *some* noise. But honestly? I slept *better* here than at some quiet suburban hotels I've been to. The rooms are pretty well soundproofed. And honestly? After the sheer, mind-numbing *drone* of the airplane on the way *to* Orlando? The occasional jet engine in the distance sounds almost… soothing. Like a white noise machine with a jet engine. I'd recommend requesting a room away from the runway, just in case you are a super light sleeper, but I barely noticed anything. I actually slept through a fire alarm once. (Don't judge, I was *tired*).
The Lakeside part – is it actually pretty? And is there stuff to *do*? Beyond, you know, sleeping.
Pretty? Yes. It’s a *lake,* darling, and Florida lakes, even the ones next to large hotels, can be lovely. I mean, it's not the Swiss Alps, but it's a pleasant view. There are ducks! They’re kinda annoying, always begging for food, but hey, it's nature. Stuff to do? Well, beyond sleeping (which, let's face it, is a solid contender for the main activity), there's a decent pool. I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, questioning all my life choices. Good times. There’s also a gym, which I *saw* but didn't venture into. And if you're feeling ambitious, there's a walking path around the lake. I walked it briefly, realized I was still in recovery mode from the flight, and retreated to the bar. Priorities.
The food situation? Because airport hotels often have a certain… *reputation*.
Oh, the food! Alright, here's the deal, the food isn't going to win any Michelin stars, let's be clear. But! The breakfast buffet was actually pretty decent. Standard stuff, sure – scrambled eggs that may or may not be real (but tasted fine!), bacon (always a win), fruit, pastries… the works. And coffee! Glorious, life-giving coffee. They also have a restaurant for dinner, which was… fine. I ordered a burger, which was a very solid contender. And the bar? Yeah, the bar's good. They make a mean Old Fashioned. And after a day of travel stress, an Old Fashioned is basically a health requirement.
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. What's the Wi-Fi like? (Because I REALLY need to check my emails, and by "emails" I mean "scroll endlessly through TikTok").
The Wi-Fi? Good. Really good. I'm talking streaming-Netflix-without-buffering good. I'm talking download-a-whole-season-of-that-trashy-reality-show-you're-secretly-obsessed-with good. It was reliable, fast, and never let me down, which, after the airline's Wi-Fi experience, felt like a miracle. I did feel a pang of guilt as I was watching cat videos, thinking about my family, but the guilt passed quickly. The comfort of being online was just too powerful.
Do they have a shuttle? Because I’m utterly incapable of navigating airport transportation. And, frankly, I'm lazy.
Yes! They have a free shuttle to the airport. It's a lifesaver. I mean, who *wants* to deal with taxis or ride-sharing after a flight? The shuttle was prompt, relatively clean, and got me to my terminal without any major drama. It's not luxury, mind you. Expect a regular shuttle bus. But it's *free*, and it works. And sometimes, the little things are the most important. Plus, that time saved, the cost averted, allowed me to order something even better when I got to the gate.
Tell me about the staff. Are they friendly? Because I need friendly after the hell of modern air travel.
Honestly, the staff was great. Everyone was genuinely nice. From the front desk, where they had an actual smile, to the bar staff who put up with my grumbling about flight delays, to the housekeeping who always made sure my room was clean and fresh. I felt like I was walking into their living room! And sometimes, that little bit of kindness is *everything*. I mean, after being treated like cattle for hours, a friendly face and a helpful attitude is just life-affirming. So, yes, the staff gets a big thumbs up. They probably deserve a raise.
Okay, final verdict. Would you stay there again?
Absolutely. For what it is – a convenient, comfortable, and relatively stress-free airport hotel – it's a winner. It’s not a destination in itself. It's not trying to be. But it's a damn good place to land after a long flight, recharge, and get ready to face the next chapter of your Orlando adventure. And sometimes, that's all you need. Plus, the Old Fashioneds. Seriously, those alone might get me to book another stay. Just saying.
Any absolute disasters? Anything I REALLY need to know before booking? Like, hidden fees, evil ghosts, etc.?
Okay, here's a small grumble but it is mostly a minorThe Stay Journey
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