Best Western Lake Buena Vista in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort is one of the seven Downtown Disney hotels that are located on Disney property, but not owned or operated by Disney. This 18-story high-rise hotel is one of the tallest buildings in the area, providing excellent views from the upper floors.

Of the Downtown Disney hotels, it is closest to the Crossroads shopping center, which makes it convenient for picking up a few groceries or for dining at several reasonably-priced restaurants.

In recent years the 325-room Best Western in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort has undertaken major upgrades to the public areas (including a new marble and ceramic-tiled lobby) as well as the guest rooms. If you are looking for a moderately priced full-service hotel close to the theme parks, the Best Western is an excellent choice.

Standard rooms accommodate up to four people, but rollaway beds are available for $10 plus tax per night, and many rooms are large enough that you could add a fifth person on a rollaway without being too terribly cramped. Almost all rooms have balconies big enough to accommodate two chairs, and many have extremely nice views of the Downtown Disney area.

The Best Western's standard deluxe rooms are spacious at 325 square feet and offer two queen beds. There are also preferred rooms, which are even larger (about 345 sq. ft.) and include a larger balcony. The preferred rooms have either a king bed and a sofa bed, or two queen-size beds. There is new bedding by Simmons® Beautyrest®.

All rooms include a safe, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, coffeemaker, and voicemail and dataport on the phone. Bathroom amenities are by eco fresh. High-speed Internet access is available in all rooms and in public areas (included in resort fee). Local calls under 30 minutes are FREE. If you wish they will supply a small refrigerator for $10 plus tax per night.

There are several food and beverage options at Best Western in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort. Traders Island Grill serves a very extensive breakfast buffet and full-service dinner. Parakeet Café offers deli-style breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks, sandwiches, pizza and beverages to take out, and is open all day. Flamingo Cove, the lobby lounge, is open in the afternoons and evenings. In addition, there is room service with extended hours.

By the way, if you plan to stay at this hotel, the 2012 Orlando Entertainment Book includes a "buy one, get one free" offer for dinner entrees at Traders Island Grill.

The hotel has a refreshing pool and a small kiddie pool, but no hot tub/spa. There is minimal shade around the pool, so bring sunscreen. There is a small video game room and a fitness center. The lobby is home to a gift shop and a small convenience store. Guests can use a coin laundry facility and a dry cleaning service is available.

Best Western Lake Buena Vista in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort is one of the Downtown Disney resorts, which operate their own bus system to the theme parks. The Downtown Disney buses run all day (from before park opening until after park closing) about every half-hour, and are much better than the transportation offered by most non-Disney resorts around Walt Disney World. (In fact, the buses are more comfortable than Disney's own buses!) However, be aware that the drop-off point is slightly further from the theme park gates than the Disney resort bus drop-off, so there's a little extra walking.

For those with a car, you can self-park at the Best Western for free. Valet parking is available for $8 daily and $10 overnight.

The Best Western offers very reasonable rates for such quality accommodations, making it an excellent alternative to the Disney Value resorts.

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