Royal Plaza in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort has long been a favorite of travelers who prefer to stay at a full-service boutique style hotel.

Located within walking distance of Downtown Disney, Royal Plaza has a new interior that marries contemporary with tropical. The West Indies inspired decor features mahogany wood accents, exquisite wall coverings and elegant floor treatments.

While Royal Plaza caters to a significant number of business travelers, it's also a great choice for people vacationing at Disney World. You will not feel overwhelmed by convention groups here and will find the staff very welcoming. I have stayed at Royal Plaza several times over the years and have always really enjoyed it.

Royal Plaza's 394 guest rooms are the most spacious of any area hotel. The rooms have two double beds or a king bed, plus a loveseat that makes into a bed, so they accommodate up to five people. Rooms are equipped with a "Royal Bed" consisting of a pillow-top mattress, duvet with satin accents and an abundance of plush pillows to ensure a fabulous night's sleep.

Generously appointed bathrooms feature granite countertops. Tower rooms have Roman tubs. Select rooms and suites offer whirlpool or garden tubs and/or glass stand-up showers.

Rooms in the wings (also called lanai or pool view rooms) have balconies with two chairs and a small cocktail table, or a private patio on the ground floor. Rooms in the tower are slightly larger and have upgraded bathrooms (some with whirlpool baths plus glass-enclosed showers) and include floor-to-ceiling windows. Some of the tower rooms have Disney views.

All rooms include a safe, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, coffeemaker, and voicemail and dataport on the phone. They will supply a small refrigerator for a one-time fee, on request. High-speed Internet access is available in all guest rooms via Ethernet and wireless, for $9.95/day.

There is a full-service restaurant, Giraffe Cafe, in Royal Plaza's lobby that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and stays open late. I have eaten there quite a few times -- it's standard American fare and the quality of the food is good. A very nice hot buffet breakfast (which includes made-to-order omelettes and waffles) is offered at a reasonable price daily.

You can pick up light snacks and drinks at the Marketessen, a counter-service area at the front of the lobby restaurant. Room service is available and offers extended hours.

There is a bar in the lobby, and seasonally another bar open by the very clean and pleasant heated pool. There is a whirlpool spa near the pool. (This hotel has no kiddie pool or slide, and the pool has no shallow end, all of which may be worth considering for those with small children. There is a small video game room for kids, though.)

Four lighted tennis courts, a coin laundry, dry cleaning service and a workout room add to the amenities. The lobby also offers an ATM and two gift shops, one of which sells Disney tickets.

Royal Plaza 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 Royal Plaza for $8 per night, or use valet parking for an additional daily fee.

Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort offers very reasonable rates, and since the rooms sleep 5, it's a great option for families with 3 kids.