Sheraton - Pitstops for Kids

Where to stay near the Orlando airport: a review of Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport

February 28, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the airport before or after your Orlando theme park vacation, our pick is the Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport. We made a reservation at the Sheraton following a long travel day, opting to arrive at our main destination of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort the next morning. After all, no need to pay Disney deluxe resort prices when you arrive very late and are very tired.

The Sheraton Orlando is a Starwood property, which I have found to be consistently great. High standards were upheld throughout our stay, from the large family suites (with separate bedroom and living space (with an additional pull-out bed) to the dining options, pool, and shuttle service. Starwood members purchasing their room in points will get a steal: our room in April 2013 only coast us 3,500 points. We ordered room service upon our arrival, and the hotel allowed us to pay for that with points as well.

Rooms are all suites, with two TVs, a large bathroom with plenty of counter space (though only one sink in our room), mini fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. There’s extra counter space near the microwave in the living space, making it easier to prepare simple snacks and breakfast. If you opt to eat at the hotel, they do offer room service (a lifesaver when we arrived very tired) and an on-site restaurant. There’s also a Starbucks if you’re in a hurry in the morning, and a fitness center with indoor-outdoor pool (and patio) and hot tub. Note: the pool is definitely not heated, but the hot tub is very warm…ideal in my book, but may not be in yours.

We called the front desk for the complimentary shuttle service from the airport as soon as we had our bags, and it arrived within minutes. The drive is only five minutes, and return service is offered from the hotel lobby every half hour.

We were only at the Sheraton for 14 hours, but had a great night’s sleep (Sheraton beds are some of the best, I believe), a cooling swim, a nice late night meal, and a good cup of coffee. Plus convenient transportation. We did all of the above with our Starwood points, but room rates at the time of our visit started at only $100 per night, a great value for a Sheraton hotel.

Date last visited:

April 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Right on I-4.

Directions:

if you’re driving, the Sheraton is located at 7550 Augusta National Drive. From Orlando International Airport, it’s only a five minute drive.

We’ll be making the Sheraton Airport Suites our go-to pre-Disney stop-over from here on out!

Sheraton Atlanta: where to stay in Atlanta with kids

February 21, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The best feature of the Sheraton Atlanta is the pool. No. make that the hotel layout around the pool. Comprised of a huge glass-ceilinged atrium with plants and Southern style design, the pool area is located at the center of the Sheraton, right past the lobby on the second floor. A large free-form heated pool and hot tub are situated around a tasteful and almost beautiful indoor setting. The rooms surrounding it all feature miniature patios that open directly onto the pool area, and include small tables and chairs, enabling parents to sit right outside their rooms and share a bottle of wine, snacks, or read a book or paper while the kids swim.

Right next to the pool deck is the fitness center (also central from the pool side rooms), and overlooking the pool deck on the third floor are two restaurants: Fandangles is finer dining, and Collage is casual. The Fandangles patio seating overlooks the pool area. I love how easy it is for families to enjoy the pool and relax with poolside rooms! (Third floor pool view rooms include balconies overlooking the pool instead of patios.)

Besides the awesome pool and layout, there’s nothing very flashy about this Sheraton (which is a Starwood property…be sure to give the front desk your Starwood membership number if you have one). The hotel does not include a free breakfast, but Club Rooms do include a continental breakfast, and room rates are only slightly higher. Otherwise, The Deli is located in the restaurant area, and offers coffee, juices, donuts, pastries, and cereal and milk. Room service is also available.

The Sheraton is only approximately five blocks from Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center area, and only two blocks from the Peachtree Center shopping and MARTA station, as well as from Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta. There’s a concierge desk and bell services, and taxi cabs are easy to get our front. Note: if location directly adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park is important to you, you may want to look into Omni Atlanta.

Date last visited:

February 2013

Room amenities:

It’s definitely worth the slight upgrade for a pool-side room. Standard rooms are on the small side, but with the patio and pool, it will hardly matter. Bathrooms are also small, so prepare yourself for that. Rooms include WiFi you need to pay for, Starbucks coffee, comfortable beds, and robes. The one thing Sheraton Atlanta rooms really lack are mini fridges, but I’m told these will be added to all rooms later this year. This is good news, as the lack of fridges can be a deal breaker for me!

Room rates:

At the time of my visit, room rates started at $135 per night.

Directions:

The hotel is located on Courtland Street, right off I-75. From I-75 going south, follow into Downtown Atlanta. Take exit number 249A Courtland Street. You will merge onto Courtland Street going one way. The hotel will be on the left just after the third traffic, crossing Andrew Young International Boulevard. The hotel entrance will be the second driveway on the left.

Parking is only $22 per night for self-parking, and $29 per night for valet. Given the valet prices I saw across the city, this price felt very reasonable.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced a hosted stay at the Sheraton Atlanta, for the purpose of review. While the hospitality is appreciated, it does not come with expectation of a positive review.