Loving and Loathing the Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

My wife and I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando soon after the property opened in 2009.  We were both pleased overall with the stay but didn’t have any big plans to return.  We stuck to that until recently.  I was curious to see how the hotel is holding up some 15 years later, had a Hilton free night certificate expiring in a month, and would be in Orlando, anyway.  Everything lined up for an easy stay.  Here’s what stood out to me.

Beautiful Rooms

The Waldorf’s rooms underwent a renovation finished last year, and I was excited to experience the fresh version.  Quite simply, I loved my new room.  Everything felt clean, both in terms of the fresh redo and the streamlined design.  The sofa, chairs, desk, and bed complemented each other.  The framing of the television and matching cabinet below popped.  The whites of the room didn’t feel too white, perhaps thanks to the light grays wisely used throughout.  I continue to appreciate the electronic privacy and housekeeping switch.  It’s too bad the curtains weren’t fully automated this time.  Overall, the room itself makes me want to return to the hotel.

Impeccable Property

Perhaps underscoring the recent refresh again, all common areas felt new and/or well maintained by the hotel staff.  Everything seems immaculate.  I felt like I was tiptoeing around an expensive store, afraid anything could break.  The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a shrink-wrapped version of luxury, for better or worse.  Everything pops, and I guess that’s a good thing, mostly.

Breakfast

After a restful night, I took advantage of my Hilton elite food and beverage credit for breakfast at Oscar’s.  As the hostess escorted me to my table, I passed a jarringly-large buffet.  The amount of bread, seemingly everywhere, turned me off.  I decided to order from the a la carte menu, not due to the buffet costing $40, but more because just looking at the buffet made me feel uncomfortably full.  Plus, it just felt low rent that a Waldorf offers a buffet.  Perhaps I’m a snob.

Anyway, after three different restaurant workers advised that my waiter would arrive shortly, he finally did.  He had a look on his face as if he had waited as long for me to show up.  Noticing the menu didn’t mention jalapenos, I asked the waiter if the kitchen offered them.  He confirmed they did, and I promptly ordered my omelet, oddly caring that I’d taken too much of the waiter’s time.

Soon after, my omelet arrived with green peppers and no jalapenos.  I didn’t have the nerve to bring this up.  About halfway into my bland omelet, I just wanted to be done.  Kudos to my waiter for being prompt with the check.  I took my to-go coffee, hoping it would wash away the subpar breakfast experience.

Bathroom Amenities

Snob alert again!  My big Waldorf Astoria bathroom held a separate shower and bathtub on opposite sides of the space.  But it only offered one large set of Aesop shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.  These three 17.2 ounce bottles were located in the shower.  I’m a grown man who happens to indulge in a bath now and then, and I chose to do so during this stay.  It didn’t exactly feel luxurious lunging into the shower and relocating these three not-small bottles to the tub.

Let’s call this what it is – Waldorf Austerity.  The hotel is too cheap, undiscerning, or both to put two sets of Aesop amenities in the bathroom.  For the level of luxury they’re trying to exude, this situation is completely contradictory.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando – Conclusion

But will I return?  I’m cautiously leaning toward doing so, primarily due to our planned Disney World visits, the Waldorf’s good enough location, and our war chest of Hilton FNC’s.  Will I bellyache about some of the stuff there?  Probably, but I’ll try not to do so outwardly.  Indeed, the property’s shortcomings are silly in the grand scheme of things.  The points and travel hobby can spoil most any of us.  I try to maintain perspective – even while naked and awkwardly carrying three large Aesop bottles across an opulent bathroom.

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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