Rosen Inn International Drive, Clarion Hotel Lake Buena Vista Re-Branding – 1/3/2011

Hi everyone!

We were able to attend two more Rosen hotel re-branding events last month, I already have photos from the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando in November!  In December, we visited the Rosen Inn on International Drive and the Clarion (formerly the Comfort Inn) in Lake Buena Vista. The Clarion is the only hotel of the three to offer shuttles to Walt Disney World.

The three hotels we looked at were all very nice, and each has upscale bedding (Simmons Beautyrest).  The first photos I’m showing in this article are of the Rosen Inn International Drive. There are 315 total rooms with 24 king size rooms. Flat screen TV’s were being installed when we were there, and at that time we were told that each room should have one by the end of 2010.  The Rosen Inn International Drive is located close to Universal Studios and the outlets on International Drive (as well as Wet and Wild).  I was really impressed with the quality and care put into what is a budget hotel.  There is even a huge family suite! We took a look around the family suite, which combines a junior suite with two other standard rooms:

 

 

There is a breakfast room, I was told that the breakfast was $4.99 with kids eating free.  Check with the hotel on current pricing in case that changes!

The bar area is really nice and had the feel of a British Pub – not surprising since so many of the guests staying are from the UK:

 

A few photos in the lobby:

It’s not so often where you find a nice restaurant inside a value hotel, but I’ve been to the Shogun Japanese Steakhouse in the past and really enjoyed it (the restaurant has been inside the hotel since at least the late 90’s).  We were entertained by Japanese drummers, who were soon joined by Rosen Hotel CEO Harris Rosen out at the pool area:

 

 

There was a ribbon cutting event, with CEO Harris Rosen (no longer in his drumming attire) doing the honors:

The Shogun:

Our last of the Rosen hotels we visited was the Clarion Hotel on Palm Parkway in Lake Buena Vista.  This was my personal favorite of the three, more for the location than any other reason.

Medieval Times sent several of their knights for the event, and CEO Harris Rosen also donned medieval clothing! 

Santa joins in the fun:

 

 

Harris Rosen cuts the ribbon:

A local church choir sang Christmas songs (and did a wonderful job of it)

A few more photos from around the lobby area:

 

We also were treated to great food from restaurants such as Jack’s Place, Pinkberry, Kobe’s Steakhouse and more.  

I have not yet personally stayed at any of the 3 Rosen hotels I’ve written about, though that will change soon when we try out the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando!  I may even write up a review on it, so watch for that in the upcoming month.