Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Good & The Bad (For The Ugly Review Scroll Down To Bottom)
Why you may initially think the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek would be a good choice:
My husband and I stayed 6 nights at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in late February through early March of 2023. I used to live in Florida, so I’ve been to Disney World and the Orlando theme parks more times than I can count. I’ve also stayed at probably 20+ hotels in the Orlando area over the course of my nearly 40 years of life. At first impressions, this Hilton near Disney World was one of the nicest properties I’ve stayed at in Orlando, so I decided to write a Review of the Bonnet Creek Hilton my both positive and negative experiences.
Why am I equipped to review a Hilton property? I’ve traveled to over 50 counties and 49 US states (still need to go to Alaska). I also worked at a Hilton in Florida for 5 years in my early 20’s. I did everything from banquet serving, serving in the restaurant, bartending, room service, folding laundry, and it was my first HR job as an HR Assistant. I know how a touristy Hilton operates in Florida in all the ways.
In addition, my step-father was also the General Manager of The La Concha Hotel in Key West for 8 or so years, as well as another touristy Hilton in Florida. He’s now the COO of a company that franchises Hilton properties and independent boutique hotels all over the US and Canada. He’s a part owner of many Hilton properties. I’m Hilton Gold and lucky enough to get to use his Hilton Friends and Family perks too. I’m generally quite loyal to Hilton and the Umbrella of brands for about 80% of my travels when Hilton properties are available.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews
The type of hotels that guests typically value when booking in Orlando, and how the Hilton Bonnet Creek fits into that (or doesn’t fit):
Orlando’s hotels are typically more moderate and modest. The essentials are quick and easy breakfast, a cozy bed, and a nice pool for the days in-between theme parks. My husband and I knew we only wanted to do two days at Disney World, and a quality room and pool mattered a lot to us for this trip. The pictures and reviews online for the Bonnet Creek Hilton matched our initial needs.
The pool is great for both kids and adults. My husband and I traveled as a couple, and we had a blast in the lazy river, both at night and during the day. I’m unsure if our fun was worth the stress of our last day (scroll down for details on the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Ugly).
If you plan on doing a lot of theme park days and still want a decent hotel, but don’t need to go to the resort level, I recommend the following hotels in Orlando (I’ve stayed in all of these):Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Check-in Experience:
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek has adopted a very modern check-in process, with the standard Hilton Mobile App for accessing your key - and the mobile app texting prior to check-in, and during your stay. It’s expected that guests adhere to this process. I think that Gen X, Gen Z, and Millennials won’t have a problem with this once they get used to it, but the elderly may.
I’m a millennial, and I even went to the front desk to ask about when breakfast was and to enquire about the shuttle to Disney World. I was asked “did you receive the text message when you checked in?” I responded, “oh, I don’t know” while I checked for the text message.
The text message stated “for more information on your stay, click here” and apparently that’s where you can locate all the information.
The front desk agent responded that “all the information is in there.” I’m all about teaching a person to fish vs feeding them for a day, but the interaction did feel a little cold. I felt that a better response could have been something similar to:
“The hours for breakfast are 7am-11am. Did you receive the text when you arrived? That link has the shuttle schedule and other information for your stay. Let me know if you don’t find it and I’ll be happy to send it to you.”
The text experience also started before check-in and I did use it to ask about having a box shipped. I often have a hard time finding good high-quality snacks in Florida, so I had a Thrive Market box shipped to the hotel. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek provided the details via text and that was really helpful. The box was shipped to their Business Center’s FedEx, and it could only be picked up during certain limited hours. Otherwise, it was really convenient.
I also noticed that this was the first Hilton property that I’ve ever stayed in globally that didn’t have a separate Hilton Honors line. Maybe this is a new thing in general?
The front desk did seem to be under-staffed. I never once saw a smile and there was always a line all week, at all hours of the day. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Signia Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Restaurants
Because I’m Hilton Gold, I received a $30 daily credit to spend on the property ($15/day for me and my Husband). This is a new post-covid thing in lieu of just giving breakfast. Most end up spending more as it’s really difficult to stay within the allocated credit.
Either way, we spent between $20 - $160 a day (AFTER the $30 credit) every day.
One thing you MUST know is that Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is conveniently close to Disney World, and inconveniently far away from all Orlando dining. We Uber'd 15-35 minutes each way every time we left the hotel to dine off the property.
Most hotels on I-Drive or in other locations are strung with chain restaurants all around them. The hotels may be less resort-like if you stay somewhere outside of the Bonnet Creek area, but you’ll be much closer to dining, bars, and shopping.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: Zeta Asia Restaurant
We went to Zeta Asia at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek the day we checked in. We were hungry from flying across the country from San Francisco. Now, I must note before this review that the San Francisco Bay Area has remarkable food, and particularly amazing sushi.
The service at Zeta Asia at tis Hilton near Disney World was good. The bartender was really friendly, poured good drinks, and made good recommendations.
He had good banter, and generally was everything you would expect from a great bartender. I did notice that the first drink I ordered wasn’t in stock, and a few items on the drink menu were off. People that are into ginger beer are really into it, so stating Fever Tree when it’s Goslings is kinda a small no-no. Just small stuff though.
Now to the food… not so great. We had a hungry palate, so it should’ve tasted exceptionally good. We ordered the Dragon Roll (minus cream cheese), Jalapeno Roll, and my husband got the Pork Belly and Korean BBQ Short Rib Buns. I eat fish, but not meat, so I didn’t eat the buns. He loved those, but he had an upset stomach later (the clean you out kind), and I didn’t. So, who knows?
The dragon roll had way too much breading and the breading seemed stale. The breading to shrip ratio was also off. I usually love a tempura shrimp roll, and this just wasn’t doing it for me. The jalapeno Roll was moderately good, but not great. The fish didn’t taste off. We ate it. My husband got sick. We’re still unsure if it was the sushi, buns, or travel gut, but we are leaning towards the food. I also got horrible food poisoning from a Benihana at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in 2017/18, so I’m thinking that sushi may be off the table for me in Orlando from this point forward. My recommendation is to head to Zeta Asia at the Bonnet Creek Hilton for the drinks.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: Myth Bar (aka The Lobby Bar)
My husband and I went to Myth Bar on the first night. He ordered a rum drink, and I had one of the best cocktails I’ve had in Florida…ever… The Sunny Daze: Stoli Elit, The Botanist Gin, Cocchi Americano, Lemon Pearls.
Now, I’ve experienced many’a’cocktail in my day. Everything from cheap well and one mixer, to things that are muddled, smoked, whipped, and charge a premium for the sips. Typically, Florida is known for sweet sweet drinks and if you want to get away from those, you go basic - G&T, Rum and Coke, Vodka Soda, etc. Finding a nice martini style cocktail featured on the menu that isn’t sweet and is actually made that way, well, that’s hard to find. The drink was $21, and after tax and tip, two drinks will put you in the $50’s, so that’s worth noting.
The service at Myth Bar at Signia Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek was fast and friendly and the bar was beautiful and welcoming at night. The breeze from outside felt nice sitting inside, and the breeze from the AC felt nice sitting outside. The bar was one of those split inside/outside open concept bars. If you can splurge on the experience, the drinks are good.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Bonnet Creek Hilton Review: La Luce
We only went to the La Luce bar for cocktails, coffee, and dessert. I won’t be able to report back on the dinner experience. I will note that I thought it was odd that the restaurant opened at 6pm. That seemed 30-90 minutes later than most restaurants open for dinner service.
This restaurant is a white cloth restaurant. We got two desserts: The Lemon Cake and The Butterscotch Pudding. Both were amazing!
The lemon cake wasn’t actually a cake. It was more like a lemon meringue bar with three layers and a pie-like crust. Perfectly tart and sweet.
The butterscotch pudding came in a martini glass with a thick whipped cream. It was very very rich and sweet. Both desserts were sharable, so we had leftovers we brought back to the room.
My husband got a cocktail he really liked, and I got a cappuccino. It was good coffee. I wanted an espresso like coffee, however, if you wanted drip coffee, it’s not offered in La Luce.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: Muse Cafe (Cafe + Market)
We stopped by Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Muse Cafe almost every day to use our $30 Hilton Gold credit. We used it on the overpriced water, sodas, snacks, and even ice cream one day. The ice cream was surprisingly legit. Really good!
The staff were really friendly and always smiling and helpful. I was there at all hours too, from the morning, afternoon, evening and night. Everyone was always nice, and they had a good selection of items, even gluten free and more high-end snacks along with your standard convenience store junk food.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews, Hilton Bonnet Creek Reviews
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: Harvest Bistro (The Breakfast Restaurant)
What is breakfast like at The Harvest Bistro at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek?
The Harvest Bistro at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek isn’t JUST the breakfast restaurant, as they serve food for all three meals. However, most folks are generally curious about where to get breakfast at a hotel, especially in Orlando before going to the theme parks. The Harvest Bistro at the Hilton Bonnet Creek is that restaurant.
We ate breakfast at Harvest Bistro twice. Once before heading to Disney World for convenience. Another time on our last day.
The service was really good, although it's buffet style, so there’s about 30% less service than traditional table service. The Bonnet Creek Hilton’s Harvest Bistro offers two buffet options: (1) The full buffet which I believe is $30. (2) The continental buffet which is $15.
The reason I’m unsure about pricing on the full buffet is that we were told our Hilton Gold rate was $26 for the full buffet. We were unsure if this was for everyone and just said to make us feel warm and fuzzy, or if it was actually a Hilton Gold perk.
The continental buffet included a large assortment of breakfast pastries, tons of fruit (and yes, some good options), a fresh fruit juice bar, yogurt, meat and cheeses, and boiled eggs. It also included hot oatmeal and grits. The grits and the gluten free muffins were amazing…and fresh!
The full buffet breakfast at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Harvest Bistro includes everything in the continental buffet, plus, scrambled eggs, sausages, potatoes, and items like pancakes.
We thought the breakfast buffet was good. Was it good value for money? Probably not, but we know we’re staying at a resort and the Hilton Gold credit made the value worth it.
I got the continental breakfast buffet at Harvest Bistro, and my husband got the full buffet. We told them when they asked at seating. Both days the bill needed to be fixed to adjust my meal to the lesser continental buffet. Not a big deal. They were friendly and quick about it. Just check your bills.
Also, I like oatmilk in my coffee. If you ask, they’ll provide it for you.
Lastly, a lot of people from other areas of the country may not know this, but IHOPs in Florida are actually good. I now live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I’ve tried to go to IHOPS here and other places in the country. They often aren’t as good (they suck in the San Francisco Bay Area). In Florida, IHOPs are mostly reliable and good for breakfast.
My husband and I went to this IHOP twice and it was great. It was 12 minutes away from the Bonnet Creek area. On Sunday around noon (we were jetlagged) we went there with the post church crowd and only waited 15 minutes. Mid week, we were sat right away around 10:00am and our food came out in 5 minutes. From Key West to Jacksonville, IHOP is generally reliable for a decent breakfast, and at a good price.
Hilton Bonnet Creek Reviews
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Room (+ The Bed)
We had a Standard King room at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. We’re not generally enamored by a view, unless we’re traveling to somewhere like Paris. In short, we had the most generic room.
Upon initial walk-in, we thought the room was nice, updated (or new), modern, spacious, and clean. So, it checked all the boxes.
After settling in, we were a little bummed out that such a premium resort didn’t have a bathtub. TBH, I look forward to having a bath in a tub I don’t have to clean. This is perhaps why they’ve removed them?
Tubs do take longer to turnover than a shower when it’s used as a tub with bubbles, oils and salts etc. So, I get it when I think about it logically. However, it still didn’t mean that I wasn’t initially bummed out as my husband and I both packed CBD bath bombs to use, and we packed them right back up to take them home at the end of the week.
The bed was super cozy. The pillows were down. I’m allergic to down, but I decided to tough it out instead of asking for alternative pillows as I take multiple allergy medications daily anyway. They fluffed well and didn’t flatten too much after your head laid on them.
My review of the bed at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek: The bed was medium-firm on the softness scale, which is what I prefer. Our only concern with the bed was the sheets. The bottom sheet was a flat sheet and not a fitted one and it came up almost every day. We generally don’t need housekeeping, but this sheet problem caused us to feel like we did need servicing. We’re typically the type to use the same towels all week, and have our room only services once midweek when the garbage cans fill. So, feeling the need for more housekeeping felt strange to us.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Housekeeping
The housekeeping staff at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek were really friendly. I do think they may be understaffed and overwhelmed. Per the prior section on the room, we felt like we had to get housekeeping more than we wanted, due to the bed sheet coming off daily. If all the rooms have this problem, I could see how this could become a housekeeping issue very quickly.
There were days where we left in the morning, took off our do-not-disturb sign, didn’t return for 8+ hours, and the room was never attended to. We weren’t angry about it, but just made the bed ourselves instead. Not the end of the world. I learned later that you have to opt-out of housekeeping, and the hotel nudges you towards it. I would totally do this…if our sheet didn’t keep coming up.
When our room was attended to, it was very basic. Just garbage, towels, and the bed. Strangely, we hang our towels, which means we don’t want them to be taken. As someone that coaches people to work smart, not hard, it seems like the taking of the hanging towels causes more work for housekeeping and laundry…likely two departments that are hard to keep staffed, need quick turnaround, and often feel overworked.
Side note, we also saw male housekeeping at the Signia, which my husband and I thought was cool. It’s actually quite uncommon.
There were many mornings at the Bonnet Creek Hilton that I expected to see them outside my door and they weren’t there. I do think it’s because they were working on other floors, which isn’t typical for hotel housekeeping staff.
In short, go in with a post-covid mindset of low-maintenance in regards to housekeeping, and your expectations will be met. I do not think it’s housekeeping fault, so be kind.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Pool
The pool at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek was just a delight! If we had kids, this pool would satisfy as entertainment and a day to remember for children almost as much as going to Disney World for the day. The lazy river is truly very long, with two pools in the middle of the river.
There were plenty of lounge chairs and tons of umbrellas and drink service, which was nice. On our last day, it was windy, and to no-fault of anyone, it was a little difficult to find shade when we couldn’t put the umbrellas up. My husband is a shade guy, and I’m a sun gal. We’re always on the hunt for the two perfect chairs. There were tons of empty chairs so you don’t need to get there early and camp out of anything.
All the pool furniture seemed in good condition, and there were plenty of tubes for the lazy river. The pool was one of my favorite parts of the hotel!
We also went across the street to the Wyndham Grand at Bonnet Creek to use the Spa so we could use a different pool for the day. I highly recommend checking that property out! The pool is amazing there as well!
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews
Bonnet Creek Hilton Orlando Review: Parking
We only parked on the last day when we picked up our rental car to make the trip to the Tampa Airport for our flight. Parking at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is $35/day for self parking and $48 for valet parking.
We calculated that even if we only spent $50/day on the car, plus $35/day parking, plus gas and the non-monetary value of having to drive and remain sober, if we kept our Uber costs under an average of $100 a day, it was easier and more cost effective to Uber everywhere. We just didn’t let not having a car stop us from even going to IHOP.
You WILL commute far when leaving the property for dining. Far meaning at least 10+ minutes each way minimum. However, if you have a whole family, I imagine a car would be easier.
Because we used the Disney Shuttle, we didn’t leave the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek property 3 of the 6 days we were there.
I also went to Orlando last September/October to escape Hurricane Ian from her house in Key West. I know from my many trips to Orlando that the rental car companies that are in the MCO / Orlando airport terminal are the following (meaning no shuttle to your rental car):
With the cost of rental cars, gas, tolls, and parking (at parks and hotels), if you’re just a couple, you may be better off just Ubering if you’re just going to the parks, hanging by the pool, and going out to eat a few times. Do the math and see for yourself!
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review, Bonnet Creek Hotel Reviews
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Disney Shuttle
The Disney Shuttle was one of the main reasons we stayed at this Hilton in Orlando. I imagined a large van in my head. Nope. It was a large charter bus with probably 50 seats, AC pumping, and they played Disney Films in the evening for the ride home. Super nice touch!
The Disney Shuttle runs on a very organized schedule and comes on-time, or only a couple minutes behind (we don’t expect that much magic during our Magic Kingdom days).
The drivers were super friendly and some even provided a little entertainment and tour on the way to the parks. You can find the schedule at https://www.bonnetshuttle.com/.
How frequently does the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Disney Shuttle run?
The shuttle runs mostly every 30 minutes at peak times, with pockets of 1 hour and 90 minutes. With good planning the shuttle at this Hilton near Disney World was really convenient.
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Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Spa
There isn’t a spa at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. However, the property is adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek where there is a spa.
There’s also a spa directly across the street from the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek called The Blue Harmony Spa. It’s seriously a 3 minute walk across the street, and there’s a crosswalk. Super easy!
My husband and I went to the spa at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek one of the days during our stay. We also got to use their amazing pool for a variety of pool scenery. We had some SpaFinder gift cards to use, and the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek also accepted them. If you decide to go to the spa, I can share two ways you can save money on these services:
Purchase one of these Groupons to use at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek Blue Harmony Spa:
$239 for 50-Minute Couples Salt Stone Massage for Two at Blue Harmony Spa ($426.21 Value)
$215 for 50-Minute Couples Swedish Massage for Two at Blue Harmony Spa ($376.21 Value)
One 50 Minute ($120) or 80 Minute ($160) Full Body Massage (Up to $115 Off)
$149 for 50-Minute Single Salt Stone Massage at Blue Harmony Spa ($246.21 Value)
NOTE: ALL should include access to the pool and use of towels PLUS access to the steam room and spa only jacuzzi
IF NONE ABOVE AVAILABLE: Click one of those links, sign-in or create a quick Groupon account, then search for “Blue Harmony” with the zip code 32821 and available options will display - if they are available.
Purchase SpaFinder gift cards (yes, you can gift to yourself) and use the promo code VITALITY for 15% OFF any order of $80+. It’s like getting 15% OFF of your spa service!
Purchase both the above Groupons and the SpaFinder options, as you can use SpaFinder to cover your tip as it’s treated as cash. Don’t worry, your therapist will receive their full amount. Note that with any service, even discounted, you’ll be required to tip 20% on the full service before discounts.
My husband and I purchased the Groupon for 80 minute massages each, and also did 3 add-ons each at the spa. Even after discounts, we still spent near $600, but the Groupon and SpaFinder helped a lot. Everyone in there was using the Groupon, so there’s no shame in using them. If I remember correctly, you can only use those during the weekdays. However, SpaFinder can be used on weekends as it’s treated like cash. It’s just a gift card.
The spa experience was nice! It wasn’t the absolute nicest spa I’ve been to, but the service was good and the massage was great.
According to SpaFinder, you should be able to use these gift cards at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort too. There are I believe 4-5 resorts on this Bonnet Creek street including: Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek, JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort, The Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek, and the Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek.
Pictures of The Blue Harmony Spa at The Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek (across the street / 3 min walk from the Hilton Bonnet Creek):
Pictures of the pool at The Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek, which you can use for the day if you go to the Blue Harmony Spa (or if you stay at The Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek):
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek vs The Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek
Based on my experience staying on the property at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, and my experiences at The Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek, I recommend Wyndham more.
I didn’t actually stay at The Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek, but I did do the following there:
Went to the Blue Harmony Spa
Visited the main Pools
Went to The Back Bay Bar & Grill for Happy Hour (aka the Pool Bar & Restaurant)
Visited the Ticketing Counter (I didn’t notice one at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, and that’s essential when visiting parks, going mini-golfing etc)
The food at the Wyndham Grand Pool Bar was great! I had a Mahi Burger and my husband had a burger and both came with fries. Yes, expect resort pricing but it was still a tad better pricing than the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
The pools were both nice and both resorts have a lazy river. I think Hilton Bonnet Creek’s is longer, but The Wyndham Grand had the shipwreck slide, and pool for kids that kept the under 12 y/o out of the main pool. It also felt easier to find shade with the way the building surrounded the pools. Still plenty of sun, however, the Hilton was more wide open.
I just liked the feel of the pool property better. I will admit, the professional pictures that Signia had taken were done much better… almost deceptively better (not that it’s not a great pool - just not exceptionally better than The Wyndham even though the pictures may showcase that way).
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Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Ugly
How To Ruin a Good One Week Disney Vacation Over $50
We really enjoyed our stay at this Hilton near Disney World. All the above reviewed negative experiences are noteworthy, but nothing that would keep us down or ruin our fun. We truly felt like we got everything we wanted and needed out of vacation…until the last day.
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Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: The Last Day (+ Text Customer Support)
The last day turned our positive experience into a vacation we won’t forget, and not for good reasons. This experience is really the reason I decided to write this Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review. If you can believe it, it turned from a positive experience to one with a vindictive front desk staff actually playing mind-games with me and my bill. This is no exaggeration. I’ve occasionally come across customer service issues, as we all have. I’ve NEVER experienced purposeful targeted vindictiveness until I encountered this front desk staff (and Matt, the Front Desk Manager).
I’ve been hung up on (video below), told that my experience mattered less because I had a low hotel rate, had parking rates added on after my final bill and told that I did park when I did not (called a liar - over two things actually)…and this all happened after checkout, and after I truly thought I walked away from the front desk with a compromise. This was the treatment I received, after I thanked the front desk manager for the compromise we reached.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews
Here’s my Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review and the story of how the front desk ruined my one week Disney vacation over $50, after spending $1800:
We didn’t need to depart until the evening on checkout day, so I went to the front desk to enquire about late checkout the evening before. I was told “because you’re a Hilton Gold Member, you could receive a complimentary late checkout by 1:00pm, and $25 to checkout at 4pm.”
I said I would think about it and ask my husband, to which we both agreed that it was a good deal and seemed like the best plan for us. I stopped by the front desk at the Hilton Bonnet Creek again and spoke to the same gentleman and asked him to arrange the 4pm late checkout for us. I did think it was a good deal, and thought it was perhaps a Hilton Gold perk, but my gut instinct told me to double check with the front desk agent, so I did. Before walking away, I asked “so, that’s $25 until 4pm, correct?” and he replied “yes, ma’am, twenty-five dollars” to which I said “thank you” and walked away.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews
The next day at around 1:45pm, my husband and I are sitting by the pool, enjoying what we believe to be the last hour of pool time and I receive a text message asking me if I would like a copy of my checkout folio. I received it via email and saw that the late checkout cost $75. I texted back enquiring about the cost, and informing them of the prior conversation regarding it being $25. I was informed that it was “$25 per hour.”
I did inform the agent over text that wasn’t what I was told. The response was “Please be mindful, your reservation is a GoHilton rate.” I admit, I wasn’t really upset until that statement was made. I’m a very principled shopper. I wasn’t sure how the rate that I received had anything to do with my ability to receive good customer service, and to honor what I was told (or wasn’t told via lack of complete information). It was like saying “You got a discount, so why are you complaining about any fees we charge you?” AND “You should know better than to complain because this rate means you’re a Hilton insider or know someone that is.”
Again, that statement was irrelevant. I’m also Hilton Gold, which I stated. That was followed up by an empty generic “We do recognize that you’re a valued Hilton Gold member and would like to provide you a complementary 1:00pm checkout.” It was already ten minutes to 2:00pm, and I was already given this complementary 1:00pm checkout prior to my changing it to 4:00pm. This statement felt quite passive aggressive, and only made me feel more frustrated.
The Hilton Bonnet Creek agent via text eventually offered to honor $25 for a checkout of 2:00pm, which is actually the $25/hr rate. We were dripping wet by the pool and needed to shower and it was around 2:00pm. I have to note, it wasn’t an offer or a compromise, but a quick boot out the door. I then said that the offer wasn’t good enough considering the conversations I had prior and I would head to the front desk, which I did…dripping wet in a cover-up from the pool.
Bonnet Creek Hilton Review: The Front Desk…
Now I’m at the front desk. I admit that I’m upset at this point. Not irate, as that’s not my style, but I was upset. I waited in line (about 8 minutes), explained my story again, but this time in person, only to do it even a third time, but this time to the front desk manager. Instead of writing the whole experience, I’ll just list the key phrases that were said to me:
“I know my employees wouldn’t tell you that it’s a flat $25 as they get that question all the time.”
“You know you have a Friends and Family rate, right?”
“With the rate we charge for the rooms, don’t you think $25 for late checkout would be a good rate?”
“Housekeeping has to turn the room over for the next guests.”
Now, I’ll list my response in my Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review, and my thoughts that correspond to the numbered items above:
This one bothers me as it’s stating that someone had to be a liar, and the finger was pointed at me. When Matt said this to me, I responded that “it’s possible that the first time I enquired about late checkout I didn’t hear your employee say ‘per hour’, however, I went out of my way to verify the rate was $25 and that was the point in which I should’ve been corrected.” I thought this response provided rationale that it could’ve been a misunderstanding. Knowing what unravels after, it fell on deaf ears.
This was the second time I heard that my lower rate via Friends and Family means I shouldn’t be allowed to have any concerns with my bill, even where there are concerns. The employee via the customer service text also said this, which made me realize that at least the team works closely together in their disdain. It wasn’t relevant. No matter what you spend on your room rate, it shouldn’t matter. I’m going to leave it there.
I did think $25 for late checkout was a good deal, and I responded that “I did think it was a stellar deal, which is why we decided to stay and I honestly thought it was a Hilton Gold benefit.” I sincerely thought that was an understandable perspective as well. Again, what they do next shows they did not.
I agree that Housekeeping does have to turn the room over and that can be difficult. Once Matt said that, I thought about a compromise. I then proposed that we could leave by 3:00pm if they would honor the $25 rate. That would give us enough time to get out of the room. Matt was reluctant, but agreed. I replied “thank you for the compromise” and he said “if you’re in the room later than 3:00pm, I’ll have to charge you the full rate”, to which I said “understood.”
I walked away from the Bonnet Creek Hilton front desk feeling like we reached a resolution. I wasn’t fully happy. He wasn’t fully happy, but we compromised. That’s the meaning of compromise. It was resolved. As long as we left the room before 3:00pm, there shouldn’t be any more concerns… right? Keep reading.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews
Again, I’m walking through the lobby with wet hair. This time, from the shower at 2:55pm. No makeup, luggage in hand. Earlier that day, my husband got a rental car for our drive to Tampa and parked it in the parking lot. I waited with the luggage while he swung around.
He pulled a ticket from the garage, but it wasn’t working. He pushed the call button and they asked what room he was in. He told them he just checked out and gave them our room number.
I wanted to see if the late checkout charge was removed, so I texted the customer support and said we were out of the room and asked for the folio. Guess what? We had a whole week of parking added in there from the few hours my husband parked.
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Here’s where I realized it was obviously vindictive:
I texted Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and asked for it to be removed. I was told initially that it would be removed, then an hour later, they said parking wouldn’t be removed because we parked. I knew at this point that it was a game they were playing. I believe the agent that told me they would refund parking wasn’t initially in on the drama, and got looped in.
To be clear, when we received the “final folio” a couple hours earlier, parking wasn't shown there. It was only added in after my husband left the parking garage, and I asked for a new folio to see if the late checkout fee was reduced. That’s when I discovered they added parking in (at 3:00pm the day of checkout). And, they refused to remove it even though we didn’t park all week…and they called me a liar…again.
They could’ve asked me in the lobby about parking. They could’ve nabbed me on my way out to enquire. They could’ve texted in the thread we had going. They could’ve called my mobile phone. They could’ve called the room while we were checking out. All the ways in which they could’ve asked, and instead, they decided to play a stealth game with my vacation and my mental well-being at the end of my much needed vacation. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews
It gets even more interesting with Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek…
In that text exchange, the front desk provided me with a phone number to the parking garage company, claiming that THEY were the ones to add the parking onto the bill (it’s an outsourced company).
So, I got home from my travels and called a number they provided me. It was the front desk’s phone number!!! They asked for my name and phone number and said that the valet/garage would call me back. I asked “wait, I thought this was their phone number?” I believe it was Matt that answered the phone. He said they would call me back.
They initially didn’t call, so I called what I now know to be the Hilton Bonnet Creek front desk direct line. They would pick up the phone and hang-up…immediately! I took one video of this. There were other times the sound was more of that obvious hang-up sound, but it happened enough that I decided to make a video. I even used my husband’s phone, and apparently they just decided to hang up on anyone with our 415 area code. Yup!
So, because they make it difficult to find the front desk’s phone number online AND because Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek put me through the ringer…lol… (and lied about this being the valet’s direct line while calling ME a liar multiple times) I’ve decided to put the front desk’s phone number here for anyone that wants it.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s Front Desk Direct Line Phone Number:
407-597-3686
Finally, the garage called back and we squared it away. I learned that it was the voice verification of our room number upon my husband exiting the garage that triggered the week’s parking charge AND that the front desk was responsible for managing that documentation and addition to the bill (NOT the garage company as they said). Looking back, knowing what I know now, it seemed that Matt always stepped in when his staff would likely “not know how to respond.” I think he was the mastermind of this vindictive behavior. Here are the text messages showing that exchange:
They also didn’t charge us for 3 days, which is very unusual for hotels. It’s as if they were waiting for me to call in. Again, playing games.
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Reviews
The fact that I had to go through all of this because the front desk felt I didn’t have a right to ask about the late checkout fee because I was on a Friend’s and Family Rate… well, that’s a first for me.
I promise you, this experience actually has nothing to do with my rate and everything to do with the culture of that guest services department and front desk.
The Indirect Negative Experience of the Hilton Bonnet Creek:
My husband is rarely wound up. He doesn’t like confrontation and he’s generally pretty chill. We have the money to stay and pay the extra $50. We both live and work in the San Francisco Bay Area and have careers that sustain a nice living here. We’re just very principled. Being called a liar, then spending more money there is something we just won’t do.
The experience of being rushed out of the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek after being called a liar, then having to fight new charges that weren’t originally on our bill…well, that put him in a funk. So much so that he wasn’t equipped for the big truck that almost slammed into us leaving the hotel. It was one of the closest calls I’ve ever had to a bad accident that didn’t happen. We were a half-inch away from the car.
Of course, it’s no one’s fault in actuality. However, I know that my husband would’ve handled it better if he were in his normal state of mind. I’m not saying this to seem like a litigious or over-the-top type. I’m saying it because it’s true.
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Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review: This Experience Ruined My Vacation Zen, and I Want That Zen Back!
We all know the main reasons we go on vacation… To create memories and to let loose and relax. Life is hectic. Work, family, home, all the stressors that we deal with. Because I had to manage this experience for days after I left, I took that stress with me.
I thought about the experience at the Bonnet Creek Hilton in the car ride when we left. On the plane ride home. Napping the next day (I couldn’t sleep and I was jetlagged). All throughout that weekend…Pretty much, I thought about it for 3 whole days until I decided to write this review as a cathartic release.
The reason this bothered me so much is because it’s unique. I’ve had situations where I didn’t see eye to eye, or I didn’t get my way. This situation, we reached what I thought was a compromise, and I realized that they were actually playing a game with me after I left. Truly.
Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I believe the front desk watched and waited for me to come downstairs to (1) make sure I was out before 3:00pm as they wanted to charge me the whole late checkout rate. I think they were skeptical about my ability to get out of the room in 45 minutes. (2) And they noticed that I didn’t have parking on the tab and felt they were going to ‘get me.’ (3) They waited for my husband to come through the gate, and they asked him for his room number. I think they may have locked the gate for everyone for that time-period just to ‘get us.’
I’ve just never experienced this type of “customer service.”
The cost of losing my vacation zen and leaving this upset actually made me feel like the money I spent was completely wasted. Not the $50 we debated over… The cost of the whole week.
It wasn’t like I stayed 1-2 nights and tried to squeeze them over $50. I spent that on my own two cocktails the first night I arrived. I deserved the benefit of the doubt in what was likely a miscommunication. I want my zen back! Instead, I needed to write a Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Review to move on from this experience - it frustrated me so much!
My Biggest Takeaways From My Negative Experience at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek:
This is an abnormal experience for Hotels. As someone that knows the Hilton world very well, this experience at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek was exceptionally bad. Based on this experience with the front desk alone, I would NOT recommend staying here. The fun we had all week was negated by this experience. We’re now home, feeling salty and sour about our last day of vacation, dealing with getting a refund for parking we didn’t use. Who wants that? Not me. Not ever again. Never happened before, and I’ll do what I can to avoid this experience again.
I’m going to encourage others NOT to stay at the Bonnet Creek Hilton. Unless you want to gamble on that front desk and customer support not to ruin your vacation, I don’t recommend staying there. I’ve listed better places below.
If it seems like I was positive about the experience at the top of my review, it’s because I’m objective. I enjoyed my experience at this Hilton near Disney World, until the front desk ruined it upon checkout.
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What the Hilton Friends and Family Experience is Usually Like:
Hilton Friends and Family perks are gifted to those close to members that work for the Hilton family of brands. That includes everything from Hampton Inn, to DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Curio, Waldorf Astoria, and of course Signia (among many others).
The biggest perk is of course receiving a discounted hotel rate. I’ve used the Hilton Friends and Family perks in premier locations like Time Square NYC, Bellevue, WA (Seattle area), Napa, Rome, Tuscany, Prague, Beijing, Los Angeles, Miami, Buenos Aires, Mexico City… The list goes on and on.
The US state I’ve used Hilton Friends and Family the most is hands down Florida… The best way to approach the experience is with no expectations for anything extra - and to not be treated any differently than any other guest. However, because the Hilton Friends and Family perks are from those that are in hospitality or adjacent, there’s usually a sense of pride. That pride can extend to generosity in things that are more flexible such as room upgrades when possible, free breakfast when it’s not already free, giving a few extra drink coupons, free wine tasting vouchers in wine tasting regions, and comping things like parking.
At the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, we only parked for a short time the day of checkout, and again, the best approach is no expectations. However, to be targeted with parking used as a revenge tool was an extra-jab considering prior experiences.
Providing a good experience is a way to get an industry word-by-mouth brag. You tell your family member that works at Hilton, and they’ll stay next time and tell others. I promise you, I know some hotels in this country to stay at and ones not to simply from my Step-Father being in the know. Some of them are situations where the management has changed and the prior good star ratings on yelp and TripAdvisor etc have been carrying the recent negative changes, as it takes a long time for thousands of reviews to flip.
Here are other properties I recommend in the Orlando Area instead of the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (if you’re not going FULL Disney Property):
I’ve either personally stayed at these properties, or they’ve been recommended by family. 6 months doesn’t pass without either me or a family member traveling to Orlando, and I often ask about where they stayed (with the exception of Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek, where I went to the Spa, used the pool, and ate lunch but didn’t stay).
If this list is too exhaustive, I’m including my 3 favorites in total via the three buttons at the bottom of the list.
Close to Disney:
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area - Hilton Brand, Resort, Free Disney World Shuttle, Great Pool, Great for Couples, Great for Families & Kids, Hilton close to Disney World!
Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek - Wyndham Brand, Resort, Amazing Pools (multiple), Shuttle Service to Disney World, Great for Couples, Great for Families & Kids, Amazing Spa…It’s right across the street from the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. My husband and I went to the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek’s spa one day so we could have a variety in our pool. The spa, pool, and pool bar/restaurant were all amazing! They have a shipwreck themed pool for kids and one kid ran by me saying he was having so much fun. This pool also kept the kiddos out of the main pool, so adults could enjoy. For real… If you want to stay in a resort in Bonnet Creek in the Disney area, stay at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek! You also get 10% OFF Blue Harmony Spa if you stay at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek. You can double down with SpaFinder and get near 25% OFF with the code VITALITY.
Close-ish to Disney:
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Tuscany Village Orlando - Hilton Brand, Resort, Great Pool, Great for Couples, Great for Families & Kids
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Parc Soleil Orlando - Hilton Brand, Resort, Great Pool, Great for Couples, Great for Families & Kids,
Hampton Inn Orlando/Lake Buena Vista - Hilton Brand, Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Modest but Nice Pool, Great for Families & Kids (Best overall budget option close-ish to Disney World)
Close to SeaWorld (which is in the middle of Disney World & Universal Studios):
Hilton Grand Vacations Club SeaWorld Orlando - Hilton Brand, Resort, Great Pool, Close to TONS of Food, Great for Couples, Great for Families & Kids
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld - Hilton Brand, Resort, Good Pool, Next to TONS of Food, Great for Couples, Great for Families & Kids
Hilton Orlando - Hilton Brand, Resort, Great Pool, Next to TONS of Food, Great for Couples, Great for Families & Kids
Between SeaWorld & Universal Studios:
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Las Palmeras Orlando - Hilton Brand, Kitchenettes and Living Rooms, Resort-ish, Decent Pool, Next to TONS of Food, Okay for Couples, Great for Families & Kids,
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center - Hilton Brand, ALL Rooms are Suites, Free Breakfast w/Omelette Station, Free Drink Happy Hour, Modest Pool, Next to TONS of Food, Okay for Couples, Great for Families & Kids (if only doing a small amount of pool time). My Mom and I stayed here while escaping Hurricane Ian in 2022. I was blown away (pun intended…lol) by the amazing customer service! They had movie nights with popcorn for the kids, cocktail hours for adults with free drinks, the breakfast was solid, the rooms were decent, the front desk staff were always friendly and helpful. We went to the pool after the storm. It was cold from the storm rains, but it was decent. Not a resort pool, but ok for an afternoon. BEST customer service!
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park - Hilton Brand, ALL Rooms are Suites, Free Breakfast w/Omelette Station, Modest Pool, Next to TONS of Food, Okay for Couples, Great for Families & Kids (if only doing a small amount of pool time).
Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Intl Dr N - Hilton Brand, Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Modest Pool, Close to Food, Great for Families & Kids (budget option)
Close to Universal Studios (& Islands of Adventure):
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando - Hilton Brand, Good Pool, Close to Food, Great for Couples, Great for Families & Kids, Free WiFi
Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North - Hilton Brand, Free Parking, Free WiFi, Modest Pool, Close to Food, Great for Families & Kids (Best budget option near Universal Studios)
Hampton Inn Closest to Universal Orlando - Hilton Brand, Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Modest Pool, Close to Food, Great for Families & Kids (budget option)
