Because we are local to Orlando, staying at a hotel is not typically part of our Disney trips. However, sometimes you just need a “staycation” and we found an all-encompassing, budget-friendly option – The Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista!
This post was written by Tate Hollis. Her review is based on an experience, occurring October 7, 2020, with COVID-19 precautions in place. Entertainment and hotel offerings are subject to change
Overview
The Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista (formerly the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista) is an official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel located less than 2 miles from Disney property. The hotel has two restaurants (currently closed due to COVID-19), a gift shop with grab-and-go coolers, two pools, a splash pad, an arcade, and a business center.
Resort Map
Arrival and Check-In
When we arrived at the hotel, the security guard checked our reservation information at the gate. Once he had confirmed we were staying on property, he checked our temperature and gave us wristbands to wear while we were onsite. The wristbands were required to communicate our fever-free status.
We were directed to the hotel lobby to check in, where another security guard greeted us. He had a table of masks, gloves, wristbands, and a thermometer to ensure everyone entering the building was safe. Upon entering the lobby it was very apparent that most of the hotel had not reopened yet due to COVID-19. Both restaurants, the main check-in area, the business center, and the Disney ticket counter were all closed. The arcade, however, was still open for guest enjoyment.
Pandemic Vacations: Staying at a Disney Resort
The check-in desk had been combined with the cash register for the gift shop in the middle of the lobby but the process was very smooth. There was plenty of safety signage in the lobby as well as a whole rack of masks and sanitizer for sale. During check-in, we were informed that the hotel had just reopened at the beginning of October and they were only booking up to 25% capacity by only utilizing one of their four buildings. We had requested a room that had been vacant for 48 hours and they informed us this would not be an issue. We were also given a map and more COVID-19 information before leaving the lobby.
Closed Restaurant 
Closed Ticket Counter 
COVID Safety signage in Lobby 
Gusest Closure Information 
Open Arcade! 
Gift Shop with Grab and Go Coolers
The Room
Our room was just around the corner from the lobby in building three. While parking our car and taking our bags to the room we noticed there were very few cars in the parking lot. This was reassuring to us because we knew social distancing wouldn’t be difficult. Our room was on the second floor facing the parking lot. Other rooms face the Interstate, which is always busy and loud.
The room we booked was a standard 2 queen bed room. The room had a full bathroom with a bathtub, television, a mini fridge, and a microwave. There was also a large armoire with a full length mirror, a desk with a chair, and an armchair in the corner. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap were provided by the hotel but we used our own toiletries. The tv remote was wrapped in plastic to indicate it had been sanitized. The room itself was very clean, the only thing we did not enjoy was the carpeted floors.
Hotel Amenities
Of course, the most anticipated amenity of the trip was the pool and splash pad. Neither one disappointed, and it was even better as we were the only ones at the pool during the hour we spent there. The splash pad- Ozzie’s Splash Zone- was completely wheelchair accessible and had a handful of spray nozzles and water buckets. The pool ranged from 3-6 feet deep and had two entrances with steps. An automated chair lift was available at the pool as well. Something we noticed on the pool deck is the lack of social distancing between the pool chairs. This wasn’t a concern for us as we were alone but could potentially cause an issue if the pool is busy.
The hotel also had vending machines on every floor as well as bathrooms on the first floor of the building near the elevators (closest to the pool). The laundry room was located on the third floor and had several machines. The elevators had COVID-19 safety information as well as hand sanitizer inside. Because Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is a pet friendly hotel, there is a pet relief area behind Building 3 as well as a smoking section with a fountain.
Elevator Hand Sanitizer 
Smoking Area
Overall Thoughts
While our hotel stay was only one night, we do think we got a good feel for the resort as a whole. Because the hotel was running a reopening special when we booked, our room was very reasonably priced and we felt we were getting a good deal even though we live locally and could have stayed at home. For a family traveling on vacation, there might be a few more things to consider.
Pros:
- Hotel was only booking 25% capacity so there was plenty of parking, a pool to ourselves, and little to no noise from other guests
- The room rate was cheaper than most hotels in the area
- We were very close to Disney property and the surrounding restaurants
- Room was clean and housekeeping only enters upon request or every 4 days
Cons:
- Restaurants inside the hotel were closed, only grab-and-go options available at hotel
- Disney ticket counter and shuttle bus to the parks not operating
- Outdoor playground closed
- Not a Disney owned hotel so no extra perks such as package pick-up from the parks, Extra Magic Hours, magic bands, etc.
That was our stay at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista! If you’ve stayed there before or are hoping to stay in the future, let us know in the comments below!
