Hilton Buena Vista Palace

Question

The lazy river here looks tempting, but the room reviews are really negative. Are the Island suites worth the extra cost? Is the lazy river worth it? Thanks!

Answer

Great question. You’re asking about two big considerations: (1) whether the lazy river / pool area at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is “worth it” and (2) whether upgrading to their Island Suites makes sense given some room-review concerns. Here’s a breakdown based on what recent and past guests actually say, plus my thoughts on value.

1. How Good Is the Lazy River (Float Lagoon)?

The resort’s lazy river is one of its biggest draws: it’s about 550 feet long, per the hotel’s pool description, and includes several entry/exit points.
There’s a zero-entry lagoon to access the lazy river, which is shallow and kid-friendly, and there are splash fountains.
There’s also a hot tub / spa near the pool area, giving some variety to the water features.
Longtime guests and family reviewers say they spent *most* of their downtime in the lazy river, indicating it’s very usable and enjoyable.
On the flip side, a few recent Tripadvisor forum posts suggest concerns: one reviewer mentioned seeing “trash and beer cans floating” in the river, which raises some question about upkeep.

Bottom line: The lazy river at the Hilton BVP is a real amenity and one of its standout features. But, like many resort water features, its quality may depend on how well it’s maintained during your stay. If relaxing float time is a key priority, it’s very likely “worth it” — but there’s a small risk of variable upkeep based on guest experiences.

2. Are the Island Suites Worth the Extra Cost?

The “Island Building” or Island Suites are appealing because they put you very close to the pool / lazy river complex, which is convenient if you plan to spend a lot of time at the pool.
However, some reviews are mixed about the suites themselves: one guest on TripAdvisor said their Island Suite felt “dark and dreary,” the sofa bed was uncomfortable, and the bathroom was rusty / slow draining.
There’s also a resort fee (per-night), and depending on how much more you’re paying for the “suite + location,” that may or may not justify the upgrade based on how much pool time vs “just sleeping” time you’ll have.
Some guests report being offered paid upgrades at check-in for a relatively modest daily rate, and they felt the suite was “100% worth it” given the extra space or bathrooms.

Bottom line: The Island Suites could be a good deal if you're valuing convenience to the pool / lazy river and want a more spacious room. But the lower-cost “tower” rooms may feel more modern, and if you’re mainly using the room to sleep, you might get more value by staying in those.

3. Key Risks and Trade-Offs

Some guests mention noise issues: the layout is somewhat “motel-like” in places, and certain rooms face busy areas or courtyard.
Cleanliness and maintenance concerns crop up in reviews: at least one guest described mold or a persistent smell, and others mention less frequent housekeeping / maintenance issues.
Because of that, even a nicer room (suite) won’t *guarantee* a perfect experience if your main goal is to relax by clean, well-maintained water features — some of that depends on daily operations / hotel staffing.

4. My Recommendation

Here’s what I would do if I were in your shoes:

If I was *really looking forward to spending downtime relaxing in and around the pool / lazy river*, I’d lean toward paying for an Island Suite. Being close to the water, having easy access, and possibly more space / bathroom flexibility makes the extra cost more worthwhile.
If my trip was more about hitting the parks (or Disney Springs) and pool time was more of a “nice to have” than a priority, I’d probably stick with a regular tower room and save the money. Use that budget elsewhere — food, transport, or a nicer day session somewhere.
At check-in, I’d ask about availability for upgrades. You might be offered a discounted suite or a “day-of” upgrade, especially if the resort isn’t fully booked.

Conclusion

Yes — the lazy river at Hilton BVP is a very legit resort amenity and one of the big draws. The Island Suites are appealing for proximity and space, but reviews of the rooms are mixed, so it’s not a guaranteed “you’ll love it more just because it’s a suite.” If the pool experience is a big part of your trip and you don’t mind paying a bit more, go for the suite. If not, a standard room still gives you access to everything, and you avoid overpaying for “nice-to-have” perks.

Hope that helps you decide! 😊