We are considering a trip to WDW in January with two teenagers. Which of the following Disney resort hotels would appeal most to our 17 year olds? the Riverside, the French Quarters or the Carribean?
Any other suggestions or input appreciated!

I've not stayed at any of these hotels. It seems like the Caribbean had lots to do but was away from everything though.

If you can afford it, I'd look into the Yacht or Beach Club. Because of their location on the Boardwalk, your kids can easily walk around there, rent surrey bikes and more. Plus, they have a wonderful pool.

My other recommendations would be a Fort Wilderness cabin. You can rent bikes, boats or golf carts there and there are plenty of places to roam and things to do.

Pop Century or one of the other value resorts might be fun too.

Last time, I stayed at the Hotel Plaza Boulevard - within walking distance of Downtown Disney, but not a Disney hotel. It was only $79 a night though.

In January, pools are not the most important feature. You may not be able to use it all. The Caribbean would have the largest of the pools.
I have stayed at the Port Orleans (NewOrleans theme)several years ago and it was very nice. They have a boat to downtown disney. They also have a food court on property. I found it convenient to the parks.
The most convenient would be to stay right on the monorail or boat system. You didn't say how old your teens are. If they are older, than a hotel with the monorail system would be the most convenient. If they are younger teens, they would be happy in any of the hotels.

I've stayed at the Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Yacht Club, and some others as well as a huge Marriot Resort Villa that I won at a school raffle. (That one I had my own pool, shuffle board court, 3 bedrooms but needed a ton of tipping $$$ just to get the ride out.)

If at all possible stay behind EPCOT with teens. There are 100s of reasons why- and especially they will be closer to the best people places at night. I don't know what you mean by Riverside? But Caribbean B. & Port Orleans are both nearly identical with different motifs and each has great bus service (close in, free, often) compared to some other Disney places. But they are distant and the ride times all add up.

If I ever go with my own Grandchildren as teen-agers, we will definitely place ourselves behind EPCOT and on the Broadwalk, near Restaurant row and a walk or a short boat ride to nearly everything, including Downtown Disney and the Island. (Yacht Club, Beach C. etc.- I think Disney Institute is something else now, but behind EPCOT.)

Long answer, but the few extra bucks in this choice is worth hours of commute time.

Have you been on allearsnet.com? Look at the pictures and decide for yourself.

Universal's Islands of Adventure has more thrill rides geared to teens and adults so be sure to go there for a day too while in town. There are two hotels on Universal grounds you might want to consider as well.