Just got a deal from Starwood for Caribe Royale, anyone else get it?

[mookie]

I just got this in the mail today. It's an offer to stay at Caribe Royale for 5 days/4nts, in a one bedroom suite w/ living room, plus a 100.00 "gift" toward area attractions, including WDW. All I have to pay for the whole pkg is 149.00.

I have looked all over the borchure and letter, and I can't find anything about a 90 min presentation meeting, or anything that would suggest we have to "do something" to get the deal.

Anyone else get this, or have had it and done it? It looks worth it to me, like a great deal for a spontaneous and cheap WDW trip. :confused3

[LAS2AMS]

Starwood usually sends out two offers: one requiring the timeshare, one not requiring the timeshare. The latter one is usually $100 more, but if you take the tour you'll get the $100 (or points) so it's a wash. I thought the $149 w/$100CR rate was the one that included the timeshare, but it may not. Are you certain it's at the Caribe Royale and not the Vistana Villages?? If they're not requiring a tour, I couldn't imagine them putting you up at the the Caribe Royale.

[mookie]

Starwood usually sends out two offers: one requiring the timeshare, one not requiring the timeshare. The latter one is usually $100 more, but if you take the tour you'll get the $100 (or points) so it's a wash. I thought the $149 w/$100CR rate was the one that included the timeshare, but it may not. Are you certain it's at the Caribe Royale and not the Vistana Villages?? If they're not requiring a tour, I couldn't imagine them putting you up at the the Caribe Royale.

I just called and the offer is totally legit! They said there is no timeshare presentation or anything...just that we are Starwood Preferred guests and have not stayed at one of their hotels in awhile, and they want us to return. I specifically asked if there was anything we had to do, including sit through a timeshare, and he said there is nothing we have to do. I think we might have also gotten the offer because we stayed at a Sheraton in Sonoma about a year ago and had a terrible experience, and Sheraton was aware of the problems. I'm getting a bit excited, but I also have that "you don't get something for nothing" kind of feeling, too.....

[lovindonald]

I would definitely do this. We stayed at the Caribe in August and LOVED it. The kids had so much fun at the pool and the rooms and hotel were very nice and very clean. I wasn't thrilled about the restaurants in the hotel but there is so much right around there it wasn't a problem and Disney is SO close. It was a perfect choice and I would go back in a heartbeat. I wish I would get one of those offers. Go and enjoy!!:thumbsup2

[tjlamphere]

I did receive the deal for 4 nights' accomodations for $ 149....and it mentions nothing about a timeshare tour. Problem might be that I just reread the offer, and it says you have to respond within 15 days..I think I got this thing about 3 weeks ago...anybody ever responded "late" and got shut out ???

We are going the first two weeks of March, and will need a 2 bedroom timeshare type condo for the second week, Saturday to Saturday. Anybody have any recommendations on a cheap option, something that would run less than $ 700 for the week ?????

I think someone was renting one at the Blue Tree Resort, something over near Cypress Pointe...anyone have any positives or negatives about that place?

Thanks for any answers anyone might have.

[tinkwdw47]

we stayed at caribe in june and we loved it......my granddaughter loved the pool area...it had a slide....very clean rooms...would stay again for sure:thumbsup2

[winniethepoohsmom]

I always throw out those offers because I thought they were all timeshare offers, I'll have to make sure I read the next one before I throw it out. Thanks for posting this :) Linda

[jmpellet]

I got this last year and we are doing it in June. I called and showed a bit of interest then waited. They kept calling and offered me the Vistana Villages - which I took. I couldn't book that far out so I kept calling and got my dates about a month ago. I have stayed at the Carible before and it's very nice but I think I'll enjoy the space at the Villages. And yes, there is no tour required to get the $100 cash back. I asked a number of times and its noted on the ressie "NTR" or no tour required.

[mookie]

I got this last year and we are doing it in June. I called and showed a bit of interest then waited. They kept calling and offered me the Vistana Villages - which I took. I couldn't book that far out so I kept calling and got my dates about a month ago. I have stayed at the Carible before and it's very nice but I think I'll enjoy the space at the Villages. And yes, there is no tour required to get the $100 cash back. I asked a number of times and its noted on the ressie "NTR" or no tour required.

Yep, we did the same thing. I waited on it because I wanted to make sure it was a good deal. Well, they did call a couple of times (and they were very nice, not pushy at all) and we were able to put 1/2 of our money down to reserve the trip. Since we weren't sure of our dates, we have had them extended to May of 2009, and we will be trying to figure out our trip dates for before that time. I asked over and over what the catch was, tour, etc. and there isn't anything, it's just a promotion. She said that because it is part of a timeshare facility, they might ask us if we are interested in a tour, but all we do is decline the tour at check in and thy won't bother you again. You also get your 100.00....no need to do anything.

[kmk160]

We stayed 8/07 and loved it there too.
Can someone explain why when I go to Starwood's site though, Caribe doesn't come up as one of their hotels?
I would love an offer like that...maybe someday!!

Happy New Year to all of you!

[winniethepoohsmom]

We stayed 8/07 and loved it there too.
Can someone explain why when I go to Starwood's site though, Caribe doesn't come up as one of their hotels?
I would love an offer like that...maybe someday!!

Happy New Year to all of you!

I did the same thing and did'nt it there either?

[nisiemouse]

I got this last year and we are doing it in June. I called and showed a bit of interest then waited. They kept calling and offered me the Vistana Villages - which I took. I couldn't book that far out so I kept calling and got my dates about a month ago. I have stayed at the Carible before and it's very nice but I think I'll enjoy the space at the Villages. And yes, there is no tour required to get the $100 cash back. I asked a number of times and its noted on the ressie "NTR" or no tour required.

Did you just ask for Vistana? Did they ask you if you wanted smoking or non-smoking? I realized I forgot to request non-smoking when I called. I just booked a 4 night at Caribe because my brother who has been overseas will be in Orlando in June and I don't have enough DVC points because I am saving them for a December visit. My neighbors did a promotion like this from Starwood at Vistana and they were very pleased. They were asked if they wanted to attend a presentation but just declined and it wasn't an issue.

Does anyone have any comments about the pool at Caribe? I saw a couple of post that said it was not very clean and this was a concern.

[nisiemouse]

[QUOTE=tjlamphere;22272726]I did receive the deal for 4 nights' accomodations for $ 149....and it mentions nothing about a timeshare tour. Problem might be that I just reread the offer, and it says you have to respond within 15 days..I think I got this thing about 3 weeks ago...anybody ever responded "late" and got shut out ???

Ours was well after the 15 days. I believe it was 2 or 3 months ago and I didn't have any trouble getting the offer. I did get an email that it was extended until Dec 31st since they hadn't heard from me.

[jmpellet]

I didn't respond for about 2 months and they still allowed me to take it. When I called I was playing around with dates and they didn't have the Caribe available so they offered the Villages (not to be confused with the Vistana Resort which is older). Once I got the specifics and guarantees (no tour, 2 bedroom, etc -- make sure you always get the person's name AND extension) I went ahead and paid but couldn't book my dates. I kept calling as the dates got closer to six months out and they tried to put me back at the Caribe and I said no way. I love the Caribe but I wanted the space and full kitchen.

BTW, the pool at the Caribe is really nice!

[nisiemouse]

I didn't respond for about 2 months and they still allowed me to take it. When I called I was playing around with dates and they didn't have the Caribe available so they offered the Villages (not to be confused with the Vistana Resort which is older). Once I got the specifics and guarantees (no tour, 2 bedroom, etc -- make sure you always get the person's name AND extension) I went ahead and paid but couldn't book my dates. I kept calling as the dates got closer to six months out and they tried to put me back at the Caribe and I said no way. I love the Caribe but I wanted the space and full kitchen.

BTW, the pool at the Caribe is really nice!

Thanks for the info. Sound like you got a great deal with the 2 bedroom at the Villages. I didn't know the Vistana resort was older. I didn't respond right until 2 or 3 months later but got the email saying they would honor the offer until 12/31. I always get the person's name but didn't think about asking for the extension. Good tip. I will call back after I get the confirmation and request non-smoking. I did confirm the no tour.

Thanks for the reassurance on the pool.:)

[nisiemouse]

I didn't respond for about 2 months and they still allowed me to take it. When I called I was playing around with dates and they didn't have the Caribe available so they offered the Villages (not to be confused with the Vistana Resort which is older). Once I got the specifics and guarantees (no tour, 2 bedroom, etc -- make sure you always get the person's name AND extension) I went ahead and paid but couldn't book my dates. I kept calling as the dates got closer to six months out and they tried to put me back at the Caribe and I said no way. I love the Caribe but I wanted the space and full kitchen.

BTW, the pool at the Caribe is really nice!

Thanks for the info. Sound like you got a great deal with the 2 bedroom at the Villages. I didn't know the Vistana resort was older. I didn't respond right until 2 or 3 months later but got the email saying they would honor the offer until 12/31. I always get the person's name but didn't think about asking for the extension. Good tip. I will call back after I get the confirmation and request non-smoking. I did confirm the no tour.

Thanks for the reassurance on the pool.:)

[nisiemouse]

I didn't respond for about 2 months and they still allowed me to take it. When I called I was playing around with dates and they didn't have the Caribe available so they offered the Villages (not to be confused with the Vistana Resort which is older). Once I got the specifics and guarantees (no tour, 2 bedroom, etc -- make sure you always get the person's name AND extension) I went ahead and paid but couldn't book my dates. I kept calling as the dates got closer to six months out and they tried to put me back at the Caribe and I said no way. I love the Caribe but I wanted the space and full kitchen.

BTW, the pool at the Caribe is really nice!

Thanks for the info. Sound like you got a great deal with the 2 bedroom at the Villages. I didn't know the Vistana resort was older. I didn't respond right until 2 or 3 months later but got the email saying they would honor the offer until 12/31. I always get the person's name but didn't think about asking for the extension. Good tip. I will call back after I get the confirmation and request non-smoking. I did confirm the no tour.

Thanks for the reassurance on the pool.:)

[MouseTriper]

WOw...I want this deal...LOL!!!!

[momx2]

I just got the offer for Vistana in the mail. I just booked it for the end of our stay at WDW. We're staying 7 nights at ASMusic suites and then the 4 nights at Vistana. I'm choosing the 8,000 starwood points over the $100. I'm saving for a big trip to Hawaii hopefully! I hope I didn't make a mistake??? The guy also said no tours or anything. I'm nervous, we have never stayed off property while in Orlando. I think it's gotta be worth $149.

[mookie]

I didn't respond for about 2 months and they still allowed me to take it. When I called I was playing around with dates and they didn't have the Caribe available so they offered the Villages (not to be confused with the Vistana Resort which is older). Once I got the specifics and guarantees (no tour, 2 bedroom, etc -- make sure you always get the person's name AND extension) I went ahead and paid but couldn't book my dates. I kept calling as the dates got closer to six months out and they tried to put me back at the Caribe and I said no way. I love the Caribe but I wanted the space and full kitchen.

BTW, the pool at the Caribe is really nice!

So. do you think the Vistana is better with 2 small kids? Just wondering if I should try to book there instead when I decide on my dates.

I just got the offer for Vistana in the mail. I just booked it for the end of our stay at WDW. We're staying 7 nights at ASMusic suites and then the 4 nights at Vistana. I'm choosing the 8,000 starwood points over the $100. I'm saving for a big trip to Hawaii hopefully! I hope I didn't make a mistake??? The guy also said no tours or anything. I'm nervous, we have never stayed off property while in Orlando. I think it's gotta be worth $149.


I'm a bit nervous about staying off site to, especially with the kids. But it's a cheap trip, so i guess I'll make it work!! :thumbsup2

[jmpellet]

I wanted the villages for the separate bedroom, full kitchen, and washer/dryer in the unit. We are actually do 2 timeshares offers (also Marriott Horizons) plus staying at Nick Hotel (free with points -- I know the reviews can be bad but I know my kids will have a blast), and the Royal Pacific Resort for FOTL passes at Universal. So in all we will be staying 4 places for 13 nights and I want to minimize bring too many clothes so the W/D in unit will be great. I think the Caribe recently remodeled all of their rooms and made them more like suites but I'm not sure how big they are. I really enjoyed my stay in 1999 but that was before kids. I have no problems staying in a single room as we stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter for 10 nights 2 years in a row, but given the opportunity I would like the space.

[nisiemouse]

So. do you think the Vistana is better with 2 small kids? Just wondering if I should try to book there instead when I decide on my dates.




I'm a bit nervous about staying off site to, especially with the kids. But it's a cheap trip, so i guess I'll make it work!! :thumbsup2

It wouldn't hurt to ask for Vistana especially if your dates aren't available at Caribe like the other poster. I never thought of asking for a 2 bedroom. That is one of the main reasons we joined DVC so we could have some space when we visited (as well as a washer and a dryer). I still think it's a good offer though. I know I will miss staying at Disney but this is an extra trip to see my brother who will be in the area so the savings will really help.

[nisiemouse]

I wanted the villages for the separate bedroom, full kitchen, and washer/dryer in the unit. We are actually do 2 timeshares offers (also Marriott Horizons) plus staying at Nick Hotel (free with points -- I know the reviews can be bad but I know my kids will have a blast), and the Royal Pacific Resort for FOTL passes at Universal. So in all we will be staying 4 places for 13 nights and I want to minimize bring too many clothes so the W/D in unit will be great. I think the Caribe recently remodeled all of their rooms and made them more like suites but I'm not sure how big they are. I really enjoyed my stay in 1999 but that was before kids. I have no problems staying in a single room as we stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter for 10 nights 2 years in a row, but given the opportunity I would like the space.

Sounds like a great trip. :thumbsup2

[mookie]

I got this last year and we are doing it in June. I called and showed a bit of interest then waited. They kept calling and offered me the Vistana Villages - which I took. I couldn't book that far out so I kept calling and got my dates about a month ago. I have stayed at the Carible before and it's very nice but I think I'll enjoy the space at the Villages. And yes, there is no tour required to get the $100 cash back. I asked a number of times and its noted on the ressie "NTR" or no tour required.


Hey there,

Just looking through my old thread on this and noticed you had probably taken your trip. Can you post your thoughts? We put the 1/2 down, but haven't firmed up a date. (Actually, I kind of forgot about it, until they called). Just curious to see if there was any hidden agenda. Thanks!

[webray]

Caribe is great...take the offer and enjoy!

[jmpellet]

Regarding the Vistana Villages, our stay was wonderful. I checked in like a normal hotel. I had to go see someone for the $100 and she claimed I had to come back in the morning to get the voucher for the $100 and they had to "print" them (I figured I would never see it). She said I could get $200 to attend the presentation but I declined. I think she told me to come back in the morning so she could get another shot at me. Returned the next day, got the $ within 5 minutes and was on my way. They never called my room to bug me. The villas are nice and I think they were better than the ones we stayed at later in the trip at Marriott Horizons (where we did have to do the presentation). The grounds are really well-kept and the pool was nice -- no slide though.

Onto Horizons -- They are pretty low-pressure but you have to be firm. These are seasoned salespeople! We were out in one hour as he knew from the start he didn't have a sale.

We have stayed at the Caribe (back in 1999) and its really nice. Having the extra space was really nice though. Even the Nick Hotel felt really small after staying at Vistana Villages.

I'm pretty frugal and this was a low budget trip although it was long!
Vistana Villages $210 ($269 - $100 cash + $50 in FL taxes)
Horizons $199 - 4 nights
Fairfield Inn in Tampa $0 - 2 nights free as we have the cc (for the Boston/Tampa game and clearwater beach)
Nick Hotel $0 - 3 nights free from priority club points from ages ago
Car rental $240 including taxes - got a full size on priceline
Flights $0 - achieved companion pass status through cc offers! Had to pay annual fees of about $200 but this will yield us a total of 5 trips to Orlando in the coming year!
Biggest expense - tickets $2750. We decided to buy platinum tickets to Busch Gardens Williamsburg ($250 for 2 years) as we will use them many times this and next year with so many trips planned. We also bought premier passes to Universal (pricey $279 for 1 year) but we got fotl after 4 pm, free valet, and will get to go to Halloween Horror Nights free. Had we not had the free flights we wouldn't have bought these passes.