Hotel Help -- Marriott Grand Vista; Hotwire

[fdelvecchio]

We're heading down October 9-13! Has anyone stayed at Marriott Grand Vista? What's it like? How convenient is it to get to the parks?

Also, any experience with Hotwire? It's showing a $67 rate for a ****Hotel (their rating) in the Lake Buena Vista area. Any experience with what properties that might be?

Thanks for your help!

[hercamore]

Hi,

The Marriott is a newer upscale time share by Seaworld. I have not stayed there, but would love to sometime.

Marriottrewards.com has a rate of about $l26. nitely for their 2 br unit now. Can't remember the expiration date, tho. You need to be a Marriott rewards member to get the rate, but that's easy to sign up for on the website.

Hope someone else knows about the hotwire hotels.

Herc.

[Robinrs]

Hotwire is more of a gamble, IMHO, than Priceline. I have a problem with their star system, doesn't match my or PL's ideas at all.

I would check www.biddingfortravel.com and see what they say about Hotwire.

[DVCindy]

We just spent 3 nights at the Marriott Grande Vista and it was very nice for the money. We had a 2br for AAA rate of $134/nite. The unit was very large, clean and new. We were in one of the newer buildings and close to a quiet pool which was very nice. The main pool loked like fun, but was too far from our unit so we never did get there. We did not go to the parks but went to Boardwalk from there and I would say it was a 8 - 10 min. drive - very easy,too. We found a really nice, brand new Publix about 5 min. away right next to the outlet mall (the Character Wharehouse was excellent !).

We would stay there again. Also try looking at the Marriott Vacation Club website to see if there are any promotional rates for your dates. Any other questions, just ask !

Cindy

[ErinH1]

We spent 7 nights at the Grande Vista in June and LOVED it! It's a timeshare/condo resort, so I doubt it would come up on Hotwire. I rented a 1 bdrm directly from the owner and paid $400 for the week. I loved having the fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, screened-in balcony with ceiling fan, jacuzzi tub, and very nicely furnished. We were also by one of the quieter pools, on the top floor, which is exactly what I had requested. Parking is very close to your building. Kids ordered from Pizza Hut a couple of times and there's a small store with deli. Also a big lake with paddle boats. Beautfiul drive down the tropically landscaped road to the front gates. Oh yes, and a nice golf course (we don't golf). If you rent from a hotel reservation site, I believe you get daily maid service; since we got it from the timeshare owner, we did not.

[travelcoupons]

I personally think Hotwire is less of a gamble than Priceline...you can sometimes narrow what hotel you will be getting down to 1 or 2 just based on the amenities they list. You don't get that luxury with Priceline.
One thing you have to realize is, that generally Hotwire rates hotels a little higher than what they will be rated on Priceline. (I.E.-you'll often pay a little more on Hotwire).
I have gotten the Marriott Orlando Airport off Hotwire which they rated as a 4 star. Priceline rates this same hotel as a 3 star.