just had to vent...

[happymommy]

I was on Interval International's website this morning, and I saw a "getaway" for our week in March (we're booked at the BWV now through Disney) for a two bedroom at Marriott's Grande Vista for less than $400 for the whole week. I should have just booked it, but went to show it to DH. He said can't it wait? I said no, we need to decide as it'll be gone soon. Well, after looking at some reviews and pictures he said fine, book it. Fifteen minutes had gone by. It was gone (duh...). I was excited to get the deal (gotta love a deal)...

If it pops back up, at least I know he'll like it, so I'll just book it and cancel the BWV (which was $335 a night plus tax for a one bedroom).

Just wanted to vent. Darn!

 

[happymommy]

Never mind! I went back and there it was! I think some one else was thinking about booking it, then changed their mind.

Woo hoo! Our first offsite trip since DH and I first went before we got married. With two kids, I'd rather have the space of a two bedroom condo this time, plus we've stayed at Disney so many times.

Grande Vista sounds nice! Plus it was about what we were paying for one night and we got a whole week!

 

[HeatherC]

Congratulations! You will LOVE the Grande Vista. Beautiful resort and easy commute to all the parks.

Have a great trip!

 

[L107ANGEL]

Can I ask where you found this deal?

 

[Detailor]

I agree with HeatherC, Grande Vista is a tremendous resort. Go out to http://timeshares.marriott-vacations.com/ownership/resorts/marriott-grande-vista/overview.html to see all that this resort has to offer.

Dick Taylor

 

[Detailor]

Can I ask where you found this deal?

Marriott's Grande Vista resort is a timeshare resort that exchanges through Interval International. "Getaways" are offered to members of II at significantly reduced rates in order for timeshare companies to recoup some cost of inventory that they own (as opposed to timeshare owners' exchanges that are available to other II members who exchange their week/points for a week at a timeshare location - and there are lots of them in the Disney/Orlando area).

The short of it is... if you, or someone you know, is a timeshare owner who exchanges through Interval International then Getaways can be found through the II website.

Dick Taylor

 

[happymommy]

Dick Taylor is right. Plus, if you have a friend or family that finds a good getaway, they can book it for you and put it in your name (I think it's about $30 or so extra). This was our first getaway! They're usually best about 6 weeks out or less I think.

 

[dd50]

Congrats! What a great deal you got.

 

[crazydaisy00]

Hello I am also an ii member just wondering if you have used any of their getaways to Las Vegas or know anyone who has? Looking to taking a no kids trip and trying to find somewhere with a casino and entertainment. Any ideas or opinions? Marriotts Grande Vista looks nice, I have also read that Sheraton Vistana Resort is very nice and close to Disney and they have someone who will set up dining for Disney in the lobby.

 

[littlestar]

Dick Taylor is right. Plus, if you have a friend or family that finds a good getaway, they can book it for you and put it in your name (I think it's about $30 or so extra). This was our first getaway! They're usually best about 6 weeks out or less I think.

Great - I'm so glad you got it! You're basically staying a week for the price of one night at BWV! About a week before check-in we always call the resort and request an area. We're staying in Grande Vista in a 3 bedroom in March (after we check out of SSR Treehouse villas) and I'm going to ask for close to the Copa Loca pool at Grande Vista.

The Getaways with II are usually priced pretty good at about 3 to 4 months out for Orlando - but the prices bounce around a little bit. Usually, I'll book one and two weeks later it will drop $50.00 bucks. But, hey, they are priced so great to begin with that I can't complain.

 

[happymommy]

No, I haven't done any other getaways before with them. I've been tempted, but never been able to mix my dates with anything available. I have to say, after staying at our resort (Marriott's Ko Olina) I really love condos with the kids rather than a hotel room (even though we've stayed at really nice hotels before). It feels so relaxed to fix a quick breakfast in the room, tidy up, then go out, toss our clothes in the washer that night, etc...

I was mostly looking at Marriott ones, for two reasons: my DH is platinum with them due to his travel for work the last couple of years, so we want to get him the nights credited. Also, I really trust Marriott! The Sheraton Vistana does also look really nice as well. I just wanted to get the added 7 nights credit for DH (I just have to wait until Marriott gets the reservation in their system then link it with his account).

I think there is a nice Marriott in Las Vegas, too. I've never been, so can't help with that.

I plan on seeing about this summer as well, for another getaway (or trade, as we've got a deposit of our studio from last summer still with II). We have to work around the kids' breaks mostly.

I have a friend who got a bonus accommodation certificate through II and got a 2 bedroom at the Four Seasons in Phoenix! For about $199 I think for the week. Now, it was August, but they said it was incredible.

Definitely I am looking forward to trying offsite, and maybe Sea World this trip too if the kids want.

 

[swilshire]

Let us know if you get the nights credit for Marriott rewards. I didn't think you would on an Interval getaway.

Sheila

 

[happymommy]

I just called Marriott and linked our reservation to my DH's Marriott Rewards number, so we will get the nights credit (I understand it's best to charge something, even small, to the room to ensure you get the credit for the nights). We did get credited for our timeshare stay in Hawaii last summer, and from what I've seen on other message boards you do get the credit.

I think from the map layout, I'll request a similar location to littlestar - building 77 or 78 - due to them being newer, and if we grill it would be nice to be near the gas grills (I don't do charcoal, too lazy!).