AAA ratings of DVC resorts....?

[Dean]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
Dean, I know you and I have gone around on this before, but I still don't understand why BWI/BWV would be considered "more deluxe" than some others. There is not a restaurant on-site at BWV/BWI. I realize there are some in the area, but so what? Would a Hilton or Marriott get that high of a rating without an on-site restaurant or would they just point to upper-scale places across the street? Or Perhaps the one down the road? I believe BWI/BWV are fantastic accommodations, but I would just like the amenitie reasoning to applied evenly across the board. I know if there was not an on-site restaurant at VWL/WL that would be ammo for the nay sayers to say it is "less deluxe".

The Boardwalk is part of the resort just like the shared areas at YC/BC are for those resorts. The BW has 2 restaraunts, 2 pubs/sports bars with food, a pizza to go area and a bakery plus the other bars, lounges and dance hall. It's more than than the restaurants but the location, room sizes, room amenities and the like. If you want to look at it otherwise, that is your prerogative and I'll be willing to look at any rating system that rates all of the resorts in question including Mobile, AAA, TUG, Unofficial guide, WDW (rated by price charged) or any similar. the unofficial guide is likely the best source of the above. I don't think anything that pulls just a couple of resorts out and picks them in a specialty category would qualify to me so that would leave out things like the Travel Channel top 10's and Conde Naste from what I've seen because they rate them in a specific category like best themed, best for families or the like.

I've seen plenty of people willing to argue with my evaluation but don't recall anyone willing to put forth their overall evaluation of the resorts as a group. remember that I specified the overall resort, non DVC members and the overall amenties even if some of the items don't apply to one person and this includes the convention centers as a plus, not a minus. We could have a different evaluation of the DVC resorts or portions thereof. In that situation I'd put BWV slightly ahead of BCV which would be slightly ahead of VWL with OKW being last from a deluxe standpoint but my personal choice for family use Even if VWL were dead even with the others, that ugly black and white chair takes away 2 points, LOL. . Remember the differences are very small though I feel enough to warant a distinction, they are all great resorts though.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I do not look at The Boardwalk entertainment area as part of the BWI/BWV, nor do I look at The Yatchsman Steakhouse to be part of BCV. Heck, some of the stuff on Boardwalk is not even Disney owned. Though I respect your opinion on this, we will have to agree to disagree.
I also do not agree that Disney considers VWL/WL "less deluxe". I believe Disney charges more for BWI/BWV and BC/BCV because more folks like the location better and are willing to pay more.

 

[PamOKW]

The rating elements I brought up related to the Mobil rating system, not AAA. I agree that advertising dollars probably influence AAA ratings. Many times I've looked up places in AAA guidebooks and found some of the best hotels and restaurants in the area were not even listed at all.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
I do not look at The Boardwalk entertainment area as part of the BWI/BWV, nor do I look at The Yatchsman Steakhouse to be part of BCV. Heck, some of the stuff on Boardwalk is not even Disney owned. Though I respect your opinion on this, we will have to agree to disagree.
I also do not agree that Disney considers VWL/WL "less deluxe". I believe Disney charges more for BWI/BWV and BC/BCV because more folks like the location better and are willing to pay more.

Then we have no common basis to discuss the issue.

 

[Califgirl]

As an employee of a AAA rated 5 diamond resort, I can tell you that the AAA inspections are completely objective. Things are either there, or not : such as on site restaurants, work out facilities and amenities in the locker rooms and such.
The guest rooms are graded with a check list, if things are done a certain way they get a check, if not they are marked down. If there is any dirt, or the room is not prepared properly according to a standard criteria sheet, you are marked down.
The staff is a large part of the criteria, and as far as I know, AAA tapes all conversations and transcribes them ver batim for their report. The phone must be answered within four rings. The guest's name must be used at every opportunity. The guest must be greeted with a smile and a "good morning" (or appropriate greeting) within 10 feet of meeting an employee, or within 5- 30 seconds of being at a desk. There are lots of details like this, and each department has it's own set of core standards.

Trust me AAA ratings are a big deal and they are not given out lightly or subjectively. We even have a company that comes in twice a year to check our standards, so that we are prepared for AAA and can make any changes that we might need to. (Plus, by doing these extra checks, this keeps the quality high for our guests, too.)

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maria, as someone else said, the resorts do not fit well into a 1-5* or diamond rating system. I'm going to answer your question at the risk of another "my resort is better" interchange. If one gives GF a 4*, I think it's fair to call OKW a 3*.

Dean, I appreciate your insight and the time you took to break down the reasons for your own personal ratings of the WDW resorts (DVC and non). I found them interesting and can say I saw your point in many cases, but lost it in others. I'm getting the feeling that OKW rates below just about every other WDW resort (besides the moderates/budgets) on your list based mainly on the look of the lobby and perhaps some other incidental extras ? Also, I'm thinking the layout of this resort plays a part in your ratings ? OKW is the only "un-hotel-like" of the hotels that are ranked higher on your list ? I'm just trying to get a feel of whether I'm on your same wavelength here. Because OKW has an on-site, full service restaurant, a full-service bar, a snack bar and also a place where you can get food-to-go. So I'm suspecting, one of the main reasons OKW gets the 3* from you is because of the resort layout in general (ie no grandiose-themed lobby and more of a "village feel" vs hotel feel ?). Would you agree with this ? Thanks again for your summary.

I've seen plenty of people willing to argue with my evaluation but don't recall anyone willing to put forth their overall evaluation of the resorts as a group.

I don't think I've been as eloquent as you in getting my thoughts across, but I've given it a try

Trust me AAA ratings are a big deal and they are not given out lightly or subjectively.

Califgirl, thanks also for your explanation of how AAA assigns it's ratings, but I'm not certain I can agree with your above statement or some of the AAA standards you mentioned. I can tell you I've stayed in some dumps with 3* AAA ratings....so I'm not sure I'm on the same page with you here. I've stayed in some AAA (recommended) duds up and down I-95, so I can honestly say I feel some of those ratings have been given out very lightly ! And to go back to the original post in this thread, in regards to the off-site Hampton getting a higher rating than OKW or Vero (I can't recall exactly)---I'll just never see this ? Overall, I feel that the AAA ratings are a decent standard for travelers to go by---but by no means are they always on-the-money with their evaluations imho.

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62


Califgirl, thanks also for your explanation of how AAA assigns it's ratings, but I'm not certain I can agree with your above statement or some of the AAA standards you mentioned. I can tell you I've stayed in some dumps with 3* AAA ratings....... Overall, I feel that the AAA ratings are a decent standard for travelers to go by---but by no means are they always on-the-money with their evaluations imho.

I agree. My absolute worst motel experience was last year at a AAA "3-diamond" Best Western. It was old, filthy, horrible customer service, noisy to the point that we were miserably sleepy the following day, the "deluxe breakfast" in the "lounge" (aka ratty room with beat up tables and chairs) consisted of coffee, out-of-date milk, a jar of jelly and (I KID YOU NOT!) a loaf of generic bread by a toaster.

I don't find it possible that it was actually evaluated by AAA in recent history, as there seemed to be no part of the facility which was not seriously deficient.

As far as Old Key West, in my opinion it would get as high a rating as any of the DVC resorts. It impresses new people more than BCV and BWV in my experience. Those luxuriously large rooms, beautiful views, prompt, direct transportation, Olivia's, exercise facilty, community hall, etc. are fantastic!

 

[Dean]

Maria there is no doubt that any rating system is subjective to a point Even the criteria selected in an "objective" evaluation are arbitrary. to understand my thoughts you need to separate out individual preferences in favor of the thoughts of the masses. The only reason I'd give OKW a 3 star is that I feel from a luxury standpont it's a little behind the other DVC resorts. I personally prefer OKW. I like the open feel, relaxed atmosphere, convenient parking, larger rooms. The lack of a themed pool, difficulty getting around without a car, lobby area, and lack of room service are just some of the issues that would hurt OKW in any rating system. Personally none of these are important to me but we're not really talking my preferences here. I would think OKW would be the easiest to argue with me on. At WDW location is a large part of the issue. It's just like any real estate, LOCATION. Many have their favorites but that's not really what we're talking about here.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The only reason I'd give OKW a 3 star is that I feel from a luxury standpont it's a little behind the other DVC resorts.

Well, I suppose I'd have to agree somewhat here. This is why my husband likes it here---he feels the other DVC resorts are a little more "stuffy" for him ? Don't misunderstand.....we both love all the DVC resorts for various reasons, but really appreciate the more laid-back, relaxed feel of OKW. So, I suppose the lazy, sunny afternoon charm of OKW's theming is why it loses points in the luxury department. But I feel it's "luxury" is just a bit more tastefully understated than the other resorts.

My absolute worst motel experience was last year at a AAA "3-diamond" Best Western. It was old, filthy, horrible customer service, noisy to the point that we were miserably sleepy the following day, the "deluxe breakfast" in the "lounge" (aka ratty room with beat up tables and chairs)

Just to add to this horrible experience Fred, with one of my own AAA rated nightmares, was a place we stayed just off I-95 in North Carolina last year. It was called The Royal Crown (or something like that....I think my horrendous experience has blocked most of my recollection to save me any further pain <g>). But let's just say, this stay was during the month of November. We checked in very late at night only to find a green, rotting cesspool of a swimming pool with the motel rooms surrounding it (as if some centerpiece of the motel ?). The stench was so horrible and traveled into the rooms a bit. We spent as little time as necessary here (I refused to even set foot in the shower !) and high-tailed it out of there at the crack of dawn. This was a AAA rated motel believe it or not. If anyone encounters this motel while driving thru NC on the I-95 corridor, drive as fast as you can away from this place and don't look back.........

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
Well, I suppose I'd have to agree somewhat here. This is why my husband likes it here---he feels the other DVC resorts are a little more "stuffy" for him ? Don't misunderstand.....we both love all the DVC resorts for various reasons, but really appreciate the more laid-back, relaxed feel of OKW. So, I suppose the lazy, sunny afternoon charm of OKW's theming is why it loses points in the luxury department. But I feel it's "luxury" is just a bit more tastefully understated than the other resorts.

Maria, the word I use for how your husband seems to view some of the other DVC properties (again, all of which I like VERY much!) is pretentious. It looks absurd to see Joe and Jane Smith, with all the little Smiths, wearing swimsuits and dripping through the marble, frou frou, main lobby of the Beach Club, for instance. If you're a big room service/valet parking fan then okey dokey, then you may not be happy at OKW. Since I hate turning my car over to someone else and have rarely used room service EVER, these are non-issues. In my visits there I have had zero problems with transportation, so I have yet to get any "location" arguments unless you are only planning to go to Epcot. (I like both BCV and BWV for their access to Epcot, but it takes longer to get anywhere else from those two resorts so I consider it a wash overall.)

If a rating system is weighted heavily toward the "old fashioned" sort of "I want the feelings of servants waiting on me" instead of a more natural "Give me beautiful surroundings with a fun theme and access to a wide choice of activities and meals" then OKW probably would not rate as highly. But the logic of attributing a significant weight to room service in a family-oriented resort with units with kitchens? And to most Americans who go into withdrawal if their cars aren't at their immediate disposal and who hate to fork over money to get their own vehicle valet parking is a con, not a pro, when compared to at-your-door parking.

I think some of the rating systems need to come into Disney's 21st century. Also, my horrendous experience at the motel also involved a very late night arrival, and a packed town due to a football game so we had little choice other than to try to tough it out. It is just odd how many 3 diamond motels I have stayed at with such a HUGE variation in level of cleanliness, amenities and service. Doesn't give one a lot of faith in those ratings once you've been burned.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maria, the word I use for how your husband seems to view some of the other DVC properties (again, all of which I like VERY much!) is pretentious. It looks absurd to see Joe and Jane Smith, with all the little Smiths, wearing swimsuits and dripping through the marble, frou frou, main lobby of the Beach Club, for instance. If you're a big room service/valet parking fan then okey dokey, then you may not be happy at OKW.

Yikes, Fred....not sure how you got that my husband is pretentious out of my post.
He's 180 degrees the opposite ! He likes OKW a little more over the other DVC resorts (though we both love them all) because it's a slightly more relaxed atmoshere. He actually prefers being able to park the car himself etc. We have nothing against any of the DVC resorts.....it's just we had to make a decision on a home resort (wish we didn't have to choose actually !) and OKW won us over ? I only agreed with Dean in that OKW might not be as luxurious as, say the BW ? Sorry if you got that my dh is pretentious from this ?

 

[poj7]

This is silly. Lighten up, Fred.

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
Yikes, Fred....not sure how you got that my husband is pretentious out of my post.
He's 180 degrees the opposite ! He likes OKW a little more over the other DVC resorts (though we both love them all) because it's a slightly more relaxed atmoshere. He actually prefers being able to park the car himself etc. We have nothing against any of the DVC resorts.....it's just we had to make a decision on a home resort (wish we didn't have to choose actually !) and OKW won us over ? I only agreed with Dean in that OKW might not be as luxurious as, say the BW ? Sorry if you got that my dh is pretentious from this ?

Nononono! I was saying that another word for his description of the other resorts (I think he called them stuffy) was pretentious. I thought my further reference to the inappropriateness of trying to be all fancy schmancy when you are dealing with families, to include dripping swimsuits through the marble lobbies, restricted automobile access, rare use of room service and so forth indicated that I agreed with my understanding of his feelings, as I was agreeing that the RESORTS are somewhat pretentious (my version of "stuffy"), not your husband. Sorry if my wording was awkward/confusing, MiaSRN.

 

[HorizonsFan]

I do not look at The Boardwalk entertainment area as part of the BWI/BWV.

Well, IMO the Boardwalk Inn and Boardwalk Villas would look pretty silly without a Boardwalk. Of course the Boardwalk is part of the resort.

nor do I look at The Yatchsman Steakhouse to be part of BCV.

Then why can I order food from there and have it delivered to my BCV room? Why is the phone number for room service the same at both the Yacht and Beach Club?

Heck, some of the stuff on Boardwalk is not even Disney owned.

Starwood owns neither Palios nor Schula's Steak House and yet they are both listed as amenities at the Swan and Dolphin.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Nononono! I was saying that another word for his description of the other resorts (I think he called them stuffy) was pretentious. I thought my further reference to the inappropriateness of trying to be all fancy schmancy when you are dealing with families, to include dripping swimsuits through the marble lobbies, restricted automobile access, rare use of room service and so forth indicated that I agreed with my understanding of his feelings,

Hi Fred.....
Just got home....let me premice with the fact that I was reading the boards from work (that'll teach me to stick to my work !)
I THOUGHT there were some contradicting statements.....lol.
Ok....now it all makes sense ! I think I was reading too fast. Thanks for the clarification Fred

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Califgirl
As an employee of a AAA rated 5 diamond resort, I can tell you that the AAA inspections are completely objective. Things are either there, or not : such as on site restaurants, work out facilities and amenities in the locker rooms and such.
The guest rooms are graded with a check list, if things are done a certain way they get a check, if not they are marked down. If there is any dirt, or the room is not prepared properly according to a standard criteria sheet, you are marked down.
The staff is a large part of the criteria, and as far as I know, AAA tapes all conversations and transcribes them ver batim for their report. The phone must be answered within four rings. The guest's name must be used at every opportunity. The guest must be greeted with a smile and a "good morning" (or appropriate greeting) within 10 feet of meeting an employee, or within 5- 30 seconds of being at a desk. There are lots of details like this, and each department has it's own set of core standards.

Trust me AAA ratings are a big deal and they are not given out lightly or subjectively. We even have a company that comes in twice a year to check our standards, so that we are prepared for AAA and can make any changes that we might need to. (Plus, by doing these extra checks, this keeps the quality high for our guests, too.)

I do believe you and I also believe based on many visits to Disney resorts some would not score any better than a 3*. AAA ratings have nothing to do with the size of the resort, but more to do with fitting a certain criteria set forth by the Club. Believe me I have been to many Hampton Inns that were cleaner than some Disney resort rooms and I have certainly had better service.

Disney is so large that at times their service and cleaniness can be very inconsistent. I love the place as much as anyone, but all it would take is a search on the resort board to back my claims.

I have checked into very expensive Disney rooms to find the underside of the bedspread covered in mold. The maid just ignored it. The pillowcases were also covered in mold. I have had rooms with bugs. I also have completely checked in and during the entire process never got a greeting or smile from the desk clerk. Some one recently posted on the Resort Board that while staying at Yacht and Beach they asked guest services for a restaurant recommendation and the CM replied I don't know any. Believe me these type of problems will not get you a 4 or 5 star rating.

Disney resorts will never be able to compete with a hotel like the Ritz Carlton and therefore will continue to get the ratings it gets.

 

[rtkane]

Here's my view. As long as you're happy with the accomodations, who cares what AAA says about it? I love VWL and really like OKW (the two that I've stayed at). Whether or not they have 3 or 4 stars/diamonds is irrelevant. Sure I understand the desire to have our properties rated as highly as possible, but when you think about it, does it change YOUR perception of the resort? There will be people that will be convinced that this resort is better than the other, etc., but what matters is how I feel about it and how my family feels while we're there. That's what's important--I'm going to make darn sure that when I'm there, an extra diamond isn't going to spoil my vacation!!!

 

[erikthewise]

The AAA rating system is flawed in that the 3-diamond rating is horribly compressed. To attain a 4-diamond rating a hotel must provide superior accommodations and facilities in a number of ways, yet to sink to a 2-diamond rating a hotel must be substandard in nearly every way. So the majority of places fall into the 3-diamond category simply through lack of overwhelming superiority or inferiority. The system therefore fails to make any distinctions except among the upper 10% and lower 20% or so, while everything else in the middle is "the same". This is not as useful as it could be to AAA members.