Best on-site hotel value?

[Soupermom]

I was just wondering...which hotel do you all think offers the best value for your money? We went in June with a great package at the ASMo. No complaints. I'd like to go again for Thanksgiving week in two years and am trying to plan ahead. I thought I read somewhere that sometimes one All Stars might have better deals than the others...is that true? I'm really only interested in the value or moderate resorts...we'd be too busy playing at the parks to spend much time at the hotel. TIA for any opinions you can share!

 

[4greatboys]

So far the best discounts I have found are AP discounts and the are the same rates for all the values and mods. Though the rates are different once you hit the deluxe resorts. I would just keep watching the resorts board for discount codes but I ahve always seen the values with the same rates and mods as well.

 

[CinderellaIam]

Have you thought about renting DVC points? You can check it out on the DVC Rent/Share board. Based on when you plan on going it could really work out for you. On the DVC board there is a calculator that let's you put in your dates, pick a resort and it tells you how many points you will need. Note that DVC resorts use less points then the regular resorts. Points rent for $9 - $10 per point.

I have done this for an upcoming trip for Christmas, we are staying at OKW 12/19 - 12/23 (to get home just in time to have Christmas with the entire extended family). This 5 day stay required 32 points = $320. When I went on the DW website and requested a quote for this resort for the same dates it came out to $379.10 per night for a total of $1,516.40! Talk about a huge savings.

Just another option for you to look at.

 

[Snoopymom]

Thanks for the info CinderellaIam! I never knew you could rent points at such a good price...why don't we hear more about people doing this? Are there any "catches"? I went to the board and it seems easy enough especially if you're flexible which we are.

Soupermom, I think that without discount codes all of the value resorts are priced the same. I think POFQ is the best value for the money for a moderate if that's what you mean. You'll probably get lots of responses if you post this on the resort board.

 

[CinderellaIam]

Snoopymom, Like everything else you have to do your research. The catch is you have to know how many points you need, and you need to place alot of trust in the person you are renting from as they always have control of your reservation, even though the reservation is made in your name. But, in researching I saw very few negative posts about renting. Just read the tips and information posts at the top of the board, make a good contact and you should be fine. The person I am renting points from has been very helpful and great to deal with.

IMO this is a great deal, I may be paying a bit more than a value resort, but I am getting a deluxe resort and in all honesty, I would not stay at a value. We usually stay at the BC. I have been thinking about buying into DVC and came across the Rent/Trade board and thought it would be a great way to experience DVC, to help me make up my mind, and for such a small amount of money I will be giving my DD a Christmas Gift she will never forget!

 

[crisi]

Personally, I think the best "value" although not the cheapest resorts (excluding renting DVC points, which is often a darn good deal) are the WL and AKL.

The rooms are sized about the same as the moderates, but the resorts amenities are Deluxe. Both are wonderfully themed resorts. WL has great access to MK, and AKL - well, book a Savannah view and you can't get that anywhere else for $250 a night.

But they aren't cheap. I just think they are great values.

POR is often considered a great value in Moderates - very Deluxey for what you get. I haven't stayed there myself, but a lot of people love it.

DVC points - you should be aware of a few things going in. The best value is at DVC resorts. The point schedule can change a lot - CinderellaIam is going at a very inexpensive time of year - don't expect $320 once Christmas hits! Friday and Saturday nights are about twice as expensive. OKW is the cheapest resort to stay at. If planning on short notice, it isn't good - room availability is often nil and the renting takes some time. Oh, and there will be a $12,000 surcharge once you buy in after renting!

 

[CinderellaIam]

Oh, and there will be a $12,000 surcharge once you buy in after renting!

LOL! I know this is exactly what is going to happen. My quick inexpensive trip is going to be the most expensive one ever! I was all for it before I decided to rent the points!

I actually did book pretty short notice...this week, about 60 days out. And yes, I am going at a fairly inexpensive time of year and OKW is the least expensive DVC resort, but you cannot argue the cost savings for what booking a regular reservation for this stay would have cost for the same dates. In looking at various times of year, at various resorts, renting points IMHO is a great value to stay at a Home Away from Home resort.

 

[crisi]

You are pretty lucky to find availablity 60 days out - and an owner willing to work with you. Not really lucky - it often happens - but 60 days out there is occationally no availability - and the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is really tough.

It is a great deal (owning - if you can afford it - an even better deal), but both renting and owning do have catches.

 

[Snoopymom]

Thanks!!! I checked the points and you're right, if you can stay during the week off season, it's possible to stay in a studio at WLV cheaper than a standard room. Just got back and you all got me planning again, LOL!

 

[DizGeek]

I'd have to go with the $49 a night value resorts. Not the plushest hotels in the world but a deal that surely cant be beat.