Can someone describe the ammenities at Marriott Grand Vista?

[kalamazoo]

What is the gameroom like. Is there a good variety of games for all ages?

Are the villas all roughly the same distance to the pool?

What is the kiddie area of the pool like? Is it completely seperate from the rest of the pool or is there a section that starts off very shallow and then goes deep?

Is there good food available within the resort- like decent sandwiches?

Is there a good playground? Please describe if possible.

Thanks so much to anyone who is able to help.

 

[Lisa P.]

We didn't visit the gameroom but have read that people's kids of all ages have enjoyed it. Apparently, it has an indoor ball pit and climbing structure for the kids as well as electronic games.

Here is the website for Marriott Grand Vista. The "photo gallery" includes an "aerial view" of the resort, which shows the two pool areas. Most of the villas are in buildings overlooking the golf course. All are within walking distance of a pool but some are further than others. Bldg 81 is next to the main pool and recreation area. Bldgs 97 & 98 are closest to the 2nd pool area. The 3rd section is reportedly due to open in June with a new pool area.

We didn't see the 2nd pool area. The main pool area has a separate kiddie pool, surrounded by low fencing with a few lounge chairs in there. The regular pool has a shallow fountain area that you can see in the website photos as well as an adult lap pool.

The Marketplace is a deli-mart. Didn't eat there.

The playground I remember our kids trying was in the sandy area along the little lake. It was a midsize climbing playground with a small slide. Our kids were about 9-11 yrs old and they liked it okay. It's been a few years now. I tought it was a nice place and would definitely stay there again, especially in a 1BR or larger. The studios are smallish. HTH.

 

[kalamazoo]

Thanks for the help. It is nice to get info by word-of-mouth. Web-sites can be so misleading sometimes.

 

[uksaint]

Just to add to what Lisa P has said......

The Marketplace offers pizza's and sandwiches. Pizzas are ordered in from the Pizza Hut round the corner and usually take 20 - 30 minutes. There is a small selection of sandwiches either ready made or can be prepared to order. We thought it was fine if you just wanted a light bite.

The is a restaurant at the Nick Faldo golf institute, a couple of minutes walk from main reception. (I can't remember the name of it). We had lunch there on a couple of days and it was excellent - reasonably priced and they catered well for our two year old. I heard it could be a little more formal in the evenings, but that the breakfasts were good also. I think this restaurant will also prepare food to go.

The game-room has a pool table and air-hockey, plus a selection of video games, although not very recent ones. Kept me amused for a couple of hours.

The indoor play area is great for toddlers up to probably about 5 year olds - beyond that and they will probably be bored. We didn't visit the outdoor play area.

HTH,
Andy

 

[kalamazoo]

Thanks uksaint, that helps a lot.

 

[kkleiner]

The gameroom is small, with about 8 video games and 2 air hockey tables,
but well kept and clean.

Each 2 villas (from what I remember) have their own smaller pool, with
a jacuzzi - very nice.

The big pool is not central to the villas - some are farther from others but
again some have their own smaller pool. It is kidney shaped with a
nice waterfall you can swim under. Also a nice sauna outside of the pool.

There is a seperate kiddie pool, seperated from the bigger one, but
very secluded with plenty of room for parents around it, etc.

There is not a zero entry pool here.

There is a good playground with a sand base. Climbing structure, slides,
etc.

Keep an eye out near the river water bank, you will usually see
alligators!

All and all, a VERY nice resort. We were going to go there this year, but
instead chose Amerisuites Calpso Cay Villas for an exchange.

Grande Vista is SO close to Sea World!

Also, when you exit the facility and go right, there is a small supermarket
about 1 mile on the right. A little expensive, but just an FYI.

Taking a left out of the complex, and about 3 miles down, there will be
an outlet center where there is a Disney outlet store!

Have a great time!