Disappointed with Vero Beach cottage view

[Pootle]

So, the heading says it all, and one I never expected to write. I love the cottage accommodation and have wanted to stay in one since they had an Open House many years ago.

This may sound like a 'Princess' post, but it's a lot of points to stay here not to even be able to see the beach. We are surrounded by greenery - like being in a jungle on the balcony but with a clearing, through which we can see the ocean.

The other five cottages are not affected to the same degree. The reason is the turtle nesting season and this one (1150) is close to the nests, which I understand and support. However, had I known, I would have gone for a 2-bedroom and saved the points.

I have mentioned my disappointment the front desk - and this is where I sound contrary because I was there to check out of the cottage after 2 nights and check into a 2 bedroom. I had only been able to get 2 of the 4 nights I had wanted in the cottage and had to book a 2 bedroom for the other 2 nights. I was really pleased when I asked about staying so we didn't have to move and they were able to make that happen, but the main reason for this is that it does offer great accommodation and we are traveling with our 3 and 4 year old grandchildren, one of whom has special needs. I knew the parents would really appreciate not moving.

So, I've only 'mentioned' the disappointment - and believe me, I'm not after anything (unlike the man next to me at the desk asking to be compensated for his issues!) but I do really think they should tell you these things to you in advance to give you the chance to change your plans if you wish. I would have taken the 2 bedroom for the 4 nights.

I was here at VB in January and discovered that the pool was closed only when we arrived! Again, we might have changed our plans had we known in advance.

Maybe it's time I sent an email to member satisfaction about the lack of information.

 

[disneynutz]

We stayed in the main building, ocean view and all we could see is the pool.

When I went to the front desk to ask for another room, the CM said, "I knew that you would be back, everybody complains about that room, it shouldn't be listed as a ocean view".

Bill

 

[Pootle]

Yes I know just where you mean because we were once given one of those - and not only was the main view of the pool, but it also 'benefited' from food smells too . This was many years ago, but to make it worse my friend was given the room next door as a garden view the year before!

I love the place but ......

 

[mjr0483]

We stayed there last summer and had the same experience. We got the pool view and if you lean over the ledge and look left over the trees you can see a sliver of the ocean.

We also went to the front desk and the comeback of the CM was some people love that room because they can see their kids at the pool.
Excuse me, my kids are 9 and 10 and I not letting them wander to the pool by themselves thank you.

We were eventually moved to a room facing the ocean and it was an amazing view and experience. A person using the same points for the room overlooking the pool vs the room overlooking the ocean do not get the same experience yet pay the same. It is not fair and they should change the classification of those rooms.

 

[Pootle]

I completely agree. Fortunately we now usually visit in the slower times of the year and have not had the 'poor ocean view inn room' experience for many years. Some of those rooms definitely need reclassifying as 'garden' view rooms.

Generally I just think that someone has to have the less than wonderful views and this time it's my turn, but an ocean view inn room should be just that, without turning to the side - and from a beach cottage you should be able to see the beach without being over 6 ft tall IMO, but if not, fair enough, just reclassify and adjust the points, or at the very least, let people know it's a restricted view available so they can choose whether to burn those points (71 a night in my case).

 

[Dean]

So, the heading says it all, and one I never expected to write. I love the cottage accommodation and have wanted to stay in one since they had an Open House many years ago.

This may sound like a 'Princess' post, but it's a lot of points to stay here not to even be able to see the beach. We are surrounded by greenery - like being in a jungle on the balcony but with a clearing, through which we can see the ocean.

The other five cottages are not affected to the same degree. The reason is the turtle nesting season and this one (1150) is close to the nests, which I understand and support. However, had I known, I would have gone for a 2-bedroom and saved the points.

I have mentioned my disappointment the front desk - and this is where I sound contrary because I was there to check out of the cottage after 2 nights and check into a 2 bedroom. I had only been able to get 2 of the 4 nights I had wanted in the cottage and had to book a 2 bedroom for the other 2 nights. I was really pleased when I asked about staying so we didn't have to move and they were able to make that happen, but the main reason for this is that it does offer great accommodation and we are traveling with our 3 and 4 year old grandchildren, one of whom has special needs. I knew the parents would really appreciate not moving.

So, I've only 'mentioned' the disappointment - and believe me, I'm not after anything (unlike the man next to me at the desk asking to be compensated for his issues!) but I do really think they should tell you these things to you in advance to give you the chance to change your plans if you wish. I would have taken the 2 bedroom for the 4 nights.

I was here at VB in January and discovered that the pool was closed only when we arrived! Again, we might have changed our plans had we known in advance.

Maybe it's time I sent an email to member satisfaction about the lack of information.

I presume this is from the second floor balcony. If so, in a sense I think your criticism is warranted though DVC doesn't tout them as ocean view which is my main reservation. Certainly your approach is reasonable. Enjoy the rest of your visit.

 

[Pootle]

I presume this is from the second floor balcony to which I refer. If so, in a sense I think your criticism is warranted though DVC doesn't tout them as ocean view which is my main reservation. Certainly your approach is reasonable. Enjoy the rest of your visit.

Thanks. And your presumption was correct, it was the second floor balcony.

My adult son read my thread and thought I had exaggerated (I'm smiling as I write this because he's 6'7" and his view is better than most people's!). However, as we pack up to leave here at the end of a good stay and head to the Disney Cruise Line for our next vacation stage, it's already fading, but I will contact member satisfaction when I return home.

I hesitate to mention that this is a special vacation (40th anniversary) because it really shouldn't matter, but it is the reason why we had cash stays, and bought a points transfer last year, so that we would have enough to cover the beach cottage, which we are unlikely ever to do again. Still, in terms of life's real upsets, it doesn't even register

 

[DVC Jen]

I hesitate to mention that this is a special vacation (40th anniversary) because it really shouldn't matter, but it is the reason why we had cash stays, and bought a points transfer last year, so that we would have enough to cover the beach cottage, which we are unlikely ever to do again. Still, in terms of life's real upsets, it doesn't even register

Great attitude! Happy Anniversary and enjoy your cruise.