Got a call from Starwood...anyone else???

[Heidi]

I have a prefered member card from Starwood, as I am sure many of you do that goto the Swan/Dolphin (Starwood owned). They called me today to offer a 'free' vacation in a new hotel that they are opening in the Orlando area. Free ticks for Universal, can bring myself and up to 4 guests....If I stay 1 additional day a water park pass for everyone that goes.

I asked if this was a timeshare deal...of course it is. When I protested to doing a 'timeshare high pressure deal' I was informed it would not be. I told him that I was sure he would say whatever I wanted to hear on that part. LOL

Have any of ya'll received this call for this offer? What do ya'll think? The cost he told me would be $299...but if I stayed an additional day the price would be $199. (or maby it was if we would arrive on a Sunday or Monday.) And a few extra incentives...like a special gift if I book now.

He asked 'If we would be probable to take a vacation in the next year....so I assume I can decide wen I would go.

I hate timeshare deals period. But I am only thinking on this because it is Starwood.

Oh, he said the 'hotel' we would be staying in has full kitchen...and things of that sort....a nice place basicaly.

I asked him to call me back tomorow. Please tell me what you think. I would never consider such a thing normaly!!! But I am undecided due to the fact I can goto WDW.... I can do 'there thing' and then when we leave I could extend the 'vacation' and goto WDW on my own dime.

PLEASE tell me your opinions!!!!

Thanks fellow DISers!!!

Heidi

PS: I did a search on 'Starwood' and found no results for what I was looking for.

 

[chris1gill]

Hi Heidi,

I think I remember this deal... I talked to some guy at one point... It is legit, if it's something that you are truly interested in, just go for it.... It is a pretty high pressure sales meeting however, so be prepared to stand your ground... They bought what used to be called Vistana, and they also just recently opened up a new villa property on International Drive... It looks to be a beautiful resort... I'd definitely try to get to stay in that resort... I think they might even call it Vistana Villages or something like that...

It's a lot to turn down for just the 90 minute sales presentation... I'd probably do it, but just remember JUST SAY NO!!!

Good luck, you'll have fun!

 

[PamOKW]

Here's a link to info on Starwood's Vacation Ownership

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/

They did purchase Vistana. Since they are a top hotel owner I would hope their presentations would be along the lines of Marriott (i.e., they don't lock you in a room until you buy). Maybe they'll be as low pressure as DVC where you don't even realize you're talking to a salesperson.

 

[Heidi]

Thanks for posting the site PamOKW. I whish I could remember which one he said it was!!!

Any other opinions? I told him to call me back tonight. He told me my husband and I could go and bring 4 'guests'.....think these 'guests' can be our children??? Or maby they want more people that could buy into there deal. I will have to ask him about that.

Heidi

 

[Trekker]

In an effort to keep the resort board on the topic of Disney Resorts, this thread is being moved to the Orlando Hotel..... Board.

 

[PamOKW]

I think they must have a big push on to start selling these resorts. I just got an elaborate offer in the mail from American Express to stay at Vistana. The name is now Sheraton Vistana. In the fine print it says accomodations provided by Sheraton Vistana Villages, Buena Vista Suite and Embassy Suites. Alternate accomodations of comparable value may be substituted when necessary.

 

[wendyww]

I to just recieved a card in the mail from Starrwood. It says:
Enjoy 5days 4nights in suite accommodations in Orlando. Attend a 90-minute preview and tour or Sheraton Vistana Resort. All for $299. Special Bonus is if making ressies within 15 days of reciept you recieve 6000 starpoints or 2 free adult tickets to Universal Orlando. This package applies to parties of up to 4 persons sharing 1 room adults or children. Is anyone going to do this?

 

[Heidi]

wendyww - the man that called me said they mailed me something. I probably trashed it. I asked him if they could remail it (wanted to read the fine print) but he basicaly said what he told me was more than what the mail thing said.

I think I can deal with a high pressure sales pitch if the 'prize' is worth it.

Anyone else get a call or a mailing? Anybody do it???

 

[Lewisc]

They must be trying variations, I just got an offer from AMEX (rewards program). Book by 9/20/01 get 4 nights for $229. Also receive 6,000 membership rewards bonus points.

 

[Heidi]

Well I will have him explain it again when he calls me back tonight. I am sure he mentioned staying an extra night and getting water park tickets also. And I thought he said if we stayed the extra night (5?) that it would be $199 rather than $299. But that does not make sence.

My last timeshare presentation was horrible. They treated you like crap if they knew you were not buying. Then the prize was horrible also. Not to mention the property was trashy and the 2 hour drive.

I will post what happens when tonight when he calls. But feel free to tell me opinions in the meen time!!!!!

Heidi

 

[PamOKW]

Since they've also got American Express involved, I would expect the "presentation" to be more low-key....along the lines of DVC. DVC also requires a 90- minute presentation for their special offers at Vero and HHI.

 

[tink2dw]

We did this one while IN Orlando and they are on International Drive[oppisate Belz] to get tickets to IOA and US we wanted the 3 day tickets so we paid $70. for 2 of the 3 day Silver Star and $90. for 14 yr teen. These tickets also had 1 hr. Early Admission. They worked great!! And we paid up front before 90 min. presention! The Suites are wonderful looking!!

 

[andychris14]

I just got a deal also. I am getting 5 days 4 nights and 2 free disney tickets for $199. That sounds pretty good right? I am going next august and we are going to use this for the first part of our vacation and the next part on disney property when it is value season. For doing this we are saving close to $400 for 4 days.