Has anyone stayed at Vistana Resort lately?

[Robinrs]

I got an incredible deal with an owner on Tug2 for the summer and was wondering about any recent reviews.

It seems since Hotel Kingdom stopped booking them they've all but disappeared from this board!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I got an incredible deal with an owner on Tug2 for the summer and was wondering about any recent reviews.

Hi,
I'm an owner at Vistana Robin. I most recently stayed there this past November. May I ask what the rate was you received from the TUG owner if that's not being too nosey ? Alot depends on which section of the resort you stay in---there are 9 sections and some are older and not as nice as the newer ones ? This may or may not be a factor in your case ? Perhaps the owner at TUG was in a "use or lose" situation where they needed to rent or risk forfeiting their week ? I'd be happy to help you with any specific questions you might have.

 

[Robinrs]

Hi, Maria:

The owner lives out of the country and could not travel this year. He had two weeks available for a 2 bedroom for $600 a week.

The area he's in is the Lakes. Is there any information you have on that area?

Thanks!

Robinrs

 

[MiaSRN62]

The area he's in is the Lakes. Is there any information you have on that area?

Yes ! This is the second newest area and also my favorite. You will be happy here and this is a terrific price ! Is this for a 2 bedroom or a 1 bedroom. If it's a 2 bedroom you got a supurb price. Those rooms usually go for $160-$225/night depending on the season and if there's a promo rate going on.
This is a section where the buildings are either 4 or 5 stories high but they have elevators. Only the newest Cascades and Lakes have elevators. I prefer the Lakes over the newer section because the villas are slightly larger. The only down side, as some may see it, is that the Lakes are in a more quiet, out-of-the-way area compared to the Cascades. The Cascades are in the hub of the resort---but also the busier area. The Lakes has it's own, quiet zero-depth pool and is in a nice quiet area. As I said, it's my fav section (I own in the Fountains section and was just talking to my husband about selling it on eBay and buying a Lakes week). Depending on what day of the week you are checking-in on, you'll have either a small (man-made) lake view or pool view from your balcony. Usually Friday check-in's get the pool view---I prefer the lake view. You won't be a far walk to the pool from any of the Lakes villas--less than a minute in most cases. YOu will also be within walking distance of the Flamingo Cafe (restaurant and lounge) but will need a car to get to the General Store as it's on the opposite side of the resort.
Have a very nice time and feel free to ask any other questions.....also, you're welcome to email me : MiaSRN62@aol.com . Enjoy your stay !

 

[Robinrs]

Wow! Thanks, Maria!

Yes, it is for a 2 bedroom and I already had a reservation for Vistana Villages for $185 a night... so this was a no brainer! The total per night now is only about $86 a night now!

I was concerned about the area because of past reviews so I asked him WHERE it was. Thank you for confirming that Lakes is a good choice.

I will have a car so getting around won't be a problem. I plan to spend a day or two just hanging around the resort so I'd love to hear about the fun things to do on off days.

Again, thank you!

Robinrs

 

[MiaSRN62]

I plan to spend a day or two just hanging around the resort so I'd love to hear about the fun things to do on off days.

Well, Robin, as you're aware, you got a fantastic price for a 2 bedroom villa. You would never have gotten this price from the resort directly. Seems like the owner charged you just about what his maintenance fees per year are---most likely less than that too.
As far as activities go, they vary from week to week. When you check-in, you'll receive a calendar with the week's activities. I heard they added a "Casino Night" on Thursdays. The ship leaves Cape Canaveral for about 6-7 hours and there is a small registration fee. I've never done this so I can't tell you first-hand what it's like. But other activities involve Karioke Night, bingo, crafts etc. There is tennis, basketball, volleyball and work-out rooms also. There are 7 pools on-site and you don't have to stick to the Lakes pool only. Also, usually one night a week they have a family BBQ or a Luau night, but I'm not certain if this is a regular event----they have had it a couple times during the weeks we stayed there. They often have some sort of live musical act on and off during the week too. Last November, my husband and I were relaxing by the Fountains pool one night, and there was a guitar/keyboard player singing Jimmy Buffet tunes and some of his original songs as well---he had everyone up and dancing.
I hope this helps a little. Make sure you go to the Vistana website about a week or two prior to checking-in and email them via the "Diamond Lane" link if you have any specific requests (i.e. water vs pool view, ground floor unit vs upper floor etc). They'll do their best to accomodate you though nothing is guaranteed. Here's the web site if you don't already have it : http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/welcome.jsp?resortID=5
Have fun !

 

[Robinrs]

Maria:

Your help has been priceless!

I'm so looking forward to this trip, and booooooy do I need it!

Thanks for everything!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Your help has been priceless!

Glad I could be of some help ! If any questions come up later, feel free to email me.