Help!!! Please vote on one of my FOUR reservations!!!

[ptrbryant]

Acckk! Decision time! I realized that I now have FOUR, yes, four, reservations for late Jan. - early Feb. On our past trips, we've stayed at Wilderness Lodge, but with no room-only codes, I've had to look elsewhere. My main criteria is that the property be clean, very attractive/upscale/updated and relaxing. What I have so far:

1. Wilderness Lodge, woodsview $207/nt. inc. tax AA rate.

2. Vistana Resort, 1 BR villa "waterways view", $109-$119/nt. AAA rate.

3. Renaissance Resort SeaWorld, 1 room, $99/nt. code MWOL

4. Marriott's Grande Vista Resort, 1 BR villa, $123/nt. Marriott Rewards Member rate.

Aside from WL, the prices are close enough that it's not an issue. Thanks for helping me out with your vote!

Karla B.

 

[crazelion]

I would with 4. Marriott's Grande Vista Resort, 1 BR villa, $123/nt. Marriott Rewards Member rate.

 

[FLeisure]

Why would you make four reservations in the first place ? What penalties do you incur ?

Wilderness Lodge would be my choice out of the four.

 

[ptrbryant]

Hi, Fleisure,
I initially made the WL reservation, as I have the past two trips, hoping that a room-only code would come out. It now seems an unofficial consensus that there aren't any coming. The Renaissance reservation was made as a "back-up" because it had to be booked by a certain date for the low rate. The 2 villas were booked this morning since both reported very limited vacancy for my week. Actually, there's no penalty with any of them. Aside from WL, they all have a 3 day cancellation policy. I'm not intending on holding them all until that point---don't want to take away a possible vacancy from someone else--just using it as a "hold" until we're sure...hoefuly, a couple of days at most.
Just curious, why would you choose WL over the others?
Thanks,
Karla B.

 

[ptrbryant]

Hi, Crazelion,
Hmm, I'm leaning towards Grande Vista, too, but I'm finding it SO hard to break away from the on-site habit!!!
Karla B.

 

[spiceycat]

go with the Grande Vista - unless you can find the Sheraton Vistana on Skyauction for less than $350 (remember you need to add the $221 to this amount) - and the ones lately for Sheraton Vistana on skyauction I would not even bid on - too expensive for my taste.

you won't see the Grande Vista on skyauction - skyauction is owed by RCI - and Marriott uses II.

 

[FLeisure]

Hi ptrbryant,
Personally I'd choose a vacation home but if I had to stay in a hotel it would either be at Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge. I like the ambience of the places and they both have good restaurants...an absolute must have for my vacation !!

I can't comment on the rooms as I think most hotel rooms are small and pricey anyway. Thankfully I don't have to stay in them very often as we usually vacation on a cruiseship and stick our girls in their own cabin !

 

[CPM]

I would pick the Vista also, it's beautiful and spacious. I wouldn't pay that much for a tiny room at the WL.

 

[Kevenswife2]

This might help your decision making a little. I got the Renaissance at Sea World through Priceline for $69 a night. I called the resort direct to put in my bedding request and they said that was their 'employee' rate. It seems to be the only 'resort' in the Sea World/ Universal area who takes up bids on Priceline.

 

[disneysteve]

ptrbryant - Personally, I think you could do better than all of those. I'd agree with FLeisure and recommend a rental home or condo. You could get a 3-bedroom for less than any of the prices you listed.

If I had to choose among the 4 you listed, I'd go with Marriott. I think the WL price is obscene. The rooms at WL are small and cramped in my opinion, though you don't mention how many are in your party.

Another benefit to the Marriott is that you would be earning Marriott Rewards points toward future stays, even better if you happen to charge to a Marriott Rewards VISA card.

Steve

 

[Kevenswife2]

Renaissance Resort is also owned by Marriott so you'd earn the Rewards staying here as well...but I don't think you would if you went through Priceline.

 

[CarolA]

I vote for the Marriott Grand Vista. I think having the one bedroom with the kitchen would be nice and having toured one of the Marriott timeshares I was impressed.

 

[ptrbryant]

There are just 3 of us...DH, 7 yo DS and myself. The only special need is that my DH is prone to migraines, so I need to make sure it's a very relaxing, quiet resort. I really , really loved staying on-site, but--as most of you agree--I just can't justify over $200 for a small hotel room. My only concern with the Grande Vista is that their site says construction is ongoing though 2006...like hammers and sawing or what??? Maybe I'll give them a call!
Thanks for the input!
Karla B.

 

[FLeisure]

Karla,
If your husband is prone to migraines I really don't understand why you would pick a hotel which is only ever going to be as good as the people staying in it. Seems too risky to me !

When I was younger, I used to suffer quite a lot from migraines and we always used to rent a home or villa in France or Portugal as I could be guaranteed peace and quiet.

Overall in your decision making process, make a list of the essential things your accommodation must provide. Then do a what is desireable list ! It should help you narrow it down.

 

[ptrbryant]

Hi, Fleisure,
Actually, although the rooms ARE small at WL, it worked well for my DH because 1. we'd get a woodsview--away from pool noise, etc. 2. the dimmer lights in the WL resort were soothing after the bright sun at the parks all day 3. we lucked out and had no noisy "neighbors"!
You and Steve both mentioned individual condo/villa rentals--something I haven't looked into at all (though, like you, that's what we've done on trips to Europe.) Is there a company/website you'd recommend that has upscale properties close to WDW?
Sorry this thread yet longer, ... these boards have been an invaluable help for the past two years!
Thanks again,
Karla B.

 

[FLeisure]

Check this thread

 

[spiceycat]

the Marriott Grande Vista - was for us - very quiet - reminded me favorable of OKW - very quiet relaxing -

Marriott is very careful of their guests - believe the construction will not be close to your unit.

you can tell the front desk that he suffers from migrane and they will put you far away from any noise.

we were next to the quiet pool - yea right! - but the construction is pretty good and in the room we did not heard the kids screaming - now on the balcony (screened it) - different story

just don't buy a timeshare in Orlando - too many - very easy trade.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Why dont you try hotwire, i know that the Dolphin and Swan have been coming up anywhere between 111.00 and 165.00 a night.