How much will I despise/enjoy Vistana Resort?

[Fargoman2]

As a Starwood member, I was offered 4 nights at Sheraton Vistana Resort for $149 with a $100 cash back. Though I was assured that a timeshare presentation is not required, I am certain I will be hassled about that constantly. I have no worries about that part of it--I can deal.

What I am worried about is the quality of the resort. I have become a bit of a hotel snob during my previous trips to WDW and have always stayed on-site. I've tried to do my homework and have found rather mixed reviews regarding its quality. It seems like a lot of it has to do with how fortunate or unfortunate you are with villa placement. And from what I've been able to gather thus far, I have precious little say in getting a "preferred" placement. Sounds like Russian Roulette to me.

At this point, don't bother talking me out of it. I have already reluctantly made my reservation for the resort--knowing that I'm taking a huge gamble and that my family might be pretty upset with me if this turns out to be a mediocre (or worse) resort. Of course, what can I expect for $40/night?

Anyone with any experience here that can convince me that I've made a good decision? Or should I just brace myself for a less than stellar experience and start working on my apologies to the family?

Any tips for getting the "right" villa?

Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

if you have a 2-bedroom - you could be anywhere

that say if you have a 1-bedroom you will be placed in the newer ones - Cascades, or lakes (I think these are the only two with 1-bedrooms)

since they are trying to sell you one - then I am guessing you will be given a nicer unit.

 

[TotoToo]

Vistana is one of the mega-resorts in Orlando which means there are so many sections/units that there is no consistency between one to another. You can have an older section that gets bad reviews but happen into a newly renovated unit and be very happy. You can get a brand new unit that has been mistreated and the management may not follow through well with repairs/cleanup with so many units to take care of and be unhappy. Or the reverse on either one. It is a crap shoot and why the reviews can be hard to figure out.

Good point that since they are trying to sell you more they are likely to want to put you in a top unit to bait you. Yet I have heard where some resorts put the potential buyers into so-so units and then hope to WOW them with the fancy new model so, again, you can't be sure. In any case Vistana is an upscale resort and unless you really do get a poor unit you should have a nice stay. If it's that bad ask to be moved.

 

[Brian Noble]

Yet I have heard where some resorts put the potential buyers into so-so units and then hope to WOW them with the fancy new model so

If that's the strategy, usually the mark, er, guest, is put up in a nice but pedestrian hotel, and then shown the Wonders of a Two Bedroom Condo!

 

[Taratink]

I have stayed both on and offsite. We stayed at the Vistana Resort two years ago in a newer section and it was beautiful. Join the Diamond check in and request Lakes or Cascades. I prefer to stay at the Vistana Villages closer to Seaworld because all of the villas are newer. I have heard that the older units are being updated. You are getting a great deal. I bet that you will be happy. I don't think anyone here is going to try to talk you out of it. We take our phone off the hook for the entire stay and we ignore the time share messages they leave us. If it is a slow time of year you will be put in the nicer sections.