Marriott Grande Vista Resort

[disney4life2008]

I will be staying at the Marriott Grande Vista Resort from January 1 to January 8th 2009. I was wondering how is the resort and its amenities? Also, how is the resort designed - what is the best building to stay at? I would like a lake view room - which buildings are those? What activities take place at the resort? Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Detailor]

Go to this link https://www.my-vacationclub.com/common/respages/pdf/resorts/gv/gv_sitemap.pdf to see a layout map of the resort. The newest buildings are 77 to 79 and 84 to 86 but most of the older buildings have recently been refurbished so those are up-to-date and quite nice, too. The two main pool areas are between buildings 79 and 84, and buildings 80 and 81. There are smaller, area pools behind buildings 91/92 and 97/98.
Where you request to stay depends on how close you want to be the activities center (in front of building 80), food options (building 80, across the lake at 79/84, or near the Nick's restaurant nearest to buildings 95 to 100), the various pool areas, and what view you'd prefer.
You'll see from the map that some buildings have a view of the lake and most of the other buildings have some view of the golf course.
Other than golf, there's a tennis area, there are surrey bikes for rent, peddle boats for rent, a climbing wall, a small fitness center, some spa services (massages), many childrens' activities in the Maze activiities center.
This is a very nice resort that we've enjoyed staying at and expect to again in the future. As we exchange into this resort with a non-Marriott timeshare our building requests are generally low on the priority list and we've never been placed in a building that we've requested. And I've always been happy with our placement despite that.

Dick Taylor

 

[disney4life2008]

How are the whirpools in the 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms? In photos they look kinda small. Can they hold 2 people?

 

[dioxide45]

How are the whirpools in the 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms? In photos they look kinda small. Can they hold 2 people?

They are kind of small. The ones at Cypress Harbor are huge, definitely good for two people. I wouldn’t say the same for Grande Vistas whirlpool tubs. My wife and I own at Grande Vista have only used the whirlpool once. We really have no plans to use them again. They put these in as a wow factor for selling, but other than that the whirlpools are of little to no use for us. The outside spas are great though.
Do note that they do have a village enhancement project going on through mid 2009 so some amenities in the main clubhouse area may be limited or relocated. I do know that surrey bike rentals have or will be going away.

 

[disney4life2008]

They are kind of small. The ones at Cypress Harbor are huge, definitely good for two people. I wouldn’t say the same for Grande Vistas whirlpool tubs. My wife and I own at Grande Vista have only used the whirlpool once. We really have no plans to use them again. They put these in as a wow factor for selling, but other than that the whirlpools are of little to no use for us. The outside spas are great though.
Do note that they do have a village enhancement project going on through mid 2009 so some amenities in the main clubhouse area may be limited or relocated. I do know that surrey bike rentals have or will be going away.

Thanks for the reply. I am used to having a Jacuzzi in the room not a small whirlpool bathtub. Here no less, we will be using it. How are the outside spas? Are they crowded and what do they consist of?

 

[disney4life2008]

How much is the resort fee that is charged upon check in?

 

[dioxide45]

How much is the resort fee that is charged upon check in?

No resort fee. During the time of year you are going the outside pools and spas won't be very crowded. During the days, there will not be many people at all as most will be in the parks.

 

[disney4life2008]

No resort feel. During the time of year you are going the outside pools and spas won't be very crowded. During the days, there will not be many people at all as most will be in the parks.

Thanks. I am calling in my room request in 2 weeks. If I want a room that overlooks the lake in a new unit... what building should I request? Also, I would not mind a room that overlooks the main pool either. What building is that?

Finally, is there free internet?

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks. I am calling in my room request in 2 weeks. If I want a room that overlooks the lake in a new unit... what building should I request? Also, I would not mind a room that overlooks the main pool either. What building is that?

Finally, is there free internet?

Yes. It is wireless too. I have used it and it works resonably well. I have even been successful in using our Slingbox while at Grande Vista, though the video quality wasn't the best.

 

[Cinderella Warenwirt]

My family and I will be staying at Marriott Grande Vista Resort for a short vacation next year, too. We will be there on March 5th to 12th.

All the posts here are very informative, I will take note all of them for our trip next year.

 

[disney4life2008]

Is it better to stay on the 1st floor or the higher floors? I am requesting a lake view room.

 

[dioxide45]

Is it better to stay on the 1st floor or the higher floors? I am requesting a lake view room.

If you want to be able to see a lot, then you will want the higher floor. There isn't much of an overlooking view from the ground floor and depending on where the walk ways are, you can have people walking past your patio while you are on it. I would go for the upper floors for a little more privacy.

 

[Detailor]

If you want to be able to see a lot, then you will want the higher floor. There isn't much of an overlooking view from the ground floor and depending on where the walk ways are, you can have people walking past your patio while you are on it. I would go for the upper floors for a little more privacy.

We like the higher floors as well. The additional privacy that dioxide mentioned is a real positive for us as it makes sitting out on the lanai a lot more enjoyable whether the building has a view of the golf course or the lake.

Dick Taylor

 

[disney4life2008]

You guys are great. How crowded do you think it will be in January at the Marriott?

 

[disney4life2008]

I just called in my room requests. I requested all the buildings along the lake - however, she told me that because I am not a Marriott timeshare holder, I am low on the priority list for a lake view room because those are special for their Marriott owners. Anyway, I am looking forward to a great vacation there whereever they place us.

 

[Detailor]

I just called in my room requests. I requested all the buildings along the lake - however, she told me that because I am not a Marriott timeshare holder, I am low on the priority list for a lake view room because those are special for their Marriott owners. Anyway, I am looking forward to a great vacation there whereever they place us.

Good luck with the request. While you may well not get what you've asked for (we haven't gotten anything we've requested for any of our three trades into Grande Vista: we've been in building 89 with a golf course view, building 80 at the main clubhouse area with a view of the pool area, and building 99 - our favoirite of the three - near the golf clubhouse with a golf course view) I think you'll like wherever you end up at Grande Vista.

Have a fun New Year's vacation!

Dick Taylor

 

[dioxide45]

I just called in my room requests. I requested all the buildings along the lake - however, she told me that because I am not a Marriott timeshare holder, I am low on the priority list for a lake view room because those are special for their Marriott owners. Anyway, I am looking forward to a great vacation there whereever they place us.

This is correct. They do have a "pecking" order when assigning rooms. While you may not get exactly what you want, you will definitly enjoy the resort.

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

Thanks for all the great information! We will be there June 18-21, in a 1 bedroom. Is the main pool walking distance from all buildings? Did I read that there is a Starbucks on Grande Vista property, or am I dreaming? Thanks!

 

[sld1164]

Hi. I am glad I stumbled into this site. I was wondering if you could tell me if there are elevators at the Grande Vista. I am asking because I know some resorts don't have elevators and it's something that has surprised us upon arrival. We just want to know what to expect. Thanks so much for this great info.

 

[Detailor]

Hi. I am glad I stumbled into this site. I was wondering if you could tell me if there are elevators at the Grande Vista. I am asking because I know some resorts don't have elevators and it's something that has surprised us upon arrival. We just want to know what to expect. Thanks so much for this great info.

Yes, Grande Vista buildings have elevators.

Dick Taylor