Marriott Harbor Lake vs Grande Vista Vs Sabal Palms

[gallagher35]

Has anyone stayed in more than one of the Marriott properties that can give their opinion on which location is better. Travel party is 3 adults and 2 children age 6 & 3. I've stayed at Sabal and LOVED how close it was to the Disney "gates". However, looking at Grande Vista it seems like its a beautiful resort and maybe worth the extra time in the car. Then there's the Harbour Lakes resort that seems VERY family oriented but also further away. Would you give up closer proximity to stay at one the the Marriotts a little further away. Any positive or negative feeds back to the three places would be very much appreciated. THANKS!!

 

[Detailor]

From your list we've stayed at Grande Vista and Sabal Palms and we've visited Harbour Lake, and have also stayed at Cypress Harbour. Of the three, Grande Vista would be my first choice but our family make-up is much different from your's - our youngest child is about to turn 19. Our favorite Orlando Marriott is Cypress Harbour and would pick that one if the dates-availability matched but GV is a close second to CH. We also enjoyed Sabal Palms and would stay there again if our top choices weren't available. The resort amenities at Harbour Lake are very nice for families with young children so the less upscale villa interiors (than the other Marriotts) might be a worthwhile trade-off for you. However, the amenities at Grande Vista, in my opinion, are perfectly suitable for 3 and 6 year-olds and the villa furnishing are really outstanding. Grande Vista is a much larger resort than the other two so villa location may be important to you for pool and other resort features but there's more at GV than the other two, too. I agree with you as I like the location of Sabal Palms but the extra driving from either Harbour Lake or Grande Vista to the Disney parks isn't really significant.

They're all good choices so I'd suggest that you look at the resort features at the Marriott website to see what matches up best for you. http://www.marriottvacationclub.com/vacation-resorts/index.html

Dick Taylor

 

[gallagher35]

From your list we've stayed at Grande Vista and Sabal Palms and we've visited Harbour Lake, and have also stayed at Cypress Harbour. Of the three, Grande Vista would be my first choice but our family make-up is much different from your's - our youngest child is about to turn 19. Our favorite Orlando Marriott is Cypress Harbour and would pick that one if the dates-availability matched but GV is a close second to CH. We also enjoyed Sabal Palms and would stay there again if our top choices weren't available. The resort amenities at Harbour Lake are very nice for families with young children so the less upscale villa interiors (than the other Marriotts) might be a worthwhile trade-off for you. However, the amenities at Grande Vista, in my opinion, are perfectly suitable for 3 and 6 year-olds and the villa furnishing are really outstanding. Grande Vista is a much larger resort than the other two so villa location may be important to you for pool and other resort features but there's more at GV than the other two, too. I agree with you as I like the location of Sabal Palms but the extra driving from either Harbour Lake or Grande Vista to the Disney parks isn't really significant.

They're all good choices so I'd suggest that you look at the resort features at the Marriott website to see what matches up best for you. http://www.marriottvacationclub.com/vacation-resorts/index.html

Dick Taylor

Hi! Thank you so much for your input! Cypress Harbour is in our timeshare bank as well. Honestly we have a 10 day pass so only have about 3 days free in the 2 weeks and we are traveling 10/30 - Nov 14. Never been this late in the year so not sure of weather for pool, etc. Given that we will be out more than in can you elaborate more on Cypress Harbour? Right now there is actually 2 and 3 bedrooms available for our time frame at Grande Vista but I'm going to check Cypress as well. Also, sounds like you are very familiar with Marriott overall -- if your staying at one, can you use the pool at another. Say we stay at Cypress, could we try the pool facility at Harbour Lake?? And finally, how far is Grande Vista/Cypress (less than 20 minutes) Can't remember exactly but I think Sabal was literally 5 minutes to get through the main arch saying you're entering Disney. I'm so confused -- decisions making is not my strong point!

Once again, thanks for taking the time!!

 

[Ed J]

Checking out other resorts is permitted, but pool hopping is not.

Vista, HL or CH are less than 10 miles away from the disney parks so IMO you don't give up anything staying "that" far away.

Dick is a fountain of useful info on the Marriott properties, I've found everything he has ever written here to be spot on.

If I was taking kids the ages you listed on my next trip I'd be staying at Harbour Lake. It went by a different name when we stayed there, but HL was a hit with the youngsters in our group.

Our group will be there when you will this fall, Jersey week + MNSSHP. We have been down there a few times during the first week of Nov in the past and it has been pool weather.

Which ever resort you pick, I think you'll enjoy it.

 

[Detailor]

Hi! Thank you so much for your input! Cypress Harbour is in our timeshare bank as well. Honestly we have a 10 day pass so only have about 3 days free in the 2 weeks and we are traveling 10/30 - Nov 14. Never been this late in the year so not sure of weather for pool, etc. Given that we will be out more than in can you elaborate more on Cypress Harbour? Right now there is actually 2 and 3 bedrooms available for our time frame at Grande Vista but I'm going to check Cypress as well. Also, sounds like you are very familiar with Marriott overall -- if your staying at one, can you use the pool at another. Say we stay at Cypress, could we try the pool facility at Harbour Lake?? And finally, how far is Grande Vista/Cypress (less than 20 minutes) Can't remember exactly but I think Sabal was literally 5 minutes to get through the main arch saying you're entering Disney. I'm so confused -- decisions making is not my strong point!

Once again, thanks for taking the time!!

I think that Ed J is generally right about late October/early November as being pool weather but it can be a little hit-or-miss if late hurricane weather stirs up some rain and wind. And he's definitely right about no pool-hopping between resorts - Harbour Lake, in particular, guards against visitors using their facilities in favor of actual guests.

Cypress Harbour is a dedicated 2 bedroom villa resort - no lock-outs, no larger units, just 2 bedrooms. It's a very nice resort with mature landscaping that helps to provide for a laid-back atmosphere that I'll admit that I really like when we're on vacation as just being there always seems to take that go-go theme park pace down a few notches. The resort was built after the Sabal Palms/Imperial Palm/Royal Palms triumvirate but a few years before Grande Vista. It's a moderately sized resort with 22 three to four story buildings. There's a man-made pond at the center of the main part of the resort that about half of the buildings surround along with the main clubhouse, two main pool areas, resort store, bar and grille. The other buildings are located beyond that prime section with golf course views. Cypress Harbour and Grande Vista offers many of the same resort activities with just a little variation - GV provides some spa services, has a full-service sit down restaurant and provides direct access to a golf course from the resort. In my opinion, one of the best aspects of Cypress Harbour is the staff - they tend try a little harder to please their guests than the staff at Grande Vista. For instance, we've never not gotten the location that we've requested at CH while we've never been given the location that we've asked for at Grande Vista. Both CH and GV have recently undergone refurbishment and are up to date for Marriott standards (though I couldn't help but notice that they were re-doing the buildings on either side of the clubhouse at CH when we were there three months ago).
However, if you can get a three bedroom unit at Grande Vista I'd think you might want that for your party (depending on who's going) particularly if it's two parents, two children and a grandparent or an adult brother or sister as the third adult. That would give everyone some privacy without having to house the third adult with children or on the living room sofa bed. GV three bedroom units are huge for a small party like your's.
On the distances...
Sabal Palms is really close to the Disney welcome sign but the better measure is how far resorts are to the theme parks. Here are the rough distances:
Animal Kingdom - 7.5 from Sabal, 11 from CH or HL, 12.5 from GV
Hollywood Studios - 4.5 Sabal, 8 CH or HL, 9.5 GV
Epcot - 6 Sabal, 9 CH or HL, 10.5 GV
Magic Kingdom parking lot - 8 Sabal, 11 CH or HL, 12.5 GV
Downtown Disney - 4 Sabal, 5 CH or HL, 6.5 GV
Actual mileage will vary a bit depending upon the route but those are pretty sound for comparison purposes.

If I were going to an Orlando Marriott and not planning to use a pool at the resort I'd pick either Cypress Harbour or Grande Vista from your list. If I really wanted 3 bedrooms then GV would be the place. However, if I wanted the most luxurious Marriott experience then I'd check to see if the brand new (first phase opening in June 2010) Lakeshore Reserve has any availability (add about 2 miles to GV for the distances to the Disney properties).

You're not going to make a wrong decision with a Marriott property as they're all very nice resorts so all you have to do is decide whether the Harbour Lake water features for the children, the relative closeness of Sabal Palms or the higher-end luxury of the villas at CH or GV will make for a better vacation experience for your family.

Dick Taylor

 

[gallagher35]

Checking out other resorts is permitted, but pool hopping is not.

Vista, HL or CH are less than 10 miles away from the disney parks so IMO you don't give up anything staying "that" far away.

Dick is a fountain of useful info on the Marriott properties, I've found everything he has ever written here to be spot on.

If I was taking kids the ages you listed on my next trip I'd be staying at Harbour Lake. It went by a different name when we stayed there, but HL was a hit with the youngsters in our group.

Our group will be there when you will this fall, Jersey week + MNSSHP. We have been down there a few times during the first week of Nov in the past and it has been pool weather.

Which ever resort you pick, I think you'll enjoy it.

THanks EDj -- appreciate you taking the time to give an opinion -- we're going for Jersey week too but decided to take the kids out for 2nd week as well since she's only in 1st grade Thanks again!

 

[gallagher35]

I think that Ed J is generally right about late October/early November as being pool weather but it can be a little hit-or-miss if late hurricane weather stirs up some rain and wind. And he's definitely right about no pool-hopping between resorts - Harbour Lake, in particular, guards against visitors using their facilities in favor of actual guests.

Cypress Harbour is a dedicated 2 bedroom villa resort - no lock-outs, no larger units, just 2 bedrooms. It's a very nice resort with mature landscaping that helps to provide for a laid-back atmosphere that I'll admit that I really like when we're on vacation as just being there always seems to take that go-go theme park pace down a few notches. The resort was built after the Sabal Palms/Imperial Palm/Royal Palms triumvirate but a few years before Grande Vista. It's a moderately sized resort with 22 three to four story buildings. There's a man-made pond at the center of the main part of the resort that about half of the buildings surround along with the main clubhouse, two main pool areas, resort store, bar and grille. The other buildings are located beyond that prime section with golf course views. Cypress Harbour and Grande Vista offers many of the same resort activities with just a little variation - GV provides some spa services, has a full-service sit down restaurant and provides direct access to a golf course from the resort. In my opinion, one of the best aspects of Cypress Harbour is the staff - they tend try a little harder to please their guests than the staff at Grande Vista. For instance, we've never not gotten the location that we've requested at CH while we've never been given the location that we've asked for at Grande Vista. Both CH and GV have recently undergone refurbishment and are up to date for Marriott standards (though I couldn't help but notice that they were re-doing the buildings on either side of the clubhouse at CH when we were there three months ago).
However, if you can get a three bedroom unit at Grande Vista I'd think you might want that for your party (depending on who's going) particularly if it's two parents, two children and a grandparent or an adult brother or sister as the third adult. That would give everyone some privacy without having to house the third adult with children or on the living room sofa bed. GV three bedroom units are huge for a small party like your's.
On the distances...
Sabal Palms is really close to the Disney welcome sign but the better measure is how far resorts are to the theme parks. Here are the rough distances:
Animal Kingdom - 7.5 from Sabal, 11 from CH or HL, 12.5 from GV
Hollywood Studios - 4.5 Sabal, 8 CH or HL, 9.5 GV
Epcot - 6 Sabal, 9 CH or HL, 10.5 GV
Magic Kingdom parking lot - 8 Sabal, 11 CH or HL, 12.5 GV
Downtown Disney - 4 Sabal, 5 CH or HL, 6.5 GV
Actual mileage will vary a bit depending upon the route but those are pretty sound for comparison purposes.

If I were going to an Orlando Marriott and not planning to use a pool at the resort I'd pick either Cypress Harbour or Grande Vista from your list. If I really wanted 3 bedrooms then GV would be the place. However, if I wanted the most luxurious Marriott experience then I'd check to see if the brand new (first phase opening in June 2010) Lakeshore Reserve has any availability (add about 2 miles to GV for the distances to the Disney properties).

You're not going to make a wrong decision with a Marriott property as they're all very nice resorts so all you have to do is decide whether the Harbour Lake water features for the children, the relative closeness of Sabal Palms or the higher-end luxury of the villas at CH or GV will make for a better vacation experience for your family.

Dick Taylor

Hi Detailor -- all I can say is WOW -- thank you so much for the very complete run down of the facilities, distance, amenities, etc -- if I every have a Marriott Qs in the future I know where to look I went ahead and booked the GV in the 3bdr for our first week. Figured the extra 5 miles was definitely not a deal breaker!! Also planning on more park time than hotel/pool time so picked the nicer room over harbour lake pool facility.

Now I've got to decide whether to up and move to try the new lakeshore for week 2 or even another of the marriott resorts. Spoke to someone at GV and they said if I couldn't get a 3bdr for our 2nds week that I could request a 3bdr lock-off for the first week and then if I only have a 2bdr for week 2 that it would just get locked off but that we wouldn't have to switch rooms. They seemed very accomodating but I guess the true test is upon check-in

Once again -- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

 

[Detailor]

Hi Detailor -- all I can say is WOW -- thank you so much for the very complete run down of the facilities, distance, amenities, etc -- if I every have a Marriott Qs in the future I know where to look I went ahead and booked the GV in the 3bdr for our first week. Figured the extra 5 miles was definitely not a deal breaker!! Also planning on more park time than hotel/pool time so picked the nicer room over harbour lake pool facility.

Now I've got to decide whether to up and move to try the new lakeshore for week 2 or even another of the marriott resorts. Spoke to someone at GV and they said if I couldn't get a 3bdr for our 2nds week that I could request a 3bdr lock-off for the first week and then if I only have a 2bdr for week 2 that it would just get locked off but that we wouldn't have to switch rooms. They seemed very accomodating but I guess the true test is upon check-in

Once again -- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

You're entirely welcome.
FWIW, I think that you made the best decision. If you liked the Sabal Palms resort, I think you'll love Grande Vista and that three bedroom villa is going to be a real treat.

On moving between weeks: we've done it both ways in Orlando (first week at Cypress Harbour, second week at Grande Vista two or three years ago and two weeks in the same villa at Cypress Harbour this year). We didn't think moving between weeks was any big deal and enjoyed the change when we did that. That was until this year when we just stayed in the same place for two weeks - that was really nice and just a better, hassle-free vacation. So my suggestion is if you can pull another 3BR at Grande Vista then you should grab that and try Lakeshore Reserve on another trip when the resort is built out a little more. Just make sure that you call the resort a couple of weeks before check in to make sure that they record your request to tie the two weeks together in one villa.

Enjoy!!!

Dick Taylor

 

[gallagher35]

You're entirely welcome.
FWIW, I think that you made the best decision. If you liked the Sabal Palms resort, I think you'll love Grande Vista and that three bedroom villa is going to be a real treat.

On moving between weeks: we've done it both ways in Orlando (first week at Cypress Harbour, second week at Grande Vista two or three years ago and two weeks in the same villa at Cypress Harbour this year). We didn't think moving between weeks was any big deal and enjoyed the change when we did that. That was until this year when we just stayed in the same place for two weeks - that was really nice and just a better, hassle-free vacation. So my suggestion is if you can pull another 3BR at Grande Vista then you should grab that and try Lakeshore Reserve on another trip when the resort is built out a little more. Just make sure that you call the resort a couple of weeks before check in to make sure that they record your request to tie the two weeks together in one villa.

Enjoy!!!

Dick Taylor

I think we are on the same page. I already have dining reservation for Saturday and don't want to miss any park time We stayed the two weeks at Sabal last year and it was so nice not to do anything. I'm going to continue to check for another month and see if anything pops into Interval in 3 bdr and if not then fall back to the 2 bdr and HOPE that they can do the lock-out for week 1 so that we can remain in the same "main" section for week 2. Once again THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Typically I'd go back and forth with decision making but your response answered so many of my questions that it was pretty cut/dry for a change!!

I guess the only other question since I've booked the facility is room location. Do you have any suggestions for the Vista?? Its a balancing act between proximity to things and quite area for earlier bedtimes. Also upper verses lower rooms. I think the girl I spoke with said 3 bdr only make up about 12% of their inventory and not sure but it was either 1 3bd per bldg or 1 per floor. Also heard that not all rooms are as new as the next -- any take on this info?? THANKS!!!!!!

 

[Detailor]

I guess the only other question since I've booked the facility is room location. Do you have any suggestions for the Vista?? Its a balancing act between proximity to things and quite area for earlier bedtimes.

We've not been bothered by outside noise at any of the Marriotts when we're inside with the doors to the lanai closed. So I wouldn't think that early to be would be a big problem. However, if you're out on the lanai or have one of the doors open then you'll hear a lot more if you're next to one of the main pool areas (buildings 80 and 81 on either side of the village center pool or buildings 79 and 84 at the west side pool). But if you want some quiet, a local pool plus a short (5 or 6 minutes) walk to the large village center pool area then you might want to consider buildings 98 or 99 over near the golf clubhouse and Nick's restaurant - we like it over there. Probably the most convenient "quiet" area that's still close to the action.

Go to the resort map at http://www.marriottvacationclub.com/common/cms/mvc-main/resorts/marriott-grande-vista/pdfs/map.pdf to see where everything is located.

Also upper verses lower rooms. I think the girl I spoke with said 3 bdr only make up about 12% of their inventory and not sure but it was either 1 3bd per bldg or 1 per floor. Also heard that not all rooms are as new as the next -- any take on this info?? THANKS!!!!!!

I'd suggest top floor if you can get it - nobody walking overhead!

I think it's one 3BR per floor where they have them - I also think they're usually end units. Our only experience with a 3BR at GV was in building 80 - top floor (I believe) over the Marketplace store right next to the village center pool area. It was pretty nice though the villa had not yet gone through the most recent refurbishment. In general, the "old" villas are still nice.

The info that you got on the buildings was correct. GV was built out in stages with buildings on the west side being relatively new. The six newest buildings are 77, 78, 79, 84, 85 and 86 with the Plaza del Sol west side pool area and the really nice Copa Loca bar and grille located between 79 and 84. I think they started those buildings in 2004 or 2005.

However, the rooms in those buildings are the "newest" at the resort. They've been doing complete refurbishments of the older buildings over the past couple of years to bring the villas up to the standard of the newer buildings. So if you want new then ask for a refurbished villa or one in one of the buildings on the west side of the resort (though the west side will probably be due for refurb in the next couple of years).

Dick Taylor

 

[gallagher35]

We've not been bothered by outside noise at any of the Marriotts when we're inside with the doors to the lanai closed. So I wouldn't think that early to be would be a big problem. However, if you're out on the lanai or have one of the doors open then you'll hear a lot more if you're next to one of the main pool areas (buildings 80 and 81 on either side of the village center pool or buildings 79 and 84 at the west side pool). But if you want some quiet, a local pool plus a short (5 or 6 minutes) walk to the large village center pool area then you might want to consider buildings 98 or 99 over near the golf clubhouse and Nick's restaurant - we like it over there. Probably the most convenient "quiet" area that's still close to the action.

Go to the resort map at http://www.marriottvacationclub.com/common/cms/mvc-main/resorts/marriott-grande-vista/pdfs/map.pdf to see where everything is located.



I'd suggest top floor if you can get it - nobody walking overhead!

I think it's one 3BR per floor where they have them - I also think they're usually end units. Our only experience with a 3BR at GV was in building 80 - top floor (I believe) over the Marketplace store right next to the village center pool area. It was pretty nice though the villa had not yet gone through the most recent refurbishment. In general, the "old" villas are still nice.

The info that you got on the buildings was correct. GV was built out in stages with buildings on the west side being relatively new. The six newest buildings are 77, 78, 79, 84, 85 and 86 with the Plaza del Sol west side pool area and the really nice Copa Loca bar and grille located between 79 and 84. I think they started those buildings in 2004 or 2005.

However, the rooms in those buildings are the "newest" at the resort. They've been doing complete refurbishments of the older buildings over the past couple of years to bring the villas up to the standard of the newer buildings. So if you want new then ask for a refurbished villa or one in one of the buildings on the west side of the resort (though the west side will probably be due for refurb in the next couple of years).

Dick Taylor

Thank you once again! I went ahead and booked a 2 bedroom villa for the second week since its was available and 3 bdr don't come in that often. I'm going to make my first request for a lock-off 3bdr for week one so that hopefully we don't have to move for week 2. Next would be newly refurbished and upper-floor -- see if I can get any of the request granted. I spoke to Monica and she said the rooms are on a every 4/5yr refurbishment schedule so no room is really that out-of-date. Do you know what they do to the rooms when they refurbish them? Is it beds, tvs, decor -- do you think all rooms have flat-screens, granite, ss applicances?? Or is there a chance that some are still without those items? THANKS AGAIN!!!!!
Danielle

PS: curious question -- in your opinion what do you think is the nicest timeshare in the entire Orlando area (whether Interval or RCI or other). Already thinking about next year

 

[Detailor]

Do you know what they do to the rooms when they refurbish them? Is it beds, tvs, decor -- do you think all rooms have flat-screens, granite, ss applicances?? Or is there a chance that some are still without those items? THANKS AGAIN!!!!!
Danielle

PS: curious question -- in your opinion what do you think is the nicest timeshare in the entire Orlando area (whether Interval or RCI or other). Already thinking about next year

Refurbishment at the Marriotts is usually extensive. The work that they did at Cypress Harbour a few years ago was a complete refurbishment where they took out the furnishings and tore virtually everything out and replaced. That's what it looked like at Grande Vista when we were there a couple of years ago - dumpsters in the parking lot with the big construction chute leader down from the villa windows. I don't think that the appliances are stainless steel, but they're new and coordinated after refurb. Granite counters, yes. Flat screens, usually. All the bedding, couches and chairs, beds going to the nice Marriott hotel standard, wall art, re-paint, usually dining room table and chair change-over.

In my opinion, the Hiltons (RCI) are the top of the line for Orlando timeshares in terms of villa luxury but even within the three Hiltons there's variation - Park Soleil is newest and nicest, followed by I-Drive, the SeaWorld. For over-all villa quality, resort amenities and just a great vacation experience, I don't think you can beat the Marriotts (mostly available through II, but some limited RCI for some resorts). The new Lakeshore Reserve, which I haven't seen, is supposed to be a top quality resort when opened next month. And I really like Cypress Harbour (always my first choice) and Grande Vista. Next comes the Disney's (RCI). The theming is outstanding and the quality is high. And you get the Disney perks with a DVC stay - free theme park parking, extended magic hours, and that Disney bus service from and to the airport. On my list for resorts that I want to experience are Wyndham's Bonnet Creek (RCI), Sheraton's Vistana Villages (II, RCI). There are also some other nice resorts but these hotel chain timeshares, and the DVCs, at the ones that I think lead the way.

Dick Taylor

 

[gallagher35]

Refurbishment at the Marriotts is usually extensive. The work that they did at Cypress Harbour a few years ago was a complete refurbishment where they took out the furnishings and tore virtually everything out and replaced. That's what it looked like at Grande Vista when we were there a couple of years ago - dumpsters in the parking lot with the big construction chute leader down from the villa windows. I don't think that the appliances are stainless steel, but they're new and coordinated after refurb. Granite counters, yes. Flat screens, usually. All the bedding, couches and chairs, beds going to the nice Marriott hotel standard, wall art, re-paint, usually dining room table and chair change-over.

In my opinion, the Hiltons (RCI) are the top of the line for Orlando timeshares in terms of villa luxury but even within the three Hiltons there's variation - Park Soleil is newest and nicest, followed by I-Drive, the SeaWorld. For over-all villa quality, resort amenities and just a great vacation experience, I don't think you can beat the Marriotts (mostly available through II, but some limited RCI for some resorts). The new Lakeshore Reserve, which I haven't seen, is supposed to be a top quality resort when opened next month. And I really like Cypress Harbour (always my first choice) and Grande Vista. Next comes the Disney's (RCI). The theming is outstanding and the quality is high. And you get the Disney perks with a DVC stay - free theme park parking, extended magic hours, and that Disney bus service from and to the airport. On my list for resorts that I want to experience are Wyndham's Bonnet Creek (RCI), Sheraton's Vistana Villages (II, RCI). There are also some other nice resorts but these hotel chain timeshares, and the DVCs, at the ones that I think lead the way.

Dick Taylor

Thanks Detailor!! You are true asset to the disboards I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge. It was truly a help in making our decision this year! Can't wait to try the Grande Vista -- I'm sure its going to be wonderful -- can't wait for November. THANKS AGAIN for everything!!!
Danielle

 

[septbaby]

We've stayed at Grande Vista twice, first in a studio in the older section and returned to a 1BR in the new section. Enjoyed both stays, but had a 3yo with us for the 1BR stay.

Grande Vista is really nicely appointed. The workout facilities and spa are wonderful. We were able to eat on site without being totally gouged. The children's play area and activities are outstanding. They had an indoor gym play area the the children LOVED adorned with very comfortable leather couches for the grown ups keeping an eye on their angels. My nephew and I did a finger painting together and that picture adorns a wall here at home. We loved this resort and wouldn't hestitate to return, esp with children age 6/3.

Habour Lake used to be called Horizons. The pool will be fun for your gang: it has a pirate ship smack in the middle. We played mini golf there and I think I even played hoops there. I also recall a convenient snack bar in the area. The rooms at HL are not as plush as Grand Vista, so set your expectations going in. I think your children could have a great time here.

Bottom line I love GV. Kids as young as yours will love either pool. I think the parents will like the creature comforts at GV more.

 

[gallagher35]

We've stayed at Grande Vista twice, first in a studio in the older section and returned to a 1BR in the new section. Enjoyed both stays, but had a 3yo with us for the 1BR stay.

Grande Vista is really nicely appointed. The workout facilities and spa are wonderful. We were able to eat on site without being totally gouged. The children's play area and activities are outstanding. They had an indoor gym play area the the children LOVED adorned with very comfortable leather couches for the grown ups keeping an eye on their angels. My nephew and I did a finger painting together and that picture adorns a wall here at home. We loved this resort and wouldn't hestitate to return, esp with children age 6/3.

Habour Lake used to be called Horizons. The pool will be fun for your gang: it has a pirate ship smack in the middle. We played mini golf there and I think I even played hoops there. I also recall a convenient snack bar in the area. The rooms at HL are not as plush as Grand Vista, so set your expectations going in. I think your children could have a great time here.

Bottom line I love GV. Kids as young as yours will love either pool. I think the parents will like the creature comforts at GV more.

Thank you so much for commenting on GV. We actually booked both weeks at this facility. Figured kids would be happy at either but since mom & dad are paying that we should have a "nice" place too How long ago were you there? Do you know which sections are newly refurb in the last year or so?? Thanks!

 

[septbaby]

It has actually been a few years since we were there. Nephew was about 3 or 4 and he's now 8. Both the new and "old" sections were nice, so don't worry that you'll get a crappy space. New areas had DVD players vs VCR, new TVs, etc. really nice pool area, flat screens at the bar, bingo and other activities at this pool too.

Congrats on GV. Basketball and tennis up near the entrance, not close to the rooms but probably not much of a consideration with the age of your kids. The golf course is really fun, just 9 holes, very family friendly, very laid back atmosphere.

Have fun. We are off to Westgate Town Center this Saturday, first time there for us.