Marriott or Vistana?

[Taratink]

I have stayed at the Vistana Villages and Resort. We thought that they were both great. I have heard on this board that the Marriotts were better. I looked at the room layout and there is only one bed in the guest bedroom. I can't imagine that I would want to spend a week sleeping on a sleeper sofa. What makes the Marriott a great place to stay. I would like to give a Marriott a try but I don't want to be dissapointed because I picked the wrong one. I will be traveling with my two kids (7 and 8) my hubbie and my Mom. My husband will be at the convention center during the day and I will be hanging around the resort a lot. We will be traveling in April. Any sugestions you may have would be great.
Tara

 

[Lisa P.]

Marriott Grand Vista
Marriott Cypress Harbour
Marriott Royal Palms
Marriott Sabal Palms
Marriott Imperial Palms
Horizons by Marriott

Grand Vista and Horizons have some lock-off units, which would have a sofabed (along with a double or queen) in the guest bedroom. Cypress Harbour has a double bed and a sofabed in the guest bedroom, due to small space. The 2BRs at Horizons which are not lockoffs have two doubles in the guest room.

Royal Palms has a double bed and a twin bed in the guest room. Sabal Palms has two twin beds in the guest room. Imperial Palms has two twin beds in the 2nd BR and it has a double bed and a sofabed in the 3rd BR. These 3 resorts share amenities with the Marriott Orlando World Center hotel.

I agree with you about preferring to avoid spending a week on a sofabed. However, since your children are young, they may not care so much as you think. Mine don't and they're teenagers.

 

[jeff968]

We stayed at both and although the Vistana's are very nice the marriott is nicer. Everything from the general layout of the resort, the attention to details, the programs, the rooms, the higher overall quality. IMHO.

 

[Taratink]

Jeff,
Which Marriott is your favorite? The will be 5 of us. My kids will be 7 and 8 and my Mom will be with us. Do you know any sources where I could get a good deal?
Tara

 

[jeff968]

Tara, as per my signature the Cypress Harbor is our favorite Marriott. We've stayed at Imperial palms as well and toured horizons and grande vista a number of times. CH has huge rooms and the resort is just the right size with everything within walking distance. As for good deals, they do promos which we have done many times (and are now banded for life since we haven't bought yet). You can also find rentals out there. Good luck.