Marriott Vacation Club Resorts in Orlando

[gcarney]

Or the past 8 visits to Orlando we've stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista. This stay was our last. The service has gone from 5 star to 1 star. The help has no heart and no idea of how to take care of their guests. Now I'm looking for a new resort, I'd like a Marriott as I can get my JetBlue points. Suggestions please.....(I trade through Intervale International)

 

[aubreysmom09]

We are staying at Harbour Lake the end of February. I had a friend there this past month, and she was really impressed. Her family, and mine have small kids that enjoy the Pirate Ship. Also my aunt stayed at Cypress Harbor In November, and she said it was really nice. I have heard Grand Vista is having issues, so I decided when we booked this vacation to stay away. Concierge with Harbour Lake already called last week to make dining reservations, and give us information on tickets.

 

[happymommy]

I've also stayed at Grande Vista a few times, and it's also not my favorite. Only reason we had chosen it was because each time we had II getaways, so it was less than $400 for the week, so how could we refuse? It's not bad, but not great to me (it's so big, rooms we ended up with were just okay not great).

Harbor Lake (nearby) we have loved. Rooms were always very nice, and it has a nice big pantry in the kitchen area (we tend to stock up, so it's nice to have shelves for food and a place at the bottom for the extra water cases). It's nice and small, so easier to navigate. Pool area is nice - we tend to spend an hour or two swimming and it's fine. Kids liked the ice cream!

Closer to Disney, we loved Sabal Palms. It's older, but the villa was nice and BIG. It felt so peaceful and quiet, like an apartment. You can use the pool (newly renovated with huge water slide) at the Marriott, but when we were there last, it was closed for the renovation. We used the little pool at Sabal which was fine. The proximity to Disney was awesome!

If you want to be close to Disney, I would totally recommend Sabal Palms. If you want to be close to Seaworld, Harbor Lake is my favorite. One trip we did Seaworld and Discovery Cove, and it was very close! I know a lot of folks like Cypress Harbor, but the second bedroom has one bed and a sofa sleeper (which I've heard is a tight fit when opened) so I don't like that configuration for our family). We prefer two beds in the second bedroom if possible.

We did get II getaways the last trip (come to think of it, all of our trips to the Orlando Marriotts were on getaways), so if you're looking for late August, it's definitely possible to get one for less than $100 a night. We've always gotten ours for $300 to $400 a week, so even cutting one week short saves. I'm not seeing any getaways for our upcoming spring break, so am booked on owner's discount for now. I'm surprised how many times we have gotten them over spring break!

 

[jeff968]

We've stayed at 4 of the Marriott timeshares. Cypress Harbour is definately our favorite. Rooms are big, the resort is just the right size, and has something to do for everyone. Great location too. Harbour lake is nice but doesn't have quiet the ammenities and is geared towards smaller children. We did find Grand Vista okay but it is a little too big for my tastes. We stayed at Imperial next to the world resort (along with Royal and Sabal). It was fine but you have to take a shuttle to the world resort if you want to take advantage of the activities. Definately a pain. Cypress harbour

 

[spiceycat]

. It was fine but you have to take a shuttle to the world resort if you want to take advantage of the activities. Definately a pain. Cypress harbour

you can easily walk over from Sabal Palms to the pool at Marriott World Center.

now Imperial and Royal it would be a longer walk and thru one of the busiest areas.

stayed at Cypress Harbour, Grande Vista, Sabal Palms, and another that I can't remember. It did not have a whirlpool tub in the bathroom - but neither does Sabal Palms - think Imperial and Royal do.

 

[gcarney]

Thank you all. We are traveling with our kids and granddaughter for our next trip, she will be 10 months. I don't think we'll do Harbour Lake as I've heard that the pools are not very adult useful. I'm leaning towards Lakeshore Reserve, if- and this is a big if- we can get in (there are only 85 rooms) and Cypress Harbour is our second choice. I think we are only going to do SeaWorld as Disney is a lot of $$ to spend pushing a baby around for a day...

 

[happymommy]

I'd still rethink doing Disney! There is so much that a 10 month old can participate in there. My niece was that age when we went with my sister's family, and it was a very easy trip for my sister (she has 3 older kids as well, and was nursing so that makes it easier than taking bottles along with you). Her DD was very engaged with it all, and took a nap in her stroller every day.

When we went to Seaworld, my kids and I didn't find as much we liked there. We're not into roller coasters, so we enjoyed a couple shows and walked around.

Lakeshore Reserve looks very upscale! I've never gotten a getaway there, but have seen some from time to time. They have a little lazy river.

Are you all sharing one condo, or getting two? That can be a factor in choosing where you stay too.

If it were me, though, I'd shoot for Disney over Seaworld, but that's just my opinion.

 

[jeff968]

you can easily walk over from Sabal Palms to the pool at Marriott World Center.

now Imperial and Royal it would be a longer walk and thru one of the busiest areas.

stayed at Cypress Harbour, Grande Vista, Sabal Palms, and another that I can't remember. It did not have a whirlpool tub in the bathroom - but neither does Sabal Palms - think Imperial and Royal do.

The shuttle still stops at Sabal so it still enough of a walk to warrant going there.

The in-room whirlpool tub is a thing of the past because no one used them. That is why all the newest orlando resorts such as Hilton Parc Soleil and Marriott lakeshore have gone with large showers or soaking tubs.

 

[gcarney]

I'd still rethink doing Disney! There is so much that a 10 month old can participate in there. My niece was that age when we went with my sister's family, and it was a very easy trip for my sister (she has 3 older kids as well, and was nursing so that makes it easier than taking bottles along with you). Her DD was very engaged with it all, and took a nap in her stroller every day. When we went to Seaworld, my kids and I didn't find as much we liked there. We're not into roller coasters, so we enjoyed a couple shows and walked around. Lakeshore Reserve looks very upscale! I've never gotten a getaway there, but have seen some from time to time. They have a little lazy river. Are you all sharing one condo, or getting two? That can be a factor in choosing where you stay too. If it were me, though, I'd shoot for Disney over Seaworld, but that's just my opinion.

Getting a 2 bedroom for sure . We love all the shows at SeaWorld

 

[happymommy]

Getting a 2 bedroom for sure . We love all the shows at SeaWorld

I'd definitely choose Harbour Lake or Cypress Harbor then!

Main differences are that the second bedroom in Harbour Lake has two beds, whereas Cypress has one. Also, Harbour Lake is smaller (which I love) and has less dining options. Both are really close to Sea World!

 

[jeff968]

I'd definitely choose Harbour Lake or Cypress Harbor then!

Main differences are that the second bedroom in Harbour Lake has two beds, whereas Cypress has one. Also, Harbour Lake is smaller (which I love) and has less dining options. Both are really close to Sea World!

Actually, CH has one bed and a sleeper sofa in the second bedroom. We had our two kids in there without issue.

 

[happymommy]

Actually, CH has one bed and a sleeper sofa in the second bedroom. We had our two kids in there without issue.

This is true. I just thought some folks may have a preference. Where we own (Ko Olina) is the same but we get a rollaway instead of using the sofa sleeper.

They both sound great and are close to Seaworld!

 

[gcarney]

Actually, CH has one bed and a sleeper sofa in the second bedroom. We had our two kids in there without issue.

Our granddaughter will be 10 months, she'll be in her pack n' play. No worries about the bed

 

[Detailor]

Our granddaughter will be 10 months, she'll be in her pack n' play. No worries about the bed

Given that, your choices of Lakeshore Reserve or Cypress Harbour are terrific choices. I'd think that you'd be happy with either one.

Dick Taylor

 

[gcarney]

Given that, your choices of Lakeshore Reserve or Cypress Harbour are terrific choices. I'd think that you'd be happy with either one. Dick Taylor

Thank you

 

[4077]

Last minute trip (hadn't even considered it until yesterday) to Sabal Palms for next week. Driving from CT...leave Friday afternoon...check in Sunday....check out Friday for return trip. Using my Marriott Points. First time staying off property and out of our DVC since we got it in 2009!! At least we can still book our FP+ with our APs.

Now, we just have to see what this confounded east coast storm for later in week does...

 

[jeff968]

Now, we just have to see what this confounded east coast storm for later in week does...

I hear you. We are flying out on Friday (JFK). We'll see how it goes. Looks nice in Orlando. Now, if we can just get there.

 

[tjlamphere]

My DW and I are willing to forfeit a few hours to get a reasonably priced 2 bedroom place at a decent resort...we will do the tour and listen to their sales pitch...any recommendations on Marriott? Hilton? Any others? It would be a year from now, 3 nights, looking for less than $ 100/night at a nice place.

 

[happymommy]

My DW and I are willing to forfeit a few hours to get a reasonably priced 2 bedroom place at a decent resort...we will do the tour and listen to their sales pitch...any recommendations on Marriott? Hilton? Any others? It would be a year from now, 3 nights, looking for less than $ 100/night at a nice place.

Marriott sometimes (but not as often the last few years) had offered us owners a deal to get friends to do a presentation for a discounted rate. That being said, I have not seen anything less than $100/night for a Marriott resort, and the offers were for studios normally, with an upcharge for a one or two bedroom unit.

You may find luck renting on redweek - try looking into Bonnet Creek.

 

[stormer]

Last minute trip (hadn't even considered it until yesterday) to Sabal Palms for next week. Driving from CT...leave Friday afternoon...check in Sunday....check out Friday for return trip. Using my Marriott Points. First time staying off property and out of our DVC since we got it in 2009!! At least we can still book our FP+ with our APs.

Now, we just have to see what this confounded east coast storm for later in week does...

Enjoy your trip. We are thinking of trying Sabal Palms in August because we don't have any DVC points left. I would love to hear how you liked it when you get home.