More Sheritan Vistana questions...

[kops2da]

Since I learned how to spell it and where to post it - please any info on which unit would be best for 4 seniors - no children - who need smoke free, close parking, quiet sleeping, etc. Spacious and light would be great. We have been assigned Spring 0940 - would this be ok. My husband requires oxygen and we need an elevator near villa or first floor. Thanks.

 

[spiceycat]

Springs is great - I don't know if that is first floor - but when you check in or before if you can find that request slip - say you need first floor for medical reasons. (which you do)

I loved Springs!!! great area - very easy to go in and out using the side entrance (not the front entrance).

these villa don't have elevators - so call them back and ask for a first floor do to medical reasons.

Sheraton Vistana is the name!!!

 

[kops2da]

I sure am having a problem with that name. Guess it is because we are Marriott owners and I can spell that LOL!
Thanks for the info. I will request first floor unit OR another with elevator. What can you tell me about Springs or Lakes units? Twin or double beds in second bedroom? Jacuzzi in bedroom or ? I appreciate the help. Elaine - that is Sheraton Vistana!!

 

[spiceycat]

Springs - have the Jacuzzi. very nice and big units.

here are my pictures
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/spice...=&.done=http://photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

the carpets definitely needed to replaced and they were on the schedule to be done I think the year after we stayed there.

I am going back this March using II - l might end up in newer units because of II but would be happy to be in springs again.

 

[kops2da]

Your said "I am going back this March using II - l might end up in newer units because of II but would be happy to be in springs again." We have traded with II - we were assigned on the confirmation 0940 Springs. However, I understand that is not etched in stone. We own at Marriott Grande Vista and your pictures look somewhat smaller than there but nice. Grande Vista has huge dining room area and whirlpool tub in master bedroom. I have contacted Vistana and they said "we will do our best to fill your requests but cannot promise specific requirement". That scares me a little because of our medical problems, etc. I am sure it will all work out. Elaine

 

[MiaSRN62]

Elaine,
You have a confirmed 2nd floor in the Springs. But Vistana is usually very good about honoring requests---especially for a medical one. Make sure you fill out the online Diamond Lane form and mention the ground floor or elevator bldg as well : https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5

You asked about the Lakes as well. They are newer than the Springs. The jacuzzi is in the master bathroom at the Springs and inside the master bedroom in the Lakes.
In order of oldest to newest sections at Vistana :
Courts, Falls, Spas, Palms, Springs, Fountains I, Fountains II, Lakes, Cascades. The last three have the jacuzzi inside the master bedroom. All have double beds in the second bedroom except for some Courts and the Falls. The Lakes and Cascades are the only elevator bldgs.
You can see some of my pics of Vistana here :
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4287948459

Hope this helps

 

[spiceycat]

We own at Marriott Grande Vista and your pictures look somewhat smaller than there but nice. Grande Vista has huge dining room area and whirlpool tub in master bedroom. Elaine

I have stayed several times in MGV. Believe me Sheraton Vistana in the Springs section is bigger.

Now the kitchen might be smaller - but the livingroom, dinning area is larger.

so is the master bedroom and bathroom.

the second bedroom is definitely smaller than MGV.

but MGV has much bigger second bedroom (or studios) than most timeshares.

You only have one balcony - where MGV has 2 balconies.

Now this is only in the Spring section I have not been in any of the others.

Sheraton Vistana is much, much bigger than MGV. I really though that would bother me. But each section is different so despite it size - it still retains the neighborhood feel.

 

[spiceycat]

II can't guaranteed that is the room you will get.

that was just the room put in by the II member wishing to exchange.

mind (thanks to you I looked) says Lakes & Cascades - unit 1860. but it is surpose to be 2 bedroom sleeps 8 - and I think these units only sleep 6?

Maria owns at Sheraton Vistana and is a good source of information.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi Pat,
# 1860 is a Lakes 3rd floor. Rest assured, this is a sleep 8 so you'll be fine. You'll have the king bed, 2 doubles in the second bedroom and the pullout couch. You'll have a nice view of a small lake if you do indeed get this unit. The Lakes units are definitely roomier than the newer Cascades. The Lakes is actually my favorite section.

 

[spiceycat]

thanks Maria.

how are the stair cases?

before I got first floor traveling with my mother.

but this time going alone or with friends - so going up and down steps is not a problem. if the steps are designed for my height. OKW is fine, CWR is even better. Do you know how these compare? even if it has elevators - I will walk the steps if I can. I need to lost weight and walking up and down steps is great for that.

plus is the parking as close as Spring. I loved Springs we were 6 steps away from the front door.

also big thanks for the request I couldn't find it on the new website!!!!

since 3rd floors have much better views than first floor - if that is the villa I will kept it!!!

 

[kops2da]

Finally a couple of people who really know Vistana and can answer my questions. I am thinking of asking for Lakes and taking first floor Springs if not. I prefer higher up and view of lake would be just right! Thanks again and for the pictures you all posted. Looking forward to a couple weeks in Orlando in January - we live where the snow gets deep! Elaine

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi Pat....the steps at Lakes are not quite as user friendly as OKW (a bit higher pitched), but the Lakes are an elevator bldg so you have the option to use them. The elevator is centrally located in the bldg so you should never be too far away in any direction. I believe (aka think) the steps are on the ends of the bldgs. Parking is very similar to the Springs. #1860 is in an end bldg (as far as the Lakes is set up) and you are in an end unit of that bldg. You should be able to park right outside your door, but if you're using the elevator you might not be directly in front of that. I've never stayed in that particular Lakes bldg, but it's in a fairly quiet area of the resort. As far as the Lakes bldgs go, you are perhaps the furthest away from the Lakes pool----but still not more than a 5 min walk I'd figure.
Elaine, have a great time at Vistana and it's especially nice to escape the snow and cold if you live in an area like this. Jan and Feb are the least favorite months for me because they are the coldest and snowiest in the Philly area. Wish I could wipe them from the calendar ! Even if Orlando is having a cold spell, it can't be worse than what we'd have.

 

[kops2da]

Looks like most of my questions, for now, are answered. One thing - are there non-smoking units/buildings? My husband cannot tolerate smoke - even the after smell! How does a unit fourth floor next to elevator, non smoking in Lakes section sound? We will not be using the pools and are renting a car to drive to eat, Disney (twice), Cypress Gardens and Downtown Disney planned so far. We have to take every other day off to rest. Sure wish I had been able to go to Disney when I was much younger.
Elaine

 

[MiaSRN62]

Elaine...
There are only a very few "non smoking" villas. Make sure you request this for medical reasons if this is the case.
Vistana has mostly "smoking optional" rooms. In all my yearly visits since '94, we have never had a problem with a smoke smell. Vistana does an excellent job of deodorizing. I have noticed smoke smells in some of my disney rooms........but never Vistana.
I think the fact that you're renting a car will be a huge plus. Even just getting around the Vistana grounds is tough without a car. I find the steps very doable at Vistana, but my elderly mil (when she was alive) had some difficulty. We always requested ground floor when she traveled with us. When she wasn't with us, I requested the top floor because those villas have a vaulted ceiling in the living room with a skylight. Makes the room feel larger and more bright.

 

[iluvflorida]

Hi. Vistana is our favorite resort. Go to their website www.starwoodvacationownership.com and click on dimond lane to request special registration (no line up) also request ground floor for medical reasons. They are very accomadating and we have always enjoyed our stay. Remind they at registration you need ground floor and go early to registar. You'll love it.

 

[kops2da]

We are looking forward to Vistana. We have stayed at two of the Marriotts - just wanted to try something different. Still hoping for top floor by the elevator but will settle for Springs ground floor. I will preregister. I have to call and talk with the desk anyway as we will be having oxygen delivered for my husand and probably a scooter.
As for getting there early - depends on the airlines as usual! Elaine