Need help with Vistana

[DISFANSHAN]

Hi! I see quite a few threads out there about the Vistana Resort. We are thinking of staying there in the fall. I was wondering what all the talk about checking in on certain days is about. How does it make a difference what day you arrive? (we are thinking of going Saturday to Saturday). We stayed there 9 years ago, checked in on a Friday, and got a very nice, clean 2 bedroom unit.

Also, does anyone know how the timeshare resorts choose who to invite down for their presentation? Just thinking it would be great if we could get in on one of those really cheap rates!

Thanks for your help!
Shannon

 

[MiaSRN62]

I was wondering what all the talk about checking in on certain days is about. How does it make a difference what day you arrive? (we are thinking of going Saturday to Saturday).

Hi Disfanshan,
Vistana assigns certain sections depending on which day you check-in (Fri/Sat/Sun). For a Sat check-in, you could be placed in the Courts, Palms, Springs, Fountains I or II, Lakes or Cascades.

Also, does anyone know how the timeshare resorts choose who to invite down for their presentation? Just thinking it would be great if we could get in on one of those really cheap rates!

I think it's just random promotional mailings but I'm not positive. If you are interested in a low rate at Vistana, you could email them and inquire about doing a timeshare tour in exchange for a promo rate ? http://www.starwoodvo.com/contact/contact.jsp?resortID=5
I've read some people have received mailings because they registered with the Starwood points site as well. Most people on arrival will be phoned by a Vistana sales person and invited to a timeshare presentation. But if you're already settled into the villa, the most you will probably get is $75-$100 in Vistana dollars to attend. We found the presentation to be high pressure in 1999 when we last attended looking to add-on time.

 

[brownhaired_girl]

Hi,
My friends and I stayed at the Vistana last January with our kids. We had a wonderful experience. I won the resort on Sky auction at an incredible price. I found alot of wonderful information about Vistana on a website called Tripadvisor. If I remember right some of the 2 bedroom units sleep six and have twin beds in the second bedroom. I think the newer 2 bedroom unit has double beds in the second bedroom. I registered 7 guests which may have helped us get into the newer units. As another person posted, they do assign rooms somewhat depending on which day of the week you arrive but I don't believe this is set in stone. One bit of advice if you choose to stay at the Vistana, is to sign up for the Diamond Lane. This is a service where you can preregister. You may be able to do this with the link that another poster listed earlier. When I arrived there were at least 30 people in the regular line to get their room. I was able to go to a different line for the Diamond Lane customers and was the 2nd person in line, what a relief after the flight. You can also get into your room earlier in the day if you are registered in the Diamond Lane.
Good luck,
Sue

 

[MiaSRN62]

If I remember right some of the 2 bedroom units sleep six and have twin beds in the second bedroom. I think the newer 2 bedroom unit has double beds in the second bedroom.

Two sections in the resort have 2 twin beds in the second bedroom. They are the Courts and Falls. All other sections (newer and older) have 2 double beds in the second bedroom.

I registered 7 guests which may have helped us get into the newer units.

I think you just got lucky brownhairedgirl because actually, the older villas are larger sq footage-wise. Actually, the newest Cascades have the smallest villas on the property.


Totally agree with you on the Diamond Lane : https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5

 

[DISFANSHAN]

Maria,

OK, now that you have cleared up the check in issues I had, does it matter what section I get assigned to? I understand that some sections may be newer, but is that the only difference? Location of our villa doesn't really matter, as long as we can park our car close to where we are.

 

[MiaSRN62]

does it matter what section I get assigned to? I understand that some sections may be newer, but is that the only difference? Location of our villa doesn't really matter, as long as we can park our car close to where we are.

How new a section is does seem to be the main issue. Some people feel the older sections just don't measure up to the newer ones in way of decor/ambience. Also, only the newest sections (Cascades & Lakes) have elevators. All other sections are either 2 or 3 stories high and only have stairs so not sure if this is an issue or not for you.

Someone posted some good pics the other day of the oldest Courts section. It was on this board. You can check out pics of the different sections from my imagestation album here : http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4287948459 (you'll need to register first--it's free).
All locations have the ability to park right outside their door or close by.

Hope this helps

 

[MiaSRN62]

Found the link to Courts section (thanks to Booyaa68 who had a recent trip there) : http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=84871

 

[DISFANSHAN]

WOW! I cannot believe some of those photos! Old and outdated don't even begin to describe the condition of some of the rooms. We were pretty set on staying there but now I'm a little nervous. I've always known the Vistana to have beautiful accomodations (from my previous trip and from their website).
I know we wouldn't be happy with one of the older units. I can't even believe a place as popular as the Vistana would let itself (or part of itself) go like tha
t.

Thanks again for your help......you've helped me more than you know!

Shannon

 

[MiaSRN62]

You're welcome Shannon. I can totally understand how you feel. I have always felt it was unfair to charge people the rack rates they do and some get new accomodation and other old and dated for the same cost. I have felt for a long time they needed to discount the older units.

I will add however, that if you do get a timeshare presentation promo rate, they tend to put you in the newer sections because obviously they want to dazzle you into buying. It would be counter productive for Vistana to plunk someone in the Courts and expect they'll want to "buy" a timeshare there. Ultimately, with a timeshare tour rate, this is what they want you to do.
I own in the Fountains I & II section, but know I would never feel happy or wanted to buy there had I been shown the Courts or Falls or even the Spas.