Not seeing much love for Sheraton Vistana Resort--when should I start panicking?

[Fargoman2]

We arrive at Sheraton Vistana Resort Aug. 9, taking advantage of an "offer too good to refuse" from Starwood Vacations as an SPG member. Have not read much on these boards recently that gives me much cause for optimism/enthusiasm--especially with a late-night check-in which is likely to get us the "left overs" of what sounds to be very "spotty" quality accommodations.

We will be there in a 2BR Villa for 4 nights...My big fear is that my family (wife and 3 kids 19, 16 and 9) will give me "the look" once we arrive and wonder what we got ourselves into.

Can anyone throw me a life preserver of hope or optimism about the experience we can have at this place? Sounds like all of our hopes are tied to preferential placement (where?) that we will likely have little or no say in.

Thoughts?

 

[spiceycat]

yea - send them a diamond check in thing

stayed in the Springs a few years ago and loved it. great area -although like lakes and fountain a little better - you can walk to offsite restuarants/take out places.

you could have from Springs - but a much, much longer walk.

they have redone courts - which was the worst.

here is it and where you find the diamond thing
http://www.starwoodvacationownership.com/resorts/sheraton_vistana_resort/welcome.jsp

 

[Brian Noble]

Compared to some of the other name-brand Orlando-area resorts, some of the sections of Vistana are a dated, and a bit threadbare. However, with a few exceptions, they are reported as clean, and the resort itself has a lovely set of amenities.

It's not at the top of the heap, as it once was, but it is more than serviceable, and better than many other options. If the price is right, enjoy!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, I grant you that a late check-in could possibly be a slight drawback. Do the online pre-check-in. And I would not hesitate to call earlier in the day to check in and make sure that they have a unit assignment ready for you.

Never fear!!!

Some of the negative stories and assumptions are not quite what they seem. Many times when I see negative reviews, I can see that a lot of what iis written is because the traveler seems to have four star hotel expectations for accomodations and service at a large timeshare resort. Realistic expectations go a long way in avoiding disappointment!

We stayed at Vistana, thru an RCI exchange. RCI does NOT necessarily get the older or less desirable units!!!

We put in our request thru their online check-in... It was called 'diamond lane'.

As one poster said, your attitude may go quite a ways towards leading them to meet your requests. (I am sure they get a number of demanding and rude guests who huff and puff and demand the best of the best, and they want it NOW... And, I am sure that kind of approach might backfire.)
I was VERY respectful in my request. I did not want bottom floor (why anyone would want strangers walking by your patio and windows, or headlights and traffic noise from the parking lot???? Another thing is the the bottom floors generally are prone to the most humidity. So, I mentioned my concern for my son's allergies, molds, dustmites, etc.. (which I admit are not serious, but it couldn't hurt...) And thanked them sincerely for their consideration.

We were immediately checked into a top floor unit at the then almost new Cascades section!!! Overlooking the pool like you see in the online pictures. It was like winning the lottery and getting the penthouse suite.

If the older units have been renovated, I am sure that they would still be great, and you will enjoy your time at Vistana.

We were in the highrise at cascades... but, as some have mentioned, some of the older areas are quite nice, and quiet, tons of shade trees, small playgrounds, grill areas, etc.. And they could be very enjoyable for those with that taste for layed back accomodations.

Of course, the Cascades area, and everything else at Vistana, is open to all guest!

 

[alliesmommy]

No worries!

We just stayed in a 2BR in the Cascades section in February and loved it. We dealt with very friendly staff at check in and asked if we could be placed in the Cascades section. We requested 1st floor, got 3rd, but we were the first unit off the elevator.

We had no complaints whatsoever.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Fargoman....
The sections you want to request are :
1)Cascades, 2)Lakes or3) remodeled unit in Fountains I, followed by 4)Fountains II (in that order). Anything older is going to definitely appear more dated. As Brian stated, Vistana is no longer at the top of the heap. They lost their Gold Crown status last year and are coming back swinging to regain the title with complete overhauls of the villas (section by section). But the different resorts are being done one by one and construction won't most likely be complete until the end of next year. As it stands right now, some of the oldest sections have not given their official approval to go ahead with the remodels (I'm sure because of the increased cost passed on to us timeshare owners). But at this point, it's at least 75% of the resort (I'm estimating here), that has given the "thumbs up" for major remodels. So this is good for Vistana in the long run.

Listen, I'm still at Vistana on Aug 9. I know I've chatted with you before in early July about your concerns Fargoman. Feel free to drop our names at the front desk when you check-in and in a Diamond Lane request and say you are acquaintances of us (as owners). Maybe it will help get your preference ? I can't guarantee anything but fingers crossed. Sending you a PM.

 

[Tanzanite]

We stayed there 3 nights in Oct the kids loved it was clean nice 2 bedrooms kids loved the pools we will stay again convenient to Disney 10 min drive not quite no complaints only thing they did bug us to join Sheraton but we told them we were to busy to come to the presentation.

 

[happymickey464]

Ok,I wasn't worried untill recently,with all the talk about RCI exchange.We didn,'t exchange but we bought an extra get-away for the 1st week on Nov.plus 2 extra nights through the vistana. When booking these 2nights I mentioned my RCI reservation # and request too have the same room for all 9 nights.I was told my the man on the phone our room will be in the lakes section(how true can this be)I will also call the week before we leave about the 2 different ressie and one room and do the diamond check in even though we will not get in untill 8-10pm.Do I need to do anything eles?

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

we have not stayed here but i have 2 sister in laws and bil that have time share. they have a great time.they actually spend alot of time at the place itself.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I will also call the week before we leave about the 2 different ressie and one room and do the diamond check in even though we will not get in untill 8-10pm.Do I need to do anything eles?
__________________

That's the best you can do happymickey. You could also fax the resort to the attention of the Room Controller. Fax 407 239 3111

But honestly, it's all luck. Even I had to move one trip. We had booked an extra two nights. We own in the Fountains I/II and they made us move to the Spas. Not happy. I wish you luck.

Fargoman.....did u get my PM ? Looks like you read it yesterday but I haven't heard back from you ? I'm happy to try and help you out if you let me know.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Fargoman....
The sections you want to request are :
1)Cascades, 2)Lakes or3) remodeled unit in Fountains I, followed by 4)Fountains II (in that order). Anything older is going to definitely appear more dated. As Brian stated, Vistana is no longer at the top of the heap. They lost their Gold Crown status last year and are coming back swinging to regain the title with complete overhauls of the villas (section by section). But the different resorts are being done one by one and construction won't most likely be complete until the end of next year. As it stands right now, some of the oldest sections have not given their official approval to go ahead with the remodels (I'm sure because of the increased cost passed on to us timeshare owners). But at this point, it's at least 75% of the resort (I'm estimating here), that has given the "thumbs up" for major remodels. So this is good for Vistana in the long run.

Listen, I'm still at Vistana on Aug 9. I know I've chatted with you before in early July about your concerns Fargoman. Feel free to drop our names at the front desk when you check-in and in a Diamond Lane request and say you are acquaintances of us (as owners). Maybe it will help get your preference ? I can't guarantee anything but fingers crossed. Sending you a PM.

I just want to say that we have stayed in the Cascades and the Falls and while a little older and darker my husband and son PREFER the Falls ...go figure. We have stayed in the Falls 5 times...they even requested it. It is much larger than the Cascades and the living room furniture is much more comfortable. I am hoping to stay in one of th newer units this time but who knows? It is not bad just dated. They like it better because you can just pull up to your unit and there are only 4 units in each building. It is just a matter of bringing the bags up one floor and right in. NOW when they refurbish the Falls I would take it over any unit because of this and the fact it is close to the work out room.

 

[*disgal*]

We've stayed there twice, both times Lakes section.

This is what MY family said to me after walking in..........

Thank you, thank you, oh, great One.





My kid's biggest complaint was why everything was that Florida pink and green...........yea, we're over that big time! But we LOVED the space and the pools were awesome! And did I mention using the jacuzzi after a long day at the parks? Beats a hotel room any day!

I'm sure everything will be fine. Enjoy your vacation.

 

[jmama]

We just returned from Vistana 7/13. We stayed in the Springs section (an older area) on the first floor and loved it. This is a quiet section and our screened in back porch backed to the pool. As others indicated about some of the smaller/older sections, we enjoyed this section because it was quieter and the pool, while smaller, was not hectic and just out our backdoor.

Just like you, I was very worried before we left because of some negative comments I read. While this may not be a 4 star resort, I think your family will love it! I wish I was going back soon!

I took pictures of the resort that I would be happy to share. Just let me know if you are interested.

Enjoy!

 

[spiceycat]

the Springs is a lot BIGGER than Lakes or Fountains - have stayed in all 3.

the livingroom is bigger,the master bedroom and bath are bigger