Offsite Suggestions?

[jaman12]

We are planning a trip for November 2015. We are looking to stay offsite. I am looking for a 2 or 3 bedroom suite and 2 baths. I would like to be able to rent directly from the place. Or a reputable website. Booking from individuals scare me. They may be legit but I am leary. No timeshare options. I don't want to buy a timeshare nor sit through a presentation. Free parking and free wi-fi.

Any suggestions? Are all the resorts in the area timeshares?

ETA: kitchen and washer/dryer wanted too.

 

[dioxide45]

Not sure why you are ruling out timeshares. You certainly don't have to buy one or go on a presentation just to stay in one.

 

[Lilliputian]

We love Windsor Hills. We rent from owners on VRBO, but you can rent from an agency, too. In fact, we do stick to ones that we see represented on agency websites with a lot of listings, but we save money by renting directly from the owner. Even some of the All Star homes are on VRBO, which is a good way to save money on a great house. If something breaks, you'll still have great service from All Star getting it fixed.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Not sure why you are ruling out timeshares. You certainly don't have to buy one or go on a presentation just to stay in one.

Agreed. Timeshares will give you exactly what you are looking for in terms of space and villa features (multiple bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, full kitchen, washer/dryer, etc.) and some awesome resort amenities too, depending on which property you select. Politely decline their offer to attend a timeshare meeting (they will try to entice you with some "free gifts", from cash to tickets or anything in between) and that's that. If you're are still concerned that they might try to change your mind, unplug your phone when you arrive in your unit and you won't hear from another soul.

You don't need to book from individuals (though that could potentially offer you a nice price savings). You can book directly with the property. You can also book through 3rd party sites like Expedia, Dreams Unlimited Travel, or via an airline vacation package (such as Jetblue Getaways, Southwest Vacations, etc.). Skyauction is another source to check.....we just booked a week at the Sheraton Vistana Resort (a timeshare) in a one bedroom, one bath villa for $399 for the week. Two bedroom, two bath villas that sleep up to 8 with a full kitchen, balcony, washer/dryer, jacuzzi tub in the master, free wifi, free parking, free wifi, and no resort fees were going for $575.

Many of the timeshare resorts will offer you lovely pools (often multiple ones) and recreational amenities like mini golf, basketball courts, volleyball courts bike rentals, playgrounds, etc. all right on site. Some have waterparks. Many will have daily scheduled activities from bingo to pool parties to karaoke to dive-in movies.

Our first two timeshare stays even had daily housekeeping provided (that will solely depend on the manner in which you book your stay, so be sure to check before finalizing your reservation if that's important to you).

Definitely don't rule them out just out of fear of a timeshare presentation or being pressured to buy. You'll only be pressured to buy if you attend one of their sales meetings.....so just say no, and stick to it.

 

[artemis4]

Not sure why you are ruling out timeshares. You certainly don't have to buy one or go on a presentation just to stay in one.

I'll third this. We've stayed in timeshares for Disney plus in Colorado, the Outer Banks, and Williamsburg. We just booked another for Disney this fall. We don't own. We have never attended a sales presentation nor have we ever had an employee disrespect our firm refusal to attend.

With a larger family, renting timeshares has let us travel when hotels and even houses have been cost prohibitive. I can research resorts and usually know exactly what to expect. This is a big reason why I usually opt for them over VRBO houses. We are renting a house for our June vacation this year because there are no time shares in that area. It felt weird to enter back into something I could do minimal research on.

The prices for timeshares have been great for us too. Our average price to date is well under $400 for a week for 2-3 bedroom units. Honest to goodness, the one night we'll spend in a hotel (Comfort Inn and Suites) on the way to and from Disney this fall will cost as much as the week we'll spend at the timeshare resort there.

 

[greenclan67]

I have always rented timeshare on 8 trips to Orlando. I have 9 units rented for family and friends this upcoming March in 2 BDRM 2 baths at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orange Lake. We love this resort. You can rent it online at ihg.com or if you would like I can PM me someone who is very reputable and I have used numerous times.