Palms Section of Vistana Resort

[etgajes]

We are leaving for the Vistana Resort on Oct 4, 2003. It is my cousin's mother-in-laws time share. My cousin only recently found out it is in the Palms section of the resort. I've been reading alot about Cascades and Falls but have not seen anything about Palms. Since I can't use the search engine I thought I'd check if any experts were around to answer this. I'm a little nervous because I usually stsy onsite and I have read many mixed reviews on this resort. My other concern is transportation. We are going with my cousins family (none of them has used it before) and my cousin said her mother-in-law said we don't need a car the transportation is fine; but I've read a few posts that made me want to rethink this plan. There are 8 of us going: Me, DH, DS-3, DD-6, my mother, my cousin, her husband and their DS-5. Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[Lisa P.]

I hope you have a wonderful vacation. Here's a link to the Sheraton Vistana Resort. It sounds as if your plans are set and right around the corner. So I really don't want you to worry. In the interest of helping you have clear expectations, I'll share what I see on a Vistana Resort map and what I've read in reviews (so secondhand info here).

If you click on "Resort" along the left column of the SVR webpage and look at this linked "Resort Amenities" page, you will see another link at the bottom right, to a resort map. It takes a while to load but you will discover that the Palms is along the bottom left of their map.

The Palms is not the oldest section but it's not newer either. There have been a couple reports within the last year of folks thinking these rooms are due for refurbishing. This is the only section that does not have its own pool area. Since you can use any pool in the complex, it may not matter. But it's somewhat further to walk. There are 3 floors and no elevators in each building. The top floor units (walk-up!) have higher ceilings with skylights. Some of the units in this section will have a back balcony which overlooks a small landscaped, fenced area with the busy road beyond.

If the owner has a "fixed week," then their unit location is always the same. IF you know the Unit #, you can even find it on the online interactive map by zooming in. If the owner has a "floating week," then you may be assigned any unit in the entire Palms section (at check-in or in the days prior). Most of the resort operates on a floating week basis.

If there is vacancy, your unit may even be reassigned to anywhere in the complex, on request at registration. So ask at check-in. If you arrive at your room and feel that the unit is not acceptable, be sure to speak up firmly with the front desk and see what can be done - before you unpack your car!

You may also call a couple of days ahead of check-in, with a "Diamond Lane" request (certain sections, "near pool", first floor, etc.). Diamond Lane check-ins are quicker. You can also do this through the SVR website home page. They do try to accommodate requests.

As for the transportation, it costs a daily fee per person to use it. It is only free if you are paying for nightly condo rental, not for weekly guests (weekly rental or timeshare usage). The schedule is VERY limited (i.e., restrictive) and reservations are required 24 hrs in advance. For a large family or group, you would be much, much better off driving your car(s).

FWIW, in case you were not aware, weekly guests do not recieve daily housekeeping service either. Pool towels are checked-out for free, available at the nearest recreation building to whichever pool you are using each day. Try several - each has something nice to offer.

Regardless of your room, there is a ton of fun stuff to do at this resort. The pools and other recreation are excellent! Enjoy it! HTH!

 

[etgajes]

Lisa,

Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate your response.

Elena

 

[Cyndiu]

Lisa,

I agree with your entire post. I've owned at Vistana for 5 years and couldn't have said it better myself!

 

[Disney Fool]

I am an owner at Palms and the Palms area in the last year has been refurbished with all new appliances. These units are larger than the newer ones also.

 

[etgajes]

Thank you for your reply, that's helpful to know!

Elena

 

[Mjasp]

I also own in the Palms section. We have a 2 BR unit (sleeps 8)with a pretty large screened in patio that overlooks a lake with waterfalls in it. It is beautiful to sit out there and here the water. My DH said the best part of his trip was sitting on his screened in porch. The unit is much bigger than the Cascades. When we were there in August our friends stayed in the cascades section and there is quite a size difference, even the screened in porch area is much smaller in the cascades. The cascades is newer though. I am pretty sure all of the Palms are fixed weeks unless you converted to Starwood Points.

We own on the third floor and had cathedral ceilings.

Hope that helps