Sheraton Vistana Resort Question

[DisMomAmy]

We will be doing a condo exchange through Interval International for our upcoming April/May trip. I think I've decided to go with Sheraton Vistana Resort. Our exchange will be for a 2 BR (6/8) unit. I've heard that people have had success making requests through the Diamond Lane check-in process. Do you think it's possible to get one of the larger 2BR lock-off units? We have nine people in our group (which I have already OK'd with the resort - I called and they told me they don't limit you to 8). We want the largest unit possible & a lock-off would be great! Do you think they consider a 2BR lock-off the same as a 2BR for an exchange? Has anyone had any experience exchanging into a lock-off?

 

[Meteora]

In my experience, a lock-off is usually considered an upgrade from a regular 2BR. They're in different "classes" instead of ownership. However, we have been upgraded to a lock-off a couple of times in the past, always when we check in having booked a regular 2BR. It likely will depend on what they have available when you are scheduled to stay there.

 

[DisMomAmy]

In my experience, a lock-off is usually considered an upgrade from a regular 2BR. They're in different "classes" instead of ownership. However, we have been upgraded to a lock-off a couple of times in the past, always when we check in having booked a regular 2BR. It likely will depend on what they have available when you are scheduled to stay there.

Thanks Meteora! I suppose it can't hurt to make the request and see what happens. I think we'll be happy wherever we end up!

 

[jjj444]

where do you sign up for the diamond lane? could you post a link please

 

[DisMomAmy]

http://www.starwoodvacationownership.com/sheraton_vistana_resort/welcome.jsp


Then just click on Diamond Lane, part way down the page on the right.

 

[mjmartin01]

we are staying here! Love this place! I will have my mom see if we can upgrade to a two bedroom lock-off. That would be nice!

 

[Bob S]

if you want to request a lockoff unit you will have to be assigned to the lakes or cascades sections. although i am a long time owner at vistana i recently completed an exchange for my upcoming trip in may and it appears they have changed the way you get assigned to different sections in the resort.
the week used to complete your exchange determines where you stay. for example, if a cascades week was used to make your exchange you are in the cascades. if a lakes week was used you are in the lakes, etc etc.
i was also informed that once the exchange is confirmed the is no changing sections and no exceptions.
when i called rci to make the exchange i requested a certain section and there happened to be a week available.
im not sure how interval works but i would check with them before you confirm your exchange.

 

[jjj444]

I also exchanged through RCI, so if I call them they should be able to tell me where my room is? I have a week through RCI and I added on a night through Sheraton and at that time I made a request to be in the same room, but she never told me where. I signed up for the diamond Lane this morning and requested a renovated room on the ground floor so do you think I could find out?

 

[Bob S]

rci should be able to tell you what section you are in. you wont find out which unit until you check in.
you can call around 30 days out and make a request or use the diamond lane.
i have found over the years that they really try to accomodate requests.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

I just happened to be on the phone with the Diamond Lane people at Vistana and they are VERY nice. I exchanged through RCI, 2 2bedroom units, going down in April and even though they couldn't tell me the section, they noted my request for a renovated units on the ground floor, as close as possible to each other. I also requested early checkin for 2pm. So I was able to make all of my requests more than 30 days in advance and it's one more thing off of my list!

 

[DisMomAmy]

if you want to request a lockoff unit you will have to be assigned to the lakes or cascades sections. although i am a long time owner at vistana i recently completed an exchange for my upcoming trip in may and it appears they have changed the way you get assigned to different sections in the resort.
the week used to complete your exchange determines where you stay. for example, if a cascades week was used to make your exchange you are in the cascades. if a lakes week was used you are in the lakes, etc etc.
i was also informed that once the exchange is confirmed the is no changing sections and no exceptions.
when i called rci to make the exchange i requested a certain section and there happened to be a week available.
im not sure how interval works but i would check with them before you confirm your exchange.

Oh that's good to know! Thanks!

I'll have to think about this some more... Lakes & Cascades have the smallest 2BR villas but are also the only sections with lock-offs... If I have a choice of section when I make my exchange I'm not sure I would want to request Lakes or Cascades since we might end up with one of the smaller units. Hmmm... I'll have to think about it some more.

Maybe I'll just make my exchange online then call to see which section I end up with and hope for the best.

My other choices are Sheraton Vistana Villages or Marriott Cypress Harbour, both of which have the same size units throughout the resort... I think.

 

[Meteora]

DisMomAmy--for what it's worth, Lakes and Cascades are both gorgeous, newly renovated sections.

 

[DisMomAmy]

DisMomAmy--for what it's worth, Lakes and Cascades are both gorgeous, newly renovated sections.

Thanks!! I know we'll have a great spot wherever we end up - I just worry about the amount of space with such a large group.

Does anyone know anything about the Palms section? That section isn't mentioned on the website, no pictures, no villa descriptions... Has it been renovated? All of the Sunday check-in sections have completed their renovations (Cascades scheduled to finish in May - we check in 4/25 so I think we'll be OK.) The Palms section is the only one that's a mystery...

 

[Brian Noble]

From another board:

I own in the Palms ....Work will start in April '10 to be completed in Jan '11.

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79997

 

[DisMomAmy]

From another board:



http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79997

So I assume this is why they don't have pictures from that section on their website...

How do the 2BR villas compare size-wise to the other sections?

 

[Brian Noble]

That same thread has someone that mentions that the Palms units are quite large, but I don't know first-hand.

 

[DisMomAmy]

That same thread has someone that mentions that the Palms units are quite large, but I don't know first-hand.

Thanks for the info Brian - I guess I should have checked out the thread before I posted another question... After reading that I'm glad I'm not an owner at Vistana - those special assessments are crazy! I wasn't happy when we had to pay $300 or something like that for our condo rehab in Maine.

 

[byrd328]

Hi

We exchanged through RCi for mid May..Does anyone know whens the best time to do the diamond lane request. I dont want to ask too early..

Thanks!

 

[Brian Noble]

It asks only that you are at least 72 hours in advance. I'd figure 4-5 days is about right.

 

[DisMomAmy]

if you want to request a lockoff unit you will have to be assigned to the lakes or cascades sections. although i am a long time owner at vistana i recently completed an exchange for my upcoming trip in may and it appears they have changed the way you get assigned to different sections in the resort.
the week used to complete your exchange determines where you stay. for example, if a cascades week was used to make your exchange you are in the cascades. if a lakes week was used you are in the lakes, etc etc.
i was also informed that once the exchange is confirmed the is no changing sections and no exceptions.
when i called rci to make the exchange i requested a certain section and there happened to be a week available.
im not sure how interval works but i would check with them before you confirm your exchange.

I made my exchange last night at midnight & the initial email receipt of exchange listed unit #1412. Anyone know what section this is in??

The actual confirmation certificate doesn't have a unit number listed.