we have stayed at the Sheraton Vistana in 2001. We stayed in either the FALLS or the PALMS area of the resort..I cant remember which.
There is no dispute.. it is a great resort.. it is big, with quite a few amenities.
The older part of the resort (Falls/Palms) have bigger rooms and are bigger apartments, and are fairly quiet. The doors are on the outside and they are two storey apartments.. so you will only have a neighbour above or below you, but not both.
Personally (and they might have been refurbished since this time), I found the apartments to be old fashioned and depressing. Falls and Palms are about as far away from a pool as you could possibly be. Now, that might not be an issue for you... but it was for us. Also it meant that it was probably too far to walk to the main shop place as food would get too hot/melt in the heat.
I asked to be moved and they absolutely would not move us, despite the fact that it was the week after 9/11 and the resort was completely deserted.
I had heard great things about the Vistana resort, so we were looking forward to going there, but when we got there I couldnt understand what all the fuss was about. Anyway - I asked to see a newer apartment and that was MUCH nicer. It was cleaner/fresher and did not look like it had been decorated circa 1983.
The apartments were well equiped, with two bedrooms and I think 2 bathrooms. It would sleep 6 as there was a sofa bed - but not 8 I dont think. Although the living room was quite large.. maybe it had 2 sofa beds...
Anyway.. long and short of it... would we go back? Not if we had to stay in an older property. I found it dingy and depressing and couldnt wait to leave.
If we were to be in Cascades close to the pool and in a newer apartment with spa bath and balcony (that allows the sun in!) - Yes, most definitely!
enjoy.
