Sheraton Vistana Villages or Resort Anyone?

[Mrs Dazzle]

I am rethinking our trip this August. Don't ask me why, but I suddenly had the urge to look into a suite rather than hotel. I think this is following something my 12 year old daughter said at the weekend about her (!) having some privacy! This is because the first couple of weeks of our trip this year are at a friends' apartment nr Ft Myers beach where she will have her own room.

Since there are only the three of us, we have always stayed in hotels - plus it's that old "well I'm on holiday too and would like a bit of pampering (ie not making the beds, doing the washing up etc ) for me".

So I was recommended the Sheraton Vistana - but on checking there are two. Has anyone stayed in either (Villages on IDrive or Resort in LBV, one of our fave Orlando areas).

We were due to be staying at the Portofino, and only for 4 nights in Orlando, but I got to thinking maybe since we won't have FOTL access if not Universal hotel, if we stay in Orlando for a week, we can take our time in the parks (only want two Disney and both Universal parks on our list of to do).

So - two questions, has anyone stayed in either Vistana resorts - or is there something similar. I'm afraid I do like a "nice" place, great pool/s, reasonably quiet (hate loads of other people's noise, I am a saddo!).

Secondly, is there anyone else out who, like me, has always stayed in hotels but done the suite route. Not that I will be doing much cooking since we will be eating out

Thanks for any help . . . . I really am at the pulling my hair out stage. I've changed my mind so many times on this trip, but since it's likely to be our last trip to Florida for a few years (ski trip to the States beckons next Easter, then Hong Kong the following year . . .), I do want to get it right

 

[Tron[ADS]]

Take a look here
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=776056&highlight=vistana

As I say in that thread, I loved the Vistana Resort, but as there is no way to guarantee which aoartment block you will be allocated, I won't be returning.

 

[Astrid]

hi Flower!!

Good friends of mine stayed at the Resort a few years back and had a lovely time. The apartment was really big enough for them (but they were 2 adults and 3 kids) but they said they'd go back again.

HTH.

Astrid xx

 

[jax100]

We're staying at the vistana villages(the idrive one) in march next year. we have looked everywhere and all reviews we have read have been excellent. dh has spent hours looking into the villages and read all the comments on the review boards and in here too. We are taking the 2 bedroom option and looking forward to it. What swung it for me was the washing machine(washer/dryer) in the kitchen. Also a jacuzzi in the master bedroom sounds lovely too.

There are 3 adults going and 2 small children so a bedroom for them, is great considering the experience we had this year.

So i would opt for the villages, my opinion anyway.

 

[Mumof2]

Hi

Like others, we decided to stay in a suite. Been round and round in circles on this holiday But cos there are 4 of us and we are staying 17 nights we thought the suite option looked best with one night escape to Universal for FOTL access. Anyway - my first choice was the Villages then I thought about the Resort BUT couldn't get booked into either - probably becuase we were looking for 17 nights. I finally got booked into the Marriott Grande Vista which gets mixed reviews (though I have to say maninly good ones) on Trip Adviser and people who have been there from the US Boards rate it quite highly. SO this could be another option for you? Or is that just adding more choices which you don't need!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We looked at buying a timeshare at Vistana and did a fair bit of research, the Villages is possibly the better bet, it is newer and in a great location.

We haven't bought one yet but may view some on our August holiday.
Sent a mail to Vistana asking what is the procedure for having a look round, they are gated so presumably you cannot just turn up, still not received a reply despite sending a further mail, so will probably look elsewhere.

At the moment we prefer to rent a villa, you really get much more freedom and privacy, with a private pool etc
Plus when you want to relax you can knowing that the pool area is available for your exclusive use.

There are only 3 of us too but it doesn't matter how many there are really.
The only downside is that there are facilities on-site as such as there would be at the Vistana, you have to drive everywhere. However, the advantages make it worthwhile.

 

[eyoreaud]

Hi Mrs Dazzle!

We stayed at Sheraton Vistana Vilages last year and loved it soooooo much we bought a time share there!.

We've stayed in other suites as well so we did have something to compare it with (Marriott Residence Inn at Sea World being one) and although they were nice we still preffered SVV

Sorry, can't give you a comment on the Sheraton Resort as we've never stayed there but as far as i've read it should be fine if your not too fussy about modern decor.

Hope this helps,
Luv Audrey.
xxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Thanks for all the really useful replies

The Vistana Villages is booked for the week we want , but the Resort is available, but still looking into Bahama Bay which has come very highly recommended. The only thing which has me hesitating with this is the distance away from everywhere. To most people who have stayed in villas this is probably not an issue, but we've not stayed out Kissimmee before, always onsite at Disney or Univeral, or LBV (my personal fave area).

Can I ask where you look for villas - I'm terrified of choosing the wrong thing.

Also, I've looked at the Marriott suites (and Hilton), but from the website it looked as though you have to be a member/timeshare owner, so got confused. How do you go about booking these sorts of suites of you are not (and don't really want to be at this stage!).

Arrrrrggggggggggghhhhh, don't know what to do !! Serves me right for changing our plans

 

[Mumof2]

Mrs Dazzle we booked the Marriott Grande Vista via BA. But the trip advisor website also gives you links to book via Expedia etc.

Good Luck!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Can I ask where you look for villas - I'm terrified of choosing the wrong thing.

QUOTE]

Most of the villa loactions in Kissimmee are just off the US192, access to the I4 and the Theme Parks is good.
There are also numerous restuarants/supermarkets along the 192 also.

The Formosa Gardens area is popular for villas, with Indian Creek, Formosa Gardens and Windsor Palms being some of the developments.
A few miles up the 192 you have the Poinciana Boulevard area with Indian Point, Cumbrian Lakes and others - these are a bit further away from your routes to the attractions but again within relative easy reach of shops etc

We have never stayed on-site , much prefer a private villa as we find it easier to relax, more roomy and just gives that bit more flexibility for our plans.
Just depends on what suits you best, there is no right or wrong way just comes down to personal needs and choice.

www.villas2000.com and www.vr360homes.co.uk give you some idea, there is a vast number available to choose from.