Star Island Resort

[elnewfs]

Going to Universal
Can anyone tell me about this resort? This is where we are staying Is it ok?

 

[Lisa P.]

Overall, I've read very positive reviews about the place. I stayed there several years ago and found the 2BR and larger units to be spacious and well-appointed. The smallest units are very basic but if you have a "full" kitchen, then you'll be fine.

Here are two websites (two sections of the same resort - you wouldn't know the difference between them):
Fairfield Star Island
Star Island Resort and Club

The main pool area is very nice, great fitness center, lots of tennis courts, some planned activities and music by the pool a couple evenings per week. I'd go back. HTH

 

[Niagara2]

We stayed two nights and it was just OK. We had a good timeshare presentation price which was an easy 15 minutes and the room was large BUT the cleanliness of the room and the resort left alot to be desired. It was not filthy but not up to par to DVC or Marriott which we own. It was a level below Westgate in our book.

 

[elnewfs]

Thanks for the help!! Good thing we have all adults traveling...they are good about sharing!!

 

[bellagrace]

We are scheduled to stay at the Star Island Resort in January 2004 for a week. If anyone has stayed there, please give me your opinion of it. What should we expect? Their websites says it's a 5-star resort. We have a 3 bedroom suite booked. Any comments about the resort will be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks so much!!


Blessings!!

 

[elnewfs]

We just got back from a week's stay. The resort was very nice, we had a 2 bedroom lockoff suite. I have older kids, 16 - 21 and they had a nice time. We did the Fairfield thing, it was a great, convenient place for Magic Kingdom and Universal, but had to sit through another, presentation. It was suppose to last 40 minutes, it was over 2 hours. (I thought we were done prior to this vacation!).
We discovered WDW timeshares, they seem to be a much better deal. As far as prices, (we stayed at WDW a few years back) I think WDW is better, even if you don't go to the theme parks, more bang for your buck, customer service is above and beyond!

 

[Lisa P.]

If you are looking for "bang for your buck," you need to read some more about timesharing on TUG - Timeshare Users Group. It's a website by owners for owners (and those considering a purchase). Regardless of where you are thinking about buying, you are sure to learn plenty there. The bulletin boards and Advice articles are mostly free access.

The single most important piece of advice out there is to look into resales before you buy. In most cases, this will save you 50%-75% off the developer pricing. DVC is an exception (though resales can still offer an economical way to buy at certain, sold-out home resorts).

Certainly, resale points for Star Island will cost far less than any price you've been quoted... easily under $5,700 (175,000 points pays for 2BR Deluxe week during Easter/Spring break, Christmas/New Year's or summertime) to $7,200 (224,000 points for a 3BR, same prime season). A 2BR or 3BR DVC during those times would cost several times that.

But these are different kinds of programs. DVC is great for the Disney fan who will return most years and primarily use it at DVC resorts. Fairfield is more for families who want to travel around (especially eastern U.S., Hawaii, etc.) and stay at a wider variety of places, including some Florida vacations. The internal reservation system is good for that. Many other timeshares are more useful for families who like to trade out as well. HTH.