Star Island - tell me what you know

[Shell4624]

So my parents own a timeshare called Star Island Resort. They want to take a trip down there in Oct 2010 with my family and theirs. Please tell me the good and bad of the resort.

Would you pay money to stay elsewhere if you had to stay at star island? How close is the resort to the Theme Parks?

Any and all info is welcomed! Thanks

 

[Brian Noble]

It's just a titch farther of a drive than I normally like to stay. But, it has a pretty good reputation---not in the same league as the Hiltons or Marriotts, but still quite nice. As a Wyndham owner, if I couldn't get Bonnet Creek, Star Island would be a perfectly fine second choice, along with Cypress Palms. It's not super far; near the intersection of 192 and Apopka/Vineland. I hear they are in the middle of a resort-wide refurbishment, which should be done when you go.

I would not pay money to stay elsewhere unless the extra five minutes' drive will kill you.

 

[ttrentowens]

We stayed at Star Island a few years ago. My mother, husband and 2 small children (ages 2 & 5) all found it was the best place we had ever stayed in Orlando. There was plenty for everyone to do. The kids loved the different pools and the water activities. There was always an activity planned by the resort each day for them also (ice cream social, moonbounce, etc). My husband loved to fish in the lake (you can rent boats and gear at the boathouse). The villas were beautifully decorated and clean. The golf courses (although I don't play) looks spectacular. It is a gated resort so its very quiet and relaxing. There are several playgrounds for kids and lots of tennis courts. Theres a bar overlooking the pools where they have differnt types of entertainment. All the employees were wonderful. And I highly recommend a massage. There are very reasonably priced and during the day they set the massage chairs out by the pool area for $5 massages.

While we were there we toured the Wyndham timeshare and was not very pleased with it. Star Island kinda spoiled us I suppose. It had no where near the things Star Island had.

Also, someone said something about the location. We had no problem getting to any of the parks. I don't remember it being very far from anything.

So...I highly recommend Star Island!!

 

[mzlee]

We stayed there three years ago. I felt the location was convenient because you can find just about everything you need on the 192 strip. Our unit was very clean and spacious. We get to stay at Bonnet Creek this year so I am really looking forward to that.

 

[davinakb]

I've stayed there twice. It was very motel grade to me in many areas (beds, linens, service, decor) but nice in others (kitchen counters, bathtubs); always found the intial housekeeping (no cleaning during the week of course, timeshare) to be lacking. As someone else noted, it's not nearly as nice as a Hilton, Marriott or Sheraton timeshare. You may want to really read some good and bad reviews on TripAdvisor for a better idea.

That typed FREE is free, and I proabably would not pass that up (esp. if spending all my time in the parks anyway). But if paying $$, and a closer/nicer place was available for just a little bit more, I'd probably stay elsewhere. FWIW.

 

[kreed]

We have stayed at Star Island in the past and we really enjoyed it. The pool is very nice and my kids enjoyed it. They also have a number of tennis courts as well as tennis pros available at the resort. Some of the larger units have a great hot tub in the unit. I did not find the drive to the parks burdensome. We like to stay at Bonnet Creek because it is closer and newer but I don't mind staying at Star Island either. I found the staff really nice there. There is a Fridays right near the resort that delivers to the room which can be nice when you want something late but don't want to go out. I wouldn't spend extra money but instead save it for another purchase while you are there. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Shell4624]

Thanks to all of you for your responses. They have been very helpful.