Star Lake Manor-just returned from a FABULOUS vacation staying here!

[ClanHarrison]

Hi everyone! We just returned from our vacation of a lifetime, staying 7 days at Star Lake Manor (6/29-7/6/2010)! Because of being short on time right now, I'll be in & out adding to my review on this thread. I just had to get it started so you guys could see what you have been missing on the "staying in a villa" options.

This house is CRAZY! and EVERYTHING it appears to be...plus MORE. I think we have spoiled ourselves by staying here but...we deserve it . The owners were STELLAR to work with...VERY professional, prompt, courteous, accommodating & answered ALL questions & requests immediately. They have left NOTHING unaddressed in this GORGEOUS home...from washing detergent in the TWO laundry rooms to the spices & seasonings in the kitchen.

Here's a link, to begin with, and if you have any questions before I get back, please do not hesitate to post them: http://www.star-lake-manor.co.uk/gallery.php

 

[ClanHarrison]

Sorry Mods. I thought I was in the Hotel & Accommodations Reviews section. Could you move this for me please? Thank you!

 

[tybella]

Thanks for the info we have this house booked for 9 days for our upcoming holiday and we were a little worried since we have never booked a house before if you have any other info on the best way to get to disneyworld or anything we should know that would be awesome thanks again

 

[sympatico]

Thanks for the info we have this house booked for 9 days for our upcoming holiday and we were a little worried since we have never booked a house before if you have any other info on the best way to get to disneyworld or anything we should know that would be awesome thanks again

Here's a map that will show you the area and if you follow the blue then red line you'll get to Disney using Funie Steed and Sherberth Rd. If you instead follow the green then red line you will use 192 then Sherberth Rd.
This takes you to the AK area of Disney and you can then just follow the signs for the rest of the Disney parks and areas.
Starlake Manor is in Formosa Gardens Estates which is # 9 on the map. Click that and then zoom in a little and have a look around. I'll move the marker to where Starlake Manor is.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...8.272032,-81.608849&spn=0.068335,0.11055&z=13

 

[isla bonita]

Sounds like a great time was had by all!

 

[psharrock]

Here's a map that will show you the area and if you follow the blue then red line you'll get to Disney using Funie Steed and Sherberth Rd. If you instead follow the green then red line you will use 192 then Sherberth Rd.
This takes you to the AK area of Disney and you can then just follow the signs for the rest of the Disney parks and areas.
Starlake Manor is in Formosa Gardens Estates which is # 9 on the map. Click that and then zoom in a little and have a look around. I'll move the marker to where Starlake Manor is.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...8.272032,-81.608849&spn=0.068335,0.11055&z=13

Thanks Wanda
I've just reaslised that Google have finally updated their imagery for the first time in 3 years of the Formosa area.

Paul

 

[sympatico]

Thanks Wanda
I've just reaslised that Google have finally updated their imagery for the first time in 3 years of the Formosa area.

Paul

Yes, finally. I mentioned it on the facebook post. Some places are still the same though. My friend owns a home in Reunion and his house isn't on there at all and we stayed there in March and it was built in 2005.

 

[ClanHarrison]

Hey guys! I haven't abandoned my thread, life just got hectic & I haven't had a lot of time to post . I'll be back to answer questions this evening.

Hi Paul . I blame my Vacation Depression on you .

 

[psharrock]

Yes, finally. I mentioned it on the facebook post. Some places are still the same though. My friend owns a home in Reunion and his house isn't on there at all and we stayed there in March and it was built in 2005.

I know that last update of the Formosa area was Feb 2007, so its weird that they have not updated reunion since 2005.

Paul

 

[psharrock]

Hi Paul . I blame my Vacation Depression on you .

Hi

I usually find the best way to get over post vacation blues is to book next years vacation.

Paul

 

[ClanHarrison]

And we have already summoned the group to get together to make that final decision.

 

[ClanHarrison]

Hi tybella!

I just looked back at some of your past threads and saw a lot of the hotel recommendations you received in your posts. You were very lucky to realize early-on, NOT to go this route for your size group. We had a group of 12 (8 adults & 4 kids) and this home couldn’t BE more perfect. It NEVER felt like 12 people were staying in the same house...this place is HUGE!

When we travel with me, husband 2 kids & another couple with their daughter, we realized quickly that hotels can be a pain at times. We have resigned to booking a separate room for the kids (now that they're older), then even THAT was a pain because, of course, they want to be in 2 places at the same time (their “private” room AND ours lol) which resulted in them running back & forth constantly knocking on our door to let them in & us jumping up & down...gets pretty tiresome. It also left me on edge because then I’d get paranoid that they’d get snatched coming back & forth to our room. Ughhh...it’s just a mess! We also need the extra space & bathroom too.

I’m guessing you found out pretty quickly that, for the money you would have put out to house your group of 13 in suites & hotel rooms, you are getting way, way more for your money. The home’s price, at first glance, is deceiving, until you figure out, splitting it with 3 other families makes it comparable & even cheaper than if you booked a “nice” hotel”. And believe me, SLM DOES NOT skimp on quality. I can promise you the home, it’s décor & amenities are 5 star quality...at least. I’ve been meaning to ask the owners who their decorator was/is because we all really admired many of the pieces on display in the home. I fell in love with the lamp in the foyer...beautiful & unique. Many of the homes I've seen online seem so...sparse in it's decorating, mostly white boxes, but SLM is set apart from them with the perfect choices. The attention to detail is quite evident yet doesn't scream at you. You are most definitely getting a well cared for, well maintained property.

I want you to promise me something. Please come back here and post on my thread so I can say “I told ya so” lol. You are going to be knocked over when you realize the mistake you ALMOST made lol. But, I’m warning you...when you stay in this home, you will never want to leave. THAT was the BIGGEST problem we had.

Enjoy it!

 

[ClanHarrison]

Sounds like a great time was had by all!

Bonita, we DID have a fabulous time. And I'm sorry we didn't get to meet for beers because I'd have really enjoyed touring your development. It was hard enough trying to get out the door to shop for food . Next time for sure. By the way...those decadent cakes at Publix...to.die.for. We got the Strawberry Sensation (so, so pretty & they used the freshest fruit) & a caramel one (which was too sweet for my tastes but everyone else loved it). They were both BEAUTIFUL.

 

[isla bonita]

Bonita, we DID have a fabulous time. And I'm sorry we didn't get to meet for beers because I'd have really enjoyed touring your development. It was hard enough trying to get out the door to shop for food . Next time for sure. By the way...those decadent cakes at Publix...to.die.for. We got the Strawberry Sensation (so, so pretty & they used the freshest fruit) & a caramel one (which was too sweet for my tastes but everyone else loved it). They were both BEAUTIFUL.

So happy I could help and for too sweet are you kidding me. Love it!

Glad you had a great time and we will have beers next time for sure!

 

[ClanHarrison]