Suite rather than hotel for a change? HELP!!

[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 - like the Bahama Bay which has also got some great reviews. 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 - here in the UK we don't get much space between houses!).

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.

I thought about a villa, but wouldn't know where to start location wise and also since there's only three of us it would seem to make it quite pricey?

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
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[HeatherC]

We have always stayed in villas and love the extra space!!! We have stayed at the Vistana Villages and thought it was just terrific. Very clean, large, wonderfully landscaped with a beautiful pool area. Most of them are over 1200 square feet which is bigger than some people houses.

A couple other places to check would be Marriott's Grande Vista, Cypress Harbour, Marriott's Horizons and the Hilton Grand Vacation Clubs. They are all very similar and easy commutes to all the theme parks.

I know with Marriott that if you sign up for their member rewards program (free online) you can then qualify for their "Members only" rates. You would just type in your rewards number and then code M11 in the promo box on their website to see if any member special rates are available for your time frame. By doing this, we have saved over $125 a night on these rooms.

One other place to check would be condodirect.com. I have never rented through them, but have seen these resorts show up from time to time on them.

Happy planning!
HeatherC

 

[HeatherC]

Forgot to mention that all these resorts are in the Lake Buena Vista area that you like. I think they are in a great location.

Hope this helps.
HeatherC

 

[spiceycat]

villa can be cheaper than a room

check out

www.skyauction.com

before you bid come back here and ask about the resort.

or if you don't like to bid

www.condodirect.com

 

[disneymom3]

As far as bed making goes, if you are staying on a nightly rate, many of the timeshare resorts do provide maid service. We have stayed at Vistana Resort for three nights and had maid service every day. They made the beds, brought fresh towels and even ran the dishwasher.

 

[gopack]

Have you considered one of the Kid's Suites at the Portofino?

 

[tortoni]

If you are only 3 people, the Portofino is very nice and can't beat the front of the line benefits. That said, we just stayed at Marriott Cypress Harbour for a Disney only trip and loved it.