Supplies/Cleaning Condo

[kathyclownfish]

Okay, this may be a real foolish question. I'm a newbie at timeshare resorts. Do you need to bring cleaning supplies when you stay in a timeshare? We have always stayed on Disney property....always had housekeeping and no kitchen. This time with the kids older.....we need more privacy and more room. We are staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort. This is a 2 bedroom with full kitchen. We will probably only eat breakfast and snacks in the condo. I understand that they charge $35.00 for housekeeping.

My question is: If you don't pay the $35.00 do have to "clean" the condo? Do they supply cleaning supplies? Do you need to bring your own sheets/towels?

Thanks!
Kathy

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

I may not be the best person to answer as I've only stayed at a couple of condos and never at the one you are asking about but here goes!

The property has always supplied a few cleaning supplies for the limited cleaning/dishes that we've needed to do. The housekeeping fee is not optional at most places. This is the fee paid to clean at the end of your stay to get it ready for the next folks. As far as towels and sheets they have always provided them and you just need to trade them out if you want clean ones in the middle of your stay.

Hope this helps!

 

[kathyclownfish]

Thanks Tiiigergirl!
Thats really what I needed to know. I don't want to have to buy stuff like comet, sponges and dishwasher detergent to wash a couple of bowls that we only use for breakfast. I really hate foodshopping and don't plan on doing a heck of alot of it on vacation!!

 

[pixie57]

I think the $35 housekeeping charge is only if you want to have daily service. I've stayed at Vistana before (loved, loved, loved it!!!) and don't remember any fee for cleaning the unit when we were done. I would recommend bringing a small box of powdered detergent, or buying the Publix liquid brand for $2, to use with the washing machine.

Have fun!

 

[mishoe01]

If I remember correctly, there was dish detergent available, and 1 small box of Tide to use (1 load worth). Depending on how much laundry you have to do, you may be able to get by w/o buying any more detergent. I think I remember someone saying that you can call down to guest services and ask for more detergent, but not 100% sure about that.

I had no additional fee when I was at Vistana, and there was a 1x cleaning during the week included. I believe that the additional charge is for daily service as pixie57 mentioned.

Hope this helps, and have a great trip!!

 

[kathyclownfish]

Pixie,
Glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. I've never been to Vistana before but have heard good things about it. My DH wants some relaxation during this vacation. I have both HIFS and Vistana reserved. Heard HIFS is alot hectic. The Vistana is about $150/200 more. Just wondering if it justifies the extra money. My DKs are 14 & 12 and HIFS sounds like it is geared more towards younger children. Are there many older kids at Vistana? Thanks for the info!
Kathy

 

[kathyclownfish]

MisHoe,
Did you use the "grocery store" at Vistana? I've heard that you can have groceries pre ordered and sent to you room.


Does anyone know which grocery store is on the way to Vistana from MCO?

 

[jctwizzer]

You can put dirty dishes in the dishwasher---there will be diswashing detergent in the unit. The general store is a little high; but there's a Publix at International Drive and Vineland..about two miles away, but on the way from MCO via 417. There may be a small grocery store across from the entrance; and I know there is a Walgreens right at the entrance. Based on our experience, I think you enjoy the stay

 

[mishoe01]

Hi Kathy

I didn't use the program where you can pre-order the groceries from the General Store as we were getting in at a decent time. Things aren't cheap there either. I would only recommend pre-ordering something if you are planning on arriving quite late (11pm or later)...and then only enough to get you through breakfast.

I definately agree with jctwizzer---go to the Publix on Vineland (close to where International Drive meets US536 and US417. There is a Goodings off US535 (at Crossroads) but that is the most expensive grocery store around.

There are a lot of things for kids to do--7 pools, mini-golf on site, scheduled activities, and I believe there is an arcade as well.

Sent you a PM too....

 

[spiceycat]

no - you don't need anything.

that say - I bring some of the tablets (detergent) for the washing machine.

most places will bring you more detergent for the dish washer. (you can also bring those no spill stuff just make sure that they are double packed box and plastic bag)

You will generally have a vacuum cleaner, mop, bucket, sponge, wash cloth, etc....

lots of stuff to clean up with - if you want too - don't have do - read the door or what you are given for the check out routine - some places want you to remove the sheets and things - other don't care.

I am staying at Vistana my self for the first time this Nov.

you know about

www.skyauction.com
or
http://www.condodirect.com/iw/cs?a=0

sky is RCI exchanges
Condo is II exchanges

 

[kathyclownfish]

Spiceycat,
Yes, I do know about skyauction and condo direct. These are definately the way to go if you are staying a week. Unfortunately, we are checking in on a Saturday and leaving for Universal the following Thursday. I think I'm getting a pretty good rate through Deb's site. $99.00 a night for a 1 bedroom and $129 for a 2 bedroom. If skyauction had bids "per night" for Vistana I might be able to find a deal. They have many other condos that you can bid on per night.....but I didn't seem to find any for Vistana. And I don't know if skyauction could beat a $99.00 a night deal. What do you think?

Thanks for the info!
Kathy

 

[spiceycat]

No, you got a good rate for this resort.

the other timeshares that are bid for night (besides Westgate) are not RCI - they are generally II - and the resort itself is doing it - not RCI (through their exchanges)


when are you going to be there?

we will be there on Thanksgiving week.

 

[kathyclownfish]

We are going Oct 30 - November 4th. Looking forward to it!
Enjoy your stay!
Kathy

 

[pixie57]

kathyclownfish,

I would definately spend as many nights at the Vistana as you can! Our last trip (11/02) we spent 1 week there and then went to HIFS for 2 nights (at the kids request!) We had spent 10 nights at HIFS on our previous trip (10/00). There is no comparison between the two! HIFS was a big letdown after the luxury of a 2 BR condo. The kids were 8 and 11 at the time. We all felt that we had outgrown HIFS.

BTW--which website did you use to get a 2BR for $129? Great rate!

Have a great trip!

 

[kathyclownfish]

Pixie57,
That's what I needed to hear to justify the extra $200.00 and a free breakfast!!! HIFS sounds really neat expecially with the new pool being completed in November. BUT, many trip reports commented on a zero entry pool, face painting, magician shows, and even though this may have sounded great a few years back......my 14 and 12 year old are probably too big for many of the HIFS perks.
Anyway, I got my Vistana rate at www.allearsnet.com.

Here is the link:
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_svistana.htm

call the 800 number and give them the promo code: Allears.
Its $99 for 1 bedroom villa and $129 for a 2 bedroom villa through 12/31/04, excludes holidays.

Good luck
Kathy