The Sheraton Vistana Resort Thread (key links on p.1)

[dioxide45]

Is it really though? I mean everyone has cell phones now. I know lots of people that don’t have a home phone. I don’t think it’s really a safety issue like it might have once been.

I wouldn't agree that everyone had a cell phone now. While small, there is certainly still a segment of the population that doesn't have them. That segment of the population, an older demographic, may be more reliant on landlines in the event of an emergency. Also consider that some international guests may not want to pay international roaming charges while in the US. The phones also are not just used to contact the front desk to request additional supplies.

 

[bankr63]

And just to confirm, there are still phones and they do still work. The main thing that is missing now is the phone in the living room area; it is only the phones integrated into the clock radios.
Interesting units actually. We were there a few days after the time change and ours was 2 hours out. I'm a tech guy (computer engineer) and it took me an awfully long time to finally figure out how to adjust the time, although I did somehow switch it to 24 clock which I couldn't figure out how to undo. Some instructions for these things would probably be appreciated.

 

[dioxide45]

And just to confirm, there are still phones and they do still work. The main thing that is missing now is the phone in the living room area; it is only the phones integrated into the clock radios.
Interesting units actually. We were there a few days after the time change and ours was 2 hours out. I'm a tech guy (computer engineer) and it took me an awfully long time to finally figure out how to adjust the time, although I did somehow switch it to 24 clock which I couldn't figure out how to undo. Some instructions for these things would probably be appreciated.

There is no longer a phone on the bar counter in the kitchen?

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Hello SVR fans!
It's been awhile but I am headed back to SVR. This will be the first time that we are flying with no plans to rent a car.
Does anyone have any tips for travel from MCO to SVR? Shuttles, services, Ubers etc? This trip will include six adults.

 

[bankr63]

There is no longer a phone on the bar counter in the kitchen?

Correct, or in our case (Courts Townhome) in the living room, there is no longer one on the side table. Presumably they are also gone from the kitchen area in the other units (I recall them there in both Springs and Spas).

 

[bankr63]

Hello SVR fans!
It's been awhile but I am headed back to SVR. This will be the first time that we are flying with no plans to rent a car.
Does anyone have any tips for travel from MCO to SVR? Shuttles, services, Ubers etc? This trip will include six adults.

Not from personal experience, we always rented when we weren't driving down, but with 6 people and luggage I would start by checking out Mears to get a large enough vehicle. However, if the cost is too high you could consider 2 or even 3 Ubers. Rideshare is pretty competitive in Orlando by all accounts.

The transportation board has lots of great information on this kind of stuff!

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Hello SVR fans!
It's been awhile but I am headed back to SVR. This will be the first time that we are flying with no plans to rent a car.
Does anyone have any tips for travel from MCO to SVR? Shuttles, services, Ubers etc? This trip will include six adults.

I've used and am a big fan of Tiffany Town Car.

 

[mckennarose]

Yes, I am still here, and yes I am still staying at SVR 3-4 times per year and have updates.

First, and again as a timeshare owner and frequent user of RCI and Interval.... there is no need to contact a pre-arrival coordinator if you are not a SVR owner. The front desk, managers and everyone in the front is more than happy to work with customers and help you have a great vacation. They have re stated this to me many, many times. No one has any inside information, as told to me by SVR, and they welcome any communication directly with their representatives via the regular phone numbers. They want outside customers, people who are not current owners, to reach out to them with any requests, information, and assistance and they will work with you within their power. They are more than accommodating, and more than willing to help their customers, no matter if they are an owner, someone trading, or someone just booking online. They want to help you have the best experience possible and there's no "inside" information or tips or tricks. They have stated many times that everyone who books, no matter HOW they book, they will work with you to have a great experience. And we stay here multiple times per year, and do not own a timeshare with SVR. They also NEVER pressure us for a timeshare presentation, as with Wyndham Bonnet Creek, where we also stay.

Case in point... we just completed a stay with 12 family members, several rooms, booked through Interval, and they've gone above and beyond with trying to help us. They don't like outsiders giving information about the resort, that may not be up to date, or accurate, and they prefer you contact them directly with any questions, concerns, or requests. This was AGAIN stated to me by the resort itself. There's no trick, no inside scoop and no preferential treatment. They want all guests to have the best experience they can offer. They literally dismiss any information from "outsiders" or "other owners" as not accurate. They prefer to speak directly for themselves and don't want other's (owners) to speak for them. This is confirmed to me by several customer service people and managers. If you don't believe me, contact them directly.

We were able to request several rooms, in the same building for our reservation. They want to work with customers. They will say there's no guarantee, and that's true, but they WANT to make your stay great and will go to great lengths to do so. We never demand, never pressure, and never flaunt that we own several timeshares. We politely ask, and they will do their best to help you. Thankfully, they've gone above and beyond, even with a FULLY BOOKED week in our preferred section. I highly recommend SVR for customer service.

I don't know how many times I have to repeat that NO ONE on here has any inside information or holds any weight with SVR. They have told me repeatedly that no one speaks for SVR, no one has any inside information, and no one can tell other potential customers what will work or what won't. SVR is not happy if they are portrayed as being "owner exclusive" in accommodating requests or questions. They have a HUGE market for non-Sheraton owners, and they want to keep that status. They're not happy as being portrayed as "owner exclusive" in requests or treatment. Again, call them directly if there's a question about it. But we stay here several times per year, have done so for many years, and have stayed other places with our timeshare (that is not Sheraton). SVR is amazing with customer service for non-owners.

It's an insult, and not accurate information from the resort directly, to keep on assuming that any SVR owner knows how the rest of us should book, what to expect, and what to do to book. Please just call them directly. They want you to, and they will work with you, no matter how you book. 1-407-239-3100

Hello SVR fans!
It's been awhile but I am headed back to SVR. This will be the first time that we are flying with no plans to rent a car.
Does anyone have any tips for travel from MCO to SVR? Shuttles, services, Ubers etc? This trip will include six adults.

This is late, but when traveling from MCO, there is the option of Uber XXL that will accommodate 6 adults with luggage. We've done it a few times. It's still a MUCH cheaper option than taxi or car services. I think it was around $50-$60 our last trip a few weeks ago. But the XXL option does not show up on the app until you're there. It's basically a minivan or large SUV. It works the same going from SVR to MCO. Super easy, super convenient, and Uber or lyft is generally much cheaper for us than renting a car.

You can also look into Turo, for rental cars. It's kind of like AirB&B for cars. We still find Uber cheaper for us depending on how we get to Florida and how long we're there.

 

[dioxide45]

Yes, I am still here, and yes I am still staying at SVR 3-4 times per year and have updates.

First, and again as a timeshare owner and frequent user of RCI and Interval.... there is no need to contact a pre-arrival coordinator if you are not a SVR owner. The front desk, managers and everyone in the front is more than happy to work with customers and help you have a great vacation. They have re stated this to me many, many times. No one has any inside information, as told to me by SVR, and they welcome any communication directly with their representatives via the regular phone numbers. They want outside customers, people who are not current owners, to reach out to them with any requests, information, and assistance and they will work with you within their power. They are more than accommodating, and more than willing to help their customers, no matter if they are an owner, someone trading, or someone just booking online. They want to help you have the best experience possible and there's no "inside" information or tips or tricks. They have stated many times that everyone who books, no matter HOW they book, they will work with you to have a great experience. And we stay here multiple times per year, and do not own a timeshare with SVR. They also NEVER pressure us for a timeshare presentation, as with Wyndham Bonnet Creek, where we also stay.

Case in point... we just completed a stay with 12 family members, several rooms, booked through Interval, and they've gone above and beyond with trying to help us. They don't like outsiders giving information about the resort, that may not be up to date, or accurate, and they prefer you contact them directly with any questions, concerns, or requests. This was AGAIN stated to me by the resort itself. There's no trick, no inside scoop and no preferential treatment. They want all guests to have the best experience they can offer. They literally dismiss any information from "outsiders" or "other owners" as not accurate. They prefer to speak directly for themselves and don't want other's (owners) to speak for them. This is confirmed to me by several customer service people and managers. If you don't believe me, contact them directly.

We were able to request several rooms, in the same building for our reservation. They want to work with customers. They will say there's no guarantee, and that's true, but they WANT to make your stay great and will go to great lengths to do so. We never demand, never pressure, and never flaunt that we own several timeshares. We politely ask, and they will do their best to help you. Thankfully, they've gone above and beyond, even with a FULLY BOOKED week in our preferred section. I highly recommend SVR for customer service.

I don't know how many times I have to repeat that NO ONE on here has any inside information or holds any weight with SVR. They have told me repeatedly that no one speaks for SVR, no one has any inside information, and no one can tell other potential customers what will work or what won't. SVR is not happy if they are portrayed as being "owner exclusive" in accommodating requests or questions. They have a HUGE market for non-Sheraton owners, and they want to keep that status. They're not happy as being portrayed as "owner exclusive" in requests or treatment. Again, call them directly if there's a question about it. But we stay here several times per year, have done so for many years, and have stayed other places with our timeshare (that is not Sheraton). SVR is amazing with customer service for non-owners.

It's an insult, and not accurate information from the resort directly, to keep on assuming that any SVR owner knows how the rest of us should book, what to expect, and what to do to book. Please just call them directly. They want you to, and they will work with you, no matter how you book. 1-407-239-3100

You're really hung up on this aren't you? Why do you come here to provide this information if you don't think people should be providing information about the resort. Aren't you guilty of the same thing you are accusing others of being guilty of?

This thread must have lived rent free in your head the entire time you were at SVR? Why does it bother you so much that this thread exists and people come here to talk about Vistana Resort?

 

[erinch]

Just as another perspective, we stayed 2 weeks in April, having rented from an owner with star option points. I did both email and call the pre-arrival coordinator. The owner had been able to reserve Springs, and when we checked in they could not change it to Fountains 1. Springs is our favorite on the main side, and my request for 3rd floor pond view, with a preference for either of 2 buildings—so a very granular request — was noted in my reservation and granted. We had a wonderful stay, as always.

 

[dioxide45]

I did both email and call the pre-arrival coordinator.

So there is no one single way that things have to be done as the PP seems to think...

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

You're really hung up on this aren't you? Why do you come here to provide this information if you don't think people should be providing information about the resort. Aren't you guilty of the same thing you are accusing others of being guilty of?

This thread must have lived rent free in your head the entire time you were at SVR? Why does it bother you so much that this thread exists and people come here to talk about Vistana Resort?

Also, I've stayed at SVR now I think something like 8 times, both as a direct book through marriott.com, and through II certificates. About half the time I was contacted by the "pre-arrival coordinator" asking for room requests. The other half I reached out first. Both times they were great. I'm not sure what this poster is talking about when he says that the pre-arrival coordinator is only for owners. I'm not an owner and they affirmatively reached out to me.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Just as another perspective, we stayed 2 weeks in April, having rented from an owner with star option points. I did both email and call the pre-arrival coordinator. The owner had been able to reserve Springs, and when we checked in they could not change it to Fountains 1. Springs is our favorite on the main side, and my request for 3rd floor pond view, with a preference for either of 2 buildings—so a very granular request — was noted in my reservation and granted. We had a wonderful stay, as always.

Speaking of which, who is the pre-arrival coordinator these days? I have a trip coming up on June 22nd and want to make a request for a top floor room. Thanks in advance!

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

I just emailed Camille Brannon for my stay on June 22nd (to request a top floor in Lakes). Here's hoping...

 

[BostonEd]

Just as another perspective, we stayed 2 weeks in April, having rented from an owner with star option points. I did both email and call the pre-arrival coordinator. The owner had been able to reserve Springs, and when we checked in they could not change it to Fountains 1. Springs is our favorite on the main side, and my request for 3rd floor pond view, with a preference for either of 2 buildings—so a very granular request — was noted in my reservation and granted. We had a wonderful stay, as always.

I'm sorry, but I don't understand what Fountains 1 has to do with anything, given the rest of your post. It reads like the owner requested a very specific room in Springs, and you got it, so what does changing to Fountains have to do with anything?

 

[dioxide45]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand what Fountains 1 has to do with anything, given the rest of your post. It reads like the owner requested a very specific room in Springs, and you got it, so what does changing to Fountains have to do with anything?

In the past when an owner made a reservation through Vistana.com they didn't actually select a phase and it seems that in the past the resort was much more flexible in being able to assign units in different phases. Since the Marriott take over of Vistana and subsequent changes to the website and how an owner makes a points reservation, the owners now book into a phase and the resort is no longer flexible in changing that. I also beleive in the past, it didn't really matter much what phase the underlying inventory came from, they placed most people in Lakes and Cascades. Probably because of the no elevator complaints.

This change in how villas are assigned may be different than what people were used to in the past and perhaps why not being able to change to Fountains was mentioned.

 

[erinch]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand what Fountains 1 has to do with anything, given the rest of your post. It reads like the owner requested a very specific room in Springs, and you got it, so what does changing to Fountains have to do with anything?

As Dioxide45 explained, the owner was able to get the reservation in Springs when reserving.
It used to be that you could request assignment in another section and they would move you if it was available. I was confirming that, at least for me, they said that they could no longer move you to a different section.

But the requests I made for the villa in Springs were all honored.

 

[erinch]

Here is the info for the Pre-Arrival Coordinator as of April 2024:
NOTE: She works Wed-Sat, and it works better to send request emails on those days.

Camille Brannon Pre-Arrival Coordinator

T 407-239-3100 M 407-239-3518

Sheraton Vistana Resort

8800 Vistana Centre Drive

Orlando, Fl 32821

Camille.Brannon@vacationclub.com
or
svcmcosv.prearrival@vacationclub.com

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Here is the info for the Pre-Arrival Coordinator as of April 2024:
NOTE: She works Wed-Sat, and it works better to send request emails on those days.

Camille Brannon Pre-Arrival Coordinator

T 407-239-3100 M 407-239-3518

Sheraton Vistana Resort

8800 Vistana Centre Drive

Orlando, Fl 32821

Camille.Brannon@vacationclub.com
or
svcmcosv.prearrival@vacationclub.com

Yeah I sent my email on Monday and got an away message, so hopefully she responds tomorrow. I'm just trying to get top floor because we love those cathedral ceilings / skylights in Lakes (where the email says we are assigned).

 

[mckennarose]

You're really hung up on this aren't you? Why do you come here to provide this information if you don't think people should be providing information about the resort. Aren't you guilty of the same thing you are accusing others of being guilty of?

This thread must have lived rent free in your head the entire time you were at SVR? Why does it bother you so much that this thread exists and people come here to talk about Vistana Resort?

Hardly, since I only come on here about once a year now. And since I've been doxxed from a member (SVR owner) here who directly contact SVR on my behalf, without my permission on request, yes I do have issue with how people should be careful with their information and what they post on here.

But thanks for your interest. I'm not guilty of anything other than warning people that whatever they may post on here could, and has been, taken by self proclaimed "Sheraton experts" to contact and intervene on your behalf, without your permission, and your personal information may be compromised, as mine has. But I have VERY frequent information, that directly contradicts some of the information put out here.

And again, Not one time, in my years of staying there, have I been contacted by a pre arrival coordinator. Which is a position that changes as much as the members on here. Frequently. SVR actually has said they don't promote the pre arrival coordinator to non-owners. They're trying to get non owners in, and they don't want to seem exclusive.

So there is no one single way that things have to be done as the PP seems to think...

Never said that, maybe look closer. I'm saying what I have been told directly by Sheraton. The only single way that has been actively promoted on here is to go through the pre arrival coordinator, and that's simply not true. I've been told that TWICE this year alone. And some members who post on here, who are SVR owners, are the ones who like to promote that. I'm making sure people know that they don't have to do this, and SVR welcomes anyone to their resort.

Anyone. No hoops to jump through, no pre arrival coordinator to contact to make sure you can have a great stay, and nothing to do but enjoy your stay. They want to work with people. That's what I want people to know, the 2 (?) times per year I decide to come back to let people know my latest experience. But if you would rather just go with the self proclaimed SVR experts, fine. But there is a different way to enjoy SVR that doesn't require anything but making a reservation. It's a great place to stay, their front desk staff helps with whatever you need or want, and you don't have to be an owner to enjoy yourself.

If you don't like my very infrequent posts, block me. No harm. We're on other forums together, btw, and I have no issue with you. But I do have issue with preserving the protection of member's privacy here, and warning them to be very careful what you post here. And I do have issue with the constant promotion with SVR owners posting that the pre-arrival coordinator is the only way to go to get SVR to help you. It's a disservice to them to promote that there is only one way to have a great stay. SVR has told me they want new customers, and they don't want them to feel that they need to do things a certain way to have a good stay, when they all try to help in whatever way they could. That's straight from the resort itself.

I say if in doubt, call them. Ask SVR what you need to do to have a great stay, ask if you need to talk to a pre arrival coordinator with any requests. They will tell you that each and every staff member will try their best to help you. There's no extra hoops to jump through, no special person with inside information, and nothing you need to do but talk to them and they will try their best to help you. Worked for me for many years, even after asking about the need to speak with the pre arrival coordinator, and told it is not needed.