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

Good Info. Thanks. He doesn't have points. He has a dedicated red week. We would be going either the 1st or 2nd week of June as my kids are done with school the end of May. If we get a 1 bedroom - that would be OK too - but a 2 bedroom would sure be a lot nicer.

I wouldn't assume, I'd check to be sure. Just ask your boss if he can see availability at Vistana for the time period you are thinking of travelling.

There are a lot of variables at play here; if the trade is a weeks trade, or a points trade, time of year for the unit traded, rating of the resort traded etc. But at the core, not all 2BR are created equal, so it's easy to be caught when you think a trade should be easy. It mostly depends on how II values the week your boss deposits against what they deem the Vistana week is worth.

We are on RCI, but II works quite similarly. Early June at Vistana is not too "expensive" but by mid-June values are hitting their summertime high which holds through July and the first week of August. This is based on what I can currently see available in the RCI system, II has it's own valuation system; but as an idea of the value range in RCI the highest valued weeks (March Break and Christmas week) are generally about 3 times more valuable than the lowest valued weeks in late September to November. Summer weeks run about 2 times the lowest valued weeks. Points trades are bit more transparent, as your boss can see how many points he requires and how many points he has in the bank.
 
Just a quick question.. We booked and paid for our Vistana stay through SkyAuction. Do you know what the security deposit is for incidentals etc if there is one?
I'm just running though trip costs now, and want to make sure I include it.:)
 
Just a quick question.. We booked and paid for our Vistana stay through SkyAuction. Do you know what the security deposit is for incidentals etc if there is one?
I'm just running though trip costs now, and want to make sure I include it.:)

They will take an imprint of a credit card, and you can charge resort expenses back to room if you get a room charge card. Like all hotels, they will place a hold on your card for a reasonable amount, but I don't think I've ever seen what amount they hold. I don't think it is too large a hold, it's certainly never caused us any problems using our card, but we have a reasonable limit, and never carry a balance. Does anyone else know the size of the hold placed?
 
They will take an imprint of a credit card, and you can charge resort expenses back to room if you get a room charge card. Like all hotels, they will place a hold on your card for a reasonable amount, but I don't think I've ever seen what amount they hold. I don't think it is too large a hold, it's certainly never caused us any problems using our card, but we have a reasonable limit, and never carry a balance. Does anyone else know the size of the hold placed?

Thank you. That sounds fine. I tend to use the card that gives me the best rate on American funds but the limit is low, so once I have the hold for the rental car, the hold for Universal hotel, the hold for the second property we are staying at, and then start charging food/incidentals/souveniers it can get up there. So I just like to make sure that there isn't some huge amount that's going to be taken off that I should plan for.:)
 

Thank you. That sounds fine. I tend to use the card that gives me the best rate on American funds but the limit is low, so once I have the hold for the rental car, the hold for Universal hotel, the hold for the second property we are staying at, and then start charging food/incidentals/souveniers it can get up there. So I just like to make sure that there isn't some huge amount that's going to be taken off that I should plan for.:)

That's a good point. I actually do the initial imprint on my regular Canadian Credit Card that offers some additional travel insurance "just in case" something happens. The insurance often needs to see that the trip was "booked" with that card. Then when it comes to checkout time I swap any charges to my "US Exchange Friendly" card. There are no exchange fees for a hold, just when it becomes a legitimate charge, so doesn't cost anything, and keeps your credit room open on your vacation card.

Come to think of it, I could probably do that on a car rental too. I am fairly certain they will let you substitute a different card when you return the rental.
 
Does anyone know the answer to this?

We are going to SVR soon, and I have collected about $15 in quarters for toll booth money while we're there (we're driving to and from the airport, and to Universal one day). I was talking to my stepdad and he said that all of Florida has switched to the Sunpass (?) automatic tolling now, and we won't be able to stop and pay tolls. We'll have to pay them through Alamo (who we're renting the car through). But I thought paying through Alamo entailed buying their (too) expensive tolling package for around $35 instead of just paying the $12 or so in tolls we should pay.

We plan on taking the southerly route out of the airport to go to 417 so that we can avoid I-4. Anyone know if he's right? Do we have to go through Alamo to pay tolls, or are there still places to pay tolls on the highways?
 
Does anyone know the answer to this?

We are going to SVR soon, and I have collected about $15 in quarters for toll booth money while we're there (we're driving to and from the airport, and to Universal one day). I was talking to my stepdad and he said that all of Florida has switched to the Sunpass (?) automatic tolling now, and we won't be able to stop and pay tolls. We'll have to pay them through Alamo (who we're renting the car through). But I thought paying through Alamo entailed buying their (too) expensive tolling package for around $35 instead of just paying the $12 or so in tolls we should pay.

We plan on taking the southerly route out of the airport to go to 417 so that we can avoid I-4. Anyone know if he's right? Do we have to go through Alamo to pay tolls, or are there still places to pay tolls on the highways?

At the end of August, I used the cash lane every time. Only time I needed exact was the one exit I took. I never paid Alamo and never used the sun pass lanes. The road clearly shows to stay right to pay in cash.
 
Hi everyone, First of all thanks for all of the info. Since we decided to book at SVR in March for our October trip, I've been following along and really appreciate all of the detailed info about this place. The glowing remarks and reviews shared by everyone here have only increased our level of anticipation for our upcoming trip.

A little background before I ask my questions: My mother in law works for Sheraton here in Indianapolis, which allows us access to special rates on the Starwood Hotel Network through their "Hotrate" program. As such, we got a great deal on two 2BR villas for our trip, 10/13-10/20. My wife and I, our two kids (5 & 1), both sets of grandparents, and two uncles make up our travelling party.

What recommendations would you folks/experts have for us when we try to make a request next week as far as location, style, etc? Any other tips you could offer for SVR first-timers?

Additionally, we are renting vehicles, but given the wide range of tastes, bedtimes, and whatnot, we may occasionally look to take advantage of the resort shuttle service. That is one aspect of our stay I haven't seen much info on, i.e. price, times, frequency, etc.

Thanks for the knowledge and Cheers!
 
At the end of August, I used the cash lane every time. Only time I needed exact was the one exit I took. I never paid Alamo and never used the sun pass lanes. The road clearly shows to stay right to pay in cash.

Thanks for the reassurance. We just want to pay cash for the limited tolls we'll be passing. I don't know if we'll have exact change but it's ok to OVERpay, right? We'll just have all quarters.
 
Hi everyone, First of all thanks for all of the info. Since we decided to book at SVR in March for our October trip, I've been following along and really appreciate all of the detailed info about this place. The glowing remarks and reviews shared by everyone here have only increased our level of anticipation for our upcoming trip.

A little background before I ask my questions: My mother in law works for Sheraton here in Indianapolis, which allows us access to special rates on the Starwood Hotel Network through their "Hotrate" program. As such, we got a great deal on two 2BR villas for our trip, 10/13-10/20. My wife and I, our two kids (5 & 1), both sets of grandparents, and two uncles make up our travelling party.

What recommendations would you folks/experts have for us when we try to make a request next week as far as location, style, etc? Any other tips you could offer for SVR first-timers?

Additionally, we are renting vehicles, but given the wide range of tastes, bedtimes, and whatnot, we may occasionally look to take advantage of the resort shuttle service. That is one aspect of our stay I haven't seen much info on, i.e. price, times, frequency, etc.

Thanks for the knowledge and Cheers!

This is actually a tough one, because you are over the occupancy limit of 8 for any of the Vistana 2BR units. My first advice would be to get an additional 1BR unit for everyone's sanity. These units are big, but that's still 10 people in what is effectively a 2BR apartment for a week.

First up, you probably don't want a 2BR Lockoff configuration in Cascades or Lakes as you will have only a single king bed in the second bedroom. I am assuming the two uncles wouldn't share a bed here?

Most other sleeps 8 configurations will do, avoid Falls and lowers in Courts that only sleep 6. The configuration of all others except Courts uppers is King Master, 2*Double in 2nd BR, and a sofa bed in the Living Room. You just have to decide who sleeps where.

I actually might suggest an UPPER in Courts for you. These aren't the most popular villas in the resort, but they are the largest. That's what we own, and we love the flexibility. You have a King master in a fairly large room, perhaps with a crib for the 1yo and bed share with the 5yo. The two uncles share the second BR - two single beds. There is a sleeping loft with a pull out sofa for one set of grandparents, and another pull out in the living room for grandparents #2. Note that these are 2 level units though, and only on the 2nd floor of the Courts buildings. So that can mean a lot of stairs if you are sleeping upstairs.

As for the shuttles, the schedule varies a bit, but by recollection it is 4 trips TO the parks up until mid-day and four trips back starting at mid-day. I think the last shuttle often leaves before park closing, so it makes closing out the park difficult. IF your reservation is like a hotel reservation (not familiar with Sheraton's hotrate program), the shuttle should be free. Timeshare stays must pay for the shuttle, someone else posted the fee here, think it was about $10 per person (which adds up quick with a party of 10!).

Hope you enjoy your stay!
 
Bankr63, Thanks for your response.

Sorry I wasn't clear in my post after re-reading it. We envisioned your problem and actually rented TWO of the 2BR villas. So we have two of them and will divide our party in half. Given that info, any tips?
 
And yes, I believe in reading thru the terms, we qualify as essentially hotel guests. I know, for example, that there is no housekeeping fee.
 
Bankr63, Thanks for your response.

Sorry I wasn't clear in my post after re-reading it. We envisioned your problem and actually rented TWO of the 2BR villas. So we have two of them and will divide our party in half. Given that info, any tips?

Well now, THAT makes all the difference! And I missed the "two 2BR" in your post! I would think about what is most important to you if you plan to make a request. If you get TOO specific you may not be able to get what you want.

Considering four in your party are grandparents, are there any mobility issues? If yes, you probably want elevators which are only in Cascades or Lakes, or you may want ground floor units only. If not, you may just want to be placed together (same building or section).

I always maintain that there really are no "better" sections at Vistana until you go the first time and get the vibe for the various areas. Every section has their followers and the reasons are as varied as the guests are.
 
Hi Bankr63
It was recommended that I ask you about the difference in the one bedroom condos in regard to the one bedroom with kitchenette and one bedroom with full kitchen. Also do both have enclosed balconies? We are planning to book at the Sheraton Vistana Villas for a ten day stay so any help would be terrific.
Thank you!
 
Hi Bankr63
It was recommended that I ask you about the difference in the one bedroom condos in regard to the one bedroom with kitchenette and one bedroom with full kitchen. Also do both have enclosed balconies? We are planning to book at the Sheraton Vistana Villas for a ten day stay so any help would be terrific.
Thank you!

Wow, I'm starting to get recommendations? :blush:

That's a good topic that I don't think we have covered here. There are a limited number of 1BR villas at SVR, they are only in the Lakes and Cascades section. I've actually only been inside one; the smallest unit in Cascades, but here is what I know.

First of all if you are a visual sort, bring up the floorplans at https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/sheraton-vistana-resort/villas/#floorplan-1 and follow along.

All 1BR units are a "half-part" of a 2BR lock off. There are Standard and Premium sides. The Standard sides are the smaller, and have the kitchenette, king bed in a full bedroom and sofa bed. They do not have balconies/patios. The kitchenettes in Cascades are really full kitchens with apartment sized appliances, and even include a range and dishwasher. The kitchenettes in Lakes have a cooktop instead of a range (no oven). The kitchen is very serviceable, DSL managed a week with two hungry tween boys. They have a decent amount of space and include a smaller dining table.

Premium units are the bigger half (almost double the size) with a full size kitchen. This side has the balcony/patio as well. The unit has the same sleeping accommodations, but you gain a whirlpool tub in the bedroom area, full appliances, and a larger dining and living space.

If you plan to spend a fair bit of time at the resort, a premium is worth the extra cost, but the standard is still bigger than most hotel suites and is very serviceable.
 
Now I understand the recommendation. You gave me the information I was looking to find. I think we will go for the premium. Thank you so much for your help.
 
Finally getting a chance to update on our stay! We loved Vistana! Checked in on the 12th, room wasn't ready yet (it was 1130)...the people that do the welcome package were in a mandatory meeting so they asked I come back later. Room was ready around 230, we were given Spas building 22, which shared a parking lot with cascades buildings. We got 3rd floor, which initially was a pain to carry our items upstairs but then we didn't mind it! Pool was around the corner, market place, zimmies and arcade were around the other corner. It was an amazing location, room was beautiful with a skylight in the living room.

We ate at Cascades pool bar once and it was good, zimmies closed for renovations before we got over there. Marketplace was nice for a quick snack or drinks, especially Starbucks in the AM!

The only part of the trip I did not like was when I went back to do the welcome packet. The guy I got was very rude! They offered us the tour in the gallery which we declined, we stay through AFVclub and aren't interested in buying in. Then he tried to convince us to take the shuttle but I told him we had a rental (two small kids with us so we need to be able to come and go as we please). Then he said, you're going to pay 17/day to park and I replied that I had an annual pass so no I would not be paying to park. He looked at the screen and said annual pass from Pennsylvania...very snotty. At that point I told him I was done and left.

BUT I stress he was the ONLY rude employee we encountered! We even called one night because there was no lighting at the playground by the cascades pool...guy came over shortly to check it out.

The resort hold at check in was $50.
 
Thank you for the review! Sounds like you had a very nice time at Vistana. I'm sorry about the rudeness of the Welcome Packet guy. I am planning to avoid any/all timeshare pitches/calls etc. At least that's the plan.

I have some questions for the Vistana experts. Is there a list or post anywhere that someone could point me to that includes the things I need to bring for the unit?
I am thinking things like soap/shampoos/laundry soap. But I didn't know about garbage bags/paper towels/ dish cloths or sponges etc?
Anything for the bathroom I plan to bring doubles of as there are two. I know we can pick up anything we forget at a local store. I just will have some extra luggage room (Yay Southwest free bags!) so I don't mind packing things like salt and pepper or garbage bags etc if needed.:)
 
Thank you for the review! Sounds like you had a very nice time at Vistana. I'm sorry about the rudeness of the Welcome Packet guy. I am planning to avoid any/all timeshare pitches/calls etc. At least that's the plan.

I have some questions for the Vistana experts. Is there a list or post anywhere that someone could point me to that includes the things I need to bring for the unit?
I am thinking things like soap/shampoos/laundry soap. But I didn't know about garbage bags/paper towels/ dish cloths or sponges etc?
Anything for the bathroom I plan to bring doubles of as there are two. I know we can pick up anything we forget at a local store. I just will have some extra luggage room (Yay Southwest free bags!) so I don't mind packing things like salt and pepper or garbage bags etc if needed.:)

I think everyone has their own list, and it varies by TS resort, so sometimes we bring things that aren't always needed. For Vistana, the bathroom includes hand soap, decent hairdryer(s), TP is pretty good, and if you run low you can call housekeeping for more. unlike some hotels, they do not provide shampoo, conditioner or lotion - bring your own along.

Laundry supplies are not supplied, so bring your own. We always bring dryer sheets and the puck/tablet type soap. We don't usually use the pucks at home, but they are very convenient for travel, and are much cheaper than buying a little box of detergent at the marketplace.

In the kitchen, most of what you need is provided, and will be restocked as required. We bring our own dishwasher tabs as the cheap institutional packets they provide don't do a great job of cleaning. They have the little packets of salt and pepper only (sanitary reasons I expect); we bring a small travel S&P set from our camper. We also bring lots of plastic zip bags in various sizes for leftovers (there are no Tupperware containers). We bring a decent corkscrew - there is one but it is invariably dismal - and a wine rabbit. Of course you could just not drink wine (ha!) or get screw tops. We bring one decent kitchen knife and scissors if we have checked baggage - most of the kitchen knives look to have been well abused and don't hold an edge well. Finally, we bring standard coffee filters (and our own decent coffee); but I actually think they have updated the coffee makers so filters are no longer required. Or maybe I was so tired getting up for rope drop that I was just pouring the coffee straight into the pot :confused3

And that's all I can remember that we pack along. It sounds like a lot I guess, but none of that stuff takes up much space in the bag.

Just a quick addendum: if Gina and any others want to add their favorites, I'll compile a proper list and link to it from the table of contents in post two.
 












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