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

[laurabelle]

Sorry to "take over" this thread...I also was wondering what is provided at Vistana. I plan on making a couple of trips to Publix

None from the interiors (though friends of mine stayed in Lakes a year ago and adored it), but here are a few of the Lakes area and pool:

It looks warm and lovely...thank you! I can't wait to stay again.

 

[Conway733]

I have 259 days to decide which area to request. Speaking of that, I thought I saw a map that outlined the buildings according to your check-in day of the week, but I can't find it. Probably just missing it...so if some could point me in the right direction, that'd be great.

 

[bankr63]

Sorry to "take over" this thread...I also was wondering what is provided at Vistana. I plan on making a couple of trips to Publix

It looks warm and lovely...thank you! I can't wait to stay again.

I was just posting our list of common bring along items earlier this morning here: Can someone post a list to a link of what to bring to a condo/villa rental?

The units are very well equipped with pretty much everything you will need for cooking, all linens, all paper supplies provided. They also provide most of the basic cleaning supplies, but we tend to bring some of our own as well for laundry and dishes. We bring some of our own cooking utensils as well, as the ones provided are fairly low quality, and not well cared for; this isn't a Sheraton thing, we've stayed at many other top level resorts, and it's a general timeshare thing.

There are no perishables in the unit, so you will want to pack in everything or buy it. We bring along a lot of the most basic condiments that you won't finish in a week, and then buy all the ingredients for our planned (and unplanned) meals. I recommend bringing along paper coffee filters too for the coffee maker - not 100% needed if you use coffee packets, but if you have your own favorite coffee you'll want some.

Also note that the Marketplace at the resort is very well stocked for last minute items (or full meals for that matter). A bit pricey compared to Publix, but the prices won't completely scare you off.

 

[bankr63]

I have 259 days to decide which area to request. Speaking of that, I thought I saw a map that outlined the buildings according to your check-in day of the week, but I can't find it. Probably just missing it...so if some could point me in the right direction, that'd be great.

For the map, just go back to page 1 on this thread, and click the link in the second post. The map is color coded - red buildings are Friday, blue for Saturday, and green for Sunday.

 

[laurabelle]

I was just posting our list of common bring along items earlier this morning here: Can someone post a list to a link of what to bring to a condo/villa rental?

The units are very well equipped with pretty much everything you will need for cooking, all linens, all paper supplies provided. They also provide most of the basic cleaning supplies, but we tend to bring some of our own as well for laundry and dishes. We bring some of our own cooking utensils as well, as the ones provided are fairly low quality, and not well cared for; this isn't a Sheraton thing, we've stayed at many other top level resorts, and it's a general timeshare thing.

There are no perishables in the unit, so you will want to pack in everything or buy it. We bring along a lot of the most basic condiments that you won't finish in a week, and then buy all the ingredients for our planned (and unplanned) meals. I recommend bringing along paper coffee filters too for the coffee maker - not 100% needed if you use coffee packets, but if you have your own favorite coffee you'll want some.

Also note that the Marketplace at the resort is very well stocked for last minute items (or full meals for that matter). A bit pricey compared to Publix, but the prices won't completely scare you off.

Yes, I do recall stopping in the Marketplace for something we forgot at the store. I won't be "cooking" for the two of us. Publix is great for ready made stuff. I bring my coffee from home, and filters. Do the units take basket style or cone filters?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yes, I do recall stopping in the Marketplace for something we forgot at the store. I won't be "cooking" for the two of us. Publix is great for ready made stuff. I bring my coffee from home, and filters. Do the units take basket style or cone filters?

Basket-style, unless they have changed them since Labour Day. Here are the coffee pots that were in the villa on our last visit:

 

[laurabelle]

Thanks!

 

[Conway733]

For the map, just go back to page 1 on this thread, and click the link in the second post. The map is color coded - red buildings are Friday, blue for Saturday, and green for Sunday.

Thank you! And, I actually had time to read through the entire thread today, and it is great!

 

[hopkinsmn27]

Oh Munro, I will never, ever, EVER surpass your knowledge on the Vistana. Nor do I have any hope of matching your concise and clear way with words (in case you haven't noticed, I can be a bit verbose). Rest assured you get to retain your Master status indefinitely. You da man!

So...the pre-arrival coordinator.....

Back in April, I had this grand idea that I wanted to bring our own pool tubes to the Vistana for this trip. We have a lot of resort days planned since it is a two-week trip (aiming for one day at a park, the next day a the resort, so we can relax and enjoy the amenities every other day....assuming things don't get woefully rearranged by Mother Nature) and there's nothing we enjoy more than floating the day away in one of SVR's pools. That said, I wanted to be sure that one of the activity centres would be able to help us get them blown up once we arrive. If that was the case, the plan was for us to pass them along to another family on our check-out day ('cause I'm doubting we'll get them dried and deflated enough to pack in our luggage....but hey, you never know).

So I figured the best way to get my question answered was via email (that way I have it "in writing" should there be any discrepancy along the way). I found an email address for SVR's Concierge Team, and zipped off a quick note. It was answered within 3 days by a very helpful lady named Monica Shaw, and her signature noted her title as "Pre-Arrival/Diamond Lane Co-Ordinator". We chatted back and forth via email a few times, and she was able to answer my pool tube inflation question, as well as a few other things I wanted to know. The end result was not only will they inflate my tubes (whoop, whoop! ) she has already put in my request for a placement in a top floor Fountains unit away from the highways (yep, we want to try the other side of the resort this time....especially since Zimmies, the mini golf, and the Spa's activity centre will all be under renos from August to December).

For anyone who may want the email address, just PM me. I had posted it here initially but then thought the mods might have some reason to disallow it (I seem to get myself in trouble easily enough!!) so I edited this post. While I have removed it from this thread, I am happy to pass it along to whoever may wish to have it.

I can't wait for August to get here. I am seriously getting "homesick".

Ok I am really embarrassed to say this because I do not consider myself non tech savy but I have been trying to figure out how to PM you Gina for the past 20 minutes and can not figure out how to (obviously I am brand new here lol)

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Ok I am really embarrassed to say this because I do not consider myself non tech savy but I have been trying to figure out how to PM you Gina for the past 20 minutes and can not figure out how to (obviously I am brand new here lol)

Hi there ,

I don't think you can send a private message until you have made a certain number of posts (if I remember correctly, it used to be 10....but I don't know if that has changed since the new boards were introduced a few weeks ago).

Once you get up to the minimum number of posts, then I think you click on the person's name/avatar, and select "start a conversation" (or something like that....I know the wording is close).

I hope that helps! And PS.....

A big to the Dis!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Ok I am really embarrassed to say this because I do not consider myself non tech savy but I have been trying to figure out how to PM you Gina for the past 20 minutes and can not figure out how to (obviously I am brand new here lol)

Putting on my Sherlock Holmes hat here......

Is the the pre-arrival co-ordinator's email that you were seeking?

If so, here you go:

00SVO-SVRConcierge@starwoodhotels.com

 

[hopkinsmn27]

Hi there ,

I don't think you can send a private message until you have made a certain number of posts (if I remember correctly, it used to be 10....but I don't know if that has changed since the new boards were introduced a few weeks ago).

Once you get up to the minimum number of posts, then I think you click on the person's name/avatar, and select "start a conversation" (or something like that....I know the wording is close).

I hope that helps! And PS.....

A big to the Dis!

Ok that makes a lot more sense lol I was like ummm I know I am about to turn 30 in a few days but I don't think I am that out of touch with technology lol. My mom and step father have a timeshare at SVR and we have stayed there a few times but now that us kids are older we wanted to go back one more time before there were little ones with us again. It has been a while (Aug 2003) since any of us kids were there so things are a lot different now. We have 3 2 bedroom condos booked for our stay from 3/7 to 3/14 they told my mom that they have us booked in the Courts but we want to see if there is anyway to change it seeing as though I doubt any of my mid 20's sisters want to sleep in separate single beds then their husbands. My mother has been trying to get a hold of someone that can help her with this but so far has just gotten the run around; any suggestions?

 

[hopkinsmn27]

Putting on my Sherlock Holmes hat here......

Is the the pre-arrival co-ordinator's email that you were seeking?

If so, here you go:

00SVO-SVRConcierge@starwoodhotels.com

Wow you must be psychic lol thank you that is awesome. I commented above with more of the detailed information about what is going on do you have any other suggestions rather then contact this person through email?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wow you must be psychic lol thank you that is awesome. I commented above with more of the detailed information about what is going on do you have any other suggestions rather then contact this person through email?

You could always try calling the resort. Our pre-arrival co-ordinator was Monica Shaw, and she was fabulous. I would see if you could chat with her personally to explain your specific situation and see what she might be able to do to help.

 

[hopkinsmn27]

You could always try calling the resort. Our pre-arrival co-ordinator was Monica Shaw, and she was fabulous. I would see if you could chat with her personally to explain your specific situation and see what she might be able to do to help.

Awesome I will pass on the information to my mother. Thank you so much for your help. I love all the information and pictures on this forum I have been reading through a bunch of the pages today to try to pass the time. The next 11 days is going to crawl lol

 

[hopkinsmn27]

I haven't seen any snakes or spiders around the Vistana, but I'm sure they're there.....they would just prefer to hide out. The foliage and gardens are so lush and beautiful that its certainly where I would choose to make my home if I were a slithery or creepy-crawly creature . If I happened, by chance, to see either of those animals I would probably steer clear, just to be safe. I am certain they will be equally happy to avoid you too!

Alligators....haven't seen those at the resort either (though they are prevalent in lakes and swampy areas). Gatorland brings their travelling show to the resort once a week, though, so if you WANT to see a gator, it will be convenient to do so.

If, by some fluke, you DO see a gator waltz out from one of the little ponds and lakes at the resort (I know small ones have been spotted at Disney resorts from time to time), I would beat a path to the villa and report it to management. I am sure they have something in place to handle such situations, as gator are protected in the state of Florida. They would capture and relocate him to a much more suitable habitat, away from tourists.

One thing you WILL see at the resort are zillions of these guys:



They're harmless little lizards that are lightning fast. They like to crawl up walls and zip past your toes as you walk down the sidewalks. You have nothing to fear from them, though if one gets inside your villa it may be next to impossible to catch it. So just be sure there's none on the door or door fram when you enter and exit your villa and you'll be fine .

The only "wild animals" we fear are the folks who choose to text and drive . They are far more dangerous than any creature you might find at the resort.

You know what I am dying to see some day? A real live armadillo. I keep peeking around the bushes to see if I can spot one, but so far....no luck. The Vistana staff have said they're there, but none have come out to say hello just yet.

I know this is from a little bit ago but I am just getting caught up before our trip in 10 days We used to go quite a bit when us girls were younger and seeing this picture brought back memories. I laughed literally out loud because the first time my sister went she was 6 now 25 my grandfather (the type to always need to start stuff you know the kind lol) told my sister they were baby Godzillas and my sister being the typical blonde gullible 6 year old believed him. So now whenever we go we lovingly call them baby Godzillas.

 

[Ima Disnewby]

Ok all you Vistana experts I am here to pick your brains!!!

So after following Gina and a few other members for awhile, I took the plunge and bid on a 2bdrm from skyauction. I got the 2bdrm for the week and needed an extra night which I went ahead and bought through SVR.

Anyways, my party is 6 plus a 5 month old who I requested a crib for and SVR has told me I'm over their limit of people even though I've seen and read in several places (including Skyauction where I bought the original pkg!!) that I can have up to 8!!

Does anyone know if they take 8 people there?? They're telling me it's only 6

 

[bankr63]

Ok all you Vistana experts I am here to pick your brains!!!

So after following Gina and a few other members for awhile, I took the plunge and bid on a 2bdrm from skyauction. I got the 2bdrm for the week and needed an extra night which I went ahead and bought through SVR.

Anyways, my party is 6 plus a 5 month old who I requested a crib for and SVR has told me I'm over their limit of people even though I've seen and read in several places (including Skyauction where I bought the original pkg!!) that I can have up to 8!!

Does anyone know if they take 8 people there?? They're telling me it's only 6

Check your auction carefully. There are two sections that only sleep 6; Courts (lowers) and Falls. All other 2BR units sleep 8. It is possible that you won a bid on a sleeps 6 configuration. You have a couple of choices; you can see if you can upgrade - I'm not sure if Skyauction has rules about that? If you aren't too close, you could just ask for a crib again, and don't mention exactly how many in your party, or discretely forget to mention someone. Yes, you are bending the rules, but it is really there to stop people from overloading the units. IMO, a 5 month old isn't exactly stressing the capacity. It's not like they have bed checks there.

I have noticed that on the Sheraton site they have started only listing a sleeps 6 configuration, presumably so that they have full flexibility around room assignment. If your auction said 8, it is quite possible that they are only looking at your extra night reservation; they may not even have your Skyauction yet. Then all you have to do is switch your extra night to a sleeps 8 configuration through Sheraton/Starwood. That should be easier to accomplish.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Ok all you Vistana experts I am here to pick your brains!!!

So after following Gina and a few other members for awhile, I took the plunge and bid on a 2bdrm from skyauction. I got the 2bdrm for the week and needed an extra night which I went ahead and bought through SVR.

Anyways, my party is 6 plus a 5 month old who I requested a crib for and SVR has told me I'm over their limit of people even though I've seen and read in several places (including Skyauction where I bought the original pkg!!) that I can have up to 8!!

Does anyone know if they take 8 people there?? They're telling me it's only 6

What does your Skyauction Confirmation Certificate say? Ours, for the one bedroom, specifically states "Accommodating 04 Maximum, 04 Privately". Top right corner of the page, just under your travel dates.

 

[Ima Disnewby]

What does your Skyauction Confirmation Certificate say? Ours, for the one bedroom, specifically states "Accommodating 04 Maximum, 04 Privately". Top right corner of the page, just under your travel dates.

My certificate says 06 privately, 08 maximum.

So confused now lol