Vistana 2bedroom no housekeeping?

[rapunzal]

Just found the rate of $135 for a two bedroom with no housekeeping. How is the Vistana? Pools-Heated? Is there a bar and snack area near the pool? Is it easy to walk to the pool areas? What section can you recommend? Thanks

 

[Lisa P.]

I am guessing you mean Sheraton Vistana Resort and not Sheraton Vistana Villages. At the Resort, most people prefer the Cascades section because it's newest and convenient to the shop, restaurants & mini-golf. Many like the Lakes, which is another relatively newer section, but further from the central area of the resort, because it's peaceful, pretty and has a very nice pool & recreation area nearby. There are at least 7 pools at this resort and you may use any of them. Most rooms have a pretty short walk to the nearest pool area. Some of the pools have activities, some waterfalls, or fountains. All have a hot tub. Most have a bar nearby. A couple have a snack area. This resort is popular with families because it has things for all ages to do.

 

[EBONYPRINCESS]

Where did you get that rate? I could use a two bedroom for that price?

 

[KLAIT]

We stayed at the Vistana Resort in a 2 bedroom unit and enjoyed it very much. We requested the Fountains section, close to pool. Our requests were met and we loved the location. The pool was right out the door from out unit and there was a pool bar right there as well...Loved it

 

[seidelhd]

We got back last night from staying at Vistana Resort for 4 nights. We used the No Housekeeping rate through allears.net. Surprisingly, we received housekeeping services each day and were not charged extra. We had a great stay last year in the Lakes section.

I apologize in advance for the following rant:
I requested Cascades, upper floor via Diamond Lane (link provided on disboards - do a search for it) We initially showed up to check in a 2pm and after checking in, was told that no rooms would be available until 4pm. So, we went to Wal-Mart to stock up on groceries. When we got back around 3:30pm, we were given a 1st floor room. I asked about changing but was told we'd have to move to one of the older sections, so I kept the assigned room. So much for Diamond Lane working with me until the moment I arrived to honor my request.

The room was VERY moldy. As soon as we walked into the unit, my wife could tell, so I called the front desk about moving but was told that there were no other available units in Cascades. I find that very hard to believe, but they did offer to send over a special cleaning unit. Well, over an hour and 2 phone calls later (we were waiting for a crib also for over-tired 7mo daughter), they brought in this high powered lemon-scent sprayer. After spraying in two rooms, I told them to stop. It was just going to make things worse. We aired out the room with windows and doors open and that helped some. My 4yo son typically does not have bad allergies or asthma, but was coughing all weekend. Fortunately we brought an Albuterol inhaler with us.

Anyway, the location of Vistana Resort is great. The amenities are very good. The free WiFi worked well and came in handy when looking up places to eat. The Cascades pool was lots of fun on our off day from the parks. There is a bar/snack bar at this pool and I think at the Fountains pool.

I was disappointed with the quality of the room compared to last year. It did seem a tiny bit smaller than the Lakes room we had last year. For our trip next year, I may look into a different place, Lake Buena Vista Resort down the street next to the outlets is brand new (pool did not look nearly as nice, though). Or, renting a 3BR vacation home in Windsor Hills is another option. Or, we may stay at Vistana again and just request the Lakes section again.

BTW, the Cascades room we were in was 2305. I told them nicely but firmly at checkout about the mold and that I was not happy with their unwillingness to move us to a different unit when we first checked in.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I was disappointed with the quality of the room compared to last year. It did seem a tiny bit smaller than the Lakes room we had last year.

The Cascades are definitely smaller than the Lakes units---as well as all other units on property. I try to give people a head's up on this especially where there is more than 4 people in their traveling party. The size difference is most notably observed in the living/dining room area.

Give the Lakes another chance in the future. They are undergoing MAJOR rehabs. Flat screen TV's, new furniture, granite countertops, decor, appliances..etc. Should be complete by Feb 2008. Other sections to follow.......

 

[DianeV]

Maria

The lady at Diamond Lane told me that the Fountains have all been completly redone recently and that she would put that down as an option for us. I had requested Cascades or Lakes..she said she thinks we would be happy with any of them...what is your opinion? I know I have asked questions about sections before, sorry but is what she said true do you know?

 

[MiaSRN62]

The lady at Diamond Lane told me that the Fountains have all been completly redone recently and that she would put that down as an option for us. I had requested Cascades or Lakes..she said she thinks we would be happy with any of them...what is your opinion?

Hi Diane....
When is your stay set for ? The Lakes was the first section to undergo major rehab and they won't be complete until Feb 2008. I can't imagine the Fountains will be done until late 2008 or early 2009 because they will not even begin until Dec or therabouts. Any other Vistana owners confirm or deny this ?
Yes---rennovation has recently been approved----but it hasn't really started full force yet. Here is a news article from the Starwood owner's website :

4 More Phases to Approve Refurbishments
Owners Eager to See More Improvements at Sheraton Vistana Resort

Following in the footsteps of the Lakes phase, four more phases at Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando, Florida, plan to officially approve major, multi-million dollar refurbishments, enabling thousands of Owners to enjoy their vacations in the most modern accommodations.

The boards of directors of the Fountains, Fountains II, Springs and Falls phases are unanimously supporting the generous renovations, which will deliver granite countertops, upgraded cabinets and furniture, electronic packages, new linens, lighting and more. "I believe you've got to maintain the resort and a person's investment in their unit," said Brian Bourbeau of Canada, a Springs board member and 18-year multiple villa Owner. "It's a home away from home and we should continue to make it feel that way."

Because of the different number of villas in each phase, refurbishment costs will vary. The current estimates are $7.3 million for the Springs, $8 million for the Falls, $10.5 million for the Fountains II and $16 million for the Fountains. Each renovation will take approximately four to seven months and will be funded with accumulated reserves as well as a small refurbishment fee to phase Owners.

"We don't pretend that these projects and the corresponding fees are inexpensive, but when you compare the appearance of a refurbished villa to its cost, it is well worth the money," said Shawn O'Brien, Starwood Vacation Ownership Director of Board Relations.

Villa models exist for all four phases, and visiting Owners can now register for a sneak preview tour by stopping by the Reception Center. The models were designed by Tampa, Florida-based Images Gallery & Design, the remodeling expert also responsible for recent refurbishments of Sheraton Desert Oasis in Arizona and Vistana's Beach Club in Florida. The company's work at Vistana's Beach Club earned the resort an award in the best refurbishment category of the 2007 American Resort Development Association Awards. The models highlight the elaborate improvements, which include:

Granite countertops, upgraded cabinets and ceiling fans
Stylish dining sets, bar stools, bedroom dressers and nightstands
Comfortable queen sofa beds, coffee tables and sleek lounge chairs
Cutting-edge, 42-inch LCD televisions with Bose® entertainment systems
Modern linens, tasteful window treatments and lighting packages
A contemporary style with fresh paint, new trim and carpet
"As you see the neutral colors, warm woods and overall beauty of the villas, you quickly understand the long-term value of these upgrades," said Resort General Manager Glen Vlasic. "It's going to provide years of positive experiences for not only our Owners but also their children and other family members who travel with them."

Additionally, the boards of directors at Cascades and Courts have approved construction of model villas and plan to survey them in December. Board members of the remaining phase, Spa, plan to discuss a refurbishment in future meetings.

Both new and long-time Owners at Sheraton Vistana Resort are proud of their resort. As standards are elevated to meet modern expectations, you'll enjoy a superior vacation experience and increased trading power.

Also found this info on the assessment/refurbishment (Fountains owners received their letters of notification in July 2007) :
Total of approximately $1,150 payable in two installments: one when our maintenance fees are due and a second one in April of 2008.

The web site is says so far the Fountains, Fountains II, Springs, Falls, and Lakes have committed to the refurbishment and the boards of directors at Cascades and Courts have approved construction of model villas and plan to survey them in December.

Here's a few sample model pics (can't find the ones for the Lakes that were posted on the owner's website a couple months ago ?

SPRINGS model :

FOUNTAINS I model :

FOUNTAINS II model :

FALLS model :

 

[MiaSRN62]

duplicate post

 

[spiceycat]

so rci doesn't assign your units, but II does?

 

[PirateMel]

I booked my timeshare through RCI and traded the points for the Vistana, at RCI's recommendation.
THE PLACE IS A DUMP!

It cost me 53,500 points for a two bedroom for a week plus the conversion fee. The assigned us a room in the springs section. I requested a different section and the customer service was horrible, and would not even consider switching us. Only had houskeeping on Tuesday, if you call it that. The rooms are filthy, and very old.
I don't know whom I am more discusted with RCI or Sheraton. Demolition would be the only savior for this place.
Only good thing about the resort is the location, but for the money there are much nicer places to stay with just as good of a location.
I would never stay there again.
Better choice would be Hilton Grand Vacation club in the same area, or the Silver Lake Resort. Also, a new resort which was sepctacular and super friendly staff to stay at is the Mike Ditka Lighthouse Key repsort and spa.

 

[PirateMel]

Didn't mention the snakes. They are around when you walk out of the resorts.

Hate Snakes...would never see them in Disney

 

[KLAIT]

Not to start a debate, as I hate snakes too.....but, we did see several snakes while at Disney....from the resorts to the parks..as a matter of fact, there was one in the exit to the Haunted Mansion last time we were there...I almost died!!

 

[DianeV]

Maria, this is how it was put by the Diamond Lane person..what do you think?


Dear Ms. xx
We are unable to give you that information until check-in day. Please note that a request is just a request not a guarantee. We will try our best to honor your request but we cannot guarantee a certain area to you due to owner usage. Our Fountains area has been remodeled this past year -- I will add a request for that area as well as the Cascades/Lakes. I am not able to guarantee a certain area to you -- I think you will not be disappointed.


Have a great day.

 

[calgarygary]

so rci doesn't assign your units, but II does?

Neither assigns your units - Starwood does. Your chances of getting a particular area are totally dependant upon how many Starwood Vacation Network (SVN) owners have booked into the resort. The VR would first accomodate VR owners within their owned phase, next, any SVN owners that have traded into the resort (usually not too many) will have their requests met, followed by II (the exchange company associated with SVN) followed by other exchange companies and nightly rates. As PirateMel traded in through RCI, it is no surprise that a request to change section was not met (politics between RCI & SVN). That is also probably why a different unit within Cascades was not available for seidelhd as a nightly rate is near the bottom of the list for meeting requests.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hate Snakes...would never see them in Disney

PirateMel.....WDW def has snakes. We've encountered several over the years. Happened to have my camera with me when we crossed paths with this guy at the Wilderness Lodge in August :

THE PLACE IS A DUMP!

And PirateMel....this is exactly why Vistana is underway with major million dollar rehabs at Vistana right now. Check back in a year or two. The above photos I previously posted are examples of the models.

Diane,
I think the response you received sounds like a general/form response. The Fountains have not undergone their major remodeling (as in the above photos I posted). They underwent their usual yearly upgrades.

If you get the Fountains, I'd request the Fountains II. I have recent photos if you're interested. We noticed new carpet/bedspreads/paint/wallpaper border etc. If you exchange....true, they cannot reserve a specific section for you.

 

[seidelhd]

That is also probably why a different unit within Cascades was not available for seidelhd as a nightly rate is near the bottom of the list for meeting requests.

My impression (which certainly may be wrong) was that nightly renters get some priority b/c Vistana wants you to see the "best" of the resort, do a timeshare tour, and consider becoming an owner. Once they have you hooked, they lose incentive to make that good first impression. Again, just my likely erroneous assumption.

 

[MiaSRN62]

My impression (which certainly may be wrong) was that nightly renters get some priority b/c Vistana wants you to see the "best" of the resort, do a timeshare tour, and consider becoming an owner. Once they have you hooked, they lose incentive to make that good first impression.

True, they would lose that ability to make a good first impression, but owners get priority. If a majority of Cascade owners happened to book that week instead of exchanging, that would make the Cascades availability very low. Vistana would more likely give the person staying for a week and paying cash the Cascades villa over someone paying for just one night if it came down to it. They can't tie up a Cascades unit if it would preven an owner from staying there. I think they probably do alot of juggling between owners, cash renters and exchangers.

 

[DianeV]

Maria
Sure I would love to see pics of Fountains 2. I am a bit disappointed that the person responding on Diamond Lane is 'stretching the truth' a bit too

 

[MiaSRN62]

Sure I would love to see pics of Fountains 2. I am a bit disappointed that the person responding on Diamond Lane is 'stretching the truth' a bit too

Diane...
I honestly wonder if they are clueless ? Many staff at Vistana are.
Case in point. I usually try and request Fountains II over the Fountains I and always request "water view". One year, front desk staff tried to put me in a Fountains II room that I knew had no water view at all. They insisted it did. I'm literally laughing in their face as they are debating with me. There are certain Fountains II villas that back up to a small grassy area and fenced area. Rooms to avoid if a water view is important to you : 1601 thru 1612; 1631 thru 1642; 1656 thru 1672. No water view at all.
All other Fountains II have great water views. Here's some photos from this past July :
We were in a 3rd floor villa with a vaulted ceiling and skylight :

Second bathroom......

second bedroom :

master bedroom :

master bathroom :