Vistana help with check-in days

[hotdog]

A number of questions about Vistana.

We are going to the Vistana resort 3/30/6-4/14/06. I have been in the past and stayed at Fountains II. We like the Jacuzzi in the master bedroom and the pool view. As we check-in on a Friday we will be likely to be able to get into Fountains II. I think the Spa section has Friday check-in, what’s this section like.

How early can I use the diamond check-in to make my requests.

 

[MiaSRN62]

We are going to the Vistana resort 3/30/6-4/14/06. I have been in the past and stayed at Fountains II. We like the Jacuzzi in the master bedroom and the pool view. As we check-in on a Friday we will be likely to be able to get into Fountains II. I think the Spa section has Friday check-in, what’s this section like.

Hi Hotdog,
Welcome to the DIS.
I'm a little confused because you state you're checking in on March 30---that is a Thursday not a Friday. Maybe you meant March 31 ?
Also, Fountains II is not a Friday check-in. I believe, the majority of the pool views in the Fountains section are the Fountains I and they have the jacuzzi in the master bathroom...not bedroom.

The Spas section is slated for a Friday check-in. This is an older section and may appear a bit dated compared to the Fountains II and newer sections. Though I did read somewhat recently, that the Spas had undergone a rehab since I last stayed there.

But if you prefer the jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom (as do I), and you are indeed checking in on a Friday, then you're only chance to get this is to request the Fountains II, Lakes or Cascades. They both have Friday check-ins but Fountains II only has a handful of them and chance are you won't get them. It can't hurt to try. As for the pool view, some of the Lakes and Cascades do have pool view, but the best pool view for the Cascades is a Sat check-in, same with the Lakes.
I'd request Lakes or Cascades through Vistana's Diamond Lane online form :
https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5
I usually submit this a few weeks prior to check-in.
Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions. Have a good trip !

 

[hotdog]

Thanks for the help. You are right I am confused. We are arriving in Orlando from the UK on the Thursday 3/30/06, staying one night at the Beach Club Villas and than checking-in at Vistana on Friday 3/31/06. This is due to flight availability and when I could get an RCI exchange.

I have read the RCI exchanges may not get best locations at Vistana, is this right?

 

[hotdog]

Thanks for the help. You are right I am confused. We are arriving in Orlando from the UK on the Thursday 3/30/06, staying one night at the Beach Club Villas and than checking-in at Vistana on Friday 3/31/06. This is due to flight availability and when I could get an RCI exchange.

I have read the RCI exchanges may not get best locations at Vistana, is this right?

 

[MiaSRN62]

I have read the RCI exchanges may not get best locations at Vistana, is this right?

Unfortunately, this can be true hotdog. The newest sections (Lakes and Cascades), tends to trade through II, so not many RCI exchangers get these sections, though it is possible.
Your best bet is filling out the Diamond Lane. I'd limit my request to requesting the Fountains II, Lakes or Cascades vs a "pool view" because they may zone-in on the pool request and place you somewhere else.
I wish you luck with this and have a great 2 weeks in Orlando.
PS---just a side note. Try to check in early at Vistana. Even if you don't get your room right away, you can get your request bumped up before late arrivals. Usually, Vistana will give you the key and room assignment right away, but just tell you to check back later if the room isn't clean. If you're there early, maybe you can "haggle" for a better room ?
Also keep in mind, if you do happen to get the Fountains II, there are several villas in that section that do not have any kind of water view. Instead, the view is of a grassy small slope and a wooden fence. These villas to avoid if a water view is important to you are : 1601 thru 1612 (Fri check-in); 1631 thru 1642 (Sat check-in); 1655 thru 1672 (Sat check-in).

 

[MichelleChell]

I am staying there in July and have a Sun check in. So I guess I am in for a room that doesn't have a great view. It is a RCI exchange but it was a top exchange (I think red) So do you think we will get an okay room based on our member level.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Michelle,
Many Sunday check-ins have very nice views. But, being an RCI exchanger, Vistana still has the last word in where they place you. Your best bet is to fill out that Diamond Lane form via the link provided above and request the Cascades, Lakes or Fountains II section. Fountains II has good views (of small lake/waterway) for Sunday check-ins. The Lakes and Cascades have nice lake/fountain views as well for that day. Your best bet of being pool-front is with the Lakes section.