Vistana ? - is larger Fountain II room worth it over Lakes/Cascades?

[momofmikey]

After researching the Sheraton Vistana, I'm trying to figure out where to request on my Diamond Lane check-in. I know Lakes/Cascades are the newest, and the pictures seem really nice of both of these. However, I read that the Fountains rooms are larger. Are they just as nice as the newer sections? We'll be travelling with in-laws, myself, DH, and our 2 boys, 4 and 2. We're trading through Interval.

What are the pros/cons of these three areas?

Thank you!

 

[mulanrouge]

I would like to know too!! I was considering making that request myself. As long as the rooms are nice (don't have to be the newest, we'll be happy).

 

[videogal1]

After researching the Sheraton Vistana, I'm trying to figure out where to request on my Diamond Lane check-in. I know Lakes/Cascades are the newest, and the pictures seem really nice of both of these. However, I read that the Fountains rooms are larger. Are they just as nice as the newer sections? We'll be travelling with in-laws, myself, DH, and our 2 boys, 4 and 2. We're trading through Interval.

What are the pros/cons of these three areas?

Thank you!

Vistana Resort or Village? I stayed at the SVR last year through RCI and have absolutely no recollection of it being divided into named sections or what a Diamond Lane Check-in is and I stayed there 2 weeks....

Of the three resorts I stayed in off-site last year I found the SVR to be the nicest and most beautiful...The two-bedroom unit I stayed in was very nice, with a beautiful view of the lake outside the screened-in porch...Cash liked the wildlife the best....

 

[MiaSRN62]

Vistana doesn't really advertise Fountains as I & II. As an owner, there are differences between the two.
Fountains I : villas #1301 thru 1584
Fountains II : villas #1601 thru 1730

Fountains II has the jacuzzi tub inside the master bedroom (as in the Lakes and Cascades).
Fountains I has the tub inside the master bathroom.

Pros :
Fountains I slightly larger than Fountains II.
Fountains II slightly more modern, though a tad smaller. Has in-room safe in master bedroom closet.

Cons:
Some Fountains II villas don't have a water view. They back up to a small grassy area and fence.

Even though I prefer the rooms in Fountains II more, I passed on them this summer for a Fountains I villa because they couldn't give me a water view with Fountains II. The villas that back up to grass are : #1601 thru 1612 and #1631 thru 1642 and #1655 thru 1672

So to answer your question Momofmikey......
Are they just as nice as Lakes/Cascades ? I'd say they're close (more so to the Lakes than the Cascades)---particularily Fountains II because the layout is pretty much the same as Lakes/Cascades with the jacuzzi being inside the master bedroom and having the in-room safe. They are older so they might not be quite as "fresh" looking (especially compared to the Cascades), but I was very pleasently suprised to see that upkeep in this section has been really good in recent years.
Differences are---and this may be a decision breaker for you---is that only Lakes and Cascades have elevator access. Cascades and Lakes buildings can be 4-5 stories high, while Fountains I and II are only 3 stories high but have stairs only. There is Bell service on the resort to assist you with luggage if you have a 3rd floor or, if necessary, you can request a ground floor via the Diamond Lane reservation form. I know when we traveled with my mil we requested ground floor and always had it granted. The stairs could be a little tough for senior citizens or those with small children and strollers.
You can check out my Vistana photos here if you like :
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4287948459

 

[swilshire]

We stayed at the Fountains last year in March and the unit we were in was newly decorated. I've been in units in previous years that had a few little quirks, but unless shiny and new is ultra important to you, they are great. I've never even ask to be switched to the Lakes or Cascades because we enjoy the Fountains so much.

The landscaping is more mature there and you have a screened patio or balcony with a nice view. I also like the fact that the jacuzzi tub is in the very large master bathroom instead of in the bedroom (I HATE THAT!).

Sheila

 

[swilshire]

I just saw MiaSRN62's post and found it very interesting. I'm a Fountains owner and never realized there was a difference. I've stayed there about a dozen times and apparently always lucked into a Fountains I unit. Wish I could remember all the unit numbers I've been in through the years.

Thanks for the good info.

Sheila

 

[ttfn3]

I have stayed in 2 Fountains units this year (March and July). I've wondered if they were Fountains I or II - so thanks for the clarification. We were in Fountains I. Both of the units we had were recently renovated units, so they were very nice and very large units. Both were a quick walk to the Fountains pool and had a nice view of a small pond. We really like this section of the resort. It's close to a lot of the activities (Fountains and Lakes) and it's quieter than the main area. It's a good choice - IMHO (shhh!! don't spread the word ;-)

 

[MiaSRN62]

I also like the fact that the jacuzzi tub is in the very large master bathroom instead of in the bedroom (I HATE THAT!).

Too funny Shelia ! I like the Fountains II because of the tub being in the bedroom. I love relaxing in a bubble bath, a wine cooler and watching a movie on TV.

The size difference between the Fountains sections :
Fountains I is 1280 sq ft
Fountains II is 1211 sq ft

We really like this section of the resort. It's close to a lot of the activities (Fountains and Lakes) and it's quieter than the main area. It's a good choice - IMHO (shhh!! don't spread the word ;-)

You're right ttfn3 ! We probably should not be talking about this

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

I also like the fact that the jacuzzi tub is in the very large master bathroom instead of in the bedroom (I HATE THAT!).

Sheila

Heehee. That's what I like about Lakes. It has the jacuzzi in the BEDROOM so I can watch TV while I'm soaking. I wouldn't want it in the bathroom.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Heehee. That's what I like about Lakes. It has the jacuzzi in the BEDROOM so I can watch TV while I'm soaking. I wouldn't want it in the bathroom.

LOL...too funny Pamela ! I had just said the same thing.......looks like we think alike !

 

[swilshire]

I guess I'm in the minority on the jacuzzi. Maybe it's because I have so many sons. I prefer a daily bath to a shower. With three sons, that means I lock the bedroom door if the tub is exposed. DH can't get in to watch the television with the door locked. I suppose he could come in before I lock the door, but I'd just as soon bathe alone.

Sheila

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Yeah, Maria......too funny. It was rediculous how much time I spent in that thing last year. I think this is one of the reasons I can't go back to an ordinary hotel room. NOw, I'm just too spoiled!

I guess I'm in the minority on the jacuzzi. Maybe it's because I have so many sons. I prefer a daily bath to a shower. With three sons, that means I lock the bedroom door if the tub is exposed. DH can't get in to watch the television with the door locked. I suppose he could come in before I lock the door, but I'd just as soon bathe alone.

Sheila

Well, I thought the same thing because my kids are younger (then 4,8,11)......I just closed the door and didn't lock it so DH could get in and told everyone to knock if they needed to talk to me with the door cracked. Ofcourse they wouldn't have seen anything.............I was in bubbles up to my eyeballs!!!

 

[justplaingoofy]

Got back last month from the vistana Resort, and stayed in the Cascades. Last November we stayed in Fountains (the one with the tub in Master bedroom). There is quite a difference in the size! Although they both worked great for us the Cascades was WAY smaller than the fountains, Mostly in the 2nd bedroom!! Living room a little smaller, Kitchen quite a bit smaller especially when it comes to cabinet space, Master was also smaller... In the fountains there was a chair w/ ottoman in the Master Bed to watch tv, and in the Cascades there was a chair but it was stuffed in the corner beside the tv. (No other place to put the chair) What I'm trying to say is that it was smaller..
If you want space I'd go for fountains.
If you want newer (I think a little more convenient too) go for Cascades.

Hope that was helpful!
Enjoy!!! I want to go back

 

[gjw007]

I can't really compare the units in the different areas but I did stay in the Fountains II area (I believe unit 1568) a couple years ago. It was very convenient to both the Fountains recreation area and the Lakes recreation area (basicly just behind the buildings across the street). I believe you would enjoy the area. The small pond with bridges and ducks were cute. I think that ambience might get lost in the main section.