Vistana Resorts--what sections are best?

[pixie57]

Staying at the Vistana Resort in November. Would like some feedback for those who have stayed there before. What sections did you like...what sections would you avoid. Thanks!

 

[jeff968]

i stayed in the Cascades section in February 2001. It is the newest section and very nice. It also has the nicest (and busiest) pool.

 

[jeanneg4of4]

I read in a thread awhile ago that it depends on the day you arrive as to which building you get, is this true? Anyone know? We arrive on a friday which was said to be the best day to get cascades. I also heard that some of the older rooms do not have the jacuzzi in the master room.Does anyone know which building this would be?

 

[threeboysmom]

Hi! A Friday check-in is the best day You cannot get a unit in the 2 older sections of the resort - Falls & Courts. Courts is the one with no jacuzzi. (check-in days for these sections are either both Sat. or one is Sat. & the other is Sun. - can't remember). With a Friday check-in you can be placed in any other section - Palms, Spas, Springs, Lakes, Fountains or Cascades. I would stay away from the Palms simply because of their location (quite a walk to the pools, well, about 5-10 minutes)

Cascades is the newest section & is very pretty, plus their pool is our family's favorite. BUT we don't choose to stay there (only did once to try it) because the units in this section are considerably smaller than the other sections. With 3 boys in my family, we really need that extra space in the 2nd bedroom & that is where you can notice the space decrease considerably. The screened-in porch is also a lot smaller here in the Cascades. It's a personal decision - we'd rather have a larger unit (still very clean - just not new & decor can be a little outdated - pastels rather than brights) than a brand new unit. Our favorite so far is the Spas section - EXCELLENT location - close to our favorite pools & to the General Store where I walk to every morning to get my free coffee Other people have enjoyed staying at either the Lakes or the Fountains (which are in their own section away from the "main sections" with their own pools which are VERY nice. But we haven't stayed at either of these, but they're on our list for a future trip

 

[rcsort]

Does anyone know what section we are likely to be placed in if arriving on a Sunday? We will be staying at this resort for the first time this October. Also is there a good grocery store nearby to stop at on our way in from the airport? Thanks.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I read in a thread awhile ago that it depends on the day you arrive as to which building you get, is this true? Anyone know? We arrive on a friday which was said to be the best day to get cascades. I also heard that some of the older rooms do not have the jacuzzi in the master room.Does anyone know which building this would be?

The day you arrive determines the section of the resort you'll be placed in, as well as the specific area of that section (i.e. the specific villa placement). You have the chance of being placed in the Cascades section on a Friday, Sat or Sunday.
To address your other question.....some of the older resorts have the jacuzzi in the master bathroom---not the master bedroom. The Cascades, Lakes and Fountains TWO have the jacuzzi in the bedroom. All other resorts have the jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom. As a previous poster stated, the Courts has no jacuzzi. If you avoid Saturday check-ins, you won't ever have to worry about being placed here. These are the oldest condos on the resort, and while they aren't awful, they are not as modern and "fresh" as many of the other sections.

Does anyone know what section we are likely to be placed in if arriving on a Sunday? We will be staying at this resort for the first time this October. Also is there a good grocery store nearby to stop at on our way in from the airport? Thanks.

You could be placed in any of the sections pretty much, except the Courts and Spas. The Cascades are very pretty, but as threeboysmom already stated, they are also the smallest units on site. I own in the Fountains/Fountains Two section and prefer the Fountains Two and the Lakes section most on the resort.

As far as a grocery store goes, I use either the Publix on SR 535 (in the Kissimmee area) or Goodings on SR 535. Vistana is located on 535---Goodings has slightly higher prices and is in one direction, while Publix is in the opposite direction on 535. Goodings is not more than 4 minutes from Vistana, while Publix is about 8 minutes away. Vistana does have a General Store on property but it is pretty pricey compared to the other two grocery stores.

 

[MBSMB]

I was wondering which section I am likely to get with a Monday check in. We are going the week before Thanksgiving and staying in a 2 br. Also, how do you go about requesting a section in advance, or do you just wait until check in? Any tips will be appreciated!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I was wondering which section I am likely to get with a Monday check in. We are going the week before Thanksgiving and staying in a 2 br. Also, how do you go about requesting a section in advance, or do you just wait until check in? Any tips will be appreciated!

With a Monday check-in you could be placed just about anywhere. Whatever inventory was not filled over the Fri, Sat, Sun weekend is most likely what you'll end up with. The week before Thanksgiving is not a busy week unless Thanksgiving actually falls into that time period. I'm assuming you are referring to the week of Nov 18-24 ? You should stand a decent chance of getting your request filled.
I suggest not only making your preferences noted to the reservation person you spoke with, but also online at http://www.starwoodvo.com/diamond.jsp?resortID=5. In addition to this, you can back everything up with a fax about 2-3 days prior to check-in. Make the fax to the attention of the Sheraton Vistana Room Controller at : 407-239-3111. Good luck and have a nice stay.