Where to stay in Orlando?

[ckelly14]

Reading through the boards for some time now. I have Starpoints and I'm deciding between Vistana Resort (Cascades) or Vistana Villages (St. Augustine). Planning on using points or paying cash. Starwood website has a number of different options for each room configuration, which I assume is due to the different phases available, although they don't actually mention the phase. If I call, will I get a specific phase, or do I need to ask at Check-in?

 

[DeniseM]

Do you mean you have StarOPTIONS or StarPOINTS (hotel points.)

You can be assigned to any unit that meets the sleeping capacity of the unit that you reserve - you won't find out until check-in which unit that will be. This is standard procedure at all resorts - even for owners making home resort reservations.

You can put in a request, but some phases only have check-in on certain days - so you can't check in to every phase, every day of the week.

 

[ckelly14]

Starpoints. I am not an owner.

I was just curious if you made a reservation through Starwood, either by using Starpoints or with cash, whether you can be assigned a specific phase, as the website certainly suggests this.
Not really a timeshare relavent topic but there's not a general Starwood forum that I am aware of.

In response to your comment, if you purchased at Vistana Vilages, st Augustine, and you booked at the 12 month window, you could be placed in Bella? I thought each of the phases had different rules and functioned as individual resorts for the purpose of picking a home resort....

 

[DeniseM]

In response to your comment, if you purchased at Vistana Vilages, st Augustine, and you booked at the 12 month window, you could be placed in Bella? I thought each of the phases had different rules and functioned as individual resorts for the purpose of picking a home resort....

As an owner, you are placed in the phase where you own. But with a Starpoint Resv. or Staroption Resv., the resort can place you in any unit that matches your reservation.

Unless you have Starpoints you want to use up, you may want to consider a rental from an owner - they are usually a much better deal than reserving through the resort.

You can find the TUG rentals on the TUG Markeplace (red bar top of page) and also on www.redweek.com, which is another reputable timeshare listing sight.

 

[YYJMSP]

I was just curious if you made a reservation through Starwood, either by using Starpoints or with cash, whether you can be assigned a specific phase, as the website certainly suggests this.

I don't see anything on www.spg.com that would suggest a specific phase can be selected on either a cash or SPG points booking.

However, some of the room sizes/descriptions are different, so it's quite possible that each matches to a specific phase/unit type. Perhaps give SPG a call/online chat and see if they can tell you more?

Not really a timeshare relavent topic but there's not a general Starwood forum that I am aware of.

You can go take a look at the SPG forum on FlyerTalk...

 

[LisaRex]

If you have an II account, check out their Getaways section. They usually have tons of reasonably price inventory for SVR, SVV, and the Marriotts in Orlando. I booked a 2 bdrm for my sister for a June week a few years ago and I believe it was ~$500 for the week.

 

[ckelly14]

Not a timeshare owner, so I don't have an II account.

I did speak to Starwood today. They were able to put in my preference, but could not guarantee any specific building. They did not know why there were a bunch of options under 2 bedrooms.

Thanks for the flyer talk info.

 

[LisaRex]

Not a timeshare owner, so I don't have an II account.

If you're paying cash, you may get a better deal elsewhere. If you want the ability to cancel, etc. another reputable place is Pete Werner's site. Their prices for SVR are very reasonable (see link below).

Another option is to rent directly from an owner. Many units are being sold below the cost of MFs, and you'll get the exact phase you want. Check out the ads here on Tug, or you can pay $15 to join Redweek, which has a larger inventory. I see rates as low as $650/week for a 1 bdrm and $825 for a 2 bdrm.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resort.htm

 

[ckelly14]

Thanks for the info. A few places have cheaper prices but they are pre-paid or non-refundable.

I have looked into both Redweek and Tug Marketplace, but I'm not sure we are staying more than 4 nights...

 

[Cornhusker]

You might try the Westine Imagine on Universal. It is in a nice quiet location kind of by itself across from the convention center. It has a pretty decent pool. It is halfway between the theme parks and close to all the restaurants/shopping on I-Drive. Nice property. I booked a studio on points and since I am SPG Plat I was upgraded to a 1 BR suite. The kitchens in the units are adequate. Not as roomy as an ownership villa but it served us quite well for three nights in January.

When booking with points, or cash & points I like to use the SPG concierge phone numbers on their website that are listed for Gold and Platinum members. Depending on availability they will give you booking options for units you cannot find booking online.

 

[ckelly14]

After exploring several alternative options, I purchased a week at Vistana Villages through eBay for $599, with a confirmed 2 bdr. This came for a company called Magicalholidays on eBay, although the certificate says "Skyauctions". I called the Villages and they confirmed my reservation and the legitimacy of my certificate. I was also to put in my unit requests over the phone. Paid significantly less for a week then I did for four days on the website.

 

[LisaRex]

Sounds like a great plan.

I think you'll really enjoy staying in a 2 bdrm vs. a regular hotel room. It's difficult for me to stay in a hotel room anymore.