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Four Seasons Aviara

E

eal

TUG Review Crew: ELITE
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I recently landed an exchange at FSA for 2010 and I am very happy!

Now when I read the TUG reviews there are mixed comments about the superiority of the Meadows units versus the Summit units.

Can people give me their opinions about which complex is more favourable? Thanks
 
I've stayed in both and prefer the Meadows. It's quieter there and you have a larger/newer pool area. It's a quick shuttle trip up the hill to the hotel if you want to use any of the amenities there.

It really depends on your preference. If you want to be walking distance to the hotel for frequent visits to the spa, restaurants, pools, etc., I'd stay at the Summits. If you want to be closer to the tennis courts or in a quieter section of the resort I'd stay at the Meadows.

Is this an adults only trip or will you have young children? With children I think the pool area at the Meadows is nicer than the Summits. You can always use the hotel pools, but it's not really convienent with small children to lug all the pool toys through the hotel to the pool area. At the Meadows the units are clustered around the pool, making it very easy for a family to walk to the pool.

Both areas are very nice, it's a great resort!
 
The actual units in the Meadows and the Summits are the same - so the concern is not the units themselves. All the units are wonderful. The concern is more about the views, outside noise level and the proximity to your desired activities. Many of the Summits units overlook Aviara Parkway so their views are less desirable than the views of the Meadows units (most of which have golf or swimming pool views) and these units also get more road noise. That said, some of the Summit units have spectacular views overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon. Also, the Summits units are closer to the hotel (both the Summits units and the hotel are on top of the hill where the Meadows units are down the hill) so don't require an uphill walk to the hotel.The Meadows units are closer to most of the childrens' activities - so they are typically requested by families. For a couple without children I think the Summits units - if you can get one that doesn't overlook Aviara Parkway - are more desirable because of the views overlooking the lagoon and the proximity to the hotel. However, even if you are assigned one of the "less desirable" Summits units - it is still a spectacular resort, the units are terrific and you will have a great vacation!
 
layouts

Hi Eal

I think you will find the better views go to the owners. The first time we stayed there we had a parkway view as a renter. In hindsight there are not many BAD views ... and you can make the best of anything when you stay there.

I uploaded a resort layout -- still looking for the bigger one I have somewhere.

Regards
Greg

ps - edit -- re-scanned the bigger image -- will take all my remaining space that TUG gives me - hey MOD's - can we post somewhere? Or PM me & I will send you a copy - has unit numbers on layout
 

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Yea for you, and yea for us! I just got a confirmation this morning that we have a studio at Aviara for next May.
I've had the request in for months, and didn't have high expectations of getting a week there.
I understand the studio units have only a micro and small fridge, right? I like to cook in, so I need to know how to plan that part.
I'm anxious to try the Italian restaurant, and other facilities there. It sounds so wonderful, I'm really looking forward to our visit.
Any other info about the studio units would be very welcome. Jean
 
Hi Jean,

The studio villas at Aviara are basically very luxurious hotel rooms. They are spacious and beautifully decorated, but it's not realistic to expect to cook in them. The kitchen facilities are minimal. Simple breakfasts are possible...and you could pop some popcorn in the microwave or make coffee...but there aren't the facilities for much more than that.

In spite of this, I hope you'll have a wonderful time. It's a gorgeous resort.

Steve
 
Steve...Thanks for the clarification. From what I've read, that's how it seemed to me, with the minimal cooking facilities. It sounds much like the studio we've had at an Embassy Suites, and one at a Marriott in Scottsdale.
I know we won't lack for places to eat in the area, as well as at the resort. I'm just delighted to have the opportunity to stay there. It sounds wonderful, and I have no fear of starvation. LOL! Jean
 
FS and developer dispute

Sorry to change the subject a bit - does anyone know the current status of the dispute between FS and the developer? The experience will certainly change if FS no longer manages the resort, even if they still manage the residence club.
 
Jaybee

The studio units are quite spacious with a nice table and chairs as well. The "kitchen" is just a fridge & microwave but you do have plates, glasses, etc. Keep in mind that there are wonderful gas grills scattered through-out the resort. Doing a nice steak barbeque with salad would be very do-able. There is a nice grocery only about 2 miles away with a full service deli as well. They have nice salads and side dishes that would round out a grilled dinner.

We have always been assigned to the Summits. Sometimes facing west and sometimes the eastern Parkway view. It's all goooodd!
 
Thanks so much for your input, BD. That's sort of what I was thinking....where there's a will.....
Dinners aren't exactly the highlight of a vacation for us. We like to eat out a few nights, but mostly enjoy the ambience of dinners eaten in, and a glass of wine on the balcony in the evening.
We pretty much make do with what we're given, so all will be well. Thanks again.
I'm looking forward to enjoying the luxury I've read about at Four Seasons, and hope the battle being waged now won't affect our stay. Jean
 
A highlight of our stay was having breakfast at the golf course, out on the balcony. It is a beautifully decorated building with a lovely view. :) If you decide to walk around Bataquitos lagoon, be sure to stop for a cookie and iced water at the golf course near the first tee. ;)
 
GregGH said:
Hi Eal

I think you will find the better views go to the owners. The first time we stayed there we had a parkway view as a renter. In hindsight there are not many BAD views ... and you can make the best of anything when you stay there.

I uploaded a resort layout -- still looking for the bigger one I have somewhere.

Regards
Greg

ps - edit -- re-scanned the bigger image -- will take all my remaining space that TUG gives me - hey MOD's - can we post somewhere? Or PM me & I will send you a copy - has unit numbers on layout
Click to expand...



Sorry Greg missed your message. Are you asking if we can post the map somewhere on TUG? You probably want to contact Brian to post it on the Western Review Board.
 
We were in Carlsbad today for lunch, and took a drive to Aviara to look at the resort. It is gawgeous! The grounds are so beautiful we're even more anxious to stay there now.
 
We went there this past January. My family stayed in a 2 bedroom in the Summits and my in-laws stayed in the Meadows. This is one of my favorite resorts in II, PERIOD. It took us awhile getting used to daily maid service again. For us that daily service was sort of a negative, but I expect most folks would love the quality of this service, which was simply superb. I would be happy to stay in any full 2 bedroom Villa here. That said, my preference would be a top floor unit in the Meadows. It is closer to the check in front desk and nicer pool. Also, make sure to find the back exit from the Meadows. My GPS unit kept directing us back up the steep hill until I discovered another other way out.

Have a great time! Congrats!
 
l2trade said:
.......snip ....... Also, make sure to find the back exit from the Meadows. My GPS unit kept directing us back up the steep hill until I discovered another other way out. ......
Click to expand...

The first time is full of 'shock & awe ' -- but go back a few more times and you will start noticing some very subtle aspects for the property and services. If you just found the 'back way' out --that means you have yet to see the golf course ( by the way -- see this -- made it on top 75 resort course list in USA .... http://www.golfdigest.com/rankings/courses/resorts/2009/10/75topresorts

Or the fresh cookies at the starters booth and walk the lagoon.

I smiled at 'the steep hill' comment - my wife & I enjoy the Sumitt and treasure the walk down to Yoga at the Meadows in the morning and the walk back up - boy - is this part of the world blessed with nice weather normally.

Greg
 
GregGH said:
-- boy - is this part of the world blessed with nice weather normally. Greg
Click to expand...

Yes we are:eek:

But thankfully our overcrowding, traffic, earthquakes, fires, smog, high prices, occasional rioting and a milieu of other everyday maladies keep people from want to take up full time residence here! :D ;)
 
parking?

Can anyone tell me if the Four Seasons Aviara charges timeshare exchangers for parking?
 
eal said:
Can anyone tell me if the Four Seasons Aviara charges timeshare exchangers for parking?
Click to expand...

Parking at the Residence Club is "self parking" and it is free of charge for both owners and exchangers.

(The hotel, on the other hand, has valet parking for which there is a charge.)

Just a note, however, that the Residence Club does charge for internet service in the villas...and it is not wireless...but it works very well.

Steve
 
Hi Steve

At Aviara now -I notice the villa internet is $5 ( al normal )but $20 for the week - that seems different and a better deal than I remember. Curious why so many take their lap tops the Summit or Meadows for the free wifi - at $20 it is so handy to have it whenever.

I also notice they are rebuilding stairs for unit 22 in the Summit (maybe like the rebuilding of bridges a few years ago.

Went for a walk and noticed staff cleaning the BBQ - came back and he was still cleaning same BBQ - these guys are TOO thorough - if my wife sees this - then I will be expected to clean our BBQ better at home.

Any wine drinkers - it is interesting that Carlsbad Costco may be the last outlet with 3 rows of 'fancy' wines - on wine message boards they are saying that outlets are down to one.

Greg
 
Enjoy. Wish we were there!
Any news on the management issues of this summer? It it empty or busy?
Use of hotel spa still allowed?
 
Can't give you news on the management but we live about 15 minutes South of Aviara and the weather has been INCREDIBLE this Fall. Sunny with gentle ocean breezes, highs in the mid-70s! :clap: Love San Diego! Katherine
 
Sir Newf said:
Enjoy. Wish we were there!
Any news on the management issues of this summer? It it empty or busy?
Use of hotel spa still allowed?
Click to expand...

The arbitration is still ongoing - I did not realize these things can take that long. So far -nothing has changed with Hotel privileges. Last night was Fri Sea Food night .... OMG .... everything was soooo gooood

Packing up now - hate to leave

Greg

ps - I have a studio posted on rentals offered forum for Fri Nov 27 (7 days)
 
questions

We are checking in in a couple weeks for a 2 bedroom - our first time here. Do they provide luggage carts? What is the customary maid tip for the week?
 
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