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Need Help Choosing Phoenix Area Resort

B

brego

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I am thinking of visiting [Sheraton Desert Oasis] in early November. I have a number of questions which I am hoping someone who is familiar with this resort can answer. Are there different "phases" to the resort? That is, is there a newer section or a section that has been refurbished. Are there any units that have a view of the desert or mountains? Any suggestions as to buildings or units we should request?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.
 
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brego said:
I am thinking of visiting this resort in early November. I have a number of questions which I am hoping someone who is familiar with this resort can answer. Are there different "phases" to the resort? That is, is there a newer section or a section that has been refurbished.
Click to expand...

No - the resort was all built at the same time.

Are there any units that have a view of the desert or mountains?
Click to expand...
The resort is in Scottsdale in an urban setting, so the mountain views are in the distance. As you are facing the entrance to the resort, the front of the resort and the buildings on the far right face the mountains, but they are also on the street, so personally, I think I'd rather be in the interior of the resort, and away from the street. Maybe facing the quiet pool.

Hmmm....I used to have a resort map and I can't find it...

Here's the resort webpage.

And here are the TUG Reviews
 
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Phoenix Area Timeshares

I have had an exchange request in for the first week of November for several properties in the Phoenix area but have had no success to date.II says they have not been getting a lot of deposits. I am using a hight demand 5 star 2 bedroom and willing to take a one bedroom. I am getting nervous as we are just over 3 months out. I do have the option of a week at the Villas of Cave Creek. Wondering if anyone has any recent experiences there. Does not appear to have many amenities outside of the pools. We want to do some exploring, hiking, etc. but also want a nice resort where we can just kick back and relax. Any thoughts on whether I have a chance getting one of my requested properties or whether I should just take the Villas of Cave Creek at this point? How does this resort compare to the Sheraton Desert Oasis?

Thank you for your assistance.
 
I have stayed at both resorts and used to own a week at the Villas of Cave Creek. The Sheraton is much nicer. It's no contest.

Cave Creek is kind of a fun and quirky little old western town where metro Phoenix runs into the desert foothills. It's a long way out from anything in the metro area, but I like the location. It is peaceful and scenic.

Unfortunately, the Villas at Cave Creek was not a well designed resort. The units are poorly constructed and have small kitchens and baths. The courtyard is attractive, but the "swimming pools" are absolutely tiny. They are useless for swimming. There are reasons why this resort is such an easy trade.

Steve
 
November Phoenix Exchange

I have a pending request for a number of Phoenix area resorts for the first week of November. I am using a high demand gold star 2 bedroom and willing to accept a 1 bedroom. To date no luck. II says they are not getting many deposits. Any thoughts on whether I should hold out or at this late a date just take an exchange at a resort that is available but not as high a quality?

I had also thought of using another unit I have to exchange into an available resort and then cancel if an exchange into one of my desired resorts comes through. Is this allowed?

Thank you for any help you can offer.
 
I would probably hold out for now. That is not a prime time for Phoenix/Scottsdale. I don't know why they are not getting many deposits. I hope that you are including Scottsdale in your search where most of the resorts are.
 
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Have you tried doing a Sightings request on the TUG Sightings Board, below the TUG Lounge, to see what other Tuggers can "see." See the rules at the top of that board for specifics.
 
brego said:
I have a pending request for a number of Phoenix area resorts for the first week of November. I am using a high demand gold star 2 bedroom and willing to accept a 1 bedroom. To date no luck. II says they are not getting many deposits. Any thoughts on whether I should hold out or at this late a date just take an exchange at a resort that is available but not as high a quality?

I had also thought of using another unit I have to exchange into an available resort and then cancel if an exchange into one of my desired resorts comes through. Is this allowed?

Thank you for any help you can offer.
Click to expand...


I just posted what is available in Phoenix/Scottsdale for your time period in November. Quite a few Sheraton Desert Oasis 1brs

Now I'm looking with a Starwood 2br ski week.
 
Brego - Just be aware that there is a Starwood Preference that lasts 3-10 days and so the weeks that TwinkStarr posted may not be available to everyone yet. However, if I was you, I'd call II ASAP and ask them about picking one up for an exchange. Some times the on-going requests don't get filled like they should.

You can see TwinkStarr's Sighting on the Sightings board, below the TUG Lounge.
 
I added what I see with a very average trader to Twinkstarr's post. I would stay at any of the three I posted. I've stayed at one and sent a friend to one of the other two, the last two on the list, and we were both satisfied with the resorts.
 
I can see the Sheraton weeks without using a Starwood. Internal preference not in play here.
 
Scottsdale Links vs. Villa Mirage

My II request for Phoenix area resorts for early November has not come through yet. I am thinking of grabbing an exchange at either the Scottsdale Links or Villa Mirage as they are available online. I can get a 2 bedroom at the Links or a 1 bedroom at the Mirage. Neither have the best reviews but I was wondering if anyone had been to both and could offer an opinion. I also have the option of Sheraton Desert Oasis but only the smaller 1 bedroom with limited kitchen. Thank you for any assistance. I feel a bit anxious about which direction to take.
 
Been to Both

I have been to both as i used to go to Scottsdale every Christmas. I have not stayed at the Links twice and had two different experiences. The first time I went was when it was with Epic Resorts. It was really run down and did not have upgraded rooms. The second time i went I did not know that I was in the same place. The rooms were upgraded and the kitchen was a little more modern. The units at Scottsdale Links are very large. It is like living in an apartment. There are no real amenities for kids or anything like that there. You simply have your unit. If I remember you could use your computer for internet in the lobby but not your room. I know that they were building a new pool. The kitchen had everything. I had a whirlpool tub. i actually stayed in a 2 bdrm one time and a 3 a bedroom the next. It's a decent property but not a resort.

The Scottsdale Village Mirage is a little more like a resort. It has more amenities, nicer pool and the rooms were more updated. I don't remember there being a restaurant on the property. The Links doesn't have one either. The Village Mirage is a bigger property. I don't remember if they had activities for kids. The rooms were well stocked.

Overall, I used to like the Village Mirage more until I came back and stayed at the Links again. I liked the larger units. The two are very close to each other about a mile away. There are plenty of restaurants and stores in the area. Scottsdale is a great location so for that alone you won't be sorry.
 
Villa Mirage is a little more resort; the Sheraton is a close second and the Links would be a third for me. They are all within spitting distance of each other. Be careful, there are second and third story units at SDO. No elevators for the second floor as I recall. Very nice pool area for the SDO and Villa Mirage although I'm not sure how that works with a November reservation. It depends on what you want to do. Take the largest unit you can get that meets your needs!:cool:
 
I have previously posted a question about the resorts in this area but I have narrowed it down and am hoping for a bit more input. At this point all that is available for the week I am traveling is a limited kitchen (smaller side of lock-off) at Sheraton Desert Oasis or a full 1 bedroom at Villa Mirage. Although I really want a full kitchen and the extra room I am still a bit apprehensive about staying at Villa Mirage. Although TUG gives it okay reviews, some of the reviews on other sites are not favorable. Has anyone been there recently that can speak to the condition of the units and facilities? Has anyone stayed in the smaller side of the Sheraton Desert Oasis that can give some feedback as to how small they feel and how limited the cooking facilities are?

Thank you again for the assistance. The feedback I receive is so helpful.
 
Go with the Villa Mirage

I am an owner at Scottsdale Villa Mirage but have also traded into the Sheraton Desert Oasis. I would definitely choose the 1BR with the full kitchen at the Villa Mirage over the limited kitchen unit at the Desert Oasis. I think you would feel cramped in the Desert Oasis unit. Villa Mirage 1BR is spacious and the unit that we stayed in was in good shape as of late March 2009. The grounds, barbeques, pool and hottubs are very nice areas as well.

- Michael
 
Brego - I have combined all your posts on this topic into one thread for continuity. If you have more questions/comments, please post them here, instead of starting a new thread.

If you have trouble finding this thread, just click on QUICK LINKS and YOUR THREADS in the blue bar at the top of the page.
 
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brego said:
Has anyone stayed in the smaller side of the Sheraton Desert Oasis that can give some feedback as to how small they feel and how limited the cooking facilities are?
Click to expand...

Here is a link to the floor plan and unit description.
 
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