Please help with Vistana Villages reservation decision

[stevens397]

Hi.

In a few days, I'll be calling to make a reservation at VV for next summer. I'll be using Staroptions from my Platinum Kierland 2BR so I have 148,100 total.

It seems I can reserve a 3 BR (if available) in two different areas in VV, each one being different number of options but both being less than my Kierland We will be going with my son, daughter in law and his two children. By next summer, one will be 4 1/2 and the younger one will be 1 1/2. The units all seem to be spacious enough that we would have a wonderful and comfortable time. I'm more concerned with which area to choose considering the ages of the kids. Is there a clear winner? Should I just be happy taking whatever is available?

I appreciate any and all guidance here. Many thanks!

Steve

 

[NerdAlert]

VV preferences

We go to VV often, also with little kids. Although the Amelia Phase is probably the newest and nicest, it is a good walk to the main pool (w/2 hot tubs). Key West is also kind of nice, and has its own smaller pool nearby (w/1 hot tub). The Gardens or Bella Phases surround the main pool complex, but are the original sections. They are still quite nice as far as TS go, but not as comfy or classy as Amelia. For example, we like the flat screens and granite, but you don't get that in Bella or the Gardens, that we've seen. The main pool has a great play area for the kids, and there is also a smaller pool play area for the kids in Key West. I would say Amelia as long as you don't mind a walk or drive to the pool. Amelia is probably more on par with your Kierland unit. We've seen them last summer.

 

[colmo]

This issue just came up in another thread. According to the diagrams on MyStarCentral, Key West 3BR lockoff includes a 2 bedroom lockoff plus a one bedroom unit while the Amelia 3BR is a standard 2 bedroom plus a one bedroom.

The Key West 3BR require more staroptions and seem to have tons more room because of the additional living room but for your purposes I would think you'd be better off with the "cheaper" Amelia unit because the 2nd bedroom with 2 double beds would be closer to the parent's room

This is assuming there are no other preferences about which section to stay in.

Upon edit: I misunderstood the actual question - I prefer to stay in the Key West section because of access to the pool/playground. I don't like having to schlep across a parking lot to get to the pool with young kids.

 

[SDKath]

I heard Key West is also nicer! Katherine

 

[pointsjunkie]

if you stay in the amelia section there will be construction going on and lots of noise. key west is nice and quiet. just make sure you don't get building 17 it faces nothing.

 

[Transit]

I like the Key West section.

 

[stevens397]

Well, called this morning for VV and got immediately confirmed for Amelia. Took it and I guess I'll call every now and then and see if Key West opens up. But sounds like we'll have a fine time no matter what.

Thanks for all the input and help!

Steve

 

[tomandrobin]

I would have approached his differently. I would have deposited tow one bedrooms in II and exchanged for a 3 bedroom at one of the other resorts. Then used the other half for another trip later.

I did check on II this morning and had no problem finding 3 bedroom units for next summer, using a Kierland one bedroom.

 

[stevens397]

You're absolutely right but---

This may sound strange but my wife is a teacher and doesn't retire until June 2010. When we purchased Kierland, we assumed we'd use it every year for her Presidents Week vacation, but since we bought it, the district changed the policy and now they only get two days off! It's been on Redweek forever for rent and trust me, it seems like nothing is moving and every day I get a new announcement that they have another Kierland unit for rent!

The only reason I did it this way is that we simply can't foresee using all we have so I felt as long as I got some value, let someone else get lucky! As soon as my wife retires, I promise to get a lot smarter!

But again, you're right and thanks for the insight

 

[stevens397]

So new and strange problem.

Too long to get into, but I had to cancel VV and reschedule the March Kierland week for a golf trip after the guys decided they wanted to go after all. So now I will need to find a 3 BR SVV to rent this summer.

Any suggestions on the best places to look?

 

[capjak]

How about an II getaway for a 2 bedroom and a 1 bedroom, not likely to finda 3 bedrooms though at SVV.

 

[tomandrobin]

So new and strange problem.

Too long to get into, but I had to cancel VV and reschedule the March Kierland week for a golf trip after the guys decided they wanted to go after all. So now I will need to find a 3 BR SVV to rent this summer.

Any suggestions on the best places to look?

redweek, craigslist, VRBO, TUG marketplace.

Since you are paying cash, would you open up your search to other three bedroom properties? If so, you will find a bunch of available units for rent. Also, there is still the II option. This is just one resort available, I used a one bedroom Kierland to search.

Cypress Pointe Resort

Jun 05 2009 - Jun 12 2009 3 6 8
Jun 12 2009 - Jun 19 2009 3 6 8
Jul 17 2009 - Jul 24 2009 3 6 8
Aug 07 2009 - Aug 14 2009 3 6 8
Aug 14 2009 - Aug 21 2009 3 6 8
Aug 21 2009 - Aug 28 2009 3 6 8
Aug 28 2009 - Sep 04 2009 3 6 8

On Redweek...

Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
06/20/09 - 06/27/09 7 $1,500 ($214/nt) Water view 2/ 2 8 View
06/23/09 - 06/30/09 7 $1,200 ($171/nt) Varies 2/ 2 8 View
07/03/09 - 07/10/09 7 $1,400 ($200/nt) Varies 2/ 2 8 View
07/03/09 - 07/10/09 7 $1,600 ($229/nt) Varies 3/ 2 10 View
07/04/09 - 07/11/09 7 $1,400 ($200/nt) Varies 2/ 2 8 View
07/11/09 - 07/18/09 7 $1,400 ($200/nt) Varies 2/ 2 8 View