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Vistana Villages refurb question

GTLINZ

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I am a timeshare owner but not with Sheraton/Marriott and am hoping to get some insight.

I have a reservation at SVV in March using Bonvoy points - when it is likely going to be close to capacity. I have been looking at reviews on TripAdvisor, and i am used to ignoring bad reviews from people who are not used to timeshares/crowds/lack of full service. But lately there have been a lot of really bad reviews based on unit condition that also seem to relate to Bonvoy stays - many making reference to the units in Bella.

My reservation is for a smaller (not premium) 1br with a balcony. I found the Vistana sight below that shows unit layouts - and if it is correct then:
- Bella smaller 1br units do NOT have a balcony
- Key West smaller 1br units do NOT have a balcony
- Amelia smaller 1br units have some units with a balcony and some do NOT
- St Augustine smaller 1br units DO have a balcony


So i am hoping for input on whether or not there are some units well behind on refurbs, and also if my unit type could steer me away from those. I have wanted to visit this place for a while but am wondering if I would be wise to make other plans - since Bonvoy reservation requests would fall after owner reservation requests (as it should be).

Thanks in advance !
 
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vistana101

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Hi there! The only phase I would avoid is Bella (buildings 1-11). The villas are awaiting a full-blown renovation and are very tired (this is the original phase with the first buildings opening in 2000). Key West, Amelia, and St. Augustine are all pretty modern, with Amelia and St. Augustine being refurbished most recently (but Key West villas are quite nice as well). Considering you'd be totally fine in 3/4 phases, I pesonally don't think you need to change to another resort. I would just call several times before your stay to note your preference, and if upon check-in you were placed in Bella, just asked to be moved and hopefully they can accommodate you.

Technically, every phase has one-bedroom villas with balconies, but St. Augustine is the only phase where every one-bedroom villa has a balcony. What Vistana's website doesn't show is that there is another type of small one-bedroom villa (shotgun style) that is not connected to another villa and has a small balcony:

7472186.jpeg


These villas exist in every phase/section of the resort, which unfortunately doesn't narrow down the options of where your villa will be placed.

If you're not super picky on phase (other than not wanting a dated villa in Bella), I would make the request as simple as any phase excluding Bella. Hopefully they can accommodate that simple request. :)

Let me know if you have any other questions! It's a lovely resort, and I think you'll enjoy it.
 

GTLINZ

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Thank you so much for the response! I really do want to stay at this resort - I am a pool snob (water features) and the main pool looks amazing. I am hoping the onsite restaurants are decent as I really want to stay onsite, veg, and celebrate the end of winter .....
 

dioxide45

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The on-site restaurant is pretty basic. Just your regular pool bar and grill. They have a marketplace with sandwiches and such. If you are so inclined there are a number of restaurants about a half mile away at the publics plaza. Benihana is even closer.
 

jmhpsu93

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I'd say the on-site food facilities are in the upper tier in the MVC world. Granted not saying much, but we were happy with what we got there. Agreed that there are many better options close by.
 

GTLINZ

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I'd say the on-site food facilities are in the upper tier in the MVC world. Granted not saying much, but we were happy with what we got there. Agreed that there are many better options close by.

Good to know. Its a short visit so we may only go out to eat once.

We have been to Grande Vista before and were really disappointed in their food (other than the upscale onsite restaurant where the golf clubhouse is).
 
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vistana101

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Thank you so much for the response! I really do want to stay at this resort - I am a pool snob (water features) and the main pool looks amazing. I am hoping the onsite restaurants are decent as I really want to stay onsite, veg, and celebrate the end of winter .....
Of course! Yes, they have great pools! Perhaps request St. Augustine or Amelia then, so that you will be closer to the main pool/restaurant but not in the Bella phase.

I haven't eaten there in a while, but I would echo the above comments that the offerings aren't spectacular, unfortunately. You can also try UberEats/DoorDash if you'd like to stay in and relax but have some different food offerings.
 
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