Sheraton Vistana vs. Royal Parc Suites

[RebeccaMA]

I booked a room at the Royal Parc Suites, but we just got an offer for a good rate at the Sheraton Vistana. I've heard good things about the Sheraton and mixed reviews about the Royal Parc place. Seems like it should be a no-brainer to make the switch, but before I cancel the Royal Parc reservation, can anyone tell me what the Sheraton is like?

I'm particularly concerned about the smoking/non-smoking status. The fine print says they don't have non-smoking rooms, but that they might charge someone a fee for extra cleaning if they smoke in the room. I don't really get that. I want a smoke-free room because my dd and my DH have asthma. Am I going to get that at the Sheraton?

Also do the Sheraton rooms have a fridge and microwave? (2 bedroom suites)

Thanks!

 

[krueg66]

I booked a room at the Royal Parc Suites, but we just got an offer for a good rate at the Sheraton Vistana. I've heard good things about the Sheraton and mixed reviews about the Royal Parc place. Seems like it should be a no-brainer to make the switch, but before I cancel the Royal Parc reservation, can anyone tell me what the Sheraton is like?

I'm particularly concerned about the smoking/non-smoking status. The fine print says they don't have non-smoking rooms, but that they might charge someone a fee for extra cleaning if they smoke in the room. I don't really get that. I want a smoke-free room because my dd and my DH have asthma. Am I going to get that at the Sheraton?

Also do the Sheraton rooms have a fridge and microwave? (2 bedroom suites)

Thanks!

I stayed at Vistana WAY back in 1993...i'm sure it's been changed but the suites had full kitchens. It was a very nice resort.

 

[bobjl527]

I booked a room at the Royal Parc Suites, but we just got an offer for a good rate at the Sheraton Vistana. I've heard good things about the Sheraton and mixed reviews about the Royal Parc place. Seems like it should be a no-brainer to make the switch, but before I cancel the Royal Parc reservation, can anyone tell me what the Sheraton is like?

I'm particularly concerned about the smoking/non-smoking status. The fine print says they don't have non-smoking rooms, but that they might charge someone a fee for extra cleaning if they smoke in the room. I don't really get that. I want a smoke-free room because my dd and my DH have asthma. Am I going to get that at the Sheraton?

Also do the Sheraton rooms have a fridge and microwave? (2 bedroom suites)

Thanks!

Hello again. I have 2 brothers who own timeshares with Vistana. One since 1982 and the other since 2006. I will be perfectly honest with you: Vistana is 100 times better than the Royal Parc Suites. There are actually 2 seperate resorts, the original Vistana Resort and the newer Vistana Villages on International Drive. Both resorts are beautiful, well maintained and in a very nice area. The 2 bedroom suite I stayed in back in 2004 had a full kitchen, a whirl pool bath in the master bedroom and all the comforts of home. Never had any issues with smoke smells in the rooms. I do believe if you smoke they charge you extra and put large air cleaners in the rooms to remove all traces of smoke. There are also a lot more activities for kids and adults and the pools are fantastic.
If you got a good rate, jump on it. You won't be sorry. The only down side (if you really can consider it a down side) is that they try to push a time share sales pitch on you at check-in. They call it a welcome breakfast. The sales presentation lasts over 3 hours. I wouldn't recomend it. Usually a polite, "I will think about it" backs them off. If you have any more questions, just let me know.

 

[RebeccaMA]

Thanks! There is no way my dd is going to sit through a 3 hour presentation. LOL! I will be canceling that other reservation today.

 

[krueg66]

tripadvisor.com is a pretty cool site that will have reviews of people that have stayed there if that helps...

 

[RebeccaMA]

Yeah, based on what I read on Tripadvisor I canceled my Royal Parc Suites reservation today. Even though the management had responded to the complaints etc, it sounded like the place was noisy and not very clean etc. I'm sure the Sheraton will be better, even if they do try to get us to buy a timeshare or something.

 

[bobjl527]

Yeah, based on what I read on Tripadvisor I canceled my Royal Parc Suites reservation today. Even though the management had responded to the complaints etc, it sounded like the place was noisy and not very clean etc. I'm sure the Sheraton will be better, even if they do try to get us to buy a timeshare or something.

Glad to see you are giving Vistana a chance. I wouldn't let the timeshare thing bother you too much. After check-in, they'll ask you to go to the guest relations desk to pick up your welcome packet. It has info about buying discounted tickets for dinner shows, attractions, etc. Just when they mention the breakfast thing, we always say were going to be too busy, but we'll think about it. That usually gives them the hint you're not interested. You may get a message on your phone during your stay, but thats about it. Hope you enjoy yourselves. Be sure to let us know how your stay was.:wave:

 

[RebeccaMA]

I actually looked up some info on their timeshares. About $700/year in fees plus the cost of the timeshare. Too pricey for us I think since we don't go every year. Oh well. 4 more days and counting...

 

[njDizFan]

I've been an owner for about 8 years. actually my girlfriend owns a 2 bedroom in the resorts and I own a 2 bedroom in the villages. the villages are newer but over all they are both great. 2 bedrooms come equipted with full kitchens and all the neccessities of home. definately dont sit throught the breakfast thing or you will walk out with a timeshare. they are very good at selling and making it affordable. ya it is like 800 a year for maintenence fees plus the 15 grand to buy it. overall great place to stay. have fun