Originally Posted by
vdb seeker
Has anyone stayed in any of the SVO villas (Maui in particular)? In particular, has anyone stayed at more than one of the properties who could post a comparison/thoughts on which to visit first? Thanks in advance.
I've stayed at quite a few SVO villas. 3 times at the Maui, twice at St. John, 3 times at Orlando, and once at Desert Oasis, I'm headed back to Maui in Jan for two weeks.
St. John: The best. I had the three bedroom with private pool last month for 5 days - dosen't get any better. St. John is by far better than Maui (food, beaches, resort). I did a day sail and beaches, so you could say if you like water and food St. John is better than Maui any day. St. John and the westin is just a relaxing location. I found the dining to be great at all the locations in St John USVI--go to ZoZo for the sunset and great food.
Maui: A great location you can snorkle right in front of the hotel. I've had the one bedroom with an ocean view every time I go. Very good staff and they give PLT/5 Star a welcome basket. The kitchen is large (bigger than the one in St. Joh with the 3 bdr), bedroom very large and the bathroom bigger than most budget hotel rooms. I grill every time I go and the grills, which are overlooking the ocean/beach, are cleaned daily. Remember COSTCO is near the airport and the prices are nearly the same as back on the mainland. The had a special night while I was there in Jun that was a 7 course meal with various wines on the patio looking at the pool and ocean. They say they are going to do it monthly. Someting not to miss. Great resort that has it all, rooms, beach, pool, staff, and activities.
Orlando: OK facility, good staff and great location to do all the parks. Rooms are smaller compared to the other SVO except the vistana resort has bigger condos than the villages. Enjoyable resorts just nothing special. When I'm in Orlando (which is 5-7 times a year) I'm doing so much stuff outside the resort that I only sleep and eat at the resort. Pools are nice.
Desert Oasis: Good location for Scottsdale and condos are about the size as Orlando. Great pool and you have so much to do in the PHX area. This resort is a better than average one. So if you go to PHX for the things to see and do this is a great choice. Better than most other condos in the Scottsdale area but not as nice as the Westin Kierland Villas.
Hope this review helps.