Sheraton Desert Oasis Phoenix: Update: stays count in 2009 (did not in 2006)
Oct 2, 2009, 10:26 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX, PSP
Programs: SPG & CO Plat.
Posts: 3,143
Quick stay report
This is a very nice, often overlooked property. The rooms, or villas as they are called, are part of the timeshare vacation property and are, in truth, very much like private condos. Dining room, washer/dryer, full kitchen, two fireplaces, living room, and a whirlpool bath in the master suite - meticulously maintained and set in a lovely desert landscape.
It is in the far north valley, north of Frank lloyd Wright BLVD, but the 101 loop is 300 meters from the enterance and I was able to make it to Gilbert and Mesa (where my family lives) in less than 30 and 15 minutes, respectfully. It was also remarkably easy convienent for accessing 17 North for a trip up to Sedona.
Taking advantage of a starpicks rate I stayed three nights over two stays and was delighted with each.
Sole negative: nights are slow to post to SPG. (Thanks, however, to Lurker for confirming stays count - it was the tipping point in my decision process.)
If you are considering a stay in the Valley, this may well be a good choice for you. I highly recommend!
It is in the far north valley, north of Frank lloyd Wright BLVD, but the 101 loop is 300 meters from the enterance and I was able to make it to Gilbert and Mesa (where my family lives) in less than 30 and 15 minutes, respectfully. It was also remarkably easy convienent for accessing 17 North for a trip up to Sedona.
Taking advantage of a starpicks rate I stayed three nights over two stays and was delighted with each.
- Check-in was a breeze.
- Immediate Plat recognition.
- Upgraded from standard to Premium Villa.
- Convenient parking
- Quiet
Sole negative: nights are slow to post to SPG. (Thanks, however, to Lurker for confirming stays count - it was the tipping point in my decision process.)
If you are considering a stay in the Valley, this may well be a good choice for you. I highly recommend!
Last edited by FatManInNYC; Oct 2, 2009 at 10:31 am
Nov 26, 2010, 8:25 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MCI
Programs: SPG Gold-no diff than Plat, so who cares; Marriott Gold, Hyatt Diamond, US CP
Posts: 209
Just stayed a week as an owner at SDO in Scottsdale. My first time in my 10 years of ownership staying here--here are my thoughts:
1. If you are in town for business or pleasure and on a budget, this is GREAT value. MUCH cheaper than anything you will get for similar quality anywhere in Scottsdale, especially for a villa style property.
2. My ownership is a 2 BR lockoff. The larger 1 BR is very similar in size to a Hyatt Summerfield Suites plus a larger Full kitchen, with very large furnishings that make it look smaller than it probably is. The kitchen is huge compared to the rest of the room. A cheezy whirlpool bath sits in the bedroom, and a good size bathroom with a large shower. Flat screen TV and gas fireplace. Large, 4-6 person dining room table is shoved inbetween the living room and kitchen.
3. Smaller lockoff has a small Residence-Inn style kitchenette and small living area. Bedroom is small, but fine for sleeping. a flat screen TV is on the bedroom wall. A flatscreen TV is in the living room.
4. Enough general housekeeping products (ie. coffee, dish detergent) for 1-2 days tops. Housekeeping may not be every day, so check when you make your reservations.
5. No food available until 9am when the pool snack bar opens. Then, a decent array of choices there. If you are here for business, you will miss it.
My villa/stay:
Generally, a decent to average stay. Next time I will do the Westin however--much nicer rooms and service I'm certain.
Pros:
Typical check in--fast and courteous; referred me to the conceirge for most everything. After my check in, no reason to return to the FD again.
Room was very clean, and lots of towels, pillows, etc. available.
Good pool-was cold when I was here, but spacious and plenty of lounge chairs and shady areas if you are here in the summer. Snack bar is good with sandwiches, drinks, beer, etc.
Easy parking and not too far from the villas.
GREAT location-close to everything, but set away from the craziness.
Generally quiet rooms.
Bed and pillows are better than most Sheratons--I've become less a Sheraton fan as a frequent traveler due to the bedding. LOVE the Westin and W, but not so much for Sheraton. This one was good however.
Great for families, or extended Scottsdale stays on a budget.
Cons:
In 10 years, rooms have gone downhill in condition. Dirty grout (most folks won't notice or care I would assume) and quite beat up. Of the Sheraton Vacation Ownership villas, this was the smallest I've encountered. I swear the model rooms were bigger!!! But I never stay here...I stay at other timeshares through trading and SVO.
Concierge was pushy for the "owners review"--what I knew was a waste of time, since I know all of the benefits that come with ownership. I signed up for 6500 points and 10x50% off SPG certificates (like I'd use them!). I cancelled not wanting to deal with the 90 minute quoted presentation. NO way I would get another week here from them, and if I did, it would be the $2800-$6000 ones on eBay. I already made the mistake once.
No views. Not that you live in the room, but I'll say NO view. NO view NO views unless you like the parking lot or another villa's patio area.
Did I say the room was beat up? When is this property going to get the Sheraton renovations????
Not sure about SPG point eligibility-check before you stay.
Overall, I'm glad I experienced as an owner. Wondering where my $1k/year in maintainence fees goes, though. Won't stay here again--will just trade my place.
1. If you are in town for business or pleasure and on a budget, this is GREAT value. MUCH cheaper than anything you will get for similar quality anywhere in Scottsdale, especially for a villa style property.
2. My ownership is a 2 BR lockoff. The larger 1 BR is very similar in size to a Hyatt Summerfield Suites plus a larger Full kitchen, with very large furnishings that make it look smaller than it probably is. The kitchen is huge compared to the rest of the room. A cheezy whirlpool bath sits in the bedroom, and a good size bathroom with a large shower. Flat screen TV and gas fireplace. Large, 4-6 person dining room table is shoved inbetween the living room and kitchen.
3. Smaller lockoff has a small Residence-Inn style kitchenette and small living area. Bedroom is small, but fine for sleeping. a flat screen TV is on the bedroom wall. A flatscreen TV is in the living room.
4. Enough general housekeeping products (ie. coffee, dish detergent) for 1-2 days tops. Housekeeping may not be every day, so check when you make your reservations.
5. No food available until 9am when the pool snack bar opens. Then, a decent array of choices there. If you are here for business, you will miss it.
My villa/stay:
Generally, a decent to average stay. Next time I will do the Westin however--much nicer rooms and service I'm certain.
Pros:
Typical check in--fast and courteous; referred me to the conceirge for most everything. After my check in, no reason to return to the FD again.
Room was very clean, and lots of towels, pillows, etc. available.
Good pool-was cold when I was here, but spacious and plenty of lounge chairs and shady areas if you are here in the summer. Snack bar is good with sandwiches, drinks, beer, etc.
Easy parking and not too far from the villas.
GREAT location-close to everything, but set away from the craziness.
Generally quiet rooms.
Bed and pillows are better than most Sheratons--I've become less a Sheraton fan as a frequent traveler due to the bedding. LOVE the Westin and W, but not so much for Sheraton. This one was good however.
Great for families, or extended Scottsdale stays on a budget.
Cons:
In 10 years, rooms have gone downhill in condition. Dirty grout (most folks won't notice or care I would assume) and quite beat up. Of the Sheraton Vacation Ownership villas, this was the smallest I've encountered. I swear the model rooms were bigger!!! But I never stay here...I stay at other timeshares through trading and SVO.
Concierge was pushy for the "owners review"--what I knew was a waste of time, since I know all of the benefits that come with ownership. I signed up for 6500 points and 10x50% off SPG certificates (like I'd use them!). I cancelled not wanting to deal with the 90 minute quoted presentation. NO way I would get another week here from them, and if I did, it would be the $2800-$6000 ones on eBay. I already made the mistake once.
No views. Not that you live in the room, but I'll say NO view. NO view NO views unless you like the parking lot or another villa's patio area.
Did I say the room was beat up? When is this property going to get the Sheraton renovations????
Not sure about SPG point eligibility-check before you stay.
Overall, I'm glad I experienced as an owner. Wondering where my $1k/year in maintainence fees goes, though. Won't stay here again--will just trade my place.
Nov 27, 2010, 8:53 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Programs: AC SE, SPG P
Posts: 759
I am staying here now, in the larger 1B of the 2B lock-off, and can confirm everything in the last two posts with the following exceptions:
- P recognized immediately at check-in but no bonus offered (do not think that I am due any)
- dining room table seats 4 only, with 2 bar style stools at the counter for a total seating capacity of 6 people; dishes and cutlery are provided for 6 people
- bariatric size living room chair; furniture is a little tired but still adequate
- unit should be updated in another year or two if they want to maintain their high end status
- nice desert art in the rooms
- bed room is large with the whirlpool tub in the corner
- in room washer and dryer; stove with oven, dishwasher, over range microwave, full size fridge with ice maker, lots of pots and pans
- grocery stores are nearby (within 2 miles) as are shopping malls
- shower and sinks are separate from bedroom or shower area and are separated from the bedroom on one side and the kitchen area on the other by heavy duty doors
- Bose stereo and LG DVD player are provided
- 2 gas fireplaces, 1 in the bedroom and the other in the living room
- beige, monocromatic walls
This property is at the NE end of the AZ-101 loop with easy access to all parts of the valley. It is about 30 min to PHX. A car is required, or plan to use taxis or other transportation.
- P recognized immediately at check-in but no bonus offered (do not think that I am due any)
- dining room table seats 4 only, with 2 bar style stools at the counter for a total seating capacity of 6 people; dishes and cutlery are provided for 6 people
- bariatric size living room chair; furniture is a little tired but still adequate
- unit should be updated in another year or two if they want to maintain their high end status
- nice desert art in the rooms
- bed room is large with the whirlpool tub in the corner
- in room washer and dryer; stove with oven, dishwasher, over range microwave, full size fridge with ice maker, lots of pots and pans
- grocery stores are nearby (within 2 miles) as are shopping malls
- shower and sinks are separate from bedroom or shower area and are separated from the bedroom on one side and the kitchen area on the other by heavy duty doors
- Bose stereo and LG DVD player are provided
- 2 gas fireplaces, 1 in the bedroom and the other in the living room
- beige, monocromatic walls
This property is at the NE end of the AZ-101 loop with easy access to all parts of the valley. It is about 30 min to PHX. A car is required, or plan to use taxis or other transportation.
Jul 20, 2012, 9:36 pm
#19
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: 0°48′24″N 176°36′59″W
Programs: Taiwan is a country.
Posts: 1,206
Anyone stay here recently?
I'm tempted by the low rate, but every review I see (all bit a little old) says its average.. at very best.
I'm tempted by the low rate, but every review I see (all bit a little old) says its average.. at very best.
Jul 21, 2012, 12:23 am
#20
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP(.96MM), AMEX Platinum, United Premier Silver, Delta Gold, SPG Platinum 50, Hilton Gold VIP
Posts: 1,744
Unfortunately, this property does not participate fully in the SPG program, so I was only given a 500 point platinum amenity and you do get a stay credit here. It's awesome that you can park in front of the villa as well.
The pool was the best part about this hotel - it features a waterfall!
I really thought it was a steal at $99 although there are no close by restaurants within walking distance, you really do need a car to get around in Phoenix/Scottsdale area.
The hotel is beautiful and the property/rooms are NOT run down by any means. It was very luxurious. Great value for money
*funny thing is if you're a platinum, you get a PLATINUM CHOCOLATE BAR waiting for you inside your room***
Jul 23, 2012, 2:53 am
#21
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Oct 29, 2013, 4:24 am
#22
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: INN
Programs: LH, KLM, BA
Posts: 566
Were you expecting something more than that? What would that be?
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
I was expecting the nights to get credited and the points for the stay as the property is listed on the SPG website. The nights being important to me to get to 75 nights this year.
Oct 29, 2013, 10:31 am
#23
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
I booked a stay at this hotel for an upcoming conference nearby. I was just reading that you get 500 pt plat amenity and a stay credit. can you please clarify?
I was expecting the nights to get credited and the points for the stay as the property is listed on the SPG website. The nights being important to me to get to 75 nights this year.
I was expecting the nights to get credited and the points for the stay as the property is listed on the SPG website. The nights being important to me to get to 75 nights this year.
Here is what the T&C's say about SVO property participation in SPG:
9.2 SVO SPG Participating Hotels. Due to the nature of Starwood Vacation Ownership properties, special conditions apply to their participation in the SPG Program as follows:
9.2.a. SPG Members may earn Eligible Stay and Eligible Night credit towards achieving elite membership levels when staying on Eligible Rates.
9.2.b. SPG Members will earn Starpoints for all Eligible Charges.
9.2.c. SPG Members do not receive the in-hotel benefits of upgrades and late check-out.
9.2.d. SPG Awards for stays at SVO SPG Participating Hotels may only be booked within 365 days of arrival and inventory may be limited.
9.2.e. Instant Awards are not available at every Starwood Vacation Ownership property.
It specifically says that upgrades and late check-outs are not allowed, but you should be able to pick up the 500-point welcome amenity, if the booking is eligible.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Nov 2, 2013, 2:20 pm
#24
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: INN
Programs: LH, KLM, BA
Posts: 566
If the booking is eligible, it should be credited to your account as an eligible stay with eligible nights. There's no way for me to know if the booking is eligible without actually viewing it.
Here is what the T&C's say about SVO property participation in SPG:
9.2 SVO SPG Participating Hotels. Due to the nature of Starwood Vacation Ownership properties, special conditions apply to their participation in the SPG Program as follows:
9.2.a. SPG Members may earn Eligible Stay and Eligible Night credit towards achieving elite membership levels when staying on Eligible Rates.
9.2.b. SPG Members will earn Starpoints for all Eligible Charges.
9.2.c. SPG Members do not receive the in-hotel benefits of upgrades and late check-out.
9.2.d. SPG Awards for stays at SVO SPG Participating Hotels may only be booked within 365 days of arrival and inventory may be limited.
9.2.e. Instant Awards are not available at every Starwood Vacation Ownership property.
It specifically says that upgrades and late check-outs are not allowed, but you should be able to pick up the 500-point welcome amenity, if the booking is eligible.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Here is what the T&C's say about SVO property participation in SPG:
9.2 SVO SPG Participating Hotels. Due to the nature of Starwood Vacation Ownership properties, special conditions apply to their participation in the SPG Program as follows:
9.2.a. SPG Members may earn Eligible Stay and Eligible Night credit towards achieving elite membership levels when staying on Eligible Rates.
9.2.b. SPG Members will earn Starpoints for all Eligible Charges.
9.2.c. SPG Members do not receive the in-hotel benefits of upgrades and late check-out.
9.2.d. SPG Awards for stays at SVO SPG Participating Hotels may only be booked within 365 days of arrival and inventory may be limited.
9.2.e. Instant Awards are not available at every Starwood Vacation Ownership property.
It specifically says that upgrades and late check-outs are not allowed, but you should be able to pick up the 500-point welcome amenity, if the booking is eligible.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
is an eligible stay, booked on the SPG website, normal rates etc. was mostly concerned with the nights credit as I will hit 75 with that stay.
Many thanks
