Misc.

 

This is the area where we would like to let you know what “extra” things are available, internet speeds, and just in general how we felt about the resort and its facilities (with a grade A-F).  We know different people have different experiences, but this just tells how we felt about the resorts.

STARDUST – TAHOE, South Lake Tahoe, CA – (Home resort) – Had a meet and greet with drawings for prizes (some t-shirts, hats, discounts, bowling, etc.), hiking, bikes, free popcorn and peanuts, free movie rentals, meals on site that were really inexpensive and good, tye dye t-shirt activity.  Fun and friendly staff.  Internet speed okay.   GRADE B

HIGHLANDS RESORT, Cornville, AZ – (December 2012) – Had a nice breakfast meet and greet with drawings and on site sales for their resort.   Internet speed good.   GRADE B

OLYMPIC VILLAGE INN, Squaw Valley, CA – (April 2013) – Had a meet and greet with drawings, a really nice wine and cheese social one evening with a drawing for a bonus week, jewelry activity, yoga, water aerobics. One of our new favorite resorts.  Really good internet.   GRADE B+

TAHOE SEASONS RESORT, South Lake Tahoe, CA – (April 2013) – Had a meet and greet with drawing in the morning, a wine and cheese (not very good) with drawing.  Most activities you had to pay for.  Also, they had on on site MVP CLUB Presentation.    Very nice staff who were very helpful about the area and restaurants.  Internet speed good.   GRADE B-

WORLDMARK WOLF CREEK, Eden, Utah – (May 2013) – Had no real activities to speak of but had a wonderful recreation center that had racquetball and lots of fun things.  They had an on site WORLDMARK presentation that offered goodies.    Most well appointed kitchen we’ve been to yet.  Staff were great.   Internet okay, not great.   GRADE B+

PARK REGENCY, Park City, Utah – (May 2013) – No real activities but nice areas for walking.  Indoor pool and hot tub, game nights a couple times during the week.  Very noisy units, especially if you’re downstairs.  Also, kitchen not well appointed.   Internet very slow, except in lobby.  GRADE C

IRON BLOSAM RESORT, Snowbird, Utah -(May 2013) – Wonderful resort.  We had a studio but it was huge and we didn’t mind having only one television.  The scenery is spectacular.  They had water aerobics, Tai Chi, card making, jewelry, a wine and cheese get together, hiking, lots of other activities.  On side large laundry room.  Good internet.  Loved this resort.  GRADE A

GRAND DESTINATIONS, Mesquite, Nevada – (June 2013) – This resort was clean and the grounds were very lovely but the pool and hot tub were dirty and not maintained.  The area around the resort looked like a war zone with all the demolition going on.  No internet to speak of.  Not our favorite at all.  GRADE D

THE CLIFFS AT PEACE CANYON, Las Vegas, Nevada – (June 2013) – Lovely resort far away from the strip.  Very small pool for the amount of people, but nice.  Beautiful rooms, washer and dryer, modern, complimentary wifi.   Had a nice timeshare presentation and the only other activities are some kid type things (coloring, photo), and shuttles downtown and around Las Vegas.  Very relaxing resort.  GRADE B+

THUNDERBIRD RESORT, Sparks, Nevada – (June 2013) – Older but lovely grounds, beautiful water falls and ponds, large green areas.  Older uncomfortable furniture but functional.  They had a free BBQ, a breakfast, an on site concierge, children activities, lots of movies, books, games, free laundry room (have to pay for soap/bleach/etc.).  Internet okay.  GRADE B

PLAZA RESORT CLUB, Reno, Nevada – (June 2013) – Older but lots of fun antiques everywhere.  Very well kept and very clean.  Wonderful location right near the center of everything.  Arttown was going on during our stay and this was the perfect place to be as we could see all the action from our window on the 15th floor.  Nice wine and cheese social where they tell you what’s going on for the week.  Very nice staff.  They offer juice and pastries in the morning (lobby), and always have beverages available on the 7th floor.  Daily towel change and bed make up.  Good internet.  GRADE B+

AIRBnB – Victoria, BC, Canada – (July/August 2013) – Down in the basement so it was very cave like and dark.  Could not tell what type of day it was until you went totally outside.  Lovely yard and huge one bedroom space with washer and dryer.  It was very close to everything we wanted to see in do in Victoria, BC, Canada – and affordable enought that we could do a couple of overnight trips on other parts of the island.  Tea was left for us.  Bonne, the owner, was very nice and suggested things to see and do.  The place was very clean and we would stay there again.  GRADE B

WORLDMARK MARINA DUNES, Marina, California – (September 2013) – Beautiful two bedroom unit with washer and dryer.  We were lucky enough to book this as a bonus time getaway.  Right near the ocean to where you could hear it and feel it.  Our unit looked over the pool and hot tubs.  The unit was very large and even had a murphy bed.  The only thing I found surprising was that they didn’t have shampoo readily available in the units.  You had to call down to the desk in order to have them bring shampoo to your room.  I thought that odd but….whatever.  Anyway, loved our getaway and would go there again in a minute. Good internet.  GRADE A

VACATION INTERNATIONALE ELKHORN, Ketchum, Idaho – (September 2013) – Nice one bedroom unit in a condo building with full-time owners who are allowed dogs.  I liked that it had a murphy bed for Lexi to sleep on, as opposed to a hide-a-bed.  The unit itself was lovely but the unit was downstairs and was very noisy due to occupants upstairs.  The dog barked at all hours, day and night and the people were very loud.  The unit was well equipped.  The laundry room was across the way in the other unit but only had one washer and one dryer.  The area was more isolated and it was approximately two miles into “town”  and you had to go into “town” to access internet.  The pool and hot tub were approximately three blocks away.  GRADE C

WORLDMARK ARROW POINT, Harrison, Idaho – (September 2013) – Beautiful three bedroom unit that was on the second floor and on the end so we had more windows to view the beautiful Coeur D’Alene Lake.  The unit was very well equipped and modern, clean, and huge.  It had a washer and dryer.  The parking is covered.  The pool is a short distance away.  Loved everything about this resort. Internet good.  GRADE A

STONERIDGE RESORT, Blanchard, Idaho – (September 2013) – Lovely but dated studio unit on the first floor.  The view was out to the golf course, which was lovely, and there was a patio with chairs to enjoy.  They had a wonderful rec center with indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, basketball court, racquetball court, shop to buy things, great bathroom/shower area with lockers.  They also had a wonderful miniature golf and large chess board.  Fun.  Did not check out the laundry room.  They have lots and lots of activities, including water aerobics.  Not my favorite resort but I think it was because it was a studio and it was hard with Lexi as it was so small.  Internet only available for one unit at a time per unit.  GRADE B-

CROWN POINT RESORT, Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas -(October 2013) – Lovely grounds, lovely unit with washer and dryer in a one bedroom.  Our unit overlooked the lake.  Unit had rocker chairs outside to enjoy the view.  You can take out canoes without charge.  Nice rec room with indoor pool, hot tub, exercise room, sauna, and game room.  There are lockers down in the exercise room with a shower and changing rooms.  There’s a spa on site (appointment only).  Units are lovely and well stocked.  Units are very spacious. There are lots of activities here, including water aeorbics.  They have a meet and greet on Sunday morning.  Internet in the unit we had was good.  GRADE B

SILVERLEAF HOLIDAY HILLS, Branson, Missouri – (October 2013) – Beautiful LARGE resort that is spread out over miles.  On a lovely golf course with lots of water features everywhere.  Gated security.  Lots of activities in the rec center, which can be a mile or so from your unit.  They have a “meet and greet” ice cream social that lasts only about half an hour.  The unit we were in was a two bedroom, very spacious, on the third floor with no elevators.  There was a washer and dryer, nicely stocked kitchen, lovely decorated unit.  Large comfortable beds.  The second bedroom was like a little lockout unit that had its own small refrigerator, microwave, and oven.  Second bedroom also had a nice sized bathroom with large jacuzzi tub.  Downside – no internet!  You had to go to the main center to access their internet.  GRADE B

MARINER’S POINTE RESORT, Crossville, Tennessee – (October 2013) – Lovely grounds.  You are surrounded on two sides by a beautiful lake.  The unit is very different in that you walk into the livingroom area, walk up two stairs to the kitchen and bathroom areas, then go back down two stairs to get into the large bedroom.  There are many activities to choose from – winery tour, lake tour, etc.  No meet and greet here.  The Cumberland County Playhouse is really close and does some amazing plays.  There are lots of parks and things to do within a two hour drive.  Nice activity room area with a fee for pool, ping pong, shuffle board, etc.  There is a tanning booth here (fee), a nice exercise area, pontoon boats (fee).  Nice people who work the front desk and are very helpful.  Downside is the internet can be spotty at times, as well as the television reception.  GRADE B-

FAIRWAY FOREST AT SAPPHIRE VALLEY, Sapphire, North Carolina – (November 2013) – Beautiful newer one bedroom unit with washer and dryer.  Well stocked kitchen, balcony with chairs and table that overlook the National Golf Course.  Rec Center is a couple of miles away.  They offer weekly trips and activities if you are interested.  Everything costs, however.  Very quiet and peaceful place, but close to Ashville and Atlanta for day trips.  Internet great!  We were in unit 28, which has a really close parking/unloading area and not many steps.  GRADE B+

PATRICK HENRY SQUARE RESORT, Williamsburg, Virginia – (November 2013) – Small unit with really small windows.  The best things about this resort were location, location, location.  Walkable to Colonial Williamsburg.  Also, the one bedroom unit had an extra room with the sofa/bed.  Nice in that Lexi had her own room and bathroom.  They had a free laundry room on each floor.  Unit was well stocked.  Internet was great.  Quiet resort.  No pool, small workout room.  They try to sell you Bluegreen points and get a little ugly if you don’t buy.  We were on the 4th floor but they have an elevator and great carts.  GRADE B

BARRIER ISLAND STATION KITTY HAWK, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina – (November 2013) – Huge two bedroom unit (lockoff) so one side is larger and has two bathrooms and the master bedroom has a jacuzzi.  The lockoff unit has a complete but smaller kitchen.  Quiet resort.  Exercise room is huge (4 rooms), indoor pool, hot tub.  They have water aerobics and other exercises throughout the week.  They also offer a paid tour to see the wild horses on the island.  The unit has a free washer and dryer in the hallway, along with vacuum, cleaning supplies, etc.  Unit very well equipped.  You have to pay for internet ($45.00 week for only one line).  Unit has not been updated in awhile.  GRADE C

SEAGLASS TOWER, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – (November 2013) – Very small one bedroom unit that they told us was their largest.  Had a beautiful view but only a partial of the ocean.  No exercise room and a very small pool.  The laundry room is behind the pool so you have to walk in the water and around the pool, very awkward if you have a large load (it’s free though).  The resort doesn’t have a lot of activities going on but the area has so much to see and do. Unit was loud.   GRADE C

VACATION VILLAGE AT PARKWAY, Kissimmee, Florida (December 2013) – Huge one bedroom unit.  Free wi-fi, has washer and dryer, granite countertops, modern, clean, nice.  Resort is very large and has many activities of all types.  Lots to do and see in the area.  They do charge a $25.00 resort fee.  GRADE A

MIZNER PLACE, Weston, Florida (December 2013) – Huge one bedroom but they upgraded us for free so Lexi had her own unit (much smaller kitchen area).  Charge $25.00 resort fee.  No washer/dryer but the laundry is on the first floor and close by ($0.50).  Lots to do and see here.  Very nice resort close to shopping/restaurant area.  GRADE A

VACATION VILLAGE AT WESTON, Weston, Florida (December 2013) – Huge one bedroom but they upgraded for us for free so Lexi had her own place again.  Charge $25.00 resort fee.  No wsher/dryer but the laundry is right down the hallway ($1.25).  Units are lovely and modern, but you can hear road noise quite a bit.  Lots of activities – water aerobics, massage, bingo, etc.  Great area to explore.  GRADE A

VACATION VILLAS, Titusville, Florida (December 2013/January 2014) – Large two bedroom.  Was pleasantly surprised since this was the only thing available for Christmas and New Year’s.  It is an older facility.  I would not call it a resort, more an apartment complex, an old one at that.  It is very clean but not very well cared for.  (When we went to do our laundry, the washing machine only works because of a bent up beer top stuck into some contraption to bypass something.  Weird.)  The staff are nice.  They clean your unit mid-week.  Like I said, older and worn but better than expected.  Lots to see in the area, especially if they are having a launch.  GRADE C

OCEAN WALK, Daytona Beach, Florida (January 2014) – First room was a large two bedroom suite overlooking the lazy river, pool, putting green, and the beautiful ocean.  So beautiful.  Also, this was an upgraded unit.  Lovely.  The second unit (for 3 nights for our “vacation within a vacation”) was a special needs on the Worldmark floor.  We got it on bonus time for about $56.00 a night.  It was a two bedroom with a city view.  Not nearly as nice but still lovely.  Both units had washer/dryer.  GRADE A

SILVER BEACH CLUB RESORT, Daytona Beach, Florida (January 2014) – Old and in desperate need of updating.  Couch and chair are dirty but everything else looks clean.  Small bed in master.  This is a two bedroom, two bath.  The whole unit is very small.  If we were a few pounds heavier we would not be able to get into the master bathroom.  I would not want to go out at night as it is in an iffy neighborhood.  I would not recommend this place to anyone.  STAY AWAY.  We will never go back.  GRADE D-

HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (January 2014) – Beautiful resort and grounds.  Lovely two bedroom unit with colorful and clean furniture, bright yellow dishes, washer and dryer, huge comfortable beds, fireplace for the cold days we experienced.  There are many activities you can do if you want, or nothing if you want.  You have to go through a gate to get to your unit and park.  Beautiful unit.  Love it.  GRADE A

PLANTATION RESORT, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (January 2014) .  Lovely resort and grounds.  Very well appointed two bedroom, with the second bedroom being a loft style upstairs.  Clean looking and comfortable furniture.  Internet speed in fast (and free).  Full sized washer and dryer.  Lots of activities for anything you want to do – yoga, aerobics, water aerobics, boot camp style workouts, etc.  GRADE B+

PEPPERTREE, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina (February 2014).  Nice unit but it does not have a washer and dryer.  Looks like the resort has many activities in which to partake, if you so choose.  Furniture is clean and comfortable.  Internet speed here is okay.  Very close to beach access walkway and nice view of ocean.  Downside – you can hear above and below you.   Fun island to explore.  GRADE C

WYNDHAM PATRIOTS’ PLACE, Williamsburg, VA (February 2014).  Very nice two bedroom unit that had a fireplace and washer/dryer.  Resort had some activities but the pool was closed for the season.  Internet was complimentary and had an okay speed.  Resort was in a nice area but away from Colonial Williamsburg.  You can hear people above you but not as bad as some.  GRADE B

FANTASEA RESORTS LA SAMMANA, Brigandine, New Jersey (February 2014).  Very nice large two bedroom unit.  No washer/dryer or oven.  Not sure about activities or pool (off season).  Internet complimentary with okay speed.  Housekeeping came in daily (if you want) to take out trash and change towels.  Also, once during the week they did a clean and change of sheets.  You can hear people above you occasionally – but basically very quiet.  Furniture is clean and modern looking, also comfortable.  Close to Atlantic City and Philadelphia.  GRADE B-

WOODSTONE AT MASSANUTTEN, Massanutten, VA (March 2014).  Lovely two bedroom with fireplace.  The washer/dryer is close (out in the hall) and shared with the next door unit.  Unit is clean and modern.  Has more than enough kitchen items.  Activities at the resort are endless (more than 160).  No cleaning during the week, but with a washer and dryer you don’t need it.  You can hear the people next door but it’s not too bad.  Huge resort (largest in the US).  GRADE B+

GATLINBURG TOWN SQUARE, Gatlinburg, TN (March 2014).  Lovely three bedroom unit with fireplace.  No washer/dryer in unit (bummer).  Small kitchen but well equipped.  Really neat spiral staircase that leads up to a loft bedroom/bathroom area.  Fun.  Spacious.  Some of the furniture is worn but not too bad.  Not much noise comes through from other units.  Nice resort.  Not a lot of activities but Gatlinburg and this area has so much to see and do, you don’t need that much. What is nice about this unit is that it has a clock on the wall.  Most of our other “homes,” have not had that.   GRADE B+