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A review of the Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando.
It’s all about family fun at Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort in Orlando. Kids and kids at heart will love the endless adventures waiting for them upon arrival at their home away from home. Like all Sheraton properties, which now fall under Marriott International, they strive for perfection across 130 countries and thousands of properties. The gorgeous villas at Vistana are centrally located on International Drive with palm trees in every direction.
This cheery sunshine stated is appropriately nicknamed for it’s warm tropical climate and Orlando boasts over 200 days of sunshine per year. Orlando officially became a city in 1885 and emerged from a rural citrus growing area to a popular destination for families to enjoy holidays. Orlando is now host to 72 million tourists from around the globe annually. In fact, we love Orlando so much it’s one of the reasons we keep going back again and again.
Location: Where is Sheraton Vistana Resort?
Sheraton Vistana Villages is located in Orlando, in proximity to Orlando’s top attractions. The location makes it the perfect resort for families with kids of all ages that want to get out and explore. International Drive is a vibrant neighbourhood day and night with a huge strip of exciting attractions to choose from including a 400-foot-tall observation wheel, museums, golf, and multiple rides. My son Noah and I were thrilled to be just a short distance from Walt Disney World so we could get there bright and early.
This was not our first Disney World visit and I know it won’t be our last. It seems with each adventure to the happiest place on earth we discover something new. Even though Noah’s teen years are fast approaching we still run around like little kids, laugh hysterically on the rides, and hug our favourite characters like old friends. Vistana has a Disney shuttle from the hotel if you don’t want to drive or take a car to the parks. Disney Springs, Universal Orlando, shopping, and dining are also close by.
Rooms:
We had a luxurious two-bedroom spacious villa, and of course, Noah loved having his own room with flat-screen TV. All villas feature fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, washers and dryers, private balconies or patios, WIFI, and super comfy queen-size beds.
As much as we love dining out and discovering new restaurants, having our own full kitchen allowed me to save money on food and make healthy meals in the comfort of our villa. It was also really nice to eat outside on our balcony with views of the pool and lush tropical surroundings.
Dining:
There are several restaurants on site including The Villages Marketplace open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and brewing fresh Starbucks coffee. As vegans, we were thrilled they could accommodate plant-based options and we loved the veggie burrito, roasted potatoes (cooked separately without butter) and fresh local fruit. If you are looking for a poolside atmosphere check out Pirate’s Cove Pool Bar serving light snacks you can enjoy while watching the kids swim; and Breeze Bar & Grille serves pizza, sandwiches, flatbreads, and wraps. There is also a market on the property where you can pick up groceries.
Amenities:
The amenities are endless and kids will adore the twirling water slide, huge pirate ship and playground. There are three outdoor swimming pools to choose from and plenty of lounge chairs to read a book under the sun.
There is also a fitness center, games room, movie night, glow pyjama party, and family-friendly activities including arts and crafts and sports.
The only time Noah and I play Ping-Pong is when travelling and we are always on the lookout for an outdoor table, luckily we were not disappointed here! On several occasions you could find us laughing and looking for lost plastic balls under bushes and behind rocks.
After days of exciting adventures ranging from road trips to the Kennedy Space Centre, looking for wild manatees at Blue Spring State Park, and enjoying delicious vegan food at Market on South, we decided to spend our last night hanging out at Vistana. After a home-cooked dinner in our villa we walked around the property one final time past the cascading waterfall, lighted palm trees, and winding paths for a final game of Ping-Pong under the stars.
The Details:
Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort is located 12401 International Drive in Orlando, Florida. For reservations and more information about their best offers and promotions click here.
For additional information on Orlando, click here.
All photos by Miriam Porter
The writer was a guest of Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort, they did not review or approve this article.
Stayed here last year Not a single complaint. Beautiful hotel, rooms are fully equipped. Enjoyed a full day at the pool. Restaurant food was awesome. Planning another stay this year. Definitely recommended.