Anyone ever get one of these...

It is a letter from Sheraton vacations, saying that for $269 I could get 5 days four nights on a one bedroom villa at their Villages in Orlando. As well as since I am a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest Program that I would get 5000 Starpoints.

It gives me a date to respond by for this preferred guest invitation. Wondering if it would be $269 per person but more importantly is it legitimate? And what exactly does it entail. So just wondering if anyone ever received anything like this.

Thanks

 

We have received similar from other resorts. My guess is you have to endure a Time Share presentation one day of the trip. Back in our younger, frugal days we used many of these type offers. I could always say No, No, No and we enjoyed some nice resorts in AZ, CA, FL and WI.

 

One of my friends did this and stayed at Sheraton Vistiana in Orlando. He said the place was great (as of 5 years ago) but he had to attend a time share sales pitch. He went with his wife and two kids. I was surprised that he signed a contract and wrote a deposit check, but changed his mind when he returned home. Sometimes sales guys are the easiest to sell? Had his contract cancelled without issue as there was a three day cooling off period.

I have stayed in several time shares over the years, my all time fave is Marriott Grande Vista on I Drive in Orlando. Also liked Waterside by Spinnaker in Hilton Head. There is a Wyndham in Atlantic City that is great when I want more space and can't get weekend comps. I don't own a time share, I buy from resellers on eBay and never had an issue.

If your vacation time allows for a three hour sales pitch, go for it. But you might just be able to buy similar accommodations from a reseller for a little more and not have to be subjected to a pitch. If you go, check out the prices of time shares on the resale market and leave your checkbook at home. And never answer the land line in your time share unit, it's an over caffeinated salesperson trying to reel in a fish.

 

Thanks for the responses. I was kind of thinking something along the lines of timeshares.

While I wouldn't mind vacationing in Orlando I'm going to have to think if I want one this way...

 

I did something like that a few years ago. I don't think it was Sheraton/Starwood but I could be mistaken.

The timeshare tour was 2 or 3 hours. To be completely honest I didn't mind it. They were very high pressure but all you have to say is No (a lot!). I would not do this on a shorter trip but when you weigh 3 hours of your time vs. the cost savings it could be very worthwhile.

 

I sent them an email as they say to do if you have any questions. I asked them specifically was it a timeshare? They didn't reply yes or no, just that you aren't under any obligation to attend any presentations. Wonder how would you get out of attending something like that once you're there.

Also wonder where they get your info from for these. I mean I haven't stayed at one of these resorts.

 

I was in Orlando in November on a similar offer and while they said the presentation wasn't required they were fairly pushy about it. They'd offer a presentation when we checked in, and left notes on our door while we were out with an offer for a $50 dining credit. I think they even watched for our car because twice they called our room within 3 minutes of walking in the door.

As for how they got your name, do you sign up for raffles? For example the sports car raffle at the entrance to Casino Royale is just to collect your information to try to sell you a time share. Even at my local ECHL hockey arena, I filled out a ticket for the "Fan of the Game" raffle and 2 years later a resort is still calling me with offers.

 

No I'm not one to sign up for raffles etc. I kind of wonder if it was other Hotels just "selling " your info.

 

My folks used to do this when I was a kid. They'd take my brother and me for an "easy out". Go listen to their deal, and leave. Cheap vacation for us.

 

I did send them an email, inquiring is it a timeshare. They never answered the question but they did say I was not required to attend any "presentations". So question answered. But they did urge me to call their 800# if I had any other questions...

 

Are you a member of Sheraton Preferred Guest program, or did you stay in a Sheraton recently? Marriott recently acquired Sheraton, maybe they are cross selling.

If you are not required to attend a presentation then you what do you have to lose? I would check out reviews on TA for this property.

That creeps me out to think that someone is monitoring a guest room. Rule #1 at a timeshare is: never answer the phone. If it's important, the caller will leave a message.

 

We had recently looked into booking a room at a Sheraton in San Juan, PR but we didn't book there, we chose another hotel. Good idea to check out the hotel on TA though.[/QUOTE]