Sheraton Mountain Vista, Avon/Beaver Creek, CO [Master Thread]
Sep 18, 2001, 7:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
Sheraton Mountain Vista, Avon/Beaver Creek, CO [Master Thread]
I noticed this property on the Sheraton Website. It's in Avon/Beaver Creek, CO. However, it's unclear what type of property this is.
It appears to be some sort of timeshare property. Yet, is it on the Sheraton website and you appear to be able to book rooms on the site.
I was curious as to what category property this is. So I called the platinum desk. The person I spoke with appeared to know little. She stated that it was a "Starwood resort" and that we couldn't redeem free nights there "because it is a resort". I presume she was mistaken... at least so far as to not being able to redeem free nights at resorts.
I came away more confused by this property. It's in a great location, but I've got a ton of material questions.
1) Is it open?
2) Is it part of the SPG program?
A) Can you redeem free nights there? If so, what category is it?
B) Can we earn points there, and does a stay at this property count towards elite requalification/ other promotions (apparently you can book individual nights there).
C) What type of property is this? Is it a hotel? Is it a timeshare? Is it some sort of hybrid?
D) Is this a SPG property? Will elite members be upgraded there?
William- or anyone else who knows- please help.
Thanks....
It appears to be some sort of timeshare property. Yet, is it on the Sheraton website and you appear to be able to book rooms on the site.
I was curious as to what category property this is. So I called the platinum desk. The person I spoke with appeared to know little. She stated that it was a "Starwood resort" and that we couldn't redeem free nights there "because it is a resort". I presume she was mistaken... at least so far as to not being able to redeem free nights at resorts.
I came away more confused by this property. It's in a great location, but I've got a ton of material questions.
1) Is it open?
2) Is it part of the SPG program?
A) Can you redeem free nights there? If so, what category is it?
B) Can we earn points there, and does a stay at this property count towards elite requalification/ other promotions (apparently you can book individual nights there).
C) What type of property is this? Is it a hotel? Is it a timeshare? Is it some sort of hybrid?
D) Is this a SPG property? Will elite members be upgraded there?
William- or anyone else who knows- please help.
Thanks....
Sep 18, 2001, 11:04 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,475
I was told that it is a timeshare property like the Vistanas. It cannot be booked like a regular hotel/resort. It is scheduled to open in December, IIRC.
I love Beaver Creek. I passed by the hotel's building site this spring on my way to BC. It is actually in Avon, a few miles from the slope. They are building a new gondola for direct mountain access but don't know when that's gonna be ready.
[This message has been edited by TerryK (edited 09-18-2001).]
I love Beaver Creek. I passed by the hotel's building site this spring on my way to BC. It is actually in Avon, a few miles from the slope. They are building a new gondola for direct mountain access but don't know when that's gonna be ready.
[This message has been edited by TerryK (edited 09-18-2001).]
Sep 19, 2001, 12:23 pm
#3
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
The Sheraton Mountain Vista Resort is a Starwood Vacation Ownership property just like Sheraton's Vistana Villages and Sheraton's Vistana Resort in Orlando, Sheraton's Vistana Resort at World Golf Village in San Augustine, Sheraton's PGA Vacation Resort in St. Lucie, Sheraton's Desert Oasis in Scottsdale, Sheraton's Broadway Plantation in Myrtle Beach, and The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas.
Starwood Vacation Ownership does not participate in Starwood Preferred Guest except to use some of its benefits as sales incentives. Likewise, they do not award airline miles except for the same purposes. You can book stays there online because they sell nightly availability of unoccupied space. Since they do not participate in Starwood Preferred Guest, there will be no upgrades, no 4PM late check-outs, no Platinum amenities, no Starpoints (unless offered as an incentive to attend a sales meeting or as referenced below), stays will not qualify for promotions or for status re-qualification, and you cannot redeem Starpoints for Preferred (free) Night Awards there. You can use the SPG50% Off award when it is available as an optional rate plan, but please be aware that the number of nights per certificate is different from other Starwood properties that participate in Starwood Preferred Guest. They range from 4 nights to 3 nights depending upon the property. The maximum length of stay using the SPG50% Off rate is 8 nights and this would require two or more award certificates. Starwood Vacation Ownership properties do offer a fixed 1,000 Starpoints for stays booked at a qualifying rate. A qualifying rate would be RACK (regular published rate), COR (corporate business rate), BAR1 (best available rate 1), BAR2 (best available rate 2), AAA, or AAAS.
There will eventually be 135 units at this property ranging from one to two bedroom villas that feature a balcony, kitchenette, tv with remote, CD player, VCR, stereo, whirlpool tub, and fireplace. While the central reservation system says that the property will open on October 12th, the earliest availability I was able to find was on November 3rd going forward.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 09-19-2001).]
[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 11-21-2001).]
Starwood Vacation Ownership does not participate in Starwood Preferred Guest except to use some of its benefits as sales incentives. Likewise, they do not award airline miles except for the same purposes. You can book stays there online because they sell nightly availability of unoccupied space. Since they do not participate in Starwood Preferred Guest, there will be no upgrades, no 4PM late check-outs, no Platinum amenities, no Starpoints (unless offered as an incentive to attend a sales meeting or as referenced below), stays will not qualify for promotions or for status re-qualification, and you cannot redeem Starpoints for Preferred (free) Night Awards there. You can use the SPG50% Off award when it is available as an optional rate plan, but please be aware that the number of nights per certificate is different from other Starwood properties that participate in Starwood Preferred Guest. They range from 4 nights to 3 nights depending upon the property. The maximum length of stay using the SPG50% Off rate is 8 nights and this would require two or more award certificates. Starwood Vacation Ownership properties do offer a fixed 1,000 Starpoints for stays booked at a qualifying rate. A qualifying rate would be RACK (regular published rate), COR (corporate business rate), BAR1 (best available rate 1), BAR2 (best available rate 2), AAA, or AAAS.
There will eventually be 135 units at this property ranging from one to two bedroom villas that feature a balcony, kitchenette, tv with remote, CD player, VCR, stereo, whirlpool tub, and fireplace. While the central reservation system says that the property will open on October 12th, the earliest availability I was able to find was on November 3rd going forward.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 09-19-2001).]
[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 11-21-2001).]
Feb 19, 2002, 7:33 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
I have not been there, but there is something that you should definitely be aware of.
This property does not participate in Starwood Preferred Guest. That means no points (outside of a flat 1000 per stay), no stay credit, no award stays, no upgrades, etc.
It is a Starwood Vacation property- ie., a timeshare property owned/managed by Starwood. It may be very nice ( I have no idea) but you should know that it's not a SPG hotel.
This issue got buried/lost in the hailstorm that was RegularGuy's thread, but I think it is something Starwood should deal with - it should be clearly deliniated that these properties do not participate within SPG.
This property does not participate in Starwood Preferred Guest. That means no points (outside of a flat 1000 per stay), no stay credit, no award stays, no upgrades, etc.
It is a Starwood Vacation property- ie., a timeshare property owned/managed by Starwood. It may be very nice ( I have no idea) but you should know that it's not a SPG hotel.
This issue got buried/lost in the hailstorm that was RegularGuy's thread, but I think it is something Starwood should deal with - it should be clearly deliniated that these properties do not participate within SPG.
Jan 7, 2003, 7:25 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Million Miler
Posts: 72
Sheraton Mountain Vista, Avon/Beaver Creek, CO [Master Thread]
Stayed: 1/3/2003-1/5/2003
Paid: $175 + $30 tax => $205/night
Size: 1 Bedroom
The Vista is still under construction, but didn't affect us.
Very handicap friendly
Located 2 miles from the Skier parking lot
Staff was friendly.
Good hot tub(indoor & outdoor)
Great Steam room
Outside pool was closed, due to construction
The units have a small kitchen, small living space.
We had two fireplaces(living space & bedroom)
The unit had a nice size bathroom
Despite the small room, it was very cozy.
Nice underground heated garage.(Free)
Overall: It was worth the money for the coziness and the location to the slopes. We had 2 adults and one child and we fit comfortably, anymore would have been tight.
Paid: $175 + $30 tax => $205/night
Size: 1 Bedroom
The Vista is still under construction, but didn't affect us.
Very handicap friendly
Located 2 miles from the Skier parking lot
Staff was friendly.
Good hot tub(indoor & outdoor)
Great Steam room
Outside pool was closed, due to construction
The units have a small kitchen, small living space.
We had two fireplaces(living space & bedroom)
The unit had a nice size bathroom
Despite the small room, it was very cozy.
Nice underground heated garage.(Free)
Overall: It was worth the money for the coziness and the location to the slopes. We had 2 adults and one child and we fit comfortably, anymore would have been tight.
Sep 25, 2003, 7:45 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
You get 1000 points per stay, I believe.
Has anyone else stayed at this property?
If so?
How nice is it on a scale of 1-10. Compare to Westin Whistler, please, if possible or other SPG ski resorts.
How fare from lifts? Can you take a shuttle? Is it convenient, or is there a lot of schlepping?
Is it within walking distance of restaraunts, the village, etc?
How is the skiing at Beaver Creek?
Can you ski into the place ( I doubt it, but you never know).
Are the pool and spa open yet?
How legit is the kitchen? Could one cook dinner there, or is it kind of a joke, more suited for breakfast.
The place's website isn't real descrpitive, although it looks pretty nice. Maybe not Whistler nice, but not too far off.
I'm trying to decide if I should spend the $125 a night over Christmas vacation there, or burn 40,000 points to go to Whistler. No, I'm not asking if 40,000 points are worth $625. I know they are worth much more. I'm just trying to assess what we should do.
Help.... Thanks.
[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 09-25-2003).]
Has anyone else stayed at this property?
If so?
How nice is it on a scale of 1-10. Compare to Westin Whistler, please, if possible or other SPG ski resorts.
How fare from lifts? Can you take a shuttle? Is it convenient, or is there a lot of schlepping?
Is it within walking distance of restaraunts, the village, etc?
How is the skiing at Beaver Creek?
Can you ski into the place ( I doubt it, but you never know).
Are the pool and spa open yet?
How legit is the kitchen? Could one cook dinner there, or is it kind of a joke, more suited for breakfast.
The place's website isn't real descrpitive, although it looks pretty nice. Maybe not Whistler nice, but not too far off.
I'm trying to decide if I should spend the $125 a night over Christmas vacation there, or burn 40,000 points to go to Whistler. No, I'm not asking if 40,000 points are worth $625. I know they are worth much more. I'm just trying to assess what we should do.
Help.... Thanks.
[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 09-25-2003).]
Sep 26, 2003, 11:09 am
#11
Join Date: May 2001
Location: The Wild West
Posts: 1,334
I haven't stayed at the Mountain Vista, but I drove past it several times while staying at the new Ritz at Bachelor Gulch this summer, so I'll try to answer a few questions.
The Sheraton is at the base of Beaver Creek, in what I believe is known as Avon. There are a few hotels, a few strip malls and the highway.
About a mile up the road are the parking lots for Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch are private, gated communities. Unless you are a resident of Beaver Creek or Bachelor Gulch, you basically can't drive into either one. Instead, you park at the base of the hill and take a shuttle up to the ski area. No chance really of skiing up to the hotel here. And although Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch are quite nice, the area around the Sheraton is more suburban strip mall than posh/quaint ski resort.
The skiing at Beaver Creek and Vail is quite good and the public transportation and other bus systems would make getting around very easy. But the area around the Sheraton is more suburban strip mall than quaint/posh ski resort. Of course, if you don't mind taking the shuttle up to Beaver Creek or driving over to Vail, you can be in the middle of one of those quaint ski villages in 15-30 minutes.
Not having seen the inside of the Sheraton but knowing its location, I wouldn't take the Sheraton over the Westin Whistler unless I was looking forward to a ski vacation where the accomodations and the area surrounding those accomodations didn't matter. The only places in Beaver Creek that would give you a luxury ski hotel experience are the Hyatt and the Ritz.
The Sheraton is at the base of Beaver Creek, in what I believe is known as Avon. There are a few hotels, a few strip malls and the highway.
About a mile up the road are the parking lots for Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch are private, gated communities. Unless you are a resident of Beaver Creek or Bachelor Gulch, you basically can't drive into either one. Instead, you park at the base of the hill and take a shuttle up to the ski area. No chance really of skiing up to the hotel here. And although Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch are quite nice, the area around the Sheraton is more suburban strip mall than posh/quaint ski resort.
The skiing at Beaver Creek and Vail is quite good and the public transportation and other bus systems would make getting around very easy. But the area around the Sheraton is more suburban strip mall than quaint/posh ski resort. Of course, if you don't mind taking the shuttle up to Beaver Creek or driving over to Vail, you can be in the middle of one of those quaint ski villages in 15-30 minutes.
Not having seen the inside of the Sheraton but knowing its location, I wouldn't take the Sheraton over the Westin Whistler unless I was looking forward to a ski vacation where the accomodations and the area surrounding those accomodations didn't matter. The only places in Beaver Creek that would give you a luxury ski hotel experience are the Hyatt and the Ritz.
Sep 26, 2003, 11:19 am
#12
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BoSoxFan45:
You get 1000 points per stay, I believe...[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 09-25-2003).]</font>
You get 1000 points per stay, I believe...[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 09-25-2003).]</font>
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
[email protected]
Sep 26, 2003, 1:04 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
Thanks for the comments.
I'm not asking whether this property is superior to the Westin Whistler. I presume the Westin is superior.
But given that I can probably squeeze about $2500 in value out of the 40,000 starpoints, I am cuirous whether it's worth the difference in price.
I do apprciate your comments, though. Thanks.
I'm not asking whether this property is superior to the Westin Whistler. I presume the Westin is superior.
But given that I can probably squeeze about $2500 in value out of the 40,000 starpoints, I am cuirous whether it's worth the difference in price.
I do apprciate your comments, though. Thanks.
Sep 27, 2003, 12:48 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,936
Nice property, but not the best location. There is a Comfort Inn directly across the street from it along with a strip mall, post office, etc. As was previosly mentioned, it is located in Avon and is not on the mountain (Beaver Creek).
