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Considering entering the Marriott world, advice needed

ThreeLittleBirds

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We are currently Starwood owners (and a couple other no-name resorts).

We would like to know about Marriott Maui Ocean Club and the possibility of getting in for weeks 51 and 52, every other year (even preferred).

Would our only option for getting in for those weeks be to actually purchase those weeks?

If not...

Is there an advantage in booking if you are an owner at the resort, or would any Marriott do?

If so...

Any suggestions for an economical TS that gives a better likelihood of getting in every other year in a 1 bedroom?

Thanks for any and all advice.
 

GregT

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Marriott: Maui Ocean Club Lahaina Villas (3BRx5), Ko Olina, Shadow Ridge II, Willow Ridge, Aruba Ocean Club, DC Points HGVC: Flamingo, Sea World, I-Drive, Starwood Bella (x4), SDO, TradeWinds, Worldmark
I believe those are Event Weeks, so that you would need to purchase the exact week, and I do not know if they are available EOY. You may be better suited to renting from an existing owner.

Marriott properties are terrific, and I believe you would like them. MOC in particular is a favorite of mine. I would not recommend trying to buy points and use those to get your needed week -- that would take a ton of points.

Best,

Greg
 

ThreeLittleBirds

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Thanks, Greg. I was wondering if it were like the Westin, and sounds like it is (re: event weeks).

We only need those weeks EOY for the next 4 years, so renting is probably the most economical bet.
 

vacationtime1

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If you only want to go twice in the next four years, definitely rent. There are tons of MOC rentals on Redweek and MyResortNetwork, including weeks 51 and 52. Exchanging for those particular weeks is very chancy, time consuming, and could be last minute, given how Marriott manipulates inventory to support its Destination Club (which also means that any savings by getting the unit cheap will be more than offset by last minute airfare).

When it's time to rent, be sure you understand the difference between the old section and the new towers (both are excellent; they are just different). And view category is very important, at least if you want to look at the Pacific from your lanai.

It's a fantastic resort; you'll love it.
 

ThreeLittleBirds

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Thank you for the advice, we are now familiar with the resort. We just checked out of a 1 bedroom at the Lahaina Villas -- 9th floor oceanfront.

I'll admit, we were disappointed that we didn't get into the Westin this year, but found we really, really enjoyed this resort and location. In fact, we are hoping from the impossible chance of a last minute retrace back into the resort next week. I have done a last minute retrade into Waiohai before (day before), but it seems that Kauai has more last minute availability than Maui.
 

dioxide45

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Week 51 or 52 at MOC is going to cost a boatload of cash upfront. As others indicated, it you just need it for two years out of the next four, then rent. These rentals will cost top dollar, but far less than the tens of thousands of dollars it would cost to buy one of these weeks.

What would your plans be for five years and beyond?
 

Mr. Vker

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With the inflation of maintenance fees at many MVCI properties (check out the 2015 thread), I think many-including us-are seeing the ability to rent for nearly the price of the fees. Without the investment. That wasn't the case 5+ years ago. Just my opinion. YMMV.
 

bogey21

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I think a lot depends on one's age and family status. When I divested my Marriott Floating Weeks many years ago I kept my Monarch Fixed Week. My reasons were certainty and because I had young kids and knew we would use the Week for a number of years. My point is that if I could see say 10 years of usage and could buy certainty, I would probably do it. Otherwise I would probably recommend renting.

George
 

ThreeLittleBirds

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We are a family of 3, with one of us being 7 years old.

I am also a student (getting my Ph.D.) and have about 3 years left, plus a post doc year.

Our son's school schedule is not an issue, it's my schedule that is becoming more stringent for the next few years. My husband's business is seasonal, and summer travel is not an option.

We have been going to Maui and Kauai every year in December or January for 6 years. We have been able to manage avoiding the need for week 51 and 52 travel up until now. We do own a Lawai Beach Resort, EOY, so we can always book Christmas or NYE week with that.

We now alternate between Kauai and Maui each year, and have become accustomed to at least 2 weeks.

After I finish my post doc, we can be more flexible and go back to our preferred January weeks, just after the holidays.
 

ThreeLittleBirds

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and I am fully aware of how spoiled we've become over the years! :D I just want to keep it up if possible.
 

Ron98GT

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We have been going to Maui and Kauai every year in December or January for 6 years.
Some year, you should try a week at the Marriott in Ko'Olina, Oahu (MKO) ;)

We just got back early Sunday morning from a week at MKO and a week at Waiohai :cheer:
 

ThreeLittleBirds

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Ron98GT - we landed up doing a very last minute Etrade into Ko'Olina and loved it as well.

Some new questions I have...

Does what where you own and what season you own affect your trading power in II? I currently own a Starwood property, and it seems to pull everything that others can when in Starwood preference. The only time I cannot access are the larger units at some resorts (I use a 1 bedroom for trading).

We are thinking of looking at a less expensive Marriott purchase to use as a trader.
 
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