WPORV Thoughts
Now that I'm back and (somewhat) rested from a night flight (how I hate those!) I thought I'd post a few more impressions on WPORV.
1. No surprise, but the view you get either makes or breaks the week. As you can see from my pictures, I had an outstanding view (manager told me later that buildings 6 & 7 end units offer the best in the resort). But, I was impressed with the actual location of the buildings - it seems to me that only a few areas had really bad views while the majority will see some part of the ocean.
2. Premium Studios are small. Eventually, I become used to the size of the unit - and the view helped considerably. If traveling with two people I think it's "doable" (as many of you know) but more would be simply intolerable, IMO.
3. There is only one elevator in each building. I used the stairs more often (the elevator is on the side of the building furthest from the ocean, which makes a lot of sense, and it was easier and faster to just use the stairs to get to the pool, bbq, etc). My only concern is if there are problems with the elevator and its being repaired on a check-in/out day.
4. The BBQ locations are great. I saw at least six locations of four BBQs each spread throughout the resort. Several nights I simply bought chicken/fish/steak & veggies from the WPORV store (very good quality, IMO) and use the BBQ. Of course, the wild chickens and cats hovering nearby added to the experience.
5. Um... why isn't there a lazy river at this resort? There is a HUGE open area - almost large enough for a soccer match - that just screams out for a lazy river (with a swim-up bar). Speaking of pools, I thought the main pool (which is really two put together) was rather small. There are two "plunge pools" as well, between buildings 6 & 7 and 2 & 3 - the one by 2/3 has a bar (but not swim-up...). The pool by 6/7 has a view of the ocean, and the others do not (trees).
6. No owner's lounge/room at WPORV. This is an oversight, I think, and is unfortunate. However, when I asked about options for my last day (check-out at 10am, and flight not until 8:50pm) they kindly reserved a "hospitality suite". They have two units for this purpose and offered 45 minutes of use to shower, etc. This was a great, free, service and one which I think the other resorts ought to emulate.
7. Housekeeping problems.
a. Examine your dishes carefully when you arrive (at any timeshare). Mine were *NOT* washed and even had food sticking to them. I didn't realize this at first, and was quite dismayed to find that they simply weren't clean. I called "service express" and then proceeded to wash them myself (they did *NOT* offer to do this).
b. Check the dryer lint container (at any timeshare). In both units I was in (the hospitality suite and the one assigned) the dryer lint tray was obviously not checked by housekeeping. When I pulled them out, sand dropped everywhere and huge amounts of lint. This is a fire hazard. On my check-in day, I requested housekeeping to vacuum up the sand (which they did, since it got everywhere). I recommended to a manager that they post a notice how to check for the lint - I've seen this problem at other Westin resorts, and I suspect many people don't know where/how to check for it (and the rest simply don't care).
c. Beds. This may be overly picky, but one of the reasons I like Westin is for the beds. The bed in the Studio at WPORV was not up to Westin's standard quality, and it's relatively new! I thought it was just "okay", but not as good at the other resorts. Adding insult to injury, their housekeeping staff does *NOT* know how to make a bed. When they performed the mid-week cleaning (they upgraded me to a full cleaning given the problems) the maid put the blanket on the BOTTOM and the sheet above it. Yes, complete confusion - can you believe this? I know they're a new resort and have some growing pains, but this was a bit ridiculous.
8. Platinum upgrades. During my discussion with a manager, I referenced the "SPG Gold/Plat" sign they have displayed and asked if there were any perks for Gold/Plat members. For you platinum members that have read this far, when you go to WPORV and you reserve a Studio *ASK FOR AN UPGRADE*. It is this resort's policy that if a 1 bed unit is available you will get it - regardless of Elite status. Let me repeat that. If you are an SPG Platinum (you can also be a 5-Star Elite) you will get an available 1 bed upgrade.
9. There is only one restaurant on the property. I think they deserve at least two - but perhaps they know many people won't spend the day at the resort, unlike the other resorts. The restaurant I tried my first night at the Princeville Hotel was outstanding, however, and WPROV guests/owners get 15% off there (they told me this the day after I was at the restaurant, of course).
All in all, WPORV is a very nice resort undergoing initial opening pains. The last one or two floors of units not open yet will be opening soon. I would return in a couple of years and try again. I think this is a great place to simply get away to and relax. Hope this helps someone...
