Wife's 50th BD at WKORV & WKORVN

[munchiedog]

Hello I am new to timeshare and exchanging.
I may be walking into the lions den here, but it is for my wife's 50th birthday.
I am a WM owner and have put in a exchange on 11/22/09 for a
2 bedroom, kitchen, lanai, and oceanview (be up high in building so she can watch for the whales) for 2 weeks
Dates Jan 9, 2011 - Mar 5, 2011.
She will be spending her vacation on the Lanai watching for whales and going to spa and resting.
Due to my wife's health, we have not vacationed in awhile so I have to use our credits or they will expire.
I have been working on this for awhile and am getting scared I may have not done something I should have.
I was hoping since this area is for Starwood Owners you maybe able to tell me how realistic this request is and if it could happen.
I may need to start down a different road.
I may have to resort to renting one or making reservation from hotel.
Am I panicking too soon?
I may have to settle for 1 bedroom w/ kitchen and lanai for 1 week
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank-you
Brian

 

[DeniseM]

I think it's too soon to panic, but there are some things you should know:

I am assuming you put in your request with Interval International?

As an exchanger, you don't have any priority for an ocean view, so you may or may not get one. Some of the units at this resort have an "island view," and face away from the ocean.

If it's just the 2 of you, I would have requested a 1 bdm., because the 2nd bdm. is actually a separate, but attached studio unit, that probably won't get any use. It is much easier to get a 1 bdm. I would call and ask II if you can change your request to a 1 bdm., without changing the request date, and losing your place in line.

If I was you, I would add the Marriott to my request. It's in the same general area, and it is also a beautiful property.

 

[munchiedog]

I think it's too soon to panic, but there are some things you should know:

I am assuming you put in your request with Interval International? YES

As an exchanger, you don't have any priority for an ocean view, so you may or may not get one. Some of the units at this resort have an "island view," and face away from the ocean.

If it's just the 2 of you,(WELL SHE WANTED TO INVITE HER GIRLFRIEND BUT SHE FOUND OUT SHE HAS CANCER, SO WE ARE NOT SURE SHE CAN GO) I would have requested a 1 bdm., because the 2nd bdm. is actually a separate, but attached studio unit, that probably won't get any use. It is much easier to get a 1 bdm. I would call and ask II if you can change your request to a 1 bdm., without changing the request date, and losing your place in line. I PUT IN FOR A 2 BEDROOM AND SAID I WOULD TAKE A 1 BEDROOM
If I was you, I would add the Marriott to my request. It's in the same general area, and it is also a beautiful property.

I DID THAT!
YEAH FOR ME

Thanks for the information!!!
Brian

 

[rickandcindy23]

The earlier January dates are probably easier, but it is difficult to get February, as owners use those weeks. I put in a request, well in advance, with a Sheraton Broadway Plantation 2 bedroom for the same at either Westin--didn't get either week I wanted. Whale season is so hard to get.

Just thought I would let you know.

 

[readyalready]

If seeing whales from the lanai is crucial to your plan and enjoyment, then I would find a view unit to rent, and try to rent out your Wyndham units to help cover the cost. I just returned from both the WKORV and the MOC and while you could get in, I don't like your odds of getting a decent view on a trade.

 

[LisaRex]

You might also include studios in your search. They come with a kitchenette and have plenty of room for 2 people.

As others have said, however, you're not going to be guaranteed a room with an ocean view if you exchange in. You have a much better chance of getting a decent view if you limit your search to the north side as all the villas on that side at least face the ocean. The south side has some truly awful views.

As far as renting goes, if you're on a budget, I'd strongly consider renting a place at Maui Kai, which is near WKORV. I've never personally stayed there, and the pool is reportedly very ordinary, but this complex was built before legislation prohibited developments from building so close to the ocean. The place is literally built ON THE BEACH, so the views are to die for. And the prices are very reasonable.

See what I mean here: http://www.wizardpub.com/maui/mrmauikai.html
http://www.vrbo.com/Search?q=maui&rspec=regions:6267

Happy 50th Bday to your wife, and I hope she is given the gift of her health back.

 

[gregb]

We own OF at WKROVN and visit the first two weeks in February. We split our unit into two weeks. We have observed that the first week in February is not very busy and were able to get a prime unit (building 8, 6th floor) with a reservation at 10 months last year. This year, our studio was again in building 8, 6th floor for the first week in Feb, but our 1 bedroom was on the 4th floor and the trees blocked a good portion of the ocean view. If we wanted a higher floor, the only rooms available were studios. From that I deduce that the demand for Studios is much lower than for 1 bedroom units at that time. Of course you give up the full kitchen for the studio, and my wife wanted the extra room. So we kept the 1 bedroom.

Note: I am not complaining, just stating the facts.

Greg