WSJ Hillside vs. Bay Vista

[rufusmaster]

Hi Everyone,

First time, long time. I'm an owner at WKORV-N, and I'm considering making an attempt at an exchange into WSJ for next May. Looking at the StarOption Value Chart, I see that the Hillside and Bay Vista subdivisions have very different charts. Specifically, I see that the weeks that I am considering in May fall in the Platinum category for Bay Vista, while the same weeks are Gold Plus for Hillside. Can anyone shed some light on why this is the case?

Thanks in advance..

 

[jerseygirl]

Because Starwood goofed when the resort was added to the network! Not uncommon ... in their early days, the hotel brands assumed that timeshares have demand curves that approximate hotel demand curves, instead of realizing that captive audiences (i.e., owners) want to use their time during popular school vacation periods.

They corrected their mistake when they built the new phase but have never adjusted the seasons for the old phase.

 

[djdavid79]

is there a big difference between the phases in terms of quality? where would you rather stay?

 

[LisaRex]

is there a big difference between the phases in terms of quality? where would you rather stay?

I've only stayed in a 2 bdrm loft in the Bayside Villas. They were very nice. Lots and lots of space. For the life of me I don't know why Starwood doesn't think ovens are essential in TSs because that was a bit of a downside when we were trying to figure out what to do with our steaks when the grills went missing. (We put them on "steak" setting in the convection oven, and what do you know? They turned out perfect!)

The biggest downside is that there is no close parking. You have to park next to the tennis courts and walk up a hill. Kind of a pain when you're constantly lugging snorkel equipment, but doable if you're in good health. If you're not, or if you have a disability, well then you'd have to rely on the private transportation system aka the golf carts to come and take you up to your villa.

The views in Bayside are meh. We could see Great Cruz Bay in between the trees from the 2nd floor and not at all on the top floor because they didn't put windows in to face the ocean.

Bayside villas are situated a short walk to the main hotel, beach, tennis courts, pool and restaurant.

The Hillside Villas are farther away from the main campus. I'd imagine most of these folks like their privacy. The good news is that parking is much more convenient.

For now, MFs at Hillside are higher but they will eventually even out. The biggest difference is that one section is mandatory, but few owners exchange out especially in gold and silver season because owners get really screwed on points. For the price of MFs, I'd buy only with the intention of staying there year after year or doing direct trades.

That's all I got.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I prefer VG (Hillside) over BV. Of course - I own Hillside - so I am biased. The parking (real plus - we are in/out in a flash), greater privacy (incl balcony), better views, semi-private pool/BBQ area (another big plus), excellent construction (never hear neighbors), and away from the main resort (some would consider this a minus, but not us) - along with full ovens and screens on the balcony doors.

The BV villas have a better decor - closer to main resort - and presumedly less bugs (maybe why no screens on balcony doors).

 

[jerseygirl]

is there a big difference between the phases in terms of quality? where would you rather stay?

There are many opinions about this on these boards if you use the search feature. I think it's a matter of personal preference. LisaRex has done a good job with the major differences:

Phase One

• Can park right outside your door
• Studios, One-BRs and Two-BRs generally have good (if somewhat distant) views and having the small pool and grills just steps from the unit is great
• Three-BRs have no views, but the private pool and patio make up for it
• Units are in good shape due to recent renovations

Phase Two

• Closer to main pool, beach and restaurants
• Units are relatively new and in good shape
• Views are hit-or-miss, primarily due to trees
• I HATE the oven (and I have mastered the convection oven at Harborside -- but this one has no ability to set a time or temperature --- Grrrrrrrrrr)

I don't think any of us own there for the units themselves. It's just one of those places that some fall in love with! If I were you, I would take a SO exchange in either phase (BV is easier because of the float week feature) ... and see if you like it. I don't think the actual unit or phase will really affect the quality of your vacation (other than the oven, of course!).

 

[rufusmaster]

Thanks jerseygirl. Your explanation for the difference in the seasons makes perfect sense.

I guess I was worried there was some other difference between the two Phases that justified a different number of SOs - but only during certain seasons?? Anyway, makes sense now. It seems obvious that the best value for weeks 21 & 22 are in the Hillside phase, since these weeks are Gold Plus in Hillside vs. Platinum in Bay Vista.

I appreciate all the helpful comments.

 

[DavidnRobin]

It seems obvious that the best value for weeks 21 & 22 are in the Hillside phase, since these weeks are Gold Plus in Hillside vs. Platinum in Bay Vista.

Wouldn't that be weeks 21-33 in the Hillside phase that meet this criteria? or have I interpreted this incorrecty?

 

[rufusmaster]

Wouldn't that be weeks 21-33 in the Hillside phase that meet this criteria? or have I interpreted this incorrecty?

Yes, correct. Sorry, I mentioned weeks 21 & 22 specifically because those are the weeks that I am considering for my trip. But weeks 21-33 all meet the same criteria. And weeks 43-50 are a better value in the BV phase.

 

[LisaRex]

Yes, correct. Sorry, I mentioned weeks 21 & 22 specifically because those are the weeks that I am considering for my trip. But weeks 21-33 all meet the same criteria. And weeks 43-50 are a better value in the BV phase.

Are you counting on getting into WSJ during the summer using SOs? If so, you might want to have a back-up plan because summer is very difficult to exchange into. There ended up being a lot of free weeks in August this year, but I think that's an anamoly.

 

[djdavid79]

when is the best time to try to exchange into WSJ with SO?

 

[DavidnRobin]

when is the best time to try to exchange into WSJ with SO?

Easiest or best?

The best time would be anytime you can get in that matches your vacation needs/plans and available SOs.

The easist time would be Sept-Oct

 

[djdavid79]

easiest, thank you!

 

[rufusmaster]

Are you counting on getting into WSJ during the summer using SOs? If so, you might want to have a back-up plan because summer is very difficult to exchange into. There ended up being a lot of free weeks in August this year, but I think that's an anamoly.

Definitely not counting on it.. I have done my homework here on TUG and am certainly aware of the low probability of making an SO exchange into WSJ. I already have a reservation at my home resort for the same weeks. Never hurts to try though!