Studio OceanFront Maui N or S?

[damianinpa]

All,
I have 81K point and was going to book a full 1 bedroom in either WKORV or WKORVN, but, I see I can downgrade to a Studio and get Oceanfront for same value. My wife and I have decided to do that to get the better view, but, I wanted opinions of which side might be better for this N or S (based on view)? I am going to request a high room either way, and, wanted a nice balcony (I think both sides offer this.)
Opinions are welcome.

Thanks,
Damian

 

[Ken555]

South!!

Just keep in mind that most of the South property OF Studios have balconies on the side, not the front, of the building. Only the center studio is directly facing the water. Even so, I would prefer this to the North OF Studio.

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[DeniseM]

In the south phase, the studios that face north or south (to the side of the building) are labeled Oceanfront Deluxe:

EXAMPLE:

THE WESTIN KA'ANAPALI OCEAN RESORT VILLAS
LAHAINA, HAWAI'I
Check-in: Wed, December 13, 2017
Check-out: Wed, December 20, 2017, 7 nights stay
Villa Type: Studio Premium Villa | Oceanfront Deluxe
Max. Occupancy 4

 

[vacationtime1]

Vistana doesn't differentiate OFD and OFC studios when making StarOption reservations (it does differentiate when making home resort reservations).

 

[DeniseM]

Here is one that is not labeled "deluxe" - so there are 2 different designations:

EXAMPLE: Oceanfront center studio -

THE WESTIN KA'ANAPALI OCEAN RESORT VILLAS
LAHAINA, HAWAI'I
Check-in: Sat, September 09, 2017
Check-out: Sat, September 16, 2017, 7 nights stay
Villa Type: Studio Premium Villa | Oceanfront
Max. Occupancy 4

 

[Ken555]

Here is one that is not labeled "deluxe" - so there are 2 different designations:

EXAMPLE: Oceanfront center studio -

But the OF center studio and the OF not center (i.e. deluxe) studios are the same SO cost, correct?


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[DeniseM]

They are the same number of Staroptions - my response was to post #4 which says you can't tell the two views apart when you make a Staroption reservation

 

[Ken555]

They are the same number of Staroptions - my response was to post #4 which says you can't tell the two views apart when you make a Staroption reservation

Valid point, especially for those that want to guarantee the center view!


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[DeniseM]

It is entirely possible that a phone Rep. told Robert that you couldn't tell the difference between the two views - but they don't know what they are talking about half the time.

 

[vacationtime1]

No, my bad. I didn't read the fine print.

Now knowing that you can control reserving OFC vs. OFD, I agree with Ken that you should opt for the OF center studio unit if possible; it has a lanai directly facing the ocean.

 

[DavidnRobin]

No, my bad. I didn't read the fine print.

Now knowing that you can control reserving OFC vs. OFD, I agree with Ken that you should opt for the OF center studio unit if possible; it has a lanai directly facing the ocean.

The lanai for the OFD studio is not direct, but far from awful (and more panoramic) - the OFD studio also has a better layout space-wise (more square) and better light.

 

[damianinpa]

So, looks like the one quoted on 9/9 - 9/16 is now gone. Just about everything I see if OFD. So, let me as this. Are the Balconies the same with OFD on the south side vs north side? From floor plan, I think North side studios have balcony with a few chairs for 2 people. South side oceanview have small balcony. But, south OFD might have larger??

 

[DeniseM]

The lanai is pretty small and you can see how far back it is from the front of the building:

 

[DavidnRobin]

Do I really need to post photos again?

Old photo (2009? trees are still there) B3 3rd floor - looking south.

 

[DavidnRobin]

This is OFD studio layout - notice how much more square.

 

[DavidnRobin]

 

[DavidnRobin]

B2 OFD studio - 5th floor - looking north

 

[LisaRex]

I don't think it matters if you don't have additional information. For instance, if I had to choose between floor 1 or floor 3 on the south side with a huge palm tree blocking my view vs floor 4, 5, or 6 on the north side with an unobstructed view, I'd opt for the latter. I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[damianinpa]

I think I'm going to book South side and just request High Floor. Hopefully, I will get it!

 

[rubbernyc]

Once again, I am blown away by how helpful users on here continue to be. Pictures, diagrams, you name it. Keep it up.

 

[Henry M.]

Building 5 Ocean Front Studio at WKORV-N (Room 5304). Many OF studios have great views, but a few do overlook the pool and Pailolo restaurant. I think the 5x04 studios are the units that are closest to the ocean.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I would say that many WKORVN OF villas overlook the pool and Pailolo - probably more that do than don't based on location of buildings.

http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?...nations-new-map-added-2-19.64636/#post-472617

 

[dioxide45]

In the south phase, the studios that face north or south (to the side of the building) are labeled Oceanfront Deluxe:

EXAMPLE:

Here is one that is not labeled "deluxe" - so there are 2 different designations:

EXAMPLE: Oceanfront center studio -

I would think the term "Deluxe" means that it is better? However, in this instance the lack of "Deluxe" is the OF Center unit which actually seems like the better option?

 

[DeniseM]

You would think so, but in Vistana/Starwood jargon "Deluxe" doesn't mean it is better, but it is a standard designation that Starwood, and now Vistana uses.

For instance, at many resorts the large one bedroom is designated as "premium," and the small one bedroom is designated as "deluxe."