any hope of trading into WSJ (II) with SDO?

[krmlaw]

Do I have any hope or am I just wasting my time ...

 

[DeniseM]

Sure - If you put in a request for the whole year and are willing to accept any phase or size unit.

 

[krmlaw]

ok - that would work for me! looking to go off season (oct - dec) so maybe that will help?

 

[tomandrobin]

ok - that would work for me! looking to go off season (oct - dec) so maybe that will help?

It is possible....But in WSJ case, I think Staroptions would be more effective.

 

[siesta]

Rent from an owner, if you like it there and plan on returning often, buy a ts w staroptions at a cheaper resort if you want to go there off season or ar flexible.

 

[DeniseM]

krmlaw already owns a Starwood II trader...

 

[siesta]

krmlaw already owns a Starwood II trader...

ya but what good is it if its not gonna get you there.

I also own SDO. If i wanted to consistently go to HRA or WSJ, id buy a SVV with SO. Sure if you are flexible and/or travel offseason, you can catch a few HRA bulks on II, but for WSJ you either need to rent, exchange via SO, or own there.

 

[bizaro86]

Some parts of WSJ are fixed weeks right?

So wouldn't those owners be able to deposit to II directly, and starwood would put in their week? Not that it would be good value for a WSJ owner, but some people would probably do it if they couldn't go and didn't want to bother with renting.

 

[LisaRex]

So wouldn't those owners be able to deposit to II directly, and starwood would put in their week? Not that it would be good value for a WSJ owner, but some people would probably do it if they couldn't go and didn't want to bother with renting.

I'm not sure any of us knows how Starwood and II work out their inventory.

I don't know why, but it appears that many owners let their places sit empty vs. trying to exchange/rent. However, it's possible to get in, esp during low season. I'd definitely consider putting in a request for a studio, though.

I bought SVV Bella because I wanted to get into WSJ, and SOs are by far the best way to get in, other than owning/renting.

Good luck to you!

 

[DeniseM]

Some parts of WSJ are fixed weeks right?

So wouldn't those owners be able to deposit to II directly, and starwood would put in their week? Not that it would be good value for a WSJ owner, but some people would probably do it if they couldn't go and didn't want to bother with renting.

A true fixed week does not fall under the II/Starwood rules implemented in 2009, so yes, an owner can depost their fixed week. But it cannot be a fixed/float week. It must be a TRUE fixed week.

See the II/Starwood FAQ at the top of the forum for details - 2nd post.

 

[tschwa2]

I think you may have more luck trading in through RCI than II. There have been several reports of geting it through RCI in the last 10 years through RCI. I don't remember any sightings in II for the last 3 years at least.

RCI:VIRGIN GRAND VILLAS (#1853)
St. John, VI USA
www.westin.com

 

[bizaro86]

A true fixed week does not fall under the II/Starwood rules implemented in 2009, so yes, an owner can depost their fixed week. But it cannot be a fixed/float week. It must be a TRUE fixed week.

See the II/Starwood FAQ at the top of the forum for details - 2nd post.

Right, I knew that part, but I'm unsure as to whether WSJ has true fixed weeks, or whether they're fixed/float, where everyone uses their fixed week... I recall some posts where people were talking about changes to the unit they get every year, which seems like "true fixed" to me. Anyone know for sure?

 

[HenryT]

Right, I knew that part, but I'm unsure as to whether WSJ has true fixed weeks, or whether they're fixed/float, where everyone uses their fixed week... I recall some posts where people were talking about changes to the unit they get every year, which seems like "true fixed" to me. Anyone know for sure?

That's a good question. I own fixed week 12 at Westin St John and I always thought it was a pure fixed week but I guess I am not 100% sure. That's why I have not been able to use it since my 4th grade son has been in school. 2013 will be the first time (since my son has been in school) that week 12 coincides with my son's Spring Break so guess where I will be next spring?

If I could float this unit that would be great. If nobody knows for sure I guess I will have to call and check. Now I am curious!

 

[bizaro86]

That's a good question. I own fixed week 12 at Westin St John and I always thought it was a pure fixed week but I guess I am not 100% sure. That's why I have not been able to use it since my 4th grade son has been in school. 2013 will be the first time (since my son has been in school) that week 12 coincides with my son's Spring Break so guess where I will be next spring?

If I could float this unit that would be great. If nobody knows for sure I guess I will have to call and check. Now I am curious!

What have you been doing with it? Renting it out, trading with staroptions, or II trades?

 

[DeniseM]

I think you may have more luck trading in through RCI than II. There have been several reports of geting it through RCI in the last 10 years through RCI. I don't remember any sightings in II for the last 3 years at least.

RCI:VIRGIN GRAND VILLAS (#1853)
St. John, VI USA
www.westin.com

I don't believe SDO would have enough TPU's for WSJ through RCI.

 

[krmlaw]

Great thanks!

I own some great RCI traders, so Ill put in a search for it there too - didnt know it traded in RCI.

 

[HenryT]

What have you been doing with it? Renting it out, trading with staroptions, or II trades?

I have been renting it out. I have been able to rent it out for about $400 over the maintenance fee for the last 5 years.

It's not worth it though for the number of times I will get to use it while my son is in school. Also, if the maintenance fees keep going up significantly it will be more difficult to cover the maintenance fees with the rental.

 

[DavidnRobin]

That's a good question. I own fixed week 12 at Westin St John and I always thought it was a pure fixed week but I guess I am not 100% sure. That's why I have not been able to use it since my 4th grade son has been in school. 2013 will be the first time (since my son has been in school) that week 12 coincides with my son's Spring Break so guess where I will be next spring?

If I could float this unit that would be great. If nobody knows for sure I guess I will have to call and check. Now I am curious!

It can float in theory at 12-10 months out - just very hard to do - especially if you can't wait list. I have no luck in renting my June weeks this year (so far). I guess that goes to show the value of WSJ weeks in Plat+ season. Weird - because when I go to the WSJ SPG site to check out rentals - they want $1100/nite for a similar villa during my weeks. At least I will be able to bank the SOs if no success in renting.

 

[bizaro86]

It can float in theory at 12-10 months out - just very hard to do - especially if you can't wait list. I have no luck in renting my June weeks this year (so far). I guess that goes to show the value of WSJ weeks in Plat+ season. Weird - because when I go to the WSJ SPG site to check out rentals - they want $1100/nite for a similar villa during my weeks. At east i wil be able to bank the SOs if no success in renting.

Which probably means you get a blended theoretical trading power if you did ever decide to deposit in II, and Starwood would probably deposit some other unit, not a WSJ unit. Making it theoretically less likely (IMO) for the OP to get a WSJ reservation through II.

 

[DeniseM]

Which probably means you get a blended theoretical trading power if you did ever decide to deposit in II,

Not probably - definitely - a fixed/float week is a floating week under the II Starwood rules. You use the predesignated trading power for the season.

Starwood would probably deposit some other unit, not a WSJ unit. Making it theoretically less likely (IMO) for the OP to get a WSJ reservation through II.

Actually, (at all Starwood resorts) under the current rules, Starwood doesn't directly deposit a week, when an owner "designates their week for exchange." The owner uses the predetermined trading power, and sometime down the road Starwood and II settle up - a process which they do not disclose.

 

[jerseygirl]

All seasons are blended into one at II -- the description in my II account for both Hillside and Bay Vista says, "Westin St John - All Seasons" (where we would normally see "Westin St John - Gold Plus," for example). And, as stated above, they fall under the float weeks category (which I think is a joke for phase one but since I would never deposit, I don't care!).

There were definitely II deposits in 2007, 2008 and 2009 -- I traded in all 3 of those years. I don't remember seeing deposits in 2010 or 2011, but there could have been some. II wants to keep WSJ in its resort directory -- and we all know how chummy II and Starwood are -- I'm sure Starwood throws II a bone and deposits a couple of units every year or so. I'm pretty sure RCI is only available to owners who bought pre-SVN and have never drank the Starwood koolaid converted to SVN membership.

 

[HenryT]

It can float in theory at 12-10 months out - just very hard to do - especially if you can't wait list. I have no luck in renting my June weeks this year (so far). I guess that goes to show the value of WSJ weeks in Plat+ season. Weird - because when I go to the WSJ SPG site to check out rentals - they want $1100/nite for a similar villa during my weeks. At least I will be able to bank the SOs if no success in renting.

I agreed David. It's amazing how much resorts such as WSJ and Harborside can get for rentals when private owners can only get a fraction of those fees. I understand many people don't trust dealing with private owners but I think another important factor is exposure. The general public is not aware of sites like TUG, Redweek, MyResortNetwork, etc. for potential rentals but they are aware of the various resort/hotel sites. In addition, the hotels/resorts advertise on all the national/international media sites. If private owners had that big of a forum we could rent our units more easily.

 

[krmlaw]

thanks everyone for all the advice!

im going to put in a trade request, but looks like ill be safer renting from owners.

 

[LisaRex]

thanks everyone for all the advice!

im going to put in a trade request, but looks like ill be safer renting from owners.

Good luck to you in getting an awesome exchange. Please report back!

 

[Weimaraner]

Any idea of number of TPU to even get in this resort? Never seen if offered on RCI. Thanks