Anybody stay at WKORV-N yet?

[Westin5Star]

**This post is for calbear93--

Have you considered buying resale at WKORV instead of the north property? The rooms are larger at the original property (1400 sq feet vs. 1246), it is already established at lower entry costs, and you still have usage of the North property if you so choose. My opinion is that an OV room at WKORV for $27k-$29k for a 2BR LO EY is a great deal (if you find the right seller you may even be able to land it for about $25k). I know that you had mentioned that you are interested in an EOY but I am not familiar with the prices or offerring on those units. My family also has 2 small kids (2 & 4) and hotel rooms (other than very costly suites) were just too small for us. Timeshares have definitely made our vacations MUCH more enjoyable. Best of luck in your search and decision.

 

[capjak]

Hi there,

I'm interested in purchasing an EOY at WKORV-N and have been lurking on these boards for the past few months trying to absorb as much information as possible. I have a few questions:


By way of background, my husband and I are in our mid-30's with 2 young kids. We LOVE Maui and intend to use this resort primarily (probably won't trade out).

Still learning!
Thanks in advance!

How about just renting from an owner when you want to go?

 

[calbear93]

How close are WKORV and WKORV-N? I was under the impression that the new north property would have a more desirable kids club/pool etc. But if it's easily accessible to the south site, I would definitely consider the south location as well. We currently live in Michigan, with high probability that we will move somewhere else in the next 6-12 months (hopefully back to CA). I know we can make a trip to Maui every other year, but not sure if yearly is feasible given our current location (and the chaos around traveling with a 2 and 4 year old). Also, my extended family loves Maui as well so my desire to purchase is for family time (and a guarantee that my husband will take at least a week off from work every year). I do plan to rent a week first and check out the resort before purchasing.

Thanks to all for the advice; I appreciate it!

 

[Henry M.]

WKORV and WKORV-N are next to each other. Owners at one can use the facilities at the other. As a matter of fact, it is about the same distance (maybe even less distance) from the north building of WKORV to the first building of WKORV-N as it to the south building of WKORV. You could view both properties as one huge complex. They have better restaurants and a larger pool at WKORV-N, but they have a water slide and slighly larger rooms at WKORV. The WKORV rooms are slightly larger because there is a foyer shared between the studio and 1BR and the studio doesn't have a lanai/balcony.

To me its a toss-up which is better. I'd sign up for a discovery package (I or any other owner can refer you, if you like) where you can go to Maui for 5 nights, including a rental car for $799 or so. You don't even have to sit for the timeshare presentation if you don't want to. Sometimes you stay at the resort and sometimes at the Westin hotel, depending on availability. That way you can look at both properties and decide which one you like best before yo make a commitment.

 

[DavidnRobin]

How close are WKORV and WKORV-N? I was under the impression that the new north property would have a more desirable kids club/pool etc. But if it's easily accessible to the south site, I would definitely consider the south location as well. We currently live in Michigan, with high probability that we will move somewhere else in the next 6-12 months (hopefully back to CA). I know we can make a trip to Maui every other year, but not sure if yearly is feasible given our current location (and the chaos around traveling with a 2 and 4 year old). Also, my extended family loves Maui as well so my desire to purchase is for family time (and a guarantee that my husband will take at least a week off from work every year). I do plan to rent a week first and check out the resort before purchasing.

Thanks to all for the advice; I appreciate it!

Considering what you just stated here - I would consider buying EY at WKV (if you are coming back to CA) and using an EOY SVN exchange of the WKV (2Bd LO Plat - 148.1K SOs) to go to HI. Cheaper, much lower MFs - and WKV is a great resort and location - especially if you like baseball (Spring Training).

We bought WKORV OF sight unseen (actualy bought all site unseen) - and it was worth the risk - we used TUG reviews and tuggers opinions to help us with this choice - and glad we did becuase in a short while we were off and vacationing on a regular basis.

Also, if RnD had 2 small children (ours are in their 20s) - We would not want to have a complete/loaded studio unit to have them stay in (perhaps this is just us...) - it is a waste and we would be too nervous. If we did have 2 youngins - we probably would have bought the Marriott in Poipu (Kauai) since they have 2Bd/2Ba (non-LO) units, but now-a-days - SVO fits our vacation-style.

We agree that this is a investment in vacation (and forcing us to take vacations) and not a financial one - although saving money is always good more to spend while vacationing.

 

[calbear93]

How difficult is it trade into WKORV? From what I've read, it seems like the hawaii trades are not easy. Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing where we'll be geographically but I would say that Hawaii is our favorite vacation spot and would travel there every other year from wherever we are living. I'm a little nervous about buying site unseen but we have family and friends that have vacationed at WKORV and have really enjoyed it. So, we'll see what comes up!

 

[DavidnRobin]

How difficult is it trade into WKORV? From what I've read, it seems like the hawaii trades are not easy. Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing where we'll be geographically but I would say that Hawaii is our favorite vacation spot and would travel there every other year from wherever we are living. I'm a little nervous about buying site unseen but we have family and friends that have vacationed at WKORV and have really enjoyed it. So, we'll see what comes up!

Unless you need to go at prime times - I would say pretty easy - especially with WKORV-N now open and WPORV in the near future - plus there are plans in the works for other locations (WKORV-NN, Poipu, plus I would imagime the BI at some point. The biggest consideration would be your unit location - if this is important to you, then Home Resort ownership is critical, and of course comes at a premium.

Whether it is to reserve as a Home Resort or SVN exchange - I would always advise to call at exactly 12-month or 8-months out - this (IMO) is the biggest downside of TSing, but the upside is that it forces us to think about vacations - now that we own 3 open resorts and an additional one in 2009 - we are going about every 4 months - perfect.

 

[pharmgirl]

WKORV and WKORV-N are next to each other. Owners at one can use the facilities at the other. As a matter of fact, it is about the same distance (maybe even less distance) from the north building of WKORV to the first building of WKORV-N as it to the south building of WKORV. You could view both properties as one huge complex.

How exactly do you get from WKORV to North? I seem to remember that there are no doors from the back of the first building to the North side. Do you need to go round the front of the building (ocean) ? Or through the parking area?

 

[Quimby4]

We are here now, building 5 open (will check to see the other buildings), 2 pools, etc. The staff is very helpful. The view category is not only how the building faces (ocean view v. island view) but the floor you are on. While the lower level rooms can be island view, rooms directly above can be ocean view. I will take some time to walk the buildings to see how the numbers are allocated but doesn't SVO have this information to send us? I'll second the warning about the thorns that come off the trees, spouse stepped on one. It entered the heel and exited about 1 inch up on the side of the foot.

So sorry about the thorn from the tree!!! How horrible!!! What kind of tree drops big thorns on Maui? Is it near the sand or walkways?

Thanks for your update in WKORV-N

 

[fran]

How exactly do you get from WKORV to North? I seem to remember that there are no doors from the back of the first building to the North side. Do you need to go round the front of the building (ocean) ? Or through the parking area?

There actually is a pathway between the two buildings, with a doorway in the middle of Building 2 at WKORV. Very convenient!

Fran

 

[wannagotoo]

The thorns are vicious. They are on the dead branches of the trees that line the front of the resort, between the resort and beach. Yesterday I wore some Keens sandles to the beach and when I sat down there were 2 little branches held to the bottom of my shoes by large thorns. So just beware and be sure you wear shoes when you walk to the beach....since that is the only concern about the resort, life is good.

For those considering purchasing, we initially regretted purchasing timeshares. We purchased four because of the perks related to the 5 Star Elite Status. After being here for one week most of the regret has gone away. The island is small enough so that any activity is within driving distance. There are different types of activities for different levels of physical endurance. The snorkling in front of the hotel is fantastic, no need to go to black rock. (Went to black rock yesterday and the "locals" on the rock were yelling "shark" thinking it was funny. Tourist yelled from water- it wasn't funny, locals came down from rock and began harassing tourist) Lahaina is very close and has Longs Drugs, Safeway, etc. My Vons card worked fine for Safeway. Internet is free here. We spend about 2 months a year out of the country and to not worry about language differences, currency conversions, safety/liability issues (try bunji jumping off the bridge over the Zambizi River in Africa wondering when the last inspection of the cord was). For those with children, the kiddie pool with pirate boat would have been a hit for my sons at a younger age. It's a nice walk from here to Whaler's Village (restaurants, shopping, snacks). The staff has been friendly and accommodating. Tourist guides at airport and Entertainment book have discount coupons for rentals, parasailsing, dining, etc.

That being said, if you only plan on being here infrequently and not trying to achieve any elite status, why not rent? TUG seems to allow a renter to communicate with an owner so that you can select the week you want.

Still working on pictures to post.

 

[Henry M.]

How exactly do you get from WKORV to North? I seem to remember that there are no doors from the back of the first building to the North side. Do you need to go round the front of the building (ocean) ? Or through the parking area?

As Fran said, there's a door in the middle of WKORV building 2 (by the elevators) that opens to the kiddie pool area of WKORV-N. You can also take the boardwalk close to the beach or go through the parking lot/lobby area.

 

[TUG Talker]

On the pricing, we bought, and then used right of rescission to cancel, and IV unit at WKORV-N just a couple of weeks ago...price was $54,900.

 

[MON2REY]

On the pricing, we bought, and then used right of rescission to cancel, and IV unit at WKORV-N just a couple of weeks ago...price was $54,900.

and OV was $68,900 and OF was $79,900 when we were there two weeks ago.

 

[calbear93]

Discovery package for WKORV

I'd sign up for a discovery package (I or any other owner can refer you, if you like) where you can go to Maui for 5 nights, including a rental car for $799 or so. You don't even have to sit for the timeshare presentation if you don't want to. Sometimes you stay at the resort and sometimes at the Westin hotel, depending on availability. That way you can look at both properties and decide which one you like best before yo make a commitment.

Are there any commitments when you sign up for a discovery package, aside from attending the presentation? Is there a time limit by which you have to sign up to visit? Frankly, I don't think I'll make it out to Maui until next summer so I have a lot of time to look around....

 

[fran]

As of an hour ago, IV was 56,900, OV 68,900 and OF 84,900. Apparently, they are just about out of IV and OF every year so they have raised those prices and left OV prices where they were (68,900). To those who may be interested, they are offering Kuai for $49,500.

Fran

 

[Negma]

We just got here and a few EARLY observations-

Check in went great, room ready at two, we ended up in building 5 with an Ocean view instead of an Island view (that is what we own,island)-very nice

Lunch at the pool was $75 with tip for 5 (refillable soda)

Kitchens only have microwave ovens/oven combo-very small, dinner tables have seating for four instead of six, there are two counter chairs.

Every room has a plasma TV and free internet.

Parking is wacky, the majority of spots say compact car, the majority of vihicles are SUVs and Vans--Hmmmmm

Possible hurricane headed to Hawaii Tuesday, but we are not too worried.

more later....

 

[koruman]

I know that this is a minority view on this forum, but Fran's report on current pricing makes me quite happy to have purchased from the developer.

I did not buy on the spot, but purchased an Explorer package and then bought Ocean Front at the agreed, fixed price at the end of the 3 month price freeze, by which time list prices had risen $12,000.

I've paid around $8-12,000 more than the current prevailing resale asking price, which probably means around $15,000 more than the absolute best deal I could have got from a distressed seller. But I've got Gold status for life (and I might no longer make SPG Plat each year now that one week is tied up at Maui each year) plus 100,000 Starpoints for not returning on the Explorer package, plus 125,000 Starpoints for the purchase, plus I probably will buy the additional 80,000 Starpoints for $1675.

So I've probably overpaid by $12,000, but will get a total of 305,000 Starpoints. They will get me (subject to devaluation) a five night stay nearly four times at my favorite overpriced local Category 6 hotel, which would otherwise cost me around $10,000, and that's not bad going.

I agree that buying island view from the developer is bad business, but for premium view types the incentives can actually be worthwhile.

 

[Denise L]

We just got here and a few EARLY observations-

Check in went great, room ready at two, we ended up in building 5 with an Ocean view instead of an Island view (that is what we own,island)-very nice

Lunch at the pool was $75 with tip for 5 (refillable soda)

Kitchens only have microwave ovens/oven combo-very small, dinner tables have seating for four instead of six, there are two counter chairs.

Every room has a plasma TV and free internet.

Parking is wacky, the majority of spots say compact car, the majority of vihicles are SUVs and Vans--Hmmmmm

Possible hurricane headed to Hawaii Tuesday, but we are not too worried.

more later....

Have a great week! What size unit are you staying in with the micro/oven combo? Did the model/layout specify seating for six? Just curious how it compares to what you bought...

 

[LisaRex]

FYI, I recently bought an OF unit at WKORV-N directly from an owner for $52k, with the 2008 MFs paid by the owner. I started price comparing, etc. in Feb/March. Once I decided on Westin, it took me about 3 weeks to connect with an owner and negotiate a price.

Similar deals are being offered at WKORV.

 

[LisaRex]

Have a great week! What size unit are you staying in with the micro/oven combo? Did the model/layout specify seating for six? Just curious how it compares to what you bought...

The standard plan for WKORV-N is a table for 4. When they reduced the size of the rooms, they reduced the size of the table as well.

 

[Fredm]

I know that this is a minority view on this forum, but Fran's report on current pricing makes me quite happy to have purchased from the developer.

I did not buy on the spot, but purchased an Explorer package and then bought Ocean Front at the agreed, fixed price at the end of the 3 month price freeze, by which time list prices had risen $12,000.

I've paid around $8-12,000 more than the current prevailing resale asking price, which probably means around $15,000 more than the absolute best deal I could have got from a distressed seller. But I've got Gold status for life (and I might no longer make SPG Plat each year now that one week is tied up at Maui each year) plus 100,000 Starpoints for not returning on the Explorer package, plus 125,000 Starpoints for the purchase, plus I probably will buy the additional 80,000 Starpoints for $1675.

So I've probably overpaid by $12,000, but will get a total of 305,000 Starpoints. They will get me (subject to devaluation) a five night stay nearly four times at my favorite overpriced local Category 6 hotel, which would otherwise cost me around $10,000, and that's not bad going.

I agree that buying island view from the developer is bad business, but for premium view types the incentives can actually be worthwhile.

Current resale prices for WKORV N are:
OF $50,500
OV $45,900
IV $31,500

 

[Henry M.]

Are there any commitments when you sign up for a discovery package, aside from attending the presentation? Is there a time limit by which you have to sign up to visit? Frankly, I don't think I'll make it out to Maui until next summer so I have a lot of time to look around....

There is no commitment to anything with the package I'm talking about. You don't even have to attend the presentation, although they'd like you to and will probably offer you additional Starpoints (hotel points) to go.

I think the time limit is 12 months but I also seem to recall talk of 18 months. You can decide to sign up later on if you want more time, but if you want to stay at the resort you should try to reserve as far out as possible as they run out of villas quickly and you end up staying at the hotel - not nearly as nice as the resort. You can also ask about availability when they call you before committing to buy anything. I don't know if many villas (or even hotel rooms) are available during the summer season when all of Maui is very busy.

Overall the package is a cheap way to go to Maui even without the least interest in a timeshare. It would be a way to get there and see what's available before buying anything.

If you attend the presentation and don't buy they'll offer you an explorer package that costs under $1,800+ (I don't remember the exact price) for 50,000 Starpoints, some days at the resort, a lock on the price on the units offered to you and you can apply the complete cost towards a developer purchase. It's not a bad deal either for spending some days in Maui and 50,000 Starpoints. Even if you were sure you'd buy from the developer, you should use this package for the additional points you get.

Best of luck in your search. I've enjoyed my Starwood ownership and do not regret purchasing my weeks, even if they are from the developer. The 5 Star Elite benefits and SPG Platinum membership are worth it to me. I would consider trying to buy resale and requalifying with developer purchases knowing what I know now. However, I have gotten enough value from the Starpoints the developer gave us that the difference between developer and resale (at least when I bought) was not as bad as it seems on the surface. I also find that the value of 88,000 Starpoints (10% bonus for some Elites) that I could get if I didn't go there a given year are worth about what I see the units rented out for on various web sites without the hassle. I do agree that renting is not the best value since hotel rooms don't compare to a 2 BR unit or 1/2 weeks inn Maui, but the Starpoints are not as worthless as some say they are. It depends a lot on where you travel and what properties you spend them on. I often get $0.04+/point of value out of my Starpoints. I do stay at expensive properties that I would otherwise have to shell out the cash for.

 

[Henry M.]

Current resale prices for WKORV N are:
OF $50,500
OV $45,900
IV $31,500

It seems developer purchases here are going up faster than at WKORV but resales are about what they cost at WKORV. the spread was not nearly as bad when I bought at WKORV before it was built. I guess sellers are more desperate and use the WKORV prices to set their own pricing. They must also be distressed sales because few sellers, if any, have even had a chance to stay at the property before taking this bath on their purchases.

 

[Fredm]

It seems developer purchases here are going up faster than at WKORV but resales are about what they cost at WKORV. the spread was not nearly as bad when I bought at WKORV before it was built. I guess sellers are more desperate and use the WKORV prices to set their own pricing. They must also be distressed sales because few sellers, if any, have even had a chance to stay at the property before taking this bath on their purchases.

When KOR was selling its early phases, there was no comparable competition to the developer sale price except the owner resale. So, a smaller discount was acceptable to buyers.

No doubt that KOR resale prices have a direct influence on KOR-N price points. KOR-N owners must compete with KOR sale inventory.
This is most evident in oceanfront pricing because the view category is comparable.
Not so with Island and Ocean views, however. KOR-N Island View is more closely associated with KOR ocean-view. KOR-N Ocean view has overall better views assured than KOR ocenview. So, is more of a genuine view designation and sells for a premium over KOR ocenview.