Anybody stay at WKORV-N yet?

[Negma]

Thoughts for the day-

We are having a great time and spent the day at the beach, more dolphins, overcast most of the day.

Glass fixture in the shower fell out and shattered everywhere, luckily no one was in the bathroom at the time, housekeeping cleaned up and fixed it promptly.

Pool was more crowded today. There is a feedback sheet to fill out reviewing the good and the bad (yes my wife will mention the whole oven thing).

The staff has been great. I leave Thursday night to fly to the East coast (long story) and my family will leave Saturday. If anything else pops up we will let you know.

 

[mepiccolo]

FRAN: This is the same question I had. We had so many NEW things that were not used it is a shame to just throw them away. The unopened items are kept by the staff (food) when left in the room but the unused beach "toys", CD for Hana, Entertainment book, etc. could go to another Tugger. I think we should initiate some kind of a thread for people who are going to specific resorts and might have new or unopened incidentals to exchange.

I suggested this a couple of years ago when we were leaving WKORV and we had a lot of stuff we were going to have to leave behind, like beach toys, pool floats, almost a brand new bottle of olive oil, beer, etc. When I left Kauai a few months ago we left so much unopened food and, again, really nice large dinosaur pool floats and other stuff. I'm sure the hotel staff can only use so much pool floats! I also think that there should be a thread for Tuggers to connect with other Tuggers when arriving/leaving a resort. It makes sense. If someone is not interested in using it, don't. I, for one, would.

 

[Westin5Star]

I suggested this a couple of years ago when we were leaving WKORV and we had a lot of stuff we were going to have to leave behind, like beach toys, pool floats, almost a brand new bottle of olive oil, beer, etc. When I left Kauai a few months ago we left so much unopened food and, again, really nice large dinosaur pool floats and other stuff. I'm sure the hotel staff can only use so much pool floats! I also think that there should be a thread for Tuggers to connect with other Tuggers when arriving/leaving a resort. It makes sense. If someone is not interested in using it, don't. I, for one, would.

For those that may be interested in keeping your stuff in storage in between visits, I came accross the following webiste:
http://www.5aspace.com/

I am not sure of pricing but for snorkels, surfboards, golf clubs, biking / hiking stuff, etc. this could be a good idea.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

I was there 4 days ago, OF unit. There is NO oven. There is a convection/microwave. This was a disappointment because we purchased alot of appetizers that needed to be baked. We looked all around because we were told there would be an oven. Under the cooktop are two drawers that hold the pots/pans/pyrex. The microwave has options like "pizza, potatoes" etc. If there was an oven and I missed it We had the full lockoff, both sides. I think that had we read the directions for the microwave as did Negma, the microwave COULD HAVE toasted the appetizers but we didn't take the time for directions.

Starwood should have easy instructions for the Microwave/Convection oven. I have a feeling people don't know that a convection oven is like a regular oven and it browns and toasts just like a regular oven. People on that side are gonna be disappointed if they don't know how to use the stuff. You can put metal in the micro/convection oven too when you are using it as a convection oven. The only issue I see is that people are going to have hard time finding something that fits in the small ovens. We have one at home but it is big enough to hold a round pizza pan. You can bake all kinds of things it in. Used my micro/convection oven alot when we remodeled our kitchen as it was my only oven for 6 months when we were living out of the garage.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

I suggested this a couple of years ago when we were leaving WKORV and we had a lot of stuff we were going to have to leave behind, like beach toys, pool floats, almost a brand new bottle of olive oil, beer, etc. When I left Kauai a few months ago we left so much unopened food and, again, really nice large dinosaur pool floats and other stuff. I'm sure the hotel staff can only use so much pool floats! I also think that there should be a thread for Tuggers to connect with other Tuggers when arriving/leaving a resort. It makes sense. If someone is not interested in using it, don't. I, for one, would.

I always take stuff with me and back. Since we go yearly... we have suitcase that we fill with boogie board stuff, snorkel gear, floaties, etc... I've been know to take pancake syrup & olive oil back with me in checked luggage. I know I'm crazy. I did once give it to a fellow tugger once before but that was only one time. I just wrap up the olive in in to plastic baggies & then, put it around something soft in the luggage. It makes it home fine...

 

[TUG Talker]

I think they just want people to spend more money in the restaurants. That's the impression we got at Harborside. They don't even have grills. When we questioned them about grills we were told many people have asked and supposedly they were "on the docks somewhere" but no one knew where! And that when they do eventually get them we'd probably have to pay some one to grill FOR us!!
Luckily there's still grills in Maui!

I was over visiting WKORV-N the day they were opening (Friday a couple weeks ago) and was checking out the restaurant there. I was disappointed to note that they didn't offer the same type of varied breakfast menu as over at WKORV. All they had was continental or full brunch options.

This seemed to be about increasing customer spend...the restaurant manager was briefing the staff by the hostess station, and we could hear him talking to them as we were looking at the menu. He was telling them to not ask which brunch customers wanted when they were seated...to assume full brunch unless the customer brought it up and not offer the continental option. Clearly hoping to push the full brunch and drive more spending on breakfast.

FWIW, I would eat at the WKORV restaurant for breakfast as the menu is more flexible and you can get a more reasonably priced meal there overall from what I saw.

Portions were large at the WKORV restaurant for breakfast (the only meal we ate there). Ordering individual items (like pancakes, eggs, french toast, etc.), our family of four (wife and I and two boys 16 and 14) had a lot left over the first time we ate there, so we only ordered three breakfasts the second time and were fine.

 

[TUG Talker]

I always take stuff with me and back. Since we go yearly... we have suitcase that we fill with boogie board stuff, snorkel gear, floaties, etc... I've been know to take pancake syrup & olive oil back with me in checked luggage. I know I'm crazy. I did once give it to a fellow tugger once before but that was only one time. I just wrap up the olive in in to plastic baggies & then, put it around something soft in the luggage. It makes it home fine...

We brought back a box of cereal that we had only eaten one bowl from. Waste not, want not!

 

[wannagotoo]

So how do we go about getting a thread for people who are leaving particular resorts and have lots left over? Funny you mention olive oil, I had one that I brought from Italy that had just a small amount used, another from Costco that wasn't opened. Both were left behind. In the past I would have taken one as carry on but with the liquid limitations now on the airlines, that isn't an option. I assummed that there would be an oven so I was going to make roasted peppers, potatoes, etc, consequently loads of olive oil and balsamic.

Yes, the convection oven will "toast" but we happend on the right combination of buttons only once.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

Yes, the convection oven will "toast" but we happend on the right combination of buttons only once.

That's a bummer because I have to agree convection ovens aren't the easiest things to operate. They should have simple step by step instructions because it not like people have these in their home all the time.

I love roasting veggies too... Yummy...

 

[ciscogizmo1]

I was over visiting WKORV-N the day they were opening (Friday a couple weeks ago) and was checking out the restaurant there. I was disappointed to note that they didn't offer the same type of varied breakfast menu as over at WKORV. All they had was continental or full brunch options.

This seemed to be about increasing customer spend...the restaurant manager was briefing the staff by the hostess station, and we could hear him talking to them as we were looking at the menu. He was telling them to not ask which brunch customers wanted when they were seated...to assume full brunch unless the customer brought it up and not offer the continental option. Clearly hoping to push the full brunch and drive more spending on breakfast.

FWIW, I would eat at the WKORV restaurant for breakfast as the menu is more flexible and you can get a more reasonably priced meal there overall from what I saw.

Portions were large at the WKORV restaurant for breakfast (the only meal we ate there). Ordering individual items (like pancakes, eggs, french toast, etc.), our family of four (wife and I and two boys 16 and 14) had a lot left over the first time we ate there, so we only ordered three breakfasts the second time and were fine.

Have you tried the restaurant at the Ka’anapali Villas (next door) called Castaway Club. It is easy walk from WKORV. The portions are huge. And, they serve eggs Benedict my favorite breakfast food item.

 

[TUG Talker]

Have you tried the restaurant at the Ka’anapali Villas (next door) called Castaway Club. It is easy walk from WKORV. The portions are huge. And, they serve eggs Benedict my favorite breakfast food item.

No...I wish I had known about it. My (and my younger son's) favorite breakfast is Eggs Benedict! Thanks for the tip...

 

[DavidnRobin]

WKORV-N 2Bd LO IV just sold on eBay - $29.5K
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270153796690&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

 

[saluki]

WKORV-N 2Bd LO IV just sold on eBay - $29.5K
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270153796690&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

Someone saved some dollars.

I found these IV developer prices from searching the thread:

- 5/06 - $44,900 + 65000 StarPoints
- 6/07 - $51,900 (not sure of incentive points)

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hard to know if this really sold - the seller (lss2838) listed an identical unit (went for $31.5K) - and with the exact ad - and then sales another right away? Always suspect...

Also - there is another ad listing a 1Bd (81K SOs) EOY at WKORV-N (not WKORV). In my understanding there are no deeded 1Bd units at WKORV-N (they even use WKORV-N address) - the 1Bd units are only at WKORV. The seller also has a link to WKORV - and not WKORV-N. yeeessshhhh

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300142437495&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=020

Amazing that a seller of a very expensive TS either do not understand what they are selling - or outright have misinformation.

On the other hand - this can be to the benefit to the buyer - like our eBay WSJ purchase.

 

[MON2REY]

Starwood concedes that there is no oven/range in the one bedroom side. I sent another message to SVO and mentioned the response from some of you after I posted their first response (see #93 above). Here is the most recent response received just a few minutes ago. My question is in gold and his response is in blue.

Thank you for your contacting Westin Vacation Ownership.

The microwave/convection oven combination will heat and brown like an oven with the speed on a microwave. We have forwarded your suggestion of having clearer directions on how to use the appliances in the villa. The management has gotten a some feedback regarding the use of those convection microwave ovens.
Should you need further assistance, please contact Owner Services at 800.847.8262 in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, 0.800.89.5065 in the United Kingdom, 001.800.847.8262 from Mexico and 407.903.4640 for all other areas. Owner Services is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time.

Sincerely,
Kevin Johnston
E-Communications Specialist
Owner Services


Posted by: Owner 08-15-2007 7:56 p.m. Eastern
Hello Ms. Warren,

When I passed your response on to some concerned owners I got this response from one of them:

I was there 4 days ago, OF unit. There is NO oven. There is a convection/microwave. This was a disappointment because we purchased alot of appetizers that needed to be baked. We looked all around because we were told there would be an oven. Under the cooktop are two drawers that hold the pots/pans/pyrex. The microwave has options like "pizza, potatoes" etc. If there was an oven and I missed it We had the full lockoff, both sides. I think that had we read the directions for the microwave as did Negma, the microwave COULD HAVE toasted the appetizers but we didn't take the time for directions.

I really do need this clarified. This isn't the only individual that has said there was no oven. If possible, please provide a photo of the kitchen showing the oven.

Thank you,

 

[DavidnRobin]

Starwood concedes that there is no oven/range in the one bedroom side.

That really sucks because the size of the MW/Convection oven is not large enough to cook a large portion of food (e.g turkey, cookies, etc.)

Perhaps WPORV owners should garner support to have a regular full oven in the 1bd side like WKORV has - while there may still be time.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

Starwood concedes that there is no oven/range in the one bedroom side.

That is really a bummer... I can't imagine that people don't use the ovens. But I've been told many times on these boards that people don't cook on vacation.

Have you ever heard of demarle at home. I don't sell it but I buy lots of it. I take the stuff with me when we timeshare. It is very flexible and can be easily packed in a suitcase. They have cookie sheets that hold like 6 cookies that would definitely fit in those ovens. I know that isn't ideal but it might work. Just look at their site online.... everything is microwavable too.

 

[Denise L]

I would love to *not* cook on vacation , but with young kids, it has been a necessity for the past eight years (which is why we bought our first timeshare to begin with!). I look forward to going to WKORV-N, WPORV and Cancun without kids needing ovens some day .

We just returned from a family reunion-type trip (Tahoe) in which all of us cooked various dishes from lasagne to chicken pot pie to apple crisp to garlic bread, all of which required large ovens. Hmm...so we probably ate too much, and maybe microwave-size dishes are the way to go ?!

 

[DavidnRobin]

Also - there is another ad listing a 1Bd (81K SOs) EOY at WKORV-N (not WKORV). In my understanding there are no deeded 1Bd units at WKORV-N (they even use WKORV-N address) - the 1Bd units are only at WKORV. The seller also has a link to WKORV - and not WKORV-N. yeeessshhhh

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300142437495&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=020

Amazing that a seller of a very expensive TS either do not understand what they are selling - or outright have misinformation.

On the other hand - this can be to the benefit to the buyer - like our eBay WSJ purchase.

So being the nice guy I am... I contacted the seller about the incorrect ad. He said he used a WKORV-N template - and thanked me. Yet, he didn't change the info.

So... they are happy w/ the misinfo. This could mean he doesn't know the value of what he owns (likely over-estimating it like many do). So... if anyone is looking at spending some effort dealing with potential BS - might be an opportunity to pick-up an EOY 1Bd at WKORV (a valuable unit type for those that do not want the LO side) at a good price if they set a low reserve.

 

[DavidnRobin]

WKORV-N 2Bd LO IV just sold on eBay - $29.5K
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270153796690&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

So now this seller (lss2838) has 'another' WKORV-N IV unit for sale - this is the 3rd time this exact ad (unit?) has been listed on eBay. Are they just listing until they get a price they want (which dropped from the 1st to the 2nd) - or have they really had 3 of these units for sale?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270156686824&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270153796690&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270151576091&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

 

[Twinkstarr]

So now this seller (lss2838) has 'another' WKORV-N IV unit for sale - this is the 3rd time this exact ad (unit?) has been listed on eBay. Are they just listing until they get a price they want (which dropped from the 1st to the 2nd) - or have they really had 3 of these units for sale?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270156686824&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270153796690&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270151576091&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

Since Ebay timeshare auctions are not binding, I think a lot get relisted because the winning bidder backs out of the deal after the auction is over, so the same unit shows back up in about a week or less. Does the auction have a reserve? I saw the same Grand Timber Lodge listed 3x before someone hit the reserve.

 

[LisaRex]

I own a microwave/convection combination. You can cook anything in it that you cook in a regular oven. You can bake potatoes in half the time as an oven. Cookies are great.

It's big enough to fit a 13 x 9 pyrex in it. But a turkey? No. If I was going to celebrate Thanksgiving on Maui, I'd see if I could buy a pre-cooked turkey and then just heat it up. And then I'd give thanks for being on Maui.

 

[Negma]

Here are some of our pictures

http://community.webshots.com/album/560410891fnjsrS

 

[Denise L]

Thanks for sharing!

It's great to see some photos of the new resort. Can't wait to see it in person in three months!

 

[LisaRex]

Thanks for posting the pictures. It's gorgeous there, though the living room was rather small. We'll be traveling with 8 people, so it's going to be tight.