Aston Properties - can anyone explain them to me?

[zentraveler]

I see Aston properties all over the Hawaiian islands when I look up II Getaways, and occasionally Accommodation Credits. When I try to find TUG reviews there are almost never any there. And the complexes/units seem very different.

Are these timeshares? They don't seem to be. But if they are just large apartment complexes, why are they listed on II?

I am sure others have figured these out...

 

[Luanne]

If it's the Aston I'm thinking of they are a management company. Some of the properties they manage include timeshare unit. Where we own, Maui Lea at Maui Hill, there are timeshare units, some fully owned units and rental units through Aston.

More info about Aston:

Aqua-Aston inspires escapes throughout Hawaii in Maui, Oahu, Kauai, & Big Island.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (MVW) acquires ILG, Inc., and is the parent company of Aqua-Aston Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries and brands, including Aqua-Aston Hospitality, Aqua Hotels & Resorts, Aston Hotels & Resorts, and Maui Condo and Home.

 

[ScoopKona]

I see Aston properties all over the Hawaiian islands when I look up II Getaways, and occasionally Accommodation Credits. When I try to find TUG reviews there are almost never any there. And the complexes/units seem very different.

Are these timeshares? They don't seem to be. But if they are just large apartment complexes, why are they listed on II?

I am sure others have figured these out...

These are just like the II Getaways in European capital cities which aren't available through exchange. They're better-than-average hotels and condo-hotels, rented by the week through Interval, instead of hotels dot com and similar.

I cheerfully stay at these when there aren't other options -- and have done so in London, Paris, Barcelona and Rome. It is win-win-win:

1) Win for the guest. Inexpensive (usually) stay in better accommodations than hotels or airbnb
2) Win for the hotel. A confirmed week stay, paid in advance.
3) Win for interval. Free money for making the exchange.

 

[zentraveler]

Thanks @Luanne and @SkoopKona. I am used to II and TUG dealing in timeshares and not hodgepodge properties like many of these, which seem to be varying units where which particular unit you get is what you get, and there is no good way to know before renting it what that exactly means.

I get the point that they seem like they can good value, but the lack of uniformity or knowing what I am actually renting is what gives me pause (i.e. "some of the units don't have A/C" and "units are individually owned and vary").

 

[zentraveler]

Aqua-Aston inspires escapes throughout Hawaii in Maui, Oahu, Kauai, & Big Island.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (MVW) acquires ILG, Inc., and is the parent company of Aqua-Aston Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries and brands, including Aqua-Aston Hospitality, Aqua Hotels & Resorts, Aston Hotels & Resorts, and Maui Condo and Home.

The Marriott part, which I also read, was confusing as well. So they are neither TS's single condo complexes.

 

[ScoopKona]

Thanks @Luanne and @SkoopKona. I am used to II and TUG dealing in timeshares and not hodgepodge properties like many of these, which seem to be varying units where which particular unit you get is what you get, and there is no good way to know before renting it what that exactly means.

I get the point that they seem like they can good value, but the lack of uniformity or knowing what I am actually renting is what gives me pause (i.e. "some of the units don't have A/C" and "units are individually owned and vary").

Not having AC is par for the course here. It's not necessary at all in the winter. And it's not really necessary in the summer, either. People who can't handle any humidity at all grouse about it. And many of the resorts charge extra for AC because power is so expensive.

I've stayed in half a dozen of these "you can't exchange in -- only getaways and very rarely certificates." In each case, I have found them to be an outstanding bargain compared to the price of a hotel/AirBnB in the same location. My wife's favorite meal was cooked at one of these ApartHotels in Barcelona. Without knowing anything more about the place, I'm inclined to give it a shot. I've had very good luck with these over the years.

But, you're right, I don't see anyone discussing these properties. Probably because they're too busy demanding that there is nothing to be found in Europe. ;-)

 

[Luanne]

The Marriott part, which I also read, was confusing as well. So they are neither TS's single condo complexes.

Again, as I understand it simply by using Maui Hill as an example, Aston operates like a hotel more or less. They have units they rent out. They are not the timeshare units, but completely separate units.

 

[ScoopKona]

I just looked up their Big Island property. I am very, very familiar with the location -- seeing as I drive by the place all the time. It is one of a group of perfectly-serviceable seaside resorts with a pool and not much in the way of beach access. They're good locations. But not great. A beach is an easy walk/bike away. And touristy stuff is slightly farther. For someone who wants to escape a blizzard, there are far worse places nearby.

If I can get one of these for less than I'd pay for a maintenance fee, I consider that a win. (Hawaii will cost more than Europe will cost more than Orlando.)

 

[zentraveler]

Not having AC is par for the course here. It's not necessary at all in the winter. And it's not really necessary in the summer, either. People who can't handle any humidity at all grouse about it. And many of the resorts charge extra for AC because power is so expensive.

I've stayed in half a dozen of these "you can't exchange in -- only getaways and very rarely certificates." In each case, I have found them to be an outstanding bargain compared to the price of a hotel/AirBnB in the same location. My wife's favorite meal was cooked at one of these ApartHotels in Barcelona. Without knowing anything more about the place, I'm inclined to give it a shot. I've had very good luck with these over the years.

But, you're right, I don't see anyone discussing these properties. Probably because they're too busy demanding that there is nothing to be found in Europe. ;-)

I am OK without A/C if there are ceiling fans, but sometimes there are neither and my husband is more sensitive than I am. But for the price these seem like a decent bet and I just should give it a try.

And the lack of reviews from TUG members has also given me pause, because I think TripAdvisor (et. al.) are useless, although I do make an exception for Oyster.com. Those I have some trust in.

 

[zentraveler]

Again, as I understand it simply by using Maui Hill as an example, Aston operates like a hotel more or less. They have units they rent out. They are not the timeshare units, but completely separate units.

Since you own and like this resort, worth looking into! I think I am spoiled by the uniformity of TS's where you know exactly what you are renting. But I have certainly taken a lot of fliers in my many decades of travel.

 

[zentraveler]

I just looked up their Big Island property. I am very, very familiar with the location -- seeing as I drive by the place all the time. It is one of a group of perfectly-serviceable seaside resorts with a pool and not much in the way of beach access. They're good locations. But not great. A beach is an easy walk/bike away. And touristy stuff is slightly farther. For someone who wants to escape a blizzard, there are far worse places nearby.

If I can get one of these for less than I'd pay for a maintenance fee, I consider that a win. (Hawaii will cost more than Europe will cost more than Orlando.)

Thanks for the BI info. We are familiar with that island. We don't care about beach access or "great" locations. Someplace to walk to eat or a relatively near drive for groceries is a plus.

But since this year I am trying to match an II exchange week in Princeville with a rental week in Poipu, definitely worth a try. The big league TS are just out of sight expensive.

 

[ScoopKona]

And the lack of reviews from TUG members has also given me pause, because I think TripAdvisor (et. al.) are useless, although I do make an exception for Oyster.com. Those I have some trust in.

It is very unlikely many members are seeking out Interval getaways. Maybe a few are. And these units are the misfits of the timeshare world -- they aren't really timeshares and they aren't really hotels. They're usually in outstanding locations, though. At least if my experiences in Europe are any indication.

I've never read a timeshare review. Not once ever. I see what people have to say about restaurants, so I don't trust them when it comes to reviewing things in general. I've seen so many hotel reviews which boil down to "the city was doing construction 500 feet away all morning!" (How is this the hotel's fault?) Or "no parking." (Yes, parking is typically a problem in crowded cities.)

So many reviews look at minutia, or things beyond the businesses' control. I just make the booking. If I don't like it, I'll cancel and find someplace else. Since we pack light, it's never a problem. I've only walked into a handful of hotels and said, "Oh no. Not happening. See ya."

It's a badly-kept secret that the exchange companies have resorts which they don't let people see because of the bad reviews. We stayed in three such properties in the UK. Since I was in the industry at the time, I was asked to be a "secret shopper." The properties were tired. Needed new carpet in the lobby. One was just old. Staff was delightful. Beds were OK. They were clean. Plumbing was typically British. 6/10. Location 9/10. It would take a real sorehead to be displeased with that.

Last time I checked, one was still limping along. One was torn down and turned into a car park. And the final one was booted from the exchange directory. That's a pity, because it was only 30 minutes from central London.

 

[zentraveler]

It is very unlikely many members are seeking out Interval getaways. Maybe a few are. And these units are the misfits of the timeshare world -- they aren't really timeshares and they aren't really hotels. They're usually in outstanding locations, though. At least if my experiences in Europe are any indication.

The misfit are often where the good value is, so hence my interest in them. And being willing to not know exactly what I am getting is just the trade-off.

I've never read a timeshare review. Not once ever. I see what people have to say about restaurants, so I don't trust them when it comes to reviewing things in general. I've seen so many hotel reviews which boil down to "the city was doing construction 500 feet away all morning!" (How is this the hotel's fault?) Or "no parking." (Yes, parking is typically a problem in crowded cities.)

I think the TUG reviews are very useful. Usually very specific and help answer questions. They are not full of that sort of nonsense that is truly useless. Wish there were a few more for Getaways. I really have no use for TripAdvisor, Yelp etc. Worse than nothing.

 

[dioxide45]

From what i understand, Marriott Vacations Worldwide considers Aqua-Aston as third party management. For the most part they don’t own the resorts or the units. They just manage the rental of the units. I don’t fully understand the arrangement but someone here a while ago mentioned that they are whole ownership condos where the owners are renting through Aqua-Aston. I suspect they use II getaways to rent inventory and the prices aren’t the dirt cheap rates you can find in places like Orlando.