Change in SVN ELITE benefits

[mepiccolo]

There's a big elephant in the living room that no one has mentioned here. If you have the money to spend purchasing several units from the developer - why not just buy the best possible view category and be assured it each time you vacation there instead of buying several units and hoping for an upgrade? A high percentage of the people here on TUG who purchased one unit through the developer have gone on to make their next purchase on the resale market-without giving a thought about trying to requalify it to get to elite status. The lure of being an elite member is just not there for everyone, and certainly not for my husband and I. We've made all our purchases on the resale market, have made sure to buy an oceanfront unit each time and we are completely happy with our purchases and our "status". For us, we'd rather arrive knowing we have one of the best units in the resort instead of showing up and having the concierge be extra nice to us while they have us wait in a "special" lounge to see if an upgrade is available.

 

[jerseygirl]

I'll risk getting flamed as well ....

I think it might be a mistake to assume that people who enjoy paying less than retail can't afford to pay retail.

This thread reminds me of a story ...

A hungry fox noticed a juicy bunch of grapes growing high on a grapevine. He leaped. He snapped. Drooling, he jumped to reach them, but try as he might, he could not obtain the tasty prize.

Disappointed by the fruitless efforts he'd made to get the grapes that day, he said, with a shrug, to comfort himself, "Oh, they were probably sour anyway!"

 

[grgs]

There are people that can not afford to become 5 Star and would desperately like to be, yet others have become 5 Star for as little as $89K. That "requal'ed 5 Star Elite" now trumps the Starwood customer who bought from the developer, paid more money, but has less status.

I'm not going to flame you, but I did want to check on your $89K figure. Westin5Star said he achieved 5 star with $189K in purchases. Is this who you're referring to? Or did I miss another post somewhere?

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48116

Glorian

 

[califgal]

I've just looked in on this thread again and I have to say to Jersey Girl.....Well said!!!

KOR5star you might have bought all of your timeshares at developer prices but, unfortunately your money can't buy you social graces.

 

[Ekaaj]

I've just looked in on this thread again and I have to say to Jersey Girl.....Well said!!!

KOR5star you might have bought all of your timeshares at developer prices but, unfortunately your money can't buy you social graces.

I have been following this thread quietly, and I must say I agree with califgal. I am not fond of anyone (Kor5Star) who essentially says, "I don't want to offend people, I just want to write down whatever rude remark comes into my head."

I'm opening myself up to flames here because I'm going to get into class distinctions that I'm sure will ruffle some feathers. I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings. I'm just speaking the truth. It's the way of the world.

The 1800's called. They want their class system back.

Feel free to put out the flames with a bottle of Cristal. Come on, we all KNOW you can afford it...isn't that what this is all about?

 

[KOR5Star]

I'm not going to flame you, but I did want to check on your $89K figure. Westin5Star said he achieved 5 star with $189K in purchases. Is this who you're referring to? Or did I miss another post somewhere?

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48116

Glorian

IIRC, Westin5Star was the guy that requal'ed EYs by purchasing EOYs... which started me on my quest to complain about requals. Again, I'm OK with one-to-one, but buy a tiny bit and requal a whole honkin' bunch is a bit over the top.

But to answer your question, no, Westin5Star is not the one that bought 5* for $89K.

 

[KOR5Star]

I think it might be a mistake to assume that people who enjoy paying less than retail can't afford to pay retail.

I knew the flames were coming.

I'm starting to believe people would rather get their panties in a knot than to analyze something unemotionally.

My point is people who enjoy working to find bargains tend to continue doing so.

They won't eat at the hotel resturant more than once for $200 when they can get in their car and eat a mile away for $150. They won't have Starwood stock their kitchen when they can make a stop at Star Market, spend an hour and have everything they want at half the price.

The two types of people I outlined represent a difference in the potential revenue stream to Starwood. An enhanced revenue stream for goods and services is the very reason why Starwood would have an Elite program in the first place. They want to attract the people who represent that larger revenue stream... the ones that don't enjoy working for a bargain... the ones that just want it and get it... not the bargain hunters.

 

[KOR5Star]

I have been following this thread quietly, and I must say I agree with califgal. I am not fond of anyone (Kor5Star) who essentially says, "I don't want to offend people, I just want to write down whatever rude remark comes into my head."

The 1800's called. They want their class system back.

Feel free to put out the flames with a bottle of Cristal. Come on, we all KNOW you can afford it...isn't that what this is all about?

It's sad that people have such a hard time being objective.

Don't shoot the messenger. I simply put in writing a mentality and methodology corporations use to increase the bottom line... to lure big spenders.

This shouldn't shock you. It shouldn't insult you. It happens all around you every day of your life.

Do you not see certain people getting the best tables at resturants? Ever notice the manager, owner or chef making a visit to a particular table? How do you think the resturant decides who gets this treatment? How would you feel if you frequented a resturant on a weekly or even daily basis and people that haven't spent nearly as much as you got the better tables and VIP treatment while you simply looked on day after day? Would you continue to frequent that resturant? I think not. Welcome to the class system. :rofl:

It's all about revenue stream. The problem with timeshare is there is no way to track spending and provide rewards after the fact. They need to predict spending patterns and reward before the fact because they can't be subjective with their rewards like a resturant can.

I'm sure they did an analysis and saw that multi-week owners spent more money. So "Elite" was born to lure more of these spenders into the program.

And yes, I've been very lucky in life, but it doesn't change our reality. Apparently it's a reason you dislike me. It reminds me of a story...

A hungry fox noticed a juicy bunch of grapes growing high on a grapevine....

 

[KOR5Star]

I've just looked in on this thread again and I have to say to Jersey Girl.....Well said!!!

KOR5star you might have bought all of your timeshares at developer prices but, unfortunately your money can't buy you social graces.

Clearly you don't agree with what I said. Typically when that happens to me I try to offer an intelligent counterpoint to what was written. I find it much more effective than your chosen path to respond.

 

[beacowboy]

We love Maui too.

Maui helped us decide that timesharing, all things considered, is not a bad option despite the shortcomings: long term cost, long term commitment, immediate depreciation at time of purchase. If you are like us and "want Maui", then be ready to spend discretionary income. The slice of "paradise" even though a costly lengthy plane ride away is worth it for us. If sold on the concept and discretionary income hit and then also the Maui location, then the issues of : long term quality, maint fees, deed, and specific amenities emerge as the crucial issues.

If you love Hawaii,

and have unlimited means, would buy a second home there.

and have limited means, and 1-2 week pampered escapes from the "grind" is the goal, then would buy one of the Hotel brand timeshares either via the predictable direct developer route of the hit or miss, "trust or not" , resale route.

and have limited means, and don't need the on site pampering, and if more time is the goal, then would buy many weeks (as more economical) a non hotel brand timeshare such as One Napili Way or equivalent (consider the Big Island...since it is still growing).

Now to answer specifically,

Maui Marriott and Westin are both very expensive.
If you are OK using 50K OR MORE.... because the pampering is what you envision for your escape, then we endorse your thinking hysterical: just kidding, we really do since we think buying location and quality is better than buying "pair of pants" you'll never wear....

Spend away, trade, and be happy but ready to commit and pay yearly maint fees !

Would buy the new one units if they truly are purpose built and with full functioning kitchens.

Would buy either Maui or Big Island Waikoloa as (knock on wood) these areas are less likely to be devastated by hurricanes.

Best of Luck....we love helping others spend their money !

Love these icons: Y'all come back now.

 

[calgarygary]

Not all that flawed. The funding for the program is more than just the price paid.

Why do you think Starwood wants to entice people to own multiple weeks? Why would they care? Think about it. Why would it really matter to Starwood if people owned a bunch of weeks or if everyone just owned one. They have no problem selling them. That's for sure.

It's the same reason Las Vegas caters to "whales".

I'm opening myself up to flames here because I'm going to get into class distinctions that I'm sure will ruffle some feathers. I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings. I'm just speaking the truth. It's the way of the world.

I think people that become 5 Star through the developer fully recognize the lack of real value their purchase has. It is an indulgent luxury bought with disposable assets. Those able to dispose of a few hundred thousand in this way are more likely to have Starwood stock their fridge, book not just one or two, but many excursions and activities through the concierge, make multiple visits to the spa, etc... In other words, spend a lot more money with Starwood using its services.

If someone needed to go through the hassles of purchasing, then requal'ing, often fighting.... yada, yada, yada... to save a few bucks. I'm sure they are NOT as likely to use Starwood's services. These are the people that run off to Star Market as soon as they arrive and pinch pennies all along the way to their next trip to Hawaii possible.

In other words, they are not actually "elite". They just maneuvered their way into getting some of the perks of elite, but they do not enjoy an elite lifestyle and they do not represent the income stream to Starwood that a true elite represents.

Now please! Don't read what I just wrote and think that I believe the wealther person is a better person. That's not what I'm saying at all. All I'm saying is the wealthier person tends to spend more money on vacation... therefore generating more income for Starwood... therefore enticing Starwood to "sweeten the pot" and try to attract that type of clientele with an "elite" program.

Why do I open my mouth? I just know I'm going to get flames for simply speaking the truth.

Again, a very flawed logic is presented. The Las Vegas Whale, is comped rooms, meals, beverages, entertainment etc. to encourage their stay at a specific property so that their disposable income is spent where the real money is made - at the tables. If we recognize that the same approach applies to the elite member, those that have saved disposable income in their purchase, are more likely to have that income available for the extras during their stay. However the underlying error in your arguement is the belief that true elite's provide an income stream to Starwood. Do not make the mistake that cash flow = profit. In many cases, the services provided the guests are done so at minimal & often negative profit. The "real" income for Starwood is in the sale of the unit, not in stocking it with groceries or providing spa services. The Elite program is designed not to enhance cash flow, but rather to encourage multiple purchases, facilitating the sales department in selling out properties to ensure capital is available for future expansion.

As far as the arguement that too many members dilutes the elite experience, that is easily rectified by establishing a well publicized limit to membership, thus enticing current 3 & 4* to make that additional purchase.

I too will now risk flames, KOR5Star, I personally believe that your concern with requalifications is not a belief in a class system or dilution of the elite experience with non-elite people, but rather that you didn't save the $200K or so to further enhance your stays. After all, it's like purchasing a car, there are those that walk into a showroom and pay sticker, but there is real satisfaction in your purchase when you drive away knowing that you sweated every last penny out of the dealership.

PS - "Clearly you don't agree with what I said. Typically when that happens to me I try to offer an intelligent counterpoint to what was written. I find it much more effective than your chosen path to respond." "I'm starting to believe people would rather get their panties in a knot than to analyze something unemotionally." Frankly, your chosen path involves a phrase that apparently is acceptable to you, but I think most find unacceptable.

 

[jerseygirl]

ROFL -- Is this where you spend your big bucks on dinner? They must love the fact that you're willing to spend the $2.50 extra for cheese on your burger.

Dinner Menu at The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas:

Island Pupus, Soups, and Salads

Chicken Wings Hawaiian Style 9.00
Volcanic tangy Spicy Sauce, and Coconut Ranch Dressing

Coconut Breaded Shrimp 10.50
Flaky Coconut and Panko, Asian Slaw and Mango Cocktail Sauce

Crab cake 12.00
On Asian Greens with Mango Cocktail and Remoulade sauce

Chicken Quesadilla 8.00
Sonoran Chicken with Chili and Spices, Jack Cheese in a Flour Tortilla

Tomato, Onion and Pepper Quesadilla 8.00
Sliced Kula Tomato, Kula Onion, Sweet Pepper, Jack Cheese in Flour Tortilla

California and Hawaiian Sushi Roll with Sashimi 15.95
Crab, Avocado Roll and Cucumber with Sweet Sushi Rice in Nori Roll

Spicy Seared Scallops 9.50
Cajun Spiced Scallops with Tropical Salsa and Kecapmanis

Island Pupu Platter 15.95
Sampler of Coconut Shrimp, Chicken Wings, and Veggie Spring Roll

Maui Onion soup 6.50
Caramelized Maui Onion with Sherry Wine and Cheese Croutons

House Made Chicken Noodle Soup 6.50
Chicken, Carrots, Celery, Onion and Fettuccini in Clear Chicken Broth

Classic Caesar Salad with Anchovy 9.75
Add Grilled Chicken Breast or Seared Rare Ahi 3.50

Fresh Upcountry Haiku Greens 7.00
Mesclun Greens with Cucumber and Tomatoes


Fresh House made Thin Crust Pizza

Cheese- Four Mild Italian Cheeses 12.00

Fresh tomato, Basil, and Parmesan cheese 12.50
Kula Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Aged Provolone Cheese

Pepperoni and Italian sausage 12.50
Pepperoni and Spicy Italian Sausage with Four Cheeses


Hawaiian Pineapple and Ham 12.50
Sweet Pineapple and Ham with Mild Marinara and Cheese

Mushroom, Peppers, and Maui Onion 12.50
Fresh Mushrooms, Peppers, and Maui Onion and Four cheeses

A $3.00 fee will be added to all split orders


Main Courses

Steak and Lobster- Mauka and Makai 39.95
Filet Mignon with Cabernet Sauce
10oz. Broiled Cold Water Lobster Tail and Drawn Butter

Grilled New York Steak 26.50
10 oz New York Steak, Choice of Rice Pilaf, Pasta, or Mashed Potatoes

Oven Roasted Chicken Breast 19.50
With Wild Mushroom Ragout and Rice Pilaf

Tournedos of Beef Tenderloin 29.50
Beef Filet with Cabernet Sauce, Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Broiled Lobster Tail 33.50
Oven Broiled 10 oz. Cold Water Lobster Tail, Rice Pilaf, Pasta, or Mashed Potatoes

Fresh Island Hook of the Day 28.00
Sautéed Island Snapper with Lemon Passion Buerre Blanc

Grilled Fresh Maui Mahi Mahi and Tropical Fruit Salsa 26.00
Served with choice of Rice Pilaf, Pasta, or Mashed Potatoes

Penne with Shrimp and Scallops 27.50
Sautéed Shrimps and Scallops with White Wine Basil Cream Sauce

Four Cheese Ravioli Primavera 19.00
Fresh Vegetables in a Light Tomato Sauce Over Filled Pasta

Fettuccini Alfredo 15.50
Garlic Cream Sauce with Fresh Asiago Cheese and Herbs

Grilled Vegetable and Tofu Napoleon 16.50
Garden Vegetables, Wontons and Seared Tofu with Fresh Herb Tomato Sauce

Beach Burger 11.50
Grilled 8 oz Black Angus Beef Patty or Garden Burger
With Kula Lettuce, Maui Onions and Tomato

Extras: 2.50
Any Combination of Swiss, Cheddar or American cheese Bacon, Mushroom, Sautéed Onions



Chicken Teriyaki Burger 11.50
Grilled Breast, Teriyaki Sauce, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato

Mahi Mahi Burger 11.50
Grilled Island Mahi Mahi, with Coleslaw, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato

 

[KOR5Star]

Do not make the mistake that cash flow = profit. In many cases, the services provided the guests are done so at minimal & often negative profit. The "real" income for Starwood is in the sale of the unit, not in stocking it with groceries or providing spa services. The Elite program is designed not to enhance cash flow, but rather to encourage multiple purchases, facilitating the sales department in selling out properties to ensure capital is available for future expansion.

I wasn't suggesting the relationship between whales at a casino and timeshare owners was a one-to-one comparison. I was illustrating the efforts of managment to offer perks to attract high rollers.

You talk about flawed logic, then you present an unsustainable business plan as your argument? What happens when the units get sold out? ... the facility goes bankrupt? I do not discount the value of selling the units as fast as possible, but I think you go way off the reservation when you suggest that services at these resorts are provided at a loss.

As far as the arguement that too many members dilutes the elite experience, that is easily rectified by establishing a well publicized limit to membership, thus enticing current 3 & 4* to make that additional purchase.

Agreed, that's one way to do it.

I too will now risk flames, KOR5Star, I personally believe that your concern with requalifications is not a belief in a class system or dilution of the elite experience with non-elite people, but rather that you didn't save the $200K or so to further enhance your stays. After all, it's like purchasing a car, there are those that walk into a showroom and pay sticker, but there is real satisfaction in your purchase when you drive away knowing that you sweated every last penny out of the dealership.

PS - "Clearly you don't agree with what I said. Typically when that happens to me I try to offer an intelligent counterpoint to what was written. I find it much more effective than your chosen path to respond." "I'm starting to believe people would rather get their panties in a knot than to analyze something unemotionally." Frankly, your chosen path involves a phrase that apparently is acceptable to you, but I think most find unacceptable.

Sounds like you've got your panties in a knot. You clearly left the intelligent rebuttal mode and went into personal attack mode.

Don't be mistaken. I am human too. If insults and flames are hurled at me , don't be surprised if my reply is not squeeky clean of comments someone like yourself could get insulted by. "Panties in a knot" is just another way of saying "upset" and since it was in response to some rather nasty comments toward me that had nothing to do with the content of what I wrote, I thought it very appropriate.

 

[KOR5Star]

ROFL -- Is this where you spend your big bucks on dinner? They must love the fact that you're willing to spend the $2.50 extra for cheese on your burger.

Another biting attack that substitutes ridicule for a rational response to my statements. I thought better of you. I guess I was mistaken.

 

[Ekaaj]

Do you not see certain people getting the best tables at resturants? Ever notice the manager, owner or chef making a visit to a particular table? How do you think the resturant decides who gets this treatment? How would you feel if you frequented a resturant on a weekly or even daily basis and people that haven't spent nearly as much as you got the better tables and VIP treatment while you simply looked on day after day? Would you continue to frequent that resturant? I think not. Welcome to the class system.

By the way, years ago I worked in the hospitality industry; some nice resorts, upscale restaurants, etc., so I know how that system works. And it's often NOT like you claim. For example, I worked at the Four Seasons, and everyone got personalized attention - whether they were a one-timer coming to brunch or a studio suite guest in the off season - not just the "big spenders" in the Presidential Suite. (And to be brutally honest, it was often the case that most of us didn't WANT to deal with the "Presidential Suite Big Spenders" - we did it because we had to, but they were usually pains in the butt to work with, took way too much of your time away from other guests, and often didn't tip well.)

I worked more than 10 years in the hospitality industry, and tried to give each person a great experience no matter what the situation. It's called courtesy, and has nothing to do with a class system.

The only people who are generally concerned about having a class system are those who want to be at the top of it.

Getting back to the actual subject, someone mentioned having an "Elite" system based on a one-time payment to get into it, with annual dues. I wonder if that would work here. I still think that Starwood should reinstate the original benefits, but if they aren't going to do that, then they might as well offer something else that WILL satisfy their owners, with benefits that not only offer tangible value, (ie food discounts), but are also guaranteed not to disappear.

I still think that continuing to alienate the owners by taking away benefits is a hugely poor business idea, as it does nothing to create faith in and loyalty to Starwood. It only makes people wonder, "What will they take away next?"

 

[jerseygirl]

Another biting attack that substitutes ridicule for a rational response to my statements. I thought better of you. I guess I was mistaken.

I apologize for using ridicule to make my point. But, given the structure of most Starwood resorts (with Harborside being an obvious exception due to the plethora of expensive restaurants and services), it's just not logical to believe they're using the Elite Program to draw owners who will spend big $ at the resort.

Even at Harborside/Atlantis, I would guess that the really big $ is spent by those with the yachts in the Harbor and those staying in the $10000/night suites in the Royal Towers. Spending by Harborside guests probably represents a minor blip on their radar screen, if that.

I've been at this timeshare game for quite a few years now. In fact, the very first purchase I considered was a developer purchase from Starwood when SVN was brand new. I resisted the urge to sign on the dotted line while at the resort, went home and started researching. TUG was full of stories of people who bought A and ended up with B. It continues to this day. Read the Marriott boards -- you'll find tons of people who have found that the ability to exchange for Marriott points every other year isn't worth much at all. And, many single week owners who weren't told about the fact that multi-week owners have a considerable advantage when it comes to booking prime weeks. I could go on and on. But, I learned really quickly that there were better ways to build a great portfolio of timeshares than buying from the developer.

The bottom line is that you may have been "taken" just a little bit by paying full price for enough developer units to get to 5 Star. The consolation is that you own some great units/weeks. But, it really doesn't speak kindly to work toward denying benefits to those who did their research and found a way to buy the same thing for less. Or, to assume that those people are lower class, spend less money while on vacation, etc. As my mother would say, "that behavior doesn't become you." I never really understood the grammatical structure of phrase, but I knew exactly what she meant everytime she said it. (And, she would say it now if she read my post about the dinner menu, so I will once again apologize.)

 

[duke]

I think it might be a mistake to assume that people who enjoy paying less than retail can't afford to pay retail.

Actually you can get to 5* ELITE for less than $89,000. It can be done for around $70,000. That's a savings of over $100,000 from buying from the Developer.

Does saving a $100,000 make sense?

There is still a few (700) SPG Platinum for Life left.....

 

[calgarygary]

Sounds like you've got your panties in a knot. You clearly left the intelligent rebuttal mode and went into personal attack mode.

Don't be mistaken. I am human too. If insults and flames are hurled at me , don't be surprised if my reply is not squeeky clean of comments someone like yourself could get insulted by. "Panties in a knot" is just another way of saying "upset" and since it was in response to some rather nasty comments toward me that had nothing to do with the content of what I wrote, I thought it very appropriate.

Did not suggest that you were not human, just pointing out that you were making what I felt were inappropriate remarks. However it would appear that without my making personal attacks, just indicating that I believe that your logic is flawed, that you have indeed wish to lower the debate. "Panties in a knot" is not just another way of saying upset but rather a very sexist way of stating your mood.

I wasn't suggesting the relationship between whales at a casino and timeshare owners was a one-to-one comparison. I was illustrating the efforts of managment to offer perks to attract high rollers.

You talk about flawed logic, then you present an unsustainable business plan as your argument? What happens when the units get sold out? ... the facility goes bankrupt? I do not discount the value of selling the units as fast as possible, but I think you go way off the reservation when you suggest that services at these resorts are provided at a loss.

As you used the analogy of whales at a casino, I just pointed out how the analogy is not applicable as the supposed high rollers of the timeshare game have already parted with their big dollars and now Starwood is only going after ancilliary cash flow. Of course the facility does not go bankrupt - last time I checked MF was more than property taxes. As an individual who has spent many years in food and beverage, I can tell you for a fact that most hotel restaurants and lounges are not profit centres for their companies. Yes there are exceptions but on average, they are break even at best.

 

[Ekaaj]

But, it really doesn't speak kindly to work toward denying benefits to those who did their research and found a way to buy the same thing for less. Or, to assume that those people are lower class, spend less money while on vacation, etc. As my mother would say, "that behavior doesn't become you."

I fully agree.

I also realized, after having written my last post, that people have different ideas about *ahem* "class" depending on where they live or where they grew up. I am from the Southwest, and things tend to be much more "equal" and laid back here. I was thinking, before I even remembered that KOR5Star is from New York (or so says the profile), that people in places such as New York (and Hollywood, etc.) have a much different view on class and treatment. These are places where you DO have to "know" somebody, "be" somebody, or spend exhorbitant amounts of money in order to get into the restaurants or clubs where you can then be treated, and therefore feel, as if you really "are" somebody. Right?

But for the majority of the population, that is neither a desire nor a goal. Most of us, I would bet, just want to have a fun, relaxing vacation with good service, good food, a nice room to sleep in, (with a view, if possible! ) and the enjoyment of family and friends. I don't need to be on a 5Star Elite list and spend several hundred thousand dollars to enjoy that.

Someone else said that it makes more sense to buy where you want to go, in the season you want, with the view you want, and be happy. I agree. I still don't know if DH and I will make a timeshare purchase - sometimes I think we should just buy a little cabin up north where it's cooler in July! But based on what people have been saying on these forums, if we do buy a timeshare, it will definitely be resale, no matter what company we go with. I used to think that the benefits offered by buying direct would make it worth it, but not anymore - especially seeing Starwood take those benefits away so easily, and so quickly. So, thanks to everyone for all the advice. I'll be following this thread in the future, just to see if SWood changes their mind about any of the benefits...

 

[Time2Ponder]

ROFL -- Is this where you spend your big bucks on dinner? They must love the fact that you're willing to spend the $2.50 extra for cheese on your burger.

Actually, we spend over $100/day in pool drinks for two.

Follow the alcohol; it's the source of the resort's profits.

 

[jerseygirl]

Good point, but I would venture a guess that some of the resale buyers spend big bucks on alcohol as well. Don't tell Starwood, but I don't care what price they charge for a Pina Colada at the pool. And, I just calculated that I can buy over 2000 of them with the money I saved on my last resale purchase, so the next Tugger round is on me!

 

[Time2Ponder]

Good point, but I would venture a guess that some of the resale buyers spend big bucks on alcohol as well.

We're resale buyers.

 

[jerseygirl]

We're resale buyers.

I knew I liked you! Sorry, I made an incorrect assumption that your post was in support of the "attracting big spenders" theory.

 

[Westin5Star]

There's a big elephant in the living room that no one has mentioned here. If you have the money to spend purchasing several units from the developer - why not just buy the best possible view category and be assured it each time you vacation there instead of buying several units and hoping for an upgrade? A high percentage of the people here on TUG who purchased one unit through the developer have gone on to make their next purchase on the resale market-without giving a thought about trying to requalify it to get to elite status. The lure of being an elite member is just not there for everyone, and certainly not for my husband and I. We've made all our purchases on the resale market, have made sure to buy an oceanfront unit each time and we are completely happy with our purchases and our "status". For us, we'd rather arrive knowing we have one of the best units in the resort instead of showing up and having the concierge be extra nice to us while they have us wait in a "special" lounge to see if an upgrade is available.

Here is the big elephant in my living room:

This for me has nothing to do with location or view or season. I have bought OFD in WKORV and Platinum in WLR, WKV, and HRA. The reason that the upgrade benefit is appealing to me isn't to improve when I can travel to the resort or in what view I can have. We have two small children and thus the appeal is in booking a studio or small 1BR and getting upgraded to a large 1BR. We were hoping to turn our five 2BR LOs / year into upto 10 full weeks in larger 1BRs (when inventory allowed for this).

In most cases, yes I could have looked at buying all larger 1BR weeks and not 2BR LOs. Unfortunately we really wanted to buy in OFD at WKORV and in WPORV and they were only selling 2BR LOs and not just the larger 1BRs. Unless Starwood changes its mind on this policy, we will most likely just trade for SO for these units when we do not take family or friends with us. I doubt that I will ever rent out my smaller units and converting to SP (which is a terrible value), trading II, or letting it go all seem like a waste.

 

[Westin5Star]

Actually, we spend over $100/day in pool drinks for two.

Follow the alcohol; it's the source of the resort's profits.

I am a resale / developer (to requal) buyer and I spend about $100 per day on drinks for myself between the pool, lunch, and dinner. This is probably why my posts never make any sense.

My wife and kids usually drink about another $100 combined in drinks and smoothies.

We usually leave the week at the resort with $3k-4k or so on the tab for meals, drinks, spa treatments, excursions, etc. Although I agree that they Starwood makes alot of money upfront when they sell units, I know that they are making plenty of profit during my visits.

I don't really concern myself with the money that I spend while on vacation. I do, however, like the idea of considering my resort purchases vs. what I saved in buying resale. It is a great way to make me feel good about all this!