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Help...all WPORV (and Kauai) fans...

Troopers

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Can you give me reasons why I (or why you) should buy WPORV? It's been several years since my last trip to Kauai which was spent entirely down in Poipu. So, can you convince me to buy at WPORV?

Here's some background info...I'm in the west coast so I prefer Hawaii over the caribbean. My wife and I have a two year old with one in the oven. There's a possibility for a third kid since the first has been so great and easy. Also, I'm currently financially able to pick up another TS so I figure I better do I while I can. I'm also considering DVC (doubtful since I'm only interested in the proposed Anaheim TS).
 

koruman

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I'm waiting for the Sheraton timeshare property at Poipu, I'm afraid.

I don't want to risk being rained on for a week at Princeville, where it is a 45 minute drive even to go shopping while it rains.
 

DeniseM

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Although I think the whole island of Kauai is gorgeous, and it's my favorite island, the Princeville end of the island is too cool and rainy for us. Poipu gets a lot more sun, and considerably less rain, so if you prefer that weather, Princeville might not be for you. The flip side to that coin is that the Princeville area is more tropical, greener and cooler - many people love it, but we like it dry and sunny. The fact that the WPORV is up on a cliff with distant ocean views and not right on the beach is a negative for us as well. However, I am sure the resort itself will be beautiful.

This thread has links comparing Poipu weather to Princeville weather.
 
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Troopers

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Although I think the whole island of Kauai is gorgeous, and it's my favorite island, the Princeville end of the island is too cool and rainy for us. Poipu gets a lot more sun, and considerably less rain, so if you prefer that weather, Princeville might not be for you. The flip side to that coin is that the Princeville area is more tropical, greener and cooler - many people love it, but we like it dry and sunny. The fact that the WPORV is up on a cliff with distant ocean views and not right on the beach is a negative for us as well. However, I am sure the resort itself will be beautiful.

This thread has links comparing Poipu weather to Princeville weather.

Thanks...than perhaps a Marriott TS for me.
 

twz

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If you're happy with Maui, I think a second week at the resort you already own gives you a lot more flexibility (staying longer, bringing extended family along, etc.).
 

ciscogizmo1

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I think it depends on the time of year you want to visit and what your vacation goals are. Also, with 2 little kids you aren't going to be running around the entire day to sight see so, the rainy weather may not cramp your style. From looking at the weather charts provided the raining season on the Princeville side definitely starts in October and goes through April. I've visited Princeville in November 2003 (Thanksgiving week) and it only rained on us once. Might have been luck of the draw. The other thing Hawaii rain isn't normally the same as mainland rain.

Anyways, you'll get lots of opinions on which side is better, blah, blah... So, I would just go and visit. I LOVE Kauai so, I'm happy to be anywhere on the island. In fact, this summer we'll be spending a week in Princeville and a week in Poipu. I believe the rain averages will be 1.91" in Poipu and 2.23" in Princeville. Not a noticeable difference to me. Now, the averages would definitely be different for the winter. I compared these averages to my hometown Sacramento and that is the same as our November/December (slight higher in Sacramento)... So, I guess in general it rains more in Kauai but it is so tropical..
 

formerhater

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A timeshare purchase is a significant expense for most. If you have to ask to be convinced to buy there, it's probably not a good idea. If you still want to explore buying there, I'd recommend visiting before taking the plunge for yourself.
 

Troopers

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A timeshare purchase is a significant expense for most. If you have to ask to be convinced to buy there, it's probably not a good idea. If you still want to explore buying there, I'd recommend visiting before taking the plunge for yourself.

I understand the financial implications of TS ownership as I currently own at WKORV. The question is not whether I should or should not buy a TS. The question is if I should buy at WPORV or somewhere else (see original post).

I do want to visit WKORV but do not want to use my precious vacation days and funds to visit a place to see if I may or may not like it. (This is a separate discussion...I posted a thread here several weeks ago about the best way to visit/preview a TS.)

Thanks.
 

dss

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We've had our eyes on Princeville for years, since it was first mentioned in hushed tones in our original WKORV sales pitch back in 2002. We love our WKORV unit and that is a place we see ourselves going back to most every year. When princeville came on the market, we were surprised at how "reasonable" the prices were when compared to the current WKORV-N pricing. While Princeville is a bit more seasonal than Maui or Poipu, I think it's one of the most beautiful and special places on earth. If you haven't been there and are considering buying it, I would respectfully suggest it is worth a couple of days of your vacation time to see it for yourself. I can't imagine making such a significant purchase in such a unique setting without being there firsthand. As you have read, it's not for everyone, but we have found EOY is just about right for us. We're going to rent our WKORV villa in 2009 to help subsidise the purchase and then consider doing two weeks in 2011 (not that we're planning ahead or anything). It's a pretty easy trip from WKORV to WPORV, you could even fly out of the Kapalua airport and connect in HNL if that is easier than going all the way back to Kahalui.

Not that you asked about this, but as part of our deliberation process, we debated buying resale someplace cheaper for the 148k staroptions and trading in, but we decided that would severely limit our options since we couldn't plan out consecutive weeks at the twelve month mark, we would likely wind up in a "poorer" view category, and we might be forced to go in the "rainy" season since I imagine peak times are going to be full of owners.

Finally, as for waiting for Poipu, I hope I'm wrong but I think that might be a long wait. With Aruba on hold, I can't see them breaking ground in Poipu until Princeville is sold out and the overall business environment picks up.
 

Troopers

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We've had our eyes on Princeville for years, since it was first mentioned in hushed tones in our original WKORV sales pitch back in 2002. We love our WKORV unit and that is a place we see ourselves going back to most every year. When princeville came on the market, we were surprised at how "reasonable" the prices were when compared to the current WKORV-N pricing. While Princeville is a bit more seasonal than Maui or Poipu, I think it's one of the most beautiful and special places on earth. If you haven't been there and are considering buying it, I would respectfully suggest it is worth a couple of days of your vacation time to see it for yourself. I can't imagine making such a significant purchase in such a unique setting without being there firsthand. As you have read, it's not for everyone, but we have found EOY is just about right for us. We're going to rent our WKORV villa in 2009 to help subsidise the purchase and then consider doing two weeks in 2011 (not that we're planning ahead or anything). It's a pretty easy trip from WKORV to WPORV, you could even fly out of the Kapalua airport and connect in HNL if that is easier than going all the way back to Kahalui.

Not that you asked about this, but as part of our deliberation process, we debated buying resale someplace cheaper for the 148k staroptions and trading in, but we decided that would severely limit our options since we couldn't plan out consecutive weeks at the twelve month mark, we would likely wind up in a "poorer" view category, and we might be forced to go in the "rainy" season since I imagine peak times are going to be full of owners.

Finally, as for waiting for Poipu, I hope I'm wrong but I think that might be a long wait. With Aruba on hold, I can't see them breaking ground in Poipu until Princeville is sold out and the overall business environment picks up.

Thanks for your comments...much appreciated. I wish Starwood would give existing owners an explorer package (or a discount) to check out their timeshares.

We too love our WKORV unit and will return annually.

With Princeville so tropical, I assume there's lots of mosquitos or similar bugs that bite. Does anyone know? I seem to have "sweet" blood and always get bit by bugs (especially when I head east back to Asia). If so, that's a problem for me.
 

Denise L

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I wish Starwood would give existing owners an explorer package (or a discount) to check out their timeshares.

I thought that existing owners could purchase Explorer Packages (haven't a lot of requal folks done this and not used the package, but opted for the Starpoints?). I'm pretty sure you are allowed to buy an Explorer Package and actually use it. Plus I thought you could go on the timeshare presentation packages (i.e. $749 for 5 nights, rental car credit, $75 gift certificate) :confused: . Am I misinformed?
 

DeniseM

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Hi Denise! Owners can get Explorer Pkgs., but it specifically states in the terms of the Preview Pkgs. that owners are not eligible....:(
 
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