Hi, I'm new here!

[K2Quick]

Hi All,

I'm 38 (for a couple more weeks), married to a lovely wife and have a one-year-old. I was born and raised in Spokane, WA, went to school at BYU, worked in Salt Lake for three years after graduation, then in Southern California for about seven years, and returned to Utah about five years ago after the skiing bug hit really hard (it's nice to be 30 minutes to the best skiing on the continent). Currently I work for a large credit card company in accounting.

I've never stayed in a timeshare before - bought the first one (SDO) this summer after researching here on TUG for a few months and traded into WKORV for this coming January. Our goal is to get into Maui or Kauai once a year. I've never attended a timeshare presentation in my life because I always felt my time was too valuable and I had heard they were very high-pressure and I didn't want to ruin good vacations with that. I realize I've signed on with Starwood at an interesting time. In spite of the pain, it makes for interesting theatre on TUG.

What this thread has really done for me is straightened out that DavidnRobin is really David, TomnRobin is really Tom, and I think RicknCindy is really Cindy. I don't know why that mattered.

 

[DeniseM]

What this thread has really done for me is straightened out that DavidnRobin is really David, TomnRobin is really Tom, and I think RicknCindy is really Cindy. I don't know why that mattered.

Bingo! We have a winner!

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hi, I’m Troopers.

Despite the various issues with Starwood, we’re quite happy with our ownership. The issues are non-issues for me.

Hi - I am also happy with the vacation part of our TSs, but the issue of a MF increase (25% this year and 2x over the last 5 years) is a non-issue? Why is that?

 

[kcgriffin]

Hi,

I'm Ken and my wife of 33 years is Jan. We started going to St John when it was a Hyatt Resort, we loved it and when Starwood offered TS weeks we bought week 52 in one of the 2BR 3BA townhyome villas, although in retrospect I sould have bought directly from one of the original fractional ownership folks, who owned six weeks in each unit. Even so we got a real deal!

We have owned Marriott Sabal Palms since pre-construction, maybe 1985 or so. We also own a 1BR condo in Door County Wi. (all 52 weeks) the neat thing about it is we can trade each week as a timeshare, use them, give them to the resort to rent, or rent them ourselves (maximum flexibility!). This gives us an almost unlimited number of TS weeks from that one resort.

I retired from Bell Labs (Lucent) ten years ago, and Jan and I love to travel. We have been all over the world, between my work and vacationing. We love TUG, and have been members for years.

Thanks for all the postings, we appreciate all your help and guidance. You can never get enough information!

 

[Troopers]

Hi - I am also happy with the vacation part of our TSs, but the issue of a MF increase (25% this year and 2x over the last 5 years) is a non-issue? Why is that?

Because life is good.

Added: Also, I didn't expect the MF to increase gently.

 

[DavidnRobin]

on second thought - nevermind... not worth the effort. Enjoy. Make sure you write to SVO to thank them for meeting your expecations. Perhaps next year the will exceed your expectations and make life even better.

 

[Maui_ed]

Hi All,

I've never attended a timeshare presentation in my life because I always felt my time was too valuable and I had heard they were very high-pressure and I didn't want to ruin good vacations with that.

We have been to 3 presentations from Starwood - 2 at WKORV and one at WKV. None of them were high pressure, although the first one came close. Being new to timesharing, I initially thought it would be a way to find out about new properties that Starwood was developing - such as Aruba and Cabo - and other changes in the Starwood program - such as elite membership level requirements changes. It didn't take long to find out that the sales people generally knew very little about those things. Especially true of the sales people in Maui who are only allowed to sell Maui and Kauai, and don't really care to talk about the other properties too much. I have read stories here on TUG about some presentations that were contentious if not confrontational. I guess all you can say is YMMV.

 

[gregb]

We have been to 3 presentations from Starwood - 2 at WKORV and one at WKV. None of them were high pressure, although the first one came close. Being new to timesharing, I initially thought it would be a way to find out about new properties that Starwood was developing - such as Aruba and Cabo - and other changes in the Starwood program - such as elite membership level requirements changes. It didn't take long to find out that the sales people generally knew very little about those things. Especially true of the sales people in Maui who are only allowed to sell Maui and Kauai, and don't really care to talk about the other properties too much. I have read stories here on TUG about some presentations that were contentious if not confrontational. I guess all you can say is YMMV.

I have attended four TS presentations, three at WKORV and one at SVV. None were high pressure. I think part of it may depend on your attitude when you take the "Owners Update". For us, politely saying we are not interested in buying another unit, and saying it with assurance, seems to work.

I believe that Hawaii law prevents the Maui/Kaui teams from any selling time shares other than those in Hawaii. It may have to do with licensing or registering the other TS in Hawaii, which no one wants to do for any TS except those in Hawaii.

Greg

 

[Darwin]

Hello, I am really Darwin. I am married to Elaine for 12 years and have 4 children 10 and under. We are self employed and live in the country on a small farm.

We were interested in a timeshare because of the size of our family. Motel rooms were to small and Elaine and I would need a vacation from our hotel vacation.

We own at Marriott Canyon Villas in Phoenix and on Maui at WKORV. Both were pre construction purchased from developer. Found TUG to late. We've stayed, rented, and exchanged for points both locations. We are staying at WKORV over Christmas and New Years. We will not be spending any money in Hawaii ( because of the property tax issue) .

I have been on TUG for a few years. I post very little. Other people have more knowlege and expertise than I. TUG is a great resource. Now If only we can change the Maui Real Property Tax Division's illegal increase in valuation methology.

 

[krj9999]

Hi I'm Keith

New to timesharing and new to SVO. I've bought 3 timeshare weeks in the past 9 months; an August week at an older resort in DE, a week 52 Grandview in Vegas, and Platinum SDO week - all 1BRs and all via Ebay for a very good price.

I'm 41 and work for a consulting company in MD. My SO and I have no kids, so can travel off-season, and she likes Hawaii a lot. Mostly expect to trade, and spent a lot of time reading the boards before bidding on Ebay. Still toying with the idea of RCI points or SBP if I see a great deal, but will probably hold off for now.

Being new here and hitting in the middle of a lot of complaints about RCI and II/SVO, I guess I'm not sure how things used to be. So far, I'm pretty happy about my trading power in both II and RCI. Already made 1 trade via RCI to Waikiki (HGVC unit) with my DE week; I see the 2BR units at WKORV via my SDO deposit; and my Grandview deposit can see a good amount of Disney, even 2BRs (I'm guessing same trading power as Nodge's SDO Easter week).

Appreciate all the info I've gained here, and hope to contribute in the future.

We suddenly have a lot of new posters who are posting regularly - WELCOME!

A lot of the regulars kind of "know each other," but there are so many new folks that I don't know. I thought it would be nice to do some introductions.

 

[TrojanRickus]

Hello

Hello,

My name is Rick and I am new here. I am trying to learn about Timeshares and how all this work. You guys are great and I am learning lots from surfing this boards. Thank you.

 

[M&JJ]

new to Starwood

Hi all. I'm Mitch from Alberta Canada -the M in M&JJ - and have been lurking around for a few years. I found TUG on my quest for knowledge on timeshare and am so thankful to all of you for your wealth of knowledge that has saved me a bundle of money. I currently own 1 week at Summerbay Desert Club and 2 weeks at Polo Towers. I have used the Polo Towers weeks as trade on II and stayed at the Westin Kierland. My wife and I have a blended family with 5 children ranging from 17 - 10 and then on top of the yours / mine we have an ours who is 7 months. Not being a Starwood owner I didnt really pay much attention to what was happening in this part of the timeshare world.... until last night...

The kids would love to spend some time in California and I saw a 2bdrm lo at the Westin Mission Hills for basically the cost of the transfer, listed on ebay. I was doing so good in not buying more timeshare for the longest time but this one really caught my eye so I picked it up. Now comes the pleasure of investigating everything about Starwood.

I would be ever so grateful if you knowledgeable could share your wisdom on this property and how it plays in the Starwood system.

Thanks

 

[DeniseM]

I saw a 2bdrm lo at the Westin Mission Hills for basically the cost of the transfer, listed on ebay. I was doing so good in not buying more timeshare for the longest time but this one really caught my eye so I picked it up. Now comes the pleasure of investigating everything about Starwood.

Hi and welcome to TUG!

Just so you know, if this turn out to be something you decide you don't want, ebay timeshare auctions are NOT binding, and you can legally back out, if you do so before you send them any money.

The first thing I recommend is that you read the Starwood FAQ at the top of the forum - that will answer a lot of your questions - then come back and tell us what you don't understand.

The #1 thing you should know upfront, is that a resale at this property cannot be traded in Starwood's internal trading system - the Starwood Vacation Network (SVN) and cannot be converted to Starpoints.

So your options are to:
-Use it within your deeded season
-Deposit it in II
-Rent it (but there is not much demand for rentals)

What season did you buy? - That's also very important.

 

[M&JJ]

I believe it is the Silver Season that we purchased (weeks 28-35) which is perfect for us with school age children and summer vacation. our intention is to use this rather than trade or rent. I know it is not ideally located to take advantage of the theme parks but still gives us a home base to enjoy some of what california has to offer.

 

[pkyorkbeach]

Hi Everyone
I am new but NOT a NEWBIE. Thank goodness I found TUG BEFORE getting into timesharing. Although I am new I am addicted. I believe I have an addictive personality, so now it is TUG and Timeshare info.

My friend let me use her Star Island TS in June, she has owned it for nineteen years. It was a great vacation-I LOVED the TS. When I came home she quit claimed the TS to me. It is EOY. JOY!! for me...

Someone else owned a timeshare at Holly Tree Cape Cod. Had it for twenty years. It is now mine. EOY.

MY DH loves the beach and loves Maine. I am in the final process of purchasing Inn Seasons At The Falls in Ogunquit. It is for a Christmas Gift.

I have a dog adopted from SPCA, had a Greyhound before this one and a Doberman before that. I LOVE to read but do not allow enough time for it. Trying hard to get on an excercise regiment-water aerobics...I am not addicted to it like I am to TS.

Thank you to TUG and everyone for all the great advice...It is enlightening to say the least. You make me laugh too!!!

Pam

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hi Mitch - a downside to consider is that the MFs are the same for the unit no matter which season you buy. So you are paying a heavy MF for WMH in Silver. Make sure you check out TS rentals for CA during the time and location you want to go. You may find renting (or II exchanging with something that has lower MFs) to be a better value than buying WMH (even free).

Good luck and welcome to TUG.

 

[DeniseM]

I believe it is the Silver Season that we purchased (weeks 28-35) which is perfect for us with school age children and summer vacation. our intention is to use this rather than trade or rent. I know it is not ideally located to take advantage of the theme parks but still gives us a home base to enjoy some of what california has to offer.

Just so you know, the summers are very, very hot here, and it's a long drive to Anaheim, San Diego, the beach, etc. The maintenance fee is high ($1,500) and Starwood has a history of increasing maintenance fees every year. Getaways at this resort are available on II starting about half the maintenance fee - $742 a week, with lots of availability.

If you want a CA base, I'd buy in San Diego or Anaheim, or some place closer to the ocean. Unless you plan to use this unit every year, you will have a hard time figuring out what to do it when you aren't going to use it because it will have low trade value and low rental value.

 

[grgs]

Hi Mitch - a downside to consider is that the MFs are the same for the unit no matter which season you buy. So you are paying a heavy MF for WMH in Silver.

Mitch,

I agree with David--you should take a bit of time to think about this. I think WMH is a great resort and have stayed there several times. However, the mf are quite high--especially for summer which is a relatively easy trade (it's the desert and 100+ degrees--I like it, but it's not for everyone!). At a minimum, I would consider buying a Gold season unit since those are also going for not much. You'll still get some summer weeks in that season, and I think those units would have a bit more trade power in Interval.

Another option would be to look at a Sheraton Desert Oasis (SDO) or Sheraton Broadway Plantation (SBP) unit. Much lower mf and with the internal Starwood preference, you shouldn't have trouble trading into WMH. As an example, the mf on my small 1 bedroom SDO Plat unit are about $500/yr. I used that unit to trade into a 2 bedroom WMH unit via Interval. Even with the Starwood to Starwood $119 exchange fee, that's still much less than the WMH mf are. You should be able to pick up a SDO or SBP unit for almost nothing.

Best wishes,

Glorian

 

[DeniseM]

Good advice, Glorian!

Did you know that the darn exchange fee just went up again July 1! :annoyed:

The lowest fee is $119 now.

Made over the Phone-
Domestic - $159
International - $174

Made Online-
Domestic - $139
International - $154

(You get a $20 discount when you do a Starwood to Starwood exchange.)

 

[M&JJ]

thanks very much for all of your great advice!!!

 

[grgs]

Good advice, Glorian!

Did you know that the darn exchange fee just went up again July 1! :annoyed:

The lowest fee is $119 now.

I thought maybe they had gone UP--just couldn't remember.

Thanks for the correction, Denise, and I correct my post above.

Glorian

 

[caterina25]

Hi All,
My name is Paula.I am a nursing director of a school health program.I love to travel.I purchased my first timeshare from Marriott about five years ago(poor me)and bought 2 more Starwood resales this year(happy me),thank's to tug.I love being a part of this knowledgeable group and sharing stories and information.We're all in this together.This is the only site I chat on and love when I could share information that may be needed.I also appreciate all the help that has been shared with me and a special thanks to Denise for answering the same questions over and over.I see the teacher in you.Teachers are my favorite people next to nurses ,of course.Paula

 

[levatino]

[text deleted at request of poster]

 

[K&PFitz]

Hi, We're Kevin and Pat, and although I registered two years ago, we're new here, because I forgot about this BBS. I wish I had paid more attention, before I bought three timeshares from Starwood, but that's water under the bridge, and we've used our weeks for some great vacations. We leave for WKORV in 11 days, and will spend two weeks in a one bedroom. We wouldn't think of making that trip if we were paying cash for the room. When we bought our first at SVV, a 2 brm in Bella, the salesperson said, "owning a timeshare will make you go on vacation." We have gone from taking a week every once in a while to taking a couple nice trips a year. We used to think Hampton Inn was top of the line. We had never stayed anywhere as nice as that 2 bdrm in SVV in 2003. So, we've spent more than we should have, but it's worked out just fine.

We've used Staroptions in Scottsdale, Myrtle Beach, Orlando many times and now Maui. We've used Starpoints in Rome, Tokyo and Seoul.

I finally started reading a lot here at this bbs a few weeks ago, and look forward to participating. We'll log in from WKORV and try to provide some timely answers. Thanks for all the wisdom you've all shared.