How do I do a II search??

[maggiesmom]

DeniseM,

Do I click on the Vacation Exchange tab in the II my Units page to search ?? for a resort in 2013.
I asked II, and was told - only to do a request first , if I could not find a resort I wanted in my time frame.

Not use to the new page.

maggiesmom

 

[DeniseM]

Yes - you search for the resort and dates and if it's not available, the next screen will allow you to put in an ongoing search.

Note that ALL Starwood requests are "request first." Under the rules implemented in 2009 - "deposit first" no longer exists - unless you are depositing a TRUE fixed week.

If we can't find what you are looking for right now, placing an Exchange Request provides you with automatic monitoring of our quality resorts, providing you with a perfect match. Let's get started.

Request First gives you the option of using your home unit if your request is not confirmed.

Your request window is from:

Sunday, 01 January 2012 to
Saturday, 02 November 2013.

Who will be Traveling?

Adults
Children (Age: 0-16)
Unit Size?
Studio
1 Bedroom(s)

Kitchen? Yes No
Special Facilities? Yes No
An elevator
No stairs to unit or resort
A 1st floor unit
A wheelchair accessible unit
No stairs in unit
A wheelchair accessible bathroom
Handrails in bathroom

 

[maggiesmom]

Thanks for getting back to me. I only have 1 place picked out right now and the month, but I was told I should have at least 2 more places and 2 different time frames. Before I even start to do a search. Thanks again for your help .

maggiesmom

 

[DeniseM]

Thanks for getting back to me. I only have 1 place picked out right now and the month, but I was told I should have at least 2 more places and 2 different time frames. Before I even start to do a search. Thanks again for your help .

maggiesmom

The II rules require you to pick 3 dates or 3 resorts. If you only want one, then make the other two request impossible ones to get, as place holders. Impossible weeks to get would be Harborside or Westin Maui for Christmas or New Year's weeks.

What week/resort do you actually want?

 

[K&PFitz]

Despite having read everything here and elsewhere, I find the II rules baffling. I could not find 3 resorts/times to pick. But I did have one possible resort with two possible weeks. I called Starwood and had them deposit my week. Then I went back to the II website, selected the week I wanted, and got my confirmation. I think the rules make everything unnecessarily complicated. I was sure, when the process was done, if that call to Starwood was necessary, because II knew which weeks I had.

 

[DeniseM]

Despite having read everything here and elsewhere, I find the II rules baffling. I could not find 3 resorts/times to pick. But I did have one possible resort with two possible weeks. I called Starwood and had them deposit my week. Then I went back to the II website, selected the week I wanted, and got my confirmation. I think the rules make everything unnecessarily complicated. I was sure, when the process was done, if that call to Starwood was necessary, because II knew which weeks I had.

That was an Instant Online Exchange - you were able to get an instant confirmation because the week was already available.

You don't need to select 3 weeks/dates, unless you are putting in an ongoing request.

The reason you have to call Starwood first is that although II knows what week you registered with your Acct., they don't know if it is actually available each year or not - Starwood must verify that it is available before you make an exchange each year. You might have sold it, or reserved it for a rental, or converted to Staroptions or Starpoints - II has know way of knowing that.

This is the process:

1) Open a II Acct. and register your week with II (you only do that once.)
2) Call Starwood and ask them to "designate your week for exchange" (you must do this each year.)
3) After you receive notice that it is ready for exchange, go back to II and put in your request.
4) You can do an instant online exchange, or put in an ongoing request.

 

[maggiesmom]

DeniseM,
The resort I have pick is Grand Cayman Resort(Ramada), Time Frame - still not sure, year 2013. I was thinking in Nov , but my sister says May is better. Since I have never been, I have no idea. This is the only Resort thur II that only has a fee of 10.00 per day(Gov Tx), the other Resorts(Cayman) are for purchase in II Getaways or the fees are over 200.00.


Or Hawaii
Also looking at Westin's Ka' anapali Ocean Resort. Have not found out if there are any fees (housekeeping, cash deposit for resort fees, tourist tx, elec fee or a/c fees). But it looks nice, still don't like the idea of maybe having to rent a car. City buses are fine for me. Have you stayed at this resort??.

If I can get DH on board with just picking 1 place , I would be in heaven and can get down to more serious planning.

Thanks again.

maggiesmom

 

[DeniseM]

DeniseM,
The resort I have pick is Grand Cayman Resort(Ramada), Time Frame - still not sure, year 2013. I was thinking in Nov , but my sister says May is better. Since I have never been, I have no idea. This is the only Resort thur II that only has a fee of 10.00 per day(Gov Tx), the other Resorts(Cayman) are for purchase in II Getaways or the fees are over 200.00.

Remember, that if you only select a very short window of time, you decrease your chance to get the exchange. I recommend that you request every week that is acceptable to you.

Also looking at Westin's Ka' anapali Ocean Resort. Have not found out if there are any fees (housekeeping, cash deposit for resort fees, tourist tx, elec fee or a/c fees). But it looks nice, still don't like the idea of maybe having to rent a car. City buses are fine for me. Have you stayed at this resort??.

There are no mandatory resort fees, but the County of Maui does charge a local tax upon check-out that ranges from about $6 to about $11 per day.

The Westin is in a resort area - not a town, the airport is 45 min. away, and Maui is very rural, so you will need a car, unless you just plan to stay at the resort and the very local area the whole time. You need a car to visit beaches and sight see.

 

[maggiesmom]

DeniseM,
Time frame for either place - I was thinking to start second week in May until the last week in July 2013 or first week in Nov to last week in Dec 2013.

What you suggest for a stay in Hawaii ( where I can take a bus ). Does not matter on which Island . Dh lived in Oahu for a couple of years when he was younger (he was about 8 yrs old) . Would like to take him back.

maggiesmom

 

[DeniseM]

DeniseM,
Time frame for either place - I was thinking to start second week in May until the last week in July 2013 or first week in Nov to last week in Dec 2013.

What you suggest for a stay in Hawaii ( where I can take a bus ). Does not matter on which Island . Dh lived in Oahu for a couple of years when he was younger. Would like to take him back.

maggiesmom

Oahu would be the best for taking a bus, but it's my least favorite island, because it's so urban. I'd bit the bullet and rent a car go to another island. Even on Oahu - the bus will be very inconvenient once you get out of Honolulu.

 

[K&PFitz]

Thanks, Denise for the info in post #6. I'm going to print and save that with my Starwood stuff. I think you've cleared it up for me.

 

[DeniseM]

Thanks, Denise for the info in post #6. I'm going to print and save that with my Starwood stuff. I think you've cleared it up for me.

My pleasure - happy exchanging!