How realistic is it to up-trade to 2-bedroom unit in Westin Maui or Westin Kauai in II and other questions?

[THSMTHS]

Hello All,

I am considering getting Sheraton Desert Oasis (SDO) 2-bedroom lock-off for trading, to try to up-trade to Hawaii using II with the Vistana preference.

I would like to get into Westin Ka'anapali in Maui or Westin Princeville in Kauai, into a 2-bedroom unit. If I have flexibility to travel anytime of the year (not tied to any schedule such as school season), how realistic is this possibility?

If I understand correctly from reading here on TugBBS, currently Sheraton/Westin doesn't charge a fee to lock-off unlike Marriott, correct?

Once I do a lock-off, does both sides of the lock-off, the 1-bedroom (larger side) and 1-bedroom (smaller side) have enough trading power to get into 2-bedroom units? Or is the trading power of the smaller 1-bedroom not that great to see many of the 2-bedroom units in Hawaii?

Also, in browsing many of the recent sightings postings, it seems like the only units deposited are studios and 1-bedroom units (I don't see any 2-bedroom units) deposited recently. I realized what I am seeing posted are the leftovers, and wondering if anybody gotten 2-bedroom units via on-going search (OGS)? Maybe in the past, it may be easier to get two bedroom units at Westin in Maui or Kauai?

I understand the rules can change when playing the trading game, it's the the risks/gamble that I need to accept. However, before going in, how good are my my chances?

As far as depositing into II, do you just make a reservation for the week you want (falling into the season of the unit being true platinum, gold plus, etc...) with the highest TDI in II, and once you get the week you reserve, you can deposit the unit/week you reserved into II? It's interesting to see that you can book week 1-52 with gold plus unit versus only certain weeks with a true platinum.

Thanks,
Great3

If you own, SDO, I would login at the 8 mo window at 12:00 AM EST time to secure the unit you want. They go quickly. We used that strategy for a 1 bed unit at Westin Kaanapali ocean villas this past May for a nine day stay.

 

[Great3]

Updated Question: Thanks to a generous TUGGER, I will be getting a 1 bedroom Sheraton Broadway Plantation standard (smaller side). I decided to go ahead and get my feet wet. I intend to use for trading most of the time, but do plan on going to Myrtle Beach sometimes.

Again, given I can travel any time, does this this 1 bedroom Sheraton Broadway Plantation standard (smaller side) have enough trading power to pull the 1 bedrooms units fairly consistently at Westin Maui and Westin Kauai in II with Vistana trading preference?

It doesn't need to be peak summer weeks, Holidays, school breaks, or anything in high demand, as long as I can get a week in Hawaii anytime into a 1-bedroom unit (which will work for my family)? Obviously, past performance is no guarantee of future results, but what are your thoughts?

Coming from the perspective that I don't mind the work required, I don't find it too difficult to be diligent in checking II constantly in addition to putting in an OGS in II. Will I end up as a happy camper, or banging my head against the wall for making a boneheaded move? Obviously, if it doesn't work out for me, the MF is still very good value enough to be used for trading normally into other II resorts, not just the the Westins in Hawaii, so all won't be lost. I will be replacing my Worldmark which I have been using as a trader in II anyways.

Great3

 

[rickandcindy23]

Ongoing searches are all you need to do. There is no reason to stay online and check constantly.

 

[Great3]

Ongoing searches are all you need to do. There is no reason to stay online and check constantly.

Lol, so you are saying if I put in OGS, for a 1 bedroom at these two locations with fairly opened dates, I will get something in Hawaii eventually. If so, that's good enough for me and make taking this unit an AWESOME value. I assume most everybody has the same experience using SBP as a trader, especially the smaller 1 bedroom standard unit?

Great3

 

[marmite]

I have traded a 1BDR SDO for several 2BD Nanea, 2BD Ko Olina, and many years ago snagged a 2BD Princeville. I was searching, and had not put in a request. I can't travel at the last minute, so these trades were not during Flexchange.

I have multiple 1BD reservations coming up for WKORN next year, and hope to be able to use E-Plus to re-trade to a 2BD during Flexchange. I have been able to get the same trades with the 1BD small side or the large. I am quite certain they will never give me an Oceanview at check-in, and I am okay with that. I don't think getting a Marriott or Vistana 2BD in Hawaii with searching is easy, you have to search frequently and be quick. If you subscribe to the sightings forum, that will help you grab those Hawaii deposits.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Lol, so you are saying if I put in OGS, for a 1 bedroom at these two locations with fairly opened dates, I will get something in Hawaii eventually. If so, that's good enough for me and make taking this unit an AWESOME value. I assume most everybody has the same experience using SBP as a trader, especially the smaller 1 bedroom standard unit?

Great3

I am answering very late, but absolutely!