Kauai SVO Offer

[kelela92]

I got a call, a couple of months ago, offering me a free stay in one of the Kauai properties. Okay, I must've deleted the message. Do you think I could call them up and see if the offer is still there? DH and I would love to go to Hawaii next year, but I don't think we'll be able to completely afford it. A free offer, even if we have to sit through a presentation, is a good thing. I'm sure we could find airfare.

Thoughts? Or did I lose a really good thing already?

Thanks.

BTW, we do eventually want to buy, but it will need to be from a mandatory property (Maui would be great).

 

[clsmit]

Look on the stickies at the top for the current offers. Not free, but really cheap to stay in Hawaii if you listen to their pitch.

If you are sure from all your research and reasons for purchase that you want to buy from a developer, then you could just call SVO and talk to a sales rep. No travel required. And it's much easier to tell someone you'll call them back than to walk out of a meeting. But you just might want to buy something resale first to requalify that property if you know you're going to buy from the developer eventually. You'd get more bang for your purchase $$ (kind of a dollar cost averaging thing, if you ever buy stocks).

 

[DavidnRobin]

You should get a referral from a Tugger - I vote DeniseM bc she does most of the SVO-TUG work...

A referred a couple of folks - all you do is call (unfortunately - don't remember the phone # but I sure it is easy to find)

We did the SVO package tour a few years back at the Poipu Sheraton - a great bargin - just say 'NO' and tell them 90 mins MAX

 

[DeniseM]

I got a call, a couple of months ago, offering me a free stay in one of the Kauai properties. Okay, I must've deleted the message. Do you think I could call them up and see if the offer is still there? DH and I would love to go to Hawaii next year, but I don't think we'll be able to completely afford it. A free offer, even if we have to sit through a presentation, is a good thing. I'm sure we could find airfare.

Thoughts? Or did I lose a really good thing already?

Thanks.

BTW, we do eventually want to buy, but it will need to be from a mandatory property (Maui would be great).

I've never heard of a free Starwood offer so it must have been from another company - the current Westin Kauai offer is about $900 for 5 nights - http://www.starwoodrsvp.com/westin/...share/offer/index.htm?IM=SVO_HOME_WEB_TEXT_AE

The Maui Resorts are sold out, so there is no current offer for Maui. Be sure you check airfare too, it's running around $1,200 per person during high season. Right now, at $300 for the same pkg., I'd go to Cancun!

 

[James1975NY]

I've never heard of a free Starwood offer so it must have been from another company - the current Westin Kauai offer is about $900 for 5 nights - http://www.starwoodrsvp.com/westin/...share/offer/index.htm?IM=SVO_HOME_WEB_TEXT_AE

The Maui Resorts are sold out, so there is no current offer for Maui. Be sure you check airfare too, it's running around $1,200 per person during high season. Right now, at $300 for the same pkg., I'd go to Cancun!

My understanding is that the cost of the package could be used towards the purchase price is you should buy with them....I cannot be 100% sure but this is common practice with TS sales at the resorts.

 

[DeniseM]

I don't think this particular pkg. can be used toward the purchase price - I least I haven't heard of it and I didn't get to apply it on my purchase. There is another pkg. that's around $1,500 that can be used toward the purchase price and it's called an Explorer Pkg.

 

[KauaiMark]

Not free but...

I got a call, a couple of months ago, offering me a free stay in one of the Kauai properties.

We took an offer from Sheraton Poipu this year that was around $650 for a 6 day/5 night stay. the offer included a resort cert for $100 and a $185 car rental.

There was NO requirement to attend a 90min presentation.

The resort straddles Ho'onani Road along Poipu beach. Our "deal" room was on the opposite side of the road from the beach. Not too bad but a long walk to the beach and the guest parking lots.

When we were settled and unpacked, we went to pick up our welcome package, we were offered an "upgrade" for our remaining stay to a room on the "beach side" of the road for "only" a $100/night.

When we balked at the extra $400 charge they offered us a "free" upgrade if we agreed to spend 90mins.

(I'll bet you already guessed that was coming...)

We did and they did and we had a great time on the "beach side".

 

[DavidnRobin]

We did a similiar package back in 2005 - it was a bargain - $560 for 5n/6d - included a rental car for the entire time and a $100 cetificate, and another $100 certificate for the 90 min presentation. We were put over the pool and requested to move (too much noise) and got an OF room.

The sunset photo above our TUG moniker is a picture from the balcony. We were naive and ended up buying an OF WKORVN (for $74K!!!!) - came home - found TUG and rescinded and then bought a resale OF WKORV Dlx for $20K less.

 

[kelela92]

I first just wanted to say thanks to everyone who responded. Sorry I didn't reply sooner.

clsmit: I checked out the sticky for offers, I think mine was different, but maybe I'll think about one of those. I just wanted the free trip. If I buy from the developer, it'd be for Maui probably. But even then, aren't they sold out? I need a mandatory resort eventually though.

DavidnRobin: Thanks for the info.

DeniseM: I cant recall what it was, but it wasn't as expensive as the offers in the sticky, I know that much. As for airfare, yeah I know. I may HAVE to fly out to O'ahu next year. Thankfully, all that I've seen is in the $500 range, not too bad.

KauaiMark: see, I wouldn't mind the presentation. I get to hear more about them, see pretty properties, get free stuff (room upgrades), etc. DH and I are on a budget for next year, hence this route.

And after we stay at one of the properties, we'll be sure to come back and find one online, NOT from the developer. Already learned that part the hard way. lol.

Thanks again everyone. Maybe I'll call and see if they have anything. Again, it wasn't as expensive as what is on their site (or AMEX's), and I'm assuming now, it wasn't free either. I got some time, so I'll just go with it for now.

 

[DeniseM]

If you find any different Starwood offers, please post them - we get lots of requests. Just remember, that you can post info. about these offers on TUG, but not offer referrals in the forums.

 

[kelela92]

If you find any different Starwood offers, please post them - we get lots of requests. Just remember, that you can post info. about these offers on TUG, but not offer referrals in the forums.

I'm reviving this thread because I got a call last night from SVO for a Kauai offer. DH and I really want to go, but not to Kauai, so I asked about Maui. They had an offer. I checked the website, saw no offers like mine, so I have no clue if this is something you can ask for or is offered.

Anyhow. We took them up on it. So, I have a few questions. First, it's Westin in Maui (not sure which one, need to ask). It's for 6d/5n for $749 for two guests including taxes. $75 gift certificate for the resort and $185 for car (all standard from what I've read).

We put our $300 deposit down, because we have 18 months to figure out when we can go, etc. I figured, non-refundable, but I can move it around too (to diff props if needed).

Balance is due when we choose our dates. Which will most likely be in May, and I'm dying over the RT airfare ($1500 for two people! WTF!!). I about fainted when I saw $750 for one person. I'll need to watch that. Anyhow.

My questions. Is there more info that I need to know about? Should ask the woman who called me? Is there any catches (I know the presentation is NOT forced upon us, but I'm willing to go for an upgrade, ) Anything I should be aware of?

Most of you haven't really said anything negative about these promo's, so I went for it when she called. Can I negotiate anything with her (the saleswoman, or whatever she is)? Should I? What should I?

Thanks for any replies. This is our first step to purchasing. Maybe not WKONR, but something....resale of course

 

[DeniseM]

I'm reviving this thread because I got a call last night from SVO for a Kauai offer. DH and I really want to go, but not to Kauai, so I asked about Maui. They had an offer. I checked the website, saw no offers like mine, so I have no clue if this is something you can ask for or is offered.

Anyhow. We took them up on it. So, I have a few questions. First, it's Westin in Maui (not sure which one, need to ask).

It is usually for the Westin Hotel - but if it's slow you may get the timeshare.

It's for 6d/5n for $749 for two guests including taxes. $75 gift certificate for the resort and $185 for car (all standard from what I've read).

We put our $300 deposit down, because we have 18 months to figure out when we can go, etc. I figured, non-refundable, but I can move it around too (to diff props if needed).

Balance is due when we choose our dates. Which will most likely be in May, and I'm dying over the RT airfare ($1500 for two people! WTF!!). I about fainted when I saw $750 for one person. I'll need to watch that. Anyhow.

My questions. Is there more info that I need to know about? Should ask the woman who called me? Is there any catches (I know the presentation is NOT forced upon us, but I'm willing to go for an upgrade, ) Anything I should be aware of?

You will not get upgraded for doing a sales presentation, but you should get a $100 hotel GC. They usually give you a standard, no view room on the promo.

Most of you haven't really said anything negative about these promo's, so I went for it when she called. Can I negotiate anything with her (the saleswoman, or whatever she is)? Should I? What should I?

Unless you decide to buy there is nothing to negociate. You are already receiving a pkg. at less than half of retail value.

 

[kelela92]

It is usually for the Westin Hotel - but if it's slow you may get the timeshare.

That's what I was thinking, but couldn't recall what she said. Thanks.

You will not get upgraded for doing a sales presentation, but you should get a $100 hotel GC. They usually give you a standard, no view room on the promo.

Someone else did. I figure, maybe when we get there, we can negotiate if they offer us things. Someone else posted that they offered an upgrade for $100/day, but then gawked, and said if they attend the presentation, they get the upgrade. So, I figured it's all negotiable if they have the space.

Unless you decide to buy there is nothing to negotiate. You are already receiving a pkg. at less than half of retail value.

True true. Just figured I'd ask (you guys).

 

[MrGuest]

We had the same offer ($500 6/5, $185 car, $75 GC and additional $100 GC for 90 min presentation) @ Sheraton Maui. Decent deal but they usually send via mail (or call?). Not sure how to get something like that again. Dose anyone know?

 

[DeniseM]

There is a link for current preview packages listed under Special Offers, on the Owner Resources sticky, at the top of the board.

Starwood owners are not eligible for preview packages. I am not sure about someone who has rescinded a purchase - but it can't hurt to ask. Be sure you lay all your cards on the table because your credit card can be charged the full retail cost of the package if you aren't elgible for it, but you do it anyway.

 

[Henry M.]

I referred someone recently. Somehow they had me as owning Mission Hills since that is where I purchased my last WKORV (but I don't own WMH). They initially would only offer a package to go to WMH. I had to explain that I don't even know there and eventually they agreed to offer something at WKORV. Apparently you can only refer to where you own these days. It didn't use to be that way.

 

[jllcardiff]

We stayed at the Westin Princeville ORV last week of Aug on a package offered thru AmEx which we found on this site. We had a wonderful experience and one of the best vacations we've had in a long time even with a 3yr old in tow. Package included 6day/5nite for $898 + various car rental/resort credits (add'l credit for attending presentation). Somehow they had us in their system as being referred by another owner, so we were automatically upgraded to an ocean front unit (Bldg 6), first floor studio with ocean view. I would say this was one of the best locations on the property since this bldg is right next to the golf course and was very quiet and private. This was the 2nd time we took advantage of a SVO package, sat thru the 90min presentation and didn't buy (although it's got us thinking seriously about buying resale).

Someone on this thread mentioned WPORV is voluntary, is that correct? I thought it was mandatory.

 

[Henry M.]

WPORV is a voluntary resort.

 

[DeniseM]

Hi Jill - WPORV is voluntary - see the FAQ at the top of the board for a list of the mandatory resorts. It looks like all new resorts from now on will be voluntary.