[Ko' Olina Room Assignments ? - Owners and Exchangers]

[spaulino]

Just curious since it is our first time to book at Ko'Olina as owners. I bought a deeded week of Ocean View, am I guaranteed Ocean View when they assign my room before arrival? I sure hope so since we bought ocean view and other views are cheaper price. Just curious because I read on FB, at MKO owners page that there was an owner, booked her room straight from Marriott 13 months out when inventory opened up (not an exchange) but when they got to MKO, the room they were given was not an Ocean View. Owner even owns 2 weeks at MKO and Ocean View but instead, they got a room with the round about valet parking view. Someone told them that someone must have messed up on assigning rooms and another owner checked in before her must have been mad and yelling that they were given their room instead. Is this possible? I would be so mad if I was them. If I bought Ocean View, I expect Ocean View and nothing less. Anyone experience this?

 

[jeepie]

You should be fine...you bought OV

It could still have been an "Ocean View" but not a very good one. I think sometimes Marriott has categorized what I call Giraffe View, i.e., if a giraffe could see water leaning out from the balcony, then it's OV.
That said, if you get an inferior Unit, you can ask to be moved. If they can't, it is reasonable to have them verify the unit's category. If they indeed failed to get your category view (which you own!), ask for the GM. If they still can't resolve it, you should get a free stay and an additional OV reservation next time, or equivalent, as compensation.
Just my opinion. Cheers.

 

[GregT]

Just curious since it is our first time to book at Ko'Olina as owners. I bought a deeded week of Ocean View, am I guaranteed Ocean View when they assign my room before arrival? I sure hope so since we bought ocean view and other views are cheaper price. Just curious because I read on FB, at MKO owners page that there was an owner, booked her room straight from Marriott 13 months out when inventory opened up (not an exchange) but when they got to MKO, the room they were given was not an Ocean View. Owner even owns 2 weeks at MKO and Ocean View but instead, they got a room with the round about valet parking view. Someone told them that someone must have messed up on assigning rooms and another owner checked in before her must have been mad and yelling that they were given their room instead. Is this possible? I would be so mad if I was them. If I bought Ocean View, I expect Ocean View and nothing less. Anyone experience this?

I know the Facebook post that you refer to -- the room was classified as an Ocean View, so Marriott technically did assign the owner to an OV room, it was just a really inferior view room. I would also have been bummed to get that room (and I too what have objected). Unfortunately for that poster, they arrived second to the room, and their initial group had already unpacked, making it harder to change rooms.

I would not have any hesitation about reserving an OV room, and as an owner, I would expect you will be very happy with your view. Please post balcony pics!!

Best,

Greg

 

[SueDonJ]

Yes, owners are guaranteed to be placed into the view type that they purchased when they use their owned Weeks in season at their home resorts. Downgrades shouldn't happen (and neither should upgrades, by the way.) If I were using my owned Weeks and received a wrong unit view type I'd get the onsite GM involved immediately and if that didn't work, I'd contact the MVW Exec offices.

But as jeepie said, sometimes owners are surprised at the assigned view types of units. At some resorts it's possible to be placed in an "oceanfront" unit that doesn't have a good view of the ocean, for example, because foliage screens the view. At others, an "oceanview" unit might mean that you have to stand up and lean over the balcony to see a sliver of the ocean. Owners are generally placed ahead of exchangers/renters/etc into the units within their owned categories that have the better views but there's no guarantee.

Note that the owned view type means nothing if you exchange your owned Weeks through II, even if you're exchanging back into your home resorts. Using DC Points you can specify (and pay enough points for) a certain view type that will be guaranteed, but using II there is never a guarantee of a certain view.

 

[Davecanputt]

Not directly related, but here's a view category map I always keep on my phone for reference at check-in.

 

[frank808]

If you look at the 2 rows of yellow in the bottom left box that is the view that owner received.
It is classified as ov but you have to stick your head out on the balcony and look right to see the ocean. Not to bad in those units if you get 6th floor or higher as you can see the ocean past the refinery. If you get 4th or 5th floor you can see the turnaround and trees. It is the kona tower but i cant remember the unit numbers right now for those "giraffe" ocean views.

 

[Kapolei]

.....

Note that the owned view type means nothing if you exchange your owned Weeks through II, even if you're exchanging back into your home resorts. Using DC Points you can specify (and pay enough points for) a certain view type that will be guaranteed, but using II there is never a guarantee of a certain view.

The II reservation does specify the room type. And when it is ocean view, I have received ocean view. I understand there is no guarantee. But in the times I had ocean view room types, I got them. ,Maybe someone else had a different experience.

 

[frank808]

Within the past 18 months or so, i have had mountain view when the code specified ocean view on exchanges. Not every exchange but maybe 1 out of 6 times.
What i have noticed is not getting a room above the 5th floor on exchanges.

 

[Kapolei]

Within the past 18 months or so, i have had mountain view when the code specified ocean view on exchanges. Not every exchange but maybe 1 out of 6 times.
What i have noticed is not getting a room above the 5th floor on exchanges.

I have called before check-in and I was told that they have a particular room booked but they are not allowed to tell me which one. I think this is because if you have an II reservation you are subject to being bumped out of the room. I am guessing this is what happened to you on that 1 of 6 times.

Showing up early might help. Because a disgruntled owner might end up taking the room. They can't take the room once you are in it.

 

[GregT]

Room Assignments When Exchanging into Ko Olina

All,

Frank808 has reported [above] that exchangers rarely get a room above the 5th floor when trading in. This is mostly consistent with my experience, when I traded into 3rd and 4th floor (2013) and 5th floor (2016). The only exception was a 2010 exchange where I was given a 10th floor room.

I am curious if there are any TUGgers who have been assigned 6th floor or higher when trading into Ko Olina (within the last couple of years)?

I am especially curious if TUGgers who own Ko Olina and are trading back into their home resort get a higher floor (again, within the last couple of years)?

Please advise and thanks!

Best,

Greg

 

[spaulino]

Not directly related, but here's a view category map I always keep on my phone for reference at check-in.

Thanks... I will keep this with me for future use..

If you look at the 2 rows of yellow in the bottom left box that is the view that owner received.
It is classified as ov but you have to stick your head out on the balcony and look right to see the ocean. Not to bad in those units if you get 6th floor or higher as you can see the ocean past the refinery. If you get 4th or 5th floor you can see the turnaround and trees. It is the kona tower but i cant remember the unit numbers right now for those "giraffe" ocean views.

Ok now I see it. And yes, you're right. If you are on the higher floors, I guess that view will be ok. I sure hope my view will be better than that. I was able to book my 2 consecutive weeks for July 2017 and locked it off.... I hope they can accomodate my request to be in Naia tower since I know not many are lock offs in that tower.

Does anyone know how many lock off units of Ocean View are in Naia tower? I know quite many of tuggers are owners there and are very familiar with building lay outs and views...

 

[Southdown13]

I am curious if there are any TUGgers who have been assigned 6th floor or higher when trading into Ko Olina (within the last couple of years)?

Last January we exchanged through Interval International into a one bedroom at MKO. The II confirmation was mountain view, but we received a 6th floor ocean view unit in the Kona building. I called rooms control the week before check in to let them know we were owners and had Marriott Platinum status. They acknowledged our preferences but didn't guarantee anything.

 

[GregT]

Last January we exchanged through Interval International into a one bedroom at MKO. The II confirmation was mountain view, but we received a 6th floor ocean view unit in the Kona building. I called rooms control the week before check in to let them know we were owners and had Marriott Platinum status. They acknowledged our preferences but didn't guarantee anything.

That's very interesting (and encouraging) -- I'm glad an owner would get preferential room treatment when exchanging in, which makes sense to me.

Thanks very much!

Greg

 

[spaulino]

Last January we exchanged through Interval International into a one bedroom at MKO. The II confirmation was mountain view, but we received a 6th floor ocean view unit in the Kona building. I called rooms control the week before check in to let them know we were owners and had Marriott Platinum status. They acknowledged our preferences but didn't guarantee anything.

That's great to know... At least, just in case I want to deposit my lock off and decide to trade it back into MKO, I have a chance to still get some kind of "Ocean View" with that trade. Thanks for the info.

 

[Quadmaniac]

All,

Frank808 has reported [above] that exchangers rarely get a room above the 5th floor when trading in. This is mostly consistent with my experience, when I traded into 3rd and 4th floor (2013) and 5th floor (2016). The only exception was a 2010 exchange where I was given a 10th floor room.

I am curious if there are any TUGgers who have been assigned 6th floor or higher when trading into Ko Olina (within the last couple of years)?

I am especially curious if TUGgers who own Ko Olina and are trading back into their home resort get a higher floor (again, within the last couple of years)?

Please advise and thanks!

Best,

Greg

Previously I would get OV in exchanges but I noticed the past about 18 months or so, placements have been below floor 5. I am happy to report that when I went in March I did get put on the 11th floor (I think) and it was an ocean view when you walk out onto the balcony and looked to the right. It was beautiful. I think we were in the Kona tower and facing the marina straight in front and to the right was the lagoon. Was very surprised and happy with the suite. Maybe we were lucky. Over Christmas and NY, we were on the 2nd and 4th floors with a nice view of the parking lot.