Late to a SVN reservation [and WPORV Studio Q]

[GregT]

All,

Inventory released on Sunday for my check-in date of June 25, 2016 at WPORV. I was pre-occupied with work (dratted work) and just now remembered that the window was open. I wanted a 1BR, but they only had a Studio at this point. It's for Jack and me, so a Studio works, but I hoped for the larger space.

Has anyone had success predicting when existing reservations might be canceled and a 1BR might appear? Next week? 3 months out?

Any suggestions would be appreciated -- thanks!

Best,

Greg

 

[DeniseM]

It could happen any time, but a lot of them are cancelled a little before the 60 day mark, because that's the cancellation deadline for no restrictions.

I'd keep checking the next few days as well, for people who change their mind right after reserving.

Inventory released on Sunday for my check-in date of June 25, 2016 at WPORV.

It was actually released on Saturday, Oct. 24th, at midnight Eastern - 9 Pacific.

Even if you had called Sunday at 9 am, you wouldn't have gotten it - it was gone 30 seconds after midnight.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Keep looking (on-line) - a 1Bd at WPORV is much better than a studio (IMO and IME) - unless that studio is in the HH sections of B6, B7 or B3, but you will not know that until check-in.

 

[GregT]

It was actually released on Saturday, Oct. 24th, at midnight Eastern - 9 Pacific.

Even if you had called Sunday at 9 am, you wouldn't have gotten it - it was gone 30 seconds after midnight.

That makes me feel better because I was tracking to Sunday!

Thanks very much, will keep a eye out periodically for any cancelations.

Has anyone stayed in the Studio at WPORV? I've seen the Studio at WKORV-N as part of a lockoff and it was great, are WPORV similar?

Best,

Greg

 

[DeniseM]

That makes me feel better because I was tracking to Sunday!

Thanks very much, will keep a eye out periodically for any cancelations.

Has anyone stayed in the Studio at WPORV? I seen the Studio at WKORV-N as part of a lockoff and it was great, are WPORV similar?

Best,

Greg

Very similar:

 

[vacationtime1]

That makes me feel better because I was tracking to Sunday!

Thanks very much, will keep a eye out periodically for any cancelations.

Has anyone stayed in the Studio at WPORV? I seen the Studio at WKORV-N as part of a lockoff and it was great, are WPORV similar?

Best,

Greg

WPORV studios are virtually identical to WKORVN studios. Same size, basic configuration, lanais, etc.

 

[GregT]

All,

Thank you for the quick feedback on the Studio. I really did like the Studio at WKORV-N, but will keep looking to see if a 1BR pops up since the point difference is not material.

Can someone recommend a building that is preferable for its proximity to grills and pools? We love views, naturally, but expect to be low on pecking order and if we are well situated to grills and for swimming, that will make my (then) 11 year old happy. Wow, my youngest will be 11! Thanks very much!

Best,

Greg

 

[DavidnRobin]

I have photos of WPORV studios (from 3 visits - think I posted way back when... Too bad we don't have a convenient way to store villa specific photos - I have many.)

We have never stayed in studio at WKORVN, and only the OFD WKORV studio (which is quite nice), but 'comparatively' between the WPORV 1Bd and studio... let's just say we are 1Bd folks.

There is one sweet WPORV studio on the 2nd floor in HH section B7 in corner towards pool (can't recall number). The reason is that it has a hallway going to front door with windows on side, and at end of hallway a large window that looks towards the mountains to the south (w/ waterfalls...). I met a woman who owned 5 fixed weeks of that 2Bd LO (very nice). We stayed in that studio in 2009 (or 2011?) and I posted photos. Maybe they are still on photobucket.

This year we stayed in a center studio (2nd floor, B6 HH) and while beautiful w/ ocean front view - it just felt cramped. And kitchenette sucked (sorry - it just does)I started a trip reports - but failed - too difficult in getting photos to upload on PB and link image. and lost PhotoStream somehow (?) and too busy/lazy...maybe I will pull it up and finish - it was quite a relaxing and beautiful vacation.

btw - the 1st floor villas at WPORV (for the most part) are better than the higher floors (IMO) - because you can go in/out of the lanai door. (prefer over hallways)

 

[DeniseM]

I have photos of WPORV studios (from 3 visits - think I posted way back when... Too bad we don't have a convenient way to store villa specific photos - I have many.)

Hi Dave - TUG has a webpage for each resort where you can post your pictures.

Here is the one for WPORV: Click on UPLOAD A PHOTO on the left:

http://tug2.com/ResortOverview.aspx?Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas&ID=14699

(This is under Resorts and Reivews at the top of the page in the blue bar.)

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hi Dave - TUG has a webpage for each resort where you can post your pictures.

Here is the one for WPORV: Click on UPLOAD A PHOTO on the left:

http://tug2.com/ResortOverview.aspx?Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas&ID=14699

(This is under Resorts and Reivews at the top of the page in the blue bar.)

Wow... you would think after all of these years...
Added - I did not mean thru the main webpage - I knew about that - I find it a hassle compared to technology we have today (and not the 90s...)
oh yeah - it will make me rejoin TUG...

Generally these photos are on my iPhone, and lost contact with my iCloud (PhotoStream) - on top of that PhotoBucket for the iPad (which I use for TUG) has been crashing... arg

So... before I was using an IMG link via PB - which used to work. Do you have a better way for me to insert images?

 

[DeniseM]

Wow... you would think after all of these years...
Generally these photos are on my iPhone, and lost contact with my iCloud (PhotoStream) - on top of that PhotoBucket for the iPad (which I use for TUG) has been crashing... arg

So... before I was using an IMG link via PB - which used to work. Do you have a better way for me to insert images?

Hi Dave - Mods only work in the forums, so I honestly don't know.

I just checked - you just have to select a photo from your computer and upload it - seems pretty straight forward? Took about 3 clicks: Choose file > choose > upload.

 

[dsmrp]

All,

Thank you for the quick feedback on the Studio. I really did like the Studio at WKORV-N, but will keep looking to see if a 1BR pops up since the point difference is not material.

I think you will find something, but may have to cobble it together with multiple reservations if you get to 3-4 months out. I searched a lot last winter and spring cause my plans changed at least 2x I saw a few WKORV & WPORV studios and an occasional 1 bdrm pop up for March thru June, but I was only looking for shorter stays of 5-6 days. I think the Saturdays and Fridays will be the more difficult days to get.

I reserved at the end of March for end of June, and despite shorter time span, got a pretty good studio assignment, Bldg 3 3rd floor looking west. I expected parking lot view.

 

[ragdoll]

WPORV studios

Having always stayed in the larger 1-bedroom unit, we just returned from staying in a studio unit at WPORV. I would not recommend the studios for more than 2 people. They are VERY cramped. The kitchenette is so small there is no prep space or any place to store groceries. There is a tiny "table" (perhaps 30 inches diameter) that is supposed to be a dining table. You could use it for a dining table but it is not for meal prep because it is nowhere near the kitchenette area. It has only 2 chairs, but stated capacity of the studio is 4 people! How does that work? There is a sofabed but it is quite small--suitable for only 1 child. The bed is a queen bed--why can't they get a king in there? There's plenty of space for it. The lanais are ridiculously small. They do have a very nice bathroom though. End of rant.

We have stayed many times in the full 2/2 with our guests. The studio unit works quite nicely if you have access to the full kitchen and dining area in the larger unit.

As for building location, I don't like Buildings 4 & 5. Building 4 is very remote from all the facilities so it's a longish walk. The only advantage of staying in #4 is that there are rooms only on one side of the building and they all face the golf course with a side view of the Pacific. It's probably quieter over there though and would be nice for couples. As for Building 5, it's got a parking lot view on one side and a pool view on the other side. There are other buildings that have better placement, depending on what you prefer.

WPORV is a beautiful resort with great amenities and gorgeous landscaping. We love going there, but we do understand that if we stay in a studio, we will be eating out for most meals.

 

[DavidnRobin]

^^^^^ This ^^^^^

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hi Dave - Mods only work in the forums, so I honestly don't know.

I just checked - you just have to select a photo from your computer and upload it - seems pretty straight forward? Took about 3 clicks: Choose file > choose > upload.

Is for the Review section on TUG or for posting on forum? I was asking about the best way to add a photo to a forum post. I cannot post to Review w/o rejoining TUG (not going to happen for reason that may be obvious... or not)

 

[GregT]

Having always stayed in the larger 1-bedroom unit, we just returned from staying in a studio unit at WPORV. I would not recommend the studios for more than 2 people. They are VERY cramped. The kitchenette is so small there is no prep space or any place to store groceries. There is a tiny "table" (perhaps 30 inches diameter) that is supposed to be a dining table. You could use it for a dining table but it is not for meal prep because it is nowhere near the kitchenette area. It has only 2 chairs, but stated capacity of the studio is 4 people! How does that work? There is a sofabed but it is quite small--suitable for only 1 child. The bed is a queen bed--why can't they get a king in there? There's plenty of space for it. The lanais are ridiculously small. They do have a very nice bathroom though. End of rant.

We have stayed many times in the full 2/2 with our guests. The studio unit works quite nicely if you have access to the full kitchen and dining area in the larger unit.

As for building location, I don't like Buildings 4 & 5. Building 4 is very remote from all the facilities so it's a longish walk. The only advantage of staying in #4 is that there are rooms only on one side of the building and they all face the golf course with a side view of the Pacific. It's probably quieter over there though and would be nice for couples. As for Building 5, it's got a parking lot view on one side and a pool view on the other side. There are other buildings that have better placement, depending on what you prefer.

WPORV is a beautiful resort with great amenities and gorgeous landscaping. We love going there, but we do understand that if we stay in a studio, we will be eating out for most meals.

That is very good feedback, thank you. I will keep looking for the 1BR, but may be stuck in the Studio. Fortunately, it is just Jack and me (and he's only 11) and I think we will primarily eat breakfast in the unit. I've gotten spoiled with 1BR units and I expect Studios will seem quite cramped by comparison.

We will see -- but looking forward to WPORV!

Best,

Greg

 

[GregT]

All,

I've been watching the reservations and tonight a 1BR was available!! I booked it for our check-in date and now Jack and I will have lots of space. :whoopie:

Looking forward to WPORV!!!

Best,

Greg

 

[ragdoll]

All,

I've been watching the reservations and tonight a 1BR was available!! I booked it for our check-in date and now Jack and I will have lots of space. :whoopie:

Looking forward to WPORV!!!

Best,

Greg

Congratulations! I'm sure you will enjoy it. Please report back after you return.

 

[sun starved Gayle]

I agree that more than 2 in a studio WPORV would be tight. For the two of us, it worked just fine. A king bed would be awfully nice, but we can do with a queen in such a beautiful setting. We did eat in a lot and prep space is limited, but we made it work.

None of the units of any size had an outside dining table which we missed.

We are booked in a studio again here and are looking forward to it.

 

[GregT]

Thank you both -- I'm really excited for this trip and Jack and I will have fun.

I definitely agree that a 1BR is overkill for the two of us, but I tend to get up early (and work ) so having the extra space was more for that than any other reason.

This will be our first stay at WPORV, although we have visited.

Best,

Greg

 

[DeniseM]

That's great! Congrats on getting the reservation!

I don't think a one bedroom is overkill at all. Having plenty of space adds a lot to the comfort level of a vacation. In fact, when I travel with my son, I always get a 2 bdm. so we can each have our own space.

 

[sun starved Gayle]

Greg, don't get me wrong, I would book a one bedroom over a studio in a heart beat ! I'm just saying for us as a couple, it worked fine. Maybe not so much for you and your son. I am pleased you were able to upgrade. I am still trying to do so via EPLUS, but it does not look promising.

 

[LisaRex]

I'd be fine in a studio with my husband, but with my kids, I'd want separate spaces because we keep different hours.

Congratulations, Greg!

 

[DavidnRobin]

With the WPORV studio - the biggest downsides for us (YYMV) was the Queen-size mattress, and the lack of counter space in the kitchenette. We often prepare meals in the villa. We had to use the bathroom counters to place things down when cooking and cleaning - and really would not prefer these items being in the bathroom.
I would be great if studios (WKORV/N, WPORV, and Nanea from my understanding) had a small folding table. IMO
(and of course - not having separate sleeping area, but that is the definition of a studio...)

 

[mjm1]

Greg, congratulations on getting your 1BR unit. Like you, we've never stayed there but have visited several times just to experience the grounds. Have a great time.

Mike