Looking at StarOptions from a Mandatory Resort

[Mongoose]

If I pick up 81,000 staroptions from a mandatory resort, what are my chances at being able to use it in Hawaii and Phoenix?

 

[VacationForever]

Pretty good - it is not hard to book at 8 months out.

 

[echino]

Depends.

Peak season ocean view in Maui may be difficult (though it's easy at the moment due to the fire). Everything else - chances are good.

 

[EnglishmanAbroad]

If I pick up 81,000 staroptions from a mandatory resort, what are my chances at being able to use it in Hawaii and Phoenix?

Of all the options available, 1BR (81,000 SO) in Maui at 8 months are probably the hardest to get (in a normal year). Studios however (67,100 SO) are almost always available even at much less than 8 months.

 

[vacationtime1]

Unless you buy at Kierland and reserve twelve months out at the stroke of midnight, you are very unlikely get Kierland during prime season (March/April).

 

[buzglyd]

I’ve gotten what I’ve wanted with my Star Options. As others have said, Maui can be a bit more difficult and you’re not likely to get Kierland during Spring training. I have gotten SDO during Spring training so it can still be done.

 

[alwysonvac]

If I pick up 81,000 staroptions from a mandatory resort, what are my chances at being able to use it in Hawaii and Phoenix?

I haven't looked at Phoenix, but Maui and Kauai are definitely doable.

With all timeshare systems, if you want to travel to a high demand property during a peak travel period and/or want a high demand room type, you'll want to book as soon as the booking window opens. The higher demand properties and room types will get booked first. You can use Interval International Travel Demand index to get a general idea of peak periods - link for Hawaii and Arizona.

The Westin Maui beachfront properties are the highest demand Hawaii properties. The Westin Maui oceanfront and ocean views are the highest demand Hawaii room types.

I've been using StarOptions to book various room types/sizes at the Westin Maui resorts over the years. It works for me since my travel dates are flexible and my travel preference is to visit during non-peak periods. Since I prefer an oceanfront or ocean view room, I tend to reserve as soon as the booking window opens at midnight eastern. Historically, room assignments have been assigned based on timestamp with the oldest timestamp perhaps getting a more desirable/located room.

The beachfront properties

• The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
• The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas North (link to property and view map for North & South)
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas (link to property and view map)

**Nanea doesn't offer lockoff units. Mostly two bedrooms units​

Hotel conversion located at beachfront hotel property

• Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas (link to property map)

** The Sheraton hotel conversion requires the same number of StarOptions as the other Hawaii resort but provides less living area and storage than the typical Westin vacation villas.​

Non-beachfront property

• The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas (link to property map)

 

[VacationForever]

Unless you buy at Kierland and reserve twelve months out at the stroke of midnight, you are very unlikely get Kierland during prime season (March/April).

I have booked March using SOs at 8 months.

 

[vacationtime1]

I have booked March using SOs at 8 months.

You almost certainly got someone's cancellation. March weeks are usually fully booked within minutes; they are extremely profitable rentals as well as being desired by owners. Buying SO's to reserve Kierland at the eight month mark will very likely be a frustrating experience.

 

[dioxide45]

I have booked March using SOs at 8 months.

There are always exceptions to "the rule".

 

[sjlola]

We've never had problems reserving a 1 br at WPORV at 8 months. Maui can be more difficult, depending on the season.

 

[KeithR]

We booked Princeville this evening at 8mos out and it's usually available. Interesting that 2 of the 3 Maui resorts were avail as well (we went to Nanea two weeks before the fire last year at 8 mos out). WSJ was also there which is semi difficult at times. Lagunamar and Harborside resorts weren't or at least didn't have ADA rooms.