Maui - Westin vs Marriott

[rthib]

Asked over on Marriott side but figure might get a different perspective over here.
Can trade into 1 Bedroom at Marriot Ocean Club, MKORV and MKORV-N and 1 or 2 bedroom at Nanea.

Just the two of us and wife's favorite thing is to sit on beach or watch ocean.
Which would you pick - also assume that current semi-lockdown continues.

Thanks

 

[Grandma2016]

Asked over on Marriott side but figure might get a different perspective over here.
Can trade into 1 Bedroom at Marriot Ocean Club, MKORV and MKORV-N and 1 or 2 bedroom at Nanea.

Just the two of us and wife's favorite thing is to sit on beach or watch ocean.
Which would you pick - also assume that current semi-lockdown continues.

Thanks

SOUTH PROPERTY HANDS DOWN

 

[vacationtime1]

SOUTH PROPERTY HANDS DOWN

North property hands down if you are exchanging (we've stayed at MOC, South, North, and Nanea -- a total of about 30 stays).

South has the dreaded parking lot view -- especially likely room assignment for exchangers. North doesn't have any really bad views. About 20% of Nanea units have views of parking structures.

MOC is south of Black Rock. Too crowded imho, although there are more restaurants and shops on that part of the beach; many prefer it.

 

[mauitraveler]

Asked over on Marriott side but figure might get a different perspective over here.
Can trade into 1 Bedroom at Marriot Ocean Club, MKORV and MKORV-N and 1 or 2 bedroom at Nanea.

Just the two of us and wife's favorite thing is to sit on beach or watch ocean.
Which would you pick - also assume that current semi-lockdown continues.

Thanks

We prefer the beach at the South Villas (as Grandma2016 does), which is an easy walk from the North Villas. However, as vacationtime1 stated, since you are exchanging in to Ka'anapali, KORVN does not have the dreaded parking lot views. When we request an exchange for our friends, we always request KORVN. CJ

 

[oneohana]

It's not a "dreaded parking lot view", it's a mountain view" view room.

 

[Sea Six]

When I go to South, I get a view overlooking the pirate ship kiddie pool. When I go to North, I get a view of the pirate ship from the other side. Same crappy view no matter what, can barely see any ocean. You never know what you'll get there. Unless you book a dedicated ocean front. Don't expect a great view unless you own one.

 

[Henry M.]

I much prefer the beaches north of Black Rock, so one of the Westin's would be my choice. The 1BR at Nanea are resort views. I am actually going to stay in one for 5 nights over Christmas, so I'll know more then. The last few years I've had good luck with the rooms I've used at WKORV-N. I like both WKORV and WKORV-N and own at both resorts. I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either one. As mentioned above, the South property has the potential for a worse view than North, but you never know what you will get. Both are still in paradise, and we don't spend that much time in the room anyway.

 

[Tucsonadventurer]

I believe there is no washer/dryer and a small refrigerator in Marriotts 1 bedroom so at least a 2 bedroom if Marriott. We love Westin north and Nanea a lot but I like the Marriott location better. Easier to walk to the marketplace and boat trips.

 

[PamMo]

Some random thoughts, for whatever they're worth. When trading in through Interval for a 1BR, I think it's a toss up between Marriott Ocean Club and WKORVN. Both resorts are great and the rooms are nice. It depends on what's most important to you on vacation. We own OF and OV at WKORVN and WKORV, and Marriott points.

The older section of MOC has a limited kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, and standard size refrigerator (it was upgraded during the last renovation). Older MOC towers have washer/dryer for your use downstairs, Westin units have a better kitchen and washer/dryer in the 1BR. I think the edge goes to Westin for unit comfort and convenience.

For activities on the beach, I give the edge to Marriott. The variety of pools is better, the landscaping is more mature, the beach is livelier, and there are a lot more restaurants, bars, shops nearby. The Westin pool deck (particularly North) feels way too crowded to me during busy seasons. At least at the Marriott, you can spread out on the lawn and have a great view of the ocean.

The Westin is in a quieter area of the beach, and has fantastic snorkeling right out in front of the resort. Duke's is just up the boardwalk, which is always fun for happy hour and sunsets.

If your wife likes watching surfers, MOC is the better choice.

A nice thing about a Marriott trade in Interval is that you can see what view you're going to get after you book. The room type is listed on the Interval confirmation. See MOC's room codes here - https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/marriott-ii-unit-codes.163130/page-10#post-1781885 (Post #233) If you don't get an ocean view or better code, you can cancel, or purchase ePlus and try a better trade later. With Westin, you won't know your view until you check in.

It's not super often or a big deal killer, but FYI if the weather is just so, ranking of sewer smell from waste water treatment plant (from worst to best): Nanea, WKORVN, WKORV, MOC.

 

[melissy123]

With Westin, you are lower than pond scum when coming in as an exchanger. You can count on getting the worst room at the resort.