New Starwood TS resort on sale today!

[Ken555]

No, I think it's the usual valuation for a prime location in the prime season. It's just the terminology that's confusing us. It looks to me like:

Platinum + is what we normally call Platinum.

Platinum is what we normally call Gold.

Silver has stayed silver.

You're only accurate if they mean the same. Does Plat+ cover a similar time period, or is it just for special weeks? If only a few weeks, then how can you realistically compare it to Platinum elsewhere? And If, as you suggest, it's the same game just named differently, then why the different Options values? To me, I would guess that the Platinum period would be ski season, with Plat+ being holiday weeks during that time.

I think the changes in Options allocation on the new resorts requires some serious contemplation. Starwood, in my opinion, is changing the value of the resort by more than the $$$ they charge for a new unit, but also by the ability for existing owners to trade into new resorts. I'm happy that they didn't do this in Cancun, Aruba or Princeville...and am surprised they did so in Steamboat. Perhaps they feel justified because they have 2 and 3bd units only, and no studios or 1bd.

I was really excited to hear they were buildling in Steamboat (Champagne snow!) but looking at this I know I will never stay at the TS (unless I trade in via II). Of course, I'd probably use Points to stay at the hotel instead...I'm overflowing in StarPoints but not StarOptions and I try to squeeze all I can out of my Options!

 

[SDKath]

No, I think it's the usual valuation for a prime location in the prime season. It's just the terminology that's confusing us. It looks to me like:

Platinum + is what we normally call Platinum.

Platinum is what we normally call Gold.

Silver has stayed silver.



Here's the downloadable brochure located at the above site:

http://www.starwoodvacationownership.com/factsheets/sheraton_steamboat_resort_villas_factsheet.pdf

It also lists the StarOptions for the three seasons. The Platinum (formerly known as Gold ) and Silver seasons are give slightly differing values than we've seen before.

Glorian

Yes, basically looks like another devaluation of StarOptions and trading ability for owners of other Starwood properties. In a nutshell, the only demand weeks (the ski weeks) are now considered Plat + and cost an arm and a leg(the rest of the weeks at a resort like this are almost useless as most people probably buy here to ski). Bummer.

I hate to see what Riverfront is going to look like pricing wise. K

 

[LisaRex]

Yes, basically looks like another devaluation of StarOptions and trading ability for owners of other Starwood properties. In a nutshell, the only demand weeks (the ski weeks) are now considered Plat + and cost an arm and a leg(the rest of the weeks at a resort like this are almost useless as most people probably buy here to ski). Bummer.

I hate to see what Riverfront is going to look like pricing wise. K

I'm assuming all new resorts are going to be assigned higher and higher StarOptions simply because they want to give folks an incentive to buy from the developer. The only real benefits to buying from SVO, IMO, are 1) the ability to convert to StarPoints; 2) the ability to trade within SVN; and 3) the ability to combine your StarOptions.

1) In order to sell the StarPoint conversion gimmick (because that's what it is), they have to assign sufficient points to show prospects what a great deal it is to be able to convert to hotel points. The salesman will have a chart which will show them that they'll be able to convert their villa into a week in Paris!!! Or how about a week and a half in Sydney? What they won't tell them is that the conversion ratio is at its peak now and that their StarPoint currency will decrease in value exponentially over time.

2) In order to sell SVN, they will have to assign enough points to their units to show new owners how they can use their StarOptions to trade to any property, in any season, within the SVN network. What they won't tell them is that the owners at the older resorts, whose StarOptions are now devalued, would rather sell their unit on the rental market or do a direct exchange than to hand in their unit and take the pebbles that Starwood is willing to give them.

3) In order to sell the ability to combine StarOptions, they have to convince one unit owners and resale owners that buying from the developer will give them the advantage of combining their StarOptions to stay in places like Aruba and Steamboat. They'll even have the audacity to show pictures of a good looking couple skiiing down a picturesque mountain. What they won't tell them is that their chances of getting into Steamboat during ski season, or a 3 bedroom unit in Aruba in the summer, is nil.

So while I hope the new property does well because a healthy SVO is best for me, my opinion remains that buying from the developer is not worth the price you pay. Buy where you want to go on the resale market and be happy that you paid 30-50% less than other folks.

 

[pointsjunkie]

the staroption chart values are exactly the same as every other SVN resort.
3br HRA,aruba, steamboat 196900,125000,55700
2 br hra,aruba,staemboat 148100,95700,46500

i don't see any change in the"devaluation of staroptions". the only resort that got screwed is WSJ, which i still do not understand.

 

[LisaRex]

the staroption chart values are exactly the same as every other SVN resort.
3br HRA,aruba, steamboat 196900,125000,55700
2 br hra,aruba,staemboat 148100,95700,46500

i don't see any change in the"devaluation of staroptions". the only resort that got screwed is WSJ, which i still do not understand.

Hmm, you're right. I wonder how they could possibly sell these owners on the StarPoint conversion feature.

 

[Transit]

If sales lag they can just change SO's like they did in Mexico.

 

[LisaRex]

If sales lag they can just change SO's like they did in Mexico.

Can you expand on this? Was it before or after sales started?

 

[Transit]

Denise posted the original numbers here.Sometime after sales lagged Starwood increaced SO's and changed some of the numbers around there were several posts on this.Here's another

 

[duke]

Looks like if I could negotiate a requal our 2 resales at once - we could get to 5* with a 3Bd Plat+ purchase of $65K

David:
Since you purchased your WPORV, you could purchase 2 EOY's here and requal both your resales and get 5* and PFL.

I say go for it!

duke

 

[SDKath]

the staroption chart values are exactly the same as every other SVN resort.
3br HRA,aruba, steamboat 196900,125000,55700
2 br hra,aruba,staemboat 148100,95700,46500

i don't see any change in the"devaluation of staroptions". the only resort that got screwed is WSJ, which i still do not understand.

I was thinking more that it's the Platinum becoming Platinum PLUS and so on. Platinum PLUS of course are the only desirable weeks in the resort, ever. It's not like Maui, where I'd love to go no matter what month.

K

 

[grgs]

You're only accurate if they mean the same. Does Plat+ cover a similar time period, or is it just for special weeks? If only a few weeks, then how can you realistically compare it to Platinum elsewhere? And If, as you suggest, it's the same game just named differently, then why the different Options values? To me, I would guess that the Platinum period would be ski season, with Plat+ being holiday weeks during that time.

I think the changes in Options allocation on the new resorts requires some serious contemplation. Starwood, in my opinion, is changing the value of the resort by more than the $$$ they charge for a new unit, but also by the ability for existing owners to trade into new resorts. I'm happy that they didn't do this in Cancun, Aruba or Princeville...and am surprised they did so in Steamboat. Perhaps they feel justified because they have 2 and 3bd units only, and no studios or 1bd.

I was really excited to hear they were buildling in Steamboat (Champagne snow!) but looking at this I know I will never stay at the TS (unless I trade in via II). Of course, I'd probably use Points to stay at the hotel instead...I'm overflowing in StarPoints but not StarOptions and I try to squeeze all I can out of my Options!

While the StarOptions chart on the link I listed above for the Sheraton Steamboat doesn't name the seasons, the three seasons for a 2 bedroom are listed as:

Weeks 1-15, 48-52: 148,100

Weeks 21-39: 95,700

Weeks 16-20, 40-47: 46,500

The StarOptions chart for Sheraton Mountain Vista lists the three seasons for the 2 bedroom LO as:

Weeks 1-15, 48-52: 148,100

Weeks 21-39: 81,000

Weeks 16-20, 40-47: 46,500

So where there does seem to be some devaluation for the mid-season level (summer), I don't see the devaluation at the peak season. There isn't any indication that I'm aware of that Plat + only represents a few select weeks.

Glorian

 

[spuppy]

While the StarOptions chart on the link I listed above for the Sheraton Steamboat doesn't name the seasons, the three seasons for a 2 bedroom are listed as:

Weeks 1-15, 48-52: 148,100

Weeks 21-39: 95,700

Weeks 16-20, 40-47: 46,500

The StarOptions chart for Sheraton Mountain Vista lists the three seasons for the 2 bedroom LO as:

Weeks 1-15, 48-52: 148,100

Weeks 21-39: 81,000

Weeks 16-20, 40-47: 46,500

So where there does seem to be some devaluation for the mid-season level (summer), I don't see the devaluation at the peak season. There isn't any indication that I'm aware of that Plat + only represents a few select weeks.

Glorian

A salesperson at SVO direct told me that plat+ weeks for steamboat are 48-50 and 1-15.

The information is consistent with 1) the steamboat staroption chart, which lists weeks 1-15, 48-52 as the top season for staroptions, and 2) the fact that x-mas and new years (weeks 51,52) are sold separately as event weeks, i.e., x-mas and new years have the top star-option value, but are sold as separate weeks.

By the way, a 2-bedroom condo at steamboat sheraton goes for $1039 per night on spg.com during ski season.

 

[Kildahl]

Anyone know the II code for this resort? Couldn't find it in the II online directory.

Sorry Pit, I can't answer your question but I like your avatar.
Wish they were on TV today.

 

[SDKath]

So where there does seem to be some devaluation for the mid-season level (summer), I don't see the devaluation at the peak season. There isn't any indication that I'm aware of that Plat + only represents a few select weeks.

Glorian

Sorry. Just to clarify, I am talking about the price, not the SO! $20,000 upcharge in plat plus! K

 

[grgs]

Sorry. Just to clarify, I am talking about the price, not the SO! $20,000 upcharge in plat plus! K

Ok, I get your point now. I also agree with Ken555's point that the lack of 1 bedroom and studio units does restrict the number of SVN owners that who will be able to trade in using StarOptions.

Glorian

 

[pointsjunkie]

i was told that when aruba goes on sale they will only be selling the 2 br l/o and they will not sell them separately. there will only be 6 3br l/o. and they are calling the seasons plat plus and platinum. i think they are just changing the terminology.

 

[gopogo]

According to the last info I got from the corporate offices (via a salesperson of course), Aruba will only have 4 3 bedrooms and they are being sold as fixed weeks only--not float.

Here's the thread:
http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59935

 

[pointsjunkie]

sorry, my mistake. 4 units,we will never get into them. guess i will leave the family home for that trip.

 

[Transit]

sorry, my mistake. 4 units,we will never get into them. guess i will leave the family home for that trip.

A 2bed plus a studio should accomidate your big crew for the same SO's