Reserving WKORV Studio 90 days out

[Catazog]

We have reserved our 2BR lockoff at WKORV for Ocotober 2009. We plan to borrow StarOptions from 2010 so that we can reserve an additional Studio unit there for the same week (Oct 17 - 24, 2009). I know that you can only borrow StarOptions 90 days out from your day of arrival (after first paying the next year's maintenance fees). My feeling is that we shouldn't have a problem reserving a Studio 90 days out for mid-October, which is not their busy season.

What do you all think? We are taking a group of friends with us and would like to have to extra Studio so that it's less crowded. With no sign of the economy improving quickly, I'd imagine travel to Hawaii will continue to be light. Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

 

[DavidnRobin]

A couple next to us (in the OF center studio) last week - reserved within the 90-day window. They did not own OF (but were 5*/PFL) - they just asked.

 

[Catazog]

That's a good sign! Wow, ocean front. We're lowly IV, but are 3*Elite. My husband is a Starwood Platinum, but that's irrelevant to timeshare reservations.

 

[LisaRex]

Before I borrowed StarOptions, I'd:

a) Direct all my spending to the Starwood AMEX in order to take advantage of the StarPoint and/or cash/StarPoint promos that *wood offers during low seasons.

This year,'s fall promo for an IV studio at WKORV/N was: 12,000 SPs per night OR 4,800 SPs + $90 per night.

OR

b) I'd rent a studio via WOTIF.com (studios usually rent for $150-200/night) or via Starwood directly. This year they offered SVO owners a rate of $159 per night.

OR

c) I'd contact several of the many owners renting and offer $900, which covers MFs + a small profit. The market is very soft right now. Not only could you possibly help an owner out if they accept, but you may end up with a better view.

Remember that if you borrow StarOptions:

You lose your view and, more importantly, you have to pre-pay the next years' MFs at the time you borrow. Whatever you decide to do, you should have no difficulty getting into WKORV in October.

 

[jkrischt]

I just borrowed from 2010 for another unit for this Feb. If I was able to borrow over Valentine's Day, you should be just fine for Oct!

 

[James1975NY]

Before I borrowed StarOptions, I'd:

a) Direct all my spending to the Starwood AMEX in order to take advantage of the StarPoint and/or cash/StarPoint promos that *wood offers during low seasons.

This year,'s fall promo for an IV studio at WKORV/N was: 12,000 SPs per night OR 4,800 SPs + $90 per night.

OR

b) I'd rent a studio via WOTIF.com (studios usually rent for $150-200/night) or via Starwood directly. This year they offered SVO owners a rate of $159 per night.

OR

c) I'd contact several of the many owners renting and offer $900, which covers MFs + a small profit. The market is very soft right now. Not only could you possibly help an owner out if they accept, but you may end up with a better view.

Remember that if you borrow StarOptions:

You lose your view and, more importantly, you have to pre-pay the next years' MFs at the time you borrow. Whatever you decide to do, you should have no difficulty getting into WKORV in October.

And...

If you are 100% sure that you want to use some of your 2010 time, you can open a "request first" against the 2010 time with II and avoid having to pre-pay maintenance fees. If for some reason, you are not able to confirm through II, then you can also explore the 90-day options period when you can borrow.

 

[Catazog]

Thank you, everyone! These are all great ideas. It sound like whatever I decide to do I won't have a problem getting another studio in October 2009.