Should I do Starwood/Westin?

[Bubbasgonefishin]

What have week rentals for the 3BR units typically run, does anyone know (or has anyone successfully rented out their place)? $3k? More? Thanks.

I'm not sure I can answer this as I'm trying to rent ours. Is it allowed to post in public how much?

 

[DeniseM]

I'm not sure I can answer this as I'm trying to rent ours. Is it allowed to post in public how much?

Click on Tommy_Boy's blue user name and send him a private message...

 

[Tommy_Boy]

Very helpful response

Thanks for your insights, very helpful Bill! appreciate it.

Tommy Boy--I own at Vistana Villages and Harborside, both both direct from the developer. If I could do it all over again, I would not have bought at SVV and bought an EOY at St. John instead. With 2 school aged children, I am tied to the school calendar. I have tried to trade into WSJ during the summer months at 8 months out and had no luck. I was able to trade my SVV for a week in a one bedroom at Harborside once so I could have 2 weeks back to back, but had to cancel it when my plans changed. The MF's have doubled in the 6+ years I have owned at SVV and you don't get much in terms of the amenities. The MF's are reasonable I feel at Harborside but I do not know how long that will hold. Starwood's MFs are pretty high when compared to other resorts which is a big issue to most here.

I really do like the Starwood system...I almost bought at HHI direct from Marriott years ago, but liked the idea that Starwood was set up as quasi points and have never had a problem with availability at the 12 month mark. If you buy one of the Mandatory TSs resale, you could trade within the SVN system. FWIW, I am happy with the resorts, and am trying to buy more. I just cancelled a WSJ purchase as there was an issue with clear title, but I hope to try again as I do not like the hassle of the uncertainty of exchanging. Although I have to note that I have gotten great trades through II that have made me happy, the odds of finding WSJ and Harborside during peak times are slim to none.
Personally I would buy more TSs, but I have lots of friends who own Marriott and I usually rent from them if I need more weeks. I usually travel 5-6 weeks a year, so I need more TSs, but renting has an addded benefit. I can usually rent for not more than MFs, so I am not locked into the same locations every year. Plus the getaways on II are great. Only you know what will make you happy, so good luck with your decisions. Just remember, the Starwood board is great at answering questions, so ask away.

Regards,
Anita