Timeshare Experience and Buying

[traveler4]

Hi All,

I’m brand new to this forum and have been following some of the discussion threads over the past couple of weeks. I have also reviewed the great information on the sticky notes on Starwood ownership. You have collectively assembled a fantastic resource.

We would like to purchase a Timeshare in Hawaii. The Westin Princeville or the original Westin Kaanapali locations seem to be the best options. I would expect to purchase one at first and then follow the requalifying process to get a second in the system. I guess I would buy resale at Kaanapali and direct from Princeville. While the girls are young, some of our primary destinations will be Hawaii, Cancun, Bahamas and St. John and then later be able to travel around the world with them (projected timing of the second purchase - 2 years after the first).

The goal would be to use the Options to visit other properties and after the requal, use Points for hotels. We feel that buying a timeshare will be a great way to continue to fulfill our deep desire to see the world and teach our young girls the joys of travel and understanding other cultures.

I would like to visit the Hawaii locations and experience staying at the property before making such a commitment, so my questions are:

1. What is the best way to get an offer to stay at both these locations on a timeshare sales experience? At the risk of being immodest on this forum (forgive me), we will meet the qualifying criteria.

2. Is buying these two properties the best way to achieve our long term goal of more extensive travel beyond Hawaii…

Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[DeniseM]

Welcome to TUG!

1. What is the best way to get an offer to stay at both these locations on a timeshare sales experience? At the risk of being immodest on this forum (forgive me), we will meet the qualifying criteria.

There are links in the Owner Resources sticky to current preview packages, but since WKORV & N are sold out, I don't know if they are offering preview packages at this time.

2. Is buying these two properties the best way to achieve our long term goal of more extensive travel beyond Hawaii…

I don't think so, because Hawaii has the highest yearly maintenance fees in the Starwood System. If you intend to exchange a lot, you would be better off buying at one of the mandatory resorts with low maintenance fees. In your situation it makes more sense to buy 2 mandatory weeks, resale.

I am not sure that the Starpoints from 2 weeks of ownership will do what you want them to do. The owners that get the most out of their Starpoints own multiple weeks and have Starpoints to burn. I don't think you will get extensive travel from the value of 2 weeks worth of Starpoints. I think there is more value in exchanging with Starwood, when you only own 2 weeks.

 

[traveler4]

Thanks Denise for your response.

It appears from you answer that the Points don't represent a great deal of value in booking hotels and other travel related neccessities. I understand your recommendation.

Three follow up questions:

1) If you were me, what would you purchase on the resale market: Property, view, season...we would want a 2 br, lockout.

2) If your recommedation is not to purchase in Hawaii due to maintenace fees, how easy/difficult is it to book into Hawaii 8 months out?

3) Starwood sales suggested that if a current owner makes a recommedation, then they will likely provide a timeshare package based on that referral. I guess that will be to Princeville or is there a new phase in Maui? Is there such a referral program? and if yes, can you or another owner help us get that recommedation(s). (sorry for being so bold, but this is the only way I can ask someone that knows the program)

Thank you.

 

[DeniseM]

Thanks Denise for your response.

It appears from you answer that the Points don't represent a great deal of value in booking hotels and other travel related neccessities. I understand your recommendation.

Three follow up questions:

1) If you were me, what would you purchase on the resale market: Property, view, season...we would want a 2 br, lockout.

Personally, I would buy where I wanted to go at least every other year, so I got the owners priority to reserve at 12 mos. and for a deeded view, if it's Hawaii. If you don't want to go anywhere every other year, then I would buy at Westin Kierland for Max. Staroptions at the lowest resale price, and use it for exchanging.

2) If your recommedation is not to purchase in Hawaii due to maintenace fees, how easy/difficult is it to book into Hawaii 8 months out?

Except for major holidays, it's getting easier all the time. Starwood now has 3 Hawaii resorts and is building 2 more - another one on Maui and another on at Poipu, Kauai.

3) Starwood sales suggested that if a current owner makes a recommedation, then they will likely provide a timeshare package based on that referral. I guess that will be to Princeville or is there a new phase in Maui? Is there such a referral program? and if yes, can you or another owner help us get that recommedation(s). (sorry for being so bold, but this is the only way I can ask someone that knows the program)

Thank you.

TUG rules do not allow members to offer these kind of packages on the board, but what you do by email or private mail is your own business. There are also a couple of links at the bottom of the Owner Resources sticky that are direct links to preview offers.

 

[Karen G]

Is there such a referral program? and if yes, can you or another owner help us get that recommedation(s). (sorry for being so bold, but this is the only way I can ask someone that knows the program)

Were an owner to post to this thread about referrals they could provide, it would be a violation of TUG rules. But, members of TUG have access to a place on the TUG classified ads for Member Promo Referrals where there are many such items posted.

Edit: Looks like Denise and I were writing at the same time. Great minds think alike!

 

[DeniseM]

Were an owner to post to this thread about referrals they could provide, it would be a violation of TUG rules. But, members of TUG have access to a place on the TUG classified ads for Member Promo Referrals where there are many such items posted.

Edit: Looks like Denise and I were writing at the same time. Great minds think alike!

Unfortunately, there are none for Starwood/Hawaii, probably because Starwood does not allow members to solicit referrals by advertising.

 

[traveler4]

Hi Denise,

Thank you for your quick response on my questions. I understand the TUG policy on referrals.

This is a truly a great resource for newcomers and I appreciate you all sharing your experiece.

Take care.

 

[DeniseM]

Glad to help!

Here's one more scenario that might work for you and save $$$ both on the purchase price and MF:

Buy a resale Every-Other-Year where you want to go.

and

Buy a resale EOY at Kierland for a trader.