upgrade at WKORV/WKORV-N?

[FlyKaesan]

Is it possible to get upgrade at WKORV/WKORV-N if you have Starwood Amex credit card?
I am not WKORV/WKORV-N owner but would I be able to get an upgrade if I got a lousy II exchange unit?
Or if I call few weeks before check in, can I request a better unit?

It seems like there are many WKORV/WKORV-N units in II than before.

 

[LisaRex]

The fact that there are many units available gives you the best shot at an upgrade, I suppose. But as an II trader, you're low man on the totem pole, behind WKORV owners, elite members, other SVN traders, and renters.

Rooms are assigned prior to arrival. Unless you have a real problem with your room, such as an infestation, you probably won't get re-assigned.

You might consider requesting the north property, however. Very few of the rooms there have crappy views; in fact, most have decent views of either the pool or the ocean. A good percentage of the south property has parking lot views, which would be worst case scenario.

Having a Starwood AMEX credit card will get you a cup of coffee in the Marketplace. To the tune of $5.75.

 

[vacationtime1]

LisaRex is correct on all points, especially that a parking lot view at "South" is the worst case scenario. But if you want to game the system, consider that "North" is the newer project so more owners are likely to use their units rather than exchange them. "South" may therefore have more ocean view units for exchangers.

FWIW, we exchanged into "South" last June and got an ocean view room. And considered ourselves to be very lucky.

 

[DeniseM]

Is it possible to get upgrade at WKORV/WKORV-N if you have Starwood Amex credit card?
I am not WKORV/WKORV-N owner but would I be able to get an upgrade if I got a lousy II exchange unit?
Or if I call few weeks before check in, can I request a better unit?

It seems like there are many WKORV/WKORV-N units in II than before.

If by upgrade, you mean a larger unit, it's very unlikely, because technically Starwood reserves that perk for 5 Star Elite members who paid big bucks to buy multiple weeks. If all elite members get upgraded and there are still upgrades available, they would go to Starwood owners first, then Starwood exchangers. You can certainly call, but it won't change the "pecking order."

You have a slightly better chance to perhaps upgrade your view, if the resort is very empty during off-season, but again, the Starwood pecking order takes preference, and it should, because owners paid $50K plus for these units!

Just to add - the Starwood AMEX gives you status with the Starwood hotel system (SPG) which is not recognized by the Starwood timeshare system.

 

[FlyKaesan]

so there is no connection what so ever with Westin TS resorts and Starwood Credit card?
I don't even receive points for staying at Westin resorts?

I think I have North 2bd unit at building 6 that looks like we will be staring at Southern building.
I couldn't see clearly what we will be looking at by looking at the map that was posted but I looked through Google map and it seems like that is the case.

 

[calgarygary]

so there is no connection what so ever with Westin TS resorts and Starwood Credit card?
I don't even receive points for staying at Westin resorts?

I think I have North 2bd unit at building 6 that looks like we will be staring at Southern building.
I couldn't see clearly what we will be looking at by looking at the map that was posted but I looked through Google map and it seems like that is the case.

That's not what the others have said. They have just said that having the cc puts you low in the pecking order. If you want to be higher in the pecking order then you will have to do more than stay at Westins, you have to purchase a Starwood ts.

 

[DeniseM]

so there is no connection what so ever with Westin TS resorts and Starwood Credit card?
I don't even receive points for staying at Westin resorts?

I think I have North 2bd unit at building 6 that looks like we will be staring at Southern building.
I couldn't see clearly what we will be looking at by looking at the map that was posted but I looked through Google map and it seems like that is the case.

Remember - it is very likely that you will not get the unit number on your confirmation.

But if you do, I wouldn't say that you will be staring at the Southern Bldg. (WKORV) because the Pirate pool area is between your unit and WKORV, and there is quite a bit of open space there. Look at this map - Find Bldg. 5 and unit 24 - that is the unit you said you had. You would also probably have a little ocean view between the 2 properties, because your unit angles toward the ocean.

But I'm confused - in the other thread on this topic you also had a different unit you were considering with a better view at WKORV? Did you choose the WKORVN unit?

I couldn't see clearly what we will be looking at by looking at the map that was posted but I looked through Google map and it seems like that is the case.

When I look up the WKORVN on google maps, the most current map just shows a construction site - it doesn't show the finished resort. Is that what you were looking at? Link to google map

so there is no connection what so ever with Westin TS resorts and Starwood Credit card?
I don't even receive points for staying at Westin resorts?

You will not receive any AMEX points for your stay - it was a II exchange.

You should receive points if you make purchases at the resort with your AMEX - like the restaurant, activities, from the store, etc.

 

[LisaRex]

so there is no connection what so ever with Westin TS resorts and Starwood Credit card? I don't even receive points for staying at Westin resorts?

Westin resorts are not the same as a Westin TS resort. The former is a hotel; the other is a timeshare condo community. The former is owned by Starwood and the latter is owned by Starwood Vacation Ownership (SVO). They are related, but have separate and distinct elite programs.

You won't earn StarPoints from SVO for staying on SVO properties as you do with Starwood for staying at Starwood hotels. No one does. However, the Starwood AMEX will give you double StarPoints for each dollar spent on SVO properties.

And no matter if you stay in a hotel or an SVO property, holding an AMEX cc doesn't give you any elite status for upgrades, unless you spend $30k on the card in 1 calendar year. Then you'll earn SPG gold, which might earn you an upgrade at a Starwood hotel, but isn't recognized at SVO properties.

 

[James1975NY]

SPG Points for stays at SVO properties....

You will only get SPG points on QUALIFIED stays. This means that using your timeshare (exchange or otherwise) is just that - using your timeshare. Points are earned by paying to stay at the resorts at a qualified SPG rate. As mentioned above, points are earned on the AMEX for general spending.

 

[FlyKaesan]

Wow, you got such a great memory.
I canceled Bldg. 5 and unit 24 since you said the other unit is far superior and I wanted more than studio unit.
My first week, I kept the 2 bd. With second week, I might be able to rent/exchange to building 6(that is if they do give what they suggested which they might not as you mentioned). I did call II and they said they will give that unit number that shows on my history to Westin so most likely I will receive that unit but there are chances that I won't get it as you said.
I once traded to Orlando and they did give me that unit number that showed on my history. but that could always change. Maybe I will ask other tuggers on another forum about this.
As for looking through Google map, I kind of pictured them together. With your map and empty construction site and it seems like it will definitely block any view and I got a low level so trees might hinder the view if I had any.
As for Starwood points, I think it would have been plus but it's ok if I don't receive anything by staying at resort. I will definitely use my AMEX at the resort.

Remember - it is very likely that you will not get the unit number on your confirmation.

But if you do, I wouldn't say that you will be staring at the Southern Bldg. (WKORV) because the Pirate pool area is between your unit and WKORV, and there is quite a bit of open space there. Look at this map - Find Bldg. 5 and unit 24 - that is the unit you said you had. You would also probably have a little ocean view between the 2 properties, because your unit angles toward the ocean.

But I'm confused - in the other thread on this topic you also had a different unit you were considering with a better view at WKORV? Did you choose the WKORVN unit?



When I look up the WKORVN on google maps, the most current map just shows a construction site - it doesn't show the finished resort. Is that what you were looking at? Link to google map



You will not receive any AMEX points for your stay - it was a II exchange.

You should receive points if you make purchases at the resort with your AMEX - like the restaurant, activities, from the store, etc.

 

[DeniseM]

Wow, you got such a great memory.
I canceled Bldg. 5 and unit 24 since you said the other unit is far superior and I wanted more than studio unit.
My first week, I kept the 2 bd.

Let me see if I understand this. The first week you have a II exchange for WKORV with the unit #242321

The 2nd week - you have a confirmation for WKORVN - in unit 5524

I did call II and they said they will give that unit number that shows on my history to Westin so most likely I will receive that unit but there are chances that I won't get it as you said.

Starwood has no obligation to give you the week that was deposited with II, so I would ignore what II said.

I once traded to Orlando and they did give me that unit number that showed on my history. but that could always change. Maybe I will ask other tuggers on another forum about this.

Was it a Starwood resort? Also, remember in Orlando, there is no issue about ocean view. It is a VERY big deal with owners at the Hawaii resorts. If you get an ocean view - don't tell anyone! Or you may get murdered by an owner at the pool!

As for looking through Google map, I kind of pictured them together. With your map and empty construction site and it seems like it will definitely block any view and I got a low level so trees might hinder the view if I had any.

What problem are you having seeing the maps posted on TUG? This map shows both resorts, the Pirate pool, and the ocean pretty clearly. The brown line on the far left shows the roof line of the WKORV. 5524 is right on the corner of the Pirate Pool area, next to the sidewalk, angled towards the ocean, over the middle of the Pirate Pool. Unless the map is inaccurate (a possibility) you should have a small ocean view between the 2 resorts.

I just noticed this:

I might be able to rent/exchange to building 6

Hang on to your exchanges - 2 bdm. ocean view units rent for about $3,500 a week - from owners, and a lot more from Starwood!

 

[LisaRex]

242321 is right on the corner of the Pirate Pool area, next to the sidewalk, angled towards the ocean, over the middle of the Pirate Pool.

I always thought WKORV numbers indicated: Building #, floor #, then villa #. Wouldn't 242321 be Building #2, 4th floor, 2 bdrm villa 23/21? I'm soooo confused.

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=564384&postcount=1

 

[DeniseM]

I always thought WKORV numbers indicated: Building #, floor #, then villa #. Wouldn't 242321 be Building #2, 4th floor, 2 bdrm villa 23/21? I'm soooo confused.

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=564384&postcount=1

Sorry Lisa - I will fix that - I transposed the room number from his OTHER reservation at the WKORV!

WKORV - unit #242321
WKORVN -unit 5524

(Duh-nise)

 

[Ken555]

If by upgrade, you mean a larger unit, it's very unlikely, because technically Starwood reserves that perk for 5 Star Elite members who paid big bucks to buy multiple weeks.

Um... I thought this perk got canceled.

:deadhorse:
​

 

[DeniseM]

Um... I thought this perk got canceled.

:deadhorse:
​

It's not canceled, it's just not guaranteed any more...Now they "surprise and delight you" with an unexpected upgrade. But something tells me a 5 Star Elite owner is going to get it before a II exchanger....

 

[FlyKaesan]

Now I think I understand. Most likely I won't get those units since I think they are space filler.
If WKORV owners deposit their fixed week and unit, then I might get it through II but if they have floating unit, then it's most likely another unit.
For WKORV owners, don't they deposit floating units into II?
Same goes for WKORV-N?

 

[FlyKaesan]

Sorry Lisa - I will fix that - I transposed the room number from his OTHER reservation at the WKORV!

WKORV - unit #242321
WKORVN -unit 5524

(Duh-nise)

I don't have unit 5524 anymore. I gave them more money for bigger unit.

 

[DeniseM]

Now I think I understand. Most likely I won't get those units since I think they are space filler. If WKORV owners deposit their fixed week and unit, then I might get it through II but if they have floating unit, then it's most likely another unit.

I don't think that makes any difference, because Starwood can still give an exchanger any unit they want and they aren't going to give an exchanger priority over a Starwood owner. About 1/3 of the units at the resorts are Island View and somebody has to get those units - guess who?

BTW - Starwood doesn't even have to deposit a unit from your home resort. Let's say I want to deposit my Maui week with II - Starwood doesn't even have to give them a Maui week - they could deposit a week from another Starwood resort and keep my Maui week in inventory for owners.

For WKORV owners, don't they deposit floating units into II?
Same goes for WKORV-N?

Almost all of the units at WKORV and WKORVN are floating units. Christmas and New Years are the only units that were sold as fixed weeks and the definitely won't get deposited into II.

So Starwood decides what Starwood weeks are deposited (bulk space banking) and Starwood decides what weeks are given to exchangers - there's no getting around it...

 

[DeniseM]

I don't have unit 5524 anymore. I gave them more money for bigger unit.

How'd you do that? What unit did you get on your confirmation? How many are in your party?

 

[FlyKaesan]

There will be 5 including myself.
It's my parents anniversary.
I decided to cancel my 2 bedroom due to new information I have received yesterday and days were off. I think it's better to just give little money for any TS instead of relying on Westin Maui and pay big bucks.
I won't rely on confirmation units anymore. That was good to know so I won't expect too much from this vacation. Just want to make special moments for my parents or at least trying to....
I am learning so much. Thanks to you all. I am hoping to purchase Starwood related TS someday. It's little too expensive for me as of now but in the future... who knows.

 

[LisaRex]

Maui is staggeringly beautiful and where you lay your head is less important than enjoying what's all around you.

I don't know what you're paying per night for these rooms, but if you're getting a 2 bdrm at WKORV for less than $500/night, you're getting quite a deal. If that's out of your budget, then I'd highly recommend renting a privately owned condo directly from an owner. I've done it in the past and had great luck.

 

[DeniseM]

There will be 5 including myself.
It's my parents anniversary.
I decided to cancel my 2 bedroom due to new information I have received yesterday and days were off. I think it's better to just give little money for any TS instead of relying on Westin Maui and pay big bucks.
I won't rely on confirmation units anymore. That was good to know so I won't expect too much from this vacation. Just want to make special moments for my parents or at least trying to....
I am learning so much. Thanks to you all. I am hoping to purchase Starwood related TS someday. It's little too expensive for me as of now but in the future... who knows.

So you canceled your WKORV exchange completely? What are your plans now?

 

[FlyKaesan]

My plan? hmm.... waiting....

I put a request for exact date I want to stay.
For the first week, I think I will arrive 1 day after check in date. That shouldn't be a problem, right? Do I just call in and let them know?
As for the second week, the previous reservations were off by 1 night. Saturday night meaning I had to go out and find a place to stay, Hotel maybe with 4 other people in a room. I didn't like that idea too much.
The FF miles reservation is due tonight so I have to make a decision by tonight. Decisions, Decisions.....
What would you do?
Then third week should be a short week but still thinking if I should reserve hotel room or TS in Maui or Oahu since we will be flying off Oahu.
If it's 4-5 nights, what would you do?

 

[LisaRex]

I'm sorry but I can't wrap my brain around what you're trying to do. If you offer specific dates and how you are booking these (e.g. as an II exchange) that would be helpful. FYI, WKORV's check-in days are Friday/Saturday and Sunday.

I will say that if you have a flight reserved with FF miles, book it now and work out the lodging later.

 

[DeniseM]

I would definitely book the FF seats as soon as possible, and work out the accommodations later. With the state of the economy and the price of airfare to Hawaii, I think we will see more deposits than usual in Hawaii.