Using StarOptions for Resort Credit - New Feature

[controller1]

I thought I would bump this thread.

For those with quite a few banked and/or restricted StarOptions due to Covid-19 cancellations this year, this could be a good way to use some of those StarOptions for your 2021 reservations especially if you believe you will have difficulty using the restricted StarOptions with their 120-day restriction.

It's not available at all resorts but if your resort reservation qualifies you get $110 of resort credit for each 9,000 StarOptions. Depending on your MF this could come close to making you whole.

 

[CPNY]

I thought I would bump this thread.

For those with quite a few banked and/or restricted StarOptions due to Covid-19 cancellations this year, this could be a good way to use some of those StarOptions for your 2021 reservations especially if you believe you will have difficulty using the restricted StarOptions with their 120-day restriction.

It's not available at all resorts but if your resort reservation qualifies you get $110 of resort credit for each 9,000 StarOptions. Depending on your MF this could come close to making you whole.

Does the resort credit expire? Any list of resorts it’s good at to share?

 

[controller1]

Does the resort credit expire? Any list of resorts it’s good at to share?

1) The resort credit is attached to a particular reservation and would need to be used with that reservation. My understanding is that once the credit is attached to the reservation it is non-transferrable and will need to be used completely as it is also non-refundable. Once the credits are attached to the reservation the only way to get the StarOptions back is to cancel the reservation. Read the early posts from @DeniseM at the beginning of the thread. The credits are available by calling Owner Services prior to your reservation arrival.

2) For sure all the Hawaii resorts are included as are Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Villages.

 

[dioxide45]

Can you use restricted StarOptions for resort credit?

 

[controller1]

Can you use restricted StarOptions for resort credit?

Yes, according to Owner Services in my phone call with them on Friday.

 

[controller1]

UPDATE - List of Resorts Expanded -- Use Limited to F&B and Marketplace Purchases

I've received additional information today from Vistana showing an expanded list of resorts where Resort Credits may be used. The Resort Credit feature may now be used at the following Vistana resorts:
- Sheraton Vistana Resort
- Sheraton Vistana Villages
- The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
- The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North
- The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
- The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
- Sheraton Kauai Resort
- Sheraton Broadway Plantation
- Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
- Sheraton Mountain Vista
- Sheraton Lakeside Terrace Villas at Mountain Vista
- Sheraton Desert Oasis
- The Westin Desert Willow Villas

The information I received also indicated a severe limitation on their use such as not available for cabana rental or spa services. I double-checked with Vistana asking for a "non-canned" response to my specific question and they confirmed Resort Credits may only "be used towards onsite food and beverage, as well as the Marketplace, which varies by location."

The other information received is something we have known since the beginning of this thread. "StarOptions from any bucket, such as restricted, banked, etc., can be used to request Resort Credits; however, there is no fee to trade StarOptions for Resort Credits. Please keep in mind that requests for Resort Credits must be made no later than three (3) days prior to check-in."

Hope this information helps.

 

[grrrah]

This is great info. thanks!!

1st world problem is that I'm lined up to have 17,850 extra options. need to find 150 more.

 

[critterchick]

UPDATE - List of Resorts Expanded -- Use Limited to F&B and Marketplace Purchases

I've received additional information today from Vistana showing an expanded list of resorts where Resort Credits may be used. The Resort Credit feature may now be used at the following Vistana resorts:
- Sheraton Vistana Resort
- Sheraton Vistana Villages
- The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
- The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North
- The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
- The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
- Sheraton Kauai Resort
- Sheraton Broadway Plantation
- Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
- Sheraton Mountain Vista
- Sheraton Lakeside Terrace Villas at Mountain Vista
- Sheraton Desert Oasis
- The Westin Desert Willow Villas

The information I received also indicated a severe limitation on their use such as not available for cabana rental or spa services. I double-checked with Vistana asking for a "non-canned" response to my specific question and they confirmed Resort Credits may only "be used towards onsite food and beverage, as well as the Marketplace, which varies by location."

The other information received is something we have known since the beginning of this thread. "StarOptions from any bucket, such as restricted, banked, etc., can be used to request Resort Credits; however, there is no fee to trade StarOptions for Resort Credits. Please keep in mind that requests for Resort Credits must be made no later than three (3) days prior to check-in."

Hope this information helps.

That's so helpful, thank you. We have an insane number of SO for 2020 - we can still bank them (5*) but if I can burn some off that would be helpful so we're not just kicking the proverbial can down the road.

 

[dioxide45]

That's so helpful, thank you. We have an insane number of SO for 2020 - we can still bank them (5*) but if I can burn some off that would be helpful so we're not just kicking the proverbial can down the road.

The only way to use them for resort credit is to also have an active reservation for which you will use them during your trip. If you aren't traveling in 2020, then you won't be able to get resort credit from them. Unless of course you bank them to 2021/2022 and use them for resort credit on a trip then.

 

[jabberwocky]

Was there ever a definitive answer provided as to whether the SO had to be from a developer purchased unit, or are mandatory resales also eligible? I noticed that discussed earlier in the thread - but I don't think it was reported back as to a resolution.

 

[VacationForever]

I am bringing this thread out of the cobwebs.

We decided against going to Rancho Mirage this Thanksgiving and we had booked the stay using expiring Star Options. I called member services who suggested that I convert expiring SO to resort credits and apply to a reservation for next year. I went ahead and made a reservation for next year and applied $1,210 worth of resort credit to the reservation. I did have to pay $75 for cancelling the Thanksgiving reservation. We will be eating at the resort restaurant alot...

 

[okwiater]

I am bringing this thread out of the cobwebs.

We decided against going to Rancho Mirage this Thanksgiving and we had booked the stay using expiring Star Options. I called member services who suggested that I convert expiring SO to resort credits and apply to a reservation for next year. I went ahead and made a reservation for next year and applied $1,210 worth of resort credit to the reservation. I did have to pay $75 for cancelling the Thanksgiving reservation. We will be eating at the resort restaurant alot...

I just want to make sure I understand what you did...

They let you convert Restricted SOs with a 2020 expiration to resort credits which were applied to a 2021 reservation?

If so, that is a GREAT feature!!

 

[SandyPGravel]

I am bringing this thread out of the cobwebs.

We decided against going to Rancho Mirage this Thanksgiving and we had booked the stay using expiring Star Options. I called member services who suggested that I convert expiring SO to resort credits and apply to a reservation for next year. I went ahead and made a reservation for next year and applied $1,210 worth of resort credit to the reservation. I did have to pay $75 for cancelling the Thanksgiving reservation. We will be eating at the resort restaurant alot...

Has the list of resorts expanded? I can't find a list on the VSE website. Can you point me in the right direction?

 

[VacationForever]

Has the list of resorts expanded? I can't find a list on the VSE website. Can you point me in the right direction?

Resort credits can be used at SDO, all resorts in Hawaii, Sheraton Steamboat, SVR, SVV and WDW.

 

[VacationForever]

I just want to make sure I understand what you did...

They let you convert Restricted SOs with a 2020 expiration to resort credits which were applied to a 2021 reservation?

If so, that is a GREAT feature!!

Yes.

 

[SVOForever]

Hello - I wanted to clarify - does anyone know what happens if (1) in the example above, even if that April 2021 stay is changed or canceled - where does the $1210 credit go? Gone, or able to apply to a new reservation? And (2) does the reservation have to be for me, or can it be for my father-in-law and their extended family?

 

[controller1]

Has the list of resorts expanded? I can't find a list on the VSE website. Can you point me in the right direction?

The list includes 13 properties. Here is an excerpt from an email response I received from Vistana.

 

[Sea Six]

It is a smart move if they want people to buy more Options. Probably this is a common objection, why would you buy more when some go to waste?

How do you buy more options? Points, yes, but options???

 

[Sea Six]

This thread is confusing. It is about using StarOptions for resort credit, not points.

 

[controller1]

This thread is confusing. It is about using StarOptions for resort credit, not points.

And why does that make the thread confusing?

 

[Sea Six]

And why does that make the thread confusing?

Because Options are not Points, yet people seem to be using them interchangeably. You can't buy Options. They have different values, but you can buy points, etc, etc. It's all mixed up.

 

[dioxide45]

Because Options are not Points, yet people seem to be using them interchangeably. You can't buy Options. They have different values, but you can buy points, etc, etc. It's all mixed up.

You can buy Home Options in Westin or Sheraton Flex, Aventuras or at several other properties that sell Home Options. No?

 

[SVOForever]

I will probably call them to discuss. Sorry ... on my end, I'm not confused - it seems clear it is StarOptions, not any kind of "points" otherwise ... but what I'm not clear on still is whether my wife's family, staying in a unit I book for them as the owner, can use our restricted Options next year or not.

 

[VacationForever]

Hello - I wanted to clarify - does anyone know what happens if (1) in the example above, even if that April 2021 stay is changed or canceled - where does the $1210 credit go? Gone, or able to apply to a new reservation? And (2) does the reservation have to be for me, or can it be for my father-in-law and their extended family?

I think it would be gone forever, Clementine... It is tied to a reservation which you make, so if you add your friends/family as guests and they check into your reservation, they should be able to use the resort credits. Yes, best to call to discuss. If they don't answer their phones, chat works.

 

[KACTravels]

I called WKORN to ask and they clarified that (at least right now) the resort credits from SOs can only be used for food and beverages at WKORN. She also made it very clear that it is use it or lose it. It seemed that she was being overly cautionary about it. Then she said I would have to call Owner Services 72 hours prior to arrival. i will call tomorrow and get $110 for the remaining Restricted SOs that we have left.