Vistana FAQ Complement

[dave1979]

Hi,
This forum is an amazing source of wisdom. Thank you.
I have spent some time but could not find the answer to the below questions, I think that they are very general and could potentially be added to the Vistana FAQ (https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/s...-to-timesharing-or-starwood-start-here.63224/)

• What happens when a Vistana property need some overall such as roof or front lift? It would be called "special assessment" in a regular building. Does it make regular maintenance fees go up or is it billed separately? How often does it happen?
• When booking using Staroptions through VSN what are the rules for arrival and departure dates? Will the number of Staroptions varies based on the day of arrival?
• In the Staroptions chart there is no distinction between Island Views and Ocean Views only a distinction with ocean front. Are island view and ocean view valued the same when using VSN? Can we get ocean view at booking outside the home resort or will be most likely get island (basic) views?
• Is it possible to book a week with breakfast (or all inclusive if that exist) using Staroptions? I would think that those are very valuable in Mexico for example
• I believe that the VSN membership fees increased from $170 to $300, this along with maintenance fees creeping up every year is my biggest concern. Any take on whether it is likely to happen?

Thanks a lot.

 

[DeniseM]

• What happens when a Vistana property need some overall such as roof or front lift? It would be called "special assessment" in a regular building. Does it make regular maintenance fees go up or is it billed separately? How often does it happen?

Resorts have Reserve budget that are part of our maintenance fees that pay for ongoing maintenance. Major damages like a hurricane or an ambitious remodel may also require a special assessment. I know of a few for Vistana, but they are not common.

• When booking using Staroptions through VSN what are the rules for arrival and departure dates?
• Will the number of Staroptions varies based on the day of arrival?

During the 8 mo. Staroption reservation window you can reserve any available nights up to 21 nights.

7 night stays will always require the same number of Staroptions. Shorter or longer stays will vary. Weekends require around twice as many Staroptions as mid-week.

• In the Staroptions chart there is no distinction between Island Views and Ocean Views only a distinction with ocean front. Are island view and ocean view valued the same when using VSN? Can we get ocean view at booking outside the home resort or will be most likely get island (basic) views?

When you make Staroption reservations you choose the view you want, if available. Island View and Ocean View require the same number of Staroptions, so Ocean View gets booked faster. You will be assigned to the view on your confirmation, however, there is a wide range of locations within each view.

• Is it possible to book a week with breakfast (or all inclusive if that exist) using Staroptions? I would think that those are very valuable in Mexico for example

I'm not away of any. With Interval and RCI, there are additional fees for all inclusive.

• I believe that the VSN membership fees increased from $170 to $300, this along with maintenance fees creeping up every year is my biggest concern. Any take on whether it is likely to happen?

Maintenance fees will increase every year - I plan for 5%, in a normal year. There was a big jump this year because Marriott bundled all of Vistana's nickel and dime fees into one yearly fee - I prefer this.

 

[dioxide45]

I believe that the VSN membership fees increased from $170 to $300, this along with maintenance fees creeping up every year is my biggest concern. Any take on whether it is likely to happen?

Denise answered the other questions, but the VSN fee is $170 for VSN only members who own one VOI. There is an additional fee of $65 for two or more VOIs. If one has VSN in Abound, then the fee can vary between $230 and $295.

 

[daviator]

Hi,
This forum is an amazing source of wisdom. Thank you.
I have spent some time but could not find the answer to the below questions, I think that they are very general and could potentially be added to the Vistana FAQ (https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/s...-to-timesharing-or-starwood-start-here.63224/)

• What happens when a Vistana property need some overall such as roof or front lift? It would be called "special assessment" in a regular building. Does it make regular maintenance fees go up or is it billed separately? How often does it happen?

Only in a poorly-managed building would roof replacement or elevator refurbishment require a special assessment. These are predictable expenses, and well-managed properties (Vistana resorts included) put aside reserves to cover these. Your maintenance fees cover contributions to replacement reserves. The only time you should ever see a special assessment if if something happens that was completely unexpected and cost a lot of money to deal with.

• In the Staroptions chart there is no distinction between Island Views and Ocean Views only a distinction with ocean front. Are island view and ocean view valued the same when using VSN? Can we get ocean view at booking outside the home resort or will be most likely get island (basic) views?

OV and IV are the same value in VSN. Room assignments have traditionally been based on the order in which reservations are made. In my experience, if you book right at 8 months, you'll probably have a choice of views, except at the most popular times of year. In any case you'll be able to see which view category you are booking into.

• Is it possible to book a week with breakfast (or all inclusive if that exist) using Staroptions? I would think that those are very valuable in Mexico for example

No

• I believe that the VSN membership fees increased from $170 to $300, this along with maintenance fees creeping up every year is my biggest concern. Any take on whether it is likely to happen?

The membership fee for VSN hasn't changed for those not enrolled in Abound. It's still $170 for one property and most likely that would apply to you if you are buying resale. It could change in the future but hasn't gone up in years. Maintenance fees typically rise at the rate of inflation or higher. Like Denise, I usually expect at least 5% per year. This year was higher, mostly due to higher inflation and huge jumps in wages.