Westin & Hapuna timeshare?

[klpca]

Saw a couple of threads on Tripadvisor hinting that the Hapuna Beach Prince Resort is converting some rooms to timeshares, and another saying that it would be rebranded as a Westin. I don't stay up on these things so maybe I missed it. Anyone have any more info?

"rebranding" thread" - Hapuna is undergoing major construction as well, adding a new pool, restaurants, and spa, and is rebranding as a Westin, but it's supposed to be complete in February.": https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTop...2018-Kailua_Kona_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

"timeshare" thread - They said it is the low rise three story “oceanfront” wing that is timeshares and not part of the hotel rooms now. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTop...tin-Kohala_Coast_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

 

[Free2Roam]

I can't answer your question, but I LOVE your profile photo!!

 

[KevSki]

Their website says it will debut June 25th as the Westin.

 

[Henry M.]

I don't know about the timeshare side of things, but the resort is definitely becoming a Westin, as shown on the Hapuna Resort Web Page.

COMING SOON! Our newly renovated resort along the Kohala Coast at Hapuna Beach will debut on June 25th as The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

The hotel is also featured at the Starwood Hotels Web Page

 

[DeniseM]

Even if they add some timeshare units, it can be branded and managed by Westin, but not be part of the Vistana Signature Experiences.

 

[KevSki]

Even if they add some timeshare units, it can be branded and managed by Westin, but not be part of the Vistana Signature Experiences.

 

[controller1]

Even if they add some timeshare units, it can be branded and managed by Westin, but not be part of the Vistana Signature Experiences.

I was under the impression Vistana had the exclusive right to the use of the Westin and Sheraton brands for timeshare properties. I certainly think they can be managed by Westin but I'm not sure they can be branded as Westin.

UPDATE: I just checked. In the May 2016 press release announcing the ILG acquisition of Vistana from Starwood, ILG stated they had " . . . the worldwide exclusive rights in vacation ownership to the Sheraton®, Westin®, and Hyatt® brands".

 

[dioxide45]

I was under the impression Vistana had the exclusive right to the use of the Westin and Sheraton brands for timeshare properties. I certainly think they can be managed by Westin but I'm not sure they can be branded as Westin.

UPDATE: I just checked. In the May 2016 press release announcing the ILG acquisition of Vistana from Starwood, ILG stated they had " . . . the worldwide exclusive rights in vacation ownership to the Sheraton®, Westin®, and Hyatt® brands".

"Had" only because of the SPG/Marriott Rewards integration and the how Marriott Vacation Club comes in to the mix. Vistana still has exclusive rights to sell and operate Westin and Sheraton timeshare properties. However, there are timeshares at properties that are managed by Marriott International. Sheraton Buganvilias Resort in Puerto Vallarta is in no way related to Vistana, though it is associated with the Sheraton Hotel. The Dawn Beach Club in St Maarten is in a similar situation. It sits beside the Westin Dawn Beach hotel and they also share facilities, however owners at Dawn Beach Club are in no way part of Vistana or VSN. I don't know the specific relationships with these properties. Realize thought that Marriott and formerly Starwood do not really own many if any properties. They sell their name under management or license or in franchise agreements .The properties are owned by other entities. I suspect what is happening here is that the owners of those hotels have created timeshares on the same piece of land as the hotel and are selling timeshare units independent of the actual affiliation with Marriott International.

 

[Henry M.]

Perhaps there aren't really timeshares there. I found articles about the Hapuna Beach Residences that sound like what is being built at this property. These are more like luxury condos.

 

[klpca]

Perhaps there aren't really timeshares there. I found articles about the Hapuna Beach Residences that sound like what is being built at this property. These are more like luxury condos.

That makes more sense. I couldn't figure out how Tuggers didn't already know about it.

 

[taterhed]

The word I read (after seeing this thread) implied that 1 lower-tier (behind pool) building was being converted--and would be considered 'separate.'
Not sure if true.....

 

[DavidnRobin]

Westin Napa Verasa has vacation intervals that are not part of the Westin Vacation Club (VSE). It also operates as an SPG hotel.

ILG/VSE did not mention this location as further development in their annual reports.

 

[dioxide45]

Even Marriott has similar situations. In Aruba, there is the Renaissance Aruba. It is a Marriott hotel property in downtown Oranjestad. There is also a timeshare property there that is managed by Marriott International but the HOA and property is not part of Marriott Vacation Club.