Westin Ka'anapali -North vs Original

[howiebearsd]

I'm thinking of buying a resale 2bedroom lockout ocean view annual at one of the Ka'anapali resorts. Any thoughts on one vs the other?

 

[Henry M.]

I own at both and like both.

WKORV has slightly larger rooms. The area around the pool is more expansive. Some negatives are that the IV rooms can have a parking lot view, and the studios don't have a lanai/balcony. Some of the OV rooms are also not situated very well and can look either into the center court of the resort or the parking lot of the park next door.

WKORV-N is quieter. The worst island view room there is not as bad as even some of the OV at WKORV. The studios do have a lanai, even if a little small. The rooms are smaller too. There's a lot more activity in the pool area at WKORV. There's an adult pool at WKORV-N that is usually not very crowded. I think the kiddie pool also keeps the younger guests away from the older crowd. WKORV-N has slightly higher maintenance fees.

If I were using the whole lock-off and had several people along, I'd prefer to stay at WKORV. If I were splitting the lock-off and it was just me and my wife, I'd prefer to stay at WKORV-N. The lanai is important to me when I am at the beach.

If you are looking for an OF unit, I'd go with WKORV.

Overall I think both properties are very nice. I prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle of Whaler's Village and that was one of the reasons I went with Westin as opposed to Marriott. Other people probably feel exactly the opposite, so you might want to look at Marriott too.

The other reason was that at the time the new Marriott tower was not even built or started. There's no comparison in the rooms between the hotel conversion at Marriott and the Westin, but I hear the new towers are nice.

I guess I'd go with the unit on which I could get the best deal.

 

[gregb]

We own an OF in the North units, but have stayed in both. We prefer the North side. It is quieter. There are more OF units, but you need to visit them before you buy to be sure you understand what Ocean Front means at WKORV-N. The lack of Lanai on the studios for the WKORV was a deal breaker for us. Since it is just my DW and I, we split the unit and stay two weeks..

We considered the Marriott, but liked the beach at WKORV-N much better. The Marriott beach is quite narrow, and at times almost completely disappears. You can walk down towards the Sheraton to get a bigger beach, but the beach right in front of WKORV-N is great.

We kind of liked that the Marriott was on the beach walk, down from Whaler's Village, but find that the Westin/Sheraton shuttle works very well. And we have walked to Whalers Village several times from WKORV-N.

Before we bought WKORV-N, we toured the model rooms at the Marriott during the construction and found the Marriott units to be pretty much the same as WKORV-N. But if you go with the Marriott, make sure you are in the new towers, or you will get converted hotel rooms without a real kitchen.

One other consideration. Marriott has many more time shares and hotels than Starwood. If you plan to do a lot of trading, then Marriott may be a better deal. We have been somewhat disappointed in our travels as it seems that many of the places we go, there aren't any convenient Starwood hotels around.

Greg

 

[DavidnRobin]

We own an OF in the North units, but have stayed in both. We prefer the North side. It is quieter. There are more OF units, but you need to visit them before you buy to be sure you understand what Ocean Front means at WKORV-N. The lack of Lanai on the studios for the WKORV was a deal breaker for us.

sorry... the WKORV OF (Corner=Dlx, Center=Prem) studios do have a lanai (the OV and IV studios do not) - the Dlx OF studio is ~80sqft. I have been in both OF villas (WKORV and WKORVN) and think that the Dlx OF villas at WKORV are superior to WKORVN OF (size, light, view, and especially the lanai on the 1 Bd side - ~8ftx25ft! - and parallel to the ocean ). There are only 24Dlx OF and 12 Prem OF villas at WKORV.

Added: If I recall correctly - there are approx. 80 OF villas at WKORVN...i think {I listed the numbers in a thread a while ago}

I have photos...

{yeah - and have full ovens...lol... and yes - MFs are tough - wouldn't it suck owning a 2Bd Dlx IV - glad we love our OF...}

 

[LisaRex]

Since you stipulated that you're looking for OV, I'd say go with the north side. As others have said, having a lanai on the studio side is key if you intend to split your unit. Also, there is one entire building on the south side that is coded OV that looks over a parking lot. You'll avoid the stress of getting assigned a unit in that building if you avoid the south side entirely.

That being said, I'd certainly send some emails to OF owners on both sides to see if any of them are willing to come down to your price point. OF on either side trumps OV. South is preferable because they are bigger and I like the decorating better, but OF prices are lower on the north side. Both sides have a lanai on the OF studios.

I would personally stay away from the deluxe aka premium units unless I was planning to travel with a whole gaggle of people because the MFs are 25% higher. MFs are already chokingly high.

Good luck and happy negotiating.

 

[luv_maui]

Isn't another difference that WKORN-N does not have ovens whereas WKORV do have ovens? Friends of ours went to Westin Kierland and couldn't bake fresh warm chocolate chip cookies like they like to do. And, using the microwave as supposedly a convection oven didn't work at all at Westin Kierland.

Also, if deciding between Marriott Maui Lahaina (new purpose built timeshares - not the renovated hotel rooms) and Westin, the lock off has Washer/dryer at Westin and NOT at the Marriott. Maybe not a factor to some, but it is a factor for us since we like the ability to travel somewhat light on clothes and wash as needed.

 

[LisaRex]

Isn't another difference that WKORN-N does not have ovens whereas WKORV do have ovens? Friends of ours went to Westin Kierland and couldn't bake fresh warm chocolate chip cookies like they like to do.

That is a difference if it's important to you.

You can use a convection oven to bake cookies but you have to select the correct button. The big mistake Starwood made is assuming people are well acquainted with the MW/convection ovens. Most are not.

 

[readyalready]

If you have young children, I think the lock off situation at N is better.

WKORV was my most favorite timeshare until I stayed in the new towers at the Marriott, the whole family liked Mar better...

 

[ciscogizmo1]

That is a difference if it's important to you.

You can use a convection oven to bake cookies but you have to select the correct button. The big mistake Starwood made is assuming people are well acquainted with the MW/convection ovens. Most are not.

I am very familiar with convection ovens as I have two at home. I have one on my regular oven and one on my microwave. The appliance that Starwood bought operates nothing like mine at home. I used the one at WPORV so, I'm assuming it is the same as the one at WKORV-N. Anyways, I would say I'm pretty good cook. Those convection ovens do not bake cookies like a regular "Convection" oven would. It is not that they are difficult to use, the fact remains that they don't cook your food properly. I tried to make scones and they came out horrible: parts of it was overcooked while the other part was under cooked. So, I think, if an oven is important to you like you want to make a Thanksgiving turkey then, I would avoid the units at WKORV-N. It is important to me so, I'm glad we own a unit with full size working oven.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

If you have young children, I think the lock off situation at N is better.

WKORV was my most favorite timeshare until I stayed in the new towers at the Marriott, the whole family liked Mar better...

I agree... I do bring door stoppers for both doors to hold them open.

 

[howiebearsd]

Thanks for all of this great information!

For an OF owner in either resort, is it ever difficult to reserve an OF unit? As I understand the process, if I were to be shut out of an OF unit, I would have to wait until the 9 month reservation time period starts and compete against all SVN owners for an OV or IV. In other words, should I be concerned about the relatively low numbers of OF units available for any given time period?

 

[DeniseM]

Thanks for all of this great information!

For an OF owner in either resort, is it ever difficult to reserve an OF unit? As I understand the process, if I were to be shut out of an OF unit, I would have to wait until the 9 month reservation time period starts and compete against all SVN owners for an OV or IV. In other words, should I be concerned about the relatively low numbers of OF units available for any given time period?

You are only guaranteed your deeded view from 12 - 8 mos. out from your check-in date. From 0 - 8 mos. out you lose the right to your deeded view and they could put you anywhere - at that point you are an SVN exchanger.

For the best results, you want to put in you Resv. at exactly 12 mos. out at 8:59 ET. If you can't commit at 8-12 mos. out, there really is no point in buying OF.

 

[DavidnRobin]

If you can't commit at 8-12 mos. out, there really is no point in buying OF.

DM is correct about this - and (for us) I would only consider buying OF at WKORV (south). We have had no issue reserving our OF during the Owners reservation period at 8-12 months out.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

You are only guaranteed your deeded view from 12 - 8 mos. out from your check-in date. From 0 - 8 mos. out you lose the right to your deeded view and they could put you anywhere - at that point you are an SVN exchanger.

For the best results, you want to put in you Resv. at exactly 12 mos. out at 8:59 ET. If you can't commit at 8-12 mos. out, there really is no point in buying OF.

I would clarify that you are guaranteed your view if there is availability. I don't know why but everytime I read this statement it tells me I'm guaranteed a room when I'm not (I'm not picking on you either but a lot of people say it like they will never get shut out of a room). I've called at 9 months out and my room view was not available. If that is the case then you have to wait until 8 months to reserve even if there is availability in other categories. I think, the statement should read that you can reserve your view from 12 to 8 months if there is availability. If there is no availability then, you must wait until 8 months to reserve a unit and again subject to availability.

 

[DeniseM]

I've called at 9 months out and my room view was not available.

That's the first time I've ever heard of that happening - was that at one of the Maui resorts? What week?

 

[pharmgirl]

I would clarify that you are guaranteed your view if there is availability. I don't know why but everytime I read this statement it tells me I'm guaranteed a room when I'm not (I'm not picking on you either but a lot of people say it like they will never get shut out of a room). I've called at 9 months out and my room view was not available. If that is the case then you have to wait until 8 months to reserve even if there is availability in other categories. I think, the statement should read that you can reserve your view from 12 to 8 months if there is availability. If there is no availability then, you must wait until 8 months to reserve a unit and again subject to availability.

This is the reason we won't buy anymore *wood ts. We bought a specific view but are not assured of getting it. Would help if they at least let you know when reserving if your view is not available. Then i would just reserve another week instead of being unpleasantly surprised when arriving.

Marriott has online reservations and you can check if your view is or isn't available on a particular day

 

[LisaRex]

Marriott has online reservations and you can check if your view is or isn't available on a particular day

I agree that this would be an awesome feature. It would alleviate all the angst people have about their room assignment and allow us to pick and choose our week based on the best room available.

 

[Ken555]

I would clarify that you are guaranteed your view if there is availability. I don't know why but everytime I read this statement it tells me I'm guaranteed a room when I'm not (I'm not picking on you either but a lot of people say it like they will never get shut out of a room). I've called at 9 months out and my room view was not available. If that is the case then you have to wait until 8 months to reserve even if there is availability in other categories. I think, the statement should read that you can reserve your view from 12 to 8 months if there is availability. If there is no availability then, you must wait until 8 months to reserve a unit and again subject to availability.

Sorry, I'm confused.

Was there availability at all when you called at nine months out? Or, was the resort simply full the week you wanted to go? I assume you mean that there was availability when you called for the week you wanted to go, that it was nine months out, and that they could not get you your view. If so, that's a slap in the face for all of SVN and the room allocation system, at least as far as I understand it. Obviously, you are entitled to your view - assuming availability.

What am I missing?

 

[gregb]

Time shares are like the telephone system. If everyone picks up the phone at the same time, most will not get a dial tone. The system doesn't have the capacity to handle everyone at the same time. A time share is similar. If everyone asks for the same week, the system only has enough capacity to handle 1/51 of them. The rest will have to try for a different week. So if you want a high demand week, you had better be one of the first to call at exactly 12 months out. Look at your resort and figure out how many units they have in your view category. You have to be in line before that many other people call to reserve your week. It seems that "ciscogizmo1" was completely shut out for the week he wanted.

I believe that if you call for a reservation, and they don't have any more units with your view category available for that week, they will tell you that. At that point, ask about the other arrival days for that week. For my last reservation, I was told that there are no more villas available for a Saturday arrival, but if I want to come in on Sunday, they have units available. So I took a Sunday arrival. Ended up in a beautiful, 6th floor OF.

I had not considered what "ciscogizmo1" said about having to wait until 8 months out to ask for your week in a different category, even if it is a lower one (?). But I guess I understand that. They have told the folks that bought the other category they get first shot during the 8-12 month window. If they allowed me to reserve a unit in a different category than I own, it could lock out someone that has purchased that view category.

Greg

This is the reason we won't buy anymore *wood ts. We bought a specific view but are not assured of getting it. Would help if they at least let you know when reserving if your view is not available. Then i would just reserve another week instead of being unpleasantly surprised when arriving.

Marriott has online reservations and you can check if your view is or isn't available on a particular day

 

[LisaRex]

I am very familiar with convection ovens as I have two at home. I have one on my regular oven and one on my microwave. The appliance that Starwood bought operates nothing like mine at home. I used the one at WPORV so, I'm assuming it is the same as the one at WKORV-N. Anyways, I would say I'm pretty good cook. Those convection ovens do not bake cookies like a regular "Convection" oven would. It is not that they are difficult to use, the fact remains that they don't cook your food properly. I tried to make scones and they came out horrible: parts of it was overcooked while the other part was under cooked. So, I think, if an oven is important to you like you want to make a Thanksgiving turkey then, I would avoid the units at WKORV-N. It is important to me so, I'm glad we own a unit with full size working oven.

Hmm, we cooked a back-at-home pizza in it and it came out fine. However, we had to cut it up in smaller pieces because it didn't fit. But certainly I agree that if an oven is important to you, you should buy the south.

 

[DavidnRobin]

I have reserved twice at just before 8 months (for studio side - one ended up on 5th floor -other has yet to go)- it may also have to do with week wanted. I can imagine that during busy weeks (Pres Day week, Spring Breaks, 4th July, an Asian vacation week in early Aug, and Thanksgiving week) is tougher. I did get a Thanksgiving week reserved (2Bd LO) at 10 months (3rd floor). I called at exactly 12 months (5th floor, but wanted B2 southview) and 11 months (6 floor - B3 north) for non-event weeks.

At 8-months open villas at WKORV/N become part of SVN - doesn't matter on view - the way it works and is part of CCRs.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

That's the first time I've ever heard of that happening - was that at one of the Maui resorts? What week?

Yes.. it was at WKORV. I had a week reserved that I was trying to rent and the person wanted me to change weeks. It was not available. There was a one bedroom available but not a studio.

 

[gregb]

Got my copy of the Owner's Handbook yesterday and in reading it I discovered an interesting twist on reserving a villa. According to the CCR's, owners of fixed units and fixed weeks must confirm their reservation before 10 months out. If they don't,at 10 months their units move into the floating pool. So if you try for a particular week between 12 and 10 months out and are shut out, you might try again exactly 10 months out to see if a fixed unit of your type popped free.

Greg

 

[James1975NY]

Sorry, I'm confused.

Was there availability at all when you called at nine months out? Or, was the resort simply full the week you wanted to go? I assume you mean that there was availability when you called for the week you wanted to go, that it was nine months out, and that they could not get you your view. If so, that's a slap in the face for all of SVN and the room allocation system, at least as far as I understand it. Obviously, you are entitled to your view - assuming availability.

What am I missing?

When you call to make reservations from 12-8 months in advance, Starwoood will ONLY entertain and offer availability within the view category that you own. They will NOT offer an ocean view villa to on OF owner that did not get the week they wanted.

 

[Ken555]

When you call to make reservations from 12-8 months in advance, Starwoood will ONLY entertain and offer availability within the view category that you own. They will NOT offer an ocean view villa to on OF owner that did not get the week they wanted.

Y'know, that actually makes a lot of sense to me. Thanks, Jim!