Westin Kierland as a trader

[susan6103]

Just wondering how good a Westin Kierland (platinum) 1 bdrm is as a trader.
Would it get good trades in hawaii or am I better trying to get a trade through Starwood 8 months out?
Does II recognize a platinum week better?

 

[DeniseM]

WKV is over-kill for a II trader since a 2 bdm. will cost you around $13K and it has Staroptions - WKV is usually considered to be the most cost effective Starwood trader.

Most people consider a Gold Plus (1-52 floating) week at Sheraton Desert Oasis to be the most cost effective II trader - you can usually get a 2 bedroom look-off for under $1,500 all in and the MF is about $980.

 

[vacationtime1]

We own both WKV and SDO and use both to get to Hawaii. Both work well, but there are differences, benefits, and detriments.

SDO: Cheaper, as DeniseM points out. Reliable for off season trades, but it can sometimes take a while for confirmations, especially if you need a specific week. Possible upgrades on instant exchanges (i.e. getting a two bedroom WKORV for a one bedroom SDO).

WKV: StarOption trades are available almost any time at the eight month mark, except Christmas and New Years -- which sometimes allows for substantial savings on airfares. Same upgrades on instant exchanges.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Also, an SO exchanger may get a better location preference than an II exchange

 

[DeniseM]

Good advice from David and Robert - it just depends on what your strategy is and what your budget is.

If you can go to Hawaii during the off-season, a II trader works just as well.

 

[tomandrobin]

I agree with the above.....depends on how you would use the week.

We use our WKV in II every now and then. We have pulled some nice weeks.