Westin vistana membership

[byeloe]

if you buy Kierland you will have to pay the club fee, but that gets you an II membership. If you buy the 2 bedroom then the Larger Premium is worth 81000 options and the smaller gets 67100 options. You can deposit either or both units into II and then look for an exchange to a marriott resort

 

[Krrishv]

if you buy Kierland you will have to pay the club fee, but that gets you an II membership. If you buy the 2 bedroom then the Larger Premium is worth 81000 options and the smaller gets 67100 options. You can deposit either or both units into II and then look for an exchange to a marriott resort

81k in kierland gets 1 bedroom premium. But If I want to go to Hawaii in VISTANA properties I could still get 1 bed premium but not ocean front. So I am kind of checking all the star options chart. I am also checking one of the listing for Westin Kaanapali which is also mandatory resort, I see 148100 points 2 bed platinum listing price as $5k with maintenance of $3420. Trading interval international. Is this a valid one.

 

[vacationtime1]

It may be legit, but it has two problems.

First, it is almost certainly Island View. Island View at WKORV can mean a parking lot view (note: this is not an issue at WKORVN). Second, the maintenance fees are among the highest in the Vistana system. If you intend to trade, it is an unnecessary expense.

 

[Krrishv]

It may be legit, but it has two problems.

First, it is almost certainly Island View. Island View at WKORV can mean a parking lot view (note: this is not an issue at WKORVN). Second, the maintenance fees are among the highest in the Vistana system. If you intend to trade, it is an unnecessary expense.

Sounds like with all means, Kierland is ultimate value for money. Can some one tell me why I don't see how much starpoints with this redweek ad. https://www.redweek.com/posting/R12...3Z*MTcyODk2NDcyOS4xLjAuMTcyODk2NDczMi4wLjAuMA..

 

[WorldT]

If a seller doesn't pay for full service, redweek restricts the details that the seller can post. If you pay the $18 to join redweek, you can send the seller a message for the details. It is a way to push people into paying redweek for the full service product.

 

[vacationtime1]

Sounds like with all means, Kierland is ultimate value for money. Can some one tell me why I don't see how much starpoints with this redweek ad. https://www.redweek.com/posting/R12...3Z*MTcyODk2NDcyOS4xLjAuMTcyODk2NDczMi4wLjAuMA..

StarOptions, not StarPoints. StarOptions are the "currency" for Vistana timeshares. StarPoints were the currency for Starwood hotels, an entity which no longer exists (Starwood owned the Westin and Sheraton hotel brands; it was acquired by Marriott; the current hotel currency is Bonvoy points).

Why doesn't the ad state the number of StarOptions? Incompetence by the draftsman. The likely answer is 148100 based on the asking price and the MF's. But before buying, you would have Marriott verify that with an estoppel during the escrow process (when you are ready to buy; I don't think you are yet).

 

[Ski-Dad]

Sounds like with all means, Kierland is ultimate value for money. Can some one tell me why I don't see how much starpoints with this redweek ad. https://www.redweek.com/posting/R12...3Z*MTcyODk2NDcyOS4xLjAuMTcyODk2NDczMi4wLjAuMA..

I referenced ad clearly states "148.1K StarOptions" in the description.

 

[vacationtime1]

I referenced ad clearly states "148.1K StarOptions" in the description.

Oh, my. The descriptive text now varies depending on whether you are signed in as a Redweek member or as a non-paying guest.

 

[Ski-Dad]

Oh, my. The descriptive text now varies depending on whether you are signed in as a Redweek member or as a non-paying guest.

Interesting. Confirmed that I viewed as a Redweek member and it had the 148.1K detail. I logged out and viewed it again and the detailed description is not seen. The following is in the Ad description:

Annual PLATINUM PLUS (weeks 1-21 and 50-52) 2BR Lockoff Unit worth 148.1k StarOptions.
Mandatory deeded ownership and club use can be used to trade into other great Vistana/Westin/Sheraton resorts including Hawaii, Colorado, Florida, Bahamas, Mexico. Usage and maintenance fees start in 2025. Buyer will pay for closing costs and must use a reputable closing company. I highly recommend LT Transfers which has a great reputation and is fast and efficient. Closing costs of ~$600.
I have a few of these available for sale. Email direct: txtravel@gmail.com

 

[dioxide45]

Oh, my. The descriptive text now varies depending on whether you are signed in as a Redweek member or as a non-paying guest.

I seem to recall that the ad descriptions were limited if you weren't a member or were not signed in.

 

[Krrishv]

StarOptions, not StarPoints. StarOptions are the "currency" for Vistana timeshares. StarPoints were the currency for Starwood hotels, an entity which no longer exists (Starwood owned the Westin and Sheraton hotel brands; it was acquired by Marriott; the current hotel currency is Bonvoy points).

Why doesn't the ad state the number of StarOptions? Incompetence by the draftsman. The likely answer is 148100 based on the asking price and the MF's. But before buying, you would have Marriott verify that with an estoppel during the escrow process (when you are ready to buy; I don't think you are yet).

So during closing should we call Marriott verify the account number, star options + season.. is that what you mean?

 

[Krrishv]

StarOptions, not StarPoints. StarOptions are the "currency" for Vistana timeshares. StarPoints were the currency for Starwood hotels, an entity which no longer exists (Starwood owned the Westin and Sheraton hotel brands; it was acquired by Marriott; the current hotel currency is Bonvoy points).

Why doesn't the ad state the number of StarOptions? Incompetence by the draftsman. The likely answer is 148100 based on the asking price and the MF's. But before buying, you would have Marriott verify that with an estoppel during the escrow process (when you are ready to buy; I don't think you are yet).

So during closing should we call Marriott verify the account numberstar options + season.. is that what you mean?

Interesting. Confirmed that I viewed as a Redweek member and it had the 148.1K detail. I logged out and viewed it again and the detailed description is not seen. The following is in the Ad description:

Annual PLATINUM PLUS (weeks 1-21 and 50-52) 2BR Lockoff Unit worth 148.1k StarOptions.
Mandatory deeded ownership and club use can be used to trade into other great Vistana/Westin/Sheraton resorts including Hawaii, Colorado, Florida, Bahamas, Mexico. Usage and maintenance fees start in 2025. Buyer will pay for closing costs and must use a reputable closing company. I highly recommend LT Transfers which has a great reputation and is fast and efficient. Closing costs of ~$600.
I have a few of these available for sale. Email direct: txtravel@gmail.com

thank you. Appreciate it.

 

[byeloe]

So during closing should we call Marriott verify the account number, star options + season.. is that what you mean?

Which ever closing company that you use should take care of that.

 

[byeloe]

you will want the seller to make a reservation for you for 2025 since it can take upto 6months to complete the transfer

 

[dioxide45]

So during closing should we call Marriott verify the account number, star options + season.. is that what you mean?

Marriott usually won't offer this information up to a non owner. During closing, the closing company should obtain an estoppel from Marriott Vacations. You should ask to see it.

 

[vacationtime1]

Marriott usually won't offer this information up to a non owner. During closing, the closing company should obtain an estoppel from Marriott Vacations. You should ask to see it.

+1

It will cost you $75 and is absolutely worth it; this is how you verify that the unit is as advertised (size, season, # StarOptions, annual vs eoy, whether MF's are current).

Your escrow agent will get it for you. I would never fund an escrow without seeing it.

 

[Bill4728]

The only thing that I didn't see here that is an absolute must is to make sure that you buy a mandatory resort. Most Westin /Sheraton resorts are not mandatory.

Here is a list of the mandatory resorts:

Please note that there are sections of some of the resort which are mandatory and other sections that are not.

(Staroptions for a 2bd in platinum season.)

Westin St Johns WSJ: Hillside - Staroptions - 148,100

Harborside Atlantis - Staroptions - 148,100

Maui -WKORV-N - Staroptions - 148,100

Maui -WKORV: - Staroptions - 148,100

Disney World - Orlando SVV: Bella - Staroptions - 95,700

Disney World - Orlando SVV: Key West - Staroptions - 95,700

AZ Scottsdale WKV: - Staroptions - 148,100

 

[byeloe]

Disney World - Orlando SVV: Bella - Staroptions - 95,700

Disney World - Orlando SVV: Key West - Staroptions - 95,700

not sure that those are the best values at SVV

 

[dioxide45]

not sure that those are the best values at SVV

They aren't. The 1BR 44K units are the best (rare on resale) and the 2BR 81,000 are good too. As far as I know, there are no 3BR units in Bella. So, there is no 95,700 StarOptions available to purchase in Bella.

 

[VacationForever]

They aren't. The 1BR 44K units are the best (rare on resale) and the 2BR 81,000 are good too. As far as I know, there are no 3BR units in Bella. So, there is no 95,700 StarOptions available to purchase in Bella.

95,700 would be 2BR L/O, not 3BR.

 

[dioxide45]

95,700 would be 2BR L/O, not 3BR.

Ah, you're right. Still a poor value MF per SO when compared to the 1BR 44K and 2BR 81K.

 

[Krrishv]

The only thing that I didn't see here that is an absolute must is to make sure that you buy a mandatory resort. Most Westin /Sheraton resorts are not mandatory.

Here is a list of the mandatory resorts:

Please note that there are sections of some of the resort which are mandatory and other sections that are not.

(Staroptions for a 2bd in platinum season.)

Westin St Johns WSJ: Hillside - Staroptions - 148,100

Harborside Atlantis - Staroptions - 148,100

Maui -WKORV-N - Staroptions - 148,100

Maui -WKORV: - Staroptions - 148,100

Disney World - Orlando SVV: Bella - Staroptions - 95,700

Disney World - Orlando SVV: Key West - Staroptions - 95,700

AZ Scottsdale WKV: - Staroptions - 148,100

Thanks for your valuble inputs on Mandatory resort. Yeah I am going to get only in mandatory resorts for sure. I am not sure which mandatory resort will give value for money. For example this one

The Westin Kierland Villas Resale $12,999

Scottsdale, Arizona / Posting R1131517

www.redweek.com

This one sounds good for high season. But 2331 yearly maintanance, Does it do justice?

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks for your valuble inputs on Mandatory resort. Yeah I am going to get only in mandatory resorts for sure. I am not sure which mandatory resort will give value for money. For example this one

The Westin Kierland Villas Resale $12,999

Scottsdale, Arizona / Posting R1131517

www.redweek.com

This one sounds good for high season. But 2331 yearly maintanance, Does it do justice?

Those fees probably include the Club Dues, which you would need to pay. Realize that any mandatory you purchase resale won't be able to elect for Abound Club Points. You can only use it at your home resort, within the VSN network or exchange through Interval International. You can use points to book Marriott Vacation Club resorts.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Recommend only buying WKV P+ season (resale)

 

[Ski-Dad]

What is the difference in cost of acquisition (capital cost) between Mandatory SVV option and WKV?

We all understand there is a much lower MF to Star Options price Ratio at WKV.

How many years before the additional capital cost represents real out of pocket savings? I always start with an assumption that the initial capital cost with any timeshare is a sunk cost. How long am I really going to own this? If it takes me more than 5 years MF savings to cover the additional capital cost, I lean to the SVV purchase.

How am I going to unload this at some future date? You need an exit plan. Given it's present resale value, and my sunk cost assumption above, the WKV will be easier to unload.

Lastly on the real cost issue: Am I somewhat realistically confident that WKV will hold some of its value 5 to 8 years out? Where does that land me on the decision?

This is the way I think about timeshare purchases.

My ultimate timeshare exit strategy is somewhat easier. I am Canadian (non-resident in the USA is the key). I can walk away and not worry about a mark, or even shadow, on my credit rating. This is a last resort nuclear option, but it is an option. I couldn't ever trigger this without assuming I am walking away from all my Vistana and Marriott units. This is in my estate planning notes to my family. Cut them loose.