What do you think re:Westin Nanea HomeOptions?

[lmnanea]

Like your expert/experienced insights.

Like to use Nanea as home resort and use 7 out of 10 times, and vary remaining 3 uses at other locations or do II exchange for Marriott Aruba, Chateau, Maui Napili or Ocean, St. Kitts.

what is the cheapest, most cost efficient way to purchase/own? Upfront cost and MF.

1BR suffice, however 2 BR would be nice. Flexible schedule, prefer to use 1st two weeks of Feb sometimes. Like pool or nice view but won’t pay premium for it. Have been lucky with trading or using Marriott Titanium status to wing an upgrade. Already own Westin Lagunamr, Marriott club points, Newport, Aruba Renaissance.

Thx.

 

[needvaca]

Buy a resale, cheaper mandatory Vistana property, like Sheraton Vistana Villages (Bella or Key West only) or Westin Kierland. The maintenance fees are also much lower than Nanea. Use the staroptions to trade into Nanea, which is almost always available at 8 months (except Christmas/NewYears).

To access the Marriott properties, you can trade your Vistana week through Interval International.

 

[vacationtime1]

A one bedroom at Nanea is a tough reservation most times -- and especially during whale season. People own HomeOptions, not units, and there are relatively few one bedroom units (the larger units don't lock off).

Why Nanea rather than WKORVN which has hundreds of one bedroom units and doesn't have parking structure views (the two resorts are 150 yards apart)? The latter is a mandatory property so a resale purchase comes with transferable StarOptions, or you could buy SVV or WKV as @needvaca suggests and reserve at WKORVN or Nanea (if available) for a fraction of the price.

Full disclosure: we've stayed at WKORV/WKORVN/Nanea over 20x and know these resorts well.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I would only buy Mandatory Options. I would never buy flex. You are obviously talking developer purchase, right? Buy what is a guarantee, buy Mandatory and not flex.

I wouldn't buy Nanea because of the smell outside. I have only traded in so don't get the best units. But I cannot get past it, no matter what. The lobby smells really great, but sometimes on the patio you can smell that awful sewage smell.

We have considered buying oceanfront Westin North or South a few times. It's been a discussion because we could lock off a 2 bedroom and stay two weeks. I like even the smaller side of the two bedroom, and it's just us.

 

[lmnanea]

A one bedroom at Nanea is a tough reservation most times -- and especially during whale season. People own HomeOptions, not units, and there are relatively few one bedroom units (the larger units don't lock off).

Why Nanea rather than WKORVN which has hundreds of one bedroom units and doesn't have parking structure views (the two resorts are 150 yards apart)? The latter is a mandatory property so a resale purchase comes with transferable StarOptions, or you could buy SVV or WKV as @needvaca suggests and reserve at WKORVN or Nanea (if available) for a fraction of the price.

Full disclosure: we've stayed at WKORV/WKORVN/Nanea over 20x and know these resorts well.

Thank you for insights. Recent WKORVN experience was awful. A bit impatient with arrogant management and poor service after 30 years of brand loyalty.

 

[lmnanea]

I would only buy Mandatory Options. I would never buy flex. You are obviously talking developer purchase, right? Buy what is a guarantee, buy Mandatory and not flex.

I wouldn't buy Nanea because of the smell outside. I have only traded in so don't get the best units. But I cannot get past it, no matter what. The lobby smells really great, but sometimes on the patio you can smell that awful sewage smell.

We have considered buying oceanfront Westin North or South a few times. It's been a discussion because we could lock off a 2 bedroom and stay two weeks. I like even the smaller side of the two bedroom, and it's just us.

Thank you for the sewer warnin. Had a nice unit, was unaware.

 

[lmnanea]

Buy a resale, cheaper mandatory Vistana property, like Sheraton Vistana Villages (Bella or Key West only) or Westin Kierland. The maintenance fees are also much lower than Nanea. Use the staroptions to trade into Nanea, which is almost always available at 8 months (except Christmas/NewYears).

To access the Marriott properties, you can trade your Vistana week through Interval International.

Thank you, apprciate insights.