Within a month after Hawaii reopening from COVID we were able to exchange my parents timeshare for a week at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Villas (WKOV) in a 1 bedroom. We loved our trip, partially because there was no one there 
Fast forward a bit, we were able to go the following may on a Getaway award booked through (again) my parent's timeshare and Interval in a one bedroom at WKOV. While we were there, my partner was wooed into a timeshare presentation due to $250 credit for Pina Coladas at the bar. My parents always said that points timeshares were a lot more expensive and out of our means (which I generally agree for when iw as growing up). After hearing the presentation, we denied the "opportunity to buy at a great price" but were able to book an Encore package for 5 nights in a 2 bedroom at Nanea.
Between these trips I extensively researched the Vistana, Marriott and Hilton programs. To me, the best deal seems to be Vistana, and I am still trying to understand what my options are to make an educated purchase if/when we are ready. After a third trip to Hawaii staying at this property, we are pretty sold on the Westin product, and generally like where else you can exchange/use our points at. The maintenance fees are high but it is also Hawaii. I would prefer to use our timeshare in Hawaii, because it is an easy and quick flight from rainy Seattle for us, so the ability to book at a home resort there seems to be awesome for me, but I am also wondering if there is a better way. Many people trade points into higher tier properties, but my hesitation with that is flexibility and availability. You can always book something, but what are the odds that you will be able to book the week you want, which is where I like the Vistana program a bit more.
As an aside, i have looked into this Abound program, and am really wondering what the draw is. It wakes 148,100 Star Options to book a 2 bedroom, at any resort, any week in Hawaii. With the Abound program, it looks like you would transfer those to Abound, and then not be able to book any week, which means you will not be able to book any week of the year at the other Sheraton/Westin properties. AND, the maintenance fees are higher. I am confused, but maybe someone can clarify why there is excitement about the Abound program. Regardless, I am here to learn what I don't know, and see if I should be looking into something else, regardless of the program. We are not unfamiliar with timeshare philosophy the traditional way, but those weeks are becoming harder to use. Growing up, we went all over the place with my parents timeshare, but now, availability is mostly dried up unless you are lucky or place a request far enough out.
Sorry if that was an essay, but I am trying to determine what the best options are out there from a purely objective standpoint. The numbers need to make sense in our minds.
1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
Hawaii, but also open to visiting and discovering other tropical and snowy destinations. We love skiing, but are pretty self sufficient for skiing between friends, cheap motels and winter camping.
2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?
If in Hawaii, yes.
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Whistler, Caribbean occasionally, Vancouver Island and whatever else looks enticing. We are interested in other destinations like New York, Japan, etc, but most Timeshare usage would be in North America.
4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?
2-6, depends if friends come along.
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
For now, anytime, in the future, a school schedule will likely be in play.
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
Generally, yes.
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes.
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
3+, but I think we all agree the higher the nicer
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
Currently we would like to spend less than $15k. This also might be about a year out.
10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
I would like to be below $2500. I am willing to pay more for guaranteed bookings.
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
Yes.
12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?
Yup!
Fast forward a bit, we were able to go the following may on a Getaway award booked through (again) my parent's timeshare and Interval in a one bedroom at WKOV. While we were there, my partner was wooed into a timeshare presentation due to $250 credit for Pina Coladas at the bar. My parents always said that points timeshares were a lot more expensive and out of our means (which I generally agree for when iw as growing up). After hearing the presentation, we denied the "opportunity to buy at a great price" but were able to book an Encore package for 5 nights in a 2 bedroom at Nanea.
Between these trips I extensively researched the Vistana, Marriott and Hilton programs. To me, the best deal seems to be Vistana, and I am still trying to understand what my options are to make an educated purchase if/when we are ready. After a third trip to Hawaii staying at this property, we are pretty sold on the Westin product, and generally like where else you can exchange/use our points at. The maintenance fees are high but it is also Hawaii. I would prefer to use our timeshare in Hawaii, because it is an easy and quick flight from rainy Seattle for us, so the ability to book at a home resort there seems to be awesome for me, but I am also wondering if there is a better way. Many people trade points into higher tier properties, but my hesitation with that is flexibility and availability. You can always book something, but what are the odds that you will be able to book the week you want, which is where I like the Vistana program a bit more.
As an aside, i have looked into this Abound program, and am really wondering what the draw is. It wakes 148,100 Star Options to book a 2 bedroom, at any resort, any week in Hawaii. With the Abound program, it looks like you would transfer those to Abound, and then not be able to book any week, which means you will not be able to book any week of the year at the other Sheraton/Westin properties. AND, the maintenance fees are higher. I am confused, but maybe someone can clarify why there is excitement about the Abound program. Regardless, I am here to learn what I don't know, and see if I should be looking into something else, regardless of the program. We are not unfamiliar with timeshare philosophy the traditional way, but those weeks are becoming harder to use. Growing up, we went all over the place with my parents timeshare, but now, availability is mostly dried up unless you are lucky or place a request far enough out.
Sorry if that was an essay, but I am trying to determine what the best options are out there from a purely objective standpoint. The numbers need to make sense in our minds.
1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
Hawaii, but also open to visiting and discovering other tropical and snowy destinations. We love skiing, but are pretty self sufficient for skiing between friends, cheap motels and winter camping.
2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?
If in Hawaii, yes.
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Whistler, Caribbean occasionally, Vancouver Island and whatever else looks enticing. We are interested in other destinations like New York, Japan, etc, but most Timeshare usage would be in North America.
4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?
2-6, depends if friends come along.
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
For now, anytime, in the future, a school schedule will likely be in play.
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
Generally, yes.
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes.
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
3+, but I think we all agree the higher the nicer
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
Currently we would like to spend less than $15k. This also might be about a year out.
10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
I would like to be below $2500. I am willing to pay more for guaranteed bookings.
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
Yes.
12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?
Yup!
