WKORV Owner's Update tomorrow

[smsavage]

We're set up for the owner's update tomorrow. Just wondered if anyone has any burning questions.

Also, with regard to the time stamp, gotta love calling a year in advance when they open. It paid off and the view is incredible.

 

[Denise L]

Also, with regard to the time stamp, gotta love calling a year in advance when they open. It paid off and the view is incredible.

Great ! So which villa/floor/building did you get?

 

[formerhater]

If you can get any details on the potential Turtle Bay development as well as Cabo, that would be great. They mentioned them at our update last month, but I didn't push for more info and now wish I had. Thanks.

 

[Loriannf]

StarOption Revaluations

If you could, please ask regarding recent changes to StarOption values, ie. Lagunamar, and if others are planned.

I'm particularly interested because, prior to the recent change, we could have traded our WSJ 3 bedroom for a platinum 2 bedroom Lagunamar, now we can't. I'm also pretty steamed that my WSJ 3 bedroom can't get a new ORLANDO 3 bedroom.

Lori

 

[smsavage]

Great ! So which villa/floor/building did you get?

Hi,

We're in building 2 on the fifth floor, using the larger half of the lockout. I think that we're right next door to the deluxe ocean views. I'm not sure how you get to the 6th floor, because I couldn't have called any earlier than I did. Can't complain at all.

 

[DavidnRobin]

If you could, please ask regarding recent changes to StarOption values, ie. Lagunamar, and if others are planned.

I'm particularly interested because, prior to the recent change, we could have traded our WSJ 3 bedroom for a platinum 2 bedroom Lagunamar, now we can't. I'm also pretty steamed that my WSJ 3 bedroom can't get a new ORLANDO 3 bedroom.

Lori

Or asked another way - does SVO intend to ever correct the SOs for WSJ (Virgin Grand) units since they are so undervalued?

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hi,

We're in building 2 on the fifth floor, using the larger half of the lockout. I think that we're right next door to the deluxe ocean views. I'm not sure how you get to the 6th floor, because I couldn't have called any earlier than I did. Can't complain at all.

This would be an excellent question to ask - meaning... what is the actual process for room assignments at WKORV? {is it really purely based on time-stamp - then if so, how come people who are the first callers do not end up on the 6th floor when requeted?}

 

[rocky]

I would ask what they intend to do to rectify the disconnect between the number of starpoints a villa is worth(80K for a 2bdrm lockoff) given the recent devaluation of starpoints.

To be clear - an owner turns in their 2 bedroom lock-off (which provides a total of 14 nights lodging if each unit is used seperately) in exchange for 80K starpoints. Those 80K starpoints would in turn be able to book a STANDARD ROOM at the Westin Maui for SIX nights (best avail rate $405/night). So with the devaluation, a 2bdroom lockoff is worth only SIX NIGHTS in a Category 5 hotel room.

Starwood then turns around and rents the 2bdrm lock-off for $1320 a night. ($800 for the one bedroom side, and $520 for the studio.)

They must fix this.... otherwise, why buy from the developer???

 

[saluki]

Please ask about any of the rumored, possible new developments (Big Island, Turnberry Scotland, etc.).

Enjoy your trip!

 

[pointsjunkie]

could you ask about the W in vegas as a multi use including TS portion, and how is aruba progressing.? thanks

and where is turtle bay?

 

[rocky]

could you ask about the W in vegas as a multi use including TS portion, and how is aruba progressing.? thanks

and where is turtle bay?

Turtle Bay is on the North Shore of Oahu. There is a large resort with a nice golf course out there.... hotel rooms, condos, etc.

http://www.turtlebayresort.com/Home_Flash.asp

 

[Denise L]

Hi,

We're in building 2 on the fifth floor, using the larger half of the lockout. I think that we're right next door to the deluxe ocean views. I'm not sure how you get to the 6th floor, because I couldn't have called any earlier than I did. Can't complain at all.

What day did you check-in on? Most units are for Saturday check-in, so if you checked in on a Sunday, the 6th floor units closest to the ocean might have been taken. Perhaps another owner was taking two weeks above you. Sounds like you have a dedicated 1-bedroom next to the wrap-around ocean front deluxes?

 

[smsavage]

What day did you check-in on? Most units are for Saturday check-in, so if you checked in on a Sunday, the 6th floor units closest to the ocean might have been taken. Perhaps another owner was taking two weeks above you. Sounds like you have a dedicated 1-bedroom next to the wrap-around ocean front deluxes?

Yep, we checked in on Saturday. In walking down the hall (and counting balconies) it looks like there's one OV unit between us and the deluxe model. There was a good point made earlier about clarifying how room assignments are made, so that's on my to do list. At this point I've gotten everything requested so far written down, so I plan on posting the answers as soon after the update as possible.

I'll check in the morning just before we go in case something else needs answering.

Unrelated, but interesting, the seating area of the restaurant in now closed until the end of April. They're replacing a roof so that the seating area doesn't lie under a leaking roof when it rains. The restaurant is still open and the seating area has been moved temporarily to the area by the koi ponds in front of the lobby. Doesn't really impact anything that I've noticed. The bar is still open.

 

[DavidnRobin]

The 1Bd OV unit between you and the Dlx is one of the deeded 24 units in the Building - 6 on either side by the four corners of the building - both Buildings 2 & 3 have these units - plus there are 6 in B4.

 

[smsavage]

Hi all,

Here's the update from this morning. In short, as in life, there are no gurantees. Our sales rep was very nice and he tried to be as informative as he could.

As for WKORV-N, Phase one, the half nearest to WKORV, is due to open in July. The remainder will open on Jan 1, 2008. I asked about guranteed use of amenities and was told that homeowner's associations could vote not to participate. He qualified this by stating that that addressed the pools. I asked about the tennis courts at WKORV, as there would only be two for the two resorts adn was told that because Starwood owned them, access could continue if the HOAs do something different. The same should hold true for the gym at the N property. Nonetheless, if you can spend money there (spa, restaurant) you will always be able to go there.

He indicated that Lagunamar, Beaver Creek and Aruba are around the corner as far as opening, but I did not get a definite timeline. Turtle Bay and Vegas have been discussed, as has another property in the area of North Shore on Oahe (stated with an M but I can't spell it for the life of me). Nothing definite on any of these fronts either.

With regard to the staroption reallocation, he stated that earlier phases of VV also changed during initial phases. He was unaware of any pending plans to realign existing properties. He also did not know of any pending changes system-wide.

With regard to the starpoint conversion, he was unaware of any immediate plans to change starpoint alotments per villa. He stated that 50% of WKORV owners use their units, 33% convert to points, 13% enter the SVN network and 2% go to II. I know that ads up to 103%, but those were the numbers. He ventured a guess that if conversion to points drops to the 10% range a reallotment of starpoints may be a possibility. Again, this was only conjecture during conversation and didn't guarantee that any changes would be made.

As for the room assignment at WKORV, it's still first come first served. HE guesed that the sixth floor may have been occupied by multiple week users. My guess if that I just didn't specify it when I made the reservation. Best course of action is to make the request when the reservation is made.

In short, I didn't really learn much that we didn't already know on TUG.

Anyway, I hope that I helped someone answer something.

Best,
Scott

 

[rocky]

Thanks for getting back to us!

 

[Negma]

Update from WKV

So we went to our update today. Emphasis was on how the network is growing and they are pushing in Mexico and the Carribean. Mentioned Puerto Varaetta (sp) which I had not heard before. Also discussed next step going to Europe.

Discussed the points conversion issue, it seems that his is an area they wish they could affect, but they felt the owners would have to unite to change. Not a good answer. I also had this value argument with the inventory specialist (closer), but she was not really listening.

Tip that we did not know was that at the Elite line they will work with II to do a search of available properties before you deposit. I confirmed this with the Elite line folks (may do it for anyone I do not know). Must be done at max a year out from when you want the property.

They pushed Princeville and Cancun. Deal was EOY 24K for 2009. 100k points and the ability to buy 86K points for $1800 for both 2008 and $1800 again for 2009 (total of $3600 for 170K points) Canun was a little less. Then they went through the exporer package deal that David and Robin went through in their post.

They also said about 1000 5* members and again repeated the platinum limit of 2000 total. The inventory specialist (closer) said they were talking to about 1200 people a day (nationally)about ownership, by the looks of their office and considering the others I have been in that makes sense.

Hope that helps, we drive home tomorrow to begin dreaming about our next vaction--no we did not buy! Yet.............................

 

[pointsjunkie]

so confused, what is the 86k for $1800 for 2008 and 2009 which would be double? is this the explorer package? could you explain, please.

i spoke to elite services and they said there are only 600 5* elite. the sales people use it as a scare tactic so we will buy, buy ,buy!!!

 

[KOR5Star]

The number of 5 Star Elites is a moving target. I don't think we can get a straight answer. I'm not sure the troops are told how many there are.

The idea that they will stop the Platinum benefit at 2000 owners is ridiculous. What are they gonna say to the 2001st? There is just no way they will limit the number. They'll say with all the new hotels in the system and more coming on-line in the near future, there's a lot more bandwidth to support more Platinums... or something like that.

 

[Negma]

so confused, what is the 86k for $1800 for 2008 and 2009 which would be double? is this the explorer package? could you explain, please.

i spoke to elite services and they said there are only 600 5* elite. the sales people use it as a scare tactic so we will buy, buy ,buy!!!

Sorry, because occupancy is not until 2009, in addition to the 100,000 starpoint bonus for buying, they let (maybe not a good term) you buy an additional 86,000 starpoints for $1800 for 2008, and then you can buy an additional 86,000 starpoints for $1800 for 2009. The explorer package is separate from these numbers, but was offered at the end as well.

I agree the number of 5* is a moving number.

 

[BradC]

so confused, what is the 86k for $1800 for 2008 and 2009 which would be double? is this the explorer package? could you explain, please.

The way it was explained to me when I did a recent owner's update is that, since your first occupancy isn't until a few years away, they essentially give you the option of choosing to pay your maintenance fees and converting to StarPoints.

 

[duke]

The idea that they will stop the Platinum benefit at 2000 owners is ridiculous. What are they gonna say to the 2001st? There is just no way they will limit the number.

My bet is different....I think the Hotel side was forced to contribute the initial 2000 "SPG Platinum's for Life" and would do anything to take them back. I bet this was an agreement only to get the TimeShares started. I can see on FlyerTalk that SPG Platinums are not happy we get this for life without staying at the hotels 50 nights. I can not see anyway that the hotel division which is not part of the timeshare division gets any benefit except that they were initially forced by Corporate to give 2000. IN my mind there is no way they will continue this and moreover they hope it is forgotten. (IMHO)

 

[Cathyb]

Where is Turtle Bay? Find out about Aruba progress. Push for resort in Key West

 

[pointsjunkie]

My bet is different....I think the Hotel side was forced to contribute the initial 2000 "SPG Platinum's for Life" and would do anything to take them back. I bet this was an agreement only to get the TimeShares started. I can see on FlyerTalk that SPG Platinums are not happy we get this for life without staying at the hotels 50 nights. I can not see anyway that the hotel division which is not part of the timeshare division gets any benefit except that they were initially forced by Corporate to give 2000. IN my mind there is no way they will continue this and moreover they hope it is forgotten. (IMHO)

i think *wood has a very god reason to give the 2001 person and as many as there are because we are spending well over $100,000-$250,000 in their product. we won't come and go we are a permanent fixtures in starwood and it is a fabulous incentive to keep our product loyalty. otherwise we could buy where we want to go with any company.

 

[KOR5Star]

I wonder how many 5 Stars are also Platinum for biz & personal travel. I am Platinum in my own right. My wife gets the SVO Platinum, so we're both Platinum. I've only met a few other 5 Stars at the Welcome Elite cocktail parties and all were Platinum due to stays as well as ownership.

My wife may make one or two trips without me during the year. The rest of the time I'm with her, so we would have the Platinum benefits regardless.

As for the Flyertalk complainers... I complain the other way. I think it's WAY too easy to become Platinum. 25 individual stays?! C'mon. Be serious. I was Marriott Platinum before I bought into the SVN. That took 75 stays. They made me feel special at Marriott. They fall all over themselves for Platinums becuase there were so few of us. At Starwood, I'm nothing as a Platinum. Every-friggin'-body is a Platinum with Starwood. They've got no business complaining because a few more Platinums exist that spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to be there. The riff-raff I've met in the lounges should be happy some people with money have joined the club.

Sorry to sound condescending, but I personally feel the Platinum level in Starwood is broken. Kids screaming around the lounge, completely uncontrolled and unsurpervised. People with no manners. Ordering the attendant around like he/she is their personal servant. Leaving tables in filthy shambles. Walking out without tipping or even saying "thank you" for Pete's sake! Etc... Who raised these people?! :annoyed: I find myself taking my food and drink back to my room most of the time because I just can't witness it anymore. There a handful of locations which are mostly frequented by true business travelers. I'm so grateful to stay at one and engage in some polite evening chit chat.

I certainly miss the people and exclusivity of Marriott's program, but I'm all tied up with Starwood and recently supporting Diamond status at Hilton (due to the constant Starpoints devaluations... had to hedge my bets). Staying at a Marriott doesn't benefit my points portfolio nearly as much, so I must suffer on.