WKV Trip Report

[DavidnRobin]

Day 1 - We tried to leave SF Peninsula at 5AM - Robin was slacking - so we didn't get on the road until 5:30 - not bad. 6 hours to Palm Springs - averaging 85mph - one bad traffic jam outside San Bernadino - stopped at In/Out Burger (30 min) before trek into AZ.

Got to WKV 4PM - right at check-in - 10 1/2 hours!

Started causing trouble right away while standing in the check-in line (short) . I was joking with Robin about people hassling the Front Desk clerks about being 4* and trying to get whatever they could (upgrades, cocktails, points, etc) and a nice couple overheard and said they were 4* and it had no advantage - after excusing myself due to the roadtrip delirium - long story-short... they may end-up on TUG looking how the requal a reasle with a SVO purchase to get to 5*/Plat (I should work for SVO... or TUG...) :hysterical:

Went over to the Gold/Plat Check-in part of the Front desk - heck - "maybe we are Gold...?" (I am thinking - why not? we could just be misinformed about how SVO works...)

After getting a really rotten room location - I realizing this on the spot when I saw the room number - ty TUG. We only reserved in Dec when we bought - the seller hadn't reserved a week)- and asked for B5-B6 highest floor - and we were getting put onto the 1st in B6 (drag...), after throwing on my charm, and whatever else I could muster ('did I mention we are newlyweds and got married during our WKORV OF stay....?') - he went to put us on the 2nd floor - again, mentioning how we got engaged during our WSJ stay... he hummed - and said those magic words... 'wait a minute... a room just came up' SCORE!. Corner unit on the top floor in the new B7 - looking West over the golf course. Did I mention Robin LOVES sunsets...? more later

 

[ketamine]

Have fun you two! I really enjoy your posts!!

Dr K

 

[ciscogizmo1]

I love live trip reports!!! How fun... Have a GREAT week..

 

[DavidnRobin]

The unit is brand spakin' new - clean - good size - the balcony is about 9x12. Heavenly bed (check), Heavenly shower (check), Heavenly jacuzz tub (check), gas fireplace (I guess for the 2-months it gets cold here?), double sink (Robin loves this), nice artwork, A/C works well (rattles a bit), excellent furnishings - lots of space.

Golf ball on the balcony - leaving a hole in stucco. Yikes! Watch out there - that could smart... Robin was on balcony and a ball went wizzing by - and I thought I was a bad golfer - you almost have to try and hit a ball up here...

We saw a hawk on the cornice of the roof - Robin thought it was a statue to scare away something (?) - she can be so cute sometimes... beautiful bird - looking for rabbits on the golf course I suppose.

Incredible sunset - clouds for reflection of a multitude of reds/purples. Off to downtown Scottsdale (10 mins) - St Paddys Day - - no problem parking - went to Pink Pony for a drink (no Baseball players or Celebs). Overall - pretty quiet for St Paddys - went out for Italian (undescript). UhOh - the drive is catching up on me - quick Robin - to the Heavenly Bed!

 

[pointsjunkie]

WHEN KEEPING THE SCREEN OPEN ON THE BALCONY BEWARE!!!! WE HAD A BIRD FLY INTO OUR ROOM. WE FINALLY CAUGHT IT AND SENT IT IN ITS WAY.SCREEN WENT CRASHING DOWN FROM THE 4 TH FLOOR. HAVE A GREAT TIME. LOVE THAT PLACE. WISH WE WERE THERE. IT IS FREEZING IN NY.

 

[pointsjunkie]

Just Thought Of Something. If You Plan To Go On Tour For Points Get The Explorer Package. If You Want To Requalify Any Of Your Resorts It Is A No Brainer To Get The Explorer Package And Then Buy Something Cheap To Requal. You Get An Extra 80,000 Plus The Incentive For Purchase.

 

[Ken555]

- averaging 85mph -

What's the speed limit of that freeway?

 

[mesamirage]

David,

Keep the reports coming.... your helping those of us NOT currently on vacation think about how to get one started SOON!! Kierland at this time of year with the great weather a great destination (OK 99 degrees the other day is alittle hot). Westin really has it going on with the Heavenly bed... second to none in our opinion.. so much so we purchased a King Heavenly Bed ~18 months or so back. Now we have or own Westin Suite at home!

We actually just got back from Hyatt Highlands in Carmel (what a location!), while we were there we went to an owners update and the FIRST thing I mentioned to the sales staff (and Highlands is a FANTASTIC Hyatt resort) was PLEASE UPGRADE the beds!! Westin is so far ahead of the other big timeshare players with the Heavenly bed. Hyatt promised us that they were upgrading not only Highlands but all the Hyatt Vacation Clubs, that don't already have it, to their version of the Heavenly bed (Hyatt Grand Bed) in the coming months.

There is a good article on the bed wars between the big players: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/battle-of-the-beds

Anyhow, back to Kierland, enjoy the sun, enjoy the suite, and really enjoy the great dining all around you. You might try the Bamboo Club (nothing fancy but good Asian Bistro) just down the road from Kierland on Shea just West of the 202 freeway, just watch out for those speed camera's on the 202 . http://www.thebambooclub.com/

Steve

 

[mesamirage]

What's the speed limit of that freeway?

Didn't you know?? Its the Autobahn from Palm Springs to Phoenix I think I have driven that 30+ times... and I don't think there is a single turn on that whole stretch. 85 and your getting passed.... and in Phoenix itself you better be doing 75 or more on the freeways just to keep up with the flow of traffic. :whoopie: Its still the wild wild west...

 

[DavidnRobin]

Day 2 - OK, I am fallen behind. Too much relaxing and napping (we really needed the rest). Not a busy day - did our grocery shopping at the Safeway a few blocks away and picked up the essentials. We really need to keep a special TS list - stuff we can bring from home (we will always drive here - great to have our own car) and stuff to buy here. We had lunch on the balcony (perfect weather - hot but dry) - and then checked out the grounds.

We like the adult 'Relaxation' pool - not that we don't like kids, but it is really relaxing to have a pool (and large hot tub) with just adults - especially after the hot tub at WKORV being over-run with kids. The kids in the 'activity' pool looked like they were having great fun - there is a small slide, and water toys - and a tot pool. Also, a pool table and a ping-pong table - with an outside fireplace. The pool bar was next to the adult 'relaxation' pool. The workout room and saunas were very clean (and empty).

We went to pick-up our 'gift' - which wasn't a gift at all - just a chance to sign-up for the Owners Update - 6500 SPs or a $100 resort certificate - we will probably take the points. Yes - we signed-up - I find it entertaining to see what they are going to say - and they will probably cut us loose when we tell them we already have 3 weeks and only 3 weeks vacation. I will get what info I can - they are selling Cancun, VV Amelia, and WPORV.

I ended up having a spontaneous TS seminar by the pool - we were talking with a couple that hadn't done their TS spile (they were here on a TS invite) and another couple overheard us - and next thing I am telling them about TUG, Robin is thinking about getting me a T-shirt that says RRR&R.

One couple had bought VV Amelia eventhough they didn't want Florida (SVO can really sell these things...) - they will probably end-up here on TUG - SVO works for them (they like the SPs incentives they were getting) I did tell them that they could rescind and the deal would still be available - no matter what they were told. The biggest thing was 'why buy where you don't plan to go?' - and if you are buying to exchange then... (you know the rest). I think they said that they signed a contract for 81K SOs at VV-A for $24K!

I decided I better stop being so helpful. I certainly always say that the SVO/SVN system is great and we love it, but... RRR (&R if you want Elite status) - and of course to Google TUG. One gentleman I was speaking to really appeciated finding out about Requal (...make sure to get in the contract...) because he was thinking 5*/Plat.

Now that we are here - I really do think that WKV may be the best SVO resale when you consider all the factors, unless one absolutely needs Home Resort privledges (in Hawaii for example).

We used the BBQs at night to cook up some NY strip steaks (we bought with us - Costco, the best...) - the BBQs were brand new and really nice (and hot). Met up with another owner- he bought a 1bd Premium/Plat for almost $20K (from what I could gather) a couple of years a go - and was telling us how he had researched his SVO deal and how great it was working for him - I kept my trap shut...

Another beautiful sunset and night weather - a small bottle of Ridge Winery, Home Ranch (2001) - and we were set.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Didn't you know?? Its the Autobahn from Palm Springs to Phoenix I think I have driven that 30+ times... and I don't think there is a single turn on that whole stretch. 85 and your getting passed.... and in Phoenix itself you better be doing 75 or more on the freeways just to keep up with the flow of traffic. :whoopie: Its still the wild wild west...

I am very happy with 85mph - AZ highway patrol have radar - so watch out.

The people in Phoenix seem to drive faster than necessary for the situation - mix those with the old folk - and it is wild. No wonder they have speed cameras.

 

[mesamirage]

Day 2 - did our grocery shopping at the Safeway a few blocks away and picked up the essentials. We really need to keep a special TS list -

FYI... Kierland will actually do your shopping for you and delivery right to your Villa. I think a few of the the other Westin locations do the same thing. I not 100% sure how it works but I think you can fill out the list online before you go or you give them a list once you get there, check with the staff.

Personally I like going to the grocery store and buying like 3 weeks stuff for 7 days :whoopie: ... but my wife says it isn't practical and so she usually does the shopping; so when she heard about them doing the shopping for you she said we would be doing that the next time.... she's the boss! :annoyed:

 

[STEVIE]

David and Robin,
We will be arriving there in three weeks. We are going on an exchange through SVO. We exchanged our VV week. After reading your thread, I am nervous about what unit we will be placed in. We are a family of four and have a one bedroom premium unit reserved. If I call the resort, and request a top floor unit in a newer building, do you think they will honor it, or will we have to settle for whatever, especially since we are on an exchange? Have you checked out the amenities at the hotel resort? How close are the two? Any good restaurants (family)? We have never been to Arizona and are really looking forward to it. Thanks, Sue

 

[ciscogizmo1]

I am very happy with 85mph - AZ highway patrol have radar - so watch out.

The people in Phoenix seem to drive faster than necessary for the situation - mix those with the old folk - and it is wild. No wonder they have speed cameras.

Dh... just got a ticket the other day even though we have a radar detector. Apparently, the high patrol is using something new that is with a beam. So it is not detectable on the radar. GL... in speeding. The High Patrol guy said that they are gonna do this everywhere to stop speeders.

 

[DavidnRobin]

FYI... Kierland will actually do your shopping for you and delivery right to your Villa. I think a few of the the other Westin locations do the same thing. I not 100% sure how it works but I think you can fill out the list online before you go or you give them a list once you get there, check with the staff.

Personally I like going to the grocery store and buying like 3 weeks stuff for 7 days :whoopie: ... but my wife says it isn't practical and so she usually does the shopping; so when she heard about them doing the shopping for you she said we would be doing that the next time.... she's the boss! :annoyed:

You can practically walk to Safeway from WKV. Another nice thing about driving here - taking items home that we bought. We'd prefer to do our own shopping - can buy things we see that we wouldn't normally think off.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Dh... just got a ticket the other day even though we have a radar detector. Apparently, the high patrol is using something new that is with a beam. So it is not detectable on the radar. GL... in speeding. The High Patrol guy said that they are gonna do this everywhere to stop speeders.

The CHP is using a lasar on 280 (SF Peninsula) - I hear they cannot be detected.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Day 3 - pretty unexciting - I suspect this report will be getting shorter from now on. Robin went over to Kierland Commons to shop. The Westin shuttle will take you there and just ask a store to call - and they will come pick you up - sweet deal. We haven't been over to the Westin Spa/Resort - but someone was telling Robin that WKV has nicer rooms and pool area.

We spent most of the day at the 'relaxation pool' - we really like this - very quiet. and both shade (for me) and sun (for Robin). Meet a few more owners - one guy was Plat for Life and was loving the perks. Another couple owned WKORV and exchanged into WKV. I didn't say much except that we owed there - here - and St John - and we bought resale. They were considering buying more SVO weeks and I mentioned about Requal and google TUG. They seemed to like their SPs, but found the Requal aspect interesting - they wondered if they could do the opposite (buy resale and requal with their existing week) - nope - and 'make sure you get it in writing'.

Ate at the poolside bar - pretty good and not overly costly. The happy hour kicked our b*tts - and we ended up eating leftovers and off too bed early.

The weather is still perfect, but I hear there is rain coming - it is raining at home.

Love the Heavenly Bed - we need to buy one of these...

Off to see my parents today (Day4) - 1.5 hours north - no speeding for me...

 

[pointsjunkie]

David and Robin,
We will be arriving there in three weeks. We are going on an exchange through SVO. We exchanged our VV week. After reading your thread, I am nervous about what unit we will be placed in. We are a family of four and have a one bedroom premium unit reserved. If I call the resort, and request a top floor unit in a newer building, do you think they will honor it, or will we have to settle for whatever, especially since we are on an exchange? Have you checked out the amenities at the hotel resort? How close are the two? Any good restaurants (family)? We have never been to Arizona and are really looking forward to it. Thanks, Sue

there are a few restaurants at the hotel. brittlebush is good, grat pulled pork and salads. the restaurant that has the breakfast buffet has a great dinner menu as well. there is keirland commons with many great restaurants. cheesecake factory, a great fish place(pricey) and many others.

all the villas are basically new. ask for a view over the pool or golf course. each night, at sundown there is a guy paying the bagpipes at the main hotel. and they make smore's at night by the big fireplace at the hotel.

sure wish i was there. love this place.

 

[grgs]

Just Thought Of Something. If You Plan To Go On Tour For Points Get The Explorer Package. If You Want To Requalify Any Of Your Resorts It Is A No Brainer To Get The Explorer Package And Then Buy Something Cheap To Requal. You Get An Extra 80,000 Plus The Incentive For Purchase.

Can existing owners get the Explorer package? Not sure if this has been discussed before or not.

Thanks!

Glorian

 

[Kildahl]

WKV

Having just retuned from a week at the hotel side, I have found this thread very interesting. Thanks for the reports.

We took the TS tour on the day of our departure. No units left there so the push was for... you guessed it- Kauai!!!:whoopie: Looks wonderful, on a side of the Island we are attached to but even at pre construction prices it is expensive. I was impressed with the sales staff- very professional and respectful.

The food at the hotel was truly outstanding. Didn't have a average meal there- even the large group oneswere excellent, which is hard to do on a consistent basis, imho.
One restaurant in the hotel I heard good reports about but did not get to is Deseo(sp?)
As someone above mentioned, the commons has a number of good looking eateries. We ate at Green and the Italian place right next to it(North?) and had a wonderful time.

 

[pointsjunkie]

Can existing owners get the Explorer package? Not sure if this has been discussed before or not.

Thanks!

Glorian

THE EXPLORER PACKAGE IS FOR EXISTING OWNERS. WE WENT ON THE UPDATE TOUR AND OF COURSE THEY WERE TRYING TO SELL US VV OR HAWAII AND AT THE TIME WE COULD NOT EVEN THINK OF PURCHASING SO THEY SENT US TO THE EXPLORER PERSON. FOR $1995 +$99 WE HAD 18 MONTHS TO COME BACK FOR AN UPDATE AND GET 5NIGHTS AT KIERLAND 1BR AND RECEIVE 50,000SP AND WE ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE ANYTHING .OR PURCHASE A TS GET IN THE INCENTIVE SP'S AS WELL AS 80,000SP FROM THE EXPLORER PURCHASE AND THE $1995 IS APPLIED TO THE PURCHASE OF THE NEW TS.
THAT IS WHAT WE DID. SO BEFORE I PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE I WILL CALL THE EXPLORER PERSON AND GET ANOTHER ONE .OR I WILL USE IT FOR A TRIP TO KEIRLAND WHICH WOULD BE GREAT.HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL.

 

[DavidnRobin]

THE EXPLORER PACKAGE IS FOR EXISTING OWNERS. WE WENT ON THE UPDATE TOUR AND OF COURSE THEY WERE TRYING TO SELL US VV OR HAWAII AND AT THE TIME WE COULD NOT EVEN THINK OF PURCHASING SO THEY SENT US TO THE EXPLORER PERSON. FOR $1995 +$99 WE HAD 18 MONTHS TO COME BACK FOR AN UPDATE AND GET 5NIGHTS AT KIERLAND 1BR AND RECEIVE 50,000SP AND WE ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE ANYTHING .OR PURCHASE A TS GET IN THE INCENTIVE SP'S AS WELL AS 80,000SP FROM THE EXPLORER PURCHASE AND THE $1995 IS APPLIED TO THE PURCHASE OF THE NEW TS.
THAT IS WHAT WE DID. SO BEFORE I PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE I WILL CALL THE EXPLORER PERSON AND GET ANOTHER ONE .OR I WILL USE IT FOR A TRIP TO KEIRLAND WHICH WOULD BE GREAT.HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL.

If you don't buy - do they give you your money back?

 

[harzim]

No units left at Kierland???

What do you mean there are no units left there? Thanks.

Having just retuned from a week at the hotel side, I have found this thread very interesting. Thanks for the reports.

We took the TS tour on the day of our departure. No units left there so the push was for... you guessed it- Kauai!!!:whoopie: Looks wonderful, on a side of the Island we are attached to but even at pre construction prices it is expensive. I was impressed with the sales staff- very professional and respectful.

The food at the hotel was truly outstanding. Didn't have a average meal there- even the large group oneswere excellent, which is hard to do on a consistent basis, imho.
One restaurant in the hotel I heard good reports about but did not get to is Deseo(sp?)
As someone above mentioned, the commons has a number of good looking eateries. We ate at Green and the Italian place right next to it(North?) and had a wonderful time.

 

[saluki]

If you don't buy - do they give you your money back?

No. You receive the lodging & StarPoints.

 

[saluki]

What do you mean there are no units left there? Thanks.

Kierland is sold out via Starwood. Lots of resales out there, though.