WPORV paying 1Hotel Hanalei Bay $1,150,000 per year. $120 per ownership week

[duke]

I received this email today. Very surprised at the amount and that we are still paying; but glad to VOTE - NO VALUE TO ME.
Stop this payment and reduce our fees.
(I removed my control number as I think they may be specific)


Dear Owner:

We understand as a Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Owner that you care about how your annual maintenance fees are spent. Since the resort’s opening in 2008, we have maintained a Resort and Amenity Access Agreement with a neighboring hotel (formerly the St. Regis Princeville, now 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay) which provides certain benefits to our owners. The overall cost of this Agreement is approximately $1,150,000 per year. This is passed on to owners through our annual fees, amounting to approximately $120 per ownership week annually. To ensure that all owners receive a fair return on their costs, we are seeking your feedback.

Please note that the survey is being conducted for informational purposes only and does not constitute an election of the membership. As such, the cumulative member responses are not “votes” that would have the effect of binding the association to any particular decision. Instead, the responses received from the membership will assist the Board in making decisions that are in the best interest of the members. While the association values input from the membership regarding the Access Agreement, the final decision will be up to your duly elected Board of Directors.

Please submit your survey electronically no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on April 13, 2025. To access the survey via Sodali’s online system, please click on Proxyvoting.com/WestinPrincevilleSurvey. At the site, you must enter the following control number: XXXXXXXXXXXX (removed). PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF YOUR CONTROL NUMBER AS THE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH SODALI.

If you have questions regarding submitting your survey electronically, please contact Sodali by email at mvci.info@sodali.com.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the Board of Directors by email at WPORBOD@vacationclub.com.

Sincerely,

Your Board of Directors
Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Owners Association

 

[DanCali]

I remember attending a sales pitch there about 15-17 years ago and that "benefit" was definitely pushed as a selling point.

I wonder how low the cost was then while the resort was in active sales and how it's grown over the years...

 

[vacation dreaming]

I am confused - I didn’t realize Westin Princeville had any benefits at this hotel once it switched from St. Regis. Years ago we were allowed to sit in the beach chairs and I think they ran a shuttle over. Anyone can use the restaurant, beaches are public but I do remember access to the hotel’s beach chairs - what does this agreement do for Westin owners now?

 

[daviator]

I am confused - I didn’t realize Westin Princeville had any benefits at this hotel once it switched from St. Regis. Years ago we were allowed to sit in the beach chairs and I think they ran a shuttle over. Anyone can use the restaurant, beaches are public but I do remember access to the hotel’s beach chairs - what does this agreement do for Westin owners now?

I am assuming it’s basically access to the beach and amenities there, since the Westin doesn’t have any beach access of its own. Presumably there are additional costs for the shuttle etc., so the full savings might be even greater if they eliminated it.

But it’s interesting that the letter doesn’t explain what benefits are provided by the agreement. It makes it seem as if they are hoping that owners will vote to get rid of it and not telling you what you’re getting for that money makes that more likely.

I do not own at WPORV and when I’ve stayed there, we’ve never gone to the beach at the St. Regis (or whatever it’s called now) so I don’t really have a feeling for how valuable it is. But I would guess that if they decide not to renew the agreement, it will be gone forever. I’m sure that agreement only exists because both properties were once under the same Starwood umbrella.

 

[WorldT]

I am assuming it’s basically access to the beach and amenities there, since the Westin doesn’t have any beach access of its own. Presumably there are additional costs for the shuttle etc., so the full savings might be even greater if they eliminated it.

But it’s interesting that the letter doesn’t explain what benefits are provided by the agreement. It makes it seem as if they are hoping that owners will vote to get rid of it and not telling you what you’re getting for that money makes that more likely.

I do not own at WPORV and when I’ve stayed there, we’ve never gone to the beach at the St. Regis (or whatever it’s called now) so I don’t really have a feeling for how valuable it is. But I would guess that if they decide not to renew the agreement, it will be gone forever. I’m sure that agreement only exists because both properties were once under the same Starwood umbrella.

This is a survey sent to owners to ask if they want to keep the benefits of the agreement. Like you, I don't own there so I don't know what those are. However, I would presume that the owners the survey was sent to know exactly what those benefits are.

 

[Tucsonadventurer]

There used to be free parking for Westin guests but now it's quite pricey

 

[dioxide45]

This is a survey sent to owners to ask if they want to keep the benefits of the agreement. Like you, I don't own there so I don't know what those are. However, I would presume that the owners the survey was sent to know exactly what those benefits are.

Perhaps @duke can tell us what those benefits are. I suspect many owners may not even know if they just use their ownerships as a StarOption generator.

 

[duke]

We were at WPORV last summer. Went to the 1HOTEL.
NO parking benefit
NO shuttle
NO beach access
NO pool access
NO beach chairs
15% off food at only one small cafe downstairs that sold cookies.
TOTALLY WORTHLESS.
NOT what we got when it was the Princeville Hotel and even then we did NOT get pool usage or use of the lounge chairs at the pool - just on the free beach.
We could use their beautiful upstairs restaurant and charge to our WPORV rooms (with a discount) - but not now.

If the BOD would cancel this deal we could at least spend the $120 on a lunch and drinks at the pool (which we can't use anyway), or eat a sunset dinner upstairs at full price

Please click on this link and let the BOD know your feelings:
please contact the Board of Directors by email at WPORBOD@vacationclub.com.

 

[dioxide45]

We were at WPORV last summer. Went to the 1HOTEL.
NO parking benefit
NO shuttle
NO beach access
NO pool access
NO beach chairs
15% off food at only one small cafe that sold cookies.
TOTALLY WORTHLESS.
NOT what we got when it was the Princeville Hotel and even then we did NOT get pool usage or use of the lounge chairs at the pool - just on the free beach.

So what exactly is in this amenity agreement that costs the HOA over a million dollars?

 

[travelhacker]

We were at WPORV last summer. Went to the 1HOTEL.
NO parking benefit
NO shuttle
NO beach access
NO pool access
NO beach chairs
15% off food at only one small cafe downstairs that sold cookies.
TOTALLY WORTHLESS.
NOT what we got when it was the Princeville Hotel and even then we did NOT get pool usage or use of the lounge chairs at the pool - just on the free beach.
We could use their beautiful upstairs restaurant and charge to our WPORV rooms (with a discount) - but not now.

If the BOD would cancel this deal we could at least spend the $120 on a lunch and drinks at the pool (which we can't use anyway), or eat a sunset dinner upstairs at full price

Please click on this link and let the BOD know your feelings:
please contact the Board of Directors by email at WPORBOD@vacationclub.com.

This was my suspicion.

In fact details are a little hazy, but I remember when I checked in December of 2022, they let me know that guests no longer had access to the amenities of the former St. Regis (I think they may have just said there was no shuttle, but then I asked what we had access to and in effect it was nothing).

Considering they were closed for a while as they rebranded, it sounds like the BOD has wasted millions on an amenity that is worth basically nothing.

 

[dioxide45]

This was my suspicion.

In fact details are a little hazy, but I remember when I checked in December of 2022, they let me know that guests no longer had access to the amenities of the former St. Regis (I think they may have just said there was no shuttle, but then I asked what we had access to and in effect it was nothing).

Considering they were closed for a while as they rebranded, it sounds like the BOD has wasted millions on an amenity that is worth basically nothing.

I wonder if there was a term to the prior/current amenity agreement and it is up for some type of renewal. They may have to opt out of an automatic renewal or something. It would seem if there was something to be available in the agreement that wasn't fulfilled to the tune of over a million dollars per year, the HOA should be able to bring some type of litigation against the hotel owner.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Thanks for the heads-up. WPORV Owners have been paying for 1Hotel usage? For what?
I voted no.

 

[mjm1]

It will be interesting to see what comes of this. We have a similar arrangement at Marriott’s DSV1, although there are definitely some benefits involved. The board asked owners about it and the agreement with access to the JW next door still exists. I am not sure what the feedback from owners was like, but if participation in the survey was similar to that of voting, they probably didn’t get much feedback. Personally, I wish they would drop the agreement and reduce MF’s.

Good luck at Westin Princeville.

 

[dioxide45]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the Board of Directors by email at WPORBOD@vacationclub.com.

Perhaps an owner can email the BOD and ask what the benefits are as part of the agreement? Or ask for a copy of the agreement?

 

[VacationForever]

It will be interesting to see what comes of this. We have a similar arrangement at Marriott’s DSV1, although there are definitely some benefits involved. The board asked owners about it and the agreement with access to the JW next door still exists. I am not sure what the feedback from owners was like, but if participation in the survey was similar to that of voting, they probably didn’t get much feedback. Personally, I wish they would drop the agreement and reduce MF’s.

Good luck at Westin Princeville.

Me too for DSV1. The last time they asked owners, I replied that I didn't support renewal of the agreement. I don't use the Spa or JW facility.

 

[KeithR]

We were at WPORV last summer. Went to the 1HOTEL.
NO parking benefit
NO shuttle
NO beach access
NO pool access
NO beach chairs
15% off food at only one small cafe downstairs that sold cookies.
TOTALLY WORTHLESS.
NOT what we got when it was the Princeville Hotel and even then we did NOT get pool usage or use of the lounge chairs at the pool - just on the free beach.
We could use their beautiful upstairs restaurant and charge to our WPORV rooms (with a discount) - but not now.

If the BOD would cancel this deal we could at least spend the $120 on a lunch and drinks at the pool (which we can't use anyway), or eat a sunset dinner upstairs at full price

Please click on this link and let the BOD know your feelings:
please contact the Board of Directors by email at WPORBOD@vacationclub.com.

This wasn’t our experience last July. We had a discount at the fabulous breakfast buffet and the card we were given had beach access granted (which we didn’t use). One pool was designated for hotel 1 guests though and I believe was adults only. There hasn’t been a shuttle for years but most rent cars so it’s not necessary. Parking for breakfast was $20 or so including tip. It’s Hawaii dude.

 

[beachlynn]

I received this email today. Very surprised at the amount and that we are still paying; but glad to VOTE - NO VALUE TO ME.
Stop this payment and reduce our fees.
(I removed my control number as I think they may be specific)


Dear Owner:

We understand as a Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Owner that you care about how your annual maintenance fees are spent. Since the resort’s opening in 2008, we have maintained a Resort and Amenity Access Agreement with a neighboring hotel (formerly the St. Regis Princeville, now 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay) which provides certain benefits to our owners. The overall cost of this Agreement is approximately $1,150,000 per year. This is passed on to owners through our annual fees, amounting to approximately $120 per ownership week annually. To ensure that all owners receive a fair return on their costs, we are seeking your feedback.

Please note that the survey is being conducted for informational purposes only and does not constitute an election of the membership. As such, the cumulative member responses are not “votes” that would have the effect of binding the association to any particular decision. Instead, the responses received from the membership will assist the Board in making decisions that are in the best interest of the members. While the association values input from the membership regarding the Access Agreement, the final decision will be up to your duly elected Board of Directors.

Please submit your survey electronically no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on April 13, 2025. To access the survey via Sodali’s online system, please click on Proxyvoting.com/WestinPrincevilleSurvey. At the site, you must enter the following control number: XXXXXXXXXXXX (removed). PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF YOUR CONTROL NUMBER AS THE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH SODALI.

If you have questions regarding submitting your survey electronically, please contact Sodali by email at mvci.info@sodali.com.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the Board of Directors by email at WPORBOD@vacationclub.com.

Sincerely,

Your Board of Directors
Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Owners Association

Anybody can use the beach.There is no private beach. The view from that beach is amazing and if we are having lazy day then we like to hang there especially if there was a good game on. My parents stay at a condo within walking distance and we walk over with our beach chairs and hang all day if we want. We usually walk down the exterior stairway. We buy drinks and food. They will take anyone's money. I use the restroom also as long as I'm spending money. When we leave we take the 2 elevators up and walk out. Nobody has ever said a word.
We are an owner at Princeville since they were built although we have only stayed there once. We usually trade our star options to stay elsewhere. Since the big hotel doesn't have free parking for Westin owners anymore then the shuttle was a nice option. We also could use the lounge chairs on the sand but not at the pool. I have been complaining for years about what Westin is doing with the money that used to be spent on the shuttle. That had to be a decent line item expense when you take into account the payroll, insurance, gas etc. I always wondered what happened to it. We sure didn't see any reduction in the maintenance fees. Now you are telling me we were paying a million plus for nothing ever since the hotel shut down for renovation and Hotel 1 opening up? When the new Starwood bought it and branded it Hotel1it closed for couple years with Covid hitting right in the middle. What were paying for? WTH?? What isn't that something like 5 year without any benefits. This seems like gross mismanagement.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Anybody can use the beach.There is no private beach. The view from that beach is amazing and if we are having lazy day then we like to hang there especially if there was a good game on. My parents stay at a condo within walking distance and we walk over with our beach chairs and hang all day if we want. We usually walk down the exterior stairway. We buy drinks and food. They will take anyone's money. I use the restroom also as long as I'm spending money. When we leave we take the 2 elevators up and walk out. Nobody has ever said a word.
We are an owner at Princeville since they were built although we have only stayed there once. We usually trade our star options to stay elsewhere. Since the big hotel doesn't have free parking for Westin owners anymore then the shuttle was a nice option. We also could use the lounge chairs on the sand but not at the pool. I have been complaining for years about what Westin is doing with the money that used to be spent on the shuttle. That had to be a decent line item expense when you take into account the payroll, insurance, gas etc. I always wondered what happened to it. We sure didn't see any reduction in the maintenance fees. Now you are telling me we were paying a million plus for nothing ever since the hotel shut down for renovation and Hotel 1 opening up? When the new Starwood bought it and branded it Hotel1it closed for couple years with Covid hitting right in the middle. What were paying for? WTH?? What isn't that something like 5 year without any benefits. This seems like gross mismanagement.

Agree.
Those are some expensive SOs to stay elsewhere. Even the BV conversions and Abound usage are poor values for WPORV.

 

[beachlynn]

Agree.
Those are some expensive SOs to stay elsewhere. Even the BV conversions and Abound usage are poor values for WPORV.

 

[beachlynn]

We own every other year so not a yearly concern. We have booked at KORVN and Nanea using our SOs to add another villa for our kids when we book our OF unit there. I've rented it out also. My parents have had a rental at Pali Ke Kua which are the condos 2 up from the big resort so we get a way better view of Hanalei Bay. We are actually going to the Westin Princeville this July since my folks won't be going this year. 2 years ago my husband and I walked down to the Westin when we were there and questioned management why there were plenty of openings one could book but we couldn't book with our ownership. I know about the different silos of inventory but it is still aggravating. I asked the lady about the shuttle being shut down and what were they doing with those funds and of course she had no answer.

 

[dioxide45]

Was the shuttle spending part of the $1.15 million that was this affiliation agreement? I would certainly be concerned about what this $1.15 million was actually getting me if I were an owner.

 

[zentraveler]

We have stayed at WPV many times as FSRC exchangers over 20+ years and many iterations of that property, since the shuttle, beach access etc. which we used to use.

Every time we go the benefits have been whittled down to our last experience a year or two ago with a "benefit" to pay $100 to park there, discounted if we spent that much on a restaurant at 1Hotel. Period. That was it as I remember. I remember being there so we must have gone for lunch or dinner, and the food was fine but nothing special. The property was lovely as always but it didn't inspire another visit. If it were my MF paying that kind of money for what only seemed like nothing to me, I would not be happy.

 

[sjlola]

Perhaps an owner can email the BOD and ask what the benefits are as part of the agreement? Or ask for a copy of the agreement?

I know someone on the board of WPORV. I'll text her to ask what she knows about the 'arrangement' or lack thereof.

 

[dioxide45]

I know someone on the board of WPORV. I'll text her to ask what she knows about the 'arrangement' or lack thereof.

Thanks. There was also an email address to the BOD in the initial post.

 

[darius]

All,

My wife and I used this benefit and were treated very well by the 1Hotel staff, and enjoyed several meals, the gym and also spa over there (big time). To us it made the trip very special and feel that it adds a ton of value to the ownership we have. I would absolutely vote to keep the relationship active or the other option to charge something per day (per diem) to allow owners to access the 1hotel (although this would likely be an accounting nightmare).

Just my 2cents here...

Darius