Anyone use points in Key West????

[memymomonica]

My parents are letting my husband and I use their points when he gets back from Iraq. I was thinking about Key West. Anyone stay at any of the resorts? Any suggestions? We have never been to Key West, but always talked about it. Just wanted some info. What is there to do? Golf? Thanks for the help.

 

[wdwprincess_keli]

okw is a cool place. we own there so we love it. its definally our home away from home.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm confused.... Do you mean Old Key West Resort in WDW, or do you mean exchanging for a resort on Key West?

 

[memymomonica]

Actual Key West, Florida. We have stayed at Disney's Old Key West and loved it. We want to vist Key West, Florida now. Thanks.

 

[Sheree]

feb 04 i put in for a trade for feb 06 for key west. 3 resorts haven't heard a thing yet! may also add the 2 resorts in marathon fl to the list

sheree

 

[senecabeach]

I have heard horror stories about II and its difficulty with trades and lousey accomodations.
IMHO...I would not use my DVC points for anything other than a WDW vacation.

 

[dznyacct]

I am looking at doing a Key West trade and spoke to my DVC guide about where she would suggest staying. She recommended Hyatt Sunset Harbor Resort (in Old Town) and also The Galleon Resort (also in Old Town). From the on-line research I have done, I am leaning towards the Hyatt Sunset Harbor. Please keep us updated on what you decide to do. Thanks

 

[dvc_john]

I have stayed at both Hyatt Sunset Harbor and Hyatt Windward Pointe.
Of the two, if the best resort is your preference, then I'd recommend Hyatt Windward Pointe. If the best location is your preference, then I'd recommend Hyatt Sunset Harbor.
(Note: I'm not sure if Hyatt Windward Pointe is in the book yet as it's still fairly new.)

 

[Dean]

Hyatt Sunset Harbor and the Galleon will be the best choices. The other Hyatt’s are also nice but not in the best area.

 

[dznyacct]

Do you have a strong preference one way or the other between the Hyatt Sunset Harbor and the Galleon? Our trip will be for just my DH and myself. We don't plan on renting a car, just walking wherever. We want to chill out for a week and just kick back. I value your opinion as you are so knowledgeable about DVC and trades. Thanks for your input.

 

[Dean]

Do you have a strong preference one way or the other between the Hyatt Sunset Harbor and the Galleon? Our trip will be for just my DH and myself. We don't plan on renting a car, just walking wherever. We want to chill out for a week and just kick back. I value your opinion as you are so knowledgeable about DVC and trades. Thanks for your input.

The Hyatt. Remember it will be easy to rent something for summer or get an exchange. Xmas to Easter will be tough and should be planned at least a year out as should all exchanges. Still, it doesn't hurt to try when you can.

 

[dvc_john]

go to www.hyatt.com/hvc for descriptions, slide shows, and virtual tours of the 3 Hyatt Key West resorts (Sunset Harbor, Windward Pointe, and Beach House).

 

[dznyacct]

Thanks for the responses. We are planning a summer trip (2006 probably) to Key West, so hopefully we will be able to do a trade fairly easily.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I have heard horror stories about II and its difficulty with trades and lousey accomodations.
IMHO...I would not use my DVC points for anything other than a WDW vacation.

I realize that senecabeach's comments are about World Passport Collection I.I. exchanges in general, and not specifically about resorts on the island of Key West.

I don't agree with senecabeach's comments. It is possble to get exchanges into wonderful resorts and to get an excellent value for DVC points. If you don't own other timeshares, but you like staying in 1BR and 2BR condos -- and you you'd rather go someplace other than WDW once in a while -- exchanges through DVC can be a good option. However, the best exchanges also take the most planning.

DVC has worked with I.I. to select a subset of I.I. resorts whose quality at least approaches that of the DVC resorts. But, as Dean often points out, that doesn't mean that all are as good as DVC.

The best research tool is the Timeshare User's Group (TUG) at http://www.tug2.net which requires a $15 fee (good for a full year) to access the resort reviews and other member-only content.

If you don't want to go to TUG, you can do be pretty safe if you limit yourself to timeshares that are part of Marrriott, Starwood, Four Seasons, and Hyatt. (But you'll be mssing some of the best timesahres.)

Also, as Dean points out, you should always look into renting as an alternative. Consider a 1BR that requires 160 points for a 7-night week. If you can also just rent it for $800 per week, why use the DVC points? But if, for example, you can only rent it for $300 per night, using 160 DVC points is much better than spending $2,100. You can find rentals on TUG or through established rental agents or from private parties or on hotel websites.

 

[spiceycat]

Shere - wait!!!

II does not get most of their exchanges until 8 to 6 months before....so you still might get what you want.

see all the things you can learn if you joint www.tug2.net]

if you want to rent it
then also check on

www.redweek.com

 

[JLS]

Just wanted to chime in and say that my husband and I stayed at the Hyatt Winward Pointe this May for 5 nights and I would say it was the most gorgeous resort I have ever seen in terms of the room accommodations. The 2 bedroom villas are spacious, luxuriously decorated and just impeccable. HUGE balconies with full tables and chairs and a very nice telescope on each one. We loved sitting on the balcony overlooking the ocean and playing cards, sipping drinks, etc. The pool there is also wonderfully relaxing - an "infinity pool" overlooking the ocean, and there is a large area to grill / have a cook out. The accommodations in the rooms are nicer than DVC resorts. However, the resort does not have its own amenties (no store/sundries shop or restaurants on site). It is right across the street from 2 restaurants, though, and a very short drive from others. It has a shuttle that goes into the main part of town (Duval Street) or you can drive there in 10 minutes or so.

Parking is free and plentiful at Windward Pointe, unlike most places in Key West, so you are perfect to have a rental car there.

 

[Sheree]

thanks Spicey Cat! we're still waiting, but need to book air as soon as it comes out. we'll probably book sat-sun and just use a reg hotel one night.
hoping to get right in key west, if not marathon will be fine or we can do a last minute cruise i guess.
i've looked at tug and rentals, nothign available yet

sheree