DVC vs. Starwood VN

[artvandelay]

I've been trying to decide which timeshare to purchase, DVC or Starwood Vacation Network. Currently, I'm leaning towards Starwood. They seem to have a flexible plan that allows you to switch your points in to either II or into Starwood points (that don't expire for 6 years) that can be used to stay at any Starwood Resort. Also, by banking into II, I can still at DVC resorts.

To me, it looks like Starwood has the edge because of:

1 Doesn't expire in 2042 or 2054.
2 More flexible than DVC with point saving
3 Not as expensive as DVC
4 Starwood points can be used at the Dolphin or Swan (not sure which one is run by Sheraton)
5 Still stay at DVC thru Interval

Any points that I missed that would tip the scales back to DVC?

Please help!

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by artvandelay
5 Still stay at DVC thru Interval

Although the DVC resorts are in the II directory, the demand to trade into weeks at DVC resorts far exceeds the number of weeks that DVC deposits into II. I would not count on trading into DVC resorts regularly.

Which is better? It all depends how often you want to stay at DVC resorts. If staying at DVC resorts is your primary goal, buy DVC.

If your goal is to stay at Starwood resorts, with a trip to WDW once every few years, then you're probably better off with Starwood. You can always try to exchange into DVC. If your travel date approaches and you haven't been successful, there are many other excellent II-affiliated timeshare resorts in Orlando. And trading into Orlando — except for DVC — is usually easy.

Or do what many of us have done. Buy DVC points for your DVC stays, and buy into a major hotel-affilated timeshare for other vacations. For me, it's DVC and Marriott. But Starwood also has a growing network of fine timeshares, and should also be a good choice.

Make sure you give some thought to resales. Resales aren't better for everyone. But resales can provide big savings. (Just make sure you understand what, if anything, you're giving up in terms of participation in points programs.)

Originally posted by artvandelay
4 Starwood points can be used at the Dolphin or Swan (not sure which one is run by Sheraton)

Actually both are Starwood — Swan is Westin; Dolphin is Sheraton.

DVC points can be used at many WDW resorts, Disney Cruise Line, and deluxe hotels in many locations through the Concierge Collection (although staying at DVC resorts is a better use of points).

 

[artvandelay]

Thanks for the answers Werner.

Does Marriot use RCI or II? I couldn't find the answer on Marriot's site.

Do you like the Marriot system?

You brought up a great point. I never thought about splitting my time share purchase. I was looking to get two weeks at one time share, but now maybe I'll split it up between two.

 

[akalucky1]

I love DVC. I never have a problem exchanging to the concierge collection or II. The resale is pretty good. We don't have kids, so the expiration doesn't seem to bother us. We'll probably be too old to travel when they expire. Good Luck.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by artvandelay
Does Marriot use RCI or II? I couldn't find the answer on Marriot's site.

All Marriott Vacation Club resorts are affiliated with Interval International (II). A few older resorts are dual-affiliated because they were originally affiliated with RCI.

Marriott-to-Marriott exchanges are handled by the "Marriott Desk" at II. Marriott owners pay a reduced exchange fee when exchanging to Marriott resorts, and they enjoy a Marriott priority. (As Marriott owners deposit weeks, those weeks are only available to other Marriott owners for up to three weeks).

Originally posted by artvandelay
Do you like the Marriot system?

Yes!

 

[DanG]

I wholly concur with Werner that DVC and a hotel timeshare can offer a great complement of vacations and that I wouldn't count on an exchange. I own at DVC and Westin Mission Hills.

Rather, if you are looking to buy one and don't have your plan to go to Orlando at least every other year, I would buy Starwood, Marriott or Hyatt and simply rent into DVC for the ocasional visit.

I wouldn't let the 2042 expiration date sway your thinking much; DVC offers the best resale and the most liquid rental market to monetize unused weeks/points.

The hotel programs offer great multiple locations and internal trading systems. Many here want to go to Disney every year. If that is the case and you have to have the Disney magic, DVC is the way to go. I prefer the flexibility of owning in two systems, but you have to start somewhere and both will give you and your family excellent choices.


wouldn't let

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

artvandelay:

I don't have an educated answer for your question but would like to suggest (based upon your name) that you look at the Del Boca Vista development (preferably Phase 2).

HBC

PS: (this is a joke for those trying to figure out what I mean).

 

[amandaC]

That was very cute Happy Birthday Cat! LOL! I do miss that show!

 

[DisnutDave@work]

"...and YOU want to be my latex salesman!" (As long as we're sliding off topic anyway!)

 

[Cruelladeville]

Just remember when buying a timeshare that buying from the developer means you overpaid--usually--and won't recover what you put into it. there is some question whether resale buyers can get out whatever they paid into the timeshare, either. Most timeshares lose about 1/3 to 2/3 of their value as soon as you buy. Disney is an obvious exception to this, which is an excellent reason for buying DVC, since members can get out every cent we have paid in. Before you buy anything, check the resale sites for the current prices of any company that you are interested in. This will prepare you when you compare prices of new/resales, and give you a better idea of where the real value is. I believe DVC is about the best overall value you will find, especially if you like to stay onsite every year.

 

[donald@home]

I agree with Dan G. We also own DVC and Starwood (OKW, Vero Beach, and Westin St. John). We love the flexibility of DVC and being able to stay at WDW (we live in the Boston area and it's so easy to fly down for quick get aways), but we also really enjoy St. John and Westin is the only timeshare on the island. The ability to exchange your week for Starwood Preferred Guest points is also appealing, because then you have access to Starwood's 750+ hotels around the world. If you buy Starwood resale, you do not get the Starwood Preferred Guest points option -- its only available to those who purchase direct from Starwood. There are no program exclusions with a DVC resale.

Whichever direction you go, you'll love it. Happy vacationing!

 

[artvandelay]

Not being able to use Starwood Preffered Guest on a resale is a huge problem. Also, both Starwood's Orlando sites (Vistana's) are RCI and not II. I'm still doing a ton of research and get new info every day. Thank you all.

Happy Birthday Cat, I talked to Jack Klompus abot Del Boca Vista and he said it's not that good. Also, Jack still has that pen that writes upside down.

 

[Lisa P.]

Before you buy any other timeshare, learn more about it from those who own and/or trade into the resorts/system you are considering. TUG - Timeshare User's Group is the best resource out there, IMHO.

Check out the free-access "Advice" articles. Register for free to read and ask questions on the forums. Then join TUG ($10/first year - well worth it) if you are serious about a purchase and want to read the Reviews and Ratings of various resorts. They have useful info on over 2000 resorts now - accessible by members only. HTH!