Exchanging with Interval International

[ToddnLiz]

Hi everyone, first time poster here so apologies in advance if this subject is covered in another thread already (I looked but couldn't find anything). How well do the DVC resorts trade within II? And does each resort have a different trade value? Thanks in advance.

Todd

 

[dianeschlicht]

DVC trades with a select few II destinations, and is a good trader. You are not able to facilitate the trade yourself, but must go through the DVC exchange agent. With DVC, the member is not the II member, but the timeshare is. Not sure, but I think they did that to keep low quality timeshares from being able to trade into DVC easily. I think there are about 200+ on DVC's list. Depending on where you want to trade to, it can be very easy or very difficult. We think that because DVC has fairly high maintenance fees, you are best to trade to a high demand area. Hawaii is about the only place I would consider the trade to be equal. We have done that once, and will again in the future. That is, unless DVC get's their own Hawaii resort! LOL, then we will just book there! Sorry, I keep hoping for that.

 

[ToddnLiz]

Thanks for the reply Diane. I agree - a DVC resort in Hawaii would be incredible. How easy was it for you to get the Hawaiian resort you wanted with the II exchange?

 

[Dean]

Diane, DVC doesn't control those that trade in other than by the regional block (other Orlando areas hotels).

You might try This Thread where I've deal with some more technical issues. The trade power of DVC isn't dependent on which resort or week, it's essentially an average trade power. This is true even when you do a deposit first with II. Thus everyone that trades DVC has the same trade power at that moment though it might be a little different tomorrow. DVC does trade well but some have the idea that II is simply holding resorts for DVC members or that DVC trades better than basically anything else, both totally incorrect.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Define "wanted". We requested an open ended "ANY resort on ANY island from January 1 until June 30 in a specific year. We started that search 2 years out and accepted the trade just 5 days after starting the search. Our real preference was the Big Island, Maui or Kauai. We got Kona Coast II on the Big Island, which was great since that is our favorite HAwaii destination anyway. Second would be Kauai, but we prefer the north side (Princeville area) there.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for the reply Diane. I agree - a DVC resort in Hawaii would be incredible. How easy was it for you to get the Hawaiian resort you wanted with the II exchange?

HI can be tough or easy. As Diane noted, the Big Island is generally easy. Kauai is pretty easy about half the year and moderately difficult the other half. Maui is tough most of the year with a few weeks where it's relatively easier. And if you want a 2 BR, you can multiply the difficulty level by whole numbers, likely 10-20 times more difficult for Maui and I'd guess 3 digits (100 times) more difficult for Kaanapali.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I can certainly understand those numbers, Dean. Ka'anapali is perhaps THE most popular HA location. I didn't even begin to expect a trade there, and actually expected Kona. Someday I hope to own a HA timeshare, and I'd just as soon it be DVC.

 

[Dean]

I can certainly understand those numbers, Dean. Ka'anapali is perhaps THE most popular HA location. I didn't even begin to expect a trade there, and actually expected Kona. Someday I hope to own a HA timeshare, and I'd just as soon it be DVC.

Much like DVC, too expensive to own unless you plan to use most of the time. A system where you can trade internally such as Fairfield, Sunterra, Hilton or Bluegreen might be good choices for an occasional trip.

 

[HarrietSLP]

Sometimes I think it is just a matter of timing and luck. Last week I called DVC to add on another resort and extend the time period for an exchange in Kauai. I had the time period April through September 2007 and the 4 resorts with air conditioning. Today I got a call for a one bedroom at Hanalei Bay Resort in June and quickly accepted. This will work perfectly since we plan to spend a few days in southern Kauai using our Marriott Reward points.

 

[Dean]

Look at this thread post number 14 about another members experience there. The full review is on TUG in the reviews section for that resort.

Sometimes I think it is just a matter of timing and luck. Last week I called DVC to add on another resort and extend the time period for an exchange in Kauai. I had the time period April through September 2007 and the 4 resorts with air conditioning. Today I got a call for a one bedroom at Hanalei Bay Resort in June and quickly accepted. This will work perfectly since we plan to spend a few days in southern Kauai using our Marriott Reward points.

 

[HarrietSLP]

Look at this thread post number 14 about another members experience there. The full review is on TUG in the reviews section for that resort.

Dean,

I had read that review before but I'm willing to take the chance because you honestly never know with 100% certainity whether a certain trip anywhere will be a good or bad experience. If it turns out to be a dump, so be it. I'll just go with the flow and enjoy the majestic scenery of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hi

 

[Dean]

Dean,

I had read that review before but I'm willing to take the chance because you honestly never know with 100% certainity whether a certain trip anywhere will be a good or bad experience. If it turns out to be a dump, so be it. I'll just go with the flow and enjoy the majestic scenery of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hi

I've toured the resort but I'm sure they showed the best rooms for the timeshare tour. I liked the resort and area pretty well. Not truly up to DVC but nice enough overall. It is the wet side of the island and somewhat of a distance to many of the other activities but no more so than the majority of the other timeshares on the island. One thing you might do as you get closer is to call periodically to see if you can do a "re-trade" if one of the Marriott's comes available. Worst case scenario is another $75 fee. Best chances of success would be within the 60 days window. Unless you have a way to search II directly or a friend who will do so, it'll be hit or miss, but still worth the option IMO.

 

[HarrietSLP]

I've toured the resort but I'm sure they showed the best rooms for the timeshare tour. I liked the resort and area pretty well. Not truly up to DVC but nice enough overall. It is the wet side of the island and somewhat of a distance to many of the other activities but no more so than the majority of the other timeshares on the island. One thing you might do as you get closer is to call periodically to see if you can do a "re-trade" if one of the Marriott's comes available. Worst case scenario is another $75 fee. Best chances of success would be within the 60 days window. Unless you have a way to search II directly or a friend who will do so, it'll be hit or miss, but still worth the option IMO.

Thanks Dean but Kauai is the next island my husband and I want to explore. We have previously spent two weeks on Maui and one week on Oahu. We specifically wanted the Hanalei area for one week of our trip next year as we will already be staying at the Kauai Marriott for 4 days prior to moving to the North Shore. In this particular instance, we were more interested in the location and there isn't much to choose from on the North Shore of Kauai rather than the Princeville Resort next door. I will say this though...if anyone thinks there are exchanges through II in terms of quality of the units comaprable to Disney then they will always be disappointed. My hubby and I went last month to the Marriott timeshare in Ko Olina on Oahu and it even looked sub-par in comparison to Disney.

 

[Dean]

I will say this though...if anyone thinks there are exchanges through II in terms of quality of the units comaprable to Disney then they will always be disappointed. My hubby and I went last month to the Marriott timeshare in Ko Olina on Oahu and it even looked sub-par in comparison to Disney.

No question this is true for most resorts, I've made the point many times. Just as long as you're aware and prepared, it will be easier. There are other resorts in this area, just not on the DVC exchange list. Anyone looking for this area might seriously consider using one of the independent exchange companies or doing a private trade. Post back after your trip and let us know how it went.

 

[kimpossible]

How hard would it be for a 1 bdrm in the Caribbean in June/July?

 

[Dean]

How hard would it be for a 1 bdrm in the Caribbean in June/July?

Pretty easy overall for any resort on the list in the Caribbean including Aruba, Cayman's, St. Martin, Cancun, etc. The only exception I can think of on the DVC II list would be the Westin on St. John. For non DVC II options, I'd add Atlantis to the difficult list as well. I can give you some additional suggestions and info if you email me.

 

[llp479]

Thanks Dean but Kauai is the next island my husband and I want to explore. We have previously spent two weeks on Maui and one week on Oahu. We specifically wanted the Hanalei area for one week of our trip next year as we will already be staying at the Kauai Marriott for 4 days prior to moving to the North Shore. In this particular instance, we were more interested in the location and there isn't much to choose from on the North Shore of Kauai rather than the Princeville Resort next door. I will say this though...if anyone thinks there are exchanges through II in terms of quality of the units comaprable to Disney then they will always be disappointed. My hubby and I went last month to the Marriott timeshare in Ko Olina on Oahu and it even looked sub-par in comparison to Disney.

I am a Ko'Olina owner and just came home from a week's stay at Ko'Olina and was not dissapointed in any way shape or form. The 2 bdrm units are every bit as nice as DVC and the staff exceeded my expectations. No, they are not as large as OKW, but non of the other DVC resorts are either. I would also say there is more room in the 1 bdrm side at Ko'Olina than there is at DVC. There was a table that seats six on the one bedroom side, and plenty of room to move even with the bed pulled out.

If you had a lock-off/studio, then I can see where the comparison to DVC would show Ko'Olina lacking. The studio at Ko'Olina is not as large as the studio at BVW, and the bathroom arangement is less desirable than the DVC design.

The resort experience as a whole was wonderful. While by the pool people brought us cold rags for our necks,and fresh fruit to enjoy. Everyone went out of their way to make sure we were satisfied.

In fact, I met some DVC owners while there, who were considering purchasing Ko'Olina and we had a great conversation discussing DVC and MVC dual ownership. They were pretty easy to spot with their DCL tote and DVC bag tag, and my DH in his DVC baseball hat made us easily ID'd too.

I would consider a one bedroom or larger an equivalant trade for a DVC owner, but for a studio only, it will be smaller than the usual DVC accomodations.

 

[joshua121301]

I am a Ko'Olina owner and just came home from a week's stay at Ko'Olina and was not dissapointed in any way shape or form. The 2 bdrm units are every bit as nice as DVC and the staff exceeded my expectations. No, they are not as large as OKW, but non of the other DVC resorts are either. I would also say there is more room in the 1 bdrm side at Ko'Olina than there is at DVC. There was a table that seats six on the one bedroom side, and plenty of room to move even with the bed pulled out.

If you had a lock-off/studio, then I can see where the comparison to DVC would show Ko'Olina lacking. The studio at Ko'Olina is not as large as the studio at BVW, and the bathroom arangement is less desirable than the DVC design.

The resort experience as a whole was wonderful. While by the pool people brought us cold rags for our necks,and fresh fruit to enjoy. Everyone went out of their way to make sure we were satisfied.

In fact, I met some DVC owners while there, who were considering purchasing Ko'Olina and we had a great conversation discussing DVC and MVC dual ownership. They were pretty easy to spot with their DCL tote and DVC bag tag, and my DH in his DVC baseball hat made us easily ID'd too.

I would consider a one bedroom or larger an equivalant trade for a DVC owner, but for a studio only, it will be smaller than the usual DVC accomodations.

I totally agree with this!! We own at DVC and at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club in Kauai, as well as Marriott's Desert Springs Villa's II in Palm Desert, CA, and in terms of quality I would put the Marriott Properties above the DVC. I also have a great deal of added flexability with the marriott properities. I love DVC but put it on the same par with any upper tier program.

 

[HarrietSLP]

The primary reason I disliked Ko Olina had to do with location. It is a beautiful resort but the area around it is horrendous. If you head just a couple of miles up the road BEWARE.....there are homeless people living in tents on the beach and in cars. Gangs just waiting to break into your car. That was a big turn off. Also....I tend to compare the quality of the units always to OKW which I still think is the best DVC timeshare in terms of spaciousness and quality.

Note to DEAN: I decided not to go with Hanalei Bay but instead used the points for a Kona Coast II exchange on the Big Island in May 2008. I did more reasearch over the weekend and it appears that the resort caters more to owners than exchangers and renters. DVC told my husband that the reviews sent to them were above average for HBR but said they were excellent for Kona Coast. We decided to go with Kona Coast and use Marriott points for Kauai. Thanks for having us take a second look at our decision.

 

[Dean]

Note to DEAN: I decided not to go with Hanalei Bay but instead used the points for a Kona Coast II exchange on the Big Island in May 2008. I did more reasearch over the weekend and it appears that the resort caters more to owners than exchangers and renters. DVC told my husband that the reviews sent to them were above average for HBR but said they were excellent for Kona Coast. We decided to go with Kona Coast and use Marriott points for Kauai. Thanks for having us take a second look at our decision.

Not a problem, glad to help. One thing to think about for Marriott points for HI in general is this. Sometimes one can use points for the timeshares there. There is also a sampler package where one can stay in multiple resorts over a full week. KCR is a very nice resort from what I've heard. When we live on Oahu and planned a weekend, we kept saying we'd go to the Big Island. But we enjoyed Maui so much that we'd always end up going there except for one trip to Kauai. And in our several trips back, still haven't made there. Just know KCR doesn't have a beach from what I'm told. There are a couple of members here that have stayed at that resort on an II exchange, always a plus. As you're learning, a resort can certainly make or break a stay based on small things like units assignments and the like.