Fair Exchange

[Louise-Montreal]

I am interested in going to Hawaii and posted on an exchange board. I was offered a one bedroom in June/July. The other party would like a two bedroom at BWV for June/July.

Is this a fair exchange? To me I lose out because I am not getting a two bedroom- however is Hawaii such a sought out vacation destination that it is a fair exchange?

Just looking for opinions on the fairness. (I understand it is "fair" if I am willing to make the exchange.)
Thanks!

 

[Anal Annie]

I wouldn't think so. I mean it's JMO but you can't get a 2 bedroom at BWV in June or July for the amount of points it takes to trade for a 1 bedroom thru RCI. I realize you're talking about something else besides RCI but no, it doesn't sound fair to me. Which property / island are you talking about in Hawaii? That could impact the thought process too. Some places are much nicer than others.

 

[Ragtime Gal]

I think it depends on the resort. Some resorts are impossible to trade into especially for certain time periods, so the amount of points it would take if you could do it is not relevant.

I don't know anything about Hawaii, but I'm sure if you post the name of the resort someone can give you advice. I guess a resort that is right on the beach (and not all of them are) would be worth more, but it's hard for me to think that a one bedroom at any resort would be comparable to a two bedroom at BWV.

The only trades I have done are Smugglers' Notch resort for BCV or BWV, where two bedrooms at each at high season would be somewhat comparable.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The first question is whether a 1 BR will work for you.

The second is whether the offered resort is one you at which you are interested in staying.

If the answer to both the first and second questiosn are yes, then you can decide if a summer week at a BWV 2BR is "fair." If the answers to one and two are a solid yes, then it is probably fair. If the offered unit is acceptable but not great, then I would probably counter with something less expensive.

As a reference point, we own a 2 BR vacation rental in South Maui. Although the unit has an ocean view, it is located across the street from a nice public beach. It includes daily maid service, but otherwise is more like a condo rental than a luxury resort stay. We have done a direct exchange for a week in our unit in November with a DVC owner for a transfer of 150 points. -- Suzanne

 

[downontheBW]

Wow, this is probably a trade down. Unless it is something on Kaanapali beach: Whaler, Marriott, Westin; or Hilton's on the Big Island or Waikiki; or Marriott or other very high end on Kauai - then I wouldn't take it. I've done a couple of private trades - one was a studio for studio into Hilton Grand Vacations Club on Waikiki.

But, that said, if it is a trade into a resort you LOVE, then it is a good trade. Before you go forward with this trade, look into cash reservations or renting a condo in Hawaii. Tourism has been depressed in Hawaii for a couple of years and there have been many good deals. We rented a condo a few times - for $125/night and up for 1 Bedroom beachfront. We used the rent/trade board here to rent out our DVC points and used the money for Hawaii.

Whatever you choose - good luck!

 

[Dizny Dad]

We just stayed in a one bedroom in the Marriott Beach Club at Ko Olina / Oahu. Outstanding! Definately not a trade down for a two bedroom at BWV, but just a difference in venues - Ko Olina is wonderful (and you can see Aulani being built next door!)

I would have no interest in staying on Waikiki - it is a great place to visit, but a 24/7/365 spring break! And although the resorts can be beautifully done, they are surrounded by concrete and asphalt, not lush gardens.

Good luck, and Aloha!

 

[Brian Noble]

I would base it on rental value, not the size of the units. If you could rent a 2BR unit's worth of points, and were use the money to rent the 1BR unit you want on Hawaii, would you have a lot of money left over? If so, it's probably not a fair trade. If it's "close", it is---and "close" is a soft term, because renting out your points takes effort, and that also has value.