Hawaii Question

[WolfpackFan]

I understand that sometimes it is difficult to get exchanges for some of the Hawaiian resorts using II exchanges - you have to put in way ahead of time and be flexible, etc. But what about the two resorts that are part of the Concierge Collection that are not exchanges? How difficult is it to get reservations at either of these two resorts using DVC points?

 

[TnRobin]

We called last year and inquired about availablility. I think we were about 6 months out from the dates of travel. We were looking to travel in the summer. There was availability with no problem. Unlike the II exchanges you don't have to wait for someone to give up a week. You just need availability at the hotel. (There may be a limit as to the number of days that the hotel will trade each year - I don't know.)

We decided to wait a few years to do Hawaii - hope your trip is great. Both hotels loook wonderful.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Thanks for your reply. I guess I'm thinking about if we were to go to Hawaii at some point that I would go the CC route vs. a full-week exchange because 1) I don't think we'd want a full-week, probably just 4-5 days, 2) I'd want a real nice place, kind of like the places you see on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and 3) I would want a very specific timeframe because I'm thinking we might would do it in conjunction with a week-long Hawaii cruise. Right now this is just in the very, very, very preliminary thinking stage and is a couple of years off (probably June 2006). So DW if you are reading this don't get all excited yet. This would be my reward to myself for retiring.

PS - Just noticed this is post #250 for me, yippee!!

 

[travelbug]

I called about 8 months ahead of time when booking the Mauna Lani for 8 nights. Even though the reservation was for Easter week, I got it with no problem. Of course, it may have helped that I was requesting the least favorable view (mountain/garden) in order to use fewer points and stay as long as possible.

If you want a "Lifestyles of the R & F" type place, I'd say that the Mauna Lani fits that to a T. But even though it's very classy and elegant, it's also nice and laidback. Truly a paradise vacation spot.

(Regular readers of the DVC board are probably sick and tired of me gushing about the Mauna Lani. Sorry, everyone, but I doubt this will be the last time! LOL)