II Exchange - Kauai - Matched!

[ACDSNY]

I currently have a broad search in for the Marriott's on Kauai that was put in last May. Dates include all of Sept & Oct and the first half of Nov 2008 for a 1 or 2 bedroom unit. If I change the search to only a 2 bedroom will I kill our chances of a match? I'd like for 6 of us to go instead of 4.

The Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club is only 2 bedrooms and Marriott's Kauai Beach Club has both 1 & 2 bedrooms. I don't really have a preference as to which resort we get.

 

[beachblanket]

I currently have a broad search in for the Marriott's on Kauai that was put in last May. Dates include all of Sept & Oct and the first half of Nov 2008 for a 1 or 2 bedroom unit. If I change the search to only a 2 bedroom will I kill our chances of a match? I'd like for 6 of us to go instead of 4.

Probably depends upon the % of villas at that property which are 2 vs 1 bedroom. That info may be on TUG somewhere. For what it's worth, I got a II exchange into a 2BR at the Marriott Ford's Colony in Williamsburg VA in high season, despite being told here those are tough to come by.

 

[ACDSNY]

As you can see patience isn't my long suit. I've changed our request to a 2 bedroom unit. I'd still love to her what others think our chances are?

 

[Dean]

As you can see patience isn't my long suit. I've changed our request to a 2 bedroom unit. I'd still love to her what others think our chances are?

I'd say your chances of success are very high for that time, even for a 2 BR partly for the reason you state. Part of that time will be MID season, the rest will be HIGH season. With a search in place now I'd say you're likely to match somewhere between this Sept and Nov though it could be earlier as some units will be deposited as early as about now for Sept, 2008. Good luck and let us know what happens.

 

[ACDSNY]

Thanks for the hope Dean! I'll post how it turns out later.

 

[ACDSNY]

I'm still waiting...no match yet on our Kauai search. This waiting is killing me.

 

[Dean]

I'm still waiting...no match yet on our Kauai search. This waiting is killing me.

Did you change to a 2 BR unit? Do you have both Marriott's listed?

 

[MinnesotaChill]

My husband just asked me if we could do Hawaii in two years. I am still not clear how this works. I'm thinking Hawaii is going to be so tough! So, I call now and use the 2010 points if that's when we're going, right? Can I ask for any two bedroom in Hawaii? If we decide to change to a 1bdrm do I start the search over? If we don't get what we want in Hawaii then what happens to our points?

This is so confusing!

Of course, banking and borrowing points used to be confusing too....

I'm thinking we should just wait for 2011 when the new resort opens, but he'd like to go sooner.

 

[Dean]

My husband just asked me if we could do Hawaii in two years. I am still not clear how this works. I'm thinking Hawaii is going to be so tough! So, I call now and use the 2010 points if that's when we're going, right? Can I ask for any two bedroom in Hawaii? If we decide to change to a 1bdrm do I start the search over? If we don't get what we want in Hawaii then what happens to our points?

This is so confusing!

Of course, banking and borrowing points used to be confusing too....

I'm thinking we should just wait for 2011 when the new resort opens, but he'd like to go sooner.

Don't make it that confusing. You don't use points until they find a match so you don't have to hold points in reserve. As long as you have enough points by combining 2 years together, I wouldn't even think about that portion. Just let DVC worry about it which they don't do until they find a match and they'll make it work as long as you have any points available.

What you should do is decide what dates you can go and what resorts and unit sizes are acceptable to you. Then place the request ASAP but no earlier than 2 years from the earliest travel. If you do it exactly at 2 years you may need to keep calling and adding weeks, you certainly can add other resorts later if that becomes appropriate for some reason including a new resort opens like the Sheraton or Westin on Kauai, the Westin should at least be available by then.

The problem with waiting until 2011 is it's likely to be 2012-2014 before there's much 7 month availability unless you plan on buying points there. It might work out but I wouldn't wait and count on it. You could also look for a private exchange. Of course these issues are not exclusive of each other and you can look for multiple options at the same time until you find ONE that will work. As for a 2 BR vs a 1 BR, you can change your request at any time. The one situation is that I'm not sure if you change in that way if it changes your place in line, my guess is it does. If you'd prefer a 2 BR but would settle for a 1 BR, there are a couple of options. One is to do as you say, start with a 2 BR and change to a 1 BR later if you haven't matched. The problem with this approach is you'll likely miss your 1 BR waiting for a 2 BR. Another is to simply search for a 1 BR, you might get lucky and get a 2 BR but not a large chance for HI. A third is to search for both though there is a small chance you could match both at one time and you likely don't want that. If you're searching for a 2 BR you can have them put in comments that you would accept a 1 BR. There's still a pretty good chance you'll miss the 1 BR if it comes through though.

 

[ACDSNY]

Did you change to a 2 BR unit? Do you have both Marriott's listed?

Yes, we changed to a 2 br and I have both Marriott's listed. I think the change to the 2 br is making it difficult to match.

 

[MinnesotaChill]

Thanks so much Dean!

Leave it to me to make it too complicated. I didn't realize they didn't take the points until they made the match, I thought the took the points now and you had to find some way to use them if your first match didn't come through.

Is there one spot to find info on the individual resorts or should I look them all up on the web individually?

Thanks again for all of the help!

 

[ACDSNY]

Is there one spot to find info on the individual resorts or should I look them all up on the web individually?

I used the link from the dvcmember website to view the resorts. Happy planning.

 

[Dean]

Yes, we changed to a 2 br and I have both Marriott's listed. I think the change to the 2 br is making it difficult to match.

Not necessarily. The newer resort only has 2 BR units and the older one has lockoff's. You've picked up a newer, better resort by listing 2 BR units, but you've decreased your chances of getting a 1 BR at the KBC. Given your situation and the resort options and setup, I think you made the right choice. This circumstance is perfect for the above suggestion of having 2 searches. You can even have them make comments in each search to reference the other so you won't get BOTH.

Thanks so much Dean!

Leave it to me to make it too complicated. I didn't realize they didn't take the points until they made the match, I thought the took the points now and you had to find some way to use them if your first match didn't come through.

Is there one spot to find info on the individual resorts or should I look them all up on the web individually?

Thanks again for all of the help!

Glad to help, others have helped me over the years (and cont to) so I'm all too happy to return the favor when I have the chance. The places to get info include TUG, redweeks, myresortnetworks, DVC itself, tripadvisors, Timesharing today and II's website. I'd recommend TUG (Timeshare Users Group) as the best source. They have a BBS similar to DIS where you can get additional info and ask question, free for the BBS, $10 a year for full access (?$15 year one). They have ratings and reviews. TST also has ratings that are more in depth but far fewer in number. You can see the DVC II resorts at the link referenced above but if you want the seasons and some additional info, you can go through II's own website and get some additional information.

 

[ACDSNY]

Not necessarily. The newer resort only has 2 BR units and the older one has lockoff's. You've picked up a newer, better resort by listing 2 BR units, but you've decreased your chances of getting a 1 BR at the KBC. Given your situation and the resort options and setup, I think you made the right choice. This circumstance is perfect for the above suggestion of having 2 searches. You can even have them make comments in each search to reference the other so you won't get BOTH.

Thanks Dean! I haven't given up yet.

 

[tomandrobin]

Just a FYI, there is a new Westin opening in April on Kauai, in Princeville. It might have some availability in November.

 

[ACDSNY]

Just a FYI, there is a new Westin opening in April on Kauai, in Princeville. It might have some availability in November.

Thanks for the info...I'll check and see if I can add it to my search.

 

[Dean]

Just a FYI, there is a new Westin opening in April on Kauai, in Princeville. It might have some availability in November.

DVC usually doesn't add resorts in construction so I doubt it will be added that soon.

 

[tomandrobin]

DVC usually doesn't add resorts in construction so I doubt it will be added that soon.

Just a FYI, Westin Lagunamar in Cancun has already had deposits in II. It is also under construction, opening in the sprin/summer.

Actually I just wanted to let them know another resort was coming to Kauai to consider.

 

[Dean]

Just a FYI, Westin Lagunamar in Cancun has already had deposits in II. It is also under construction, opening in the sprin/summer.

Actually I just wanted to let them know another resort was coming to Kauai to consider.

II anticipates opening and accepts deposits accordingly. DVC on the other hand generally doesn't list resorts under construction. That's not to say they haven't done so but it's unusual. For example, they have listed KAN (Westin North) but last I heard (didn't look tonight) they hadn't listed the new section of Westin Kierland. There was a DVC member wanting Westin Kierland and there were II deposits but they were in the new section which is not yet on the DVC exchange list. End result, no exchange for the DVC member.

 

[tomandrobin]

II anticipates opening and accepts deposits accordingly. DVC on the other hand generally doesn't list resorts under construction. That's not to say they haven't done so but it's unusual. For example, they have listed KAN (Westin North) but last I heard (didn't look tonight) they hadn't listed the new section of Westin Kierland. There was a DVC member wanting Westin Kierland and there were II deposits but they were in the new section which is not yet on the DVC exchange list. End result, no exchange for the DVC member.

I see what you are saying. I was refering to II only, you were refering to DVC not listing it as a possible exchange.

What about Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club, that's listed as an exchange oppertunity but isn't that still under construction. And I did notice the the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas North is listed and that too is still under construction.

Westin Princeville and Westin Cancun are not on the DVC II list. But both of these resorts have not had thier grand opening yet.