II Exchange - Kauai - Matched!

[Dean]

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.

Those are actually some of the few exceptions I know of, the other that comes to mind is Marriott's Ocean Pointe. My guess is it's because there really isn't much else for those areas of Oahu. There isn't another appropriate resort on Oahu and the only two in the same level for Maui are the Westin and Marriott. They have only recently added the Westin North property which really is complete in many ways. You wouldn't know there's construction unless you were actually on that very end of the resort, I was just there 1.5 weeks ago. They're building another building or two off to the side but the pools, etc are really done and accessible. They have not yet added the new segment of the Marriott even though the one building is open and did so in late 2007. I can't speak to DVC's intent. I've seen them not add Marriott's until they were complete and had been operational for a couple of years. My GUESS is it's two issues. One is to ensure the resort is robust enough without constructions noise to generate complaints, the other is to actually see deposits start showing up in II's system. I noted the Kierland example above and it's funny that had that DVC member been given the exchange into the older section, they likely would be been placed in the newer section anyway. Certainly this could change and would likely be better for informed DVC members if it did since this is generally one of the best times to get an exchange into those type of resorts.

 

[ACDSNY]

I've updated our search so it now includes Oct 08 - first week of Feb 09, excluding Thanksgiving & X-mas weeks. I said we prefer a 2 bedroom, but would accept any combination of a studio & 1 bedroom or 2 1 bedrooms at either Marriott resort.

I asked about the Westin and the CM said she couldn't add it until it shows up on the DVC member website.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I've updated our search so it now includes Oct 08 - first week of Feb 09, excluding Thanksgiving & X-mas weeks. I said we prefer a 2 bedroom, but would accept any combination of a studio & 1 bedroom or 2 1 bedrooms at either Marriott resort.

Can you tell me if DVC confirmed that matching 2 units (a studio and a 1 BR or 2 1BRs) would involve 2 exchange fees? With the automatic match system, did they guarantee that they would not match only a studio or 1 br unless the another unit could also be matched?

Just trying to understand how the systems works. -- Suzanne

 

[Dean]

Can you tell me if DVC confirmed that matching 2 units (a studio and a 1 BR or 2 1BRs) would involve 2 exchange fees? With the automatic match system, did they guarantee that they would not match only a studio or 1 br unless the another unit could also be matched?

Just trying to understand how the systems works. -- Suzanne

I don't know what they quoted but can tell it that II has given two smaller units rarely as one exchange but I've only heard of this happening a few times and never with DVC. Given that the actual request in this case is for a 2 BR, they would not match anything else without permission. The problem is that it's unlikely you'll get two smaller units at one time that doesn't get earmarked for someone else. I'd be very surprised if 2 smaller units did not incur both two exchange fees and possibly the separate points requirements as well which is about 24 points more.

 

[ACDSNY]

Can you tell me if DVC confirmed that matching 2 units (a studio and a 1 BR or 2 1BRs) would involve 2 exchange fees? With the automatic match system, did they guarantee that they would not match only a studio or 1 br unless the another unit could also be matched?

Just trying to understand how the systems works. -- Suzanne

I've only paid one exchange fee as it's all part of the same search. They could only say the two units would be at the same resort, not necessarily close to each other as we need to accommodate six adults. It will be more points than a 2 bedroom unit, but if it gets us a match I guess that's OK. My sister will owe us a few dinners.

 

[kellydizfan]

I highly recommend the Marriott Kauai. We took a tour in October when we were there. I am seriously thinking of selling both our DVC contracts to buy into this one. I loved the grounds and also loved the beach. The island is absolutely gorgeous-the grounds, pool, etc!!! I fell in love with it, can't you tell. The outside when you first see it looks like a 1970's hotel but everything else is wonderful. I love DVC but this was just breathtaking.

 

[ACDSNY]

We've matched on our II search for a 2 bdrm at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai for the end of Oct 2008. Thanks for all of the advise I received on DIS. The wait almost killed me, but it was worth it. We're headed for our first trip to Hawaii. My friends and family will be shocked it's a non-Disney trip.

 

[DVC Mater]

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

Congratulations

 

[dianeschlicht]

We've matched on our II search for a 2 bdrm at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai for the end of Oct 2008. Thanks for all of the advise I received on DIS. The wait almost killed me, but it was worth it. We're headed for our first trip to Hawaii. My friends and family will be shocked it's a non-Disney trip.

That's great! You'll love Kauai, and Hawaii! We are thinking we might try again in the not too distant future too, but I have to screw up my courage for that long flight again. That requires some saving too, since we will only go first class from here anymore. It's just too long a flight for coach. I hope you are planning on more than just a week on the islands! We wont do it for less than 3 because of that long flight.

 

[disney0210]

We've matched on our II search for a 2 bdrm at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai for the end of Oct 2008. Thanks for all of the advise I received on DIS. The wait almost killed me, but it was worth it. We're headed for our first trip to Hawaii. My friends and family will be shocked it's a non-Disney trip.

How many points did that cost you?

Congratulations!

 

[ACDSNY]

That's great! I hope you are planning on more than just a week on the islands! We wont do it for less than 3 because of that long flight.

Thanks! I wish we could go longer, but that's all my DD & DSIL will be able to take off. The flights for us are about the same as flying to WDW.

 

[ACDSNY]

How many points did that cost you?

Congratulations!

270 for a 2 bdrm unit.

 

[PEANUT1]

Congrats!!! We have a search for the Westin in Maui for next October. I don't know if I can stand waiting until next April to find out if we are going. You are a more patient person than me.

 

[Dean]

Congrats!!! We have a search for the Westin in Maui for next October. I don't know if I can stand waiting until next April to find out if we are going. You are a more patient person than me.

This is about the timeframe most matches occur, esp for Westin resorts given their setup. It's usually right at 1 year or between 6-8 months then there's another peak about 2 months out.

 

[Tinkaroo]

We've matched on our II search for a 2 bdrm at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai for the end of Oct 2008. Thanks for all of the advise I received on DIS. The wait almost killed me, but it was worth it. We're headed for our first trip to Hawaii. My friends and family will be shocked it's a non-Disney trip.

You will absolutely love the Waiohai! My parents bought there 5 years ago, and we go every June. It is a beautiful property, and the area is fantastic!

 

[ACDSNY]

You will absolutely love the Waiohai! My parents bought there 5 years ago, and we go every June. It is a beautiful property, and the area is fantastic!

This will be our first trip so any advise on the must see or do list?

 

[Tinkaroo]

This will be our first trip so any advise on the must see or do list?

Gosh - there is really a lot to see and do.

When we went for the 1st time 5 years ago, we thought it was going to be the "only" time, and did a lot. There is a lot to see just driving around the island - the Waiohai is located on the south shore (Poipu Beach), and there is a lot of "sun, sand and surf" down there. You'll approach the area by going through the famous "tree tunnels" which is beautiful and majestic. Koloa, the little town just beyond the tree tunnels, has some great little shops and a good little pizza place, Pizzetta. Directly across the main street from the beach-front area (where the Waiohai is) there is another larger group of stores and shops - some beautiful art galleries, neat jewely and Hawaiian goods, plus a Roy's.

Our favorite restaurant in all of Kauai is the Beach House. It is one of the only spots on the island that you can watch the sun set over the water from your table - not surprisingly, sunset is a popular time to make your reservation. DON'T MISS IT. It is down near the Spouting Horn (which is another "must do").

I've also really enjoyed doing the Na Pali Coast Catamaran Tour (one of the only ways to see the west side of the island, since it's uninhabitable). That area is incredible. My dad and I also did a helicopter tour once, which was simply amazing. My DH is a scuba diver, and he logs anywhere from 5-10 dives while we're there - his favorite is to go out to Ni'ihau (the forbidden island), but I'm not sure if they go out there into the fall.

I would recommend that you get this guidebook - the best for the island:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ultimate-Kauai-Guidebook/Andrew-Doughty/e/9780971727953/?itm=2

Here are some pics from a 2nd floor villa:

Looking back towards the front area of the resort:

Directly ahead:

Looking towards the ocean/beach:

Aloha!!!

 

[ACDSNY]

Thanks for the great info. I've already purchased the guide book, it's wonderfully detailed.

 

[UConnJack]

It may be a mixed blessing that it took so long, at least you didn't have time to book airfare already and potentially get caught in the ATA and Aloha airlines flameouts.

 

[ACDSNY]

It may be a mixed blessing that it took so long, at least you didn't have time to book airfare already and potentially get caught in the ATA and Aloha airlines flameouts.

You're right, someone I work with in going through that mess for his June trip.