II Exchange to Westin Hawaii, Have some ???

[TravelingJen24]

We got an exchange (in two weeks) back in March for the first week of Dec. at the Westin Ocean Villas on Maui. We are totally thrilled, even though I think we will be missing Disneyworld this year. I have some questions for anyone that has the info. When should I call to ask for a room request? I know that it is a long short for an ocean view, but I still want to try. Also, does anyone have any experience for the weather that time of year? TIA!

 

[JoEllen]

We had an exchange at the Marriott Ocean Club at Maui for the same week in December 07. The previous week they had record rains/winds that washed out roads and beaches. But, the following week when we were there we had beautiful weather every day.
Be sure and see the Warren and Annabelle show in Lahaina. It is amazing!

JoEllen

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I have some questions for anyone that has the info. When should I call to ask for a room request? I know that it is a long short for an ocean view, but I still want to try.

At the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, the villas are categorized as ocean view or island view (and there are regular and premium viilas, as well as studios and larger villas). Your II exchange should be into a specific category, and that's the type of villa you will get.

You need to determine your reservation's Westin confirmation number (not the DVC number). If it's not on your confirmation letter, DVC Member Services should be able to tell you. Then call Westin at 1-866-500-8313. They should be able to tell you your exact category. They should accept requests from you too.

If your exchange is for an ocean view villa, congratulations! That's what you can expect. You won't get the best ocean view villa, because owners typically get priority at timeshare resorts. But you'll get a view of the ocean, while island view owners will be assigned to island view inventory.

If your exchange is for an island view villa, congratulations anyway because the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort is a great property. But requesting an ocean view won't get you one (although I guess it can't hurt to ask).

Reasonable requests would be requests such as top floor or bottom floor.

For more about the resort, see http://www.westinkaanapali.com/. You'll find photos, floor plans, drawings, and details about the resort.

 

[Dean]

Actually the Westin's policy is to give exchangers the off views no matter what was deposited to II for the exchange. That said, they often honor requests and it's not uncommon they will give an OV unit if asked. That is also the slowest 2 weeks of the year for the islands in general which should improve your chances. I have the email address for the concierge there so you can put in your requests that way if you like. Just email me privately and I'll give it to you.

 

[mj2vacation]

Congratulations! Great exchange.

We are Starwood Prefered guests (Gold thanks to AMEX) and they upgraded our view, even though we exchanged in.

If you can get the Ocean view they are nice, but usually the better ocean views go to the members (if you talk to their sales gruop and express an interest, they may be able to upgrade you as well).
The resort is very nice and fairly new.

Service was a bit shaky on our most recent visit, but we did not worry about it. The sunset can make up for any minor inconvenience.

One word of advice, stock up at costco right near the airport. You can pay for an entire year's membership in one visit (milk at the resort area in $9-10 a gallon, Costco was $5)

The Westin staff is ready for the Costco loads, they have rubbermaid containers on the luggage carts.

The snorkling equipment at costco is cheaper than closer to the resort and good quality. The reef right off of the resort is great, just be careful swimming, the current is very strong.

One of our favorite restaurants was Aloha Mixed plate, try to time it for the sunset it is well worth it. http://www.alohamixedplate.com/ you have professionals and Tourists sitting next to laborers, it really is a great mix and great experience.

We hiked a bit at Ioa State park, which is really nice: http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/sites_to_see/IaoValleyStatePark.htm

The beds at the resort are great, they have the Westin Heavenly beds.

Assuming for the picture, you have young kids, if you do, there is a neat pirate ship between the 2 Westin resorts. My kids loved it.

 

[TravelingJen24]

Thanks for all the great info. I will probably check with them in a week or two. We have young children and think that we may just skip Thanksgiving and go down to LA a couple days early. I think we will use priceline or hotwire to get a good rate on a room by LAX since our flight leaves at 8:45 in the morning. That will give use three more nights to the trip beforehand. Yeah.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for all the great info. I will probably check with them in a week or two. We have young children and think that we may just skip Thanksgiving and go down to LA a couple days early. I think we will use priceline or hotwire to get a good rate on a room by LAX since our flight leaves at 8:45 in the morning. That will give use three more nights to the trip beforehand. Yeah.

I do have one recommendation for you. It's a comedy magic show called Warren & Annabelle's. It's the funniest thing my wife and I ever saw. I'm not sure the age of the kids but they do have a kids friendly option but also an adult only show as well which I suspect is better from an adult standpoint. You will have to make reservations at least about a week before hand to count on getting in. Not sure about baby sitting options but you could check with the resort if important to you.

 

[Kiderak]

Don't know how old your children are, but the bike ride down Haleakala was awesome when we went to Maui.

Almost no pedaling, just alot of breaking. 6,500 feet to sea level in a couple hours over a stretch of 28 miles. There should be snow up there at that time of year.

The company we went with picked us up and dropped us off right at the hotel. It was a number of years ago so I don't remember the hotel's name or the name of the company.

 

[Dean]

Don't know how old your children are, but the bike ride down Haleakala was awesome when we went to Maui.

Almost no pedaling, just alot of breaking. 6,500 feet to sea level in a couple hours over a stretch of 28 miles. There should be snow up there at that time of year.

The company we went with picked us up and dropped us off right at the hotel. It was a number of years ago so I don't remember the hotel's name or the name of the company.

Actually Haleakala is 10000 feet. 10023 at it's highest, just under at the observation post (I forget the exact) and parking lot where the bikes leave from.

 

[TravelingJen24]

Those sound like great options. My kids are 5 and almost 3. Does anyone have any good hotels in LA for kids? We go to Disneyland a couple times a year, but I don't like being there on Thanksgiving. It is too crazy and our points are just sucked up.

 

[dizplanner]

Unfortunately you have to be 21 to go to the Warren & Annabel magic show. I really wanted to take the family but we had 17 & 19 year olds. So unless you get a baby sitter, that one is out. My understanding is they no longer allow the bike tour to start in the park - so you miss the best part. And a 5 & 3 year old would be too young for it any way.

However, you will still find plenty to do and will have a great time.

Karen

 

[Dean]

Unfortunately you have to be 21 to go to the Warren & Annabel magic show.

They did have a kid friendly matinee show some days, I no longer see it listed on their website though. I'd contact them directly and ask if anyone was interested..