II Ka'anapali

[drise]

Has anyone traded into II, Ka'anapali, Maui? Have you stayed at the Marriott or the Westin? How do you know what is low, mid, or high season?

 

[Dean]

Has anyone traded into II, Ka'anapali, Maui? Have you stayed at the Marriott or the Westin? How do you know what is low, mid, or high season?

The Embassy is technically on Ka'anapali beach but not in the main resort. I've stayed at both of the hotels but before either had timeshares. I've seen both properties as timeshares since. They are both in good locations and would be good options. They are also very tough trades, especially for late Jan through March, xmas and for summer.

 

[debbiepump]

Good luck! We are fortunate enough to go to Maui once a year and when I joined DVC thought I'd try a 'trade' HA!!!! Any date, any place, were up to two years ahead and nada, nothing!!! I gave up. If you want to go and spend your own $$ check out the Kaanapali Alii (marriott is next door).

 

[drise]

Thanks Dean,
The pictures of Marriott, the 1B looks small, only a kitchenette. The Westin rooms look larger and newer? Did you see them when they were timeshares? My sister has stayed at the Westin hotel and says the location is great in relation to Black Rock. Is the Westin timeshare in the same location? I'm looking at Nov. 07, hopefully more available. Are the pt. trades in line with cash prices?

Thanks,

 

[Dean]

Thanks Dean,
The pictures of Marriott, the 1B looks small, only a kitchenette. The Westin rooms look larger and newer? Did you see them when they were timeshares? My sister has stayed at the Westin hotel and says the location is great in relation to Black Rock. Is the Westin timeshare in the same location? I'm looking at Nov. 07, hopefully more available. Are the pt. trades in line with cash prices?

Thanks,

Both of the converted Marriott's (Maui and Kauai) are converted motels. So a 1 BR has a mini kitchen and two baths. The mini kitchens are more than a DVC studio but less than a full kitchen. They are functional but not something you'd want to cook a lot in. The Westin Timeshare is close to the hotel but when I saw it, they were fairly early in construction. Remember it took them forever to actually get going on this property with ownership changes and the like. Funny that when I stayed at the Westin (at least 7-8 time), it was then the Maui Surf. Westin later bought it along with the Kauai Surf which I've also stayed at. BTW, the Kauai Surf is now the Marriott noted above.

Good luck! We are fortunate enough to go to Maui once a year and when I joined DVC thought I'd try a 'trade' HA!!!! Any date, any place, were up to two years ahead and nada, nothing!!! I gave up. If you want to go and spend your own $$ check out the Kaanapali Alii (marriott is next door).

There are times of the year it is possible to get Maui including these two properties. The best (easiest) time is early Dec, May and Sept. These are both great properties to keep a running request in for. They are also great opportunities to do a direct exchange with a member there. For a direct exchange, you can control view and get an owners preference for requests.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The Westin rooms look larger and newer? Did you see them when they were timeshares? My sister has stayed at the Westin hotel and says the location is great in relation to Black Rock. Is the Westin timeshare in the same location? I'm looking at Nov. 07, hopefully more available.

There are two different Westin resorts at Ka'anapali, and they're 1.7 miles apart by car (according to Yahoo Maps beta). They're somewhat closer by foot. Black Rock is about half-way between the two resorts.

The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas (timeshare resort) is at 6 Kai Ala Drive, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761. This resort was not converted from anything else. It was built as timeshare resort. I've only seen pictures and plans — but it looks wonderful.

The Westin Maui Resort and Spa (conventional resort) is at 2365 Ka'anapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761. As Dean wrote, the Westin Maui was originally the Maui Surf, but was upgraded and expanded at great expense in the 1980s. It has a fine location in walking distance to other Ka'anapali resorts such as the Hyatt and the Marriott.

As far as availability of II exchanges is concerned, keep in mind that anything that is available for instant confirmation is, in a way, a reject. High-demand weeks usually go to satisfy ongoing requests from other II traders who have sufficient trading power. Weeks only become available for instant confirmation when all qualified ongoing requests have been satisfied.

There's a another factor when dealing with Westin. Just as DVC picks which DVC weeks get deposited into II, Westin does so too — thus high-demand seasons are seldom, if ever, deposited into II. Also, many Westin weeks are exchanged through Starwood's internal program, so they never make it into II.

On the other hand, Marriott owners tend to pick the weeks that they deposit, and many Marriott owners try to deposit the best weeks that they can to maximize their trading power. However, other Marriott owners — and there is a vast number of other Marriott owners — get exclusive access to these deposits for around three weeks. Only those weeks that don't go to other Marriott owners are available for non-Marriott II exchanges, such as exchanges by DVC members.

I'm sorry if this comes across as discouraging. It's not impossible to exchange into Hawaii, but it's not a simple matter of calling DVC Member Services to confirm instantly to a specific week at a specific resort. The trick to exchanging into Hawaii is to initiate an ongoing request far in advance (such as for check-in 24 months from now) and to be flexible. Pick multiple resorts that are acceptable to you, and pick a range of dates. Then be patient, because you normally won't hear anything for at least a full year. Realize that there are far more requests for Hawaii than there are deposits, and that many people will be unsuccessful.

I agree with Dean, who gives excellent timeshare advice on this board. Consider alternatives such as a direct exchange. Keep in mind that much of what I've written about Hawaii also applies to DVC. There may be a Westin or Marriott owner of a Hawaii week who is — at this minute — discouraged that there's essentially no availability for on-site DVC resorts (except for a few smaller units in September 2006).

Both of the converted Marriott's (Maui and Kauai) are converted motels.

My opinion is that it's not fair to call them "converted motels." (Perhaps that was just a typo.) They are converted resort hotels. The Marriott Maui Ocean Club was always a Marriott resort. As Dean wrote, the Marriott Kauai Beach Club started as as the Kauai Surf; at huge expense it was expanded to become the Westin Kauai; after Hurricane Iniki, Marriott picked up the property and turned it into a combination timeshare resort and conventional resort.

Nobody should read Dean's post and think that the Marriott Maui Ocean Club and Marriott Kauai Beach Club were ever motels, which are usually defined as lowrise lodgings at which you park near the door to your room.

 

[tomandrobin]

Trading thru II for both those resorts will not be easy. You would be better off doing a direct trade or exchange. The Marriot's are conversions, the Westin's are purpose built for timeshare use, not conversions. Hawaii is "Red" all year. Try the TUG board for more info for II exchanges.

One other thing, even if there are weeks deposited to II from Starwood and Marriott owners, there is a favoritism towards other Starwood and Marriott owners for them. I am a Starwood owner also, and will agree that you will be forunate to see the Westin on II. Has to make it thru the Internal trading system first.

 

[debbiepump]

The pictures of Marriott, the 1B looks small, only a kitchenette. The Westin rooms look larger and newer? Did you see them when they were timeshares? My sister has stayed at the Westin hotel and says the location is great in relation to Black Rock. Is the Westin timeshare in the same location? I'm looking at Nov. 07, hopefully more available. Are the pt. trades in line with cash prices?

*************************************************

The Westin is right on Kaanapali Beach, the Westin Timeshares are down the road and the two beaches can't be compared. Kaanapali Beach is beautiful and so much to do there. The rooms at the Westin are rather small, the timeshares are beautiful. The timeshares do offer a 'shuttle' service to Kaanapali Beach area for folks staying there. Are you aware (yes, I know you want to use your points) but you can rent the Marriott timeshares yourself? Just go to their online sit and check it out. Marriott's kitchens leave alot to be desired, BUT there are so many wonderful places to eat on Kaanapali Beach w/o getting in your car, may be a wash.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dean]

Nobody should read Dean's post and think that the Marriott Maui Ocean Club and Marriott Kauai Beach Club were ever motels, which are usually defined as lowrise lodgings at which you park near the door to your room.

Agreed, I use the word motel loosely. Regardless, they are converted and as such there are limitations and variations.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Regardless, they are converted and as such there are limitations and variations.

I agree. The "villas" at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club and the Marriott Kauai Beach Club really feel like two or three conventional hotels with connecting doors — because that's exactly what the 1BR and 2BR units are, respectively.

The bathrooms are in their original locations. The good thing about that is that if a family is staying in 1 BR (with the parents in the master bedroom and the kids on the pullout sofa), there are two full bathrooms — not just one bathroom, as with most other 1BR timeshare units.

The kitchen looks like an afterthought — again, because that's exactly what they are. There were no kitchens when these resorts were conventional resort hotels. Still, the mini-kitchens are fine if you mainly plan to eat breakfast at the villa or have drinks and snacks in the evening.

The biggest downside of the conversions is that washers and dryers are in laundry rooms elsewhere in the resort, not right in the villas.

I've stayed at both of these Marriotts (though not through DVC) and I would gladly do so again. In my opinion, any DVC member who is lucky enough to get one of these resorts based on the DVC World Passport Collection chart is getting good value for their DVC points (which cannot be said for all World Passport Collection choices).

 

[jmatias]

Being a Marriott owner we've stayed at the Marriott Maui 5 times. What we love about it:

Location: Right on Kaanapali beach. Great beach walk that connects all the kaanapali hotels. Whaler's Village shopping center easy walk with great restaurants. You'll see a lot of people from all the hotels walking at night along the beach walk to the various hotels/restaurants

Marriott: Fabulous pool area that have numerous levels, waterfalls, jacuzzis, kids play area with pirate ship

Units: we are a family of 5 and are very comfortable in the 2 bedroom units. Kitchenette is no problem. Enough for an easy breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. Nice grill area with table that we use for grilling dinner. Rooms are clean, well decorated, and the final conversion of hotel units to timeshare is going on right now.

We haven't stayed at the Westin Villas but have toured the units. Rooms are just beautiful with full kitchen and laundry. The resort itself is also very nice and the pool area is nice. We wouldn't hesitate to stay at the Westin if we can get a trade with II. Only "negative" for us is that the Westin Villas is on the other side of Black Rock so its not connected to the beach walk on Kaanapli beach....For us...this was the main reason we didn't buy at the Westin when they first started selling the units.

HTH

Aloha,
Jen

 

[winniesgirl]

We were very lucky in 2004 to get a trade into the Marriott for an Oct week. I had only had the request in for a few months when it came through. We loved the Marriott unit and decided to try again for fall of 2006. I put the request in last July for either the Marriott or the Westin figuring I was 16 mos in advance for the Set/Oct fall 2006, then in Dec added 2007. Even being so far in advance I haven't had any luck and honestly don't expect an exchange to come thru. It's frustrating waiting but I think Dean is so right don't count on an exchange, better to book with the hotel directly.
Good Luck.....

 

[littlestar]

Do you think it would be easier to get a trade for Westin Kaanapali villas if you were willing to accept a studio? I have heard that a lot of regular timeshare people don't like studios.

The pictures that I saw of the studios at the Westin villas were gorgeous. They even had a jacuzzi tub and small sitting area. I just wonderered if it would be easier to get a studio than a one or two bedroom. I walked around this property last year and it was beautiful. I know it's on the other side of black rock, but I think I would probably prefer the more quiet atmosphere. I would imagine there would be a shuttle back and forth between the Westin hotel and the Westin Villas, so you could probably get over to the more lively side of black rock that way??

 

[disneyleslie]

We just got back from the Marriott over spring break - we rented our points out at disney and used the money to buy a cash ressie at Marriott - the room was really nice - we were 3rd floor POV (not much) - we had refrig, micro, coffee maker and sleeper sofa in liv. room and we got a rollaway. The bedroom had a really comfy king bed and we had two baths - we had plenty of room and the location can't be beat - now, here is my take on kaanapali - my kids did not use the pool much at all - 16,13, 7 - they preferred the ocean - that being said you can get a bunch of different condos (whaler, etc) and they are closer to black rock - I would probably go that route next time - it is a great location with lots of stuff to do and places to eat - we went on a triology all day sunset cruise that was just the best - awesome day!

Hope this helps!
Leslie

 

[Dean]

Do you think it would be easier to get a trade for Westin Kaanapali villas if you were willing to accept a studio? I have heard that a lot of regular timeshare people don't like studios.

If you will accept a studio your chances will be increased by multiples though the value might be questionable for much of the year.

We were very lucky in 2004 to get a trade into the Marriott for an Oct week. I had only had the request in for a few months when it came through. We loved the Marriott unit and decided to try again for fall of 2006. I put the request in last July for either the Marriott or the Westin figuring I was 16 mos in advance for the Set/Oct fall 2006, then in Dec added 2007. Even being so far in advance I haven't had any luck and honestly don't expect an exchange to come thru. It's frustrating waiting but I think Dean is so right don't count on an exchange, better to book with the hotel directly.
Good Luck.....

And hence one of my recommendations for an exchange method to HI. Make a reservation that can be canceled up to a few days before arrival and keep trying until then. Many units come in late notice even for high demand locations. And in many cases, most of the units that are ultimately available will be so for 60 days out or less. That and early Dec are about the only times I see Maui Marriott units online when I search.

 

[debbiepump]

DisneyLeslie-
Isn't the Kaanapali beach area fabulous?? We stay at the Kaanapali Alii once a year and love being able to just walk to go to eat from McDonald's to the Swan Court, the buffett at the Marriott and to have snokeling at Black Rock so close and such a great beach to swim at-we too never go into the pool, it's the ocean

 

[dvc_john]

I'll just add my 2 cents worth:
Stayed at the Marriott a little over a year ago, and had an ocean front 1br 2 bath unit. The view was spectacular. The pool was great, but in Hawaii, people have a tendancy to reserve pool chairs early in the morning, and it seems to be more or less accepted.
Saw the Westin and it looked like a terrific resort. When I was there, one wing was open, and another under construction. It was a built from scratch project, and probably had nicer units than the Marriott. But I preferred the Marriott location.
From what I understand, Hyatt is getting ready to add a timeshare on Maui, but I'm sure that's several years off.

 

[wintergreen]

If you will accept a studio your chances will be increased by multiples though the value might be questionable for much of the year.
And hence one of my recommendations for an exchange method to HI. Make a reservation that can be canceled up to a few days before arrival and keep trying until then. Many units come in late notice even for high demand locations. And in many cases, most of the units that are ultimately available will be so for 60 days out or less. That and early Dec are about the only times I see Maui Marriott units online when I search.

Question about using this approach: What happens in the DVC system to a search that "expires," i.e. the time period requested has passed with no match? I'm particularly interested in what happens to the $75 fee paid to start the search. Does DVC refund the money, or is it "held" for a future search that might be successful. Thanks. I'm in the middle of one of these myself, and am interested in trying the approach that you have recommended here. Thanks!

 

[Dean]

Question about using this approach: What happens in the DVC system to a search that "expires," i.e. the time period requested has passed with no match? I'm particularly interested in what happens to the $75 fee paid to start the search. Does DVC refund the money, or is it "held" for a future search that might be successful. Thanks. I'm in the middle of one of these myself, and am interested in trying the approach that you have recommended here. Thanks!

It is refunded if no match is found or you cancel before a match is found. I haven't use this method with DVC, I have better values for trading. But I have used the method with Interval and with San Francisco exchange quite successfully. But it does require a gamblers mentality to do so successfully much of the time.

 

[wintergreen]

But it does require a gamblers mentality to do so successfully much of the time.

Yup. I think that we just need to decide where we want to go, buy the plane tickets, and be willing to pay cash for the accommodations if the exchange doesn't come through. Thanks for your insights!