Interval International

[Baloo2003]

Has anyone traded their points for a week with interval international?

We plan to go to Hawaii in about 12-18 months from now.
Has this worked well for anyone?
Are there any problems I should expect?
Can you research the timeshare before committing to the unit that you traded for?

I have used the Concierge Collection before which worked well, but have never used the World Passport C9ollection using Interval International.

Any insights into what to expect will be appreciated.

 

[rocketriter]

For most resorts in Hawaii you need to plan 2 years in advance, give MS a choice of dates and resorts, and have an alternate plan if you don't get a match. One resort that does tend to match is Kona Coast II on the Big Island. It's a nice place but not directly on the beach, and the Big Island is more rock and ranch than palm and pina colada. But if you'd rather explore volcanos than bake on the beach, it's a perfectly good choice. A DIS member named Dean will probably chime in at some point with more detailed suggestions. He's very knowledgeable.

 

[Lisa P.]

TUG members can read excellent, detailed reviews of nearly all the timeshares in Hawaii (and elsewhere). It's worth the membership just for that ($15/first year, includes a free classified ad). See my sig below to join. Look at the list of options available to you through DVC and read those resort reviews, paying attention to location and resort amenities that are important to you.

TripAdvisor.com is another source of web reviews but you have to read them with a bigger grain of salt, IMO. They are usually written by nightly renters so the perspective and expectations may be quite different from yours. You're wise to look into this in advance. Have a fun trip!

 

[Dean]

Has anyone traded their points for a week with interval international?

We plan to go to Hawaii in about 12-18 months from now.
Has this worked well for anyone?
Are there any problems I should expect?
Can you research the timeshare before committing to the unit that you traded for?

I have used the Concierge Collection before which worked well, but have never used the World Passport C9ollection using Interval International.

Any insights into what to expect will be appreciated.

I'd second TUG both for the BBS and the reviews. In short The only resorts I'd trade DVC for that are on the DVC trade list are the Marriott's, Westin and former Embassy's. There are others I'd consider staying at but not at the cost of 160 pts for a 1 BR or 270 for a 2 BR and the studio is even more costly compared to what you get. Since you said 12-18 months, that implies some flexibility in terms of when you can travel outside the school calendar. If you can do May, late Aug to mid Dec; your chances of success are much better. And while I agree that searching 2 years out is best, anything at 13 months or more out is almost as good for the resorts in question. 2 BR are essentially impossible unless you'll consider a second tier resort, the exceptions being the former Embassy on Kauai and the newer Marriott also on Kauai. FF mile usage further complicates your situation if it applies and for most trips is likely the most important issue if it is in the mix. I'd get some basics down and put in your request. While you need to do more research before considering any second tier resorts, if you know what islands interest you I think you can put in a basic request while you're getting info. The way DVC's system works the most you're risking until you actually accept an exchange that's offers is the $75 exchange fee.

 

[Baloo2003]

Well I do like things complicated. We do plan to use frequent flyer miles if possible. It looks like DVC will have a list that they do not print on their site or in the DVC point chart books we get each year.

I will contact DVC to start there for a starter list. Then I can review them based of the above sites mentioned.

But we are really flexible with travel time. No kids are involved and we usually travel during ioff times to avoid busy seasons of when schools are out.

2 of us have been to Hawaii before and this trip we plan to mainly stick to Oahu. I would like a timeshare complex that is on or near the beach of course. Based on my experience with Oahu, which is more city, this may be harder than I anticipate. Other islands seem to have all of their resort areas on the coast for the most part.

I agree the $75 fee is not that big of an investment if I need to change or cancel. TUG is also something I want to look into. I have heard of it before but never had to use it.

When we were there before we stayed at condos (timeshares) on Waikiki - 2bdrm and on Maui - 1bdrm. Waikiki's was pretty plush and Maui's was pretty basic but both allowed us to see the beach.

Thanks for all of the input. I am open to any other suggestions you think of as well.

 

[Baloo2003]

Oh, one more thing. I know I will find out more as I research more regarding the quality of the timeshares offered, but the DVC points used toward these are still more economical, point-wise, vs. using a Concierge Colllege hotel.

 

[Baloo2003]

....Concierge Collection Hotel.....sorry multi-tasking again

 

[JoEllen]

We have a 1 bdrm reserved on Maui at the Marriott Ocean Club for mid-December 2007. I made the request about 1 year out and was contacted by MS within a month. As Dean mentioned it is easier to get Hawaii in low season. But for 126 points we are really happy with the value!