Need Hawaii Help-Dean?

[deerh]

By Dean:My guess would be that fewer than 20% of appropriately placed DVC HI requests were filled through II and that less than 10% were truly for a high choice.

Ok, thanks for the info. Now, an intersting point. What % of exchanges go thru at San Fran Exchange/or other means like TUG.
I have been on the TUG board(have not joined yet), and Not many people want DVC, they want cancun, bahamas, etc. Also, have not seen any for 05 yet.

Just wondering what % go thru in those places? THanks for the info.

Deerh

 

[kem330]

I would go with Dean's alternate advice- rent a condo or rent from someone on the TUG board. If you are a person who needs to know and plan this is the way to go. The Maui Marriott is the #1 property in the Marriott system- but people who own there do rent directly. On the TUG site got to classified ads and for rent hawaii, you will see a fair amount of listings. We are going to Kauai at Christmas and found a great deal from an owner at Embassy. I agree with you Deerh, I need to be on a beach after living in landlocked Illinois! As far as condo options- we really like the Wailea resort- ekahi, elua and makena- there are some independent owners there who rent- www.mauiownercondos.com . The villas at Mauna Lani are not part of the exchange- they are extremely pricey upscale units.

 

[spiceycat]

II - has more upscale resort - therefore less choice for Dayton or Panama City for that matter.

II has offered me a bonus week for my PC - I gather that RCI does not.

So alot just depends upon the exchange company you are using.

DVC only uses II.

Go post now on the rental/trade board on this site. Several tuggers now about it and look for trades here.

Also post on the tug board - I would join tug because to post an ad is cheaper if you are member. besides you will want to read all the reviews so you will know what you will accept.

since you are talking about next year (2005) - you will probably find something.

also II had say before that most of their members don't deposit or exchange until 6 months out.

If you hadn't heard in 5 months (or when you need to make your plane reservations) then I would go with another source.

Of course I haven't try to go any further than the south - I have a problem with flying.....

 

[cheyita]

Can anyone suggest specific resorts/condos that are 2BRs that can accomodate 8 people? MS said there are a few that do, but didn't say which ones. And I'd be interested in others not available through DVC if anyone can suggest any off hand.

BTW - kem330 - somehow I haven't noticed you before! I live in Rockford and used to live in Genoa for a few years. Hi neighbor (waving in a southeasterly direction)

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by deerh
Ok, thanks for the info. Now, an intersting point. What % of exchanges go thru at San Fran Exchange/or other means like TUG.
I have been on the TUG board(have not joined yet), and Not many people want DVC, they want cancun, bahamas, etc. Also, have not seen any for 05 yet.

Just wondering what % go thru in those places? THanks for the info.

Deerh

I suspect SFX could give you overall number but would have no info for DVC or anything specific. DVC does this as a matter of being a timeshare licensed in FL. Since they have no official connection with SFX or any other system, there will be no official information, an like no info at all. My guess would be worse than II overall but better than II for HI as they have a tie in with the Embassy's. The real benefit is in deciding what you want and going after it. The people that want to call DVC and get a top HI option while they on the phone have a near zero chance for most times of the year. Those willing to aggessively go after it an look at all options, have a very good chance of success. I'd put the chances of a 2 BR for top places in HI for Summer, or even Xmas at about 50/50 or better if they follow all aspects of my advice. OF course they should make a back up plan with a condo or hotel rental they can cancel. Those that just call DVC and then go with a pending request would be somewhere in between. For smaller units, those willing to go non summer and non peak season and those willing to accept lessor resorts; have a much better chance of success.

Remember that almost all 2 BR units in HI sleep only 6, not 8. There are exceptions fut not many and most of those are lockoff's so are deposited as smaller units. There are a handfull of 3 and 4 BR units as well.

nitsirk987, I hope it works out for you. Remember there are many great places to go. With just the 2 of you, your chances are better than those for a 2 BR. Someone mentioned the Marriott's not having a kitchen, that is partly true. The hotel conversion Marriott's have an expanded mini kitchen. The two new ones have full kitchens. The same is true of the Embassy on Maui. For 2 people this is not an issue, IMO. Eat out once a day or get take out with light meals or snacks in the room or on the go for the rest of the time. Sorry you we led to believe you could just pick up the phone and the exchane world would fall at your feet, it's a common misperception given to potential members by the sales staff. Still, I think they really believe it so don't be too hard on them.

 

[deerh]

Ok, called MS today, and requested 2 one bedroom units OR a 2 bedroom unit for 4 ocean resorts in Maui for June3- July 22, 2005.
Will I help my chances any at all by doing this? I thought it was OK to do that. It is more points, but, hey what the heck, my brother and his wife would like to go with us and the 2 kids, so that is 6 of us. This would allow us room for 8 if 2 more wanted to go in with us. Thanks for all the encourging words. And I WILL have a backup plan, but going to wait it out until Dec, Jan of next year.
Now, another question- When should I go with the backup plan?
My AAA agent says Jan of next year I should book with them if I hear nothing from DVC. Is this true? Or wait till Feb, or March?

Thanks for all the responses!!
Deerh (trying to get to HI in 05!)

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by deerh

Now, another question- When should I go with the backup plan?
My AAA agent says Jan of next year I should book with them if I hear nothing from DVC. Is this true? Or wait till Feb, or March?

Thanks for all the responses!!
Deerh (trying to get to HI in 05!)

Personally I'd go with teh backup plan starting now. Start looking and researching your options. Try to decide if a hotel option or condo is best and see what ones you want and what the relative prices would be. Check on the cancellation policies. Once you've made a decision, I'd go ahead and book it. You can always keep looking and if something better comes up, change it over. The 1 BR (or better studio) options will improve your chances. I'd still suggest you pursue the direct exchange and other exchange company options for a 2 BR or even for two 1 BR units. Do let us know the doors that open up, even the ones you don't walk through.

 

[spiceycat]

join tug - then you get access to sights, distress exchanges -

then if one of your resorts comes up and it is a time that you can use - you can get on the phone immediately and see if MS can get it for you.

now MS should be during this and yes most of the time they are great.

I would be watching this bulletin board weekly if not daily if I wanted a trade to Hawaii.


Also remember that RCI has more in Hawaii (or seems to) -and yes those members (in some cases) will be willing to trade DVC with you - because they can't get it.

of course I don't think Dean or others who have been to Hawaii - exactly think that RCI has good trades - but hey it is better than nothing....

 

[deerh]

I am taking Dean's advise somewhat. I have put in a search for 0ne 2 BR for anytime in June/July 05 and ALSO the same search for two 1BR for the following resorts: Westin Kannapali Beach, Marriott Ocean Club, Embassy Vacation Resort Maui, and Sands of Kahana. Those are the ONLY ones based on Dean's advise (and my own looking at the web sites)that I want for the moment.

Will Continue to wait, I think my chances went up when I asked for two 1BR units (maybe), and something may happen. Will have a contigency plan if this does not do.

Can anyone elaborate on the nice (DVC quality) HOTELS in Maui?
IF the exchange does not work? Just what is close to DVC standards....

Sounds to me in my research (small amt), that Maui has older properties, and a LOT not up to par! At least in my intial searchs.... that seems odd........ (I am talking Condos here now)
Thanks for the input....
DeerH

 

[Diznut84]

I put a 2BR villa on hold for you at Hilton Grand Vacation Club's Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach located on the Big Island. Bay Club is a FANTASTIC resort (TUG rating of 9.04).

Here is the resort URL:
http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/ownership/resorts/waikoloa.html

The occupancy for the 2BR villa (maximum occupancy is 6) is for the period June 4-11, 2005. I can hold the unit through the end of the business day tomorrow.

I have rented to Dean (Embassy at Kauai) in the past and have other references. Specifically, I 'm looking for a DVC for some part of our upcoming trip to Disney from December 25-January 8 (followed by a 7 night Disney cruise). Let me know if you are interested!

Greg

 

[Diznut84]

Unit released. Thanks for the prompt email, deerh.

Greg

 

[Lisa P.]

OCTOBER OF 2005....
I JUST REALLY WANT TO GO WITH MY HUSBAND. IT WILL BE OUR 5TH ANNIVERSARY AND WE HAVE HAD A REALLY HARD 5 YEARS... I HAVE BEEN DIAG WITH CANCER TWICE, AND WE REALLY WANT TO DO THIS...

nitsirk987, I'd encourage you to seek a direct exchange with another timeshare owner. Or use an independent exchange company. A place like the HGVC or other nice resorts which trade exclusively through RCI (or independents) may provide for a great week for you with the kind of advance notice that you are seeking. Other owners may like to book a year ahead for you as they plan their own 2005 stay at your DVC. Check it out at TUG by sending a few email inquiries to other owners, perhaps owners who are offering to rent out their week and who may consider an exchange instead:

TUG's Free Direct Exchange Database

TUG's Direct Exchange Listings

TUG Classifieds

HTH!

 

[deerh]

Anyone (or Dean), how would you rate the Kona Coast Resort that DVC can trade into? Also, how would you rate the Kapula Bay Hotels in Maui (I know these are hotels, not condos), and the Mauni Lani Bay and Bungalows? This another (albeit, an expensive point option if the Condos do not work out), just wanted anyone's opinion on these resorts.

The Mauni Lani Bay is 4 star on my AAA book, so it looks good, just wanted the "experts" that have been there know anything!
THANKS and HAPPY EASTER ALL!!

deerh

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by deerh
Anyone (or Dean), how would you rate the Kona Coast Resort that DVC can trade into? Also, how would you rate the Kapula Bay Hotels in Maui (I know these are hotels, not condos), and the Mauni Lani Bay and Bungalows? This another (albeit, an expensive point option if the Condos do not work out), just wanted anyone's opinion on these resorts.

The Mauni Lani Bay is 4 star on my AAA book, so it looks good, just wanted the "experts" that have been there know anything!
THANKS and HAPPY EASTER ALL!!

deerh

The two hotel options are World Class, but as you noted, a lot of points. I haven't been to KCR but have studied extensively it over the years. At least a couple of DIS members have stayed there and really enjoyed it. From what I know it appears that if you get the newer section or remodeled area, you're in great shape. It appears to be on par with DVC form a quality standpoint. No beach though, if that's important.

The one thing that bothers me about KCR is that is is easy to get otherwise. So while it may be on par with DVC, it may not be as good of a value overall. If you want the Big Island, it's a good choice. The Bay Club would be the other I'd consider on the Big Island as well though it's not available through II.

 

[rocketriter]

It's also worth remembering that the Big Island has a different feel from the other islands. While there are beaches, some of them pretty (and some a striking volcanic black), there's a lot of undertow and rough water as well. There's also less of a hip atmosphere to the nightlife than, say Maui, and the landscape looks less like "Bali Hai." What the Big Island offers, instead, is younger geology that's rougher, wilder, more rocky and much more volcanic. That happens to be what our family prefers: fewer pupu specials and more mountains and molten red lava. But it's not for everyone, especially if you just want to kick back and pretend you're in a lush palm-tree paradise.

 

[deerh]

By Rocketriter:It's also worth remembering that the Big Island has a different feel from the other islands. While there are beaches, some of them pretty (and some a striking volcanic black), there's a lot of undertow and rough water as well. There's also less of a hip atmosphere to the nightlife than, say Maui, and the landscape looks less like "Bali Hai." What the Big Island offers, instead, is younger geology that's rougher, wilder, more rocky and much more volcanic. That happens to be what our family prefers: fewer pupu specials and more mountains and molten red lava. But it's not for everyone, especially if you just want to kick back and pretend you're in a lush palm-tree paradise.

Good point! We don't know exactly what we want. One of those love/hate relationships. I like Volcanoes/beaches , Wife only likes Beaches, could care less about volcanoes. Since I teach that with my HS students, I would like to go to the BIG ISland at least a few days. The AAA person (who has been to HI), said 6 or 7 days at Big Island is a little much. Not that much to do/ for that length of time.....

Decisions, decisions.......
deerh

 

[JimC]

I had no trouble getting a 1 bedroom for a week at a Marriott vacation club resort in Maui and a few days at the Hilton on Waikiki Beach for September, including 1st class air travel. All were booked at eleven months out and used the respective frequent travel program points/miles to book. No fees, no hassle and no waiting for exchanges. Of course one must spend a fair amount of time on the road to be able to do that.

Any recommendations on a towncar service in Honolulu?

 

[jekjones1558]

Good point! We don't know exactly what we want. One of those love/hate relationships. I like Volcanoes/beaches , Wife only likes Beaches, could care less about volcanoes. Since I teach that with my HS students, I would like to go to the BIG ISland at least a few days. The AAA person (who has been to HI), said 6 or 7 days at Big Island is a little much. Not that much to do/ for that length of time....

We find plenty to do for 7 days on the Big Island. Hilo, Kona, Volcano Park and Parker Ranch areas are all very different from each other, so you can easily spend a day getting to, exploring, and returning from them. There are great beaches too for DW, black sand and others.
Mauna Lani is gorgeous. Don't stay there if you like to be "where the action is" because it's too far from Kona. Kapalua Hotel is magnificent. Their villas are not on the DVC trade list but are even better than DVC. The 2 bedroom was bigger and, if I remember right, both bedrooms had whirlpool tubs. Maybe you could find a private trade?
Good luck. Hard to beat Hawaii.

 

[westjones]

We are somewhat new to our DVC membership, so I hope this isn't a dumb question.

If we used the Hawaii hotels that exchange for 'nightly' rates, are they easier to get than trying for a week?

I saw 2 hotels listed on the pages that have hotels available for nightly rates for Hawaii. Has anyone used these?

Thanks,
DJ

 

[Michelemouse]

Originally posted by westjones
We are somewhat new to our DVC membership, so I hope this isn't a dumb question.

If we used the Hawaii hotels that exchange for 'nightly' rates, are they easier to get than trying for a week?
DJ

Not a dumb question at all. Yes, the two hotels offered through the Concierge Collection can be easier to get, but the points-cost is much, much higher. For example, we exchanged for a week in Oct. '05 on Kauai and it cost us 144 points for the 7 nights. The two Concierge Collection hotels are in the 40+ per night range so a week would be much more expensive. For us it wasn't worth it so we went the exchange route. It took us 6 months to get the call that we had gotten the exchange.