Speaking of Hawaii.... Need some advice, Dean?

[dianeschlicht]

If you have to go downtown a number of times, that certainly changes things but doesn't necessarily make staying downtown the best option. Where downtown, what days and what time of day will all make a difference. I'd make my air when you find what you want. I always try to fly in and out of HNL, usually in on Fri and out on Sunday so I can be open to almost all potential weeks that might be available. Making a cancelable reservation is always a good backup paln for such a trip. Good luck.

I agree about flying in on a Thursday or Friday and out on a Sunday. That's what we usually do too.

One problem is that I'm not exactly certain Where the venue is that we will need to go back and forth to in Honolulu. I'm going to see if I can find that out more definitively and go from there. I'm pretty sure we would be making the trip mornings and evenings...probably morning rush hour, but not for the evening trip.

I just hope I can find something reasonable for a week on another island. I'd prefer Hawaii or Kauai, but I'll take Maui if it's all I can get.

 

[Dean]

I agree about flying in on a Thursday or Friday and out on a Sunday. That's what we usually do too.

One problem is that I'm not exactly certain Where the venue is that we will need to go back and forth to in Honolulu. I'm going to see if I can find that out more definitively and go from there. I'm pretty sure we would be making the trip mornings and evenings...probably morning rush hour, but not for the evening trip.

I just hope I can find something reasonable for a week on another island. I'd prefer Hawaii or Kauai, but I'll take Maui if it's all I can get.

Kauai and the BI are both much easier to get AND have more reasonable options (RCI and otherwise) than Maui or Oahu.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Kauai and the BI are both much easier to get AND have more reasonable options (RCI and otherwise) than Maui or Oahu.

Through RCI? That would be good, since those are my preferences anyway.

 

[ems_mom]

Now my question is if anyone here has had any luck with a TIMELY RCI exchange through DVC. I just hate to wait until a few months before and then find I have nothing.

I got an RCI exchange rather last minute because I only called 4 months out. My DH and I decided we wanted to go back to HI for our 25th. I really wasn't expecting any availability at that late date using our DVC points (was fully prepared to make alternate arraingements), but lo and behold the week I wanted was available on the island I wanted, Kauai. We spent a lovely week in a one bedroom at Lawai Beach Resort before our six night stay at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach on Oahu. The Lawai Beach Resort was no fancy Marriot with all the bells and whistles, but we loved our stay. We had a beautiful ocean view, were steps away from a great snorkeling beach and Kauai's #1 restaurant, and felt very much at home during our stay.

Kauai and the BI are both much easier to get AND have more reasonable options (RCI and otherwise) than Maui or Oahu.

Through RCI? That would be good, since those are my preferences anyway.

Hello? Do I need 25,000 posts to be relevant? Not very hospitable...

 

[dianeschlicht]

Hello? Do I need 25,000 posts to be relevant? Not very hospitable...

HUH? I thought I said I did NOT want to wait last minute, and I consider 4 months to be last minute.

 

[Dean]

Through RCI? That would be good, since those are my preferences anyway.

Paying DVC prices (160-200 points for a 1 BR or 270-350 for a 2 BR) for RCI, an independent exchange or a direct exchange; here are the one's from the DVC list I'd consider.

Oahu - Hilton's, Wyndham and DVC
Maui - KBC
Kauai - The Pointe, Wyndham Shearwater, LBR
BI - KCR (which you know), Hilton's, Bay Club

There probably aren't any on the list I'd refuse to stay at for a given price, but just not at the cost using DVC. Some of these were on the II list as well and I DID NOT include them on the acceptable list with II. I only include say LBR because there are so few other acceptable choices. So if you got say 2 units for one exchange, maybe through an independent, I'd certainly open up. Just be aware that other than some of the Hilton's, they are all somewhat below the level of DVC. The reality is that trading in to Kauai and the BI is rather easy overall including with much cheaper systems than DVC.

Hello? Do I need 25,000 posts to be relevant? Not very hospitable...

I'm not sure your point. You posted you got a borderline resort given the question (IMO), on an easier island to trade into on short notice. I'm sure Diane noted the info. Did I miss something?

BTW, while it sounds like you got a good unit, LBR is legendary for giving exchangers the poorest units, generally in the Coral building. For that reason along, I likely would not trade a high end option like DVC for it. Same applies to KBC.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Paying DVC prices (160-200 points for a 1 BR or 270-350 for a 2 BR) for RCI, an independent exchange or a direct exchange; here are the one's from the DVC list I'd consider.

Oahu - Hilton's, Wyndham and DVC
Maui - KBC
Kauai - The Pointe, Wyndham Shearwater, LBR
BI - KCR (which you know), Hilton's, Bay Club

There probably aren't any on the list I'd refuse to stay at for a given price, but just not at the cost using DVC. Some of these were on the II list as well and I DID NOT include them on the acceptable list with II. I only include say LBR because there are so few other acceptable choices. So if you got say 2 units for one exchange, maybe through an independent, I'd certainly open up. Just be aware that other than some of the Hilton's, they are all somewhat below the level of DVC. The reality is that trading in to Kauai and the BI is rather easy overall including with much cheaper systems than DVC.

Thanks, That's exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I did get a response from someone who owned Shearwater, but they didn't feel a 2 bedroom to 2 bedroom at DVC was an equal exchange, so they canceled.

I'm not sure your point. You posted you got a borderline resort given the question (IMO), on an easier island to trade into on short notice. I'm sure Diane noted the info. Did I miss something?

BTW, while it sounds like you got a good unit, LBR is legendary for giving exchangers the poorest units, generally in the Coral building. For that reason along, I likely would not trade a high end option like DVC for it. Same applies to KBC.

This too is right on. I thought I had addressed my criteria earliery in the thread.

 

[dianeschlicht]

ems_mom, Since you need a personal answer to feel included in this thread (not sure why), I'm going to respond to this part of your post.

I got an RCI exchange rather last minute because I only called 4 months out. My DH and I decided we wanted to go back to HI for our 25th. I really wasn't expecting any availability at that late date using our DVC points (was fully prepared to make alternate arraingements), but lo and behold the week I wanted was available on the island I wanted, Kauai. We spent a lovely week in a one bedroom at Lawai Beach Resort before our six night stay at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach on Oahu. The Lawai Beach Resort was no fancy Marriot with all the bells and whistles, but we loved our stay. We had a beautiful ocean view, were steps away from a great snorkeling beach and Kauai's #1 restaurant, and felt very much at home during our stay.

First of all, I've stayed at Outrigger Waikiki....Thought it was a bit second class compared to DVC. I have not stayed at LBR. In fact, I had never heard of it, and I've stayed on Kauai 4 times. It is perhaps on the other side of the island, since we have stayed only on the north and east side of Kauai?

 

[Dean]

Thanks, That's exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I did get a response from someone who owned Shearwater, but they didn't feel a 2 bedroom to 2 bedroom at DVC was an equal exchange, so they canceled.

They're right, it's not, they did you a favor if you were having to fork out 300 or more points. You may want to consider getting a Dream or choice OKW unit and depositing with one of the independent companies or just renting out the points. Or make a reservation and talk to them about getting 2 for 1. I'm sure you realize given your previous KCR stay and the discussions on DIS, but for others sake, I'm pretty protective of my points AND the quality of the resort in question is important to me personally as is MY perceived value of a given exchange. This is my personal approach which some share and some do not. All I can do is offer information and my opinion. Let us know how it goes.

First of all, I've stayed at Outrigger Waikiki....Thought it was a bit second class compared to DVC. I have not stayed at LBR. In fact, I had never heard of it, and I've stayed on Kauai 4 times. It is perhaps on the other side of the island, since we have stayed only on the north and east side of Kauai?

Is it on the opposite side of the island near Poipu beach and fairly close to The Point and the Marriott Waiohai resort.

 

[dianeschlicht]

They're right, it's not, they did you a favor if you were having to fork out 300 or more points. You may want to consider getting a Dream or choice OKW unit and depositing with one of the independent companies or just renting out the points. Or make a reservation and talk to them about getting 2 for 1. I'm sure you realize given your previous KCR stay and the discussions on DIS, but for others sake, I'm pretty protective of my points AND the quality of the resort in question is important to me personally as is MY perceived value of a given exchange. This is my personal approach which some share and some do not. All I can do is offer information and my opinion. Let us know how it goes.

Is it on the opposite side of the island near Poipu beach and fairly close to The Point and the Marriott Waiohai resort.

LOL, well the Shearwater person felt HE was the one not getting enough out of it.

Last time we were over near Poipu, it was still being repaired from the hurricane. We tend to stay around Princeville or the center part of the island. I sure wish Coco Palms was still open! LOVED that place, and it's so sad to see it in such disrepair the last couple of trips.

 

[Dean]

LOL, well the Shearwater person felt HE was the one not getting enough out of it.

Last time we were over near Poipu, it was still being repaired from the hurricane. We tend to stay around Princeville or the center part of the island. I sure wish Coco Palms was still open! LOVED that place, and it's so sad to see it in such disrepair the last couple of trips.

Yes I realized that the other party felt slighted. That's one of the problems with private exchanges, you get all sorts of people trying to take advantage of you. The general inquiry I get for an exchange for DVC or other top resorts I own is a mid level to lower level place at a location that is EASY to get like Orlando, Branson, Williamsburg, etc. I'm the reverse, only stayed at the Marriott's and what's now The Point. The quality of the resort and units is VERY important to us as is my perceived value for what I'm getting, esp if I'm trading something of high value. I'll lower my standards ONLY slightly if I'm trading something not as valuable.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yes I realized that the other party felt slighted. That's one of the problems with private exchanges, you get all sorts of people trying to take advantage of you. The general inquiry I get for an exchange for DVC or other top resorts I own is a mid level to lower level place at a location that is EASY to get like Orlando, Branson, Williamsburg, etc. I'm the reverse, only stayed at the Marriott's and what's now The Point. The quality of the resort and units is VERY important to us as is my perceived value for what I'm getting, esp if I'm trading something of high value. I'll lower my standards ONLY slightly if I'm trading something not as valuable.

I agree with your philosophy too.

 

[tomandrobin]

Yes I realized that the other party felt slighted. That's one of the problems with private exchanges, you get all sorts of people trying to take advantage of you. The general inquiry I get for an exchange for DVC or other top resorts I own is a mid level to lower level place at a location that is EASY to get like Orlando, Branson, Williamsburg, etc. I'm the reverse, only stayed at the Marriott's and what's now The Point. The quality of the resort and units is VERY important to us as is my perceived value for what I'm getting, esp if I'm trading something of high value. I'll lower my standards ONLY slightly if I'm trading something not as valuable.

I will 100% agree....

Going into every trade I make, I only hope to get something slightly less then I am trading for. Unfortunately, like Dean, I get way too many "dog" weeks for my quality weeks.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I will 100% agree....

Going into every trade I make, I only hope to get something slightly less then I am trading for. Unfortunately, like Dean, I get way too many "dog" weeks for my quality weeks.

Yep, that's what I'm trying to avoid. It's been 6 years since our last Hawaii trip, so I thought perhaps some of those places had changed....either for the better or for the worse.

 

[Dean]

I will 100% agree....

Going into every trade I make, I only hope to get something slightly less then I am trading for. Unfortunately, like Dean, I get way too many "dog" weeks for my quality weeks.

That's why I own weeks to use and weeks to trade. I make every effort to make sure each and every trade is a trade up in at least 1 or 2 of the 3 areas of importance to us (unit size, resort quality, resort/week demand) and that those that are not a trade up, are neutral. That's very difficult to do if you're trading the top options and works best if trading cheaper items that are smaller units or lockoffs. Planning and education in those areas are also musts. The trick is to balance so that you're always reaching but for things that are actually within reach. HI is a little difficult for this area because overall demand means that most exchanges are a move up from a demand standpoint. Outside the Marriott's, Hilton's and Westin's, there are a lot of mid level resorts from a quality standpoint, places you don't mind staying but wish they were nicer overall.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Dean, I realize this is probably a bit off topic from my original question, but what inexpensive "traders" do you think are best to own? Maybe I should ask what YOU own. I highly respect your opinions on such things.

 

[tomandrobin]

.....what inexpensive "traders" do you think are best to own?

Now there is an open-ended question!

For the casual timeshare owner, I am not sure if there is a good answer. A few years back, South African timeshares were trading tigers....now they are kittens.

I am strictly a Westin/DVC owner, but from a Starwood side - Platinum week at Sheraton Desert Oasis is a very good mid-level trader. Resales are cheap, maintenance fees are reasonable, and its trade value is good enough to get a broad range in II.

I know timeshare gurus that will swear by Worldmark point system and how they can pull anything. They are cheap and have mf's to match.....but the key word here is "guru". I look into it, but too much work for me.

 

[littlestar]

Now there is an open-ended question!

For the casual timeshare owner, I am not sure if there is a good answer. A few years back, South African timeshares were trading tigers....now they are kittens.

You are so right! I got tired of "chasing my tail" so to speak with relying solely on II and RCI for trades and bought Wyndham points so I could book internally in their system. I looked for an internal system that offered resorts where I wanted to go and where I felt the resort quality was at least medium to high.

I was so thrilled after we closed our first Wyndham contract that I could book Wyndham's Waikiki Beachwalk direct online with points instead of hoping for a trade using RCI.

 

[tomandrobin]

You are so right! I got tired of "chasing my tail" so to speak with relying solely on II and RCI for trades and bought Wyndham points so I could book internally in their system. I looked for an internal system that offered resorts where I wanted to go and where I felt the resort quality was at least medium to high.

I was so thrilled after we closed our first Wyndham contract that I could book Wyndham's Waikiki Beachwalk direct online with points instead of hoping for a trade using RCI.

Which is also why we settled with Starwood for all our timeshare needs. Atlantis and St john, so we can book exactly what and where we want and Westin Kierland for II traders and internal Starwood trading. We get exactly what we want every year with our combination of weeks. Its still a lot of work for most people, and I would rank myself a mid-level owner. I put Dean in the upper tier of savvy timeshare owners.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Now there is an open-ended question!

For the casual timeshare owner, I am not sure if there is a good answer. A few years back, South African timeshares were trading tigers....now they are kittens.

I am strictly a Westin/DVC owner, but from a Starwood side - Platinum week at Sheraton Desert Oasis is a very good mid-level trader. Resales are cheap, maintenance fees are reasonable, and its trade value is good enough to get a broad range in II.

I know timeshare gurus that will swear by Worldmark point system and how they can pull anything. They are cheap and have mf's to match.....but the key word here is "guru". I look into it, but too much work for me.

I'm afraid I'd be like you. If it's too much work, it wont work for me.