Starwood Vacation Ownership
- Thread starter RLevy29
- Start date
please email me at jpb@sutv.com I would like 2 discuss this issue with u in great detail
I want 2 purchase at HARBORSIDE ATLANTIS REALLLYBAD?
BUt what really really bothers me. IF u want 2 resale, the person that buys your resale, cannot conveniently, use the starwood points
at the ORLANDO OR MAUI STARWOOD PROPERTIES
completely different than DVC.
WHAT I LIke about DVC no great devaulation in the value of your timeshare
do u ahve any concern about STARWOOD that your HARBORSIDE PROPERTY WOULD DEVALUE GReATLY
ALSO does it really take 8 months 2 close a sale of HARBORSIDE TIMESHARE PROPERTY.
IF u will look at the STARWOOD PROPERTIES IN ORLANDO,FL
when resold THEY CANNOT BE uSED 4 booking at ATLANTIS OR HAIWII and STARWOOD PROPERTIES.
THEY DROP IN VALUE 80%
I want 2 purchase at HARBORSIDE ATLANTIS REALLLYBAD?
BUt what really really bothers me. IF u want 2 resale, the person that buys your resale, cannot conveniently, use the starwood points
at the ORLANDO OR MAUI STARWOOD PROPERTIES
completely different than DVC.
WHAT I LIke about DVC no great devaulation in the value of your timeshare
do u ahve any concern about STARWOOD that your HARBORSIDE PROPERTY WOULD DEVALUE GReATLY
ALSO does it really take 8 months 2 close a sale of HARBORSIDE TIMESHARE PROPERTY.
IF u will look at the STARWOOD PROPERTIES IN ORLANDO,FL
when resold THEY CANNOT BE uSED 4 booking at ATLANTIS OR HAIWII and STARWOOD PROPERTIES.
THEY DROP IN VALUE 80%
baileybrad
and Casey, too!
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2000
- Messages
- 1,084
We, too, are DVC members. We stayed at Vistana Villages and did the sales pitch last February. I honestly didn't pay a ton of attention to their system but interestly enough we were very upfront with the sales guy about being DVC members and not having any intention of purchasing the Starwood program.
He then showed us how many features of the Starwood system were somewhat similar to the DVC plan. First off, it is more expensive but you are able to deed your timeshare to your family for as long as there is a "Starwood" (that was always the problem with timeshares in the past, long wasn't always a very long time), you use points similar to Disney not the weeks thing ie., red/white etc., you can stay a few days not a week requirement, there are many types of properties available, and so forth.
In my opinion, the one thing about the whole timeshare thing that you may or not agree with, is that it is really not an investment necessarily so the best way to make a purchase is if you can pay cash or have financing in place is to buy a resale and not directly from the "developer".
The process was very low key at VV. We laughed that it was the easiest $100 that we ever made. Interestingly enough, we stayed at Vistana Resort just a few weeks ago in early December and did not do the tour there and they were offering $125 cash, we just didn't want to spend the time and we have 2 little ones and don't really enjoy them being out of our sight. At VV, because it was off season and not very crowded, we actually did the presentation in the "kids' toy/game room". That would not have necessarily been an option at VR.
We have no interest or the extra money to buy into any other timeshare program. I am glad that many are able to do so, more power to them. Obviously, if resale purchasers are treated differently or unfairly by a particular system (my brother was one of the orginal 300 or so purchasers in the then Disney Vacation Club and we bought a resale in '98 and we are treated the same) then that would be a deciding factor in whether you would make a purchase.
He then showed us how many features of the Starwood system were somewhat similar to the DVC plan. First off, it is more expensive but you are able to deed your timeshare to your family for as long as there is a "Starwood" (that was always the problem with timeshares in the past, long wasn't always a very long time), you use points similar to Disney not the weeks thing ie., red/white etc., you can stay a few days not a week requirement, there are many types of properties available, and so forth.
In my opinion, the one thing about the whole timeshare thing that you may or not agree with, is that it is really not an investment necessarily so the best way to make a purchase is if you can pay cash or have financing in place is to buy a resale and not directly from the "developer".
The process was very low key at VV. We laughed that it was the easiest $100 that we ever made. Interestingly enough, we stayed at Vistana Resort just a few weeks ago in early December and did not do the tour there and they were offering $125 cash, we just didn't want to spend the time and we have 2 little ones and don't really enjoy them being out of our sight. At VV, because it was off season and not very crowded, we actually did the presentation in the "kids' toy/game room". That would not have necessarily been an option at VR.
We have no interest or the extra money to buy into any other timeshare program. I am glad that many are able to do so, more power to them. Obviously, if resale purchasers are treated differently or unfairly by a particular system (my brother was one of the orginal 300 or so purchasers in the then Disney Vacation Club and we bought a resale in '98 and we are treated the same) then that would be a deciding factor in whether you would make a purchase.
WHEN I PURCHASE MY DVC points. I might be a fool. I just do not think that they will devalue 80% in value.
When I c the STARWOOD ORLANDO PROPERTIES devalue 80% in value, that scares me a little.
I understand fully that timeshares r not investmetns. BUt If I NEED 2 resale, I do not want 2 lose 80%.
NOW ATLATNIS HARBORSIDE IS REALLY NICE AND IT WOULD NOT DEVALUE 80% in value.
BUT, am I correct. If I buy HARBORSIDE RETAIL AND SELL IT RESALE the person who buys it, has full value at HARBORSIDE, but if they want 2 use it at the nice STARWOOD PROPERTIES IN
ORLANDO OR HAIWII, u cannot.
U have trade thru II, with no advantages over other people, that r not starwood owners
When I c the STARWOOD ORLANDO PROPERTIES devalue 80% in value, that scares me a little.
I understand fully that timeshares r not investmetns. BUt If I NEED 2 resale, I do not want 2 lose 80%.
NOW ATLATNIS HARBORSIDE IS REALLY NICE AND IT WOULD NOT DEVALUE 80% in value.
BUT, am I correct. If I buy HARBORSIDE RETAIL AND SELL IT RESALE the person who buys it, has full value at HARBORSIDE, but if they want 2 use it at the nice STARWOOD PROPERTIES IN
ORLANDO OR HAIWII, u cannot.
U have trade thru II, with no advantages over other people, that r not starwood owners
Lisa P.
Peaceful, Worshipful, Joyful
- Joined
- Aug 27, 1999
- Messages
- 2,372
I believe, there are a good number of Starwood members who post regularly to Timeshare Users Group - TUG's bulletin boards. I see thread headings mostly on the forum called "Hotel-based Timeshare Systems" (or occasionally on "All Point System Discussions") but I don't read those threads as we don't have Starwood points.
Registration is free to access the TUG bulletin boards. Perhaps it would be worth your while to read some, there. It could save you a lot of money to go into it with the benefit of others' experiences. Set the page to show all messages as far back as it will allow, to get the most thread headings (last 100 days?). If you want to be able to search the archived messages using the keyword, Starwood, or any other search effort, you would have to be/become a TUG member.
TUG membership costs $15/first year and IMHO, is money very well spent, to educate yourself before any timeshare purchase costing thousands of dollars. Members may access resort reviews for a potential home resort & sister resorts, as well as 2,000 other resorts (which you may consider for future exchanging). If you opt to join TUG, please consider providing my name (Lisa Potter) as a referral - it extends my membership for a half year. HTH!
Registration is free to access the TUG bulletin boards. Perhaps it would be worth your while to read some, there. It could save you a lot of money to go into it with the benefit of others' experiences. Set the page to show all messages as far back as it will allow, to get the most thread headings (last 100 days?). If you want to be able to search the archived messages using the keyword, Starwood, or any other search effort, you would have to be/become a TUG member.
TUG membership costs $15/first year and IMHO, is money very well spent, to educate yourself before any timeshare purchase costing thousands of dollars. Members may access resort reviews for a potential home resort & sister resorts, as well as 2,000 other resorts (which you may consider for future exchanging). If you opt to join TUG, please consider providing my name (Lisa Potter) as a referral - it extends my membership for a half year. HTH!
I think LISA P, gave u good advice.
I have read on these bulletin boards in the past
THE ATLANTIS HARBORSIDE OWNERS, encourage people 2
purchase retail not resale, which is unusual.
all 4 very happy, with HARBORSIDe, love the resort.
These comments, made me caution about purchasing HARBORSIDE ATLANTIS.
IF i knew, I would give it a lifetime. It would really not matter
I always worry. I am going 2 have 2 resale it and then worried
I will get beat up on resale and take 8 months 2 get my $
also be aware, u can borrow from your STARWOOD POINTs, but u can never bank them.
another disadvantage 4 DVC
I just really, like the flexibility 2 use my DVC Points at many resorts, at many different times of the years, 4 different nights of stay, very conveniently
Jpb@sutv.com
I have read on these bulletin boards in the past
THE ATLANTIS HARBORSIDE OWNERS, encourage people 2
purchase retail not resale, which is unusual.
all 4 very happy, with HARBORSIDe, love the resort.
These comments, made me caution about purchasing HARBORSIDE ATLANTIS.
IF i knew, I would give it a lifetime. It would really not matter
I always worry. I am going 2 have 2 resale it and then worried
I will get beat up on resale and take 8 months 2 get my $
also be aware, u can borrow from your STARWOOD POINTs, but u can never bank them.
another disadvantage 4 DVC
I just really, like the flexibility 2 use my DVC Points at many resorts, at many different times of the years, 4 different nights of stay, very conveniently
Jpb@sutv.com
Dean
DIS Veteran<br><a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/dis
- Joined
- Aug 19, 1999
- Messages
- 39,228
Most timeshares devalue 50-80% over the first few years of ownership, it's just the nature of the beast. Marketing, commisions and the like are usually around 50% of the budget so in some ways a timeshare is only worth 50% of the retail price from day 1. There are exceptions like some of the top Marriott's, DVC and the like, but not many. DVC too will lose 80% of it's value someday but hopefully it'll be in the last 5-7 years and I won't care as much.
Everyone needs to realize that even with something as good as DVC, eventually there will come a time when things will not be as they are now. Even today, the resale price is as high as it is because of somewhat artificial factors. These include the fact that DVC is still selling thus setting the ceiling price and the ROFR where they set the floor price. Once there are no more new points, no more marketing and no more ROFR; we will see a significant decrease in the resale price fairly quickly.
I cannot comment on starwood points. Just make sure if you buy that you can sell with the points option intact.
Everyone needs to realize that even with something as good as DVC, eventually there will come a time when things will not be as they are now. Even today, the resale price is as high as it is because of somewhat artificial factors. These include the fact that DVC is still selling thus setting the ceiling price and the ROFR where they set the floor price. Once there are no more new points, no more marketing and no more ROFR; we will see a significant decrease in the resale price fairly quickly.
I cannot comment on starwood points. Just make sure if you buy that you can sell with the points option intact.
Lyndarella
All my dreams are coming true
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2002
- Messages
- 626
We have stayed at both Vistana Villages and Vistana Resort and have taken the tours. It is my understanding that you can use points or not use points. I also thought that with points, you can divide your stay into HALF WEEKS, but no shorter times than that. There are only a few things Starwood offers that DVC doesn't: you can bank and borrow 2 years back or ahead, you can own off peak only or every other year for less $, your ownership does not expire in 40 years, and there are lateral exchanges to great places other than Orlando. Their Disney connection is owning the Swan and Dolphin hotels.
We got a fantastic deal on a resale at VR at the same time we joined DVC. We bought through Jaki A. at a Timeshare Store, who has been mentioned on these boards. She recommends strongly NOT to get into the point system as it is costly, and you can do the same things without it. We love our VR property -- it came with 2 free weeks, is always 2 BR, works for us with or without a car, and we never need it for less than a week. We love our DVC for all the reasons the rest of you do!!
We got a fantastic deal on a resale at VR at the same time we joined DVC. We bought through Jaki A. at a Timeshare Store, who has been mentioned on these boards. She recommends strongly NOT to get into the point system as it is costly, and you can do the same things without it. We love our VR property -- it came with 2 free weeks, is always 2 BR, works for us with or without a car, and we never need it for less than a week. We love our DVC for all the reasons the rest of you do!!
donald@home
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2001
- Messages
- 352
We recently purchased a week at the Westin St. John, part of the SVO network of resorts.
SVO is not as flexible as DVC within the network. There are 3 different ways that you can use your ownership:
1. Stay at your resort, in the size unit you purchased, durin g the season that you purchased.
2. Use Star Options. This allows you to trade to other units within the SVO network. Your week is assigned a star options value (our week is work 79,500 star options). Other resorts, units, and seasons range from 20,700 to 148,100 points per week. You can stay for individual nights, too, but you can only book them 90 days in advance of arrival.
There are no fees for using options 1 or 2.
3. Exchange your week for Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints. You can do this every other use year and it costs $100. Your ownership week is converted into Starwood's frequent stay points (Starwood owns Westin, Sheraton, Luxury Collection, Four Points, etc.). There are 725 hotels worldwide that you can stay in and there are NO capacity controls -- if there is a room available you can stay there using points. Your week is also assigned a specific number of starpoints -- our week is assigned 44,000 starpoints -- that's enough to stay 5 nights at all but the top 25 hotels in the Starwood collection.
I think that only option 3 is not available to those who purchase resale. I believe that option 2 is available to resale purchasers.
Let me know if I can give you any more information. I'm happy to help.
SVO is not as flexible as DVC within the network. There are 3 different ways that you can use your ownership:
1. Stay at your resort, in the size unit you purchased, durin g the season that you purchased.
2. Use Star Options. This allows you to trade to other units within the SVO network. Your week is assigned a star options value (our week is work 79,500 star options). Other resorts, units, and seasons range from 20,700 to 148,100 points per week. You can stay for individual nights, too, but you can only book them 90 days in advance of arrival.
There are no fees for using options 1 or 2.
3. Exchange your week for Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints. You can do this every other use year and it costs $100. Your ownership week is converted into Starwood's frequent stay points (Starwood owns Westin, Sheraton, Luxury Collection, Four Points, etc.). There are 725 hotels worldwide that you can stay in and there are NO capacity controls -- if there is a room available you can stay there using points. Your week is also assigned a specific number of starpoints -- our week is assigned 44,000 starpoints -- that's enough to stay 5 nights at all but the top 25 hotels in the Starwood collection.
I think that only option 3 is not available to those who purchase resale. I believe that option 2 is available to resale purchasers.
Let me know if I can give you any more information. I'm happy to help.
RLevy29
Vacation Lover
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2000
- Messages
- 484
Thanks for all of the replies. We took the tour last week and we felt that we were not given enough information of what was available. When we bought into DVC everything was spelled out and you knew how many points were required for what. You were given this information before you bought. Our guide did not seem to want to give us anything that we could look at in order to make a decision.
Lyndarella
All my dreams are coming true
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2002
- Messages
- 626
With our resale, we had the option of joining the point system or not, and chose not to because of the advice of the realtor. We can trade into 2 other FL resorts for $100. Other trades are through RCI or II. As for resale value, it is not nearly as high as DVC at this time. That is why we were able to find such a good deal. However, as we get nearer the end of the 40 years, what will be the value of DVC?
influential
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2004
- Messages
- 2
Well, I'm one of the moderators over on www.tug2.net, and have a particular interest in Starwood Vacation Ownership, given that I own at Harborside.
Kansas - you're confusing Staroptions (used to stay at the other resorts in SVN) and Starpoints (used to stay at the hundreds of Starwood hotels in the world). Resale allows staroptions but not starpoints. Take a look at the "hotel.." section on www.tug2.net and you'll be able to find out more. Alternatively, email me and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Now - what am I doing on disboards - well, I'm thinking of buying into DVC but am doing many hours of investigation on here first...
Andy
Kansas - you're confusing Staroptions (used to stay at the other resorts in SVN) and Starpoints (used to stay at the hundreds of Starwood hotels in the world). Resale allows staroptions but not starpoints. Take a look at the "hotel.." section on www.tug2.net and you'll be able to find out more. Alternatively, email me and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Now - what am I doing on disboards - well, I'm thinking of buying into DVC but am doing many hours of investigation on here first...
Andy
ClarabelleCow
Where did my tag go? Oh fairy, can you help me?
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2002
- Messages
- 2,437
I bought a Vistana every other use year unit in the Lakes section for 9,600.00, I was told I could turn it into 65,000.00 staroptions, or 30,000 starpoints (I may have that confused), 65,000 doesnt get you hardly anything during good times. But I had to pay an additional $100.00 a year to be able to do that. That turned my maintenance into almot 900.00 to use my timeshare, even if I just used it in Orlando or Pt. St. Lucie! My sales presentation was a complete fraud (long story, we originally bought in World Golf Village, by the time we got back from our vacation, they went under!!!, so I fought alot with them and they gave me a lakes unit!) Needless to say I wasn't happy with the entire arrangment, for $900.00 I could rent a unit and go when I wanted, it was nice going to the Harborside, that was the only exchange we did, but if you wantd to exchange for less than a week, you could only do it 90 days out! Made it hard, because our 65000 options couldn't get us much! I ended up selling after trying for a year on e-bay for 3000.00, huge hit, but better to be out than the hassle of it. I prefer my fixed weeks in St. Maarten and my DVC!!!
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