Trading for Hawaii?

[aclov]

We traded a few years ago into Sands of Kahana in Maui. We ended up getting a 3 bedroom condo for a 2 bedroom. I think it was around 160 points maybe. I liked the location but I don't think I would stay there again. Not that it was bad but it wasn't as nice as maybe a Marriott.

 

[Snookies]

This is true with exchanges in general for II as MOST deposits can't be done until 12 months or after. There are a few exceptions but relatively few. One generally wants to be searching prior to ANY weeks being deposited for the resorts you want. So if you are looking for a resort that can deposit 18 or 24 months in advance, you want to know that. And many Marriott weeks can be deposited 13 months or more in advance so one wants to be searching prior for those as well. I'd say there are 3 general peaks for matches. Those would be around 12 months out, around 6 months out and around 2 months out. That's one of the reasons I suggested getting the air set at 330 days out and conforming all else to that plan. Esp since air for a place like HI is a much larger expense.

As for what's best, you must look at the overall situation. How flexible can you be, what are your financial options and flexibility, what is your chance of success of each portion (FF air vs exchange) and how set are you on getting something vs only making the trip if the planets line up.

Thanks Dean, I appreciate the time, effort, and knowledge that you put into posting answers to questions like mine.

 

[ducklite]

Hopefully it'll work out but using easy, HI and timeshares in the same paragraph is illegal, LOL. Your chances for Sept and early Dec and for a 1 BR or smaller will certainly be better, as will looking a full 13 months or more out as you should be able to do for 2009. I'd put in the request now for a 1 BR at the 2 resorts discussed and see what happens. If you get to 330 days out from planned return, I'd personally book the air and narrow my search otherwise. I still think you should consider a cash rental back up as you can always rent out your DVC points and likely come out ahead anyway. Let us know how it works out.

I think you are missing the point. We will have enough FF miles and elite status that we have no capacity controls and no blackout dates. If seats (not just deignated FF seats) are available for a flight the next day, we can take them. Airfare is the easy part, if there are ANY seats available, we'll be able to book them. (I've got over 140K miles right now, DH is at about 110K, and will have no problem earning the additional 30K in the next year.) I could book any number of flights next week that still have FC cabin seats open. As long as we can get a trade six months or so out, we should have no problem getting airfare. There are FC seats for flights next week still open, even though coach is sold out.

Put the request in now as they won't take your points until you actually match which won't be for a while. If you wait until April, 2008, you will miss a number of possible units. DVC is generally very good at working with you for the points if need be. Certainly adding another resort will improve your chances but with those parameters, it's likely you'd get one of your preferred options. You can always open up your choices later if you need to.

Request now for 20 months from now? Will DVC even take a request that far in advance? We're completely open to our travel dates as long as it's not over a major holiday, and only want a one bedroom.

You, or others, should likely consider talking to some of the smaller exchange companies like SFX, Trading Places Int, TP Maui, Platinum Interchange and HTSE to see what they have. You might be able to get access to other inventory, other resorts or a larger unit than you give up.

In our case we don't need anything larger than a 1BR--there are only two of us going. I'm hoping that makes it easier for us. We've considered renting our DVC points, but we'd really just rather do a flat out trade if possible.

And frankly if it doesn't work out, we'll just go to France for a week instead.

Anne

 

[Dean]

duplicate post

 

[Dean]

I think you are missing the point. We will have enough FF miles and elite status that we have no capacity controls and no blackout dates. If seats (not just deignated FF seats) are available for a flight the next day, we can take them. Airfare is the easy part, if there are ANY seats available, we'll be able to book them. (I've got over 140K miles right now, DH is at about 110K, and will have no problem earning the additional 30K in the next year.) I could book any number of flights next week that still have FC cabin seats open. As long as we can get a trade six months or so out, we should have no problem getting airfare. There are FC seats for flights next week still open, even though coach is sold out.

Maybe, that's not been my experience for Delta through ATL where the best flights tend to sell out completely and where all coach and most FC seats were gone at 330 days out for the direct ATL flight for the times I needed next year for reward flights though I wasn't looking at anytime seats.. Still if sounds like you'll wipe out your FF miles account to do this when you could likely get the reward seats for much less more under the approach I suggested. Also, not trying to argue with you, just provide the information to help you. As always, you should take the info from this and any similar board and apply it to your personal needs.

Request now for 20 months from now? Will DVC even take a request that far in advance? We're completely open to our travel dates as long as it's not over a major holiday, and only want a one bedroom.

DVC will take a request 2 years out. And it's possibly you could request now for the two resorts you want 2 years out in a 1 BR and NOT get anything at all. There was a post from a member recently who requested a full 2 years out and got no offers at all. So yes you should request as soon as possible. Even if part of your time frame is within 2 years and part not, I'd start the request and expand the dates later.

In our case we don't need anything larger than a 1BR--there are only two of us going. I'm hoping that makes it easier for us. We've considered renting our DVC points, but we'd really just rather do a flat out trade if possible.

And frankly if it doesn't work out, we'll just go to France for a week instead.

Anne

It seems you have the idea that a 1 BR will be easy and this is simply not the case. Even for a studio for these resorts it is likely to be very difficult even though it's not a good value for a DVC trade. But being flexible as to timing will help some, especially if you're prepared to wait until 2 months or less to accept an exchange. And it's been my experience that those who really want to go to HI and work at it are more likely to be successful than the rest.

 

[Dean]

Thanks Dean, I appreciate the time, effort, and knowledge that you put into posting answers to questions like mine.

You are welcome, glad to help where I can.

We traded a few years ago into Sands of Kahana in Maui. We ended up getting a 3 bedroom condo for a 2 bedroom. I think it was around 160 points maybe. I liked the location but I don't think I would stay there again. Not that it was bad but it wasn't as nice as maybe a Marriott.

This will happen occasionally. It sounds like you had an ongoing request for a 1 BR, matched a 2 BR and were assigned a 3 BR. Nice move, wish I knew a way to cause that to happen.

 

[ducklite]

Maybe, that's not been my experience for Delta through ATL where the best flights tend to sell out completely and where all coach and most FC seats were gone at 330 days out for the direct ATL flight for the times I needed next year for reward flights though I wasn't looking at anytime seats.. Still if sounds like you'll wipe out your FF miles account to do this when you could likely get the reward seats for much less more under the approach I suggested. Also, not trying to argue with you, just provide the information to help you. As always, you should take the info from this and any similar board and apply it to your personal needs.

We don't really care if we need to make connections. In fact we'd actually prefer to do so. And no, we won't be winping out our FF miles. We've got five or six more tickets worth on two other carriers as well.

DVC will take a request 2 years out. And it's possibly you could request now for the two resorts you want 2 years out in a 1 BR and NOT get anything at all. There was a post from a member recently who requested a full 2 years out and got no offers at all. So yes you should request as soon as possible. Even if part of your time frame is within 2 years and part not, I'd start the request and expand the dates later.

OK, thanks for the info. We don't want to go until fall of 2009 or after, so it's still too early to call, but I"ll do so in September or so.

It seems you have the idea that a 1 BR will be easy and this is simply not the case. Even for a studio for these resorts it is likely to be very difficult even though it's not a good value for a DVC trade. But being flexible as to timing will help some, especially if you're prepared to wait until 2 months or less to accept an exchange. And it's been my experience that those who really want to go to HI and work at it are more likely to be successful than the rest.

Because we can be so flexible on our travel dates, I don't think it's going to be all that big of a deal. And like I said, if we can't make it work, we'll go to France instead.

Anne

 

[Dean]

Because we can be so flexible on our travel dates, I don't think it's going to be all that big of a deal. And like I said, if we can't make it work, we'll go to France instead.

Anne

Then we disagree. Being flexible on dates but being very restrictive on checkin day and resort choices for Maui is not really being very flexible looking at the overall process. But as I noted, accepting a studio and being able to travel the first 2 weeks of Dec will improve your chances significantly. Good luck, let us know if if works out.

 

[Dean]

Just to update info I've posted on various thread's about trading to HI. This is not directly DVC related but I think it's good info for those thinking about adding a non DVC timeshare to trade or those thinking of buying and trading part of the time.

Here's the basic info. We had planned a 2 week trip to HI for next Winter/Spring one week for Maui and the other for Oahu. Other than wanting to use FF miles if possible and be there during whale season, we were pretty flexible otherwise. We had two units in II we could trade and start a search for when we needed and one in RCI. One of our II traders was a 1 BR Marriott and other other 2 one BR deposits from Bluegreen, one each in II and RCI. We matched the II BG deposit for Maui at the Westin back in Jan for Jan 27-Feb 3. We altered our other requests for Oahu for the week before and the week after the Westin week. Once the FF window opened for the return leg, we then booked that and again altered our pending requests to the week before the Westin, the week that matched up withour airline reservations. Our Maui week starts on Sun so we booked air for arrival Sat and departure Sun two weeks later giving us more flexibility on flights and on resort matches.

I went ahead and reserved a Marriott hotel week using Marriott reward points for the week prior to Maui Sun to Sun leaving the one day of Sat to do with cash, ? priceline prior to our reservation. I again altered my exchange requests to the week prior to Maui accepting a Sat or Sun start only. I was very restrictive for the resorts and unit size I'd accept. I only listed the Ko Olina 1 BR through II and the Hilton, Ilikai and Fairfield (Wyndam) through RCI. Having a rewards reservation and a rewards certificate in hand, I was fully prepared to have the requests go unfilled rather than taking a lessor resort. I will have a couple of exchange weeks coming online in the next few weeks with likely 2 or 3 bonus weeks so I had anticipated putting in an additional search for lessor properties and smaller units using lessor deposits or bonus weeks but that will not be necessary now.

I had previously been offered studios at Makaha and at the Marriott but said no, shooting for a higher option. Today I matched a 1 BR full kitchen unit at the Fairfield/Wyndham resort in Waikiki. So both weeks gotten with BG depoits that cost me a fraction compared to DVC or my Marriott weeks in terms of either purchase price or yearly fees. I got what I wanted and essentially one of the best two options for each island. We are pleased with the outcome and feel the investment in non DVC trading options has served us much better than DVC alone would have.

I hope this is helpful for some.

 

[CPTJAK]

Dean, Thank You.

I have been on TUG and Here and I always read about exchanges. This is the 1st post that I have seen where someone actually went through a real life experience and gave tips on how to do it.

Brilliant!

 

[Dean]

Dean, Thank You.

I have been on TUG and Here and I always read about exchanges. This is the 1st post that I have seen where someone actually went through a real life experience and gave tips on how to do it.

Brilliant!

This is just one example of many ways to approach this type of issue but I did hoped it would be helpful, esp since I'd posted bits and pieces in other exchange threads about my trip plans and methods. I simply wanted to illustrate that the final piece had fallen into place. To be honest, I've posted the "here's what I'd do" suggestions with specifics on a number of exchange related posts in the past. You might find some of them by searching for words like indepedent exchange, trading places San Francisco exchange, royal resort. marriott, aruba, westin might also get you some exchange threads. Do each one separately try with and without my name if the search is working and see what you find.

Every situation is a little different plus searching with DVC is different than with II otherwise.

 

[BCV23]

Dean, thanks for the good example of making the systems work.

It does take quite a bit of organization and flexibility though, doesn't it?

I'm glad it all worked out so well for you. It sounds like a geat trip!

 

[Dean]

Dean, thanks for the good example of making the systems work.

It does take quite a bit of organization and flexibility though, doesn't it?

I'm glad it all worked out so well for you. It sounds like a geat trip!

Some options take a lot of planning and work. In some ways I think it's the thrill of the chase as much as anything. The last time we went to HI it was two 1 BR at one time for the Embassy in Maui through SFX and a 2 BR at the Embassy on Kauai as a private exchange which ultimately converted to a rental when I was given that option for a good price. And FF air for four in to Maui and out of Oahu.

 

[chainkid]

I must be doing something wrong as I have never found that using FF miles for first class tickets is easy and I'm an elite member of American . I have tried every year going to Las Vegas to get 1st class tickets or even buy tickets and upgrade and have not once been able to do it. I once booked 4 first class tickets on Delta to las vegas and had to use 400000 points . I have a ton of points but to say using them is easy....you must know something I don't. I mostly use my points to upgrade to first class on business routes that i take . The first class section is always empty and i usually either get a free upgrade or i would use miles. BUT NOW they charge $150 per person to upgrade plus the points. Not worth it. I can usually get coach tickets to most destinations if I don't mind having 3-4 stops with hours of layovers. I also want to go to HI and use FF plus marriot award points that I have a ton of but so far it will be a juggling act to get both available at the same time and I am very flexible as I take my vacation time any time I want. I would like to know what airline you are an elite member of that it is easy to get open first class seats to Hi? Help

 

[Dean]

I must be doing something wrong as I have never found that using FF miles for first class tickets is easy and I'm an elite member of American . I have tried every year going to Las Vegas to get 1st class tickets or even buy tickets and upgrade and have not once been able to do it. I once booked 4 first class tickets on Delta to las vegas and had to use 400000 points . I have a ton of points but to say using them is easy....you must know something I don't. I mostly use my points to upgrade to first class on business routes that i take . The first class section is always empty and i usually either get a free upgrade or i would use miles. BUT NOW they charge $150 per person to upgrade plus the points. Not worth it. I can usually get coach tickets to most destinations if I don't mind having 3-4 stops with hours of layovers. I also want to go to HI and use FF plus marriot award points that I have a ton of but so far it will be a juggling act to get both available at the same time and I am very flexible as I take my vacation time any time I want. I would like to know what airline you are an elite member of that it is easy to get open first class seats to Hi? Help

I'm not sure I'd call it easy but I have been successful every time I've tried to use FF miles. But then again I plan to the day the first day I can schedule them, often staying up till MN the night the window will open. I've done FF trips to Cancun for 2, Puerto Vallarta for 4, HI for 4, HI for 2 (First class) and Orange County for 2 FC. These are all with Delta, the main carrier that serves our area. With the internet availability now I usually am playing for week ahead to see what things look like for the general time I'm wanting. To be honest, I've found that FC was actually more available than couch for the flights I looked at FC.

For Marriott reward points, I approach it similarly. I've made two HI reservations, the one I referenced above plus one for my daughter for HI for Sept. You just have to figure out what resorts will have availability and which ones do not. For example, Rome is very hard to get anytime while Paris and London are easier part of the year.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I must be doing something wrong as I have never found that using FF miles for first class tickets is easy and I'm an elite member of American .

I am gold on American. My DH says he suffers from FOC (fear of coach), so it is a good thing that we are consistently able to get FC seats to Maui and Orlando, usually by upgrading with miles. Definitely check out the great new feature on AA.com to search for free FC tickets.

Becuase upgrade seats seem to be getting tighter, I highly recommend subscribing to expertflyer.com. It will let you know on which AA flights seats are available for upgrade and how many. It runs $10 per month. There is a discount for an annual membership, but we usually fly only twice a year, so I just subscribe for the period I need it.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[tidefan]

I'm not sure I'd call it easy but I have been successful every time I've tried to use FF miles. But then again I plan to the day the first day I can schedule them, often staying up till MN the night the window will open. I've done FF trips to Cancun for 2, Puerto Vallarta for 4, HI for 4, HI for 2 (First class) and Orange County for 2 FC. These are all with Delta, the main carrier that serves our area.

We do the same thing. Our other TS is a fixed week in St Maarten. We are on the phone at Midnight EST 332 days in advance to get the few coach seats that get put out. (One nice thing about a fixed week is you know 332 days in advance when you are going the next year). Haven't had an issue on Delta if you do this early. American always seems to be more of an issue.

 

[Slakk]

Some options take a lot of planning and work. In some ways I think it's the thrill of the chase as much as anything. The last time we went to HI it was two 1 BR at one time for the Embassy in Maui through SFX and a 2 BR at the Embassy on Kauai as a private exchange which ultimately converted to a rental when I was given that option for a good price. And FF air for four in to Maui and out of Oahu.

I have my fingers toes and eyes crossed for the Marriott Ko Olina next summer. We gave them an 8 week window and studio or 1 BR option. We did not deposit our points though - do you think we would have a better chance if we deposited for a studio? We would be using AKV points which would be *new.*

I have never ventured to TUG - I wonder if I would do better trying to trade over there versus II.

 

[Dean]

I have my fingers toes and eyes crossed for the Marriott Ko Olina next summer. We gave them an 8 week window and studio or 1 BR option. We did not deposit our points though - do you think we would have a better chance if we deposited for a studio? We would be using AKV points which would be *new.*

I have never ventured to TUG - I wonder if I would do better trying to trade over there versus II.

In theory there is no difference in trading power with II whether using request first or deposit first. With DVC, the ONLY reason to deposit first under the current system is to extend the life of points that will expire otherwise. You have so many more options and protection using request first. I'd say your chances for a studio for next summer are fairly good, not so much for a 1 BR. The fact your searching prior to 13 months out is a big advantage to you and your chances.

Trading privately is an option, TUG or otherwise. Even better in all likelihood is renting out your points and renting for HI. Given that you're comfortable with a studio, you may be able to get that much cheaper than an exchange of 134 points for a studio. The truth is that your chances are much better with the studio however, the value is much less. If it were me I'd use a multi pronged approach. It'd reduce your chances of success on the exchange side but improve your situation overall and improve your value. I'd offer the points for rent at $12 per point or so. I'd change my request to a 1 BR only. I'd start looking for a studio plus possibly a 1 BR at a good price or for a private exchange studio to studio which will save you points in most cases. The other advantage of a direct member rental or exchange is it gives you input into what view type you will get where as an exchanger you can count on the worst one possible. It's less likely a Marriott owner there will make a direct exchange of a 1 BR for what 160 DVC points will get them so be aware you may not get much action on the 1 BR option for the 160 points. But if you can get an OF unit for 196-218 points or so, that may still be a better value than 160 points for a pot luck unit through exchange plus the $75 fee. But you might still push for the 160 points or a price differential arguing that the exchange in fee would be $135 plus the $95 resort services fee for the other party.

The other advantage you pick up with the above approach is it opens you up to other inventory of the resort in question as well as other resorts such as the Hilton or Ilikai or Fairfield. You may also contact several of the independent exchange companies that get a lot of HI inventory. This will also give you access to other inventory and other resorts outside the Marriott. Just make sure they know it'll have to go through you that DVC will not confirm directly with them. And lastly, you might want to consider a promo tour at that resort or if you have them, Marriott reward points.

 

[Slakk]

In theory there is no difference in trading power with II whether using request first or deposit first. With DVC, the ONLY reason to deposit first under the current system is to extend the life of points that will expire otherwise. You have so many more options and protection using request first. I'd say your chances for a studio for next summer are fairly good, not so much for a 1 BR. The fact your searching prior to 13 months out is a big advantage to you and your chances.

Trading privately is an option, TUG or otherwise. Even better in all likelihood is renting out your points and renting for HI. Given that you're comfortable with a studio, you may be able to get that much cheaper than an exchange of 134 points for a studio. The truth is that your chances are much better with the studio however, the value is much less. If it were me I'd use a multi pronged approach. It'd reduce your chances of success on the exchange side but improve your situation overall and improve your value. I'd offer the points for rent at $12 per point or so. I'd change my request to a 1 BR only. I'd start looking for a studio plus possibly a 1 BR at a good price or for a private exchange studio to studio which will save you points in most cases. The other advantage of a direct member rental or exchange is it gives you input into what view type you will get where as an exchanger you can count on the worst one possible. It's less likely a Marriott owner there will make a direct exchange of a 1 BR for what 160 DVC points will get them so be aware you may not get much action on the 1 BR option for the 160 points. But if you can get an OF unit for 196-218 points or so, that may still be a better value than 160 points for a pot luck unit through exchange plus the $75 fee. But you might still push for the 160 points or a price differential arguing that the exchange in fee would be $135 plus the $95 resort services fee for the other party.

The other advantage you pick up with the above approach is it opens you up to other inventory of the resort in question as well as other resorts such as the Hilton or Ilikai or Fairfield. You may also contact several of the independent exchange companies that get a lot of HI inventory. This will also give you access to other inventory and other resorts outside the Marriott. Just make sure they know it'll have to go through you that DVC will not confirm directly with them. And lastly, you might want to consider a promo tour at that resort or if you have them, Marriott reward points.

Thank you so much Dean for the advice! I am not interested in renting out points because of the hassle just looking at the rent/trade board gives me hives. I ddn't know any other timeshares were on Oahu - I need to check that out.

We may end up just banking the points staying in a hotel on Waikiki and be done with it