Trading into Key West (Not OKW!!!)

[DVCLiz]

Has anyone traded into any of the four II properties in Key West? I've read all the descriptions and reviews on the TUG board, but can't really seem to get a grip on which would be better. Are any of them considered more luxurious than the others? We are looking at a Key West vacation - would need a 2 BR and not necessarily needing anything in particular. I'm assuming there will be plenty to do no matter where we stay!

 

[underdesea]

DVCLiz: My DH and I traded into the Hyatt Beach Club in June 2003. The units there are all two-bedroom, and they are very nice. Great screened-in porches and balconies! There is also a nice-sized pool on property, and a little water-sports company available to arrange snorkel trips, etc. Those folks were great! But the location of the resort itself is less than desirable, IMO. It is in New Town, rather than Old Town, the "historic" section of Key West. The atmosphere just isn't the same; it's much more lush, tropical and architecturally diverse in Old Town. Also, we didn't have a car, and the resort does not offer any transportation into Old Town. So, we had to take the island shuttle or a taxi to get back and forth. It's not a lengthy ride, but it was an incovenience. I have been wait-listed for months trying to get a studio or one-bedroom in one of the three II resorts in Old Town. Nothing coming through yet, but hopefully something will show up eventually--Key West is a lot of fun.

 

[Dean]

Hyatt Sunset Harbor and Galleon are the only one's I'd consider for a DVC exchange. I would consider the other two Hyatt's and the banyan, but not for 160 or 270 DVC points. Only two of the three Hyatt's are currently on the list but expect the other one to be added soon.

 

[Sheree]

in feb 2004 i put in for either the hyatt sunset harbor or galleon for feb 2006. i have not heard anything yet so i just added the 2 resorts in marathon fl as well.

looked at redweek.com and tug but doesn't look like any exchange availability there.

i said we'd take a 1 or 2 br.

 

[DVCLiz]

Dean - would you not consider the others because of the poor value for DVC points or because the resorts aren't up to par? I have some banked points from resale contracts, and thought I might use them for something non-WDW related (I know, but I've been 5 times this year!)

 

[Dean]

Dean - would you not consider the others because of the poor value for DVC points or because the resorts aren't up to par? I have some banked points from resale contracts, and thought I might use them for something non-WDW related (I know, but I've been 5 times this year!)

Banyan is below standards, the Hyatt's would be location.

 

[pirateparrot]

DVCLiz: My DH and I traded into the Hyatt Beach Club in June 2003. The units there are all two-bedroom, and they are very nice. Great screened-in porches and balconies! There is also a nice-sized pool on property, and a little water-sports company available to arrange snorkel trips, etc. Those folks were great! But the location of the resort itself is less than desirable, IMO. It is in New Town, rather than Old Town, the "historic" section of Key West. The atmosphere just isn't the same; it's much more lush, tropical and architecturally diverse in Old Town. Also, we didn't have a car, and the resort does not offer any transportation into Old Town. So, we had to take the island shuttle or a taxi to get back and forth. It's not a lengthy ride, but it was an incovenience. I have been wait-listed for months trying to get a studio or one-bedroom in one of the three II resorts in Old Town. Nothing coming through yet, but hopefully something will show up eventually--Key West is a lot of fun.

I own at the Hyatt Beach House and I do agree that it is a little out of the way if you are going to spend a lot of time in Old Town and don't have a car. It is a very relaxing atmosphere and when I stay there a week seems much longer because it is so relaxing. Hyatt also has some good cash rates at various times each year. Last year for President's weekend my uincle rented three nights for less than $250 per night for a 2 bedroom.

When I go down, I do like to go to Old Town a few evenings and have a couple of drinks (Chugging pints of Guiness at Irish Kevin's for a free T-shirt) so I rely on taxis to get back and forth and it cost about $12 each way for 3 people.

The units are very nice and include daily maid service. I really enjoy just sitting on the screened porch in the evening overlooking the pool.

I have also toured the other two Hyatt properties and would also recommend the Sunset Harbor but the new Windward Point seems like it is too close to the highway especially when you are in the pool.

Key West is great. Hope you enjoy it.