Using DVC points to reserve in Key West

[chuckcorden]

I have 160 comp points---er, excuse me, "enhanced vacation option points" ---from my purchase of an interest at AKL Villas, which I would like to use this summer. I have checked the resorts that Disney has an interest in (the 500 destinations) and have settled on some of the resorts in the Florida Keys. Specifically, I am interested in one of the Hyatt resorts in Key West.

Has anyone had any experience with these resorts in Key West? Also, how does one make reservations at these resorts? Do you go thru the DVC to reserve rooms or do you contact the resorts themselves?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

All transactions dealing with DVC points are done through DVC Member Services. They'll be able to tell you if there is availability at the Key West resort you're interested in.

To book your trade, they'll actually create a booking at a DVC resort using your points, then deposit that vacation with II. (There must be a reservation available at a DVC resort in order to make the deposit.) If there isn't an exchange available immediately, you can deposit the DVC vacation into II, then use the exchange any time in the next two years. (Two years from the date of the vacation DVC deposited on your behalf.)

To prepare for your call to MS, you should have a list of resorts you're interested in and dates you want to travel. The more choices you have on these lists, the better your chances of finding a match.

 

[chuckcorden]

Thanks for the info. I have already chosen the three resorts (all Hyatts) and the dates of travel. I have also checked on their availability for the dates I want so I shouldn't have much trouble with DVC member services.

Thanks again.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Keep in mind that availability of a room at the resort isn't necessarily the same as availability to exchange into the resort from II. A member from the resort you want will have to have an exchange in the II system for you to be able to get in.

 

[dvc_john]

Having stayed at 2 of the 3 Hyatt's, and having visited the 3rd, I can give you my opinion. But it is only my opinion, and others may have differing opinions.

All 3 resorts are great, but the best would depend entirely on whether your preference is for the nicest resort, or the best location.

Hyatt Windward Pointe is the newest, has beautiful units, great ocean views, an infinity pool, free parking, in-room washer/dryer. I think it is the nicest resort overall, but is not near Duval St where most of the Key West activity is.

Sunset Harbor is the oldest resort, has nice rooms, but parking is not free (although not expensive either), has a courtyard type pool, no in-room washer/dryer (but at least 2 pay laundry rooms), and the view from most units would be of the pool. The best aspect of this resort is location-location-location. It is just off Duval St, near Mallory Sq, near the cruise ships and a marina, and walking distance to a much larger marina.

Beach House is a very nice resort, has nicer units imo than Sunbset Harbor, but has the worst location of the 3.

I would rate the 3 as follows:

For resort and unit amenities:
1) Windward Pointe
2) Beach House
3) Sunset Harbor

For location:
1) Sunset Harbor
gap
2) Windward Pointe
double gap
3) Beach House

You would have a great time at any of the 3.
hth

btw, I don't know how easy of a trade it would be , but it is possible. One time when I was at Sunset Harbor, I was talking to someone at the pool who had traded DVC points (BWV) for the Hyatt. Then again some time ago, someone posted on these boards that they were trying for a trade to Key West, and it never did come thru.

 

[Sully]

In March we put in for a trade to Key West and 1 of the Hyatt resorts for next January. We have heard anything yet, but a cm from member services sated that it should not be a problem. Good luck.

 

[Dean]

For summer it's unlikely you'll get anything unless it's short notice, under 2 months out. You'll have to put in an ongoing search then once inside about 38 days, start calling every day to MS.

 

[chuckcorden]

Keep in mind that availability of a room at the resort isn't necessarily the same as availability to exchange into the resort from II. A member from the resort you want will have to have an exchange in the II system for you to be able to get in.

I know that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer but please tell me what II means. And what does exchange mean in this context?

Thanks.

 

[Dean]

I know that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer but please tell me what II means. And what does exchange mean in this context?

Thanks.

Interval International. This is discussing timeshare exchanges through the exchange company. The point that the poster you quoted was making is the same as the one you see here on DIS, that cash availability has no meaning for exchange or timeshare availability.