Westin Kaanapali or Mariotts Maui Ocean Club

[glewis1123]

Hi everyone

We are current DVC members with points at VWL & BCV. My husband and I have decided to buy a "every-other-year" timeshare on Maui (we live in California).

We are looking at the Westin Kaanapali and the Mariotts Maui Ocean Club.

Does anyone have an opinion on these two resorts or information they would like to share. Likes/dislikes etc

Thank you

 

[mama03]

We lived on Oahu for 3 years and visited every island. I can do some property research for you and figure out which location you might like better. Maui is a beautiful island. Let me know.

Aloha,

 

[glewis1123]

Thank you for the kind offer.

When we travel to the islands - I've been numerous times to Oahu and Maui whereas my hubby has only been to Oahu (in Oahu we stay at Hilton hawaiian Village).

My brothers owns at both the Marriott Maui Ocean club and just now bought into the Westin Kaanapali North - the new one they haven't even built yet.

So we are looking at either the Mariott or the Westin Phase 2 since Westin North doesn't have 1BR units.

Mainly want to know if there are any advantages to buying direct from Westin/mariott instead of buying resale where the prices seeming to be less.

 

[mama03]

honestly, I can't imagine there would be a problem purchasing a resale. Read very carefully the contracts to find out. But, I would almost want to purchase from marriott, due to the fact its a branded company. Just curious, with marriott can you vacation at another property owned by marriott? Because marriott owns some really nice ski area timeshares.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Pros and Cons: Personal Opinion
1) For location, they are walking distance apart (advantage: None)
2) Westin is newer (advantage: Westin)
3) Pools and "lagoons" better at Marriott (advantage: Marriott)
4) Grounds are more scenic at Westin. (advantage: Westin)
5) Resale at Marriott about $11k, Westin about $27k (advantage: Marriott) *

* Every-other-year use


NOTE: I have stayed at each (we alternate Hawaii and London each year), and would buy the Marriott resale. For the price difference, you can buy a lot of airfare. All of the major resorts on Maui are quite nice, so differences in grounds and pools won't make a huge difference. As a purchasing note, I prefer resales, as the savings are typically 1/3-1/2 off of direct-purchase prices.

 

[glewis1123]

Thank you for your opinions - you made some good remarks

One other thing that Westin has over Mariotts is the floor plan - Westin has a full kitchen whereas Mariott has more of a kitchenette. But since we don't do a lot of cooking it is not a big issue for us.

My next question is - Is there anything benefit wise that you receive from Westin/Mariott that you don't get if you buy resale. I'm leaning toward resale but what to make sure there aren't any hidden benefits that I won't receive by doing so and if its worth the price difference.

DVC is our only timeshare right now so I am used to their policies.

 

[jmatias]

We have stayed at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club and toured the Westin.

Good points were made above and here is our take on the 2 resorts:

- Marriott is located right on the Kaanapali strip so its every easy and nice to walk to the other hotels and also to get to Whaler's village which has some great restaurants and shopping ( this is the biggest plus for us )

- Marriott has a great pool that our kids ( 9, 7, 1 ) just love! Waterfalls, large pools, kids pirate ship play area, jacuzzi

- Westin is a purpose built resort...the rooms are gorgeous with full kitch. and laundry

- Westin also has a nice pool area but not as dynamic as the Marriott..however, the plans for the new phase of units will have a new pool area thats looks to be quite nice

We are Marriott owners and the Maui Marriot is our favorite resort...for us the biggest plus in the location right on Kaanapali beach.

For both brands, you can buy resale however if you do you cannot participate in the hotel points option which allows you to use your points for hotel stays.

I would highly recommend visiting www.tug2.net where there is tons of info on the Maui resorts.

With either one you can't lose

 

[glewis1123]

Thanks again for the info

Is being able to use the hotel points option that big of a deal considering the substantial difference in buying resale vs buying directly from Mariott/Starwood?

Thanks

 

[DisneyMomJen]

My parents own 4 Marriott timeshares in Orlando. The advantage of buying through Marriott versus a resale is the Marriott points. When you buy through Marriott you can exchange your week every other year for points which can be used for airline tickets hotel, stays, rental cars. When you buy a resale you cannot exchange your week for these points. If you are buying with the intention of just going to Maui, then I would buy resale since it is a big price difference. You can also always exchange with interval or 'rent' your week through Ebay if you decide not to use it.