What's with the point difference for Grand Villas?

[KandiB47]

How come OKW has such a low point requirement for the Grand Villas as compared to the other resorts? Is it just because OKW is older and people have less interest in it? Would I be disappointed if I choose a Grand Villa at OKW instead of SSR?

 

[Parkhopper13]

I'll try to help you with this one. OKW was completed around 1995. It was the first DVC and was huge. It was their first project so they probably assumed a certain profit margin on the sale of the project (points), and low balled them a little to ensure it would sell out.
Once they realized what a big hit DVC was, they raised the point schedules on the newer hotels to make more money (more points/night, more points you can sell, more money).

I would never say you would get less by staying at OKW, in fact you might get more. OKW is larger and very roomy. Saratoga Springs (my favorite), is new and beautiful, but slightly smaller. I have never stayed in OKW, but from what I hear it is just slightly worn...while SSR is barely lived in. That is strictly because of age.

My honest opinion, the points per night will go up with each new DVC resort, depending of course on location, even if slightly. You also will be very happy wherever you stay. Many people on this board love OKW. I can't wait to try it myself.

And honestly, if you are "disappionted" staying in any Grand Villa...then there is no hope for you.

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[DVC-Don]

We stayed in a OKW GV this past August and the villa was darned near as big as our home. Lovely place.

 

[tjkraz]

Parkhopper13's post is pretty much correct (although OKW opened in 1991.)

I'll just add that there are only 27 Grand Villas in all of Old Key West. Unless you are an owner at OKW and can call right at 11 months, being able to book one can be quite difficult. As noted the points are much lower than other GVs and demand for them is therefore that much higher. Non-owners should plan to call right at 7 months and be prepared to make other arrangements if necessary.

 

[KandiB47]

Parkhopper13's post is pretty much correct (although OKW opened in 1991.)

I'll just add that there are only 27 Grand Villas in all of Old Key West. Unless you are an owner at OKW and can call right at 11 months, being able to book one can be quite difficult. As noted the points are much lower than other GVs and demand for them is therefore that much higher. Non-owners should plan to call right at 7 months and be prepared to make other arrangements if necessary.

I was planning on calling at the 7 month mark. I may buy some OKW points just for the Grand Villas.

 

[shellbelle1971]

Oh, I hear those OKW GV's are just dreadful...no reason to ever try to book one!

 

[spiceycat]

okw should not be worn. DVC was in a 5 year plan - every 5 years anything that needs to fix, changed, replaced was replaced. at 10 years everything is replaced regardless (at least I think that is the plan).

do you mention to anyone - maintence, front desk, DVC that you found the rooms worned?

DVC can't fix what they don't know is wrong. the housekeepers are paid to only clean. they won't report any problem - even big ones. plus the maintence (engineering) speaks English, the maids for a long time only spoke Spanish.

 

[dianeschlicht]

What unit did you have you thought was "worn"? We have had more than 20 OKW trips, and I am always amazed at how fresh they always look. That isn't to say we haven't had one or two that could have used paint or carpet to be redone, but most have new appliances now, and new beds and furniture. Pat is right about the refurbs seeming to be on a 5 year plan.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

What unit did you have you thought was "worn"? We have had more than 20 OKW trips, and I am always amazed at how fresh they always look. That isn't to say we haven't had one or two that could have used paint or carpet to be redone, but most have new appliances now, and new beds and furniture. Pat is right about the refurbs seeming to be on a 5 year plan.

Easy girl... I don't think anyone in this thread was negative about OKW. We all love our homes! Hey Diane... I absolutely love your Minnesota lodge pic. Is this your main stay? I would love to see some interior shots and some scenic shots... Love your place... envy!

 

[salmoneous]

OKW was the first resort, and DVC underesimated how popular that GV's would be. Who'd have thought people would pay more for a GV than two 2BR's. Heck, not just willing to pay, but eager!

Note that there a few quirks in the OWK point chart. While OWK GV's are almost 50% cheaper than, say, SSR GV from Sun -> Thurs, they can actually be more points than SSR GV's on weekends.

 

[Parkhopper13]

It was not my intention to offend any from OKW about my "worn" statement. Like I've said, I've never stayed there, just what I've heard from various threads and room reports about paint, carpet, tile, being in need of a little TLC. That seemed to make sense to me, considering OKW is 15 years old.
I have heard almost all good things about OKW and can't wait to try it myself. Please don't assume it was a "knock" at OKW as more of a honest exchange of information from my point of view.