Westin Mandatory Villas II Exchange Power

Hi,

I tried to search an existing thread. So, apologies if this has been discussed. Also, I am a newbie.

I am considering to buy 1 of 5 mandatory resorts through the resale market. The question is does it matter if I buy a Kaanapali resort (higher MF) or a Scottsdale resort (lower MF) when exchanging through II. In other words, for an example (extreme), will I have a better chance for getting a Marriott Maui Ocean Club (during a peak season) by owning a Kaanapali resort or a Scottsdale resort.

Thanks in advance,

Neither of those resorts will really give you an advantage with a Marriott trade.

If you want to exchange into Marriott, you should buy a Marriott trader, because Marriott owners have FIRST priority for Marriott deposits.

If your goal is to exchange through Interval, Starwood's mandatory resorts offer no advantage; their advantage is the ability to do an internal exchange through Starwood Vacation Network (SVN) using StarOptions.

Westin Ka'anapali and Westin Kierland are both too expensive to throw into Interval's exchange pool; virtually anything you would get would be a trade-down.

If you want a cheap Starwood trader, think SDO or SBP (they have a preference on Interval's Starwood's sightings).

If you want a cheap Marriott trader, check on the Marriott board, but I believe Branson gets high marks.

Also, if you want to go to Maui during peak times, buy where you want to to go during the season you want to go. Trading into Hawaii is more difficult and less certain than it was a few years ago.

I think you are more likely (still difficult though) to find a direct exchange with a Marriott owner using Westin Ka'anapali. Using the full 2 br, I think they both would be equally good in II but you are fighting Marriott preference and if you are trying for a 2 br even in the lowest season, it would be very difficult if not impossible. Westin Kierland is going to have an advantage in II as it trades as 2 one bedrooms as opposed to a one bedroom and a studio. The Orlando mandatory resorts are going to trade significantly worse in II.

tschwa2 said:

Westin Kierland is going to have an advantage in II as it trades as 2 one bedrooms as opposed to a one bedroom and a studio.

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This same advantage is true for most SVN properties including SDO, which is considerably less expensive than WKV. WKV is only appropriate, in my opinion, if the buyer intends on using the internal network (or stay at WKV during plat plus season) for most, if not all, years.

The Orlando mandatory resorts are going to trade significantly worse in II.

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Not for the II Starwood preference.


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Ken555 said:

This same advantage is true for most SVN properties including SDO, which is considerably less expensive than WKV. WKV is only appropriate, in my opinion, if the buyer intends on using the internal network (or stay at WKV during plat plus season) for most, if not all, years.




Not for the II Starwood preference.


Sent from my iPad

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I agree on both points.

Thanks, everyone. We are actually on the fence between Westin and Marriott. Maybe this is a newbie mistake, trying to find a one-fits-all solution (i.e., a high-value home base and exchange power). After reading your replies, we are leaning toward MVCD points (also through resale). We feel it might fit our needs more. I will direct my questions on the Marriott forum. Thanks, again.