Does size matter?

[momofthreeplusone]

I am considering buying either a 1 or 2BD unit at Lawai Beach Resort, hoping for some advice since I am brand new to timesharing. I plan on mostly going to LBR but, if I do exchange my week to vacation elsewhere through one of the exchange systems, say II or RCI, will I be exchanged into the same amount of bedrooms? We are empty nesters and the majority of time won’t be needing the extra bedroom but occasionally the option would be nice. Is it worth the extra upfront costs to own the week in the bigger unit?
I really appreciate all the help I have gained on this site. Thanks in advance.

 

[Passepartout]

Generally- size matters. For the best of both worlds, a two bedroom LOCKOFF gives the most bang. Usually it is a one bedroom unit adjoining a studio. SO if your needs are modest, you can reserve the ONE bedroom one week and the studio side the next for twice the time- or you can invite family or friends and use the whole 2 bedroom space.

Jim

 

[davidvel]

What's the difference in upfront costs?

 

[Panina]

Trading a 2 bedroom versus a 1 bedroom in RCI will give you more tpu’s thus more trading value. How many more depends on which week.

I would trade this in Interval as there are more quality choices.. It looks like a strong trader in Interval. Depending on which week, if it is a stronger trade week, based on my experience, a strong one bedroom can trade as well as a two bedroom. You will have an additional fee if you trade a one bedroom to a two bedroom.

If it costs significantly more to purchased a 2 bedroom and maintenance fees are much more I would get a one bedroom. If the difference is not that much get the 2 bedroom.

 

[klpca]

Another thing to consider for Lawai is the building. Tuggers favor Alii, then Banyan, then Coral. (We stayed in a two bedroom Coral on the 4th floor and I thought it was fine, btw). I am not familiar with the other buildings, but if any of the bedrooms faced the water that would be something that I would consider as well.

And as far as exchanging, with respect to trading power, it depends on which exchange company you are using. RCI doesn't give you a lot more TPU's for a two bedroom (more but not enough to tip the scale, imo), but II definitely gives you more trading power for a two bedroom, and you don't have to pay for a size upgrade unless you are trading into a 3 bedroom (but you won't get anything back for downgrading into a 1 bedroom). You won't see a ton of 2 bedroom units on Interval any more. Inventory has definitely tightened up. Where are you thinking about exchanging? Some trades are easier than others.

I would put the most emphasis on how you will use the unit since you seem to indicate that trading will only be an occasional thing. Lawai is a nice property but the maintenance fees are on the high side to use it as a trader, imo.

 

[geist1223]

We always prefer 2 Bedroom Units even when we are by ourselves. It gives us a place to store stuff. Some where else to sleep if one of us becomes sick or has an out break of snoring. Also we have noticed that many times the daily living area of the Unit is slightly larger in most 2 Bedroom units.

 

[Jan M.]

Going bigger gives you options you won't have with a smaller unit. However if the maintenance fees are much higher for the larger unit and realistically you know you aren't likely to need the second bedroom that often then it would be a waste of money most years. If you were wanting to rent your week or sell the timeshare there are more people who will want a two bedroom unit than a one bedroom unit. And that should work in your favor as a buyer in this instance. I would think you might be able to get a much better price on a one bedroom week than a two bedroom week.

Jim, Passepartout, mentioned lock off units. If this resort would be one that has two bedroom lock off units that would be worth having. You could use one side of the lock off unit for yourselves and deposit the other side for trade. I've also heard people say that they've found other owners who had lock off units either the week before or the week after their week. They made a deal with one of those people to use the other side of each others lock off unit so each couple got two week stays at no additional expense.

 

[momofthreeplusone]

What's the difference in upfront costs?

About $2000

 

[momofthreeplusone]

Another thing to consider for Lawai is the building. Tuggers favor Alii, then Banyan, then Coral. (We stayed in a two bedroom Coral on the 4th floor and I thought it was fine, btw). I am not familiar with the other buildings, but if any of the bedrooms faced the water that would be something that I would consider as well.

And as far as exchanging, with respect to trading power, it depends on which exchange company you are using. RCI doesn't give you a lot more TPU's for a two bedroom (more but not enough to tip the scale, imo), but II definitely gives you more trading power for a two bedroom, and you don't have to pay for a size upgrade unless you are trading into a 3 bedroom (but you won't get anything back for downgrading into a 1 bedroom). You won't see a ton of 2 bedroom units on Interval any more. Inventory has definitely tightened up. Where are you thinking about exchanging? Some trades are easier than others.

I would put the most emphasis on how you will use the unit since you seem to indicate that trading will only be an occasional thing. Lawai is a nice property but the maintenance fees are on the high side to use it as a trader, imo.

The high maintenance fees are definitely a consideration. Where can I find a lower MF Resort that’s still a good trader?

 

[dayooper]

Is Grandview in Las Vegas a good trader or is it just good for RCI points? The two bedroom lock off (two complete one bedroom suits) has great MF’s (around $800) and you can split the two suites into two different exchanges, but am not sure how that exchanges outside of the RCI points system.

 

[Passepartout]

We have often said that if you MUST go to a certain location or season, then that's what you should buy. But if it's a trader you want at the lowest price, then choose where someone else wants to go that isn't overbuilt. Hawaii is expensive. I wouldn't buy a TS in Hawaii unless I REALLY wanted to go to that island at least 2/3 of the time. And the other third maybe someplace like Europe that is difficult to catch. I like Hawaii, but don't have to go there all that often. If I wanted a trader, I'd choose a S. Cal. beach location, or someplace like Hilton Head Island. Lots of demand and not many resorts (comparatively) and not a big risk of damage from hurricanes etc.

That's my $.02 worth.