My husband and I just sat through the Westin Ocean Villas Kaanapali presentation. We are interested in getting a timeshare but I know we can get better deals on the resale market. When I look at postings for this resort on the resale market it seems like the system works a little differently than how they explained it to us. Starpoints vs. club points vs. bonvoy points. If we buy a resale for this resort will we have the ability to exchange points to use at different hotels or resorts? I just don’t want to be locked into one resort every year. Do we lose benefits by not buying from Westin?
As someone who went through this same decision 3 years ago, I figured id toss in my two cents and maybe test my knowledge on how things have changed since, so I welcome feedback...
If you buy Resale Mandatory (WKORV south and north, SVV Bella and Key West, WKV for example) You will get Staroptions only. As I understand it, you are no longer eligible for Abound via mandatory resales, therefore no club points, and you never were eligible for Bonvoy Points. Having staroptions mean you can rent your home resort and room 12 Months out, and you can reserve any other VISTANA resort 8 months out.
If you you buy direct from Westin/Abound Direct, you get all the perks above. This is over simplifying, but to me, it's what was important.
If you want to guarantee Maui, in the same room, with a nice view, every year... buy Maui as others have said. If you want to go to other resorts more often than Maui, I would not buy maui, this is the most expensive way to do so.
If you are flexible, want to bounce around Vistana, save little money and care a little less about room type and view, buy WKV or SVV. I have SVV-Bella, and I have only ever used it to book Maui. If you book your reservation right at 8 months at midnight, you'll most likely get at least the room type you want in maui (unless its xmas week or something) but the view is anything but guaranteed.you could have island view, ocean view, parking lot, but again, you'll likely get the Room type between the 3 resorts that are there (2br, 1br, stu)
In summary, I think it's key to understand the risks, and weigh that with what you're paying for (like anything else). I chose to save money and take the risk of not getting exactly everything perfect in maui. Cash value, Im up quite a bit on how much I've paid up front + maintenance fees versus what I would have paid for 14 nights in Maui and it's only been 2 years. It's worked for me so far, it may not work for everyone. Do what's best for you. Happy Traveling!