Starwood Preferred Guest - Recommended warm-weather Starwood points stay in Feb?

We have about 52,000 Starwood points, and Diners Club points that would likely yield another 3 nights at a top-tier property (almost any other hotel chain).

We are hoping to use either/both to stay someplace warm for 7-10 nights in February 2006.

Kapalua Bay Hotel on Maui was our ideal - relatively quiet, not-too-crowded pool, not uber-luxe but certainly nicely appointed common areas with a lovely view. We hoarded Starwood points only to have Starwood sell this property! Now we hear it's being razed in April 2006, so we're wondering if we should use DC points for a few final nights. (And maybe use Starwood points for the Princeville.)

Also have looked at Westin St. John or some of the smaller Mexico properties.

We are married with no children. Enjoy good food but just as happy to have drinks and appetizers at a nice hotel bar some evenings. Want a nice pool that isn't too crowded, and where we can get fruity drinks and a good hamburger; would like to also be near beach, but we won't likely spend as much time there. We'll spend most of our time in the sun just reading and relaxing.

Anyone have any recommendations for us? Thanks in advance for your consideration!

BTW, I am Starwood Gold right now, but will likely garner 25 stays in 2006.

We have about 52,000 Starwood points, and Diners Club points that would likely yield another 3 nights at a top-tier property (almost any other hotel chain).

We are hoping to use either/both to stay someplace warm for 7-10 nights in February 2006.


How about a trip to Langkawi, Malaysia (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=283)?

The only downside would be the refurbishment, but it looks like guests will be well and truly compensated

From February 1 to November 30, 2006, the Sheraton Perdana Resort, Langkawi will undergo a major refurbishment project. For further details, please visit our project website (http://www.perdanaproject.com/)

The compensation includes:

Complimentary Buffet Breakfast and Buffet Dinner when you book "Room Only". Available throughout the refurbishment period (Feb 1 – Nov 30 2006) Please consult your travel agent for flight & room packages, or contact us direct to book.

Split your stay between El Careyes and El Tamarindo?

I would suggest Moorea if you really want to be by the beach.

If you really are OK with only visiting the beach a bit while you're there and really just want decent weather, I would recommend doing a tour of the Mexican Yucatan and staying at three of the hacienda resorts. I'm actually planning on doing this next year. The haciendas typically get great reviews. You can do some great cultural/historical siteseeing and also relax by the pool in the hammocks of the lush resort grounds. Check them out in the Starwood listings and also take a look at the individual Tripadvisor reviews. The Yucatan also has some nice beaches around Merida though they aren't all that convenient to the haciendas.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I think we want to limit travel to Hawaii, Mexico or Caribbean.

Right now we are leaning toward one of two options:

1) Hawaii with time split b/t Princeville on Kuaui and KBH on Maui
2) A few nights in Puerto Vallarta somewhere with DC points and then 5 nights at El Tamarindo

I haven't spent as much time looking at the Haciendas, but I will do that now...

How about a trip to Langkawi, Malaysia (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=283)?
How does one get to Langkawi? Fly to _____ and then (connect/train/bus) to ____?

I've eyed this property in the past and will be in SE Asia a few times this year and would love to make a weekend of it, especially considering it is Cat 2.

Thanks in advance,

Jim

Thanks for your suggestions.

I think we want to limit travel to Hawaii, Mexico or Caribbean.

Right now we are leaning toward one of two options:

1) Hawaii with time split b/t Princeville on Kuaui and KBH on Maui
2) A few nights in Puerto Vallarta somewhere with DC points and then 5 nights at El Tamarindo

I haven't spent as much time looking at the Haciendas, but I will do that now...


I would do 5 nights Princeville ( we went last yr, It was great) and then 3 nights at the Hyatt at Poipu Beach. Thats me. :)

Good Luck

Ken in Phx

Thanks for your suggestions.

I think we want to limit travel to Hawaii, Mexico or Caribbean.

Right now we are leaning toward one of two options:

1) Hawaii with time split b/t Princeville on Kuaui and KBH on Maui
2) A few nights in Puerto Vallarta somewhere with DC points and then 5 nights at El Tamarindo

I haven't spent as much time looking at the Haciendas, but I will do that now...

We actually did variations of each of these this year and you can't go wrong either way. If you go to Tamarindo, I'd strongly suggest some time at Careyes as well (in lieu of PV if you have to).
Princeville is great, but stay away from Sheraton Kauai. We did 2 nights there before Pville and it was unimpressive. Of the two options, Princeville probably offers a little more polish...Tamarindo more adventure and exclusivity.

Why don't you try "REDEMPTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELITE MEMBERS"

Here is the link
http://www.lg0.net/starwood/aspirationalawards/

I like the Sheraton Buganvilias of Puerto Vallarta :) ! It was scheduled to become a Cat. 2 this year but has remained a Cat. 3, so 28K for 5 or 56K points for 10 nights. There was a thread here 2 weeks ago with a discount code allowing one to buy 4K points for only $100 if U don't want to transfer your DC in to *wood.

How does one get to Langkawi? Fly to _____ and then (connect/train/bus) to ____?

I've eyed this property in the past and will be in SE Asia a few times this year and would love to make a weekend of it, especially considering it is Cat 2.

Thanks in advance,

Jim

You can fly from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore direct to Langkawi (LGK), via Malaysian Air, Silk Air & Asia Air. From the airport you can catch a taxi or rent a car.

FYI - this resort is set to undergo refurbishment from 1 Feb to 15 Dec in 2006.

Someone on another forum turned my head toward the Virgin Islands.

Now the pick is between...
1) El Tamarindo/El Cayeres in Mexico with a few nights at Puerto Vallarta Marriot
2) The Westin St. John with a few nights in St. Thomas before or after.

Anyone care to comment on differences between hotels and/or locations? I have not been to that side of Mexico, and have not been to the Virgin Islands at all.

Someone on another forum turned my head toward the Virgin Islands.

Now the pick is between...
1) El Tamarindo/El Cayeres in Mexico with a few nights at Puerto Vallarta Marriot
2) The Westin St. John with a few nights in St. Thomas before or after.

Anyone care to comment on differences between hotels and/or locations? I have not been to that side of Mexico, and have not been to the Virgin Islands at all.

I have been to St. John, I have not been to the two Mexico resorts you have mentioned........ yet (later this year I'm going). The Westin St. John is great, the island is fantastic, etc. etc. However, if you are only going for 5 days or so.... and you live on the West Coast, it is a major trek to get out there. I am an ex-road warrior, but even I was a little bit worse for the wear after the long trip out there from San Francisco. Whereas, Mexico... so close, flights so short/cheap, and Puerto Vallarta so nice! So your holiday may be much more relaxing if you do Mexico.

But St. John is fantastic, and if you can get there easily, do it! You should read Tripadvisor to see what other travelers are saying about the hotels you are looking at. El Carayes and Tamarindo are really well regarded. Westin SJ, not as much.

How about Westin GCM ???? If you are thinking about St John.

Just dropet from Cat 5 to 4 to your points will go thurther ( St John now a Cat 5)

Great Beach and location.

Two thumbs way up for The Westin St. John. Stay away during President's week if you're looking for a quite romantic get-away.

We were there with our son during President's week last February and had a ball, but it was packed with families... which was good for us, but I think bad for you.

My wife and I loved the place. We imediately thought we'd be back for a romantic stay during an off peak week in the future.

The pool area is wonderful. Their resturant is aces. The snack bar had great food. The pool bar was nice, but we took our drinks poolside or on the beach. The beach is great.

There are plenty of activities if you want, or plenty of places to just relax if you don't want. Even during President's week, my wife and I found a nice corner of the pool area to just relax (although there was the constant sound of children in the background... again, that didn't bother us, but many are bothered.)

Don't let anyone poo-poo the "man-made" beach. Sure it's not Trunk Bay, but nobody at Trunk Bay walks up and asks you if you'd like a cocktail or something to eat. Also the bathroom is really skeevy at Truck Bay.

I second everyone's opinion on the Westin at St. John. It's been over a year since my wife and I stayed there (5 nights) and it was a delight. The food at the hotel is comparable in taste and in price to what you would pay at any Starwood property and there is a snack shop that you can get sub sandwiches and chips if you've had too many burgers – also a nice picnic option when visiting different beaches in town.

We did a couple nights in St. Thomas (at the Renaissance) before we got to the Westin and the difference is very stark. The Westin is cleaner, the pool is nicer and much larger, the water at the beach is much more blue and see through (I’ve been told that the many cruise ships that visit St. Thomas kick up dirt and sand in the water and that’s why the water isn’t as clear) and it feels much more secluded. The townspeople in St. Thomas seem a lot more eager and aggressive to help you with things like carrying your bags and then expect a tip in return whereas in St. John, the natives seemed a little more relaxed. If you plan on getting a rental car in St. John, be prepared to drive on the opposite side of the road and visit some beaches like Trunk Bay – absolutely gorgeous. There is a small restaurant in town – forgive me, I can’t remember the name (any FT’s know what the name is?) – that has an all you can eat spicy shrimp dinner on Tuesday or Wednesday night.

Have fun!

I would recommend doing a tour of the Mexican Yucatan and staying at three of the hacienda resorts. I'm actually planning on doing this next year. The haciendas typically get great reviews.

My wife and I are thinking about heading down that way for a long weekend in March. Any idea where to fly into? Merida looks close, but how far is Cancun?

Don't let anyone poo-poo the "man-made" beach. Sure it's not Trunk Bay, but nobody at Trunk Bay walks up and asks you if you'd like a cocktail or something to eat. Also the bathroom is really skeevy at Truck Bay.

Laughing out loud. I think in message boards like this you are always looking for someone who seems to be on your wavelength. I tell myself that it's work stress that makes me so happy to have a drink at the pool or on the beach - and I'd gladly give up natural beauty for that!!

OK, so I'm shallow... at least I know myself. ;)

Thanks, all, for your feedback. Has been enormously helpful!!

Laughing out loud. I think in message boards like this you are always looking for someone who seems to be on your wavelength. I tell myself that it's work stress that makes me so happy to have a drink at the pool or on the beach - and I'd gladly give up natural beauty for that!!

OK, so I'm shallow... at least I know myself. ;)

Thanks, all, for your feedback. Has been enormously helpful!!


Westin St John here as well! Though I would go to Moorea! ;o)

How does one get to Langkawi? Fly to _____ and then (connect/train/bus) to ____?

Jim

You can fly into LGK on Malaysian from KUL most days of the week.

From JFK you'd probably be best going on the Singaport Airlines flight 25 / 106 JFK-FRA-SIN-KUL and the going KUL-LGK on Malaysian.

Otherwise here (http://www.best-of-langkawi.com/TRAVEL-flight-langkawi.php) is the flight index for flights into and out of Langkawi Airport.

GCM is my favourite.

To all who have been to the Westin St. John,
I am going there in 2 weeks, taking a college roommate who will be celebrating 2 years of survival from cancer, and the end to 2 of the worst years of her life.
Please PM me and give me some suggestions of great places to go, things to do, and EAT!!!! We have 4 days away from families, kids, and husbands, and I want to make it really special for her.
I love this forum!! ( and starwood points that make this vacation free!)


Two thumbs way up for The Westin St. John. Stay away during President's week if you're looking for a quite romantic get-away.

We were there with our son during President's week last February and had a ball, but it was packed with families... which was good for us, but I think bad for you.

My wife and I loved the place. We imediately thought we'd be back for a romantic stay during an off peak week in the future.

The pool area is wonderful. Their resturant is aces. The snack bar had great food. The pool bar was nice, but we took our drinks poolside or on the beach. The beach is great.

There are plenty of activities if you want, or plenty of places to just relax if you don't want. Even during President's week, my wife and I found a nice corner of the pool area to just relax (although there was the constant sound of children in the background... again, that didn't bother us, but many are bothered.)

Don't let anyone poo-poo the "man-made" beach. Sure it's not Trunk Bay, but nobody at Trunk Bay walks up and asks you if you'd like a cocktail or something to eat. Also the bathroom is really skeevy at Truck Bay.

The Westin St John is wonderful. I was there late October to November 05.
It was so relaxing. Thats my vote ^

My husband and I had been thinking of using some points for a stay at the Westin in mid-March. Not only are there no rooms available using points -- none are available even if we wanted to pay for it! I can get us 4 nights there at 16,000 points/night.... We stayed on St. Thomas the last time we were there and it's VERY easy for us to get down there from New York (on reduced mile award tickets on American, never mind). We were also thinking of perhaps going to Puerto Rico, since that is also easy and inexpensive in terms of miles for us to get to. Any thoughts on the Puerto Rico resorts? Not my ideal destination, but if the resort is nice enough and a lot fewer points... I'm there. Grand Cayman is also available but we can't get there as easily (no non-stop on American) and as our soon-to-be-sister-in-law has family there, we'd rather go with her.

Definitely do the Westin St. John. It really is a great resort. Don't bother doing a few nights in St. Thomas though; everyone staying there tries to spend as much time as they can on St. John anyway. If you're staying on St. John, there's really no reason to leave. If you pay for the Westin boat ride, that includes unlimited transport to/from St. Thomas so you can always head over there for a day (pick one when there aren't many ships in) to do some duty free shopping. The resort is only a few minutes from downtown (if you can call it that) and the ride only costs a few dollars. There are also some really excellent restaurant on St. John. ZoZos and Uncle Joe's are two that I remember. ZoZos for Italian and Uncle Joe's for BBQ (don't let the look of Uncle Joe's keep you from eating there). I almost went back to St. John earlier this month, and both restaurants were high on the list of reason to go back.

My husband and I had been thinking of using some points for a stay at the Westin in mid-March. Not only are there no rooms available using points -- none are available even if we wanted to pay for it! I can get us 4 nights there at 16,000 points/night....

Huh? I think I'm missing something. Are there, or aren't there, any award rooms available?

Huh? I think I'm missing something. Are there, or aren't there, any award rooms available?

Sorry, there aren't any rooms available until mid-way through the time when we wanted to start our vacation, so rather than it being a week long vacation, it can only be a week vacation as there is something I have to be back for the following week (i.e., we want to be back before a certain date, we have about 11 potential total nights this could include, but only 4 of them are available at all at the Westin St. John -- for purchase or for point stays).

I would suggest Moorea if you really want to be by the beach.

If you really are OK with only visiting the beach a bit while you're there and really just want decent weather, I would recommend doing a tour of the Mexican Yucatan and staying at three of the hacienda resorts. I'm actually planning on doing this next year. The haciendas typically get great reviews. You can do some great cultural/historical siteseeing and also relax by the pool in the hammocks of the lush resort grounds. Check them out in the Starwood listings and also take a look at the individual Tripadvisor reviews. The Yucatan also has some nice beaches around Merida though they aren't all that convenient to the haciendas.

Bumping to ask people who have been to the haciendas in Yucatan -- how convenient is it to get to the beach from, say, Uayamon or Puerto Campeche if we had a car? Do the hotels have beach chairs/towels/etc. that people can use for the day? Or is it really not possible to get to the beach without a major hassle?

Thinking of a trip there in October for my honeymoon (though we're unsure about the hurricane possibilities) and trying to evaluate options. Thanks.

Egypt is nice in Feb. hotels in cairo, luxor, and alexandria. do not drink the water or the juice.