Westin Desert Willow Villas (time share), Palm Desert, CA [Master Thread]
Dec 14, 2009, 10:40 pm
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
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Posts: 14,404
Westin Desert Willow Villas (time share), Palm Desert, CA [Master Thread]
Master thread?
It says it's Opening February 12, 2010.
Looks like mostly a time-share property as deep in the announcements it mentions "limited participation" in SPG but thought we should have a thread here to discuss in case there are any SPG bennies and rooms are sold per night.
It says it's Opening February 12, 2010.
Looks like mostly a time-share property as deep in the announcements it mentions "limited participation" in SPG but thought we should have a thread here to discuss in case there are any SPG bennies and rooms are sold per night.
Jan 7, 2010, 10:34 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Redondo Beach, Ca
Posts: 30,732
I know they are not taking reservations until 2/12 but no where on the site does it say what category hotel it is or if I can use all points or points/cash. Anyone know anything about this place or how I can find out? Thanks.
Jan 13, 2010, 1:10 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I just got an email invitation to try this hotel out for 3 nights for a total of $349. And they give 7000 Starpoints bonus OR an Amex $75 gift card. Sound too good to be true? I am sure you will have to listen to a time-share pitch.
Due to open March 15th.
Details of Participation:
This special invitation is offered by Westin Vacations.
Eligibility - Only the person(s) whose name appears on the front of this email invitation may redeem this offer. Offer is not transferable. Your name will be verified with our guest roster. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Groups (two or more affiliated couples traveling together), previous participants in a Westin or Sheraton Vacation Services getaway within the past year, all employees and their immediate family members of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, inc., its affiliated entities, and Owners at any Starwood Vacation Ownership resort are not eligible for this offer. One offer per family.
Offer - Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion. The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert is scheduled to open March 15, 2010, no accommodations will be available prior to this date. Travel must be completed within 12 months of package purchase date. All currency mentions are US Dollars.
Offer - Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion. The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert is scheduled to open March 15, 2010, no accommodations will be available prior to this date. You must visit within 12 months of package purchase date. All currency mentions are US Dollars. Cancellations must be made in writing within fifteen days of the package purchase date or package purchase price is not refundable. A refund will be issued within fifteen days of the receipt of notice of cancellation. Cancellation notices must be sent to Westin Cancellations, 74000 Country Club Drive - D - Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Cancellations must be made in writing within fifteen days of the package purchase date or package purchase price is not refundable. A refund will be issued within fifteen days of the receipt of notice of cancellation. Cancellation notices must be sent to Westin Cancellations, 74000 Country Club Drive � D � Palm Desert, CA 92260. Offer is void where prohibited.
Starpoints - If selected, allow 4�6 weeks for posting of Starpoints. Redemption of Starpoints is subject to the Starwood Preferred Guest� program terms and conditions, which are subject to change without notice. Starwood Preferred Guest terms and conditions can be viewed on our website at SPG.com. Approximate retail value is $245.00
Gift Card(s) - If selected, must be picked up by the guest the day of arrival at the concierge desk. Retail value of gift card(s) is face value. Gift card(s) is not redeemable for cash and is not transferable.
Room Reservations � Room reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance and are on a space-available basis. Holiday and special event periods are excluded. Do not purchase airfare until your arrival dates are confirmed. Accommodations are for a maximum of two adults and two children under the age of 18 at The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert. Accommodations are a one bedroom villa with queen size bed and full size sleeper sofa. After scheduling room reservations, a confirmed, written reservation will be sent and must be presented at check-in. Stay must be continuous nights. Once reservations are made, any change or revisions are subject to a $50 nonrefundable fee. This offer must be used prior to the expiration date. Purchase price must be paid using a major credit card. A credit card is also required at check-in. Reschedule requests within 30 days of arrival will forfeit package and package price. If you elect to park a vehicle(s) on site during your stay, you will be charged $7.00 per day, per vehicle upon check out. You may also incur other incidental fees that are not included in your package cost, such as telephone charges, roll-away bed fees, transportation, meals, tickets, taxes, tips, housekeeping and other charges of a personal nature if you request these services. Retail value is based on high-season rates.
Starwood Vacation Services, Inc., is registered with the state of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration #ST35697
Due to open March 15th.
Details of Participation:
This special invitation is offered by Westin Vacations.
Eligibility - Only the person(s) whose name appears on the front of this email invitation may redeem this offer. Offer is not transferable. Your name will be verified with our guest roster. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Groups (two or more affiliated couples traveling together), previous participants in a Westin or Sheraton Vacation Services getaway within the past year, all employees and their immediate family members of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, inc., its affiliated entities, and Owners at any Starwood Vacation Ownership resort are not eligible for this offer. One offer per family.
Offer - Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion. The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert is scheduled to open March 15, 2010, no accommodations will be available prior to this date. Travel must be completed within 12 months of package purchase date. All currency mentions are US Dollars.
Offer - Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion. The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert is scheduled to open March 15, 2010, no accommodations will be available prior to this date. You must visit within 12 months of package purchase date. All currency mentions are US Dollars. Cancellations must be made in writing within fifteen days of the package purchase date or package purchase price is not refundable. A refund will be issued within fifteen days of the receipt of notice of cancellation. Cancellation notices must be sent to Westin Cancellations, 74000 Country Club Drive - D - Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Cancellations must be made in writing within fifteen days of the package purchase date or package purchase price is not refundable. A refund will be issued within fifteen days of the receipt of notice of cancellation. Cancellation notices must be sent to Westin Cancellations, 74000 Country Club Drive � D � Palm Desert, CA 92260. Offer is void where prohibited.
Starpoints - If selected, allow 4�6 weeks for posting of Starpoints. Redemption of Starpoints is subject to the Starwood Preferred Guest� program terms and conditions, which are subject to change without notice. Starwood Preferred Guest terms and conditions can be viewed on our website at SPG.com. Approximate retail value is $245.00
Gift Card(s) - If selected, must be picked up by the guest the day of arrival at the concierge desk. Retail value of gift card(s) is face value. Gift card(s) is not redeemable for cash and is not transferable.
Room Reservations � Room reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance and are on a space-available basis. Holiday and special event periods are excluded. Do not purchase airfare until your arrival dates are confirmed. Accommodations are for a maximum of two adults and two children under the age of 18 at The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert. Accommodations are a one bedroom villa with queen size bed and full size sleeper sofa. After scheduling room reservations, a confirmed, written reservation will be sent and must be presented at check-in. Stay must be continuous nights. Once reservations are made, any change or revisions are subject to a $50 nonrefundable fee. This offer must be used prior to the expiration date. Purchase price must be paid using a major credit card. A credit card is also required at check-in. Reschedule requests within 30 days of arrival will forfeit package and package price. If you elect to park a vehicle(s) on site during your stay, you will be charged $7.00 per day, per vehicle upon check out. You may also incur other incidental fees that are not included in your package cost, such as telephone charges, roll-away bed fees, transportation, meals, tickets, taxes, tips, housekeeping and other charges of a personal nature if you request these services. Retail value is based on high-season rates.
Starwood Vacation Services, Inc., is registered with the state of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration #ST35697
Jan 13, 2010, 11:53 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Programs: *wood gold, aeroplan
Posts: 60
It is a time share property. We stayed at the Westin Mission Hills under one of the timeshare promo offers. They were trying to sell us a time share for the Desert Willow Villas. Sales pitch was supposed to be 1 hour - took 3 hours. It was worth it my opinion just for the cheap trip.
We drove by it and it was under construction at that time, only a few buildings were finished. It's is across from the JW Marriott resort in Palm Desert. Good location, and likely a whole lot nicer.
We drove by it and it was under construction at that time, only a few buildings were finished. It's is across from the JW Marriott resort in Palm Desert. Good location, and likely a whole lot nicer.
Jan 29, 2010, 9:54 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SMF
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, SPG LTP
Posts: 1,526
I just booked a night here in Feb. This specific property wasn't referenced in the T&Cs, but according to the PC, no upgrades or other Plat benefits, but SPG stay credits do apply. My travel plans are kind of up in the air so I may not go through with the stay, but if I do, I'll be sure to report back.
Mar 5, 2010, 7:55 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lafayette, CO, USA
Programs: SPG Lifetime Plat, AA Gold, UA Gold, DL Silver, HH Gold, Vail Epic
Posts: 9,096
This new SVO property offers Cat4 SPG awards. From the hotel's webpage:
Award rooms are for a 600sqft 1-BR Villa with Queen bed, Queen sofabed, kitchenette, washer/dryer, free internet. There is a charge for parking.
Compared to tonight's price of $296+tax, a Cat4 award would be pretty appealing. In May and June, I see rates at least as low as $127+tax.
Although this is a villa property, with fully equipped units, a unique exception has been made to allow this location to participate in the Starwood Preferred Guest program. Due to the nature of this exceptional villa, this location is unable to offer upgrades, late check-out, or daily newspaper. This location will credit Starpoints on all eligible dollars spent and will allow free night award stays but with the following restrictions:
* May only book within 365 days of arrival
* Inventory may be limited
* Starpoints acquired through conversion of a vacation ownership interest may not be redeemed at a Starwood Vacation Ownership property.
* May only book within 365 days of arrival
* Inventory may be limited
* Starpoints acquired through conversion of a vacation ownership interest may not be redeemed at a Starwood Vacation Ownership property.
Compared to tonight's price of $296+tax, a Cat4 award would be pretty appealing. In May and June, I see rates at least as low as $127+tax.
Mar 5, 2010, 9:53 am
#10
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Northwest NJ
Programs: Starwood Platinum,Marriott Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 2,313
1. You can be sure that as the project sells, it will no longer participate and points won't be an option. In this economy, that could take awhile! Right now, they are happy to have the traffic and have more people they can entice to sit thru a presentation.
2. If there is a requirement to sit thru a sales pitch, you should always find out in advance what the time commitment is. If they say 90 minutes and you're sure you are not interested, you merely tell them at the 70 minute mark that you need to leave in 20 minutes.
3. The easiest way out is to tell them that the project is lovely but that you will probably decide to purchase a resale at Westin Mission Hills. Those are going for $3-5,000 due to the economy!
We own at Mission Hills and Kierland and I love both, but the timeshare industry is having big problems right now with people losing their primary homes.
2. If there is a requirement to sit thru a sales pitch, you should always find out in advance what the time commitment is. If they say 90 minutes and you're sure you are not interested, you merely tell them at the 70 minute mark that you need to leave in 20 minutes.
3. The easiest way out is to tell them that the project is lovely but that you will probably decide to purchase a resale at Westin Mission Hills. Those are going for $3-5,000 due to the economy!
We own at Mission Hills and Kierland and I love both, but the timeshare industry is having big problems right now with people losing their primary homes.
Mar 5, 2010, 10:02 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lafayette, CO, USA
Programs: SPG Lifetime Plat, AA Gold, UA Gold, DL Silver, HH Gold, Vail Epic
Posts: 9,096
Based on past experience with other nightly SVO villa rentals booked directly through spg.com, there should not be any requirement to sit through a sales presentation for these reservations. If there is such a requirement, it should be stated up front during the reservations process. Nearly everyone is probably invited to attend one upon check-in.
Mar 5, 2010, 10:55 am
#12
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Northwest NJ
Programs: Starwood Platinum,Marriott Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 2,313
Based on past experience with other nightly SVO villa rentals booked directly through spg.com, there should not be any requirement to sit through a sales presentation for these reservations. If there is such a requirement, it should be stated up front during the reservations process. Nearly everyone is probably invited to attend one upon check-in.
Mar 24, 2010, 8:49 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 362
http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=Willow