Westin Ka'anapali Ocean resort villas [Master Thread]
Sep 28, 2014, 2:32 pm
#407
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Oct 6, 2014, 12:57 pm
#408
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: PDX
Programs: On a collision course with Kettledom
Posts: 25,550
We booked on the $798 deal (too good to pass up), and we signed up for the tour for the points since we have no shame.
I was surprised that the tour/sales pitch took 2 hours, considering we're the worst possible prospects.
Heck, I don't even know how to swim.
They presented the mathematical rationale for a timeshare ownership. It was quite creative, but it was utter nonsense. (If someone wants a timeshare, can pay cash for it, and can afford it, bless them... but it is not about saving money).
Wasn't high pressure, but it was entertaining, I've never had one of these presentations before.
We did get upgraded to the bigger room (Island/Parking Lot view), I'm SPG Gold.
The kitchen is nice.
I was surprised that the tour/sales pitch took 2 hours, considering we're the worst possible prospects.
- I've been to Hawaii, on average, every 13 years
- We showed up without swimsuits, flip flops or golf clubs (we're here mainly to sightsee, photograph and not to stew on the beach or by a pool)
- We take a lot of vacations, but not to typical resort areas.
- We're using the property as a bedroom, not using anything at the hotel, any activites or the fitness center
Heck, I don't even know how to swim.
They presented the mathematical rationale for a timeshare ownership. It was quite creative, but it was utter nonsense. (If someone wants a timeshare, can pay cash for it, and can afford it, bless them... but it is not about saving money).
Wasn't high pressure, but it was entertaining, I've never had one of these presentations before.
We did get upgraded to the bigger room (Island/Parking Lot view), I'm SPG Gold.
The kitchen is nice.
Oct 19, 2014, 3:54 pm
#410
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Yes, I have sent a PM to you.
And once again for those seeking referrals, please remember:
And once again for those seeking referrals, please remember:
Oct 19, 2014, 5:08 pm
#411
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 209
Hello, I am very close to booking not only my first SPG stay (on points no less) but also my first trip to Maui (well I've never been to Hawaii at all) and was wondering if anybody had any last minute tips before I do so?
This will be 4/25/15-4/30/15 at the Westin KOR Villas.
I have begun reading the thread but it's pretty long and I've got a long way to go. Plus I figure a lot of the information may be outdated.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FELLOW FT MEMBERS!
This will be 4/25/15-4/30/15 at the Westin KOR Villas.
I have begun reading the thread but it's pretty long and I've got a long way to go. Plus I figure a lot of the information may be outdated.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FELLOW FT MEMBERS!
Oct 20, 2014, 8:25 am
#412
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Hello, I am very close to booking not only my first SPG stay (on points no less) but also my first trip to Maui (well I've never been to Hawaii at all) and was wondering if anybody had any last minute tips before I do so?
This will be 4/25/15-4/30/15 at the Westin KOR Villas.
I have begun reading the thread but it's pretty long and I've got a long way to go. Plus I figure a lot of the information may be outdated.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FELLOW FT MEMBERS!
This will be 4/25/15-4/30/15 at the Westin KOR Villas.
I have begun reading the thread but it's pretty long and I've got a long way to go. Plus I figure a lot of the information may be outdated.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FELLOW FT MEMBERS!
Enjoy your trip! We will be completing our second week at WKORV during that same time period.....
Oct 20, 2014, 11:53 am
#413
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 209
I appreciate the well wishes!
Is there any type of requests I should ask for when I book?
I am a total rookie
also is there free shuttle to and from airport? and if not what is the best service to use?
Is there any type of requests I should ask for when I book?
I am a total rookie
also is there free shuttle to and from airport? and if not what is the best service to use?
Last edited by riversidetom; Oct 20, 2014 at 12:23 pm
Oct 20, 2014, 2:16 pm
#414
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
There is a free shuttle, with regularly scheduled service, from the resort to/from 1) the other Starwood properties, 2) Hilo Hatties, 3) Lahaina Cannery Mall (grocery shopping at Safeway), and 4) Front Street in Lahaina.
Not sure what you are renting but there have been reports of Platinum members receiving upgrades from Studio Villas to One-Bedroom Villas but IMO those are rare due to the popularity of the resort. It would not hurt to ask for Ocean View but once again that may not be available.
Enjoy the trip!
Oct 20, 2014, 3:31 pm
#415
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 209
Unfortunately I am just a regular Preferred Guest, not gold, nor Platinum
The only room available with Starpoints at my level is the Studio Villa from what I can see. So I guess I will ask for Ocean View since it can't hurt.
But the upgrade to One Bedroom villa seems unlikely at my level I would think.
Any tips on getting a rental car for cheap?
The only room available with Starpoints at my level is the Studio Villa from what I can see. So I guess I will ask for Ocean View since it can't hurt.
But the upgrade to One Bedroom villa seems unlikely at my level I would think.
Any tips on getting a rental car for cheap?
Oct 21, 2014, 11:39 am
#416
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: YQR
Programs: Nexus/GE, UA/MPG, Bonvoy Tit, LTP
Posts: 1,294
Not likely in Maui IMHO. The only suggestions I would make would be book as early as possible, with a cancellable rate if possible and then check regularly. Change if you find a better deal. Some people rate Costco but when I checked for Feb 2015 I found a better rate on Priceline ( although non cancellable).
I would agree with earlier posters though that a car , while not necessarily essential, would certainly be advisable if you plan seeing anywhere other than the resort, Lahaina and the Ka'anapali Beach/ Whaler's Village area. Apart from the shuttles mentioned the resort is a little isolated. If you're happy with those options then for a short trip you could get away without a car.
Oct 21, 2014, 3:42 pm
#417
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Norwalk, CT
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, DL Gold, SPG Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 479
Where do you 'see' this? If it's on the SPG website, and you have more points to spend, there may be other options available, if you telephone SPG. I have no idea about this particular property, but in general, upgrades, suites, etc. can sometimes be booked with points for as little as a 1,500 point premium over the usual 'free night' rate. It doesn't hurt to call and see exactly what your options are.
Oct 21, 2014, 9:43 pm
#418
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 209
Where do you 'see' this? If it's on the SPG website, and you have more points to spend, there may be other options available, if you telephone SPG. I have no idea about this particular property, but in general, upgrades, suites, etc. can sometimes be booked with points for as little as a 1,500 point premium over the usual 'free night' rate. It doesn't hurt to call and see exactly what your options are.
I used up 120k points for the 5 nights
I have about 13k points left now
Even though I already booked, you think I should still call?
Thanks for your advice!!
Oct 22, 2014, 7:45 am
#419
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Norwalk, CT
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, DL Gold, SPG Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 479
Oct 22, 2014, 8:14 am
#420
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BC, Canada
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium Elite, VSE/MVC Chairman's Club
Posts: 546
There may have been options to get an OceanView for a little but more, but definitely not a larger room without using a lot more points...