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Re: Starwood Vacation Ownership (by Carol H.):

alex382 wrote:

larryb176 wrote:

I am also considering buying at Westin...

As resale purchasers, we do not get the Gold SPG card and we cannot exchange our unit for SPG points. We don't really care about this, since exchanging for SPG points is rarely a good deal (if ever).

SPG points can be a great deal. I am a Starwood owner. Last year I exchanged my Star Options for Star Points. I stayed at the Westin Paris for three nights and the Westin Berlin for five nights with my points. I figured if I was a normal paying customer, it would have cost me about $2000. My yearly maintenance fee + $99 exchange fee was much less than this.

As an owner you normally get an upgrade. I was upgraded to a junior suite in Paris (in July!). If you stay four nights, the fifth night is free (no points). Both hotels were in great locations.