Post reply
Original Message:
Re: Westin Kaanapali (by Lisa R.):
Westin Ka'anapali is a mandatory resort, meaning that owners are enrolled in the Starwood Vacation Network (SVN) and will receive StarOptions, which is SVN's currency, which can be used to exchange to other Starwood locations once the exchange window opens up at 8 months out. Mostly there are Sheraton and Westin timeshares in the network, with a few notable exceptions, such as Harborside Resort at Atlantis. For a complete listing, go to StarwoodVacationOwnership.com.
II membership is included with your SVN membership, which costs about $150/year.
There is no fee to book within SVN, however there is a fee to cancel SVN exchanges. There is the usual exchange fee if you deposit your unit into II. You can use II to deposit your studio and then make it an annual trip.
ROFR is being exercised more lately, but it's hit or miss. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the cheapest unit I could find. If I bought Island view, I'd only buy at the north property because the south has parking lot/highway views. Get the best view you can afford, because MFs are the same no matter what view you get.
I bought resale and they treat me the same as they treat everyone else.
Good luck in your decision.