Help with Starwoods Timeshare. New to this site

We have visited the Westin Kierland Villas once and have another trip coming up. First trip they really tried to sell us a timeshare. We didn't buy and a friend suggested I check out the same timeshare on the resale market. I checked the FAQ on this site but could use some help understanding the terminology and how this all works.

1. What is the difference between low, medium, and high float weeks?

2. Why is there one 2 bedroom unit with Medium float week for $5000 and another for $18,000? The spread is surprising. What am I not getting with the $5000 deed?

3. If anyone has bought a Starwood unit on the resale market, do you still have access to the Starwoods hotel points program? Of course things may change now with the merger.

Thanks.

You do not get access to hotel points conversions when you buy resale. The exchange rate isn't very good anyway. You would need to be paying an extra $20,000+ in order to convert your 7 night stay in a 2 br resort into something like 4-5 nights in a hotel,

The terms high, med and low are Redweek terms and really mean nothing. The seasons are Platinum plus, Gold plus and Gold. Someone might call Gold plus medium and someone else might be calling Gold medium. You need to contact the seller to see what season they are actually selling.

WKR is one of only a handful of resorts in the Vistana system that retains the use of StarOptions even with resale. An Annual 2 BR platinum plus is considered one of the best units to own. They go for upward of $15,000-$18,000 resale. If you are looking at a lower season you may want to consider a lower priced mandatory Orlando Bella or Key West.

Members of the Timeshare User Group (TUG) should be able to help you. They have a specific forum related to Vistana/Starwoood questions.

http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php

I bought my 1 bedroom from a reseller. I retained my Starwood Options.

Certain resorts designated as mandatory resorts retain staroptions.

WSJ: Hillside

Harborside Atlantis

WKORV-N

WKORV

WKV

SVV: Key West phase

SVV: Bella phase