Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
I get asked frequently what the difference is in StarOptions and Starpoints.
Let’s begin with an explanation of the Starwood Vacation Network and how it works and then I’ll give an explanation of the differences between StarOptions and Starpoints and how each of them work.
After that, you will find information on what StarOptions and Starpoints benefits do (and don’t) transfer when purchasing a timeshare resale.
What is Starwood Vacation Ownership?
Starwood Vacation Ownership allows you to purchase, under deeded ownership, a certain amount of time you can use to take a vacation in any of the all-villa resorts, every year, or every other year within the Starwood Vacation Network.
You also have the option to convert your vacation ownership interest to Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints, which you can then redeem for an array of travel rewards, including free hotel stays and flights.
It is most important to remember that StarOptions and Starpoints are different. Simply put, StarOptions entitle you to a timeshare vacation at any resort with the Starwood Vacation Network. Starpoints occur when you convert your Starwood Vacation Ownership interest to Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints, which can then be used to stay in Starwood Hotels, make airline reservations, reserve a rental car and/or purchase merchandise.
Now for some frequently asked questions about StarOptions and how they work.
How do I use StarOptions to visit another resort in the Starwood Vacation Network?
StarOptions is a values assigned to each villa based on the resort, the villa type and the season. You have the right to vacation with your StarOptions at any resort in the Starwood vacation network. See chart below.
How far in advance do I have to call if I want to visit another resort in the Starwood Vacation Network?
You can reserve a week or more beginning on an established check-in day at any Starwood Vacation Network resort, including your home resort, in a different villa type and/or season than you own. You may request reservations beginning 8 months prior to your desired arrival date, during the Starwood Vacation Network Float Period. Vacations for more than seven days must begin or end on an established check-in day.
Using StarOptions, how far in advance do I have to call to make a reservation for less than seven days?
You may request reservations beginning 90 days prior to your desired arrival date, during the Starwood Vacation Network Options Period. You may reserve less than a week at your home resort or any other Starwood Vacation Network resort in any villa type or season, checking in on any available day.
Now, let’s take a look at some answers to questions about Starpoints.
Banking StarOptions
Alll Owners with StarOptions benefits may request StarOptions Banking by calling Owner Services no later than July 1. Three and Four-Star Elite Members may request until October 1, and Five-Star Elite by December 31.
When do I have to decide if I want to convert my Starwood Vacation Ownership interest into Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints?
You may notify Owner Services between the dates of October 1 of the Use Year prior to the Use Year being converted and March 31 of the Use Year that is being converted when you decide you want to convert your Starwood Vacation Ownership interest to Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints. It will take approximately 72 hours before you will receive confirmation of the conversion to Starpoints.
How do I make my travel plans using my Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints?
After converting your Starwood Vacation Ownership interest to Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints, you can call to make your hotel reservations or visit the Starwoodhotels website to search for Starwood hotels and book online. You may also call to convert your Starpoints into airline tickets.
Following you will find what StarOptions and Starpoints benefits are transferable when purchasing a resale:
StarOption benefits are transferable when purchasing a resale in a “Mandatory” resort only.
Following is a list of the Mandatory resorts:
Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas,Maui, Hawaii
Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas North, Maui, Hawaii
Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale, Arizona
Sheraton Vistana Villages- Bella and Key West sections, Orlando, Florida
Harborside at Atlantis, Bahamas, Caribbean
Virgin Grand Villas, St John, US Virgin Islands
StarOption benefits do not transfer when purchasing a resale in a “Voluntary” resort.
Starpoint benefits do not transfer on any Starwood resale. However, the resale purchaser can purchase a Starwood timeshare from the Developer and ask the sales agent to “retro” the resale transaction. This will give the buyer the StarOption and Starpoint benefits on any Starwood resale purchase he made. There is no fee for “retro-ing”. Note that there is a minimum sale price for the purchase of the timeshare from the Developer, depending upon whether it is a timeshare purchase made in the continental US, Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico Starwood timeshare.
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Advantage Vacation specializes in Westin Starwood timeshare resales at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas (WKORV) and Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resorts Villas North (WKORVN). If you are interested in selling your timeshare or purchasing a timeshare resale at either of these luxurious resorts, please contact one of our licensed timeshare resale professionals who would be happy to assist you!
We are located on Maui and are very knowledgeable regarding both these beautiful resorts. You can rely on prompt, courteous and professional service when working with Advantage Vacation.
Advantage Vacation is a member of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and offers the best buys on the timeshare re sales market today. We never charge an upfront fee for clients who want to sell a timeshare and only receive a commission, paid from escrow, when the transaction is closed.
We are leaders in the timeshare resale secondary market, have been in the timeshare industry for over 30 years and are Accredited Members of the BBB with an A+ Rating.
Advantage Vacation is using Twitter and Facebook to help educate people on the changes in the timeshare industry along with current timeshare tips, up to date timeshare news and timeshare FAQ’s.
We hope you will follow us and our blog, Timeshare Blogging by Advantage Vacation for the latest news and reviews. If our site does not answer your question or questions, please email us your question and we will answer it and add it to our library. Make your voice heard – what questions do you have?
At Advantage Vacation you can be assured you are working with professionals who believe that honesty and integrity are the most important aspects of the business they are in – timeshare resales. Our business has been built on relationships and we pride ourselves on providing excellent service to our clients.
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