Thanks for the reply. We will have a group of five adults in a 2BR. You mentioned that the units are a little larger in the GV buildings? What are the differences vs ocean side/front? Am I correct in thinking they all have two queen beds in the second bedroom?
I am interested to know what their villa assignment policy is that you mention. I am used to resorts placing one in to the unit the exchanger relinquished and only having priority within that actual view/type over non Marriott owners.
We've never stayed in the gardenview buildings but I seem to remember that the size difference has something to do with both baths having those giant garden tubs? Not sure about the beds ...
Tlwmkw is right about the gardenview placement - both buildings sit behind the Westin hotel and have no views of the beach, but it's a very short walk over and through the main footprint to the beach. It's a nice shady walk, too, which probably won't matter to you in April but definitely makes a difference in the heat of summer.
This is the latest version of Barony's Priority Placement system, published in the GM's annual letter:
{in purchased unit type*}
- Multiple-week Owner stays
- Single-week Owner stays
{according to "best available" and/or requests}
- Marriott's Barony Beach Club Owners, returning on an exchange
- Marriott Vacation Club multiple-week Owners on an exchange
- Marriott Vacation Club single-week Owners on an exchange
- Preview and Rental guests
- Non-Marriott Vacation Club Owners on an exchange
*Of note for Owners using their Weeks is the rotational system they use. For example, oceanside units are in four buildings: one year you'll be placed in a high floor unit in one of the buildings nearest the ocean, next year in a low floor unit in one of the back buildings. Another example, oceanfront units: one year in a high floor unit in one building, next year in a low floor unit in the other. (This doesn't apply to your exchange but I put it here so that I can use this post as a future link - can't find any of my older ones using Search.)
I'm interested to see where DC Members will fall on any of these lists. So far I think I remember only one TUGger reporting that his/her resort has published a list to include them, but of course I can't find it now. Both of my resorts have published lists and follow them, and have for at least the last four years, so I fully expect they'll integrate DC Members into the next publication.