Grande Ocean Rental Agreement, View is different that advertised ... Feedback please

[Bikeguy]

This will be my first time staying in a timeshare. Heard MGO was great. Didn't necessarily need ocean front, but wanted ocean view.

Bid on this eBay auction and won.

Prior to bidding, I emailed and asked about the view. The response: "As an owner, one can own an "oceanside" or "ocean front" unit. The resort doesn't guarantee an ocean view because of there are trees in the courtyard that can block view to ocean on the lower floors. However, they always put the owners on the high floors. This is an owner's reservation and will remain so even if I rent it. Therefore, you can count on an ocean view."

After I pay and he puts the reservation in my name, he emails the official Marriott reservation and under room type is " Room type: Courtyard view, 2 Bedroom Villa, Bedroom 1: 1 King, Bedroom 2: 1 Queen, Sofabed"

I call the resort and they say they have OF, OV, Ocean Side and Courtyard. At this point, I am not happy. I thought it was guaranteed, not at the mercy of the check-in desk. Even if it listed OceanSide, I wouldn't be writing this post.

Assumption on my part (feel free to disagree) He owns there, and really doesn't understand the classification system and has been given decent rooms.

What would you do: I really wanted to check MGO out with my family and have a good time, which we will. However, the rental market is a sellers market in the past week or two for August. Everything reasonably priced is gone. The availability shown on redweek is tighter than it first appears, based on emails stating deals in process. So, although I could bail, there's really nothing to bail to close in price.

I really want to get the more experienced people's opinion of whether I may be able to see the ocean from the villa assigned to me.

I was happy to have won the auction, based on several people not responding to requests to rent on redweek and other weeks being gone. Now, instead of relieved, I'm frustrated a misinformed owner told me the wrong view.

And, FWIW, I probably would have bid the same amount on a garden view. However, I wouldn't have added the extra amount that never got revealed because no one bid against me.

Thoughts?

 

[vacationhopeful]

He knew what he was renting; AS an owner he paid for the cheapest view. He owns Courtyard view. He was trying to make it sound "like" an OV.

Have you PAID? If not, object and demand a discount - this is not what you bid on.

If you did pay, expect a hassle in getting your money back.

But if the market is that tight with NO AVAILABLILTY, asking for a discount vs demanding a lower price, might smooth over your unhappiness. But some sellers "just do not get it". And 7 days looking at palm trees verses the ocean might grit on you (and wife) to where you don't enjoy your vacation.

 

[floyddl]

He knew what he was renting; AS an owner he paid for the cheapest view. He owns Courtyard view. He was trying to make it sound "like" an OV.

Have you PAID? If not, object and demand a discount - this is not what you bid on.

If you did pay, expect a hassle in getting your money back.

But if the market is that tight with NO AVAILABLILTY, asking for a discount vs demanding a lower price, might smooth over your unhappiness. But some sellers "just do not get it". And 7 days looking at palm trees verses the ocean might grit on you (and wife) to where you don't enjoy your vacation.

The assertion that owner paid for the cheaper view is not correct. The views at Grande Ocean are OF and OS. You own one of the two. The OS rooms have varying views. Owning OS you can end up in a room where the trees obstruct the ocean view. I think Marriott introduced the Courtyard and Ocean View designations for their rentals. A person renting doesn't want to rent not knowing what their type of room will be. An OS owner should get preference over traders but if the property is full of owners during your week you may not get an OV. I am a bit puzzled why the reservation states Courtyard view when the two views are OS and OF. Even for Destination Club point those are the two views available for reservation. At any rate, contact the resort and place a request for a high floor on the south side.

 

[dioxide45]

The problem is that a lot of people rely on their experience rather than what they really own when advertising. Perhaps they have exchanged in a few times and been upgraded in view. Or they were able to see the ocean a little through the trees and off in the distance. To make their ad sound better they advertise OV. I would expect the chances of getting a decent OV unit in a CY view unit are slim. Possible, but not probable. Otherwise Marriott would have designated that unit an OV.

 

[pedro47]

Question? I think the only bad GV are when the guests are in the building's overlooking the parking lots. True or False to many resorts we have visited in the last 25years.

This is a great resort with miles of ocean beach sand to walk on and your stay comes with a free parking permit to Sea Pine Plantation.

 

[FlyerBobcat]

.... However, they always put the owners on the high floors. This is an owner's reservation and will remain so even if I rent it. Therefore, you can count on an ocean view."

Thoughts?

Certainly not true.. at least: certainly not a sure thing.

What you can count on is having a great room at a great resort -- with a great staff. You can probably ruin your vacation before you leave if you worry too much about having a specific view.

If you're going to spend time on the patio in August, I'd be more concerned about "too sunny & hot during the morning" vs "too sunny & hot during the afternoon" on that patio. In late June / early July, I found it way too hot and sunny on the patio to even drink a cup of coffee in the morning. Some patios are sunny in the morning, some sunny in the p.m., and probably some that are mostly shaded.

But mostly.... Enjoy your vacation there!:whoopie:

 

[Big Matt]

I will give you a reality check.

There are really only two buildings where you are right up close to the ocean, so even if you have an ocean view unit, it may be sort of far back and like the renter said they may be obstructed by trees.

I've stayed there three times and I can tell you that you aren't trading back much. All the units are the same on the inside, and the courtyard is actually very beautiful with fish ponds that meander through the property. You won't be more than 100 yards from the ocean walkway regardless of the building.

Go there and have a good time. I would ask for a discount, but I also wouldn't quibble. BTW, there are very few places on HHI that are directly on the beach.

 

[FlyerBobcat]

... All the units are the same on the inside....

Not exactly true Matt.

Note the OP stated:

After I pay and he puts the reservation in my name, he emails the official Marriott reservation and under room type is " Room type: Courtyard view, 2 Bedroom Villa, Bedroom 1: 1 King, Bedroom 2: 1 Queen, Sofabed"

The ""normal" at MGO room has 2 Queens in Bedroom #2, not a queen and a Sofabed.

Dave M. had stated in the past that there are a few room that do not have 2 beds in the 2nd BR, due to the layout of the window in the room (I think). So if 2 real beds in the 2nd BR are very important, that might be something to address.

I found a post from Dave M

I just noticed one more thing: My OceanView reservation for 2012 on marriott.com (Marriott Rewards) also shows:

Courtyard view, 2 Bedroom Villa, Bedroom 1: 1 King, Bedroom 2: 1 Queen, Sofabed

 

[SueDonJ]

... I just noticed one more thing: My OceanView reservation for 2012 on marriott.com (Marriott Rewards) also shows:

For reference, marriott.com also classifies Barony's and SurfWatch's OceanSide units as "courtyard view." (Maybe all Hilton Head resorts?) If the OP's notification from Marriott says it's a courtyard view, I'd guess there is zero chance he'll be placed into an actual OceanFront unit. I'd have a problem with anybody who put misleading information in a rental ad - in fact I wouldn't chalk it up to any misunderstanding on his part, I'd say it was deliberate and it would tick me off. And regardless of what the unit looks like inside, it would make a big difference to my vacation if I thought I was getting oceanfront and didn't.

 

[Emi]

We have been owners at Grande Ocean for 10+ years. There are only Oceanside and Oceanfront units. Our confirmation had Oceanside in past years, however in checking 2011, it now has Courtyard view. I called Marriott and the rep insists she sees Oceanside view on my reservation. I asked for her to email me the confirmation again and when I received it, it has Courtyard view. As mentioned in one of the previous post, Marriott reservation has Courtyard view to avoid problems, but their system has the correct ownership view. Have the owner contact the resort a couple of weeks before the reservation date and request a unit in a building near the ocean with oceanview. They give priority to owners.

 

[bobcat]

This will be my first time staying in a timeshare. Heard MGO was great. Didn't necessarily need ocean front, but wanted ocean view.

Bid on this eBay auction and won.

Prior to bidding, I emailed and asked about the view. The response: "As an owner, one can own an "oceanside" or "ocean front" unit. The resort doesn't guarantee an ocean view because of there are trees in the courtyard that can block view to ocean on the lower floors. However, they always put the owners on the high floors. This is an owner's reservation and will remain so even if I rent it. Therefore, you can count on an ocean view."

After I pay and he puts the reservation in my name, he emails the official Marriott reservation and under room type is " Room type: Courtyard view, 2 Bedroom Villa, Bedroom 1: 1 King, Bedroom 2: 1 Queen, Sofabed"

I call the resort and they say they have OF, OV, Ocean Side and Courtyard. At this point, I am not happy. I thought it was guaranteed, not at the mercy of the check-in desk. Even if it listed OceanSide, I wouldn't be writing this post.

Assumption on my part (feel free to disagree) He owns there, and really doesn't understand the classification system and has been given decent rooms.

What would you do: I really wanted to check MGO out with my family and have a good time, which we will. However, the rental market is a sellers market in the past week or two for August. Everything reasonably priced is gone. The availability shown on redweek is tighter than it first appears, based on emails stating deals in process. So, although I could bail, there's really nothing to bail to close in price.

I really want to get the more experienced people's opinion of whether I may be able to see the ocean from the villa assigned to me.

I was happy to have won the auction, based on several people not responding to requests to rent on redweek and other weeks being gone. Now, instead of relieved, I'm frustrated a misinformed owner told me the wrong view.

And, FWIW, I probably would have bid the same amount on a garden view. However, I wouldn't have added the extra amount that never got revealed because no one bid against me.

Thoughts?

We own O S at the Barony. What I found out is HH does not want trees cut down or trimed. So, if you are in the two back buildings O S you will not see the ocean. If you are in the two O S front buildings you must be on a high floor and the front of the building. How much time do you spend in the room?. We live at the beach. We go there now and then. We are SE NC coast. Enjoy your week.

 

[ilene13]

We have been owners at Grande Ocean for 10+ years. There are only Oceanside and Oceanfront units. Our confirmation had Oceanside in past years, however in checking 2011, it now has Courtyard view. I called Marriott and the rep insists she sees Oceanside view on my reservation. I asked for her to email me the confirmation again and when I received it, it has Courtyard view. As mentioned in one of the previous post, Marriott reservation has Courtyard view to avoid problems, but their system has the correct ownership view. Have the owner contact the resort a couple of weeks before the reservation date and request a unit in a building near the ocean with oceanview. They give priority to owners.

We were founding owners at the Grande Ocean. When we purchased in 1990 there were only OF and OS units. I guess Marriott changes things when the mood strikes them. One of the reasons we sold our Barony Beach unit was that we purchased OS and all we ever saw was trees--it is now called courtyard view!!!

 

[Bikeguy]

Not exactly true Matt.

Note the OP stated:



The ""normal" at MGO room has 2 Queens in Bedroom #2, not a queen and a Sofabed.

Dave M. had stated in the past that there are a few room that do not have 2 beds in the 2nd BR, due to the layout of the window in the room (I think). So if 2 real beds in the 2nd BR are very important, that might be something to address.

I found a post from Dave M

I just noticed one more thing: My OceanView reservation for 2012 on marriott.com (Marriott Rewards) also shows:

Thank you for this post. This really puts my mind as much at ease as it gets. I can easily see Marriott saying "It's easier to list courtyard and get no complaints than the promised oceanside."

I was hoping it was something like this. I will ask the owner to call a few weeks out and request high and nearer the beach.

The only way I will be upset is if the view is of the parking lot and the road, facing west, with no way to see the ocean, even if the trees were cut down.

Really not worried about the sofabed, as my kids are 11, 9 and 5, and sometimes choose to sleep on the floor, even though there's a bed available, even at home. My 11 year has been sleeping on the couch the last 2 weeks, despite having his own bedroom.

I will mention it to the seller, but based on this response I am not inclined to ask for anything back.

Excellent feedback and knowledge base on TUG2.

 

[FlyerBobcat]

The only way I will be upset is if the view is of the parking lot and the road, facing west, with no way to see the ocean, even if the trees were cut down.

Then you'll be good. Only the entry doors face that way.

Good luck

 

[tlwmkw]

There are really only two views there- Ocean front and Ocean side. If the owner is putting in the reservation you will be higher on the preference list and should get a better view (though not guaranteed). There are no parking lot views- the resort looks in on itself and the interior is very beautiful with landscaping and pools- even if you get this you won't be disappointed. You may want to do Google Earth and look at the resort and see what we all mean. If you search on the older threads you'll probably find the location in an older post- I know it's been posted before.

Also, if that is your auction that you posted then the price is very good ( I would pay that for courtyard view) and you'd probably have to pay more for an ocean front. If moxjo posts he will give better answers about the price- he is an expert on this resort and rental prices.

I think you will like it regardless- it is a really great resort.

tlwmkw

 

[Big Matt]

Sorry if I wasn't more clear.

When I said that the units are all the same inside, I was referring to the condition, decor, etc. There aren't any that are better or worse from a wear and tear, etc. like you will get at Grande Vista or any of the much larger resorts.

I wasn't even aware that some had a different bedding situation.

Not exactly true Matt.

Note the OP stated:



The ""normal" at MGO room has 2 Queens in Bedroom #2, not a queen and a Sofabed.

Dave M. had stated in the past that there are a few room that do not have 2 beds in the 2nd BR, due to the layout of the window in the room (I think). So if 2 real beds in the 2nd BR are very important, that might be something to address.

I found a post from Dave M

I just noticed one more thing: My OceanView reservation for 2012 on marriott.com (Marriott Rewards) also shows:

 

[laurac260]

Bikeguy...I can tell you based on searching for the same time period as you for THREE MONTHS, if that guy/girl knew about Redweek he would have gotten 200-500$ more for that week. I know, because I tried to offer $1500 to everyone in the same time period and everyone said no. And they've said no for two years running. And their weeks rented. I've been on Redweek almost everyday for the past 2 months. The reason you got it for $1500 was, like you said, no one else bid. You got a heck of a deal. Don't worry about the view designation...mine says courtyard too on my res, but my deed says Oceanside. Unless you have a tree butted up against your balcony (and some people do--it's sometimes just the luck of the draw), you won't be disappointed. As Flyerbobcat (Tom) mentioned, and as I mentioned to you before, the flat out ocean front units get direct sunlight during up until 1-2pm, making the balconies unusable anyway. And the place is fabulous. You will have so much fun...the place will be buzzing with activity and life. Two years ago we were all set to purchase Barony, till Flyerbobcat pushed us to go see MGO. It was the best advice I've ever taken from a board, that's for sure. Thanks again Tom! Smile bike guy, you got a great deal.

 

[Bikeguy]

Then you'll be good. Only the entry doors face that way.

Good luck

Unless you have a tree butted up against your balcony (and some people do--it's sometimes just the luck of the draw), you won't be disappointed.

My only concern was a balcony overlooking the parking lot. If only the entry doors are there, I will be totally fine. I'll be fine overlooking the courtyard. Of course, being able to see the ocean, even a little, would be nice too...

Thanks for all the input. You've calmed me down and I'm back to totally looking forward to the vacation, and not worrying about having dinner on the balcony looking at all the cars.

I am planning on checking out Barony when we're down there, but it appears Grande Ocean has a very strong following.

 

[FlyerBobcat]

My only concern was a balcony overlooking the parking lot. If only the entry doors are there, I will be totally fine. I'll be fine overlooking the courtyard. Of course, being able to see the ocean, even a little, would be nice too...

Here the site map for MGO.
For each "U" shaped section, the balcony/patio faces the ocean --- or the interior pools and/or lagoons..

 

[MOXJO7282]

This will be my first time staying in a timeshare. Heard MGO was great. Didn't necessarily need ocean front, but wanted ocean view.

Bid on this eBay auction and won.

Prior to bidding, I emailed and asked about the view. The response: "As an owner, one can own an "oceanside" or "ocean front" unit. The resort doesn't guarantee an ocean view because of there are trees in the courtyard that can block view to ocean on the lower floors. However, they always put the owners on the high floors. This is an owner's reservation and will remain so even if I rent it. Therefore, you can count on an ocean view."

After I pay and he puts the reservation in my name, he emails the official Marriott reservation and under room type is " Room type: Courtyard view, 2 Bedroom Villa, Bedroom 1: 1 King, Bedroom 2: 1 Queen, Sofabed"

I call the resort and they say they have OF, OV, Ocean Side and Courtyard. At this point, I am not happy. I thought it was guaranteed, not at the mercy of the check-in desk. Even if it listed OceanSide, I wouldn't be writing this post.

Assumption on my part (feel free to disagree) He owns there, and really doesn't understand the classification system and has been given decent rooms.

What would you do: I really wanted to check MGO out with my family and have a good time, which we will. However, the rental market is a sellers market in the past week or two for August. Everything reasonably priced is gone. The availability shown on redweek is tighter than it first appears, based on emails stating deals in process. So, although I could bail, there's really nothing to bail to close in price.

I really want to get the more experienced people's opinion of whether I may be able to see the ocean from the villa assigned to me.

I was happy to have won the auction, based on several people not responding to requests to rent on redweek and other weeks being gone. Now, instead of relieved, I'm frustrated a misinformed owner told me the wrong view.

And, FWIW, I probably would have bid the same amount on a garden view. However, I wouldn't have added the extra amount that never got revealed because no one bid against me.

Thoughts?

I don't see the season you bought and how much you paid. There is a big difference in price for true OF units so if you paid OF money for an OS then you didn't get it at the right price. Also him knowing that was an OS unit he should know that there are no guarantee views with the OS units. So for him to guanteee a view he was knowingly being dishonest.

I take from this is you were unaware and this person did take advantage. I say this because when I sell a unit, or any other honest person does they clearly list the view category and explain the difference again because OF is some much more valuable.

I just sold two GO Gold OS units and made sure they understood what they were getting. In fact one of the buyers was as unaware of the difference and I had to make it clear to him.

 

[MOXJO7282]

The assertion that owner paid for the cheaper view is not correct. The views at Grande Ocean are OF and OS. You own one of the two. The OS rooms have varying views. Owning OS you can end up in a room where the trees obstruct the ocean view. I think Marriott introduced the Courtyard and Ocean View designations for their rentals. A person renting doesn't want to rent not knowing what their type of room will be. An OS owner should get preference over traders but if the property is full of owners during your week you may not get an OV. I am a bit puzzled why the reservation states Courtyard view when the two views are OS and OF. Even for Destination Club point those are the two views available for reservation. At any rate, contact the resort and place a request for a high floor on the south side.

From what I've seen the reservations now either say "Courtyard view" for OS units and "Close to Beach" for OF. They don't say views because as mentioned even the low OF views are obstructed by trees.

 

[laurac260]

I don't see the season you bought and how much you paid. There is a big difference in price for true OF units so if you paid OF money for an OS then you didn't get it at the right price. Also him knowing that was an OS unit he should know that there are no guarantee views with the OS units. So for him to guanteee a view he was knowingly being dishonest.

I take from this is you were unaware and this person did take advantage. I say this because when I sell a unit, or any other honest person does they clearly list the view category and explain the difference again because OF is some much more valuable.

I just sold two GO Gold OS units and made sure they understood what they were getting. In fact one of the buyers was as unaware of the difference and I had to make it clear to him.

Joe, it was a rental. aug 14-21, 2011.

 

[MOXJO7282]

Joe, it was a rental. aug 14-21, 2011.

I think if you remove my first sentence and replace sell with rent every where else in my note the same thoughts apply.

The guy took advantage of the OPs unfamiliarity of GO in my book. I can't buy he's just an unaware owner.

 

[laurac260]

I think if you remove my first sentence and replace sell with rent every where else in my note the same thoughts apply.

The guy took advantage of the OPs unfamiliarity of GO in my book. I can't buy he's just an unaware owner.

With the exception of "you are guaranteed to get an ocean view", I don't see that he was taken advantage of.

Let's pick it apart, because hey, the kids are still in bed and it's just me and my coffee right now, so I have time...

#1, Queen/sofabed in 2nd bdrm. Yea, I could see that that might be construed as misrepresentation. But as I look at the situation closer I see something else entirely. The owner has stayed X number of times at MGO. He gets his conf for the week, scans to make sure it is the correct date, and off he goes. When he arrives he has a room with two queens. Ok, the assumption is made that all units have two queens, so that's how he places his ad. According to Tom, he didn't know that there were any that didn't (neither did I) until Dave M mentioned that there are a few that DO have a sofa bed in the 2nd bdrm, and Tom's been going there for years. Have you gotten one of those sofabed units yet? Sounds like they are few and far between. Now...go and check your reservation for the fine print details. I just did, for 2011 and 2012. They both say Queen/sofabed. I've never read that before. So I dug a little deeper and found my 2010 res. Queen/sofabed. There were two queens in the room in 2010, and 2009. So the answer to this one is it is merely a coding thing in their system. Or perhaps they put it there because they'd rather people EXPECT a sofabed but get a queen, then expect a queen and get a sofabed.

#2. He thought he bid on an "oceanview". Well, if you look back thru TUG there is MUCH debate on what is an oceanview. We all know that the deeds either say OCEANFRONT or OCEANSIDE. So far we have gotten oceanviews in our oceanside units. Or more specifically put, once it was an ocean view, another time it was "a view of the ocean". But I didn't pay for an ocean view right? And there are Oceanfronts that are so low that all you see are trees or the back of Pool Bar Jim's. Hardly an "oceanfront" view. So we get mixed up with the designations, when it is more the "position" of the unit we are guaranteed, not the view. The "courtyard" business seems to be a "res system" thing. Nothing unusual with the right hand and the left hand not talking to each other when it comes to a large hotel chain. Or more specifically, perhaps the courtyard designation is sort of a "subheading" within Oceanside, because the front desk needs to be able to break down such a large complex in to more manageable parts than just two views. The owner told bikeguy he was "guaranteed an ocean view". Well, TUGers who own at MGO know that NO ONE is guaranteed an oceanview, but there are enough units where many DO get one. Perhaps this guy has ALWAYS gotten a view of the ocean, so just made the jump. Or perhaps he was TOLD that by someone, and has yet to find it not to be true. So he made the assumption it was.

It's obvious the owner is a novice at atleast the rental aspect. If he wasn't he would have never posted a platinum MGO on ebay. Are you kidding me? A MGO platinum week is like gold. I had a guy just yesterday walk away from a rental bid from me because we were apart 100$ and he wouldn't budge. (Tom, Mox, you've had tabs at Jim's that were bigger than that, right? ) Even though his price was higher than I have seen everyone asking. And guess what? He rented it last night. For atleast $500 more than 6 of the 8 offers that I received for the same unit, same view.

If you go on Redweek for instance to pick up a rental you will see options like "garden view", "oceanfront" "oceanview". If you use Redweek to RENT your unit you have to click something, you can't type in your view. I own oceanside. There is no oceanside option. If I clicked oceanfront, I'd be being misleading. If I click garden I might never rent my unit. So I click "oceanview", then when people ask I explain what the designation is.

Bikeguy, I don't think you were taken advantage of. There's alot of fuzziness with room coding, designations, etc. There's so much to this timeshare business that just isn't cut and dried. But one thing I think everyone who owns at MGO can agree on. You won't be disappointed.

 

[tlwmkw]

Laurac is correct. $1500 for Aug 14-21 at Grande Ocean is a very good price. I don't know if the seller is conning you or not but from the fact that he is letting it go for that price I think he just doesn't have much experience and is telling you what he knows.

Hope it all goes well, let us know what sort of view you do get.

tlwmkw