New MVCI opening Aug 1, 2015. Washington DC Mayflower

[GregT]

First, let me say I would be too chicken sh!t to rent from an owner, so renting a week via Redweek would pucker me up way to much to even consider that as an option, so I wanted to be clear my cost comparisons do not include that option.

That said, perhaps its just where/when I have been going (Aruba, MFC, Newport Coast, Crystal Shores, Lakeshore Reserve and even next summer's trip to Summit Watch), but in every one of those instances, I always check $$ stay rates vs renting the points needed for the DC stay and the DC stay has always won out... and certainly was never upside down. Granted, on occasion, I have used the then MOD rate with add'l CC discount as that was a bit cheaper than the DC points rental costs, but I look at the owner discounts as an owner benefit that I would not have had if I were not in the program. For comparisons such as the Mayflower, I tend to look at it from the perspective of what would I have to pay if I was not in the program (i.e. Cash rate with AAA discount) vs. what is it costing me in cash equivalent to use my program points (MF value or rental points costs). So far...while keeping my fingers crossed and knocking on wood all at the same time, I have been coming out ahead, and mentally am comforted that the savings go to "amortize" my up front points purchase cost.

In just looking at one instance for the Mayflower addition (August of this year), it seems to me that I would be better off not being in the program to secure that ressie. That's a tough sell if you were a DC points salesman trying to excite me on this new addition. That's all I am saying.

Granted, I am not a Legacy owner with gobs of points, generated from resale purchased weeks, that I need to use so some I get great value out of and some I can be a bit more extravagant with. My reality is that I have a small pool of Trust points and rent the rest that I need, so its more of a direct annual cost vs. direct annual cost comparison than perhaps it is for some others with many low cost points in their basket. I do envy them.

If what you say were true in most instances, I would be very disappointed in being in the DC...but so far for me I have found "savings" when merely comparing the value of the DC points vs non DC member Cash alternatives and I hope that continues. As SMB1 said in an earlier post.... "That's the way it's supposed to work!"

Understood -- that's interesting. I agree with you -- if the model of new properties/hotel conversions is not compelling versus cash rentals on marriott.com, that certainly makes it less interesting. I look forward to tracking and thanks for the comments!

Best,

Greg

 

[SueDonJ]

Does this mean the Mayflower units can also be deposited into II by MVW? Or, assuming they can, that they will be? It'll be interesting to see if/how soon they might make their way into II.

 

[GregT]

Does this mean the Mayflower units can also be deposited into II by MVW? Or, assuming they can, that they will be? It'll be interesting to see if/how soon they might make their way into II.

I believe there is a sighting right now. Did not take long!

 

[SueDonJ]

I believe there is a sighting right now. Did not take long!

Again, DOH!

(If this were a game the coach would probably have benched me by now.)

Sighting forum thread (restricted to TUG Members) - Marriott Vacation Club at the Mayflower (Aug)

 

[Fasttr]

I noticed on the 2016 points charts the holiday weeks (around July 4th and Christmas/New Years) were not listed. It seems like only the times of (relatively)lower demand are listed.

There are 2 pages to the Mayflower points chart.

HERE is the 2016 chart, but you have to page down to see the second page.

 

[GreenTea]

Hmmmm. If you go through "Book My Vacation - Use My Points" at my-vacationclub.com and select "Hotel Suite" under "Floor Plan," you then can choose "Exec Suite King" or "Jr Suite King" under "View Type."

It's odd they don't list all four - Hotel Room, Hotel Suite, Exec Suite King, and Jr Suite King - under the "Floor Plan" tab, but was your stay in something other than the suites included here?

On their FB page they said hotel style room only. Not sure what I was in earlier this year but it was enormous. Large living room, bedroom and bath, plus a hallway with closet, and a kitchen area off the living room. It wasn't fully equipped but the space was there, counter, etc.

 

[SueDonJ]

On their FB page they said hotel style room only. Not sure what I was in earlier this year but it was enormous. Large living room, bedroom and bath, plus a hallway with closet, and a kitchen area off the living room. It wasn't fully equipped but the space was there, counter, etc.

Clicking "Hotel Room" under the "Floor Plan" tab you can then choose from "View Types":
- Deluxe Room 2 Dbl
- Guest Room 2 Dbl
- Guest Room King

Clicking "Hotel Suite" under the "Floor Plan" tab you can then choose from "View Types":
- Exec Suite King
- Jr Suite King

Still odd as none of these seem to have anything to do with a view, but it makes more sense now looking at the Points Charts.

 

[SueDonJ]

There are 2 pages to the Mayflower points chart.

HERE is the 2016 chart, but you have to page down to see the second page.

Thanks for that; I've added links to the FAQ for 2015 & 2016 Mayflower charts. Using existing links and navigating through my-vacationclub.com it doesn't look like the Mayflower charts have been integrated into the existing all-resorts Points Charts. If anyone notices that being changed, let me know and I'll update the FAQ.

 

[fluke]

There are 2 pages to the Mayflower points chart.

HERE is the 2016 chart, but you have to page down to see the second page.

Thanks. Don't know how I missed the second page.

 

[BocaBoy]

I guess I am in the minority in not liking this becoming an MVCI resort if the rooms are like the regular hotel rooms. I think it cheapens the brand. The Explorer Collection is different and I have no issue with those expanded options. The Mayflower certainly qualifies as a desirable location. I can accept hotel conversions if upgraded and if they are in well selected locations. But not if the rooms are just regular hotel rooms branded as MVCI, which I can probably book cheaper with better platinum benefits by using MR points. I have stayed at 30 MVCI U.S. resorts and have been toying with the idea of eventually staying at them all, but if they are cheapening the brand by adding hotels without doing a full first class conversion, I will probably drop that idea.

 

[jont]

I'm just curious if this location was ever mentioned to anyone during any recent "update" presentations. I know I have read about NYC, San Diego and Hawaii, but I don't recall hearing about DC. If not, MVC did a great job of keeping this one a secret.

 

[Fasttr]

I guess I am in the minority in not liking this becoming an MVCI resort if the rooms are like the regular hotel rooms. I think it cheapens the brand. The Explorer Collection is different and I have no issue with those expanded options. The Mayflower certainly qualifies as a desirable location. I can accept hotel conversions if upgraded and if they are in well selected locations. But not if the rooms are just regular hotel rooms branded as MVCI, which I can probably book cheaper with better platinum benefits by using MR points. I have stayed at 30 MVCI U.S. resorts and have been toying with the idea of eventually staying at them all, but if they are cheapening the brand by adding hotels without doing a full first class conversion, I will probably drop that idea.

I view this type of offering as the equivalent to an Explorer Collection option, but one that is priced a bit smarter than most Explorer Collection hotel offerings (still has a ways to go but heading in the right direction) with the added simplicity of checking availability and booking it online. To me, that's one step in the right direction for the Explorer Collection city hotel offerings...I wish they would/could make them all available that way.
.

 

[SueDonJ]

I guess I am in the minority in not liking this becoming an MVCI resort if the rooms are like the regular hotel rooms. I think it cheapens the brand. The Explorer Collection is different and I have no issue with those expanded options. The Mayflower certainly qualifies as a desirable location. I can accept hotel conversions if upgraded and if they are in well selected locations. But not if the rooms are just regular hotel rooms branded as MVCI, which I can probably book cheaper with better platinum benefits by using MR points. I have stayed at 30 MVCI U.S. resorts and have been toying with the idea of eventually staying at them all, but if they are cheapening the brand by adding hotels without doing a full first class conversion, I will probably drop that idea.

I prefer the resort-type MVC properties; full kitchens in particular are important to us for vacations of at least a week. But new options being added in this way (as opposed to in the Explorer Collection) are a good thing regardless of the type of resort or room/unit style. While we wouldn't use something like the Custom House or a studio portion of a lock-out on a routine basis or for full-week stays, we would prefer that style over typical hotel rooms for a two-four night stay.

I'm confused about the room types that are included at the Mayflower, though. If the type of suite that GreenTea described in this thread is included, we'd consider using DC Points for a short stay. If it's only glorified hotel rooms, no.

 

[Fasttr]

I'm confused about the room types that are included at the Mayflower, though. If the type of suite that GreenTea described in this thread is included, we'd consider using DC Points for a short stay. If it's only glorified hotel rooms, no.

The floor plan layouts are linked in the info at my-vacationclub.com. The suites don't look half bad. Don't see a kitchen, but they appear to have a decent amount of room.

Here is the layout of the Jr. Suite... https://www.my-vacationclub.com/common/respages/images/resorts/my/floorplans/FloorPlansJrSuite.jpg
.

 

[SueDonJ]

I'm just curious if this location was ever mentioned to anyone during any recent "update" presentations. I know I have read about NYC, San Diego and Hawaii, but I don't recall hearing about DC. If not, MVC did a great job of keeping this one a secret.

Not this particular property but a Washington DC location was mentioned to at least one TUGger during a sales presentation: Possible future Marriott Vacation club locations from Sales presentation

 

[bazzap]

The floor plan layouts are linked in the info at my-vacationclub.com. The suites don't look half bad. Don't see a kitchen, but they appear to have a decent amount of room.

Here is the layout of the Jr. Suite... https://www.my-vacationclub.com/common/respages/images/resorts/my/floorplans/FloorPlansJrSuite.jpg
.

Yes, the suites look good.
Unfortunately, only refrigerators are included, no full or it seems even mini kitchens.

 

[SueDonJ]

The floor plan layouts are linked in the info at my-vacationclub.com. The suites don't look half bad. Don't see a kitchen, but they appear to have a decent amount of room.

Here is the layout of the Jr. Suite... https://www.my-vacationclub.com/common/respages/images/resorts/my/floorplans/FloorPlansJrSuite.jpg
.

Thanks for the link! The two of us would be plenty comfortable in that for a short stay, considering it's an urban location with dining/entertainment nearby.

 

[jont]

Yes, the suites look good.
Unfortunately, only refrigerators are included, no full or it seems even mini kitchens.

I suspect there may be some type of building or fire code that is preventing the inclusion of a stove/oven. it appears from the floor plans that a small kitchenette may fit in some of the units.

 

[Phillie]

yes it might show up in II

I just got this email which I am sure many of you did to. It does reference II in it.

... Marriott Vacation Club® at The Mayflower!

We’re excited to announce that you can now enjoy a fabulous new location with Marriott Vacation Club®: Marriott Vacation Club at The Mayflower in Washington, D.C.

All Owners can take advantage of this new Marriott Vacation Club destination as an exchange usage of their ownership. Beginning August 1, 2015, Enrolled and Points Owners may request an exchange reservation through the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Exchange Program, while Owners of Weeks may request exchange access through Interval International.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Mayflower is your place in the heart of Washington, D.C., providing a chic retreat with unique local flavor. Choose from Guest Suites, Deluxe Rooms and Guest Rooms, all boasting updated designs that blends historic elegance and modern style. During your stay, you’ll also enjoy refined luxury and thoughtful amenities including access to an on-site fitness center. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to experience the tastes and ambience of the hotel restaurant, EDGAR Bar & Kitchen, currently open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

From the property, you’re within easy walking distance of public transportation and the area’s famous historic sites, cultural offerings and world-class shopping and dining. All the city’s attractions are awaiting your discovery, from the White House to the Smithsonian and the National Mall.

To book your stay, call your Vacation Ownership Advisor team at 800-845-4226.

 

[GregT]

Not this particular property but a Washington DC location was mentioned to at least one TUGger during a sales presentation: Possible future Marriott Vacation club locations from Sales presentation

From that thread:

New York
Washington DC Announced
Miami Announced
Bora Bora
Cancun
Big Island Announced

Missing two other locations this sales person listed total of 8. [San Diego]
She said urban locations would be converted hotel rooms.

Interesting -- this may be more accurate than we gave it credit for. San Diego would have been one of the two other locations.

Perhaps we are going to get properties in New York, Bora Bora and Cancun?

Best,

Greg

 

[jont]

Not this particular property but a Washington DC location was mentioned to at least one TUGger during a sales presentation: Possible future Marriott Vacation club locations from Sales presentation

Good memory Sue!

 

[SueDonJ]

Good memory Sue!

TUG Search is my friend. (Although, the DC location struck a bell for some reason, still not sure if it was TUG or something that I'd heard talking with resort people.)

 

[dioxide45]

From that thread:



Interesting -- this may be more accurate than we gave it credit for. San Diego would have been one of the two other locations.

Perhaps we are going to get properties in New York, Bora Bora and Cancun?

Best,

Greg

During the VAC Investor Day, they did mention that they are exploring options in Cancun. I think the land is still on the market and they would sell it if given the right opportunity, but at least they are entertaining possibly developing the property. It is in a great location and I would think they would have to keep point prices somewhat reasonable given how much timeshare glut there is in Cancun. Why pay big DC points to stay at the MVC when you can get a cheap trade through II. Of course they may put the point levels way up there just because they can.

 

[dioxide45]

I guess I am in the minority in not liking this becoming an MVCI resort if the rooms are like the regular hotel rooms. I think it cheapens the brand. The Explorer Collection is different and I have no issue with those expanded options. The Mayflower certainly qualifies as a desirable location. I can accept hotel conversions if upgraded and if they are in well selected locations. But not if the rooms are just regular hotel rooms branded as MVCI, which I can probably book cheaper with better platinum benefits by using MR points. I have stayed at 30 MVCI U.S. resorts and have been toying with the idea of eventually staying at them all, but if they are cheapening the brand by adding hotels without doing a full first class conversion, I will probably drop that idea.

You are not in the minority. I think what they did in Boston is fantastic. A great location in a great building with great units. No full kitchen, but we did well for a week there. Able to keep leftovers in the fridge and reheat was good. The plethora of local restaurants makes staying in downtown Boston easy.

I am not overly interested in staying in a simple hotel room at villa prices. I don't know how much flexibility MVCI will have with renovating these units in to what we have come to expect from the brand.

 

[BocaBoy]

You are not in the minority. I think what they did in Boston is fantastic. A great location in a great building with great units. No full kitchen, but we did well for a week there. Able to keep leftovers in the fridge and reheat was good. The plethora of local restaurants makes staying in downtown Boston easy.

I am not overly interested in staying in a simple hotel room at villa prices. I don't know how much flexibility MVCI will have with renovating these units in to what we have come to expect from the brand.

Although we have not yet stayed there, from what I have heard I think Custom House is a model for how an inner city conversion to a MVCI resort should be done. It adds to the value of the brand.