Ocean Pointe Hurricane Updates

[Superchief]

I would like to start a new thread for Ocean Pointe hurricane updates because the other thread is getting long. This thread will specifically focus on Ocean Pointe hurricane issues.

I am very appalled by the lack of information and communication MVC is providing owners regarding the status of Ocean Pointe. I've contacted Owner Services, the Hot Line, Interval, the MVC website, and tried to email the resort itself (blocking all incoming emails). I have an upcoming reservation on 10/28 combining MVC points with II exchange and am just trying to plan based on the likelihood of my exchange being cancelled. I had planed to reserve nights at Oceana Palms as a backup, but would have to borrow from 2018 and didn't want to lose those points. Now, there is no availability at Oceana Palms. It would be helpful if Ocean Pointe would provide information regarding how many units were damaged, and how long it will take to bring them back to service. They should have a good idea regarding future availability, and should inform owners and exchangers so they can plan accordingly.


This is the information I have been able to find out (along with the source);

1. Ocean Pointe Hotline (and owner services): They appear to only update this once per week, and latest information is they have limited occupancy through this weekend. Owner services reps only appear to know what is on this hotline.
2. Interval: All exchanges to Ocean Pointe are cancelled through 10/6. Cancellations are only updated one week at a time. MVC has provided no information regarding # of damaged units or likelihood of future cancellations. I spoke with Mark (TUG contact) and he indicated that, so far, MVC is cancelling all exchanges at impacted resorts. No consideration is given regarding whether it is a MVC to MVC or if an owner is exchanging into their owned resort (my case at Ocean Pointe). I found II to be the most helpful in providing information and advice, and feel sorry for them because they are the most impacted overall by cancellations due to the hurricane. There are 50 II exchanges scheduled to check into Ocean Pointe on 10/29.
3. MVC Website: There is absolutely no information on the Owner Website regarding resort damage and status. I've used this as a resource for checking VC point availability at impacted resorts. Ocean Pointe showed availability for 10/28 on when I checked on Thursday, but now there is no availability until early Nov. This may be due to an increase in demand or to anticipation that villas will not be open.
4. Owners Group Site: So far, there is really no additional information except for the hotline updates. There is a link to a webcam showing the beach area around Ocean Pointe, but there appeared to be very little activity on the beach. I did see some of the 'reserved' beach chairs there on Friday, but nobody was using them. Someone caught a large fish (maybe a barracuda) on the beach yesterday afternooon.

I'm curious whether any TUG members are at Ocean Pointe or Oceana Palms and can provide an update regarding what they know. I'll post updates as I have them.

 

[dioxide45]

I think that MVC response to this and communications to owners has been very poor with regard to the impacted resorts. It isn't like they should be new to this. The same thing happened last year in HHI. They should and can do better.

 

[merriot]

I would like to start a new thread for Ocean Pointe hurricane updates because the other thread is getting long. This thread will specifically focus on Ocean Pointe hurricane issues.

I am very appalled by the lack of information and communication MVC is providing owners regarding the status of Ocean Pointe. I've contacted Owner Services, the Hot Line, Interval, the MVC website, and tried to email the resort itself (blocking all incoming emails). I have an upcoming reservation on 10/28 combining MVC points with II exchange and am just trying to plan based on the likelihood of my exchange being cancelled. I had planed to reserve nights at Oceana Palms as a backup, but would have to borrow from 2018 and didn't want to lose those points. Now, there is no availability at Oceana Palms. It would be helpful if Ocean Pointe would provide information regarding how many units were damaged, and how long it will take to bring them back to service. They should have a good idea regarding future availability, and should inform owners and exchangers so they can plan accordingly.


This is the information I have been able to find out (along with the source);

1. Ocean Pointe Hotline (and owner services): They appear to only update this once per week, and latest information is they have limited occupancy through this weekend. Owner services reps only appear to know what is on this hotline.
2. Interval: All exchanges to Ocean Pointe are cancelled through 10/6. Cancellations are only updated one week at a time. MVC has provided no information regarding # of damaged units or likelihood of future cancellations. I spoke with Mark (TUG contact) and he indicated that, so far, MVC is cancelling all exchanges at impacted resorts. No consideration is given regarding whether it is a MVC to MVC or if an owner is exchanging into their owned resort (my case at Ocean Pointe). I found II to be the most helpful in providing information and advice, and feel sorry for them because they are the most impacted overall by cancellations due to the hurricane. There are 50 II exchanges scheduled to check into Ocean Pointe on 10/29.
3. MVC Website: There is absolutely no information on the Owner Website regarding resort damage and status. I've used this as a resource for checking VC point availability at impacted resorts. Ocean Pointe showed availability for 10/28 on when I checked on Thursday, but now there is no availability until early Nov. This may be due to an increase in demand or to anticipation that villas will not be open.
4. Owners Group Site: So far, there is really no additional information except for the hotline updates. There is a link to a webcam showing the beach area around Ocean Pointe, but there appeared to be very little activity on the beach. I did see some of the 'reserved' beach chairs there on Friday, but nobody was using them. Someone caught a large fish (maybe a barracuda) on the beach yesterday afternooon.

I'm curious whether any TUG members are at Ocean Pointe or Oceana Palms and can provide an update regarding what they know. I'll post updates as I have them.

I would like to start a new thread for Ocean Pointe hurricane updates because the other thread is getting long. This thread will specifically focus on Ocean Pointe hurricane issues.

I am very appalled by the lack of information and communication MVC is providing owners regarding the status of Ocean Pointe. I've contacted Owner Services, the Hot Line, Interval, the MVC website, and tried to email the resort itself (blocking all incoming emails). I have an upcoming reservation on 10/28 combining MVC points with II exchange and am just trying to plan based on the likelihood of my exchange being cancelled. I had planed to reserve nights at Oceana Palms as a backup, but would have to borrow from 2018 and didn't want to lose those points. Now, there is no availability at Oceana Palms. It would be helpful if Ocean Pointe would provide information regarding how many units were damaged, and how long it will take to bring them back to service. They should have a good idea regarding future availability, and should inform owners and exchangers so they can plan accordingly.


This is the information I have been able to find out (along with the source);

1. Ocean Pointe Hotline (and owner services): They appear to only update this once per week, and latest information is they have limited occupancy through this weekend. Owner services reps only appear to know what is on this hotline.
2. Interval: All exchanges to Ocean Pointe are cancelled through 10/6. Cancellations are only updated one week at a time. MVC has provided no information regarding # of damaged units or likelihood of future cancellations. I spoke with Mark (TUG contact) and he indicated that, so far, MVC is cancelling all exchanges at impacted resorts. No consideration is given regarding whether it is a MVC to MVC or if an owner is exchanging into their owned resort (my case at Ocean Pointe). I found II to be the most helpful in providing information and advice, and feel sorry for them because they are the most impacted overall by cancellations due to the hurricane. There are 50 II exchanges scheduled to check into Ocean Pointe on 10/29.
3. MVC Website: There is absolutely no information on the Owner Website regarding resort damage and status. I've used this as a resource for checking VC point availability at impacted resorts. Ocean Pointe showed availability for 10/28 on when I checked on Thursday, but now there is no availability until early Nov. This may be due to an increase in demand or to anticipation that villas will not be open.
4. Owners Group Site: So far, there is really no additional information except for the hotline updates. There is a link to a webcam showing the beach area around Ocean Pointe, but there appeared to be very little activity on the beach. I did see some of the 'reserved' beach chairs there on Friday, but nobody was using them. Someone caught a large fish (maybe a barracuda) on the beach yesterday afternooon.

I'm curious whether any TUG members are at Ocean Pointe or Oceana Palms and can provide an update regarding what they know. I'll post updates as I have them.

 

[merriot]

Hey Superchief!

Last week I think I posted my problem with Ocean Pointe as a result of the hurricane and a September 24th reservation....I too was frustrated by the lack of communication from Marriott...I called the hotline numbers, I called the enrolled owner numbers, advisor numbers, etc. etc. and either the people I spoke with on the phone had no information or the recorded messages were several days old...
I was able to find the same videos you did on beach erosion...also a huge shark caught by a surfcaster right in front of our condos...but no official specific info on Ocean Pointe ..
Finally, I was told on the telephone by an advisor at the 800 number the resort SHOULD open by Sept. 23....well, with a 24th check-in date but no certainties, I decided to cancel my airline reservation as well as my seven nights (875 points for five nights and two nights at owners' rate) at Ocean Pointe. These 875 points had to be used by the end of 2017....
Very frustrating finding a place to use 875 points on such short notice....at first Aruba seemed open but didn't want to do airfare to Aruba as we go in February....then Aruba availability dried up, as did October Ocean Pointe, Washington, Boston....Also, to use Interval it seems you have to deposit a full week....so no short term exchanges possible there...
I finally used my 875 vacation club points that had me in an ocean front Ocean Pointe one bedroom unit Sun-Fri at the Fairway villas in New Jersey (two nights) two bedrooms but right now a disability prevents playing golf ....and one night in NYC which I hadn't planned on either...but it was the best use I could make of the 875 points....it's been a real scramble and absolutely no info or help from Marriott....did it all online...except Marriott did tell me if I had had 2017 traveler's insurance, I would be reimbursed for a percentage of my maintenance fee...I pay maintenance on a three bedroom OF...so that's not a comfort...am frustrated and really dismayed by Marriott's customer service here...

 

[Superchief]

Hey Superchief!

Last week I think I posted my problem with Ocean Pointe as a result of the hurricane and a September 24th reservation....I too was frustrated by the lack of communication from Marriott...I called the hotline numbers, I called the enrolled owner numbers, advisor numbers, etc. etc. and either the people I spoke with on the phone had no information or the recorded messages were several days old...
I was able to find the same videos you did on beach erosion...also a huge shark caught by a surfcaster right in front of our condos...but no official specific info on Ocean Pointe ..
Finally, I was told on the telephone by an advisor at the 800 number the resort SHOULD open by Sept. 23....well, with a 24th check-in date but no certainties, I decided to cancel my airline reservation as well as my seven nights (875 points for five nights and two nights at owners' rate) at Ocean Pointe. These 875 points had to be used by the end of 2017....
Very frustrating finding a place to use 875 points on such short notice....at first Aruba seemed open but didn't want to do airfare to Aruba as we go in February....then Aruba availability dried up, as did October Ocean Pointe, Washington, Boston....Also, to use Interval it seems you have to deposit a full week....so no short term exchanges possible there...
I finally used my 875 vacation club points that had me in an ocean front Ocean Pointe one bedroom unit Sun-Fri at the Fairway villas in New Jersey (two nights) two bedrooms but right now a disability prevents playing golf ....and one night in NYC which I hadn't planned on either...but it was the best use I could make of the 875 points....it's been a real scramble and absolutely no info or help from Marriott....did it all online...except Marriott did tell me if I had had 2017 traveler's insurance, I would be reimbursed for a percentage of my maintenance fee...I pay maintenance on a three bedroom OF...so that's not a comfort...am frustrated and really dismayed by Marriott's customer service here...

I share your frustration. Did you ever find out if your 9/24 check in date would have been cancelled? Since you had a points reservation, I assume it would have had priority, although many of the facilities of the resort were probably not open. I hope we can get contact information of MVC management so we can let them know how this fiasco will impact our future recommendations to friends and family members.

 

[merriot]

Nope, never did find out....today I may try...it would be nice to at least get the points placed into next year's account if we prefer....oh well....such is the lot of owning only one Ocean Pointe ocean front three bedroom unit in silver season.

 

[Mrmech994]

I would like to start a new thread for Ocean Pointe hurricane updates because the other thread is getting long. This thread will specifically focus on Ocean Pointe hurricane issues.

I am very appalled by the lack of information and communication MVC is providing owners regarding the status of Ocean Pointe. I've contacted Owner Services, the Hot Line, Interval, the MVC website, and tried to email the resort itself (blocking all incoming emails). I have an upcoming reservation on 10/28 combining MVC points with II exchange and am just trying to plan based on the likelihood of my exchange being cancelled. I had planed to reserve nights at Oceana Palms as a backup, but would have to borrow from 2018 and didn't want to lose those points. Now, there is no availability at Oceana Palms. It would be helpful if Ocean Pointe would provide information regarding how many units were damaged, and how long it will take to bring them back to service. They should have a good idea regarding future availability, and should inform owners and exchangers so they can plan accordingly.


This is the information I have been able to find out (along with the source);

1. Ocean Pointe Hotline (and owner services): They appear to only update this once per week, and latest information is they have limited occupancy through this weekend. Owner services reps only appear to know what is on this hotline.
2. Interval: All exchanges to Ocean Pointe are cancelled through 10/6. Cancellations are only updated one week at a time. MVC has provided no information regarding # of damaged units or likelihood of future cancellations. I spoke with Mark (TUG contact) and he indicated that, so far, MVC is cancelling all exchanges at impacted resorts. No consideration is given regarding whether it is a MVC to MVC or if an owner is exchanging into their owned resort (my case at Ocean Pointe). I found II to be the most helpful in providing information and advice, and feel sorry for them because they are the most impacted overall by cancellations due to the hurricane. There are 50 II exchanges scheduled to check into Ocean Pointe on 10/29.
3. MVC Website: There is absolutely no information on the Owner Website regarding resort damage and status. I've used this as a resource for checking VC point availability at impacted resorts. Ocean Pointe showed availability for 10/28 on when I checked on Thursday, but now there is no availability until early Nov. This may be due to an increase in demand or to anticipation that villas will not be open.
4. Owners Group Site: So far, there is really no additional information except for the hotline updates. There is a link to a webcam showing the beach area around Ocean Pointe, but there appeared to be very little activity on the beach. I did see some of the 'reserved' beach chairs there on Friday, but nobody was using them. Someone caught a large fish (maybe a barracuda) on the beach yesterday afternooon.

I'm curious whether any TUG members are at Ocean Pointe or Oceana Palms and can provide an update regarding what they know. I'll post updates as I have them.

We just got back from a 3 night stay at Ocean Pointe Dolphin building sept 24,25 and 26 using MVC points in a 1 bedroom. The resort was in good shape there was a lot of contractor work going on not only in the Cobia building but in the other buildings also. We were told that out of 680 rooms only 240 where ok to use. The pool was in great shape and we had it pretty much to ourselves ( maybe 20 people). Everything was open the poolside bar and grill and the marketplace. The beach erosion wasn't as bad as the pictures that I have seen. The beach was in good shape except for the seaweed and debris that gets washed ashore.

 

[Superchief]

We just got back from a 3 night stay at Ocean Pointe Dolphin building sept 24,25 and 26 using MVC points in a 1 bedroom. The resort was in good shape there was a lot of contractor work going on not only in the Cobia building but in the other buildings also. We were told that out of 680 rooms only 240 where ok to use. The pool was in great shape and we had it pretty much to ourselves ( maybe 20 people). Everything was open the poolside bar and grill and the marketplace. The beach erosion wasn't as bad as the pictures that I have seen. The beach was in good shape except for the seaweed and debris that gets washed ashore.

Thanks for the update. Did you get any information regarding how badly damaged those villas were or how quickly they would be able to get them back into service? I typically use my week or MVC points at the Singer Island resorts but had to use an expiring II week for my upcoming trip. I've learned my lesson to only convert my weeks to points in the future because II exchanges are low on the priority list, even for owners.

I noticed that the beach webcam shows little activity today as well, so resort must be fairly empty. At least the beach chairs are set up, so hopefully things are opening up.

 

[Mrmech994]

Thanks for the update. Did you get any information regarding how badly damaged those villas were or how quickly they would be able to get them back into service? I typically use my week or MVC points at the Singer Island resorts but had to use an expiring II week for my upcoming trip. I've learned my lesson to only convert my weeks to points in the future because II exchanges are low on the priority list, even for owners.

I noticed that the beach webcam shows little activity today as well, so resort must be fairly empty. At least the beach chairs are set up, so hopefully things are opening up.

The only thing they said was it was mostly water damage (carpeting floor ect.)didn't hear when they expect to be up to full capacity. The beach crew said they had just set up chairs the day we arrived they were mostly doing beach cleanup before that.

 

[Xpat]

Not sure what to make of this but it looks like the Ocean Pointe calendar is blocked for points reservations until November 14th as it is showing 0 availability even for 1 night stays? At Crystal Shores there is zero availability until 2018. Maybe they're just preventing additional reservations to give better chances to those that are already booked.

I had an early December point reservation at Crystal Shores and have cancelled ahead of the 60-day deadline as I wouldn't want to deal with points in a holding account. I then used a studio deposit to exchange into Ocean Pointe - my backup plan is to use e-plus as my insurance policy, but I hope it won't come to that.

Marriott could be doing a much better job at communicating with owners and guests. I don't own at the affected resorts, but I think owners in particular deserve better.

 

[rdrink25]

I too just got back from Sep 24th to the 1st in the Sailfish building. A lot of workers everywhere. Pool and grounds looked ok. It started to pick up towards the end of the week.

 

[Superchief]

I spoke with Interval today and all exchanges at Ocean Pointe and Chrystal Shores are now cancelled through 10/15. I've still not hear any response from emails sent to owners services or the resort. The hotline has useless current information (updated 9/28). II has been very helpful, but MVC has been very disappointing in that they aren't communicating at all with owners or exchangers. So much for transparency. Based on what I learned from II, MVC is cancelling all exchanges regardless of whether they are MVC or home resort owners. I don't understand why MVC is not posting any information on their website regarding the resort current conditions. capacity, and timelines for adding capacity. I would have no problem if they informed me that many units were substantially damaged and will take several weeks to put back in service. My problem is that cancellations are occurring about 2 weeks prior to checkin without warning. I notice on MVC that no points reservations are available until mid-November.

I know that II has over 50 exchange stays starting the date I am scheduled to check in (10/29). I would hope that at least those of owners will be accommodated, but it appears it is an 'all or nothing' situation. Although I understand the storm has disrupted operations, there is no excuse for the lack of communication or transparency (and worthless website). With all of these customer service problems with their existing portfolio, the last thing they need to do is acquire another company.

 

[budnj]

I'm also scheduled to check in on 10/29. I noticed that Ocean Pointe facebook page suggested sending private message to get more info. I sent them a message, response was "...hope to have most of the villas back by the end of October. If any changes are required we will let you know.""
I made a cash res at Oceana Palms for a few nights as alternative.

 

[Superchief]

I've been avoiding having a Facebook account for various reasons, but it appears this is now their primary communication tool. I've tried emails to the resort, the Ocean Pointe owners forum and MVC website. I don't understand why MVC doesn't communicate through its owners website because some owners don't like Facebook (Big Brother). Have you found the site to be helpful for providing information and communication with owners?

My concern is that it appears MVC is cancelling all II exchanges on a weekly basis. Even if 48 villas of the 52 needed become available, they may just cancel them all rather than deal with selecting which ones to cancel or keep. I actually have 1 night on points followed by my exchange week. One would expect Marriott to Marriott exchanges (especially to home resort) would receive priority but this currently isn't happening.

I'll provide updates as I receive them. I have a backup reservation at the Marriott Singer Island Resort for 5 nights, but really don't want to spend 180 MR points (plus resort fees and valet parking).

 

[budnj]

I'm not very active on Facebook either, but it does seem like it's the only communication method they're using.

 

[suenmike32]

There have been a number of updates on the owners newsgroup, here's one:

"Just checked in October 1st.
No Oceanfront rooms or Inlet rooms at Kingfish. Only Oceanside and then most below the 4th floor and on North side of buildings. About 50% of rooms usable now and of course no rooms in Cobia as planned for refurb.

Property is great shape and weather is great. Decent erosion of sand on beach near Kingfish and extra sand on beach at Sailfish walkway.

Crews working overtime here on Sunday getting rooms ready for guests. Some rooms got a little water in them and with no A/C to remove humidity for a couple weeks it was ripe for mildew. Good news is only a few rooms got the water and I can see drywall in the garages to replace any areas.

Cobia pool and spa has the beautiful deep blue tile and will look GREAT just like the Sailfish Pool. Should be done by November".

On the upside, I think Ocean Pointe was extremely lucky and based on this report should be in good shape shortly.
Mike

 

[budnj]

Thanks Mike, for the update, appreciate it!

 

[Superchief]

I've been checking the webcam of the beach outside of Ocean Pointe and there has been little activity except for a few people fishing. The beach has been covered with seaweed the past few days and no lounge chairs are set up. Today at noon weather looks great but beach is abandoned. The storm must also have impacted bird life in the area. i haven't seen a single seagull or other bird on the beach all week. This is unusual for the area.

 

[Superchief]

I noticed on the webcam that the beach was cleaned up this morning and there were some beach chairs set up on the beach. It was a beautiful day today but there still weren't many people on the beach. OP must still have limited guests at this time. There was a crane in the pink building and it appeared they were working on the roof. I am keeping my fingers crossed that more units are available by the end of the month. We will see if II has more cancellation by Thursday. MVC has given II cancellation notices on Wed or Thurs and checkins for 10/22 should be notified this week. There still is no official update regarding resort status from MVC.

 

[Superchief]

I spoke with II today and there appears to be some progress. Some (not all) II reservations next week through 10/20 were cancelled, depending whether the assigned villa is ready. I'm not sure how decisions are being made regarding which ones are cancelled because MVC is determining this, not II. Hopefully, MVC ownership is part of the selection criteria.

There appears to be a lot more activity on the beach today, and more chairs are set up.

 

[youppi]

They should not cancel based on ownership. They should ask for volunteer first like airline do. If there is no volunteer, they should cancel first people that live close (drive to go there).
Imagine the nightmare of an exchanger flying for a 3 weeks trip on the US East Coast at 3 different resorts and they cancel the week in the middle. The guy doesn't need a replacement week valid for 1 year, he needs a replacement in the area for that week.

 

[dioxide45]

They should not cancel based on ownership. They should ask for volunteer first like airline do. If there is no volunteer, they should cancel first people that live close (drive to go there).
Imagine the nightmare of an exchanger flying for a 3 weeks trip on the US East Coast at 3 different resorts and they cancel the week in the middle. The guy doesn't need a replacement week valid for 1 year, he needs a replacement in the area for that week.

I would agree, but Marriott was woefully unprepared for this. They can't even get their current owners website working right. They certainly couldn't contact every guest to find out if they want to volunteer or not.

 

[Superchief]

I just read a post on the owner's website from someone who stayed 10/5 on Encore package when resort was only 30% occupancy. This is really upsetting because those reservations can easily be cancelled/refunded and there is no investment by the guest. Meanwhile, all II exchanges from MVC owners who had deposited an MVC week were cancelled. MVC rentals, encores, and MR point redemptions inventory comes from MR point redemptions, owners turning over their weeks, and unowned weeks. I can't believe there is substantial inventory from those sources. II exchanges inventory comes from owner week deposits. This should represent a much larger percentage of capacity than the Marriott inventory.

Owners really need to be proactive this year with their boards to stand up to MVC management to let them know this is not acceptable.

 

[donnaval]

Lowly exchanger here who was very excited to score this trip...I have a week at Oceana Palms starting November 30 with the following week at Ocean Pointe. II says "as far as they know" my reservations are in no danger of being cancelled. Is Marriott still canceling on a week-by-week basis, or is there some phone # I can call to get info as to whether my reservations will be honored? I'm flying in from PA so if they cancel just a week ahead it doesn't give me much time to line up alternatives.

 

[dioxide45]

Lowly exchanger here who was very excited to score this trip...I have a week at Oceana Palms starting November 30 with the following week at Ocean Pointe. II says "as far as they know" my reservations are in no danger of being cancelled. Is Marriott still canceling on a week-by-week basis, or is there some phone # I can call to get info as to whether my reservations will be honored? I'm flying in from PA so if they cancel just a week ahead it doesn't give me much time to line up alternatives.

Don't expect any information or assistance from Marriott on this. You won't find out until a week or so before if your II exchange is cancelled. They are leaving people hanging until they ultimately decide to cancel your reservation. A better alternative would be to reach out to people to see if anyone is willing to voluntarily give up their reservations so they can help those with less flexible plans. Poor response by Marriott all around with everything regarding the hurricane damages this year.