Sticky - Official Club Wyndham Mobile App thread - updates/bugs/enhancements and requests posted here!

[HitchHiker71]

Figured I would start an official sticky thread regarding the new Wyndham mobile app. I am now connected to the Wyndham product managers directly responsible for the app itself, in addition to the product managers responsible for the website development. Yes, they work together, but there are resources dedicated to each area from a product ownership standpoint. Couple of important items I wanted to socialize here to start.

One, for anyone who is a Worldmark owner, I can confirm that a Worldmark mobile app is in development and that Wyndham intends to release this app in Q4 2025 timeframe, though to be clear this timeline is subject to change. Same concept as the current Wyndham mobile app, just specific to the Worldmark timeshare system.

Two, we need to start identifying features that we would like to see in the Wyndham mobile app specifically as we look ahead. Personally, I find I'm using the Wyndham mobile app more and more frequently, and I'm using the website less frequently. It could just be me, but I'm also finding that the mobile app seems to be less problematic, and delivers more accurate availability search results. Early on there was a known issue with the mobile app not displaying Worldmark Club Pass inventory when using a certain type of search within the mobile app, but that issue appears to have been resolved now. I'd also like to share a few known focus areas for the Wyndham mobile app as follows:

• Local event highlights near your resort
• Easy access to resort activities
• Build-your-own onsite itinerary

The above three items are already under development by Wyndham, though I don't have any ETAs yet on the when.

Probably my biggest ask surrounds automation and enhancing the ownership experience. I want phone/watch key first. There's no reason today that the app cannot be used as a phone key, and the introduction of a watch app would allow for replacing the wristband entirely - because your watch is your key. I may not always have my phone handy, but my wearable Apple Watch is always on my wrist. Once the phone key is available, there's literally no reason, when the above three bullets are implemented, to have to ever check-in in person ever again. Remote check-in via the app - automatic room assignment - phone/watch key - done. Sure, it's likely a pie in the sky ask because this bypasses the all important concierge desk - but hey - a guy can dream right?

What other ideas do TUGGERs have for the mobile app? Please list them out here. I also posted this same update into the website app thread for additional visibility.

 

[Rolltydr]

Excellent ideas, @HitchHiker71! In today’s world, there is absolutely no reason to not have a phone/watch key. Maybe this could start a campaign for the Tuggers who are Wyndham owners to add that as a note to all satisfaction surveys after a Wyndham stay, as well as, online feedback when using the website/app. I’m certainly skeptical, as are you, they would ever allow anyone to bypass the concierge desk (I’m on the do not sell list and I still have to go there even though they don’t badger me to attend anything) but we can still make it a top priority here, and possibly, in the facebook group? I personally, do not have a facebook account, but I understand there is an active Wyndham owners group over there, so maybe someone can start spreading the word.

Thanks to you and @Richelle for your continuing service to all Wyndham owners, especially those here on TUG!

 

[HitchHiker71]

Excellent ideas, @HitchHiker71! In today’s world, there is absolutely no reason to not have a phone/watch key. Maybe this could start a campaign for the Tuggers who are Wyndham owners to add that as a note to all satisfaction surveys after a Wyndham stay, as well as, online feedback when using the website/app. I’m certainly skeptical, as are you, they would ever allow anyone to bypass the concierge desk (I’m on the do not sell list and I still have to go there even though they don’t badger me to attend anything) but we can still make it a top priority here, and possibly, in the facebook group? I personally, do not have a facebook account, but I understand there is an active Wyndham owners group over there, so maybe someone can start spreading the word.

Thanks to you and @Richelle for your continuing service to all Wyndham owners, especially those here on TUG!

On the topic of using any/all Wyndham feedback mechanisms - since the beginning of this year, I've been using the following verbiage whenever I receive a CSAT survey after a stay when asked for any additional feedback to share regarding improvements:

With the introduction of the Wyndham mobile app - the app should serve as a room key. It'd be even better if Wyndham released a Watch app for wearables - offering a watch key - I may not always have my phone handy, but I'm always wearing my Apple Watch - this approach effectively makes any wearable watch a wristband - saving Wyndham monies giving away wristbands endlessly - which also results in fewer wristbands and card keys ending up in landfills over time.

Big picture, the entire check-in process is very outdated. Automated check-ins are now possible via the the Wyndham mobile app without having to even enter the local check-in area. This should become the norm moving forward. The only reason not to consider doing so, is because Wyndham is still overly attached to legacy Wyndham timeshare sales and the only way to attempt to convince owners to attend sales updates is via the same old face-to-face confrontational concierge process that has existed for decades now. It's a process ripe for change to say the least. Offering a true "opt-in" only sales update process strictly via the Wyndham app is the future - please make it happen.

 

[Shiba]

Is there a way to access RCI in the app? I haven’t figured it out, if there is a way.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Is there a way to access RCI in the app? I haven’t figured it out, if there is a way.

RCI used to have it's own app - though it's no longer available in the app store - but I know some folks still have the existing RCI app. It's a separate app though - the Club Wyndham app will never provide RCI functionality natively - you'll have to use the RCI website and/or app.

 

[paxsarah]

RCI used to have it's own app - though it's no longer available in the app store - but I know some folks still have the existing RCI app. It's a separate app though - the Club Wyndham app will never provide RCI functionality natively - you'll have to use the RCI website and/or app.

And the RCI app was never connected to the Wyndham RCI portal, just a direct weeks (and maybe points?) login.

 

[Sandi Bo]

Around Noon -- you can no longer make any modifications to a reservation using the application - you cannot modify the traveler's name (can't change to another owner nor can you add a guest) - nor can you cancel a reservation. The button/links to do so are gone - the reservation looks 'read only'. Similar issue on the website but it happens around midnight the day of checkin.

Reservations are not always in date order (like they are on the website). Seems like a new reservation will be out of order (later than it should be).

I wish it were easier to change what resort you were looking for - you can on the website (the resort name is a drop down you can easily select another resort). But on the app the resort name is not a dropdown - you have to back out to the home page.

A home page button would be helpful.

 

[Sandi Bo]

I'm not sure this is worth posting.... because these numbers have never been reliable, they give you somewhat of an indication of what's available, but not accurate by any means. Further frustrated because it's not really there anyways (in my experience, it will eventually disappear altogether - something has to 'clear' between the backend and frontend so the frontend no longer thinks it's there (it was bookable about a half hour earlier).

This is for the same search - not requesting an upgrade, just trying to book:

On the app (less than 2 suites):

On the website (less than 3 suites):

Reality (nothing that can be booked):
app:

website:

 

[paxsarah]

Someone on Facebook was reporting what sounded like phantom inventory a few days ago. Just when it seemed like it wasn’t that prevalent a problem lately, it’s baaaack.

Also, isn’t “less than 2” just 1? (Or 0, it seems.) Why does Wyndham have to overcomplicate this?

 

[Sandi Bo]

In the last few days, I'm having a very frustrating issue with the app (and I have the most recent updates). It does not maintain focus. If I search for a resort and maybe read a text or and email, when I come back to the Wyndham app, I see the resort availability window (or booking in progress window if that is what I was doing) - fly off to the right and I'm back at the home page (find a destination / recently viewed). This is new behavior (and very frustrating). Anyone else? (Heaven forbid you try and multi-task :-( ).

Add on to this -- Doesn't matter what I'm doing, looking at my trips, bucket list, searching for something, or in the middle of booking something - if my screen saver comes on and I swipe to make my phone active again - whatever I was doing flys off and I'm left looking at the home page.

@HitchHiker71 - is this still the best place to put a post like this or should I have started a thread. I worry things up here don't get visibility on a day-to-day (or should I say post-to-post) basis

 

[HitchHiker71]

For those not aware - there are now three mobile apps as follows:

• Club Wyndham
• Worldmark
• Margharitaville

 

[Travelingman1]

For those not aware - there are now three mobile apps as follows:

• Club Wyndham
• Worldmark
• Margharitaville

Do you know if they are going to integrate the AI assistant into the mobile apps? I tested it out and was very impressed with the web version.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Do you know if they are going to integrate the AI assistant into the mobile apps? I tested it out and was very impressed with the web version.

I would imagine it's on the roadmap yes. I'd have to make inquiries on timing.

EDIT: Evidently it's already available on both the website and the mobile app. It's not accessible at all for me, likely because I run enhanced security protocols on all of my machines, which prevent it from appearing/running.

 

[BoomerKwanger]

This is a minor annoyance, but I noticed recently when using the Club Wyndham app that the suite type filter (when looking at resort availability in Calendar View) now breaks down into ultra-precise categories.

i.e. - before, I could just search for Studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR. Now it's broken up by 1BR, 1BR Deluxe, 1 BR Presidential, 1 BR - Mobility, 1 BR Presidential - Mobility, etc. Is there any way I can revert it back to how it was before? Or can I propose an improvement where we get checkboxes instead of radio buttons? I often am looking for a unit that is at least a certain size, but I don't care about what specific type of unit it is.

 

[HitchHiker71]

This is a minor annoyance, but I noticed recently when using the Club Wyndham app that the suite type filter (when looking at resort availability in Calendar View) now breaks down into ultra-precise categories.

i.e. - before, I could just search for Studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR. Now it's broken up by 1BR, 1BR Deluxe, 1 BR Presidential, 1 BR - Mobility, 1 BR Presidential - Mobility, etc. Is there any way I can revert it back to how it was before? Or can I propose an improvement where we get checkboxes instead of radio buttons? I often am looking for a unit that is at least a certain size, but I don't care about what specific type of unit it is.

Interesting - I tested and can reproduce. It would be better if it worked similar to the Waitlist feature - where you can choose either from a general room size - one or two bedroom for example - or from the explicit list of sizes. IDK if this hits the search engine hard enough to be of concern - but I will reach out to the Wyndham website PM and get some detail on why this change was implemented (by owner requests?) and submit an enhancement request if it's something they can consider.

 

[HitchHiker71]

FYI here's the recent announced changes from the OP link for anyone who hasn't seen them:

 

[paxsarah]

I found some inconsistent behavior in the app. I wanted to save a search for Club Wyndham Atlanta for certain dates. In the app, I couldn't find any way to save a search if I specified that single resort and searched via the calendar (I later discovered I could do it only if I did a more general search - Atlanta area - and saved the list of search results). So I went to the website and was able to save my search specifically for the Atlanta resort and my dates. Then when I went back to the app and viewed my saved search from the website on the app, it didn't apply any location filter - either for Club Wyndham Atlanta or Atlanta more generally - and gave me a list of 90 resorts for my dates. If I view that same saved search on the website, it's limited to Club Wyndham Atlanta.

It was later in the day (just now) that I realized I should try searching just for the city of Atlanta in the app and save the search that way - which for my purposes for this particular search does serve the purpose I need, because it won't show me Margaritaville, and there's not likely to be any inventory at Villa Rica, so it only shows me Club Wyndham Atlanta. But if I wanted to search a specific resort in, say, Myrtle Beach or Orlando, I don't think there's any way to save a search for one resort in the app and then you'd potentially get all of them.

 

[paxsarah]

Something I learned during an interaction in one of the Facebook groups, it appears that the information on the app for Fairfield Mountains doesn't at all mention the check-in location for the VRI managed sections of the resort. (There is no longer a Wyndham check-in location.) While the website has the address under Helpful Hints, it doesn't seem to appear anywhere in the app - why doesn't the Helpful Hints information appear exactly the same in the app? I assume this probably extends to other resorts as well, where "Helpful Hints" typically covers some of the most important information someone needs to know about a location like fees, etc. It seems like the resort information in the app is an abbreviated combination of the "resort information" and "helpful hints" sections from the website - who chooses what information doesn't make the cut?

But the larger issue here is that it appears that the main contact information listed for the resort on both the website and app is for the old Wyndham check-in, which no longer exists. Why is that phone number being given if there's nobody there to answer it? Why don't they change the address to the only place one can now check in?

I know this issue straddles multiple threads - app issues, website issues, and resort closure issues - but the app seemed most glaring because at least on the website there's a way to find at least partial correct information (the address for the VRI check-in under helpful hints - though no phone number), but on the app there's no way of knowing how to find the check-in location.