Ocean Pointe Pool Towels

[gerryburguera]

I know for a fact that they don't charge anything for towels not returned.

How do you know that…?

 

[ste104]

This sounds crazy hopefully management has thought the plan thru. Wonder what happens if you bring some of your own towels to make up for the towel limit will they come by and pick those up since they were not from the room?

 

[MikeM132]

Finally had the management meeting the other day. The towel issue is a cost control. Mich concern over Florida and fully funding reserves. 2026 they must be fully funded. Here there was a 1500 per week shorfall, which has been cut somewhat already. They are debating how to handle it. Ocean Pointe is still apparently controlled by weeks owners who have a very substantial ownership. That per the GM.

 

[PsuFrh]

Finally had the management meeting the other day. The towel issue is a cost control. Mich concern over Florida and fully funding reserves. 2026 they must be fully funded. Here there was a 1500 per week shorfall, which has been cut somewhat already. They are debating how to handle it. Ocean Pointe is still apparently controlled by weeks owners who have a very substantial ownership. That per the GM.

I am a weeks owner, and there are many who stay there for the "season" and put out towels by 7 a.m. and don't come down to use the chairs before 9 a.m. or later. This causes a huge problem for everyone looking for seats by any of the pools. However, restricting the number of towels distributed might help, but if they don't track how many are given out per unit and returned, it is hard to control the volume out vs that coming back in. Our MF are quite high. I would think that cost cutting could be done in some other area of the property rather than inconvenience the guests and the staff with this towel exchange program they seem to be instituting.

 

[Superchief]

Finally had the management meeting the other day. The towel issue is a cost control. Mich concern over Florida and fully funding reserves. 2026 they must be fully funded. Here there was a 1500 per week shorfall, which has been cut somewhat already. They are debating how to handle it. Ocean Pointe is still apparently controlled by weeks owners who have a very substantial ownership. That per the GM.

If reserves must be fully funded by 2026, why aren't other similar FL timeshare reserves being increased substantially? $1500 per week seems rather high. Operating expenses increased by 13.3% this year and 12% last year, so there are many areas where expenses can be reduced. Reserves for Ocean Pointe were $1012 (2BR), but only $634 at Oceana Palms and less than $500 at Royal Palms. If Andy Miller is still the GM at Ocean Point, he has a history of excessive increases in MF's that exceed other MVC resorts. Activity expenses are really getting out of hand at many MVC resorts and are an area than can definitely be cut. Most activities should be self funded and not freebies for guests, most of whom are not MF paying owners at the resort. A reduction in activities would also reduce HR and management expenses because smaller staffs would be needed.

I think that MVC is trying to force out the weeks owners so the trust can acquire more of this inventory.

 

[MikeM132]

I suspect the operative word is "ocean" as for why reserve levels may vary in Florida. Andy is still GM and is, per his speech, cutting all over. I suspect towel expense dwarfs activity expense. You are talking about stuff like Bingo and Trivia or something else? Ocean Pointe and a few other resorts were reputed to be "sold out" properties under the weeks system. In that case, there is little opportunity for points owners unless weeks are converted or relinquished. My final sales pitch (a few years ago) in Orlando was a naked hard sell to give up weeks for points even absurdly claiming Bonvoy point exchange was a smart option . Pretty obvious they are trying to grab weeks, which I believe still hold far more value than points. I heard points fees went up about 13 percent last year, and Andy said maint fee here went up 25 percent 2 years ago due to reserve, but is levelling off. They have also extended the refurb cycle from 5 to 6 years.

 

[MikeM132]

I am a weeks owner, and there are many who stay there for the "season" and put out towels by 7 a.m. and don't come down to use the chairs before 9 a.m. or later. This causes a huge problem for everyone looking for seats by any of the pools. However, restricting the number of towels distributed might help, but if they don't track how many are given out per unit and returned, it is hard to control the volume out vs that coming back in. Our MF are quite high. I would think that cost cutting could be done in some other area of the property rather than inconvenience the guests and the staff with this towel exchange program they seem to be instituting.

Seat saving is much less this year in my 2 weeks than prior years. Maybe the crappy weather (warm but cloudy/rainy every day) or maybe the short towel supply. Security walks around and will remove saved stuff after 45 minutes, so they claim (same as in past). There are still many multi week owners here who own the place . I'm generally OK with it. I can find a seat somewhere. Try that in Maui. Last time I was there fully 25 percent of the pool seats were employees and their guests leaving none for some owners. Every resort has its own issues

 

[dioxide45]

I would think there could be some more back office type cuts that they could make that don't directly and negatively impact owners as much as the towel situation?

As for activities, have you seen the staffing sizes of some of these activities departments at Marriott resorts? They may have five or more people just running activities, then an activities manager, perhaps a team lead. They aren't cheap operations. Activities at Grande Vista is a $1.5 million annual operation. That said, a lot of cost savings can probably come from housekeeping, where I would think towels and linen are billed to. I think resorts need to reconsider in room towel exchanges or clean towel deliveries to units that have an in room washer and dryer. I don't know how much if any cost savings is there vs paying $0.30-$0.50/lb for linen service. In room towel and exchange also requires a set of employees to do the deliveries. So some analysis needs to be done to identify areas of savings.

 

[MikeM132]

I get the GV paperwork but never noticed. I think you're right about staff size. However, activities are what make it a resort, and not a nice hotel. Here the biggest prize is a drink ticket and most prizes are a clear plastic Marriott tote bag (we have like 8). Not sure what they pay these folks but I suspect not all that much. Perhaps Marriott attaches their premium price to that cheap tote and it appears I'm the ledger as a 50 dollar expense . Maybe I'll write someone at GV for details. My best success at BOD communications, by far, was Aruba Ocean Club who had (perhaps still has) and superb board who watched everything like a hawk.

 

[SueDonJ]

I would think there could be some more back office type cuts that they could make that don't directly and negatively impact owners as much as the towel situation?

As for activities, have you seen the staffing sizes of some of these activities departments at Marriott resorts? They may have five or more people just running activities, then an activities manager, perhaps a team lead. They aren't cheap operations. Activities at Grande Vista is a $1.5 million annual operation. That said, a lot of cost savings can probably come from housekeeping, where I would think towels and linen are billed to. I think resorts need to reconsider in room towel exchanges or clean towel deliveries to units that have an in room washer and dryer. I don't know how much if any cost savings is there vs paying $0.30-$0.50/lb for linen service. In room towel and exchange also requires a set of employees to do the deliveries. So some analysis needs to be done to identify areas of savings.

I like a resort with a robust Activities dept/schedule but I also agree with you that some of those activities should be completely funded at the point of sale. It makes me bonkers to see free activities involving alcohol, just absolutely bonkers. For someone else it might be free food, for someone else it might be a free birdhouse and the paint to decorate it. Whatever it is, it ought to be paid for by the people who choose to do the activity. If any are free, and I think some should be, I'd rather see every kid being able to participate at no cost and every adult being made to pay.

But a five-to-ten-person Activities team at a resort the size of Grande Vista doesn't at all sound like too many on the team, and I don't think $1.5 million is a large expense for a resort the size of Grande Vista? How much is that per Week?

I completely agree with you about the crazy costs you're seeing associated with pool towels. At all of the Hilton Head resorts the towels are in the room when you check in, one for each sleeping allowance, and if you want to change them out (or if you want a few extra) you stop by the front desk or call Housekeeping. It's easy, and it also contributes to keeping the resort looking good without towels left willy-nilly all over the place. Every single hotel and resort I've ever seen with towels ready and waiting to be taken ends up looking a mess with towels everywhere. The worst is when they're just left behind on the beach by lazy, entitled DYKWIA guests. Blech.

 

[DanCali]

I found this old thread after going through the experience myself.

Besides the towels we saw some additional cost cutting - namely the hut that used to have the mini golf clubs (Turtle’s Nest) seems permanently unmanned and you have to get the equipment from the activity center by the marketplace. Also quite a few owners likely didn’t have their room ready by 4pm - lobby was packed with people waiting around that time. So maybe housekeeping is stretched thin.

On the towels topic - they are not shy about hinting you should wash your own towels…

I’m not sure this is what expectations were in terms of luxury and amenities when many of us bought into Marriott Resorts 15, 20 or 30 years ago. Sure, anyone can launder a towel at the expense of vacation time. But what’s next - washing the dishes at the restaurant after you dine there? At least at MCS you could get fresh towels at the activity center during a certain time window daily - seems better.

Every brand has implicit expectations that come along with it - you don’t expect to get JW-like service at a Fairfield Inn and vice versa. I can deal with the towel situation, but ownership is now a lot more expensive and is far from being the same quality/experience.

 

[Superchief]

I found this old thread after going through the experience myself.

Besides the towels we saw some additional cost cutting - namely the hut that used to have the mini golf clubs is unmanned and you have to get the equipment from the activity center by the marketplace. Also quite a few owners likely didn’t have their room ready by 4pm - lobby was packed with people waiting around that time. So maybe housekeeping is stretched thin.

On the towels topic - they are not shy about hinting you should wash your own towels…

View attachment 124430

I’m not sure this is what expectations were in terms of luxury and amenities when many of us bought into Marriott Resorts 15, 20 or 30 years ago. Sure, anyone can launder a towel at the expense of vacation time. But what’s next - washing the dishes at the restaurant after you dine there? At least at MCS you could get fresh towels at the activity center during a certain time window daily - seems better.

Every brand has implicit expectations that come along with it - you don’t expect to get JW-like service at a Fairfield Inn and vice versa. I can deal with the towel situation, but ownership is now a lot more expensive and is far from being the same quality/experience.

It's sad that they are cutting in areas that are more impactful to guests despite having one of the highest MF's in the continental US. Management keeps wasting the reserve funds on pet projects and cosmetic things rather than improving the owner experience.

 

[jellen613]

We are here now, I am impressed with the service. I have not been to this property before. We arrived Friday, they cleaned today on Sunday. You could tell as soon as we walked in, sparkling clean. I also saw that they repeat the cleaning every other day after the 3rd day, very nice. We own at Barony, there is never cleaning that you don't pay for (since we bought in 2008), which has not been an issue for us.

Also, we are in a one bedroom, we had all 4 beach towels at the beach, when we came back they had restocked 4 new beach towels.

 

[davidvel]

I found this old thread after going through the experience myself.

Besides the towels we saw some additional cost cutting - namely the hut that used to have the mini golf clubs (Turtle’s Nest) seems permanently unmanned and you have to get the equipment from the activity center by the marketplace. Also quite a few owners likely didn’t have their room ready by 4pm - lobby was packed with people waiting around that time. So maybe housekeeping is stretched thin.

On the towels topic - they are not shy about hinting you should wash your own towels…

View attachment 124430

I’m not sure this is what expectations were in terms of luxury and amenities when many of us bought into Marriott Resorts 15, 20 or 30 years ago. Sure, anyone can launder a towel at the expense of vacation time. But what’s next - washing the dishes at the restaurant after you dine there? At least at MCS you could get fresh towels at the activity center during a certain time window daily - seems better.

Every brand has implicit expectations that come along with it - you don’t expect to get JW-like service at a Fairfield Inn and vice versa. I can deal with the towel situation, but ownership is now a lot more expensive and is far from being the same quality/experience.

We are highly in favor of this towel situation. Too many people turn in their towels for fresh ones multiple times a day. We see this every time we are on property. People around us by the towel hut (at Ko Olina usually), get out of the pool, dry off, and then go get fresh towels. It is a bit disgusting. Probably the same people that reserve 8 chairs at 6am for their family of 4.

Beyond the waste of resources, laundry service is very expensive. We generally run a load of towels every few days, at night, if they are soiled, and rarely exchange towels during the week.

 

[Superchief]

We are here now, I am impressed with the service. I have not been to this property before. We arrived Friday, they cleaned today on Sunday. You could tell as soon as we walked in, sparkling clean. I also saw that they repeat the cleaning every other day after the 3rd day, very nice. We own at Barony, there is never cleaning that you don't pay for (since we bought in 2008), which has not been an issue for us.

Also, we are in a one bedroom, we had all 4 beach towels at the beach, when we came back they had restocked 4 new beach towels.

How long is your stay, and how did you book your villa? The policy is typically only one included cleaning per week for ownership weeks, including using Abound points.

 

[billymach4]

We are here now, I am impressed with the service. I have not been to this property before. We arrived Friday, they cleaned today on Sunday. You could tell as soon as we walked in, sparkling clean. I also saw that they repeat the cleaning every other day after the 3rd day, very nice. We own at Barony, there is never cleaning that you don't pay for (since we bought in 2008), which has not been an issue for us.

Also, we are in a one bedroom, we had all 4 beach towels at the beach, when we came back they had restocked 4 new beach towels.

I was there a few weeks ago. No cleaning the entire week. Washed my towels daily.

 

[jellen613]

How long is your stay, and how did you book your villa? The policy is typically only one included cleaning per week for ownership weeks, including using Abound points.

We are marriott owners (not here). It's a 4 day stay, Encore stay. As far as cleaning, it was in a Welcome text sent to my phone. It states "With Marriott Vacation club, your rental reservation may receive complimentary housekeeping tidy service starting on your 3rd day, then every other day after that. Services will be provided between 10am -5 pm. We are committed to the highest level of cleanliness".

As it is an Encore stay, I did not expect a cleaning at all.

 

[DanCali]

I was there a few weeks ago. No cleaning the entire week. Washed my towels daily.

Same for us…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[davidvel]

We are marriott owners (not here). It's a 4 day stay, Encore stay. As far as cleaning, it was in a Welcome text sent to my phone. It states "With Marriott Vacation club, your rental reservation may receive complimentary housekeeping tidy service starting on your 3rd day, then every other day after that. Services will be provided between 10am -5 pm. We are committed to the highest level of cleanliness".

As it is an Encore stay, I did not expect a cleaning at all.

I think Encore stays are akin to cash stays, not owner stays.

 

[dioxide45]

We are marriott owners (not here). It's a 4 day stay, Encore stay. As far as cleaning, it was in a Welcome text sent to my phone. It states "With Marriott Vacation club, your rental reservation may receive complimentary housekeeping tidy service starting on your 3rd day, then every other day after that. Services will be provided between 10am -5 pm. We are committed to the highest level of cleanliness".

As it is an Encore stay, I did not expect a cleaning at all.

Encore Package stay explains the every other day housekeeping. More like a regular Marriott.com reservation. That schedule does not apply to timeshare based reservations with Club Points or weeks.