Saintsfanfl
TUG Member
Yes, they can still upgrade you. Upgrades are based on the individual property. It can even be influenced by the actual owner.
Any new info on the mapping? It looks like all the categories from 6-9 are really dropping down two levels give or take. I cannot imagine buying a cat 7 package and being able to use it to reserve a new cat 7 category. I just don't see them doing that. That said, is there any harm is buying the highest category packages and then seeing how it plays out? Is there any downside to that, besides not being able to get as many packages before 8/1?
I am sitting on 1,064,000 points. I am leaning towards doing four Cat 6 packages. If I go any higher in cat, then it drops to only 3 packages. Unless I buy SPG points on my DW and transfer them. Then I could do four Cat 7 packages.
I have never redeemed for a travel package so I am looking for advice. I definitely want to do them before 8/1.
Many people find the most value is derived from the airline miles portion of the TP. You can do the math and see what is best for you. If you do intend to use the 7 day package, then I believe you really need to compare the cost now vs. after August 1. I think you will find it quite beneficial to get them before 8/1. Cheers.I see a lot of people are booking 5 night packages vs 7 night packages and the reference to it being a better value. Can someone explain why the preference for 5 day? Anywhere we typically would use the package we would go for 7 days but I'm just curious about the 5 night package being a better deal.
I’m leaning toward the five packages so I get another 120,000 miles and then deal with the mapping or converting later.
5-night has been the default because over time you end up with more packages, and therefore more miles. It doesn’t mean much right now because if you only have the points for one or two, it’s the same miles whether you do cat 5 or 7.
My situation is a little different because if I add another 21,000 points I can do five cat5 packages. Or I can sit tight and do three 6 and one 8. I’m leaning toward the five packages so I get another 120,000 miles and then deal with the mapping or converting later.
https://owners.marriottvacationclub.com/timeshare/mvco/marriottRewardsOwnerSpecials
5-Night Travel Package Rewards for Marriott Vacation Club Owners
5 Nights in Hotel Category Airline Miles / Points
Group 1 50,000 70,000 100,000 120,000
Group 2 35,000 50,000 70,000 85,000
Group 3 25,000 35,000 50,000 60,000
United Airlines 55,000 77,000 110,000 132,000
1 - 5 165,000 185,000 215,000 235,000
6 180,000 200,000 230,000 250,000
7 200,000 220,000 250,000 270,000
8 230,000 250,000 280,000 300,000
9 275,000 295,000 325,000 345,000
(Effective 5/16/2013)
You can’t use the hotel certificates portion for timeshare, can you? Just curious you mentioned the cove?That's what I would do.
You can, but I've yet to find an MVC property with availability during the time I wanted. The ones I've looked at were Cat 8 with no openings...ever, or at least when I wanted.You can’t use the hotel certificates portion for timeshare, can you? Just curious you mentioned the cove?
I’ve never seen one available either. That’s why I didn’t think they could be used. Has anyone ever had any luck?You can, but I've yet to find an MVC property with availability during the time I wanted. The ones I've looked at were Cat 8 with no openings...ever, or at least when I wanted.
Refresh my memory about the cove. It doesn't sound familiar to me.
I was able to get Frenchman's Cove on an instant exchange, not a certificate. I'm sorry, but I don't remember my comment about using a certificate at MFC. I'll edit this if it comes to mind.Frenchmans Cove, st. Thomas
1) I have a 7-day cert that I've extended once. I think I want to use it before the year ends (and the SWA companion pass), to complete our "Southwest Airlines Year". It seems to me the sweet spot is to use that at a place that Southwest flies (free flight, free stay). JW Marriott in Cabo seems the top choice right now, for 90K more points. Other suggestions? Maybe I should disconnect the certificate and the Companion pass in my thinking and consider different options.
I'd like some advise. We only have about 350k points but would like to take advantage of the highest mileage to transfer (120k for Southwest), not sure which category hotel level I should buy - either 7 or 8, or 9. We have no immediate plans for travel, we'd like to go to Australia/New Zealand or Barcelona/Madrid by taking a Collette tour. Should I also try to purchase spg points and convert to get more points to then buy another package. We are set to choose Southwest since my husband has many trips to go up the Northern California for football games this coming season. Any comments would help clear my confusion. THANKS