[2024] MARRIOTT OWNERS: Important Update to our Guest of Owner Policy from Marriott Vacation Clubs [Related thread in the TUG Vistana forum.]

[trev]

I am vacationing in Kaua'i currently and have stayed at Kauai Lagoons and Waiohai. At checkin at both properties, the front desk agent asked for the names of all who would be in our room. I have never had this happen before for our previous MVC stays.
They typed in the names into the computer as we told them, although all those listed weren't at the check in desk with me. One of our children has a unique spelling to their name, and the front desk rep didn't ask how it was spelled.
Not sure if this is a new process for the laundering/trafficking policies, or something unique to these properties.



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[davidvel]

Then you need to start sending emails to your HOA BOD.

The "Board" email adresses all go to MVC, most likely because most board members are still MVC controlled persons. Even if there are a few "independent" board members at some MVC resorts, the emails are clearly filtered through MVC corporate. I've tried this multiple times, and always received a response from the MVC resort manager. I guess you could go to a meeting and they likely would refer you to the manager.

 

[Hindsite]

The "Board" email adresses all go to MVC, most likely because most board members are still MVC controlled persons. Even if there are a few "independent" board members at some MVC resorts, the emails are clearly filtered through MVC corporate. I've tried this multiple times, and always received a response from the MVC resort manager. I guess you could go to a meeting and they likely would refer you to the manager.

There was a data breach with misuse of owner contact information some years ago, which is what led to the emails being changed to MVC ones.

Could have well been highly convenient for the company for that to happen so they could implement the change, but as always, its bad behaviour by a few owners that hands them the opportunity to do these things.

 

[rthib]

I am vacationing in Kaua'i currently and have stayed at Kauai Lagoons and Waiohai. At checkin at both properties, the front desk agent asked for the names of all who would be in our room. I have never had this happen before for our previous MVC stays.
They typed in the names into the computer as we told them, although all those listed weren't at the check in desk with me. One of our children has a unique spelling to their name, and the front desk rep didn't ask how it was spelled.
Not sure if this is a new process for the laundering/trafficking policies, or something unique to these properties.



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That was policy during COVID times there.

 

[BigDawgTUG]

I am vacationing in Kaua'i currently and have stayed at Kauai Lagoons and Waiohai. At checkin at both properties, the front desk agent asked for the names of all who would be in our room. I have never had this happen before for our previous MVC stays.
They typed in the names into the computer as we told them, although all those listed weren't at the check in desk with me. One of our children has a unique spelling to their name, and the front desk rep didn't ask how it was spelled.
Not sure if this is a new process for the laundering/trafficking policies, or something unique to these properties.



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Same for me for my stays at Westin Princeville and Waiohai this July. I had to provide the front desk clerk with the names of all persons staying with us. I have never had to do that before.

 

[Hindsite]

Same for me for my stays at Westin Princeville and Waiohai this July. I had to provide the front desk clerk with the names of all persons staying with us. I have never had to do that before.

Was that all persons or all Adult persons?
I don't remember a time when I have stayed at a vacation club or hotel when I wasn't asked for the info on all guests. I even had to take the check-in form out to the car for my partner to sign when I was in St Maartin in Feb.

 

[rsackett]

I own a week at a fixed week, fixed unit resort. I fail to see the reason for this policy at my resort. If I become ill at the last moment I should be allowed to let anyone I want use my unit. Why should I be forced to give it to Interval and let them give it to someone I do not know?

Ray

 

[BigDawgTUG]

Was that all persons or all Adult persons?
I don't remember a time when I have stayed at a vacation club or hotel when I wasn't asked for the info on all guests. I even had to take the check-in form out to the car for my partner to sign when I was in St Maartin in Feb.

First time for me as well, but it was consistent at both resorts. Each asked for the names for all occupants. They did not distinguish between adults and minors. In concept, I guess I could have provided less than all (how would they know?), but, in the case of Waiohai, the number of wrist bands that they provided to me to use the pool and facilities was determined by them based on the number of guests whose names I had previously provided.

 

[Pink_Warrior]

I had to give passports in France (normal) but they also charge a per person per day for adults. Hawaii has the unit size transient tax so maybe Hawaii has it in the works to tax per person rather than unit size. Just a wild guess. With Wyndham we always have to list our occupants but they say it is for the fire marshall.

 

[TXTortoise]

Does also beg the question of how Interval deposits inside of 30 days would/should be impacted. Seems they would have to play by same rules...though I guess they get a waiver like marriott.com does. With Hawaii rentals occurring closer to the start date over the last few years, this will be interesting. Like marriott.com, folks don't plan as far out any longer.

 

[LeslieDet]

Does also beg the question of how Interval deposits inside of 30 days would/should be impacted. Seems they would have to play by same rules...though I guess they get a waiver like marriott.com does. With Hawaii rentals occurring closer to the start date over the last few years, this will be interesting. Like marriott.com, folks don't plan as far out any longer.

I don't believe that II deposits or exchanges made in less than 30 days will be impacted. II and MVC can communicate directly to update reservation information. The II reservations are not going to be rentals, which seems to have been the driver to disable the back door access folks had been using to avoid using the form for the past year+.

 

[dioxide45]

I suspect the 30 days is simply a CYA date to give them ample time to complete any name changes. So far it seems changes are being done in just a couple days. We have no reports of anyone being denied checkin because their name was on the reservation but not done outside 30 days. I would think if they enforce the 30 day requirement, they will just reject the form and notify the owner they were too late. Much of this is to do about nothing, probably just a bad choice of wording in the email as the form has different wording.

 

[frank808]

Personally, I’d give the worst views to the units with the most recent reservations, i.e. the reservations made closest to arrival date. That’s how Vistana does it, and it has always seemed eminently fair to me. That method also allows you to allocate all of the rooms in a fair and uniform way, in order of reservation time stamp. Because the reality is that you don’t have any property with 25 identical great views and 5 identical lousy views, you have a whole continuum where you could probably rank the rooms in “view order” from best to worst. Having a uniform way to allocate those rooms by view makes things fair for everyone.

im not sure how MVC does their room allocation, my understanding is that it’s NOT by timestamp like Vistana, but I’ve never figured out whether there is a methodology to it.

I really don't know how they assign rooms at MKO also. I have 2br ocean view deeded weeks booked 17 months in advance at MKO. Got assigned room on the second floor of Naia.

A deeded weeks owner booking 12 consecutive ocean view weeks gets assigned a room on the 2nd floor. Now they did move us after two weeks because I asked for a higher floor.

If MKO is using time stamp, I can't believe that so many deeded owners beat me in booking July 2024 dates before Feb 2023.

As for II exchanges, I understand not getting good views. But booking almost a year and half out paying $3200 per deeded week in maintenance fees has me thinking how are views assigned. Probably the squeaky wheel getting the oil is the best reason.

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[jwalk03]

I suspect the 30 days is simply a CYA date to give them ample time to complete any name changes. So far it seems changes are being done in just a couple days. We have no reports of anyone being denied checkin because their name was on the reservation but not done outside 30 days. I would think if they enforce the 30 day requirement, they will just reject the form and notify the owner they were too late. Much of this is to do about nothing, probably just a bad choice of wording in the email as the form has different wording.

I agree with this 100%. They put 30 days because they are using a slow manual process to make the updates and they don't want to get a huge influx of last minute ones that they are unable to complete in time. Nothing more. Hopefully they can get their IT people to create a more workable process that is not manual! (I know this is asking a lot of the Marriott IT folks which seem to still be operating as if its 1985.)

 

[mrsgimli]

So, if you rent for more than 30 days out and fill out the Guest of Owner form as required, you should be OK?

 

[msmasters624]

Has anyone ever written a formal complaint to state of Florida, time share division. Is it worth our time to do this? https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/condos.../complaints/...
they should not be able to change the rules in the middle of my contract, make a change for new owners only.

 

[TravelJoy]

Has anyone ever written a formal complaint to state of Florida, time share division. Is it worth our time to do this? https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/condos.../complaints/...
they should not be able to change the rules in the middle of my contract, make a change for new owners only.

They should be challenged, go for it.

 

[Hindsite]

So, if you rent for more than 30 days out and fill out the Guest of Owner form as required, you should be OK?

Yes, it also appears that you can change the name inside 30 days.

Has anyone ever written a formal complaint to state of Florida, time share division. Is it worth our time to do this? https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/condos.../complaints/...
they should not be able to change the rules in the middle of my contract, make a change for new owners only.

Read your contract to see what they are and aren't allowed to do and then make your challenge based on that.

 

[sfcolliejr]

That is until they have to send said lawyers to individual cases to defend the asinine rules, I tell you they bank on most people simply laying down and falling in line.

I was just about to post this also:
====

​

​ GUEST OF owner​ FORM REQUIREMENTS​

​ Our number-one priority is helping our Owners fully enjoy and use their vacation ownership. Because of this, we’re updating our procedures to identify arriving and/or unaccompanied guests to provide a reservation process that is consistent for all Owners. If a guest is utilizing an Owner’s reservation at one of the 90+ resorts and properties in Abound by Marriott Vacations, the Owner must provide the guest’s specific and accurate information no less than 30 days prior to the check-in date. This will help prevent misuse of the reservation process. It also streamlines the check-in process and villa assignment procedures and will help ensure Owner and guest satisfaction. Guests who have not completed a Guest of Owner form at least 30 days prior to arrival at a resort will not be able to check in. Can I Change a Guest’s Name At Marriott.com? The only way to add or modify a guest’s name on a reservation is to complete the Guest of Owner form available on your Owner website: Vistana.com. You may not change a name on a reservation on Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy app. You will also not be able to call Owner Services or have it changed by the front desk. Who is required to provide identifying information? If a friend or family member is staying with you, in your villa or similar accommodation, you don’t need to add their name to your reservation or provide the Guest of Owner form unless they will be checking in before you. The Guest of Owner form is only required for guests who are staying in an Owner’s villa without the Owner present, or who are arriving before the Owner. How do I update my reservation with the guest’s name? Log in to Vistana.com, go to the “My Vacations” page, select “View Details” on the reservation you’d like to update, then select “Change Guest Name.”​

When did you receive the email. We are Vistana (Westin Flex) owners. I have not received this. We have rented 2 weeks this summer. One already done but one coming up in September.

 

[Superchief]

I've only stayed in MVC and Ritz timeshares for the past few years and I don't recall ever being asked the names for other guests in my party. They just ask me how many keys I want and whether my wife is staying with me (so they can try to schedule sales presentation). Most of my stays are now using points and I usually add the names of at least one of my guests on the reservation. Occasionally I let family or friends use the timeshare and they cover the MF cost, but I've just added their names when I make the reservation. Does MVC now expect me to fill out this form for people who are already on the reservation?

 

[mrsgimli]

When did you receive the email. We are Vistana (Westin Flex) owners. I have not received this. We have rented 2 weeks this summer. One already done but one coming up in September.

Abound member. Received the email on 7/19/24.

 

[TravelJoy]

When did you receive the email. We are Vistana (Westin Flex) owners. I have not received this. We have rented 2 weeks this summer. One already done but one coming up in September.

Received when I made that post, recently.

 

[TravelJoy]

I had to give passports in France (normal) but they also charge a per person per day for adults. Hawaii has the unit size transient tax so maybe Hawaii has it in the works to tax per person rather than unit size. Just a wild guess. With Wyndham we always have to list our occupants but they say it is for the fire marshall.

Yes, most internationally, even for locals, demand far more scrutiny vs. stateside. Purchase a phone or sim? The authorities will know your name, date, and time of purchase along with all call records. But I digress.

 

[TravelJoy]

Does MVC now expect me to fill out this form for people who are already on the reservation?

Yes, if you are not accompanying them.
"
The Guest of Owner form is only required for guests who are staying in an Owner’s villa without the Owner present, or who are arriving before the Owner.
"

 

[LeslieDet]

I've only stayed in MVC and Ritz timeshares for the past few years and I don't recall ever being asked the names for other guests in my party. They just ask me how many keys I want and whether my wife is staying with me (so they can try to schedule sales presentation). Most of my stays are now using points and I usually add the names of at least one of my guests on the reservation. Occasionally I let family or friends use the timeshare and they cover the MF cost, but I've just added their names when I make the reservation. Does MVC now expect me to fill out this form for people who are already on the reservation?

No, if you added the guest's name at the time of making the reservation, you do not need to supplement that with the guest of owner form.