A good trade, right? And way early

[enma]

On Wednesday I deposited my Grande Vista studio (the first week of April 2014) with II and requested any 2 bedroom only Marriott resort anytime early June to mid-August 2014 except Orlando. Every year I give a week to my nephew and his family and they are very flexible (I would be, too, if I got a free vacation )
Anyway, today, 2 days later a match came thru. Got Marriott Harbour Point at Shelter Cove (HPS) the first week of August 2014. This totally shocked me. I know this is not beach front resort but it is HHI. And August 2014, way more than 12 months in advance. Not complaining but I am a bit shocked. My nephew will be happy!
I know nothing about this resort. Any opinions?

 

[brigechols]

No opinion on the resort. Just want to say this is an excellent exchange

 

[Steve A]

Enma:

Your good trade inspired me to check on a II request I made two days ago. I gave II my silver Barony Beach unit, reserved for week 11 March 2014, for an August-September 2014 exchange at any of the oceanfront HHI resorts. There was a week on II for September 20 at the Monarch, just outside the time frame request I had made. I snagged it and will be happy to go but over the next year plus I'll see if I can re-trade into an even better week.

We really like HHI and are even thinking of moving there when we retire from our retirement jobs at the beginning of 2015.

 

[CashEddie]

On Wednesday I deposited my Grande Vista studio (the first week of April 2014) with II and requested any 2 bedroom only Marriott resort anytime early June to mid-August 2014 except Orlando. Every year I give a week to my nephew and his family and they are very flexible (I would be, too, if I got a free vacation )
Anyway, today, 2 days later a match came thru. Got Marriott Harbour Point at Shelter Cove (HPS) the first week of August 2014. This totally shocked me. I know this is not beach front resort but it is HHI. And August 2014, way more than 12 months in advance. Not complaining but I am a bit shocked. My nephew will be happy!
I know nothing about this resort. Any opinions?

Emma,

I own at Harbor Point and its a very nice resort. This was a good score since its first week of August and still considered prime summer time for HHI. The reason you were able to match up so early is that Harbor Point has fixed weeks so we can deposit our weeks at 18 months out in II.

In terms of the resort, its right on the marsh right by Shelter Cove. The resort is undergoing refurbs of soft goods, all gas grill have been upgraded, fiber optics is being installed for Internet with new wireless access points. The resort has two pools. You will be in the center of the island being able to get to all popular places really quick. Shelter Cove is a nice area and you will be right accross the march from the Disney resort. You can catch a charter boat from the Cove to take a tour around the island, go fishing, etc. You will be in walking distance (nice walk) from Sante Fe Cafe which is one of the popular restuarants on the island. Fresh Market is like 1 mile away.
Its similar to the Whole Foods Market chain.

Every Tuesday night during the summer, you will have front row seats to the island's fireworks show. Major event on the island where lots of folks converge on the Shelter Cove area.

You can rent bikes at the resort and there is a path that leads to the beach areas. Its about 10-20 minute ride to the beach on the bikes (depending on how fast you go). There is also a free on-demand shuttle that takes you from the resort to the beach. There is a nice beach house cafe there where you can order lunch and drinks. Beach house has a changing area. There is a very small parking lot at the beach but unless you get there super early in the morning, it will be impossible to park so its best to take the free shuttle or ride the bikes over if you are up to that.

I purchased a resale summer week (week 28) from a TUGGer. Being directly on the beach was not a factor for me and I wasn't trying to spend a ton of money and still have a 10 minute walk to the beach from one of the big three Marriott resorts "on the beach."

Congrats again on the great trade. Hope you enjoy the island.

 

[tashamen]

Every year I give a week to my nephew and his family and they are very flexible.

Any opinions?

My opinion is that you're a very generous aunt or uncle!

 

[enma]

My opinion is that you're a very generous aunt or uncle!

I think I am a pretty nice aunt
BUT I only give them a week if I can get it with a studio or better yet , a XYZ or AC week. So far I have been successful.

Anyone know what kind of unit HAPT is at Harbour Point? That is what my confirmation says.

Pretty excited about this trade. Shows how you can get nice trades with a studio if requested early. Trades like this make it so hard to justify using points even though most of our weeks are enrolled in DC.

 

[MOXJO7282]

Awesome trade, awesome aunt!!

 

[GrayFal]

Awesome trade, awesome aunt!!

Ditto!

 

[enma]

I looked up on Marriott website what it says about the unit I got as an exchange...it says Harbour Point, 2 Bedroom Villa, No view, Balcony, HARBOUR POINT FIXED, 1220sqft/110sqm

So my understanding is that this is a fixed week the owner has. The biggest unit they have? But no view....what does that mean? Facing the parking lot? Does anyone have any insight into the units there?

 

[MALC9990]

I looked up on Marriott website what it says about the unit I got as an exchange...it says Harbour Point, 2 Bedroom Villa, No view, Balcony, HARBOUR POINT FIXED, 1220sqft/110sqm

So my understanding is that this is a fixed week the owner has. The biggest unit they have? But no view....what does that mean? Facing the parking lot? Does anyone have any insight into the units there?

Stayed at harbour Point last year in a unit described exactly as you describe. there are no Parking Lot Views the units all face the Shelter Cove inlet which is tidal and you get some great views of the dolphins if you are lucky or as my wife reported - "There is an alligator out there - no - that was a piece of wood floating on the tide.

Some units might get a pool view with the tidal marsh beyond.

We loved the resort - not on the beach but they have a shuttle to the beach and parking arranged at the beach by the entrance to Palmetto Dunes and you can walk into the marina and there are lots of places to eat and drink without having to drive.

 

[enma]

Stayed at harbour Point last year in a unit described exactly as you describe. there are no Parking Lot Views the units all face the Shelter Cove inlet which is tidal and you get some great views of the dolphins if you are lucky or as my wife reported - "There is an alligator out there - no - that was a piece of wood floating on the tide.

Some units might get a pool view with the tidal marsh beyond.

We loved the resort - not on the beach but they have a shuttle to the beach and parking arranged at the beach by the entrance to Palmetto Dunes and you can walk into the marina and there are lots of places to eat and drink without having to drive.

Thanks!! Feel better now!

 

[topmom101]

Can someone please explain to me how to trade a Marriott studio for a Marriott 2-bedroom? How would you find out which Marriott are all 2-bedrooms?

I own a 2-bedroom at Harbour Lake in Orlando (gold season bought on eBay, never been there, use it for trading mostly in Aruba). Each year I deposit it as a lockoff and always trade the 1 bedroom. Would love to be able to trade the remaining studio for something bigger. Also, I never actually reserve a specific week by calling ahead. Usually, I call when my MF is due and at that time also pay the lockoff fee and tell them I am depositing my unit. They, in turn, assign me a week. I then call II and put in a request. Although I have always gotten my requests, Aruba, Myrtle Beach, Oahu, I would love to know if there is a way to use the studio to my advantage. I still have so much to learn.

 

[SueDonJ]

Can someone please explain to me how to trade a Marriott studio for a Marriott 2-bedroom? How would you find out which Marriott are all 2-bedrooms?

I own a 2-bedroom at Harbour Lake in Orlando (gold season bought on eBay, never been there, use it for trading mostly in Aruba). Each year I deposit it as a lockoff and always trade the 1 bedroom. Would love to be able to trade the remaining studio for something bigger. Also, I never actually reserve a specific week by calling ahead. Usually, I call when my MF is due and at that time also pay the lockoff fee and tell them I am depositing my unit. They, in turn, assign me a week. I then call II and put in a request. Although I have always gotten my requests, Aruba, Myrtle Beach, Oahu, I would love to know if there is a way to use the studio to my advantage. I still have so much to learn.

Check out this thread, specifically Post #12 in it, for the list of resorts with non-lockoff units: 2BR Non-Lockoff Marriotts [FAQ Thread]

I'll leave the questions about how to get the most exchange value out of lock-off portions to those who have more experience.

 

[1st Class]

I looked up on Marriott website what it says about the unit I got as an exchange...it says Harbour Point, 2 Bedroom Villa, No view, Balcony, HARBOUR POINT FIXED, 1220sqft/110sqm

So my understanding is that this is a fixed week the owner has. The biggest unit they have? But no view....what does that mean? Facing the parking lot? Does anyone have any insight into the units there?

I've never stayed there, but I know that's an "A" unit, the largest of the villa types at Harbor Point. Nice catch! There's a map that shows the unit types/#s and layout of the resort in TUG's resort reviews if you want to check out villa locations.

 

[rickandcindy23]

We have received many exchanges into 2 bedrooms with our studio units, including a last-minute Newport last year 6/2 check-in. I was able to get a week for our daughter with a 1 bed Willow Ridge via an ongoing search, and then one came through for us for 6/2, which I grabbed online with a studio at Willow Ridge.

 

[rsackett]

I looked up on Marriott website what it says about the unit I got as an exchange...it says Harbour Point, 2 Bedroom Villa, No view, Balcony, HARBOUR POINT FIXED, 1220sqft/110sqm

So my understanding is that this is a fixed week the owner has. The biggest unit they have? But no view....what does that mean? Facing the parking lot? Does anyone have any insight into the units there?

I would not get too excited about the room size. I own a fixed week 32 there in a "C" sized unit (963 sqft).

When I look up my next reservation details on the Marriott web site it states: "Room Details – Harbour Point, 2 Bedroom Villa, No view, Balcony" , in Room Features it states 1220sqft/110sqm. I think this is what they list for all the rooms. As a trader you will get whatever room the front desk assigns you. That said I do not know of a parking lot or dumpster view at Harbour Point! We love it there.

Ray

 

[pedro47]

A very nice exchange for a studio from a great aunt. HHI is a great location and the price was right.

 

[jont]

This is the first time that I heard that there is a beach shuttle from this resort. I knew that Disney had a shuttle but did not know about Harbor Pointe. Is it on demand?Which beach does it go to, palmetto dunes? Is it the Marriot hotel beach in Palmeto Dunes? If so are the hotel pool privileges?

 

[rsackett]

This is the first time that I heard that there is a beach shuttle from this resort. I knew that Disney had a shuttle but did not know about Harbor Pointe. Is it on demand?Which beach does it go to, palmetto dunes? Is it the Marriot hotel beach in Palmeto Dunes? If so are the hotel pool privileges?

This is taken from the HARBOUR & SUNSET POINTE Web Site: http://harbourpointcoa.com/harbourpointcoa/page.html

"Dunes Buggy - Courtesy transportation is available to the beach or other locations in Palmetto Dunes via the "Dunes Buggy". This is an "on demand" service offered on a first come, first served, basis, but vans generally arrive within 10 minutes of your request. The Dunes Buggy runs March through October from 8 am until 9 pm, Sunday through Wednesday and until 10 pm Thursday through Saturday, with extended hours June through August. To schedule a pickup, call 843-689-4222."

No Hotel privileges that I am aware of. My family and I have used this service may times and find it to be very fast and convenient. There is a small outdoor restaurant right where the Buggy drops you off for drinks, burgers and such. You will need a way to pay though, no room charging agreement.

Ray

 

[jont]

This is taken from the HARBOUR & SUNSET POINTE Web Site: http://harbourpointcoa.com/harbourpointcoa/page.html

"Dunes Buggy - Courtesy transportation is available to the beach or other locations in Palmetto Dunes via the "Dunes Buggy". This is an "on demand" service offered on a first come, first served, basis, but vans generally arrive within 10 minutes of your request. The Dunes Buggy runs March through October from 8 am until 9 pm, Sunday through Wednesday and until 10 pm Thursday through Saturday, with extended hours June through August. To schedule a pickup, call 843-689-4222."

No Hotel privileges that I am aware of. My family and I have used this service may times and find it to be very fast and convenient. There is a small outdoor restaurant right where the Buggy drops you off for drinks, burgers and such. You will need a way to pay though, no room charging agreement.

Ray

Thanks Ray

 

[dioxide45]

Anyone know what kind of unit HAPT is at Harbour Point? That is what my confirmation says.

I believe all of the units at Harbour Point are deposited with the HAPT unit code. There is only one unit code listed in the Marriott II Unit Codes thread. So there is no way to tell which type of unit you will get until checkin.

 

[022520]

trade a studio for a 2 bdrm

All of the Marriotts on HHI are two bdrms. If you get a trade, you get a 2bdrm.

Larry

 

[tschwa2]

This is the first time that I heard that there is a beach shuttle from this resort. I knew that Disney had a shuttle but did not know about Harbor Pointe. Is it on demand?Which beach does it go to, palmetto dunes? Is it the Marriot hotel beach in Palmeto Dunes? If so are the hotel pool privileges?

The shuttle is not exclusive to the Marriott resorts. It is available to everyone staying at Shelter Cove. It takes you to the Palmetto beach. There is a small parking lot that you also get a pass to but unless you get there early you won't get a spot. No pool at the beach but there is a bar that serves food-
The Dunes House

 

[dioxide45]

On Wednesday I deposited my Grande Vista studio (the first week of April 2014) with II and requested any 2 bedroom only Marriott resort anytime early June to mid-August 2014 except Orlando. Every year I give a week to my nephew and his family and they are very flexible (I would be, too, if I got a free vacation )
Anyway, today, 2 days later a match came thru. Got Marriott Harbour Point at Shelter Cove (HPS) the first week of August 2014. This totally shocked me. I know this is not beach front resort but it is HHI. And August 2014, way more than 12 months in advance. Not complaining but I am a bit shocked. My nephew will be happy!
I know nothing about this resort. Any opinions?

While this is a great exchange, I think the non beach HHI properties are definitely an easier trade than getting in to the ones on the beach. Still a great trade, but not sure if it qualifies for this thread.

 

[Beverley]

I looked up on Marriott website what it says about the unit I got as an exchange...it says Harbour Point, 2 Bedroom Villa, No view, Balcony, HARBOUR POINT FIXED, 1220sqft/110sqm

So my understanding is that this is a fixed week the owner has. The biggest unit they have? But no view....what does that mean? Facing the parking lot? Does anyone have any insight into the units there?

From what I know of the different units they range in size from approximately 900 sg feet to a little over 1200 sg feet. It appears your trade was to one of their larger units. That being said, I have traded into other fixed unit resorts and the front desk assigns the unit and it is not always the one on your confirmation. As Marriott acquires units to add to the trust pool, they have flex units and it is possible they might assign a different one. In any case the location of the resort and the trade is a good trade. Your nephew will love it. You did well with your studio.
Beverley