Aaahhh!

[ocdb8r]

I am SO tired of Starwood/II banking issues. I'm a Platinum week SBP owner, not in SVN...trying to exercise my right to deposit my week. I've spoken to a series of people all the way up the ladder that say I have no right to choose the week that gets deposited. Even after talking about the difference between SVN and the old Embassy contracts I've been told Starwood has the right to change any banking policies as they see fit. The biggest concession I've gotten is they will at least bank something in the same season (as opposed to the week 4 deposit they gave me!) UGH!

I know there has been some discussion about using the request first method to avoid this BUT I feel like the trade strength isn't as strong as a deposit first PLUS I want to be able to use my week for two years (which requires it be deposited first).

Anyone else have an idea of what we can do? I feel like someone needs to get this issue clarified with Starwood's banking team once and for all.

 

[chalucky]

Not being a lawyer (alas.... I went to medical schools instead), I think getting something in writing from Starwood insisting it was their right to deposit whatever they want to (even though you are not an SVO member). Then do a little TUG fundraising (I'll contribute the first $20) and threaten them with a class action lawsuit (bludgeon them with whatever you got in writing from the unsuspecting SVO brass). Any lawyers want to chime in?

 

[ciscogizmo1]

Bummer... and I have no advice for you...

I just don't understand why they won't even give you a week you want. Can't they list the weeks they have available for deposit and let you pick the one you want. So, at least you get to pick the best available from the list.

I know, I won't deposit my Maui unit into II unless I am TOTALLY desperate because of Starwood's policy. I'd either rient or use it. Or I'd trade internally within Starwood.

I've exchanged a lot but I use my Marriott units and I've gotten great trades. If it makes you feel better, I've never noticed a difference in trading a great platinum week and okay platinum week. It seems like all my units pull the same units. All my weeks are platinum but I always thought some were better than others but I don't find that when I do test trades.

Good luck...

 

[jerseygirl]

... I've never noticed a difference in trading a great platinum week and okay platinum week. It seems like all my units pull the same units. All my weeks are platinum but I always thought some were better than others but I don't find that when I do test trades.

Good luck...

Unfortunately, that's not the case with SBP. Platinum season is 9-43 and 47. The early spring and late fall weeks trade very poorly -- 47 is AWFUL (I got stuck with it one year).

I'm up for a legal challenge as well!

 

[stevens397]

Conceptually, I agree with all of the postings. Someone who bought resale and is not included in SVN should have the right to do whatever they want. It is amazing to me that Starwood gets to deteremine what's mandatory and what's voluntary and then be able to exert ANY control over those who, realizing the difference, are content to remain outside the Starwood network.

But that said, it is interesting to me that there is a parallel thread going on where people are posting how they did with II trades. As a new purchaser of WMH resale, I'm thrilled to see that somehow, fair or not fair, it seems to work very well.

 

[Fredm]

I have read everything I can get my hands on.

While Starwood is clear about exchange inventory assignment for SVN members, I can find nothing that even references such discretion for shares not in SVN.
One would think that since they so clear about their process re: SVN, they would at least make passing reference to it for non-SVN inventory. But, they don't.

I am not a lawyer. I am simply trying to figure out how Starwood rationalizes it.

It seems to me the control mechanism is not with Starwood. It is with I.I.
I.I. verifies the inventory with Starwood, and accepts what Starwood says, even thought the I.I. member has an independent account with I.I.
I.I. does not do that with any other of its members. They verify the reservation. Period. So, I.I. is capitulating to Starwood's wishes as the quid pro quo for having SVO resorts in its network.

By contrast, SFX simply takes the week given by the owner. If Starwood really had the control to deny the deposit of a non SVN owner reservation, they would do it with SFX as well. They do not because SFX doesn't care what Starwood wants. They have no leverage over SFX.
This implies that Starwood does not have the right to do what they do. They do it with I.I. because they can.

To put this in perspective, substitute the exchange deposit with a rental (or a gift).
The owner reserves a week, but is not occupying it. What's the difference?
Starwood cannot tell an owner that someone else cannot occupy the owners reservation. THAT would be trampling on the bundle of rights attached to real estate. Starwood has a case with SVN exchange inventory because it is superseded by SVN member rules. No such rules apply to non-members.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

 

[Kimberly614]

Sometimes, you can get lucky with Starwood. I called to deposit my PGA week (I own gold season)...the lady at Starwood told me they couldn't guarantee me a specific week, but that it would be in my season. Well, they deposited a platinum March week. I do not expect to be so lucky again, but it was a nice surprise.

 

[SDKath]

I believe your right to deposit your deeded week IS in the owner's papers that is on line at Starcentral for SBP. It IS for SDO! Pat (grayfal) knows this in detail so someone PM her to look at this thread.

 

[jerseygirl]

I believe your right to deposit your deeded week IS in the owner's papers that is on line at Starcentral for SBP. It IS for SDO! Pat (grayfal) knows this in detail so someone PM her to look at this thread.

You have the right to book your deeded week 2 years in advance (if not booked, everything turns to float at the 12-month mark), but I don't think there's specific language that states you can deposit your deeded week.

However, in the user guide, it states:

What if I am unsure of my vacation plans?

If you aren't sure when or where you would like to take your vacation during any Reservation Window, you should take action to reserve a 7-day Vacation Period and deposit it with your external exchange company.

I've tried pointing this out to the reps in the past, but it still takes an act of God to get your reserved week deposited -- and Fred is right, it shouldn't.

The user guide is pretty lame -- it doesn't even get the season right (the wrong weeks are listed for platinum).

Then, there's another publication on mystarcentral for SBP (and probably for the other resorts as well, but I didn't check), entitled, "Learn how to exchange your week using Interval International." In this section, it states:

Before contacting Interval International, you must contact Owner Services online or by phone to arrange your week for travel with Interval International.

Fight for your rights!!

 

[ocdb8r]

Thanks for all the input everyone. They have pulled my week 4 deposit and are going to deposit a "better week" - one that is at least in my season. (I love that they were able to pull the deposit instantaneously but need a day or two to deposit the new week)

The whole method by which starwood does this is ridiculous. In my most recent conversation the "manger" indicated I should wait because they haven't deposited SBP weeks past April(and apparently you can only be assigned what they have already deposited). She said she would "request" that they deposit a later week for me. They are completely oblivious to how the system works...HELLO I need my week deposited now so when you do your KAA/KAN May/June deposit I have a request pending to snap it up!

If I don't get something decent I'll pitch a fit...apparently there has been some success sending a letter to legal asking for official clarification (and documentation) of where Starwood gets to determine your deposited week (for NON-SVN owners). If they can't produce that I'm all about further escalation!

 

[chalucky]

I think you should post the managers full name who accommodated your request....might be helpful to refer to a real employee so the next TUG'er
doesn't have to re-invent the wheel whan they request similar consideration.

 

[Ken555]

In my most recent conversation the "manger" indicated I should wait because they haven't deposited SBP weeks past April(and apparently you can only be assigned what they have already deposited).

This is really interesting, and may explain why my recent deposit of my summer WMH week actually got me a March deposit. Does anyone else recall depositing into II their week 12 months in advance and actually receiving a week that far in the future? Perhaps this is one way for those with less than stellar seasons (ie. people like me with our summer WMH weeks!) to get better trading weeks...just be sure to deposit early.

Keep going for your right to deposit "your" week! This whole thing really is ridiculous.

 

[Bill4728]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ocdb8r
In my most recent conversation the "manger" indicated I should wait because they haven't deposited SBP weeks past April(and apparently you can only be assigned what they have already deposited).

This is really interesting, and may explain why my recent deposit of my summer WMH week actually got me a March deposit. Does anyone else recall depositing into II their week 12 months in advance and actually receiving a week that far in the future? Perhaps this is one way for those with less than stellar seasons (ie. people like me with our summer WMH weeks!) to get better trading weeks...just be sure to deposit early.

Keep going for your right to deposit "your" week! This whole thing really is ridiculous.

What this may mean is that Starwood "bulk banks" with II. So starwood doesn't deposit a week into II when you call to ask them to deposit a week, they have already deposited a whole bunch of weeks. So when you call you are assigned a week which is already in II. Not one which Starwood takes out of inventory and gives to II.

While Starwood is clear about exchange inventory assignment for SVN members, I can find nothing that even references such discretion for shares not in SVN.
One would think that since they so clear about their process re: SVN, they would at least make passing reference to it for non-SVN inventory. But, they don't.

But I also agree with Fred, There seem to be nothing which gives Starwood to control non-SVN inventory with II.

 

[SDKath]

What this may mean is that Starwood "bulk banks" with II. So starwood doesn't deposit a week into II when you call to ask them to deposit a week, they have already deposited a whole bunch of weeks. So when you call you are assigned a week which is already in II. Not one which Starwood takes out of inventory and gives to II.

Sorry but this is incorrect. In the past, Starwood has actually created and deposited the very week I had deeded (including a week 52) into II. They can do it on the phone while you wait. They literally create that week for deposit into II. If you don't say anything, they will pick from a bulk banked week -- which is usually a lower season week.

Also forgot to add that you HAVE to have your own II account to have any control of your weeks. If you are using your SVN II account for resale purchases, don't expect any of this to happen. K

 

[LisaRex]

I bought resale from a prior WKORV-N owner. I received the owner's handbook, etc from her directly. Had she not been kind enough to send it to me, I would have never seen it. The only thing I ever received from Starwood was a brief letter and an offer to buy StarPoints from them. No owner's manual, no handbook, no rules & regulations was ever sent.

MyStarCentral has info that I can look up, but I don't think non-SVN owners have access to it. So how would a resale owner know what their rights are at all? Is this how all timeshare transfers work?

If I buy a home in a community that has a homeowners' association, the fact that I'm obligated to join the HOA is spelled out in my purchase contract. And the HOA sends me paperwork so that I can join. It's very odd that I'm a member of SVN, pay dues to SVN, yet have no contract with SVN.

 

[ocdb8r]

Sorry but this is incorrect. In the past, Starwood has actually created and deposited the very week I had deeded (including a week 52) into II. They can do it on the phone while you wait. They literally create that week for deposit into II. If you don't say anything, they will pick from a bulk banked week -- which is usually a lower season week.

Also forgot to add that you HAVE to have your own II account to have any control of your weeks. If you are using your SVN II account for resale purchases, don't expect any of this to happen. K

Apparenlty even if you say something, they often do as they please. I had week 26 (Sunday to Sunday so it covered the 4th of July) reserved for 2009. I called and requested that the week I had reserved be deposited. Granted at this point I only spoke to a regular agent, but I was told that should be possible.

It wasn't until I opened up II last week to see a WEEK 4 deposit that I called and insisted on speaking with a manager (I forgot to mention that before after actually speaking with a manager she came back on the line and told me her supervisor said there were no later SBP weeks and that they would bank a platinum week at a "comperable resort" for me!?!?!?!?, needless to say I explained that was NOT acceptable and that I wanted to TALK with the manager). That's when I was told I had NO RIGHT to determine what week was deposited and that Starwood pre-banks and selects from those banks what I get. I explained that I didn't even get a week in my season...that's when she gave me the comment about waiting until they banked later weeks. Now after arguing she did say she would ask the department to bank a better week later in the season but I could not designate what week I wanted.

Just checked and I got a week 23....what does everyone think? Is it worth a stink to try to get week 26? I'm thinking not as I'm only trying to get an early May KAA 2bdrm and doubt I will need much more trading power than this....UGH. What a PITA.

 

[ocdb8r]

I have read everything I can get my hands on.

While Starwood is clear about exchange inventory assignment for SVN members, I can find nothing that even references such discretion for shares not in SVN.
One would think that since they so clear about their process re: SVN, they would at least make passing reference to it for non-SVN inventory. But, they don't.

I am not a lawyer. I am simply trying to figure out how Starwood rationalizes it.

It seems to me the control mechanism is not with Starwood. It is with I.I.
I.I. verifies the inventory with Starwood, and accepts what Starwood says, even thought the I.I. member has an independent account with I.I.
I.I. does not do that with any other of its members. They verify the reservation. Period. So, I.I. is capitulating to Starwood's wishes as the quid pro quo for having SVO resorts in its network.

By contrast, SFX simply takes the week given by the owner. If Starwood really had the control to deny the deposit of a non SVN owner reservation, they would do it with SFX as well. They do not because SFX doesn't care what Starwood wants. They have no leverage over SFX.
This implies that Starwood does not have the right to do what they do. They do it with I.I. because they can.

To put this in perspective, substitute the exchange deposit with a rental (or a gift).
The owner reserves a week, but is not occupying it. What's the difference?
Starwood cannot tell an owner that someone else cannot occupy the owners reservation. THAT would be trampling on the bundle of rights attached to real estate. Starwood has a case with SVN exchange inventory because it is superseded by SVN member rules. No such rules apply to non-members.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

I'm wondering if similar to the "Request First" strategy that had been talked about in another thread, we might try to get II to do the dirty work. What if instaed of calling Starwood for the deposit I just used the II tools to "deposit" my week, and designated the week I had a reservation for?


Anyone have experience with this?

I think another member tried this and Starwood refused to recognize the deposit...anyone else successful?

C.

 

[jerseygirl]

Week 23 does not have the same trading power as Week 26. I just did a quick mini trade test.

For example, with Week 26, you can see the 2-BRs at Hyatt Windward Point for Christmas Week and Jan 3rd. And, there are some late October 2-BRs at Marriott Aruba Surf Club. I was not able to see these with Week 23.

I would hold out and insist they deposit the week you reserved.

 

[jerseygirl]

I'm wondering if similar to the "Request First" strategy that had been talked about in another thread, we might try to get II to do the dirty work. What if instaed of calling Starwood for the deposit I just used the II tools to "deposit" my week, and designated the week I had a reservation for?


Anyone have experience with this?

I think another member tried this and Starwood refused to recognize the deposit...anyone else successful?

C.

I've tried "Request First" and Starwood actually told me that it's only available for SVN members, despite the fact that it's included in the basic user's guide. I remember being so amused, and busy, that I didn't even try to fight it at the time.

And, yes, I've definitely had them refuse to confirm exchanges made with a reserved week. That's when you need to get both II and Starwood managers involved.

This is all so pitiful .... it's not supposed to work like this.

 

[jerseygirl]

ocdb8r --

Have you tried pointing out the bolded language that's in their very own online user's guide (see post #9 above)? You should have access to that same user's guide via mystarcentral.

-- Jerseygirl

 

[ocdb8r]

Week 23 does not have the same trading power as Week 26. I just did a quick mini trade test.

For example, with Week 26, you can see the 2-BRs at Hyatt Windward Point for Christmas Week and Jan 3rd. And, there are some late October 2-BRs at Marriott Aruba Surf Club. I was not able to see these with Week 23.

I would hold out and insist they deposit the week you reserved.

Ahhh...but this highlights why I want to deposit first when I KNOW I will be exchanging....my deposited week 23 DOES indeed see the HWP Christmas and Jan 3 weeks! Deposit first bumps the trade power....

As for trading up...I WISH it were a factor...I don't have the lock-off :-(

C.

 

[jerseygirl]

Ahhh...but this highlights why I want to deposit first when I KNOW I will be exchanging....my deposited week 23 DOES indeed see the HWP Christmas and Jan 3 weeks! Deposit first bumps the trade power....

As for trading up...I WISH it were a factor...I don't have the lock-off :-(

C.

Then you're probably fine. The "bump up" probably equalized things. As much as it would pain me to give in, I would just keep it and move on ....this is supposed to be fun, not stressful! The rest of us will continue to "fight the fight" when circumstances warrant ... and at least you didn't let them get away with sticking you with a week 4.

 

[Bill4728]

Originally Posted by Bill4728
What this may mean is that Starwood "bulk banks" with II. So starwood doesn't deposit a week into II when you call to ask them to deposit a week, they have already deposited a whole bunch of weeks. So when you call you are assigned a week which is already in II. Not one which Starwood takes out of inventory and gives to II.

Sorry but this is incorrect. In the past, Starwood has actually created and deposited the very week I had deeded (including a week 52) into II. They can do it on the phone while you wait. They literally create that week for deposit into II. If you don't say anything, they will pick from a bulk banked week -- which is usually a lower season week.

Also forgot to add that you HAVE to have your own II account to have any control of your weeks. If you are using your SVN II account for resale purchases, don't expect any of this to happen. K

I'm very please to hear that I'm wrong. Glad to hear that what they are doing what they should be doing.

 

[SDKath]

Yeah. Me too. It really has not been any trouble for me. Maybe I am extra nice to the reps when I am on the phone since I know the battle that lies ahead! I also just keep acting dumb and keep saying "but I am not in SVN" and "I own this week (my deeded week)". I literally just say it over and over again. It works every time. K