Accommodation Certificates/ Free or $$

[JMSH]

I have had a Marriott property for over 15 years.....I have received umpteen number of Accommodation certificates over the years....have never used one. I was attempting to use one today and was surprised to see it was going to cost $468/week in Orlando....this was not a Marriott property. I assume it is just me but I always thought there was no charge for these? Is this just me being naive?

 

[m61376]

There was always a charge although I always thought it was less.


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[dioxide45]

There are several types of ACs and two types of payment structures. They either have a flat fee (+ tax if applicable) regardless of the unit size. This is usually how the freebie ACs work. Just a flat fee to redeem. Then there are ACs with tiered pricing. The fee goes up as you move up in unit size. This is usually how the ACs you get for depositing a week work. In all cases, the fees are the same regardless of the location. Though some locations charge tax and others don't.

 

[GetawaysRus]

Unfortunately the old expression about free lunch is true.

 

[zentraveler]

We have used them over the years and have never paid near that much even for nice 2 BR units. Usually more like $279, but as prices go up for everything in general and TS related I am not surprised, but I am for Orlando where there is a glut of TS.

 

[tschwa2]

It isn't an exchange fee it is a redemption fee for using a cert. It applies whether it is to a Marriott/westin or not. Enrolled members don't get the redemption fee waived. It is usually around $450 but some places charge tax on the redemption while others do not. People often call these free weeks and then get upset when they find out they aren't free. They are free in the sense that you don't pay to get the cert but you do pay to redeem the cert for exchange inventory. Usually using cert is less then booking the same unit as getaway but not always. It is always best to comparison shop just in case, especially if you are a platinum II member.

 

[zentraveler]

It isn't an exchange fee it is a redemption fee for using a cert. It applies whether it is to a Marriott/westin or not. Enrolled members don't get the redemption fee waived. It is usually around $450 but some places charge tax on the redemption while others do not. People often call these free weeks and then get upset when they find out they aren't free. They are free in the sense that you don't pay to get the cert but you do pay to redeem the cert for exchange inventory. Usually using cert is less then booking the same unit as getaway but not always. It is always best to comparison shop just in case, especially if you are a platinum II member.

Good clarificaion. We have still never paid up to $450, but all of this varies and we have not used an AC in a few years.

 

[jme]

Some certificates are usable and a deal, but most are not even usable-----obscure destinations and always off-season.
That's why they're practically given away by Interval. I haven't used one in ages, but back in the day, once in a while, they were very nice.
I never even check out the many weeks placed into my account nowadays, knowing they are worthless in cost and worthless in usage.
If you ever run across one that appeals to you, go for it. Price is right, but the rest "might be disappointing"......