I own 4 Marriotts in Palm Desert and go to Newport Coast annually on an exchange. We have really had good luck on exchanges getting pretty decent ocean views. We really don't care about the proximity to amenities as long as we have a decent view and are on a higher floor. Perhaps this success or luck is because I am a Marriott owner, albeit not at NCV. I am, however, on the "do not bother to invite" list for sales "updates".