CLOSED: Thread Dedicated to the Upcoming/Anticipated Integration of Vistana & Marriott Ownerships (Marriott Link + Vistana Discussion)

[Veritoalsol]

Hi! We went to our owners update today. The SO program is not going away - but there will be a bridge into MVC if you retro your resale units into the VSN program. They offered us 67,100 EOY SOs and retroing our 2 bdr lockoff at Lagunamar and our 95,700 from SVV (mandatory) for 15430 (including a 10 percent discount). We had an unused encore package which gave us a 1495 US rebate (while keeping use of the week) and they had this “linkage” promo going on ( whereby if you stayed at a marriott property last week or had a reservation for next, you d get a 1500 discount). They also threw in 67,100 SOs for next year ( w the new SOs kicking in in 2025), and the option to buy 6 certificates for 330,000 bonvoy points for 2750 usd each until dec 2025. In the end, w closing costs we re at 13,330. What do you all wise folks think?

 

[byeloe]

The price seems in line with what they have been doing. $10000 for the 1st and $5000 for each additional. I wouldn't do it but your situation may be different.
Do you need access to the 148100 SO that would come with the WLR retro?
Are those 67000 EOY's from Aventuras Flex?

 

[cubigbird]

Hi! We went to our owners update today. The SO program is not going away - but there will be a bridge into MVC if you retro your resale units into the VSN program. They offered us 67,100 EOY SOs and retroing our 2 bdr lockoff at Lagunamar and our 95,700 from SVV (mandatory) for 15430 (including a 10 percent discount). We had an unused encore package which gave us a 1495 US rebate (while keeping use of the week) and they had this “linkage” promo going on ( whereby if you stayed at a marriott property last week or had a reservation for next, you d get a 1500 discount). They also threw in 67,100 SOs for next year ( w the new SOs kicking in in 2025), and the option to buy 6 certificates for 330,000 bonvoy points for 2750 usd each until dec 2025. In the end, w closing costs we re at 13,330. What do you all wise folks think?

Make sure you are aware of the current IT issues. Many owners are currently unable to book on the website and the problem is getting worse.

 

[Veritoalsol]

Hi! Yes the 67,100 are from aventuras flex. I d like the flexibility of the 148,100 SOs - we have a 2 bedroom lockoff but we re a family of 3 so often a 1 bedroom or studio is enough for us. I d be nice to chunk the points and use them elsewhere (Hawaii!). I m a bonvoy titanium elite - so those certificates look interesting to me. Not super familiar w MVC - just from a brand perspective I perceive Marriott as a bit lower end than Westin but i do like the idea of potentially trying some properties in locations where Vistana has nothing (Aruba, Tahoe).

 

[pchung6]

Marriott must did something to Vistana IT department, so Vistana IT guys just don't care anymore. Or they might mostly be let go. There are serious issues with Vistana website now. To me, based on my corporate experience, it is obviously toxic culture with management failures and corporate greets.

 

[VacationForever]

My speculation is that some of the Vistana servers and circuits have been moved over to MVC for the anticipated integration, leaving serious bandwidth issues for existing Vistana owners.

 

[pchung6]

My speculation is that some of the Vistana servers and circuits have been moved over to MVC for the anticipated integration, leaving serious bandwidth issues for existing Vistana owners.

But no one did any testing before it goes live? It just leads me to believe MVC doesn't care about Vistana owners.

 

[byeloe]

Hi! Yes the 67,100 are from aventuras flex. I d like the flexibility of the 148,100 SOs - we have a 2 bedroom lockoff but we re a family of 3 so often a 1 bedroom or studio is enough for us. I d be nice to chunk the points and use them elsewhere (Hawaii!). I m a bonvoy titanium elite - so those certificates look interesting to me. Not super familiar w MVC - just from a brand perspective I perceive Marriott as a bit lower end than Westin but i do like the idea of potentially trying some properties in locations where Vistana has nothing (Aruba, Tahoe).

there are definitely issues with lack of inventory in Aventuras. You already have the ability to split your 2 bd WLR and can access Marriott properties through II.
I think the fees for those certificates are around $2250 each, I am not sure what the 300000 pt value would be under the new dynamic Bonvoy model.

You will have to decide if the flexible 148100 so is worth the cost. There is nothing official about being able to cross book into the Marriotts, so I would not buy based on that sales tactic

 

[VacationForever]

But no one did any testing before it goes live? It just leads me to believe MVC doesn't care about Vistana owners.

If my speculation is true then, I don't think they cared. They just yanked the servers out from Vistana system and put them into MVC system to get ready for the integration, instead of investing in more infrastructure.

 

[jabberwocky]

Hi! We went to our owners update today. The SO program is not going away - but there will be a bridge into MVC if you retro your resale units into the VSN program. They offered us 67,100 EOY SOs and retroing our 2 bdr lockoff at Lagunamar and our 95,700 from SVV (mandatory) for 15430 (including a 10 percent discount). We had an unused encore package which gave us a 1495 US rebate (while keeping use of the week) and they had this “linkage” promo going on ( whereby if you stayed at a marriott property last week or had a reservation for next, you d get a 1500 discount). They also threw in 67,100 SOs for next year ( w the new SOs kicking in in 2025), and the option to buy 6 certificates for 330,000 bonvoy points for 2750 usd each until dec 2025. In the end, w closing costs we re at 13,330. What do you all wise folks think?

This isn’t a terrible deal - and if you are wanting the SO a 148,100 Lagunamar retro makes sense. We did something similar with our SDO (except we got Westin Flex). I must say I’m glad we did it as we haven’t lost any of our usage with the pandemic. Being able to bank the SO was very valuable.

 

[cubigbird]

If my speculation is true then, I don't think they cared. They just yanked the servers out from Vistana system and put them into MVC system to get ready for the integration, instead of investing in more infrastructure.

I hope you are right. The path this is currently leading to is a website that has zero functionality with no one able to book. Here’s hoping we see changes soon…..

 

[DavidnRobin]

Complain and complain and complain…

To the point that they deal with so many complaints that they are spending too much effort dealing with complaints that they are forced to make changes.

I have been booking online since the beginning- never an issue until recently. Totally missed getting our WKV weeks for reservations that have always been easy at 12 months out.


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[tamu_bu]

Complain and complain and complain…

To the point that they deal with so many complaints that they are spending too much effort dealing with complaints that they are forced to make changes.

I have been booking online since the beginning- never an issue until recently. Totally missed getting our WKV weeks for reservations that have always been easy at 12 months out.


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At this point, I wouldn't assume you've missed out on the reservation. Who knows if the system is accurately showing availability? Keep trying until you are certain or call.

 

[Tfziggs]

Hi! We went to our owners update today. The SO program is not going away - but there will be a bridge into MVC if you retro your resale units into the VSN program. They offered us 67,100 EOY SOs and retroing our 2 bdr lockoff at Lagunamar and our 95,700 from SVV (mandatory) for 15430 (including a 10 percent discount). We had an unused encore package which gave us a 1495 US rebate (while keeping use of the week) and they had this “linkage” promo going on ( whereby if you stayed at a marriott property last week or had a reservation for next, you d get a 1500 discount). They also threw in 67,100 SOs for next year ( w the new SOs kicking in in 2025), and the option to buy 6 certificates for 330,000 bonvoy points for 2750 usd each until dec 2025. In the end, w closing costs we re at 13,330. What do you all wise folks think?

I certainly wouldn’t do this for the bonvoy point certificates. With Marriotts dynamic pricing model it will be near impossible getting outsized value from the bonvoy program. They also devalue the program on an almost annual basis. Bonvoy points are worth ~.005 to .008 cent dollars (.5-.8 cents) each. At $2750 for 330,000 you are buying them for more than they are worth. Not a good deal.


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[Don Springett]

Complain and complain and complain…

To the point that they deal with so many complaints that they are spending too much effort dealing with complaints that they are forced to make changes.

I have been booking online since the beginning- never an issue until recently. Totally missed getting our WKV weeks for reservations that have always been easy at 12 months out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi DavidnRobin, do you have an address or email address where we can all submit our complaints. Seems like complaining on the phone will not do much good. I have had trouble booking when trying to get a Saturday reservations 365 days in advance, I just tried at 1pm on a Monday and could not connect. This is horrible!

 

[daviator]

I certainly wouldn’t do this for the bonvoy point certificates. With Marriotts dynamic pricing model it will be near impossible getting outsized value from the bonvoy program. They also devalue the program on an almost annual basis. Bonvoy points are worth ~.005 to .008 cent each. At $2750 for 330,000 you are buying them for more than they are worth. Not a good deal.


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I think you mean that Bonvoy points are worth .5 to .8 cents each. I would agree with that valuation. I suspect you mean $0.005-$0.008 (dollars, not cents.)

Even in past years, I have received a number of those Bonvoy purchase certificates and have let them expire unused, they were not really a good value years ago and are an even worse value now. At best, you get your money back in value, and in that case you''re better off hanging onto your money and just spending it for hotel rooms when you need them (and on other expenses when you don't.) Besides, when you pay for rooms with dollars instead of points, you earn more Bonvoy points...

 

[Tfziggs]

I think you mean that Bonvoy points are worth .5 to .8 cents each. I would agree with that valuation. I suspect you mean $0.005-$0.008 (dollars, not cents.)

You are correct. Edited my post above for clarity. Thanks.

 

[KACTravels]

Owners Update at Kierland today. ”Soft Launch” for merged program delayed until at least 3/24, but admitted until it happens it is not a hard date. They did say it was supposed to be 3/14 and then slipped to 3/21 and again to 3/24. Unsure of what the delay is except that they have not been told the conversion to DC Points for the deeded weeks. The deeded weeks will all have different conversion rates based on location, season, etc. The people at Vistana and Marriott have all been trained and are ready for the launch. Full program will be in effect within 90 days of the “Soft Launch”. They did not waiver on the following new disclosed information, but I did say I will only believe it when it is in writing. (Please give me grace if I have wording wrong or even if parts don’t come to be)​

​

* Vistana program stays as is for all current owners.​

* Marriott owners will not have access to Vistana properties until 8 Months unless someone elects to to move their ownership into DC program​

* Annually you can elect to move SO’s into the DC program​

* 5 Star elite will be grandfathered into Chairman’s Level, but I’m unsure if you had to have conversions that equaled 15,000+ DC Vacation Club Points​

* Vistana Owners will not have a enrollment fee into the merged program, but will have the Club Fee to access (like our annual Vistana Fee)​

* Conversion rates have been set for the following​

1. Nanea 23:1
2. Westin Flex 28:1
3. Adventures 30:1
4. Sheraton Flex 32:1
5. Deeded Weeks TBD - she mentioned anywhere from 28:1 - 50:1 (We own WKORN OF and nobody would quote a conversion because they have not been told)

They were very aware of the website problems, but it’s good sales people would do minimized it moved on quickly.

​

 

[VacationForever]

Owners Update at Kierland today. ”Soft Launch” for merged program delayed until at least 3/24, but admitted until it happens it is not a hard date. They did say it was supposed to be 3/14 and then slipped to 3/21 and again to 3/24. Unsure of what the delay is except that they have not been told the conversion to DC Points for the deeded weeks. The deeded weeks will all have different conversion rates based on location, season, etc. The people at Vistana and Marriott have all been trained and are ready for the launch. Full program will be in effect within 90 days of the “Soft Launch”. They did not waiver on the following new disclosed information, but I did say I will only believe it when it is in writing. (Please give me grace if I have wording wrong or even if parts don’t come to be)​

​

* Vistana program stays as is for all current owners.​

* Marriott owners will not have access to Vistana properties until 8 Months unless someone elects to to move their ownership into DC program​

* Annually you can elect to move SO’s into the DC program​

* 5 Star elite will be grandfathered into Chairman’s Level, but I’m unsure if you had to have conversions that equaled 15,000+ DC Vacation Club Points​

* Vistana Owners will not have a enrollment fee into the merged program, but will have the Club Fee to access (like our annual Vistana Fee)​

* Conversion rates have been set for the following​

1. Nanea 23:1
2. Westin Flex 28:1
3. Adventures 30:1
4. Sheraton Flex 32:1
5. Deeded Weeks TBD - she mentioned anywhere from 28:1 - 50:1 (We own WKORN OF and nobody would quote a conversion because they have not been told)

They were very aware of the website problems, but it’s good sales people would do minimized it moved on quickly.

​

Did they mention eligibility of the program for resale vs. developer purchase and resale mandatory weeks SO conversion?

 

[daviator]

Owners Update at Kierland today. ”Soft Launch” for merged program delayed until at least 3/24, but admitted until it happens it is not a hard date. They did say it was supposed to be 3/14 and then slipped to 3/21 and again to 3/24. Unsure of what the delay is except that they have not been told the conversion to DC Points for the deeded weeks. The deeded weeks will all have different conversion rates based on location, season, etc. The people at Vistana and Marriott have all been trained and are ready for the launch. Full program will be in effect within 90 days of the “Soft Launch”. They did not waiver on the following new disclosed information, but I did say I will only believe it when it is in writing. (Please give me grace if I have wording wrong or even if parts don’t come to be)​

​

* Vistana program stays as is for all current owners.​

* Marriott owners will not have access to Vistana properties until 8 Months unless someone elects to to move their ownership into DC program​

* Annually you can elect to move SO’s into the DC program​

* 5 Star elite will be grandfathered into Chairman’s Level, but I’m unsure if you had to have conversions that equaled 15,000+ DC Vacation Club Points​

* Vistana Owners will not have a enrollment fee into the merged program, but will have the Club Fee to access (like our annual Vistana Fee)​

* Conversion rates have been set for the following​

1. Nanea 23:1
2. Westin Flex 28:1
3. Adventures 30:1
4. Sheraton Flex 32:1
5. Deeded Weeks TBD - she mentioned anywhere from 28:1 - 50:1 (We own WKORN OF and nobody would quote a conversion because they have not been told)

They were very aware of the website problems, but it’s good sales people would do minimized it moved on quickly.

​

Not trying to shoot the messenger, appreciate the update on the update....

But if they really think a conversion rate of 28:1 is going to incentivize deeded week owners at prime properties (like Maui) to opt into the DC program, I hope they learn that they're dead wrong. To me, that's a laughable valuation that values a 2BR lockoff at any of the Westin Maui properties at something like 25% less than one of the tacky converted hotel rooms at Marriott Maui Ocean Club, which don't even have full kitchens. I find that valuation so offensive that I wouldn't even consider participating in the program. So let's hope the information you received turns out to be less than completely correct.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

​

* Marriott owners will not have access to Vistana properties until 8 Months unless someone elects to to move their ownership into DC program​

​

Does this mean that Marriott owners will compete with Vistana SO owners at 8 Months? Hopefully DC owners won't be at 13 weeks into Vistana weeks or Westin Flex.

 

[dioxide45]

Not trying to shoot the messenger, appreciate the update on the update....

But if they really think a conversion rate of 28:1 is going to incentivize deeded week owners at prime properties (like Maui) to opt into the DC program, I hope they learn that they're dead wrong. To me, that's a laughable valuation that values a 2BR lockoff at any of the Westin Maui properties at something like 25% less than one of the tacky converted hotel rooms at Marriott Maui Ocean Club, which don't even have full kitchens. I find that valuation so offensive that I wouldn't even consider participating in the program. So let's hope the information you received turns out to be less than completely correct.

Read that deeded weeks owners won't use the same conversion. It won't be 28:1, but something else not disclosed to the messenger as they may not be finalized yet.

The deeded weeks will all have different conversion rates based on location, season, etc.

 

[cubigbird]

Does this mean that Marriott owners will compete with Vistana SO owners at 8 Months? Hopefully DC owners won't be at 13 weeks into Vistana weeks or Westin Flex.

Marriott owners competing at 8 months makes sense as that’s how it is now with SOs but they should not get 13 months if they don’t own it. If we don’t get 13 months at places we don’t own, why should they?

 

[dioxide45]

Does this mean that Marriott owners will compete with Vistana SO owners at 8 Months? Hopefully DC owners won't be at 13 weeks into Vistana weeks or Westin Flex.

I don't see how they could open up all Vistana inventory to Marriott owners at 8 months while still maintaining the integrity of VSN. Will Vistana owners also have the ability to book all Marriott inventory at 8 months? If not, then there could be a huge imbalance in VSN when inventory starts to get picked off by Marriott owners.

 

[cubigbird]

I don't see how they could open up all Vistana inventory to Marriott owners at 8 months while still maintaining the integrity of VSN. Will Vistana owners also have the ability to book all Marriott inventory at 8 months? If not, then there could be a huge imbalance in VSN when inventory starts to get picked off by Marriott owners.

I don’t see this as likely. The imbalance would be so great there’d be so many Vistana owners unable to book what they own, leading to a PR nightmare and likely litigation.