Depositing with II Question

[cdn_traveler]

Did Starwood rip me off?

Hello everyone!

I was on the phone with Owner Services yesterday trying to get them to deposit
my reserved week 51 (2008) in Vistana Resorts. Unfortunately, I got the same reply: "I'm sorry maam, you own a floating week and weeks 51 and 52 are reserved for the use of owners." :annoyed:

I did not even realize that you could request that Starwood deposit my reserved week. Considering that I am not part of SVN, what are the chances that they would deposit a Christmas week in my non IL account for exchange?

Also, we own a week in Vistana Resorts Fountains, but they deposited week 49 at Vistana Villages instead. I ended up with the short end didn't I?

 

[DeniseM]

Welcome to TUG!

I started a new thread with your post since it is a new topic.

Starwood maintains that they have the legal right to choose the week you deposit with II. Owners have reported various degrees of success in depositing the week of their choice. YMMV!

 

[calgarygary]

Hello everyone!

I was on the phone with Owner Services yesterday trying to get them to deposit
my reserved week 51 (2008) in Vistana Resorts. Unfortunately, I got the same reply: "I'm sorry maam, you own a floating week and weeks 51 and 52 are reserved for the use of owners." :annoyed:

I did not even realize that you could request that Starwood deposit my reserved week. Considering that I am not part of SVN, what are the chances that they would deposit a Christmas week in my non IL account for exchange?

Also, we own a week in Vistana Resorts Fountains, but they deposited week 49 at Vistana Villages instead. I ended up with the short end didn't I?

I don't know how you would consider getting a VV vs. VR deposit the short end.

 

[cdn_traveler]

Hi Denise!
Timeshare newbie here, thank you for the warm welcome.

Hi Gary,

Hands down, I'd prefer to own a VV week instead of a VR week!:whoopie:

I'm guessing that VV would probably have a higher exchange value in IL than VR throughout the year. What I'm confused about is:

Does a WEEK 49 (week before christmas) VV have the same exchange value as a WEEK 51 (christmas) at VR?

Also, I may be feeling ripped off more because Owner services not allowing me to pick and deposit the week of my own choosing than, having a VV week deposited than a VR week.

PS: Hello, my name is Susan and I'm addicted to TUG.

I can't believe how addicting TUG is! My DH has started calling me the LIL
TUGGER.

 

[grgs]

Does a WEEK 49 (week before christmas) VV have the same exchange value as a WEEK 51 (christmas) at VR?

My own feeling is no--that week 49 (even at a nicer resort) will not have the same exchange value as week 51 (a holiday week). See this thread for my situation earlier this year (start with post #9):

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71840

I would call Starwood back and politely (but firmly) ask them for a better week to be deposited on your behalf.

Glorian

 

[tomandrobin]

Hi Susan!

Week 49 is a very poor trader, especially in Orlando. Weeks 51 and 52 and high demand weeks in Orlando....actually most resorts.

Glorian is dead on, get your week back!

Tom

 

[cdn_traveler]

OMGoodness! I saw WKORV!

I can't believe it, I was looking around with the week 50 that Starwood had picked for me (they would not budge when I insisted on depositing my reserved week) and I saw a 2 bdrm available for Dec 12 (WKORV-N) and another for Dec 14 (WKORV). I was in exchange heaven for a minute before my DH reminded me that we'd both have to quite our jobs if we wanted to go. It was just nice to be able to see that pop up on the computer though!

Small consolation, but just have to keep reminding myself that we will be in Maui for 10 days in November . Unfortunately, not so lucky because we won't be staying at WKORV.

 

[LisaRex]

I can't believe it, I was looking around with the week 50 that Starwood had picked for me (they would not budge when I insisted on depositing my reserved week) and I saw a 2 bdrm available for Dec 12 (WKORV-N) and another for Dec 14 (WKORV).

October/November and the first two weeks of December are still considered low season on Maui, as they are in Orlando. It's week 51/52 that kick in the high season. You shouldn't have any trouble exchanging into WKORV these weeks in the future. And they're great weeks to travel to Maui because while it's still low season, the whales have arrived.

 

[jhm40cu]

Welcome to TUG!

I started a new thread with your post since it is a new topic.

Starwood maintains that they have the legal right to choose the week you deposit with II. Owners have reported various degrees of success in depositing the week of their choice. YMMV!

What would happen to fixed week owners, say someone who owns Week 52? Does Starwood still have the legal right to choose the week when it comes to depositing with II?

 

[Stefa]

October/November and the first two weeks of December are still considered low season on Maui, as they are in Orlando. It's week 51/52 that kick in the high season. You shouldn't have any trouble exchanging into WKORV these weeks in the future. And they're great weeks to travel to Maui because while it's still low season, the whales have arrived.

We got the WKORV 2br for 12/14-12/21 with a small SDO week 49. I was also very disappointed when I saw what Starwood had given me, but now am looking forward to watching the whales!

I'll be honest and say that I have mixed feelings about depositing the best weeks. I have read several complaints from Marriott owners that they can't get a reservation at their home resort only to have someone post that they were able to get an exchange for that same resort/week.

 

[DeniseM]

What would happen to fixed week owners, say someone who owns Week 52? Does Starwood still have the legal right to choose the week when it comes to depositing with II?

First of all, you would be crazy to deposit week 52 with an exchange company - because it would rent for big $$$.

And yes, Starwood would definitely not deposit week 52 - they would deposit something off-season and keep week 52 "in the pot."

 

[DeniseM]

We got the WKORV 2br for 12/14-12/21 with a small SDO week 49. I was also very disappointed when I saw what Starwood had given me, but now am looking forward to watching the whales!

I'll be honest and say that I have mixed feelings about depositing the best weeks. I have read several complaints from Marriott owners that they can't get a reservation at their home resort only to have someone post that they were able to get an exchange for that same resort/week.

Marriott and Starwood have two completely different systems, so you can't really compare the two. I have never seen a Starwood owner post that they couldn't get a reservation at their home resort at 12 mos. out. With Marriott, multiple week owners get to reserve earlier - a situation that doesn't exist with Starwood. On the other hand, I would never deposit a high demand week that I could rent, instead.

 

[Stefa]

Marriott and Starwood have two completely different systems, so you can't really compare the two. I have never seen a Starwood owner post that they couldn't get a reservation at their home resort at 12 mos. out. With Marriott, multiple week owners get to reserve earlier - a situation that doesn't exist with Starwood. On the other hand, I would never deposit a high demand week that I could rent, instead.

Actually, that was kind of my point. I was responding to the idea that we should be able to book and then deposite the highest-demand weeks. I can understand not wanting a total dog as a deposite, but I think it is a good thing that Starwood saves some of the best weeks for owners. I brought up Marriott because they allow this and it doesn't always work out for the owners who want to use their weeks.

 

[James1975NY]

As an owner in the Fountains I or II, I strongly believe that Starwood does not have any leverage to tell you that they cannot deposit the specific week reserved.

Also, the comment about getting the SVV week V. Fountains deposit has no merrit. The exchange company recognizes the location (Orlando), the actual week it is, and if the week is deposited more than 60 days in advance for full trade experience.

ANY II rep will tell you that the week 52 will trade better than the week 49 regardless of the resort. The bottom line is that the exchange company has more demand for week 52 in Olrando versus the first or second week in December when Orlando is virtually a ghost town.

Starwood works like this.....

They (Starwood) has pre-deposited weeks into a "bulk" system that II has already been able to use for exchangers coming into Orlando. What the agents on the phone do when they are requested to is transfer a week from Starwood's account to the member's account (you). Again, these weeks have already been deposited some time ago.

The reason why they tell you that you cannot deposit these weeks is because:
1.) They WANT to use those weeks to support owner demand
2.) The agents are trained not to provide those weeks for deposit
3.) The agents (most) are not trained to handle a "non-bulk" deposit.

I hope this makes sense. The bottom line is that as a Fountains I or II owner, you should be able to deposit the week you have reserved.

I suggest speaking to a supervisor and escalating if necessary. It is ridiculous that you cant deposit a specific week if you have the ability to reserve it for personal use. Additionally, if anyone were to tell you that week 49 will trade as well as 52 is WRONG on so many levels. You should be able to look on the II website to see their travel demand index which supports my explanation of trading value.

 

[James1975NY]

Check out this link and then click on the "Travel Demand Index" button...you will see how different the trading value is.....

http://www.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=1503&resortCode=SVV&parentResortCode=SVV

 

[cdn_traveler]

As an owner in the Fountains I or II, I strongly believe that Starwood does not have any leverage to tell you that they cannot deposit the specific week reserved.

Also, the comment about getting the SVV week V. Fountains deposit has no merrit. The exchange company recognizes the location (Orlando), the actual week it is, and if the week is deposited more than 60 days in advance for full trade experience.

ANY II rep will tell you that the week 52 will trade better than the week 49 regardless of the resort. The bottom line is that the exchange company has more demand for week 52 in Olrando versus the first or second week in December when Orlando is virtually a ghost town.

Starwood works like this.....

They (Starwood) has pre-deposited weeks into a "bulk" system that II has already been able to use for exchangers coming into Orlando. What the agents on the phone do when they are requested to is transfer a week from Starwood's account to the member's account (you). Again, these weeks have already been deposited some time ago.

The reason why they tell you that you cannot deposit these weeks is because:
1.) They WANT to use those weeks to support owner demand
2.) The agents are trained not to provide those weeks for deposit
3.) The agents (most) are not trained to handle a "non-bulk" deposit.

I hope this makes sense. The bottom line is that as a Fountains I or II owner, you should be able to deposit the week you have reserved.

I suggest speaking to a supervisor and escalating if necessary. It is ridiculous that you cant deposit a specific week if you have the ability to reserve it for personal use. Additionally, if anyone were to tell you that week 49 will trade as well as 52 is WRONG on so many levels. You should be able to look on the II website to see their travel demand index which supports my explanation of trading value.

Thank you everyone for your comments, encouragement and bounty of information! I've learned so much since I've joined TUG!

I just got tired of the merry-go-round ride (hour and half phone call) ...so I just accepted the week that Starwood deposited for me this year. I will definitely try harder next time. I think someone mentioned that if I'm not getting what I want, hang up, call back and hopefully I'll get someone that's a little bit more agreeable, right?

 

[tomandrobin]

ANY II rep will tell you that the week 52 will trade better than the week 49 regardless of the resort. The bottom line is that the exchange company has more demand for week 52 in Olrando versus the first or second week in December when Orlando is virtually a ghost town.

Starwood works like this.....

They (Starwood) has pre-deposited weeks into a "bulk" system that II has already been able to use for exchangers coming into Orlando. What the agents on the phone do when they are requested to is transfer a week from Starwood's account to the member's account (you). Again, these weeks have already been deposited some time ago.

The reason why they tell you that you cannot deposit these weeks is because:
1.) They WANT to use those weeks to support owner demand
2.) The agents are trained not to provide those weeks for deposit
3.) The agents (most) are not trained to handle a "non-bulk" deposit.

I suggest speaking to a supervisor and escalating if necessary. It is ridiculous that you cant deposit a specific week if you have the ability to reserve it for personal use. Additionally, if anyone were to tell you that week 49 will trade as well as 52 is WRONG on so many levels. You should be able to look on the II website to see their travel demand index which supports my explanation of trading value.

Good avice, good and simple explanation on how Starwood works internally for depostits/trades.

There is a plus side to Starwood controlling II inventory. Overall better II trades for the system, Starwood owners get first chance of trading into other Starwood Resorts (unlike Marriott).

 

[James1975NY]

Good avice, good and simple explanation on how Starwood works internally for depostits/trades.

There is a plus side to Starwood controlling II inventory. Overall better II trades for the system, Starwood owners get first chance of trading into other Starwood Resorts (unlike Marriott).

Tom and Robin, you are absolutely correct with your statement that the inventory for trade works better when it is managed by Starwood. After all, if these weeks were not deposited in advance, the potential trade value for any week is likely to suffer. You would not believe how many owners would wait until the last minute to transact every year. Having said that, it is the experts that are managing the inventory behind the scenes. I have to be clear when I say that there is some real genius working the inventory at Starwood (I saw this first hand) and timeshare is a very complex animal especially with a product as advanced as Starwood's.

When I worked at Starwood, I did a few training classes for new hires and I put a lot of detail and understanding with the exchange process because I knew the potential for dissatisfaction. As management changed, so did the focus on some areas of training. Most of the changes were excellent and the structure to the training was greatly improved; however, for some reason, focus was taken away from transacting and understanding how to handle trade value with the exchange companies.

When I trained, I kept it simple, but very enlightening. It is not fair to tell an owner that is being proactive (already had a week reserved) that they have to settle for a week 49 versus a week 52 for trading because the agent was not trained or properly equipped to service the product to the fullest. Again, I refer all to look at the "travel demand index" that II provides on their website for each property. Not only is week 49 inferior, you might as well consider it a "yellow" week (reference to II's prior demand indicators).

Now....if this week is going to be used at a Starwood property, the trade value will not come into play....if the week is going to be used outside of the Starwood family for a location that has any demand at all, I believe that there will be a challenge ahead of you.

I know that time on the phone is a challenge and frustrating to say the lease. What I suggest is contacting them in writing. At the least, you should get the attention from a manager and a follow up.

I would not give up on this personally. If you had not reserved a week and hadyou waited until the end of the year to deposit, I would have nothing to say.

 

[Pit]

Good avice, good and simple explanation on how Starwood works internally for depostits/trades.

There is a plus side to Starwood controlling II inventory. Overall better II trades for the system, Starwood owners get first chance of trading into other Starwood Resorts (unlike Marriott).

Not sure I understood you correctly, but Marriott owners do have first shot at trading into other Marriott resorts through a 24-day preference period (outside of flexchange).