Does it matter where you own??

[jh928]

I'm trying to learn the ropes of Wyndham/FF system. It looks like there are a lot of great resort choices all over the place and we'd probably be happy with the options.

So... with points, does it really matter where you own? Obviously I'd want the most value for the MFs. Is there a better value to be had by buying at one location over another?

Thanks for helping a newbie! I see what looks like great bargains on ebay and am tempted to scoop up a deal but of course, I want to educate myself first.

Edited to add: my top interests in buying points is being able to use less than 7 nights at a time, on short notice (30 days maximum notice). It seems to me that last minute deals allow you to use fewer points, which means more trips per year!

 

[e.bram]

Wher you own allows you to reserve ahead of everybody else. Most of the high demand, easy to get(Alexandria) and prime season are picked by owners of a particular resort. You are able to get the leavings or an occasional prime one which comes up. You get what you pay for if you want prime.

 

[ausman]

Doesn't matter for you.

Where you own advantage is the ARP advantage whereby an owner can book reservation at the 13 - 10 mth mark before other WYN owners come in to reserve.

Since you want to travel on short notice look for the lowest MF available.

You may want to post where you want to go on short notice, there may be availability problems you have not considered. Also, look at the House Keeping issue.

 

[jh928]

Areas I'd like to go to on short notice are... Southern Cal (inland or coast), any time of year; possibly Utah any time; Arizona any time. I live in NV so these are driving distance. Other occasional visits to Colorado, Hawaii (dreaming??), maybe other places I can't think of right now...

Any considerations here? I am not currently constrained by traveling at any particular time but of course, would like to get away from desert heat in the summers and get to cooler places within driving distance.

Any information/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I need to learn more on the housekeeping issue. Is that such a gotcha that it isn't worth staying less than 7 nights?

Doesn't matter for you.

Where you own advantage is the ARP advantage whereby an owner can book reservation at the 13 - 10 mth mark before other WYN owners come in to reserve.

Since you want to travel on short notice look for the lowest MF available.

You may want to post where you want to go on short notice, there may be availability problems you have not considered. Also, look at the House Keeping issue.

 

[vacationhopeful]

Housekeeping credits and reservation transactions are your downfall on multiple short stays w/o being a Gold or Higher VIP owner.

RCI Points resorts charge you a cash reservation fee based on how many days you reserve. And less than a 7 day stay, you get hit at checkout with resort cleaning fee.

Wyndham's version is Reservation transactions => you get so many based on the number of points you own. You also get so many housekeeping credits.
You make a reservations, you use a RT. You stay at a 1 bedroom, you use a xxxx HK credits. 7 nights use the same number as a 1 night stay. 2 bdr use more yyyy HK credits; 3 bdr use zzzz HK credits.

When you run out of either of these (RT or HK), Wyndham collects $$$ for them when you book a vacation stay. Can add $100+ to a single night stay (which would be the same fees as if you stay 7 nights; 8-14 nights is a second set of fees).

Another recent poster rents points from a Platmium VIP who makes them a guest for their reservations to get around those fees.

Just a FYI ...

 

[jeany1020]

i am a new owner as i recently purchased resales points. can anyone be more specifc with the cost of the Rt and HK. if i make two reservations in 09, one for 4 nights (orlando area) and one for 2 nights (NJ area)on two seperate occassions totaling a usage of 140,000-200,000 points. how much would that cost me in tr and hk fees?

thanks, jean

 

[vacationhopeful]

You get 1 RT for each 77,000 points; HK are 1 for each 1,000 pts.
Used at 1 RT each day you make a reservation -- make reservation yesterday, today, and tomorrow => you use 3 RT. Make same 3 reservations today, 1 RT.

Change a reservation, 1 RT; deposit to RCI, 1 RT. Need more RT, $49.

HK's. Based on size unit you reserved. 1-7 days, all the same value.
8-14 days 2X below values, etc

Studio 28HK
1bdr 63 HK
2bdr 77HK
3bdr 140HK
4bdr 154HK
Need more ==> each HK=$2.25

Unless, you are Gold or Platimum VIP ... no worries, still a benefit.

Hope this helps.

 

[Twinkstarr]

You get 1 RT for each 77,000 points; HK are 1 for each 1,000 pts.
Used at 1 RT each day you make a reservation -- make reservation yesterday, today, and tomorrow => you use 3 RT. Make same 3 reservations today, 1 RT.

Change a reservation, 1 RT; deposit to RCI, 1 RT. Need more RT, $49.

HK's. Based on size unit you reserved. 1-7 days, all the same value.
8-14 days 2X below values, etc

Studio 28HK
1bdr 63 HK
2bdr 77HK
3bdr 140HK
4bdr 154HK
Need more ==> each HK=$2.25

Unless, you are Gold or Platimum VIP ... no worries, still a benefit.

Hope this helps.

Yeah, I think I'm learning this Wyndham system! Based on the notes I have taken down, I'm on the right path.

I like the make 3 reservations in one day only costs 1 RT. Good Tip

 

[ausman]

Linda,

I'm not VIP and usually don't really notice how much a reservation transaction is. I do try to minimise them though as you suggest, I though I paid $30 for the last one I did.

Has the price changed or is that a RCI number for something.

 

[vacationhopeful]

I am Gold VIP - I thought last August they raise the fees on HK (from $1.50) and RT (from $29). But since I don't pay them, I might be getting senile on that price increase... or was that when I brought my points?

 

[vacationhopeful]

RCI Points have higher RT fees $39 for 1 night; free on home week, $40 for home resort week, and then up .... haven't really memorize those numbers yet and lost the book, can't reference.

The cleaning fees are set by the resort on stays less than 7 nights. And there have been some very unhappy points exchangers at checkout when they find that out that they owe more money.

 

[jeany1020]

thanks linda for that very complete explanation of the fees and yes i would be one of those very unhappy ppl if i wasn't aware i was going to be charged fees for hk and such.

 

[jh928]

This sounds so confusing and turns me off as it being such a money-grab! I don't want to end up owing a ton of $ just because I use less than 7 nights. KWIM? What are some ways around this? Or are there are systems that are more friendly?

Thanks for all the info!

Jennifer

Housekeeping credits and reservation transactions are your downfall on multiple short stays w/o being a Gold or Higher VIP owner.

RCI Points resorts charge you a cash reservation fee based on how many days you reserve. And less than a 7 day stay, you get hit at checkout with resort cleaning fee.

Wyndham's version is Reservation transactions => you get so many based on the number of points you own. You also get so many housekeeping credits.
You make a reservations, you use a RT. You stay at a 1 bedroom, you use a xxxx HK credits. 7 nights use the same number as a 1 night stay. 2 bdr use more yyyy HK credits; 3 bdr use zzzz HK credits.

When you run out of either of these (RT or HK), Wyndham collects $$$ for them when you book a vacation stay. Can add $100+ to a single night stay (which would be the same fees as if you stay 7 nights; 8-14 nights is a second set of fees).

Another recent poster rents points from a Platmium VIP who makes them a guest for their reservations to get around those fees.

Just a FYI ...

 

[Jya-Ning]

How many nights you plan to take the short stay? And what will be the potential bed room size?

By the way, there is not short notice point discount. Very bad demand time does have discount across the board.

There are a lot of systems, I could be wrong, I think Disney does not have this kind of charge. But I did not pay too much attention to that system.
Wyndham also provides some way to get around it. But you will have to make at least one retail purchase.


If your short stay is around 3 night + and you will take at least 2 BD, or the place(s) you will use the short stay is on those new resorts, the chance you will get hit by HK is close to nil. More likely, you will run out of points. I have get hit only once when I take 2 short trips including one 1 night stay while I own total 84k. There are all kinds of situations which allows you to avoid the HK.

Transaction is transaction. I do get hit when I had one 1 free transaction. Once I pass that, it will be hard unless I change my mine too often. Besides, It is $30, consider the Tax you will pay will be close to at least 1/2 that amount.

Jya-Ning

 

[vacationhopeful]

Hi Jennifier - Sorry if this seems complex, confusing, and money-grabbing with regards to RT and HK fees. Jya-Ning is absolutely correct that most of the time you will not in Wyndham get hit with many or even ANY of these fees. But the fees are there to protect all owners and to keep costs down for the majority of t/s owners. T/S are not a single room hotel. T/S are condo/apartments, large and spacious, but they have to be cleaned between guests. Maintenance fees paid by the owners then pays for the cleaning - based on one cleaning every 7 nights; shorter stays require more cleanings and the Wyndham business model allows for more flexibilty for their owners to take some shorter stays w/o costs (use of HK credits) whereas the RCI Points owners pay partial each time for the extra cleaning when they stay less than 7 nights.

My RCI Points resort charges $39 as a cleaning charge - I can't get my sheets and towels changed in my 2 bdrs with 4 beds for that little sum at my house. Plus, they have to cleaning 2 baths, 2 kitchens and vacuum/mop the floors.

As for reservation fees, both RCI Points and Wyndham have to maintain call centers and computer systems. If you haven't made reservations yet, you will be surprised as to how many questions and how involved this process is. If you have been reading other posters who vent (rant & rave) about their family and friends who change vacation plans every other day, you should understand it is more involved than a one minute phone call. Many very happy T/S owners plan vacation exchanges as far as 2+ years in advanced.

I too look for the best price for my money. I might take a later plane flight to save $100RT and lose 4 hours at my resort. Or I might spend $30 more for a nonstop instead of losing 3 hours on a changing planes. I reseach the cost of staying one night at a hotel to keep costs down. I have taken a FRI night flight at 8PM vs a 6:10AM flight, as I don't like the stress of that early flight. Jya-Ning used the 3 nights in Wyndham in a 2bdr would be "most likely" w/o additional fees, she also caution that she had paid those fees and when.

Timesharing is a complex recreational product - ask a lot of questions here as we don't want your money, just better informed t/s owners.

 

[acesneights]

Of course, with all the air travel delays, that 6:10 AM flight probably is the only one that leaves on time.

That 8 PM flight may leave at midnight or be canceled and not leave at all, putting you on the 6:10 AM the NEXT day.

Stan

 

[Twinkstarr]

How many nights you plan to take the short stay? And what will be the potential bed room size?

By the way, there is not short notice point discount. Very bad demand time does have discount across the board.

There are a lot of systems, I could be wrong, I think Disney does not have this kind of charge. But I did not pay too much attention to that system.
Wyndham also provides some way to get around it. But you will have to make at least one retail purchase.


If your short stay is around 3 night + and you will take at least 2 BD, or the place(s) you will use the short stay is on those new resorts, the chance you will get hit by HK is close to nil. More likely, you will run out of points. I have get hit only once when I take 2 short trips including one 1 night stay while I own total 84k. There are all kinds of situations which allows you to avoid the HK.

Transaction is transaction. I do get hit when I had one 1 free transaction. Once I pass that, it will be hard unless I change my mine too often. Besides, It is $30, consider the Tax you will pay will be close to at least 1/2 that amount.

Jya-Ning

You're right DVC doesn't have HK or RT type credits or charges. I can stay for 1 night or 14 nights no extra charge.

But remember DVC has MF's that are pretty high compared to the other major T/S companies.

 

[timeos2]

The fees can easily be avoided. A little planning does it

This sounds so confusing and turns me off as it being such a money-grab! I don't want to end up owing a ton of $ just because I use less than 7 nights. KWIM? What are some ways around this? Or are there are systems that are more friendly?

Thanks for all the info!

Jennifer

Been in the FSP system over 10 years, non-VIP, and have never paid a transaction fee or for extra housekeeping. In fact most years we have unused housekeeping credits. Not even a blip on the radar as far as we're concerned. Minimal (and I do mean minimal) planning and you can easily avoid the extra charges or minimize them to a meaningless level (compared to tens of thousands in up front money to be VIP - I'll risk a potential $39 fee at some point in our ownership).

 

[jh928]

Wow, lots of information. Thank you!

I want to make some points that I feel are necessary to say, although I'm not sure from the tone of your post (vacationhopeful) whether I'm taking it right.

First, I'm not against spending money. I will happily spend it if it's fair. I understand the increased costs for less than 7 night stays and the need to support call centers (I've worked in one before, though not a TS one). So please don't think I'm saying I don't want to spend money on something worthwhile. $39 fee is fine, no problem. What scared me is hearing there could be another $100 worth of fees when checking out from a one night stay. That to me is an unreasonable addt'l cost. In that price range, I would rather look into other options. But I'm not here saying I think you guys want my money. I'm not sure why you said something along those lines and felt the need to assure me you guys don't want my money...

Next, I'm not new to TS or TUG. I've been a member here off and on for over 3 years; I just renewed for 3 more years so I don't have to keep dealing w/ letting it lapse and then joining again as a new member (which caused a username duplicate problem and forced me to create a new username). That's why my login says "Guest" I suppose. I'm not sure. Regardless, I'm not a guest or a newbie here. I am a TS owner of a week in FL which I've owned for over 3 years and exchange in II. So I know how that works and how complex reservations can be. What's new to me are points based systems. I appreciate those here who are willing to help, recommend and explain. I certainly wasn't trying to offend anyone here by saying I thought some of these fees are money-grabs. I do still think charging an extra $100 for one night is ridiculous. I don't want to be in that kind of extra charge situation and hope to learn from the experienced people here how to avoid it.

So, again thank you for any information. I appreciate it.

 

[jh928]

John,
Thanks for sharing this info! I appreciate it and it makes me feel a lot better about buying into the system (resale, of course!). I think I got sticker shock when another poster emphasized the extra fees, especially the extra $100 fee on a one night stay. That to me is crazy and made me feel very leary of the system in general. I'm glad to know you've done just fine and perhaps this is a rare situation (extra fees) rather than common. Thanks for chiming in!

Been in the FSP system over 10 years, non-VIP, and have never paid a transaction fee or for extra housekeeping. In fact most years we have unused housekeeping credits. Not even a blip on the radar as far as we're concerned. Minimal (and I do mean minimal) planning and you can easily avoid the extra charges or minimize them to a meaningless level (compared to tens of thousands in up front money to be VIP - I'll risk a potential $39 fee at some point in our ownership).

 

[jh928]

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.

Short stays would probably be 3-4 nights. Bedroom size is hard to say as I suppose it depends on the resort, availability and who is with us. Normally though, I'd say we could use a 1 BR for the next few years as our kids are still toddlers. Later on, I think we'd need a 2 br.

I'm surprised there is no short notice point discount. I thought I had read that somewhere on the board. Someone saying short notice booking and only using 9000 points... could that be another system? I'm not sure which thread I read this in. Thanks for mentioning this as I thought this was part of the wyndham/ff program.

No retail puchases for me! I wouldn't dream of it knowing what I know about resales. Even if I had the retail cost in cash I couldn't stomach spending it on a retail TS.

Thanks again for your help and info.! I appreciate it.

How many nights you plan to take the short stay? And what will be the potential bed room size?

By the way, there is not short notice point discount. Very bad demand time does have discount across the board.

There are a lot of systems, I could be wrong, I think Disney does not have this kind of charge. But I did not pay too much attention to that system.
Wyndham also provides some way to get around it. But you will have to make at least one retail purchase.


If your short stay is around 3 night + and you will take at least 2 BD, or the place(s) you will use the short stay is on those new resorts, the chance you will get hit by HK is close to nil. More likely, you will run out of points. I have get hit only once when I take 2 short trips including one 1 night stay while I own total 84k. There are all kinds of situations which allows you to avoid the HK.

Transaction is transaction. I do get hit when I had one 1 free transaction. Once I pass that, it will be hard unless I change my mine too often. Besides, It is $30, consider the Tax you will pay will be close to at least 1/2 that amount.

Jya-Ning

 

[vacationhopeful]

Hi Jennifier -

Sorry if my last post was off in tone to you. My level of detail was meant to have you review whether nightly stays would be as cost effective as other alternatives. Or to stay 3 nights, as Jya-Ning suggests.

Wyndham makes a big thing about travelling around on vacations or taking weekend getaways as part of their "pitch". Many things besides the RT and HK fees can also get in the way or you have to know the "work around". Many resorts have a required checkin day of Fr,Sa,maybeSU with a 3 or 4 or 7 day minimum stay - workaround is, booking your vacation at one time with reservations for consective nights at Wyndham resorts; ie DC to Williamsburg to Mrytle Beach for the seven or more nights during the Prime time. Of course, you have to call in to a VC to do that.

I looked at bouncing around with the RCI Points. Decided if buying RCI Points the best usage would be to exchange back into the home resort during the HOME RESORT period (month 12, must take 7 days) with a $40 reservation fee - great to fill a gap, add a second week, accommodate school schedule or holiday, etc. The 9,000 last minute reservation is when you go look at RCI Weeks resorts from your RCI points account within 45 days of checkin ... that is the RCI Points needed to book the WEEKS resort. Other TUGGers have posted that many times, those weeks at discount are also on Last Call for $199 or $229, etc.

Another RCI Points program is Point for Deposit (PFD). With a separate PFD fee also. This is where a fixed week is deposited with RCI and you get more Points into your RCI Points account. Only works if your fixed week is NOT at an RCI Points resort. And all Wyndham RCI Resorts are RCI Points resorts. And of course, there is no RCI Points vacations available as owners are not in RCI Points and Wyndham does not convert it fixed weeks owners into RCI Points. Truly, a most confusing situation.

But Wyndham does have the PIC program, which is where a owner (mostly restricted or only grandfather in now) used to be able to get Wyndham points for depositing with Wyndham a non-Wyndham resort fixed week (and of course, there was a yearly fee to do that, too).

Wyndham has resort specials which open to all members, visible online with a percentage off the point total: current resort special is 40% off at Star Island for this checkin range or 25% off for this range. Wyndham alters the date ranges, resorts and percentages at their will - many times it is 10% off, with rarely as high as 40 or 45% off. VIP get the higher percentage off between the resort special or VIP discount (NOT BOTH). It is Wyndham's way of quickly using up an inventory inbalance at a set of resorts.

Also, some Wyndham owners book a Last Call on RCI Weeks (a 7 night stay vacation) and just walk away from nights they won't be using.

Just FYI ...