Free Fixed Week Conversions?

[Family_travel]

Did you get CWA or CWS?

It is CWS. You keep the deed

 

[stevenh21]

That was my goal. Thanks for the info.

 

[Goofyhobbie]

It is CWS. You keep the deed

Glad to hear that at least a few Tuggers have finally heard back with positive results from Wyndham.

 

[Family_travel]

Glad to hear that at least a few Tuggers have finally heard back with positive results from Wyndham.

I received a call out of the blue. So maybe the kinks have been worked out

 

[stevenh21]

This was the last message from my conversion rep:
"Presently, we are at a standstill with converting because we are having an issue with the technology.
Until our IT department figures out the issue, we can’t proceed forward with the conversion. As soon as they have the bugs figured out, I will be contacting you."

Both weeks are fixed and have contract #'s from 30 and 31 years ago from Fairfield. One has corporate deed from Fairfield and was transferred by them. One week is at Wyndham managed resort, the other is not.

I guess I need to resign myself to continue trading thru RCI. We have been to many nice resorts over the years. We have only let about four nights go unused.

I received additional info from my rep that they were ready to convert one week. It took a few days for us to talk by phone. Through all emails and when I asked this AM, the week would be converted to CWA (Access). I had really worked to try to get CWSelect. I received the documents thru DocuSign that seem to be equivalent to Select. The Flagstaff 2BR would convert to 154,000 points. The trust would make me a member of the Fairshare Vacation Owners Association. Priority reservation rights would be at the home resort, retaining voting rights. PlusPartner Program for new sale is checked. Club Wyndham Plus program fee is $180. Annual HOA fee is $838, $19 increase from 2020. For the people in the know, does this add up to CWS?

I had hoped to convert our Plantation week at Villa Rica GA. The cost per 1K points is $6.61 on the above, CWA was $6.90 for 2020. I know I would need to add a free/low cost contract to help even out the program fees and get rid of the Plantation week. I have been looking for Grand Desert contracts. There was no fee listed to convert. I do think this would quailfy to do Worldmark exchanges, which I see as a plus. I know, $99 exchange fee for now.

What the heck is Vacation Side Kick? Travel discounts, free for 1st year.

 

[stevenh21]

The agreement docs in previous post state that the unit will be placed in the Fairshare Vacation Plan Trust. And refer another time as Fairshare Vacation Plan Use Management trust. It is difficult to sign when the rep says it is CWAccess. Help , please.

 

[Family_travel]

Unfortunately, I do not think these reps know the difference in the programs. Ask will you retain your deed.
That is how my rep phrased it. "You have a deeded property, so you will retain the deed"

 

[bnoble]

IMO It’s not Access: you have priority at one resort (not the many that Access has), you retain voting rights (Access doesn’t), and you pay $5.57/K (Access is higher.)

IANAL, and even if I was I would have to see the contract but it seems like a standard converted fixed week to me.

 

[stevenh21]

IMO It’s not Access: you have priority at one resort (not the many that Access has), you retain voting rights (Access doesn’t), and you pay $5.57/K (Access is higher.)

IANAL, and even if I was I would have to see the contract but it seems like a standard converted fixed week to me.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Morning Joe]

Well, well. It took a while...

I got a call from Karen C at Wyndham, stating that our “fixed weeks to points” conversion documents were ready, and, if we signed, the process would be fairly quick - 45 days or so. In addition, our existing (December 2021) reservations would not be affected.

Decision time. Is converting worth the extra annual cost?

We would be converting our 4 floating weeks at Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort to 4 “points contracts” for use within the Club Wyndham Plus system. We are also grandfathered VIP Gold owners at Bali Hai, with 518K points (bought from Wyndham) and thus are familiar with the CWPlus system. We intend to use Pathways to exit out of Bali Hai contract, and downsize, in a few years.

The bottom line: with conversion our annual expenses would increase by $573.We are also grandfathered VIP Gold owners at Bali Hai, with 518K (developer bought) in the CWP system. We intend to Pathways out of that contract In the future.44US to cover the new CWP Program fees for 896K points.

Presently, we can book ANY four WKH weeks each year; with the conversion to points, three of the weeks are rated Prime (231K), and one is High (203K). It’s a downgrade in value, but if we travel to the Kona home resort only, it’s still manageable. We‘d simply have to book a late January week at 203K, and then follow it with three Feb weeks at 231K, instead of 4 consecutive floating weeks in February.

I have reviewed the 4 Docusign contracts. There appears to be no additional fee to convert. And the new “blended HOA Assessment plus CWP Program fee” can be paid monthly, or annually, upon conversion. With weeks, we pay an HOA Assessment once a year.

These floating weeks would become “converted 231K (& one 203K) points weeks” in any future resale, which may actually be a plus. Most future, younger owners would want points for more flexibility. One can also reverse the conversion in the future, and go from points back to floating weeks should that be desirable. Docs do not indicate if there would be a cost to revert.

A converted contract retains the underlying WKHR deed, and is assigned to the CWPlus trust. It has the standard 13-11 month ARP window for reservations at Kona HR as “the home resort”. Also, converted weeks retain membership in the Outrigger Club. We will continue to vote for our Kona HOA resort AGM business and Board.

We bought these 4 WKHR float weeks as very inexpensive resales a few years ago. They will likely not move us up the VIP tier from Gold to Platinum, though on the phone our rep said they were coded developer weeks.

Conversion comes with free Enrolment into the Wyndham Rewards (don’t use it now) and a new program, Vacation SideKicks - free to VIP Gold and higher owners - for access to 3rd party travel products (not likely to use them).

So that’s the lowdown.

Just have to decide then, are the CWP points system benefits compelling enough, ie worth the extra $574US/$750CAD yearly cost? Maybe it’s peanuts in the big picture, roughly $20/night more per stay.

This might be obvious to many Tuggers, but we are snowbirds from Canada most likely to just book time at Kona HR for the upcoming winters - something we can do without converting to Points - assuming safe international travel can resume.

Pros to convert
- can book online 24/7 vs current weeks book by phone only option
- no fee or incremental purchase required to convert (first time we’ve had that option)
- points are more flexible for planning shorter stays, etc.
- possible to travel to many more Wyndham resorts (since joining in 2000, we have been to Bali Hai, KonaHR, Paniolo Greens, Mauna Loa, Oceanside, Indio, Canterbury, Grand Desert, Sedona, Flagstaff, Bonnet Creek, Cypress Palms, Star Island, Sea Gardens, National Harbour, Governor’s Green, Patriots Place, and Ocean Boulevard at Myrtle Beach)
- book different unit sizes elsewhere with points ( at our fav, WKHR, all the units are 2 bedrooms)
- can save the points 1 or 2 years out for future use, which seems a big plus in 2020... maybe the best benefit. Currently, we have to use weeks in Use Year or deposit in RCI
- maybe a VIP discount window, unit upgrades, on reservations closer to travel
- if these have any resale value in future, probably better to sell as converted points weeks than as Floating weeks.
- WKHR trades in RCI & TPI in weeks & points (we wouldn’t trade as RCI exchange fees are now just too high)

Cons to converting
- increased total annual fees by about 12% with CWP assessment, over our floating week HOA costs
- can deposit in RCI for two additional years of travel
- can book 18 months out (or more) at home resort
- can add extra nights @$150 cash rate 21 days before cki

Conversion is a personal “value choice” in large measure, but I’m interested in your thoughts, suggestions, and feedback. TYIA. We have learned a lot from others through these forums.

If you are reading this, I hope I have been able to provide some useful info on the “Fixed to Points“ offer from Wyndham.

 

[bogey21]

I don't own Wyndham but read through this out of curiosity. It made my head spin...

George

 

[bnoble]

I think I might take the conversion, because it (a) does not cost anything and (b) is reversible.

The biggest downside is that one of the weeks converts as High which, as you say, limits your travel to late January/February instead of putting it entirely in February. But, the upsides might make up for that. As for resale value: it is likely that a converted points week will be easier to dispose of. But, it might depend a little on the fee/points ratio.

 

[dgalati]

We bought these 4 KHR float weeks as very inexpensive resales a few years ago. They will likely not move us up the VIP tier from Gold to Platinum, though on the phone our rep said they were coded developer weeks.
[/QUOTE]
I would convert just to see if they do add to your developer VIP status. Nothing to lose if it is reversible to original status as a weeks ownership. Why not try it and see if it works out better for your travel needs at the additional $750 Canadian dollar cost. If the weeks are coded developer and they add to your VIP status the $ extra per year may be worth it.

 

[regatta333]

I am bummed that we were not able to convert our three Newport, RI weeks. They told me the Newport resorts were not participating in this conversion offer.

 

[Morning Joe]

I don't own Wyndham but read through this out of curiosity. It made my head spin...

George

Lol... you understand why I invited some feedback!

 

[Richelle]

If they convert it for free and they are coded developer, I’d go for it. Especially since it’s reversible.

 

[Family_travel]

One of your cons "- can deposit in RCI for two additional years of travel", should go to pro. converted floating week points can go to RCI as well.
If you want to still do the 4 weeks in Feb, can you just convert the 3 prime weeks?
You would have to make separate reservations, so I don't know how that would work with room relocation.

 

[Morning Joe]

One of your cons "- can deposit in RCI for two additional years of travel", should go to pro. converted floating week points can go to RCI as well.
If you want to still do the 4 weeks in Feb, can you just convert the 3 prime weeks?
You would have to make separate reservations, so I don't know how that would work with room relocation.

True enough. It’s a Con only in as much as weeks can not be “saved” other than as RCI deposits. We always have been able to use all the points and weeks with Wyndham in any use year - 2021 may not be as easy!

An interesting thought. Convert three rather than four weeks. It would retain the “book anytime” value of the one week rated 203K points. The front desk staff do their best to keep owners in one unit when staying multiple weeks.

Will have to decide if ease of planning inside one system tips the scale in favour of converting everything into points. Leaning that way.

I sent off some f/u questions to my Owner Care rep today arising from the 62 page email doc they sent me. See what answers comes back. Eg. Nothing in writing about the converted points counting towards an upgrade in VIP status from Gold to Platinum.

Thanks for your suggestions!


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[Richelle]

True enough. It’s a Con only in as much as weeks can not be “saved” other than as RCI deposits. We always have been able to use all the points and weeks with Wyndham in any use year - 2021 may not be as easy!

An interesting thought. Convert three rather than four weeks. It would retain the “book anytime” value of the one week rated 203K points. The front desk staff do their best to keep owners in one unit when staying multiple weeks.

Will have to decide if ease of planning inside one system tips the scale in favour of converting everything into points. Leaning that way.

I sent off some f/u questions to my Owner Care rep today arising from the 62 page email doc they sent me. See what answers comes back. Eg. Nothing in writing about the converted points counting towards an upgrade in VIP status from Gold to Platinum.

Thanks for your suggestions!


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If they are marked as developer, there is a chance they will be considered developer in the points system. In which case, you might want to get started soon. The new system requirement for Platnium is 1.1 million. If you will have 1.1 million (assuming they count as developer), you don't have to rush. If you will have less then 1.1 million but more then one million, you may want to do it now unless you plan on buying more points in the future. The program launches on November 12th. The last day to have your points is November 10th.

 

[stevenh21]

I'm ready to sign paperwork. Had to get our Fairfield contract number info changed to get both names on it and my full name corrected. The Wyndham rep states that it is CWA. ARP is only at Flagstaff, it includes Plus Partners, has voting rights at home resort, has the resort maintenance fee and $180 program fee, so I still feel it is CWS. You know, quacks like a duck.
There is a complimentary one year Vacation Sidekick membership. I assume this is a renamed program. Is it worthwhile and can it be cancelled after the first year. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Eric B]

Vacation Sidekick is the relatively new name for the Perks program; no real change. It's essentially the same discounts you could get for free anywhere else. Don't think I ever used it for anything, but it comes free with VIP Gold and up.

 

[stevenh21]

Thanks, sort of was guessing that.

 

[RRedlich]

My husband and I have separate Wyndham accounts and have not merged them after we married. We had been told we would have to pay for new titles to put each others name on each contract we owned in order to merge them. I own 4 contracts and my husband has 2 contracts. We added up that cost in our minds and thought it would be nice to merge but too costly.

Fast forward to the Fixed to Flexible plan. My husband inquired about conversion of his floating week at Bentley Brook. Within 4 weeks he received his documents and converted over. He was working with Peter R. at Wyndham. He was terrific. I was dealing with Drew. I was considering converting a fixed week 27 at Sea Gardens with Ocean view. I applied to discuss conversion August 3 and heard nothing. I called every two weeks until Oct 21 and was told that Drew would call me, I heard nothing. My husband reached out to Peter on Monday to inquire what was the deal with my contract and within 15 minutes Peter found it and created the conversion documents. (Funny side note the next afternoon, Drew sent an email stating he wanted help me to convert my property). So I have great praise for Peter.

Now my mind is questioning should I go through with conversion. I liked the pros and con list used by previous poster so I am going to list mine.

Pro:

• Flexibility- during Covid we were not permitted to travel to Florida without quarantining and losing 2 weeks of work. In future should there be another issue( resort closure or travel restriction), we would have other options for travel.
• Pooling of points: I could add those 126K points to my 326k points
• RCI pooling points rather than an RCI points and RCI weeks account
• MERGE Peter stated he may be able to merge account without cost. My husband is a co owner of this property and his name is on title.
• No Cost and can be canceled

Cons:

• Fees Maintenance fees are increased due to fees
• Love our unit. We would not wish to stay in the other buildings on the property. We have the Ocean View and beach access. We love the amenities that are on the property across the road but really like the beach and quiet of the Ocean view building. We would have priority booking at the property, but I don't know if we would get a room in the Ocean view building as they are only a few.

As I type this I see the Pros outweigh the Cons. But my heart is unsure because of the loss of the unit. Any thoughts?

 

[bnoble]

I was told today that my KBV conversion still isn't possible, but they are working on it. Odd that WKH can be, but maybe it is county-specific.

 

[CCdad]

My husband and I have separate Wyndham accounts and have not merged them after we married. We had been told we would have to pay for new titles to put each others name on each contract we owned in order to merge them. I own 4 contracts and my husband has 2 contracts. We added up that cost in our minds and thought it would be nice to merge but too costly.

Fast forward to the Fixed to Flexible plan. My husband inquired about conversion of his floating week at Bentley Brook. Within 4 weeks he received his documents and converted over. He was working with Peter R. at Wyndham. He was terrific. I was dealing with Drew. I was considering converting a fixed week 27 at Sea Gardens with Ocean view. I applied to discuss conversion August 3 and heard nothing. I called every two weeks until Oct 21 and was told that Drew would call me, I heard nothing. My husband reached out to Peter on Monday to inquire what was the deal with my contract and within 15 minutes Peter found it and created the conversion documents. (Funny side note the next afternoon, Drew sent an email stating he wanted help me to convert my property). So I have great praise for Peter.

Now my mind is questioning should I go through with conversion. I liked the pros and con list used by previous poster so I am going to list mine.

Pro:

• Flexibility- during Covid we were not permitted to travel to Florida without quarantining and losing 2 weeks of work. In future should there be another issue( resort closure or travel restriction), we would have other options for travel.
• Pooling of points: I could add those 126K points to my 326k points
• RCI pooling points rather than an RCI points and RCI weeks account
• MERGE Peter stated he may be able to merge account without cost. My husband is a co owner of this property and his name is on title.
• No Cost and can be canceled

Cons:

• Fees Maintenance fees are increased due to fees
• Love our unit. We would not wish to stay in the other buildings on the property. We have the Ocean View and beach access. We love the amenities that are on the property across the road but really like the beach and quiet of the Ocean view building. We would have priority booking at the property, but I don't know if we would get a room in the Ocean view building as they are only a few.

As I type this I see the Pros outweigh the Cons. But my heart is unsure because of the loss of the unit. Any thoughts?

If you have one contract (deeded or CWA) in both your names, then Wyndham should be able to merge all the contracts into a single account.


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