Hilton Head snatched away by Interval

[Pompey Family]

We currently have an ongoing request for Hilton Head in July/August 2012 in exchange for our platinum Harbour Lake which has been registered since the beginning of September.

About two weeks ago a rep from Interval called to tell me that he had a week at Barony Beach Club for the dates requested and would I be interested (personally I thought it was automatic that the first match on your list is what you end up with). Of course I jumped at the offer and he stated he would e-mail me the confirmation. A couple of hours later he called to inform me that there had been a mistake by Marriott and that they had deposited a week for Barony when it should have been an owner confirmation of their requested week! The rep was apologetic and assured me that I would be placed on the 'priority list' and that he would "sort something out for us", whatever that meant. I would imagine that there is no such 'priority list' and I'm wondering whether to hold on for a month further or bite the bullet and go to Branson. Due to the school holidays we also need to ensure that we book our flights early

 

[jdunn1]

Those Carolina summer month trades are near impossible. I've read posts from owners of platinum weeks at the Carolina Marriotts who couldn't trade back into their home resort for any time over the summer. They are owners exchanging like for like and they couldn't get back into their home resorts!

You can all but count on the Branson trade but the Hilton Head, especially for July will be like winning the lotto. If you gave Interval your full 2 bedroom as a deposit, then your chances are better than any other Marriott owner who only gave a one bedroom or a studio, but you are still behind owners trading back into their home resort, and then other Hilton Head owners trading into a different resrot and then other platinum beach owners.

Unfortunately, us lowely Marriott owners who do not own at a beach or Platinum ski week (I own platinum Barnson) are low on the list to trade into those prime summer Carolina weeks. We still do very well but last year those exchanges, other than a handfull of late August (i.e. last two weeks of August) just didn't happen.

Maybe give the Hilton Head trade another month or so, however long you can hold out for airfare and then book Branson. I think you can pretty much get Branson up to a couple months before check-in.

 

[Pompey Family]

Thanks Jdunn1, pretty much what I'm beginning to realise which was why I was shocked when the rep called me. Once our gold Andaluza comes through I'll see what that can offer me trade wise otherwise Branson it is. Prior to the call from Interval I was becoming a bit concerned that HH wouldn't happen so that was why we looked at Branson and to be honest we quite liked the look of it. My wife doesn't like Orlando as she compares it to a US equivalent of Blackpool (why she didn't tell me this when we bought Harbour Lakes!) and she wants to visit the 'true' America. A US pilot who she was speaking to last week in Dubai couldn't understand why we would want to go there as, in his opinion, it's full of rednecks but I think that's what she's looking for!

I'm guessing the Caribbean resorts are pretty much in the same vein as I can only see one resort in the Dominican Republic when checking the exchange dates and absolutely nothing for Europe, not even the non silver or gold resorts.

I'm beginning to realise that buying a timeshare for exchange when you have kids is not going to work. Once they're older and we're not constrained by school holidays then I can see our options increasing significantly, not to mention air fares being at least half the price!

 

[jdunn1]

I bought my Branson week for trading, thought I would absolutely love going there one day, just it is a 12 hour drive from my house and when I drive that far, there has to be a beach. Still, if I can ever find cheap airfare or I do a southern Ohio roadtrip to Kings Island, maybe I would drive the extra 8 hours to Branson, just for a few days in the summer.

Yes, Branon is almost in dead center America. It is a cross between Myrtle Beach and Nashville, from what I hear. I guess Branson got started by Nashville groups that wanted more revenue from their shows than the theater owners in Nashville were offering -- so they jumped ship to Branson and that's how that area became so musical.

I must admit, I am very surprised you would fly all the way from England, just to see Branson, but I think you will enjoy it. I've heard the Marriott has the best location and pool of all the resorts in Barnson. Those kind of things mean a lot to me.

If your wife (and the kids) want to take in true America, Branson is not a bad start. I think anything in the midwest is true America, the problem will be finding anything in the midwest built up nearly as much as Branson. I've heard the Utah Marriotts in the summer are pretty fun and that would be a good sampling of America. Timberlodge in Reno migh be nice place to visit as well. Just kind of depends on what your family defines as American. To me, it is the Grand Canyon, the Carolina beaches, Florida, Cedar Point in the Cleveland, Ohio area and lots of other places.

Those summer Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head trades are just so tough. Most people who own summer weeks use them. Also, something like 60% of Americans live within a 12-14 hour drive to Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach and so a good part of America go there for summer vacations. I for one was raised with a Myrtle Beach summer vacation just about every year.

The other problem with the Marriott Carolina summer weeks is that a surprising many owners rent their week for about 3 times what they pay in dues. I would bet good money you could go to redweek or myresortnetwork and find half a dozen rentals for the exact week you are looking for. The problem will be that owner wants about 3,000 for that reservation.

Too bad Branson is kind-of in the middle of nowhere or you could take in more of America.

Have fun!

 

[Steve]

It's true that Branson is in America's heartland, but it's rather tacky. Some of the shows are fun, but it's over-commercialized, congested, and just not overly attractive. It's like a giant, musical tourist trap...on steroids.

One of the premier attractions is the Titantic museum. You're driving down the road, and there is a building that looks just like the ship...but it is only 1/2 of the ship and ends abruptly with a flat back wall. That's Branson. It's the kitsch capital of middle America.

If you're looking for the "real America" and can't get a beach week, how about Williamsburg? Marriott's Manor Club is a gorgeous resort, and there are lots of fun things to do in the area. It has great history and architecture and does a wonderful job of telling the story of the birth of America as a nation.

Tastes vary, and you might love Branson. But I would think twice about it. I have lived in Europe, and I have spent a week in Branson...and I'm not sure that Branson is the best place to visit when traveling all the way "across the pond".

Steve

 

[Pompey Family]

One of the premier attractions is the Titantic museum. You're driving down the road, and there is a building that looks just like the ship...but it is only 1/2 of the ship and ends abruptly with a flat back wall. That's Branson. It's the kitsch capital of middle America.

Yes, I did read about the Titanic museum and couldn't think of any link between the ship and Branson or Missouri in general!

We liked the look of Willow Ridge and in particular the pools which will probably be the focus of our younger sons stay. The difficulty is that we're taking our two nieces, 13 & 15, and we really want somewhere where they can be occupied, particularly in the evenings on or close to the resort. I love the look of Williamsburg however it seems to be tailored more towards adults. The pool certainly looks very basic (I've only seen a picture of one but apparently there're two). Busch Gardens and Water Country are a definite draw but the resort itself doesn't appear to be too child friendly. Hopefully some Tuggers can advise me otherwise.

I've had a quick look on Google maps and I was trying to get some idea of whether there's a decent beach within driving distance (less than an hour).

Ultimately our two week trip to the States is more about being in America than doing the tourist sight trail or sunning myself on a beach. I can be in Southern Spain within two hours and spend a fortnight glued to the sunbed which is fine (and will probably be what the following years holiday will be) but we enjoy the whole experience of being in the States. I'm not particularly interested in sight seeing except for places like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. I really didn't like Vegas but loved my time horseriding in the desert. Equally I love New York, not for seeing the Statue of Liberty etc but for the general experience of being there. As such there isn't really too much of a tickbox for deciding where to go it's just that we're a bit limited with our dates and what Interval can offer us. Currently there is availability for the Marriott resorts in Palm Springs and in Arizona but I think we can pretty much rule them out in August and there are loads in Florida (which we may consider). The only other Marriott choices are Branson and New Jersey which we stayed at two years ago.

I did think that maybe Branson might be a bit tacky. I've had a look at the shows listing and couldn't really find anything that appealed to me but it appeared to be one of the major vacation destinations for Americans so I figured that it may have something to please everyone.

So the choice may be between Branson and Williamsburg. Perhaps someone can offer some advice on what would be preferable with our criteria being:

Decent pool
Something to interest young teenage girls
Beach not essential but nice if there's one within a reasonable drive
Some interesting day excursions (historical / theme park)
Outlet malls!

Oh and to be able to buy wine and beer in the supermarket rather than a seperate trip to a liquor store would be nice as well!

 

[vacationhopeful]

The Marriott Beachplace might be a good trade for your group. Summer in Ft Lauderdale and on the World Famous beach is a do-able trade. Beachplace is in the middle of the action for the teenage girls with live music by the cafes lining Ocean Blvd. Yet, going for a day at Billie's Swamp Safari (Everglades) and a night at the Hard Rock Casino (and various dining venues) will appeal to the others in your party. Plus, there is great shopping. Key West is a 5 hr drive each way, but the upper Keys is less than 2.25 hrs -- with a great state park with glass-bottom boats and dive/snokeling boats. Boats and diving and fishing is all just a mile from Beachplace. There is a water taxi ride, a paddle wheel boat for touring, the Goodyear blimp is based here ( and floats around at dusk). And yes, there are LARGE outlet shopping malls.

I have taken nephews there at ages 13 & up for solo trips; took my sister with all 3 of the boys on summer. My sister was very pleased even though she had slept the prior 7 nights in a beachfront condo in Ocean City, MD. She actually felt like she was on vacation verses being caretaker to the boys at the beach.

 

[m61376]

If you've never been to Washington DC, then going to Williamsburg and planning a few days in Washington after or before might be a great idea. There is lots to see and do in Washington to interest teenaged girls. I haven't been to Williamsburg, but Bush Gardens, etc. is great and the resort and area gets great reviews.

There are also outlets nearby (I know- a requisite for teenaged girls!).

 

[NboroGirl]

I spent a week in Williamsburg with my brother and sister (no kids). We had a lot of fun... Virginia Beach wasn't too far - Probably more than an hour, maybe 1.5 hours? Definitely worth the trip, tho and we had a great time there at the beach. We also visited Busch Gardens on a couple of days, did the water park, visited a winery, toured some old plantations, spent a day in Colonial Williamsburg... there was plenty to see and do and it was one of my busier vacations. You are right - the pool wasn't anything special. It wasn't a big deal to me but if your boys expect something grand, it would be a disappointment.

Washington DC is not exactly nearby. It's almost too far to drive but too close to fly. The only way I would add D.C. to the trip was if I were planning to spend 3 or 4 days there.

 

[ScubaKat]

I have been to over 30 countries and most of all the east and west coast states but have never heard of or been to Branson until I started looking at timeshares.. may have to go check out the titanic museum just to get a good laugh.. :rofl:

It's true that Branson is in America's heartland, but it's rather tacky. Some of the shows are fun, but it's over-commercialized, congested, and just not overly attractive. It's like a giant, musical tourist trap...on steroids.

One of the premier attractions is the Titantic museum. You're driving down the road, and there is a building that looks just like the ship...but it is only 1/2 of the ship and ends abruptly with a flat back wall. That's Branson. It's the kitsch capital of middle America.

Steve

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

I spent a week in Williamsburg with my brother and sister (no kids). We had a lot of fun... Virginia Beach wasn't too far - Probably more than an hour, maybe 1.5 hours? Definitely worth the trip, tho and we had a great time there at the beach. We also visited Busch Gardens on a couple of days, did the water park, visited a winery, toured some old plantations, spent a day in Colonial Williamsburg... there was plenty to see and do and it was one of my busier vacations. You are right - the pool wasn't anything special. It wasn't a big deal to me but if your boys expect something grand, it would be a disappointment.

Washington DC is not exactly nearby. It's almost too far to drive but too close to fly. The only way I would add D.C. to the trip was if I were planning to spend 3 or 4 days there.

So how many hours does it take to drive to Washington, D.C ? How long does it take to drive to the nearest Metro station to take the Metro train into the city?

Anyone have any idea?




.

 

[ScubaKat]

Springfield would be the closest station... it would take about 2.5 hours to drive from Williamsburg to Springfield without traffic..

 

[chriskre]

I have been to over 30 countries and most of all the east and west coast states but have never heard of or been to Branson until I started looking at timeshares.. may have to go check out the titanic museum just to get a good laugh.. :rofl:

Me either but decided to finally go to Branson last year.
I'm not sure I'd go if I were coming across the pond as honestly to me, Branson is kinda like a Kissimmee with hills. Nice resorts but if you don't like Country music or variety shows I really don't understand the appeal.

The lake is manmade, it's retirement age heaven, stock fishing, some goonie-golf places and a few things for kids, but it's mostly geared for retirees. I guess you could do Silver dollar city but I know my niece and nephew didn't want to go with us. My nephew did a work study in one of the restaurants in college there but he was glad to finally go home.

There are so many TS's in Branson that I'm not sure trading even an Orlando Marriott for Branson is an equitable exchange. :ignore: I'd think that with kids, Beach Place or Crystal Shores would be a better bang for your trade buck.

 

[David10225]

You can also drive only as far as Fredericksburg VA and then take the Virginia Railway Express (a M-F commuter train) into Washington DC. That would cut about 30 minutes from your drive to a station. Be aware that those parking lots fill up frequently. I do not know what the parking situation is in Fredericksburg.

I would definitely choose Williamsburg over Branson. You have Busch Gardens and the waterpark, colonial Williamsburg, a reasonable drive to Virginia Beach, outlet malls in Williamsburg, another large theme park called Kings Dominion just north of Richmond, VA, about a 50 minute drive from Williamsburg and of course the potential to go into DC...although I do agree..a day trip would be a VERY long day.

 

[Pompey Family]

Thanks for all the advice. Williamsburg definitely ticks more boxes than Branson however the only issue is the sleeping layout. Unless anyone can correct me it would appear that the guest bedroom only consists of one queen bed. The only sofa bed is in the lounge which is not suitable unless my wife and I want to retire to bed at 7 pm!

Personally I'm becoming a bit fed up and disillusioned with the trading system within II and despite my wife's protestations we're looking at staying at Harbour Lake. Trying to accomodate all the party has been difficult and it seems that Florida is the only place that we can trade into that covers everything (except my wife who wants to be surrounded by Americans not Europeans!).

Williamsburg will have to wait for another year when it's just the four of us unless the mythical Hilton Head trade comes up.

 

[timeos2]

Cross the Border for a nice day

If you go to Branson then be sure to plan a day trip to Arkansas. That was the most memorable part of our one and so far only visit to that area. Unlike Branson the little border towns were true "old American" look & feel and there were interesting places close by like "ghost" towns & other old time attractions.

Branson was pretty much a joke - a bunch of pretty bad "entertainers" WAY over the hill (if they ever even climbed one) and amateur reviews with plenty of fake smiles and poor dancing. The food was good, the "museums" (really glorified gift shops in most cases) were OK but not great and of course the Titanic building which is more interesting than the displays inside.

We wouldn't turn down a trip back for a VERY low price (we wouldn't use a trade to get it as it is easily obtained virtually year round on Last Calls or cheap rentals - much cheaper than a trade is when you consider the annual costs plus exchange fee) but wouldn't seek it out either.

 

[AwayWeGo]

I Resemble That Remark.

I'm not sure that Branson is the best place to visit when traveling all the way "across the pond".

You are correct, sir. It's not worth traveling across the Atlantic just to take in the charms of Branson MO.

But if you're already in the USA, Branson can be a fun holiday.

We enjoyed ourselves in Branson when we were there 5 years ago.

Click here for the details.

By contrast, it is worth traveling across the Atlantic in order to take in the charms of Edinburgh, Scotland, & the non-stop entertainment of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. (But that's another story.)

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[TSPam]

Hi,
there are two different parts to the Marriott manor club.
MMC is the original with dedicated 2 bed units with a queen in the second bedroom and a fold out in the living room.
Manor club sequel (MSE) have lock off units with a king in the studio as well as a fold out. There is also a fold out in the living room.
The sequel part may work better for your family.
The teenagers may like the small movie theatre at Manor Club as well as the games room.

 

[dioxide45]

I don't think there is really any place you can go that will give you the "true America'. I don't think anything really exists. America is a very vast and diverse place. One could say driving to Ocean Pointe through Riviera Beach on Blue Heron Blvd is the "true America". Someone else could say New York or Texas is. There really isn't one. Traditions and local diversity is different in every corner of America, just as it is in Europe or Asia.

Anywhere you pick that has a Marriott resort, you will have a fantastic time. If it is great resorts with great pools that you want, Orlando can't be beat. You don't have to even step foot in a theme park. Any of the Orlando or beach resorts would far and away beat out Willow Ridge when it comes to pools.