II elite level resorts-can they trade into other resorts and upgrade to larger unit without upgrade fees

[seema]

I underwent a sales presentation at Westgate Smokey Mountain resort- considered to be an II "elite" resort.
Limited number of resorts - for example I own Marriott Ko Olina (deeded week)- also an "elite" resort.

the sales agent was showing how the resort can exchange with II.
She and the manager separately were showing me some "dummy" exchanges.

Many were into other "elite" resorts. So far no issues.

Question:
But the "dummy" exchanges show exchanges into larger units without an II upgrade fee- and outside of flex change time interval.
Is this correct. Will the II web site display for exchange units larger than what Westgate Smokey Mountain (or other elite) resorts are offering.

 

[klpca]

Nope. They were messing with you. Trading power *may* be higher, but that is the primary benefit.

Recently II had a promotion where no one had to pay a size upcharge, but that is not the norm. Maybe they were showing you the results during this promotion?

 

[rickandcindy23]

That is not true at all, but the last few days, ended yesterday, Platinum members were getting free upgrades after the flexchange period. It was a promotional thing. So maybe you were seeing that.

 

[dioxide45]

I own at an Elite property in II and do not get free upgrades. Not exactly sure what they were showing you. As others have said, if this was over the weekend and through Monday, that was during the free upgrade promotion and likely what you saw.