Interval Intl and View categories

[horseman]

I have been poking around Interval checking exchange availability and was wondering if there was any way to check the view category before you commit to the exchange? Can you check during the 18 minute hold time that Interval gives you to complete the exchange or do you have to finalize the exchange and wait for the emailed confirmation certificate?

I understand that view categories are not guaranteed when exchanging through Interval, but it is my understanding that a view category is actually assigned.

We enjoyed Marriott Surf Club so much last week that we are thinking of going back again the same time next year. We had 3rd floor in the Lighthouse building which was considered Ocean Side- but the view was actually more garden view- We were perfectly satisfied anyway but would like to try for a higher floor/ocean view.

If we get garden view in an exchange, it doesn't appear to make sense to try to re-exchange for a better view category, since the view category isn’t guaranteed anyway. You may end up paying an additional exchange fee for nothing.

Any thoughts on this?

Just trying to get the best exchange possible
Thanks

 

[Big Matt]

The only way that I know how is to ask over the phone. Otherwise, you must agree to the trade and then cancel if you don't like the view.

Remember that even if you get a good view, you may get a crappy unit (low floor, near construction, etc.)

 

[griffer331]

I was under the impression that Interval does not guarantee view on an exchange.

 

[SueDonJ]

There are always posts asking folks what the four-letter code on an II cert means but I'm not sure if the code can be seen on II before an exchange is confirmed. When you can see the code, whether it's before or after the confirmation, post it here with the resort name and maybe somebody might know it.

But what Matt says is true - even if the resort places you in the view that's attached to the confirmation, you may be placed in the worst possible unit of that view. As well, there are resorts (notably the South Carolina ones but also some others) that don't pay any attention to the II view - as a general rule they place exchangers into the Gardenview units. (I say "general" because occasionally there are reports of exchangers getting something other than Gardenview, but it doesn't happen often.)

Griffer is absolutely correct - there is no guarantee of view with an II exchange. Unit placement is at the discretion of the resort staff and they each use a tailored Priority Placement System.

 

[horseman]

Thanks for the info.

I checked my confirmation certificate from last weeks Surf Club stay and there was no indication of view category. I must have called II and asked because I was able to match the view category for my II exchange with the with the view category for the two nights I got via DC points . I actually cancelled my first garden view DC reservation and updgraded to Ocean side to match my II ( non-guaranteed) view , so as to increase my chances of staying in the same room for both reservations.

If we get an exchange and dont like the view ( or whatever) we have 24 hours to cancel without incurring an exchange fee, correct?