Issues with Wyndham preview package

[amycurl]

Hi Folks--
A little while ago, I purchased two preview packages at basically the same time--one that was good for NYC and one that was good for MB. When I went to book both of them, I got charged over $100 for "fees and taxes," which I have *never* been charged on similar preview packages from Marriott and Hilton. Okay, whatever--they were still a good deal.

I have the first of these coming up next week in NYC to see my daughter in a play (the exact reason I booked it in the first place), and we have flights, etc. booked. Earlier today, I got this email:

Dear Amycurl:

We are eagerly anticipating your arrival in New York, NY on 04/23/2026. However, there are critical items on your reservation that need your immediate attention.

Action Required: It's essential that we speak with you as soon as possible to finalize these details. Without your prompt response, your check-in process might be impacted.

Please call us urgently at 1-800-797-8513, Monday to Friday, between 9am – 6pm EST.

Thank you for addressing this matter promptly. We want to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Best regards,

Pre Arrivals Team

Wyndham Destinations

8403 South Park Circle, Suite 650B

Orlando, FL 32819

What new fresh hell is this? Of course, I was in meetings until 6 pm, so I guess I will have to call tomorrow. What possible details needed to be finalized that would impact my check-in process? Did they forget to charge me even more fees? We already have our sales pitch scheduled for first thing in the morning the day after we check in. Nothing about this process to date would incentivize me to purchase, but I guess you could say it *is* an accurate representation of how you'll be treated as an owner, LOL! Has anyone gotten this kind of email before? I'm already bummed we're not actually staying at the property, which is really close to where my daughter's dorm is, and are at a La Quinta in midtown. What should I be preparing myself for?

(And, before anyone mentions it, we are very good at saying no, and I didn't want to impose upon the friends we usually stay with, since one of them is having surgery just the day after we leave, so this seemed like a good option.)

Thanks for any insight any of you might have--
Amy

 

[Jan M.]

My guess is it's one of two things. They might want to get your check in info prior to your arrival. Like who's staying in the unit, vehicle info if applicable, confirm the email and phone number. However, I'm seeing that they put you in the La Quinta so maybe not that. The other reason could be to set up or just confirm your sales presentation time.

What would be really nice is if they're contacting you because they now have availability at Midtown 45 and want to know if you'd like to stay there.

 

[WorldT]

I think it is just to confirm your tour date and time. While you are on the call, ask if they can move you to resort.

 

[amycurl]

Well, at least I remembered to call them before 6 pm today.

What would be really nice is if they're contacting you because they now have availability at Midtown 45 and want to know if you'd like to stay there.

That would have been nice! But, no, sadly (I did ask)....they mostly wanted to confirm everything and that the names they had for me and my spouse matched our IDs, and then confirmed all of the requirements for the sales presentation.

We haven't done a Wyndham sales presentation since we toured Bonnet Creek when it was still under construction. We purchased one of the preview packages they offered (basically, a try-it-you'll-like-it deal that I don't think Wyndham offers anymore,) but we rescinded within 24 hours.

Funny story--we got engaged during a dinner out that was paid for by Fairfield. We had attended a local sales pitch and the dinner was part of the gifting package. So, we have some history with Wyndham, even though we've never been owners. LOL.

I know so much more about Wyndham now, though....these presentations should be interesting. (The one in MB is in June.)

 

[Floridaman76]

I used to do these occasionally. It ended up being a free 3 night stay somewhere. The way it worked is, you had to pay for it up front, then after the presentation they would gift you a gift card for the amount you ended up paying upfront.

Stays used to exclusively be at resorts, but at some point they changed the program to where they ended up putting you in a hotel, in some cases resort fees applied.

The last time I did one of these, I was promised Bonnet Creek being an option but by the time we actually got confirmed, they put us at the Rosen. Not an awful hotel, but it was a hotel, right next to I-4. Not a good experience and that was it for me.

But in the past, I have stayed at Ocean Blvd, Donnatello, Smokey Mountains and Kingsgate for 3 nights for free. I would use CW or WR points to book the rest of the week.

They aim these for non-owners, the sales weasels were always pissed when they found out we were already owners, and had resale points because they had no shot at a sale, lol.

 

[jp10558]

What's weird to me is I would have thought staying at a resort would be a good sales pitch vs a random hotel, but Hilton did the same thing for me back in 2022.

 

[Arimaas]

What's weird to me is I would have thought staying at a resort would be a good sales pitch vs a random hotel, but Hilton did the same thing for me back in 2022.

I was thinking the same thing. Unless staying in the hotel is part of the overall marketing design - you see how small and cramped your room is, now imagine staying here, kinda thing.

 

[StarSailer]

Oddly enough Hilton once put us up in Wilderness at the Smokies (the hotel side of Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge). That was a good trip.