MARRIOTT / CORONAVIRUS [MERGED]

[Dean]

Even worse there is no reason for MVC to put them into a holding account that prevents you from using these COVID-19 cancelled points for anything else - Cruises, Collette Tours, Explorer Collection, third home, II deposits, etc. It's not like these are the best use of DPs...but something would be a lot better than nothing.

They may restrict them going forward or change the rates as they have to turn those points into cash by rentals.

 

[Big Matt]

Here's a reality that people aren't talking about. People are going to bank a lot of points to next year. There will be an over supply of points with pent up demand. I could see a very busy 2021 with many of the higher end resorts getting gobbled up quickly.

 

[Dean]

Another note : I get it that this whole "wah, I lost my $5K vacation!!!" whining here is relatively tone deaf relative to the impact of this on people who run small businesses and those that work there, especialy in the service industry.

It's not about lack of caring, my position would be no different if they offered no additional options as those are the rules in place that we all knew or should have known. It's simply about understanding the risks we all took that we should have known up front and then taking responsibility when things happen. The reality is that the management and developer/sales are separate entities, legally and otherwise and they all are taking their hit in a number of ways.

We are all affected in one way or another and we all feel for those that lose such a vacation but there is a significant difference in a timeshare and a small business. I think the best business comparison would be a co-op or a not for profit. In part those small business moving to offer alternative are usually doing so for their own sake at least in part.

Big Matt Points out a specific situation where this will be a problem even without additional flexibility, there are others. From what I've seen, other timeshares are doing similar things to MVC though all slightly different. The reality is that every bit of flexibility is on the back of the other members so there must be a balance. I feel the current offers are a good balance but there are other choices that could be made. I do feel that allowing full use points and additional banking would not be reasonable but I now others disagree. The reality is that I'm likely affected more than most, possibly to the turn of 30-40K DC points and 9 high end beach weeks depending on how things play out over the next few months.

tf2275 they are giving us options but there are limitations. Personally I'd be OK with allowing cancelations within the 60 days but restricting the rebooking to a shorter time period within season and for the rest of the year even across resorts. But my guess is that would look good on paper and not help much in reality and they know that.

 

[ocdb8r]

It's clear there is no easy answer. In my own head, I understand multiple sides to this debate.

My general feeling is that MVC should be more flexible than they are currently. Limiting the reservations and points to booking a maximum 120 days out and having to use all points this year puts a tremendous burden on what limited inventory will be left this year alone once this shakes out. To me, everyone who posts that there's a limit to the total inventory and thus MVC must be restrictive fails to consider that then in fact it may be better to allow points to be used over a LONGER period of time to spread out the pressure on limited inventory for as long as possible. Yes, this means that in future years there will increased be pressure on inventory; home resort reservations and elite owners will benefit with first crack at availability and others will have to be happy with what is left. But this is how it has ALWAYS been. Saying it's unfair that you may have to to compete a bit more for your desired reservation is tantamount to saying those who happened to have reservations during this affected period should bear all the burden and loss. And in fact, this is what MVC's policy is doing. Increasing the booking period to 120 days does almost nothing to spread the burden of these times across a wider swath of the total ownership pool (both the developer pool and private owners).

With that in mind, I'd like to see MVC allow the points to be used for longer (say over the next 2-3 years), but perhaps placed in a special holding account with reasonable reservation limitations (perhaps allowing reservations 6 months out along with other uses that don't pressure inventory as much - some have mentioned Bonvoy points conversion...etc). This allows the pressure on inventory to be spread out longer while still maintaining some discipline in the reservation priority order. I'm sure MVC has sufficient statistics to set the reservation lead time limitation at something just less then when 70% of reservations are currently made.

 

[pedro47]

Have any heard of any Marriott's Vacation Resorts closing?

 

[Yohon34]

It's clear there is no easy answer. In my own head, I understand multiple sides to this debate.

My general feeling is that MVC should be more flexible than they are currently. Limiting the reservations and points to booking a maximum 120 days out and having to use all points this year puts a tremendous burden on what limited inventory will be left this year alone once this shakes out. To me, everyone who posts that there's a limit to the total inventory and thus MVC must be restrictive fails to consider that then in fact it may be better to allow points to be used over a LONGER period of time to spread out the pressure on limited inventory for as long as possible. Yes, this means that in future years there will increased be pressure on inventory; home resort reservations and elite owners will benefit with first crack at availability and others will have to be happy with what is left. But this is how it has ALWAYS been. Saying it's unfair that you may have to to compete a bit more for your desired reservation is tantamount to saying those who happened to have reservations during this affected period should bear all the burden and loss. And in fact, this is what MVC's policy is doing. Increasing the booking period to 120 days does almost nothing to spread the burden of these times across a wider swath of the total ownership pool (both the developer pool and private owners).

With that in mind, I'd like to see MVC allow the points to be used for longer (say over the next 2-3 years), but perhaps placed in a special holding account with reasonable reservation limitations (perhaps allowing reservations 6 months out along with other uses that don't pressure inventory as much - some have mentioned Bonvoy points conversion...etc). This allows the pressure on inventory to be spread out longer while still maintaining some discipline in the reservation priority order. I'm sure MVC has sufficient statistics to set the reservation lead time limitation at something just less then when 70% of reservations are currently made.

Yes!!! excellent idea!

 

[nanceetom]

The travel insurance, and I have spoken to many different people from Travelex in claims and customer service. My son was very sick and in the hospital 8 days ago. Now, thankfully, he is recovering, but he is no longer disabled and is working from home. I was told that just because he might get sick, it is not a reason why he can't travel???? I will submit anyhow and things where things fly.

 

[VacationForever]

We were a "0 day" check in at Mountainside. As we walked in the lobby, Vail canceled the season for skiing. The concierge said a few restaurants around town were closed as of 2pm (we were there at 3:30pm). By the next morning, everything had changed, EVERYTHING was closed. We have no recourse? Marriott should have, because of the general alarm raised on a county, state and national level, turned us away at the check in desk and at least offered some Bonvoy points. You can't tell me they were not aware of what was going on.

The issue is that governments are making sudden announcements on forced closures. In Nevada, the governor announced yesterday that all non-essential businesses MUST close today starting at noon. All restaurants must no longer have dine-in option. We just got notice from our club yesterday as to what would be open and close. Less than 12 hours after their announcement, the government issued a mandate which starts today at noon.

 

[hcarman]

I have gotten a similar story with travel insurance - that it won't cover because someone is afraid of traveling. The only insurance I can see covering is the "cancel for any reason" insurance which only a limited number of places offer (don't think MVCI offers this).
Our maintenance fees are not trivial with Marriott and what I am not understanding is why our other vacation club properties are able to let people cancel and redeposit their week/points without any penalty (no holding accounts, no late Interval deposit, etc.). They are returned to the regular hopper. Same with hotel chains. But Marriott Vacation Club's cancellation policy in light of all of this is not nearly as accommodating. At least maybe a little credit could be given to people on maintenance fees since many will go unused through no fault of the owner - many of these properties will probably have a lot of vacancy, less energy usage, less staff needed, etc. I am hearing there will be tough economic times ahead so everyone needs to work together. MVCI says they have only the owner's interest in mind - but I don't think so.
We recently bought a home and had higher than expected property taxes. As such, we decided to rent out one of our units to family to offset our maintenance fees - it was an older individual and they need to back out. So we are back to paying full maintenance unfortunately.

 

[hcarman]

Also, if our 2 bed Canyon Villas is deposited late to Interval (it is an owner's week) -can you imagine trying to actually use the deposit to get another 2 bedroom at only 60 days out when everyone else will be looking for the same thing. Most of the inventory Interval will get is probably not usable since it will be close in and people aren't traveling. So effectively we gave MVCI 1500 for nothing this year.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

Most restaurants will not close unless the government makes them, the ones in this area not excluded. Ocean Pointe closed the High Tides bar presumably because it is a bar and not a bar inside a restaurant, but On the Rocks is still open. Last night I drove past Two Drunk'n Goats and it was packed. It didn't look like they were following the 50% capacity rule but they might be now. Johnny Longboats appears to be following the 6 foot rule on tables but they will sit the full bar. I don't understand the new rules on how it makes sense to pack a bar as long as there is a food menu but a regular bar has to close. Personally I don't understand much of any of what is going on.

The beaches are open. I heard they are limiting some Florida beaches but I think it is to cut down on the hanging out later in the evening. I don't see it being an issue here on Singer Island but then again I would never have predicted any of what is happening.

 

[sportsfan1]

The issue is that governments are making sudden announcements on forced closures. In Nevada, the governor announced yesterday that all non-essential businesses MUST close today starting at noon. All restaurants must no longer have dine-in option. We just got notice from our club yesterday as to what would be open and close. Less than 12 hours after their announcement, the government issued a mandate which starts today at noon.

This is why I am unsure of what to do. My week at MGV will be at 14 days starting this Saturday, and I can't decide whether it makes sense to wait to make a decision or do something about it now (cancel, deposit into II, other?).

 

[Fasttr]

This is why I am unsure of what to do. My week at MGV will be at 14 days starting this Saturday, and I can't decide whether it makes sense to wait to make a decision or do something about it now (cancel, deposit into II, other?).

I doubt that resort closings will alter MVC's current cancellation policies. I think what you are seeing now is the best its going to get from a cancellation concession standpoint.

 

[amy241]

This is why I am unsure of what to do. My week at MGV will be at 14 days starting this Saturday, and I can't decide whether it makes sense to wait to make a decision or do something about it now (cancel, deposit into II, other?).

An earlier cancellation is always going to be the better option when dealing with a timeshare system and rules. I don’t foresee any system suddenly offering a better cancellation policy in 2 Weeks. If anything, it may get worse.

 

[hangloose]

Interesting times. We have reservations in Hawaii soon. Plan is to go, unless domestic travel is halted or MVC closes the resorts. I don't imagine either happening, but time will tell.

Two questions.
1. My Hawaii reservations are with deeded ownership weeks that are NOT enrolled into the Destinations Club...thus not linked into my Interval International account. If I do choose to cancel and receive a week in II (even with restrictions)....how does MVC do that if my week isn't linked in my II account?
2. If MVC does truly close a resort, where a reservation holder truly cannot stay even if travel is allowed, would we think MVC would then have to refund MFees or re-accommodate? Or...unknown territory?

Just weighing options...as we start counting days...and assess along with all other TUGGers.

 

[Dean]

Interesting times. We have reservations in Hawaii soon. Plan is to go, unless domestic travel is halted or MVC closes the resorts. I don't imagine either happening, but time will tell.

Two questions.
1. My Hawaii reservations are with deeded ownership weeks that are NOT enrolled into the Destinations Club...thus not linked into my Interval International account. If I do choose to cancel and receive a week in II (even with restrictions)....how does MVC do that if my week isn't linked in my II account?
2. If MVC does truly close a resort, where a reservation holder truly cannot stay even if travel is allowed, would we think MVC would then have to refund MFees or re-accommodate? Or...unknown territory?

Just weighing options...as we start counting days...and assess along with all other TUGGers.

For forced closing or hurricane closings I think that's on the owner unless they deposit. For the chance of having to deposit later, and if one has an II account that is eligible, I'd call II and get them to list them now. I bet they'll do it for free in this situation. But I suspect MVC can get it listed and deposited later though 2 or 3 days might make a big difference in some cases. They already have established a policy for late cancelations and it's simply late II deposits.

 

[brianfox]

Uh oh. https://www.travelexinsurance.com/covid19

It is important to note that fear of travel, travel advisories and destination being inaccessible due to this illness are not covered risks under the Travelex Insurance plans. However, insureds are still eligible for Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage in the event they are prevented from taking their trip due to one of the other reasons listed in their Travelex plan.

Plans where the Cancel for Any Reason upgrade has been purchased allows the insured to decide for themselves whether to travel or cancel their trip according to the terms of the plan.


1. If I have a Travelex insurance plan, can I cancel my trip due to coronavirus?
Generally speaking, travel insurance does not provide Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage for fear of travel, travel advisories and destination being inaccessible due to an epidemic such as coronavirus.

To be eligible for Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage one of the following must occur while your coverage is in effect:

• you or your Traveling Companion would need to be physically quarantined or
• you or your Traveling Companion contract the virus while your coverage is in effect which prevents you from traveling as certified by a physician

2. If I purchase a Travelex plan for an upcoming trip, what coverage do I have in regard to coronavirus?
Coronavirus is being treated the same as any other illness. It is subject to pre-existing medical condition exclusions. An insured is eligible for Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage if they contract the virus while on their trip.

3. Would I have to be quarantined in a hospital to be eligible for coverage?
There can be coverage if the insured is quarantined in either a hospital, hotel or vacation rental (i.e. Airbnb). A doctor would have to order the quarantine and this order would have to be submitted at the time of a claim. An insured is eligible for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, or Trip Delay if they are quarantined.

4. Am I covered if I have Cancel for Any Reason coverage (CFAR)?
CFAR must be purchase at the same time as your Travelex plan. You may be eligible for a % of the covered trip cost, provided the trip was cancelled no less than 48 hours prior to the departure date and the full prepaid nonrefundable trip arrangements are insured under the policy. Please refer to your policy for all terms and conditions for CFAR. Be aware that the policy must have been purchased within 15-21 days of your initial trip payment (varies by plan).

5. Am I covered for Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption if my travel supplier cancels my trip due to coronavirus?
If your trip or flight to or from your destination is cancelled due to coronavirus there would be no coverage under the Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption terms of your Travelex plan. We encourage you to contact your travel supplier to seek a refund or make alternate arrangements. Travelex may allow the traveler to apply the policy to another trip at a later date. Please contact Travelex Customer Solutions at 800.228.9792 or customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com for further details on this option.

6. Am I covered for Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption if the government issues a travel warning or travel restrictions to and from my destination?
If an insured is unable to travel to their destination due to a government travel warning, restriction or ban, they would not be eligible for Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage; however, Travelex may allow the traveler to apply the policy to another trip at a later date. Please contact Travelex Customer Solutions at 800.228.9792 or customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com for further details on this option.

7. If my employer enacts a global international business travel restriction, can I cancel under the terms of Cancel for Business Reasons in the policy?
Cancel for Business Reasons can provide coverage if you are required to work during your scheduled trip, if you are involuntarily terminated through no fault of your own, and other reasons.

If a business imposes a restriction of business travel due to the coronavirus, an insured is not eligible for Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage under the terms of the Cancel for Business Reason provision in the policy (see the applicable policy).

Furthermore, if the purpose of the trip is to attend a conference or a work event and that event is cancelled, an insured is not eligible for Trip Cancellation coverage under the terms of the Cancel for Business Reason provision of the policy.

8. If my physician advises me not to travel due to my age or underlying health conditions and there is a high risk of me contracting the coronavirus, am I eligible to cancel/interrupt my trip?
An insured would only be eligible for Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage if they become ill while the policy is in place and the sickness is so disabling as to prevent them from taking or continuing the trip. Fear of contracting the coronavirus even with a certified physician notice, is not an eligible reason under the terms of the Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve. These FAQ’s are accurate as of this publication. We will continually monitor this situation and provide you with updates as they become available. Please refer to your appropriate policy document for complete details regarding plan coverage.


Updated 3/17/2020

 

[eckhaus]

There is really only way to get MVC to change their policies surrounding Coronavirus and that is to publicly shame them on Twitter. It is said in this day and age that it is really the only option , but if enough people tweet about it , likely they will make a change , right now their reputations are at stake and they need government bailout money and do not want bad press

Write a tweet and include @MarriottVacClub and how you are unhappy with their policy , retweet other people who have and it will likely lead to some changes. If it does not , it took 5 seconds out of your time

 

[TXTortoise]

Interesting times. We have reservations in Hawaii soon. Plan is to go, unless domestic travel is halted or MVC closes the resorts. I don't imagine either happening, but time will tell.

Two questions.
1. My Hawaii reservations are with deeded ownership weeks that are NOT enrolled into the Destinations Club...thus not linked into my Interval International account. If I do choose to cancel and receive a week in II (even with restrictions)....how does MVC do that if my week isn't linked in my II account?

As Dean noted, try and get them listed on II now. It took me two weeks and multiple calls between MVCI and II to get my fixed weeks listed last year, when I was concerned they might not rent. If you don’t have a non-corporate account you’ll need to create one.

 

[Superchief]

I understand that many MVC resorts have closed their onsite bars, restaurants (except carryout), hot tubs and saunas. Has anyone experienced a resort that closed their outdoor pools or fitness centers? These are becoming more important due to closures of fitness centers in many states. It will be difficult to stay healthy and build up resistance without being able to work out.

 

[dlpearson]

All of the Park City resort pools, fitness centers, and onsite restaurants (except to-go orders) are closed, due to County mandate.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I am trying figure out why i buy the insurance, it seems almost impossible to have a successful claim. I certainly understand that they would not pay just because i am afraid to travel, but i would have expected a payment if MVC closes the resort, government ban on travel, Airline stops flying, etc.

Based on that FAQ it seems like unless you upgrade to cancel for any reason, (which i did not even know was an option) you really just end up working working with each travel provider and going with whatever they offer.

I had actually just read the policy in full again this morning and was trying to figure what if any scenarios they might payout. There were were a few ways i thought they might pay, but based on the above, they seem unlikely.

I will really have to think twice about buy the insurance next year.

 

[dioxide45]

I am trying figure out why i buy the insurance, it seems almost impossible to have a successful claim. I certainly understand that they would not pay just because i am afraid to travel, but i would have expected a payment if MVC closes the resort, government ban on travel, Airline stops flying, etc.

Based on that FAQ it seems like unless you upgrade to cancel for any reason, (which i did not even know was an option) you really just end up working working with each travel provider and going with whatever they offer.

I had actually just read the policy in full again this morning and was trying to figure what if any scenarios they might payout. There were were a few ways i thought they might pay, but based on the above, they seem unlikely.

I will really have to think twice about buy the insurance next year.

Marriott is always trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole. The insurance product they sell isn't best designed for the type of travel that their owners are doing. I don't even think Marriott offers the cancel for any reason option. I also suspect that CFAR is going to get much more expensive in the future because of all of this.

 

[hangloose]

As Dean noted, try and get them listed on II now. It took me two weeks and multiple calls between MVCI and II to get my fixed weeks listed last year, when I was concerned they might not rent. If you don’t have a non-corporate account you’ll need to create one.

Thanks. I have a corp II account which is active..tied to my enrolled weeks. I do have a non-corp II account which I used for II exchanges prior to DC enrollment. That account is linked to my corp II account...but not active. My guess is II would need to activate my non-corp account (I'd have to pay annual fee)...AND....they would have to add my Hawaii weeks to allow MVC to provide a weeks exchange. Guessing that will not happen overnight, but rather a week or two.

Like many, I'm holding on assuming we will be able to travel. So...aren't quite ready yet to give up my weeks (and vacation). But our days are running short...so I may start the process above with II...just in case the position changes on domestic travel or at the MVC resort status preventing travel/use. While many others are much worse, I'd rather not be out $5k+ in MFees with nothing in return....plus all the other travel expenses.

 

[Dean]

Marriott is always trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole. The insurance product they sell isn't best designed for the type of travel that their owners are doing. I don't even think Marriott offers the cancel for any reason option. I also suspect that CFAR is going to get much more expensive in the future because of all of this.

Is there a good one that's reasonably price and covers better. Travelex is the same one that DVC uses. Cancel for any reason plans are dramatically more expensive for obvious reasons and I think that's what it'd take to cover such scenarios. I don't think it's likely to get one that's a lot better without paying a lot more. Personally I wouldn't even get the MVC one (or any other ones) at all except I have an economy of scale. One could always get something independently. I tend to think the MVC one is pretty good and the fact it covers preexisting conditions if you get it up front is a plus.

Thanks. I have a corp II account which is active..tied to my enrolled weeks. I do have a non-corp II account which I used for II exchanges prior to DC enrollment. That account is linked to my corp II account...but not active. My guess is II would need to activate my non-corp account (I'd have to pay annual fee)...AND....they would have to add my Hawaii weeks to allow MVC to provide a weeks exchange. Guessing that will not happen overnight, but rather a week or two.

Like many, I'm holding on assuming we will be able to travel. So...aren't quite ready yet to give up my weeks (and vacation). But our days are running short...so I may start the process above with II...just in case the position changes on domestic travel or at the MVC resort status preventing travel/use. While many others are much worse, I'd rather not be out $5k+ in MFees with nothing in return....plus all the other travel expenses.

They usually charge to list an ownership but they will waive that fee if you extend. I assume they'll do the same if you pay for a year or maybe you can find a BOGO and get 2 years for the price of one.