MARRIOTT / CORONAVIRUS [MERGED]

[dioxide45]

I though DVC will return all the points with no restriction? But Vistana and MVC will only refund points with restriction. So I agree with you Disney is one step further of caring customers than Marriott/Vistana in this case.

Perhaps, though I do agree with @Dean here, they are caring for their customers at the expense of their other customers. For those DVC owners that were able to cancel and bank, it puts an undue burden on the next use year and everyone will have more trouble getting what they want to reserve.

I did ask this earlier and never got an answer, though I think it is one way Marriott could have alleviated at least a small part of the issue. If someone borrowed 2021 points for a 2020 reservation, why coudln't they have simply cancelled and restored those points back to the use year without restriction? Instead they force them to be used in 2020 increasing the burden against 2020 reservations. For 2021 points, the time inventory is still there. They don't limit the number of points owners can borrow. Meaning they don't say you can't borrow unless someone else has banked. So the inventory for 2021 is still 100% intact. Instead they are placing stress against 2020 by forcing 2021 points in to it. What will they do with that empty 2021 inventory? Perhaps the balance between borrowed and banked points makes that meaningless.

 

[dioxide45]

I though DVC will return all the points with no restriction? But Vistana and MVC will only refund points with restriction. So I agree with you Disney is one step further of caring customers than Marriott/Vistana in this case.

DVC is returning with no restrictions. As you say, it is "one step further." DVCers pay enough more in MF that they reasonably expect it.

In reality, maintenance fees are paid to cover resort operations, not a level of service by the management company within their reservation system. No amount of money can fix the math in the end.

 

[sportsfan1]

Agree, probably not an MVC thing (and clearly I am no MVC apologist right now ).

You can always call, too, if you have something specific in mind. I moved an April reservation to June outside the 59 window without any additional fees. Just don't expect Hawaii during whale season or other high demand resort weeks.

II told me it would cost $159 to go Marriott to Marriott. That's total BS given the fact that I was forced into this.

 

[dioxide45]

II told me it would cost $159 to go Marriott to Marriott. That's total BS given the fact that I was forced into this.

It seems your week is not enrolled in DC. Given the only other option which was nothing, paying $159 and getting something is better than nothing. It would be good if they could extend a discount code to those in this situation though.

 

[Steve Fatula]

If someone borrowed 2021 points for a 2020 reservation, why coudln't they have simply cancelled and restored those points back to the use year without restriction?

Cancelled points have always gone back to their use year, where do you see they are forcing cancelled borrowed points to be used in 2020? That's news to me. I always borrow points so when I cancel they go back into their use year. Restricted to 60/120 days? Yes.

 

[dioxide45]

Cancelled points have always gone back to their use year, where do you see they are forcing cancelled borrowed points to be used in 2020? That's news to me. I always borrow points so when I cancel they go back into their use year. Restricted to 60/120 days? Yes.

Perhaps I haven't seen any reports of people cancelling reservations using 2021 borrowed points. So are those that are cancelling with borrowed points just having them go back to 2021 but still with the 120 day restriction? If that is the case, i don't understand why they couldn't make those unrestricted given the circumstances? The inventory is still there, it hasn't been used since 2021 is still 100% whole.

 

[sportsfan1]

So

It seems your week is not enrolled in DC. Given the only other option which was nothing, paying $159 and getting something is better than nothing. It would be good if they could extend a discount code to those in this situation though.

Sorry - what is DC?

 

[Steve Fatula]

Destinations Club. You can get there by purchasing points, or, enrolling your week if eligible. When in the DC program, Marriott to Marriott exchanges have no additional fee.

https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/faq-mvc-destinations-points-program.197346/

 

[Steve Fatula]

Perhaps I haven't seen any reports of people cancelling reservations using 2021 borrowed points. So are those that are cancelling with borrowed points just having them go back to 2021 but still with the 120 day restriction? If that is the case, i don't understand why they couldn't make those unrestricted given the circumstances? The inventory is still there, it hasn't been used since 2021 is still 100% whole.

I've done this for years for this exact reason, especially as year end approaches. If I have a reservation in Sept and I can't go for some reason, I only have until year end to use those points if this years points, too late to bank them. If I borrow them, they go back until next year which gives me a lot of time to use them. The points are unrestricted if outside of 60 days. But I suppose the "reason" is when you cancel that close in, they may lose (and this year WILL lose) the ability to use those days you had reserved. If you did that say 10 times a year, that would be disastrous for inventory. But I do agree for borrowed points users this one time, it could make sense to do as you said.

 

[CPNY]

DVC is returning with no restrictions. As you say, it is "one step further." DVCers pay enough more in MF that they reasonably expect it.

Vistana fees based on some resorts are insanely high. HRA for example is 1800 for a one bedroom

 

[CPNY]

Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts. I couldn't disagree more on the removal of ALL restrictions but that's what makes the world go around. Here's the reality, most of those points freed up will not be able to be used when and where people would want to use them but under your suggestion there would be just as many points not used that were full use, it'd just be a different set of points.

Speaking for the vistana side of the Marriott business, They could at least remove restrictions of 60 day booking and limit them to be used by the end of the year. I agree that removing the restrictions would allow people to bank points which would create a huge clog and result in un used points. That’s been my point from the get go. I get they are trying to mitigate a booking disaster for the next two years by keeping restrictions. I’d hope they would be able to institute alternative plans going forward for a worldwide calamity. Maybe offer the customers immediately affected during the global calamity extended use, or alternate compensation. Either way, from this I would hope they plan for the future to have a better plan that mixed communications based on which CS rep you spoke to. As I said earlier, I was extremely lucky to have both fee and restrictions waived. I know others weren’t as lucky.

 

[Dean]

I though DVC will return all the points with no restriction? But Vistana and MVC will only refund points with restriction. So I agree with you Disney is one step further of caring customers than Marriott/Vistana in this case.

DVC is returning with no restrictions. As you say, it is "one step further." DVCers pay enough more in MF that they reasonably expect it.

The last thing I saw was that DVC had put out several renditions of policy first allowing people to return points to the borrowed UY and then not to do so, then later (same day) that it was OK again. What they are apparently not doing that they have done previously, is allowing late banking of otherwise unrestricted points citing the affect on the system. Thus no allowances to bank if you've missed your cutoff. But DVC is nothing if not inconsistent so I'd call and ask if in this situation.

Temporary Updates to Our Cancellation Policy

We will automatically cancel any reservation scheduled for arrival during any closure. You do not need to cancel the reservation online or contact Member Services.

To make the process of changing reservations as smooth as possible, Disney Vacation Club has lifted the close-in reservation cancellation restrictions and will return any of your Points back as Vacation Points or Reservation Points without placing them into holding. Borrowed Points returned due to a cancellation of a Disney Vacation Club Resort reservation will not be placed in holding and will be returned to the Use Year they were borrowed from.

At this time, we have not made any changes to our Points banking or expiration policy due the impact this could have on future inventory availability. We understand this is of particular concern for Members with reservations affected by closures and/or the COVID-19 situation who may be toward the end of their Use Year. We are, however, currently evaluating various options to assist Members in this situation, but will need to delay any decisions until we better understand how long COVID-19 will impact our operations.

 

[amy241]

I have been a Marriott timeshare owner since the late 80’s. Weeks only (no destination points) in Florida (those 2 weeks sold), and since it opened, Aruba Surf Club. In all these years, this is 1st time we’ve been in this situation. We had JetBlue insurance but no Marriott insurance.
We were due to fly 3/29 to Aruba for our week, but on 3/16, Aruba closed entry to ALL int’l passengers. Since we were in the less than 14-day checkin, MVC is allowing deposit with II but I have the 30-day confirmation to exchange window. I had to complete an online form on my MVC owner’s page, and they said they’d get back to me with details.

Do I use my current week reservation # to deposit into II? Or wait for MVC to respond to me?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I reluctantly decided to deposit my 4/4/20 MGV week into II hoping for an exchange at some point later in the year. Unfortunately, since I am only 15 days from check in date, I am only given a 60 day visibility into potential exchanges - pretty useless if you ask me. At least I have until 2022 to make a change, but I'm still limited to only a 60 day window. That's not doing the right thing if you are Marriott. If you are giving me 2 years to make an exchange, why limit me to 60 day visibility? It's almost is if they'd rather me take the loss than share in it.

Well said. I am in the same boat and feel the same way. Our reservation was 54 days from arrival when I had to deposit. They could allow a little more flexibility.

 

[frank808]

Pool is closed at MKO? How about the beaches?

Sorry pool is open. Hot tubs, sauna and steam room closed. Misread the flyer. Beaches are open.

Sent from my SM-T377P using Tapatalk

 

[jmhpsu93]

Great post. Totally understand (and for the most part agree with) your post. I've owned a TS for almost twenty years and the value prop to me is outstanding, including MVC where I'm still kinda new and maximizing our value but had been kicking the tires for a few years. I'm also appreciative of TUG and it's also a place for owners to vent and share their frustations and maybe be talked off the ledge a bit. So, I do appreciate the developer/management side of it.

Just to understand where I'm coming from, I work in change management, and by extension, communications. One of the highest priorities we strive for is to make people understand what is happening to them, and how those in authority are going to help them or "make it all better" if it's something negative. This where I think MVC has especially failed. The first email I copied in the thread I started in this merged thread basically said "hey, our resorts are open, business as usual, etc. etc." which was extremely tone deaf at the time and even more so in retrospect. Couple that with the total understaffing of their call center (which is 100% an efficiency play at MVC) has created the optics that MVC management could not care less about its owners or visitors. Compare that with some of the examples I've noted from other entities I do business with - my gym, yoga studio, our neighborhood sports bar, Southwest Airlines, hell - even my freakin' dry cleaner (!!!) - MVC has really fallen short in this regard.

That's what I'm all salty about. More below on some very fair counterpoints you made to those of us bashing the king .

But still, our problems are blessed first world problems and just don't measure up to what millions or billions of others are facing with Covid-19.

100% agree. We're all scared about what's' going on - a lot of this is financial which at least in the near term is going to crush the TS industry like 2007/2008 did. I don't want MVC to fail.

I don't understand those dumping on MVC (which is in fact all of us - the club members) policies.

The club members don't make the policies...we have no say in it. And I understand this is a difficult situation and I would've rather MVC stated something like "we're looking hard at the situation, and at a minimum we're going to do XXXX, and we're going to try our best to make sure you get some value out of your membership", make some kind of gesture that shows they're in it with us (like the Bonvoy points example I made, even if it's something nominal like 50K points for a week or something) and also not ignore weeks owners.

One of my kids just pointed that we did get some value for what appears to be lost points. Everyone has been excited for months anticipating this trip, and that anticipating has a great value of it own. I like that attitude. Just praying this all passes quickly and that all can resolve all the issues in their lives quickly.

I'm glad you're getting some value, even if it's not what you originally hoped for and your family has the right attitude. As many have pointed out and I agree with, the true value of the TS ownership prop is the memories you create with friends and family - the location isn't always that important. I'd like to see that happen for as many people as possible, which is why I'm asking MVC to be creative and be a leader in the industry. You know, have those "vacation counselors" (who unfairly are bearing the brunt of the anger of owners, when they have their own worries, because they are understrained and understaffed and sometimes can't even execute the most basic functions) actually be creative in working with owners to find solutions in maximizing value for their stakeholders.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

The governor in Florida ordered the beaches closed in Palm Beach County but it is only the public access points that are being blocked. You can still walk out to the beach here at Ocean Pointe. Even the blocked public access point is a bit of a facade in the town of Palm Beach Shores. There is an officer blocking the spot at the end near Kingfish but everyone can simply walk down to the public access sidewalk that goes out to the inlet. Then you can simply walk down to the beach.

 

[SteelerGal]

I am a new owner and unfortunately have to cancel our reservation. Was hoping to keep but w/ CA in “ Safer in Home” Policy, Hub’s being LE so vacation cancel, and having to work FT and homeschool, so we can’t go on vacation. I would love to de stress w/ my family in Palm Desert however it’s a tad difficult considering the time. Had to cancel our exchange week w/II, was given an AC w/out the restrictive 60 day window. And I have already rebooked. Had to cancel our RCI getaway, charged the normal penalty. Now we are canceling this vacation and 30 day restrictive window will be extremely difficult w/ our school schedule. Then add we are already booked for the entire year. In the end, I will try to make it work however it would be helpful if there was a little more leeway.

 

[DeeCee]

Dee, hello from South Carolina. Hilton Head is beautiful any time you go, but especially in the spring. I sincerely hope you will be able to keep your travel plans. I am also in education, and am seriously considering obtaining the endorsement to teach online permanently once the shut-down ends. That's how much I am enjoying working from home. I am blessed to still receive full pay without cutting into leave time. My husband is concerned about our small business, but I trust God. You are spot-on. The essentials are priority. Many families will face financial hardships because they are now out of work and don't know when or if they will get a regular pay check. Many live on fixed incomes and their budgets will be stretched after stocking up on necessities to get through this serious time. Utility companies are not disconnecting services due to nonpayment and funeral directors are capping the number of mourners who can attend services and in some cases, encouraging live streaming. It is not business as usual for anyone -- except Marriott. People are stressed and fearful. Some are worried that they will not be able to pay their mortgage or keep up their health insurance premiums. Wrangling with MVC should be one of the last things they should have to be concerned about. Vacation should not equate anxiety. Like you, I am stating my opinion as an owner and a consumer. Marriott doesn't need anyone to defend it. They have legal teams and public relations people for that. Who advocates for the consumer? Take care and be well.

Hi from home bound NY! Yes Hilton Head is so beautiful and we purchased our legacy week - 4 years ago with Gold Season - so Spring and Fall, for the reason that our beach season here runs late May to mid September (at best) and I'm a beach bum. I was hoping Marriott would allow us to try to get our week pushed to our next season - Fall.

So, I called MVC yesterday and was told that if I cancel my April 12 reservation in HH now, our only option is to deposit into II (We have a member number, due to receiving a first year of membership when we bought) but we don't trade, so our membership has lapsed and we would have to pay to activate it $99.00. Then...we would be able to travel with this deposited week through II for the next two years BUT we can only book travel within 30 days of arrival. WHAT?!

THAT's what MVC is offering members-pay to join into II and maybe you'll get a satisfactory week within a 30 booking - and pay us your full dues?

We're in NY - and I pray every day that what's happening here doesn't go past our borders because it's a nightmare. Life as we know it is (God willing temporarily) OVER. 100% of non essential workforce must stay home. So my husband is now out of work, as are THOUSANDS of us - if not millions in the State.
We are told to only go out to pharmacies, banks and supermarkets - which by the way, my local supermarket has lines out into the parking lot because the amount of the people allowed in the store is limited. Shelves are emptied and people are afraid to even do these things. Nightmare.

Marriott is telling us we can use the resort, but not the bars, don't know about the pools, common areas closed, fitness center closed, resort activities cancelled, food services diminished. We were told we can get take out from local establishments, but local attractions are closing or no more than a few people gathering at a time. So, we are paying full years dues, told we have to come to our timeshare with seriously diminished amenities/services or lose it to a restricted capacity (30 day booking window through II) at best, AND pay for II membership. That's a vacation?????

We have until March 27th before we are in our 15 day cancellation restriction, where we will lose the week altogether.
I'm afraid by March 27th, our beautiful amazing State of NY will be under even further restrictions, not to mention the financial impacts of what's going on for everyone.

With all of this HAPPENING - not talking about it happening - it's happening - that's what I got out of Marriott when I called and explained everything going on here - and God forbid possibly on it's way to happening in other states?

Another point, why why why would Marriott WANT us there? People are spreading this virus all across the country, why invite the risk?

I have every intention of writing to Marriott - if anyone out there has direct contact info please let me know - but I will also be calling (need the numbers too if you've got em) , as well as posting on the forums, trip advisor and every other social media I can access.

I just simply cannot understand the behavior of this well known, world wide conglomerate that presents itself as caring about what makes them the company they are, PEOPLE. This world wide pandemic everyone is reading on the news - it's here and it's spreading, and Marriott can't work with people? That's nothing short of disgusting.

I did read the post about the legalities or contractual restrictions of Marriott possibly not being able to extend usage, etc, but the entire country, the entire world is amending laws to help people. Marriott - get on it!

I now have the time (as I sit here under a stay at home order) to worry MORE about my family's health and financial well being.....but I also have the time to use my voice regarding my timeshare - so I plan to.

Again, this is our opinion and coming from those of us who are in the most affected state in the nation. Thanks for your opinions, and for listening - stay safe, stay well and by all means, please listen to the ongoing and forthcoming directives of your local governments.

Dee

 

[DeeCee]

DVC is returning with no restrictions. As you say, it is "one step further." DVCers pay enough more in MF that they reasonably expect it.

We're DVCer's as well as a MVC week owner. So we paid $1463.87 to Marriott for our week for 2020. How much are MF's per point for Marriott points?
I'm not so sure DVCer's pay enough more in MF that we reasonably expect it. It's more the human factor, that I expect it...JMHO.

A previous poster suggested Marriott offering the option to transfer into Marriott Rewards points....hmmmm, not a terrible idea

 

[csalter2]

Hi from home bound NY! Yes Hilton Head is so beautiful and we purchased our legacy week - 4 years ago with Gold Season - so Spring and Fall, for the reason that our beach season here runs late May to mid September (at best) and I'm a beach bum. I was hoping Marriott would allow us to try to get our week pushed to our next season - Fall.

So, I called MVC yesterday and was told that if I cancel my April 12 reservation in HH now, our only option is to deposit into II (We have a member number, due to receiving a first year of membership when we bought) but we don't trade, so our membership has lapsed and we would have to pay to activate it $99.00. Then...we would be able to travel with this deposited week through II for the next two years BUT we can only book travel within 30 days of arrival. WHAT?!

THAT's what MVC is offering members-pay to join into II and maybe you'll get a satisfactory week within a 30 booking - and pay us your full dues?

We're in NY - and I pray every day that what's happening here doesn't go past our borders because it's a nightmare. Life as we know it is (God willing temporarily) OVER. 100% of non essential workforce must stay home. So my husband is now out of work, as are THOUSANDS of us - if not millions in the State.
We are told to only go out to pharmacies, banks and supermarkets - which by the way, my local supermarket has lines out into the parking lot because the amount of the people allowed in the store is limited. Shelves are emptied and people are afraid to even do these things. Nightmare.

Marriott is telling us we can use the resort, but not the bars, don't know about the pools, common areas closed, fitness center closed, resort activities cancelled, food services diminished. We were told we can get take out from local establishments, but local attractions are closing or no more than a few people gathering at a time. So, we are paying full years dues, told we have to come to our timeshare with seriously diminished amenities/services or lose it to a restricted capacity (30 day booking window through II) at best, AND pay for II membership. That's a vacation?????

We have until March 27th before we are in our 15 day cancellation restriction, where we will lose the week altogether.
I'm afraid by March 27th, our beautiful amazing State of NY will be under even further restrictions, not to mention the financial impacts of what's going on for everyone.

With all of this HAPPENING - not talking about it happening - it's happening - that's what I got out of Marriott when I called and explained everything going on here - and God forbid possibly on it's way to happening in other states?

Another point, why why why would Marriott WANT us there? People are spreading this virus all across the country, why invite the risk?

I have every intention of writing to Marriott - if anyone out there has direct contact info please let me know - but I will also be calling (need the numbers too if you've got em) , as well as posting on the forums, trip advisor and every other social media I can access.

I just simply cannot understand the behavior of this well known, world wide conglomerate that presents itself as caring about what makes them the company they are, PEOPLE. This world wide pandemic everyone is reading on the news - it's here and it's spreading, and Marriott can't work with people? That's nothing short of disgusting.

I did read the post about the legalities or contractual restrictions of Marriott possibly not being able to extend usage, etc, but the entire country, the entire world is amending laws to help people. Marriott - get on it!

I now have the time (as I sit here under a stay at home order) to worry MORE about my family's health and financial well being.....but I also have the time to use my voice regarding my timeshare - so I plan to.

Again, this is our opinion and coming from those of us who are in the most affected state in the nation. Thanks for your opinions, and for listening - stay safe, stay well and by all means, please listen to the ongoing and forthcoming directives of your local governments.

Dee

You stated that your husband is not working due to the virus and the current pandemic. Is his company being heartless? Sometimes as much as we may wish to be able to compensate in some way for tragic events, we cannot or can only provide minimal assistance. Each company is different. Be happy you and your husband have your health and try to make the vacation adjustment as best you can. If something were to happen to either of you, your gold week would be the least of your concerns.

 

[gln60]

Perhaps I haven't seen any reports of people cancelling reservations using 2021 borrowed points. So are those that are cancelling with borrowed points just having them go back to 2021 but still with the 120 day restriction? If that is the case, i don't understand why they couldn't make those unrestricted given the circumstances? The inventory is still there, it hasn't been used since 2021 is still 100% whole.

Hi...I can report that i cancelled a Aruba Surf Club reservation for April 2020,last week,and the DC points I used went back into Jan1,2021-Jan 31,2021 use year..that being said..Im limited to 120 days out if I use those points this year...I’m not sure if I’m restricted to 120 days out in 2021

 

[Big Matt]

Hi from home bound NY! Yes Hilton Head is so beautiful and we purchased our legacy week - 4 years ago with Gold Season - so Spring and Fall, for the reason that our beach season here runs late May to mid September (at best) and I'm a beach bum. I was hoping Marriott would allow us to try to get our week pushed to our next season - Fall.

So, I called MVC yesterday and was told that if I cancel my April 12 reservation in HH now, our only option is to deposit into II (We have a member number, due to receiving a first year of membership when we bought) but we don't trade, so our membership has lapsed and we would have to pay to activate it $99.00. Then...we would be able to travel with this deposited week through II for the next two years BUT we can only book travel within 30 days of arrival. WHAT?!

THAT's what MVC is offering members-pay to join into II and maybe you'll get a satisfactory week within a 30 booking - and pay us your full dues?

We're in NY - and I pray every day that what's happening here doesn't go past our borders because it's a nightmare. Life as we know it is (God willing temporarily) OVER. 100% of non essential workforce must stay home. So my husband is now out of work, as are THOUSANDS of us - if not millions in the State.
We are told to only go out to pharmacies, banks and supermarkets - which by the way, my local supermarket has lines out into the parking lot because the amount of the people allowed in the store is limited. Shelves are emptied and people are afraid to even do these things. Nightmare.

Marriott is telling us we can use the resort, but not the bars, don't know about the pools, common areas closed, fitness center closed, resort activities cancelled, food services diminished. We were told we can get take out from local establishments, but local attractions are closing or no more than a few people gathering at a time. So, we are paying full years dues, told we have to come to our timeshare with seriously diminished amenities/services or lose it to a restricted capacity (30 day booking window through II) at best, AND pay for II membership. That's a vacation?????

We have until March 27th before we are in our 15 day cancellation restriction, where we will lose the week altogether.
I'm afraid by March 27th, our beautiful amazing State of NY will be under even further restrictions, not to mention the financial impacts of what's going on for everyone.

With all of this HAPPENING - not talking about it happening - it's happening - that's what I got out of Marriott when I called and explained everything going on here - and God forbid possibly on it's way to happening in other states?

Another point, why why why would Marriott WANT us there? People are spreading this virus all across the country, why invite the risk?

I have every intention of writing to Marriott - if anyone out there has direct contact info please let me know - but I will also be calling (need the numbers too if you've got em) , as well as posting on the forums, trip advisor and every other social media I can access.

I just simply cannot understand the behavior of this well known, world wide conglomerate that presents itself as caring about what makes them the company they are, PEOPLE. This world wide pandemic everyone is reading on the news - it's here and it's spreading, and Marriott can't work with people? That's nothing short of disgusting.

I did read the post about the legalities or contractual restrictions of Marriott possibly not being able to extend usage, etc, but the entire country, the entire world is amending laws to help people. Marriott - get on it!

I now have the time (as I sit here under a stay at home order) to worry MORE about my family's health and financial well being.....but I also have the time to use my voice regarding my timeshare - so I plan to.

Again, this is our opinion and coming from those of us who are in the most affected state in the nation. Thanks for your opinions, and for listening - stay safe, stay well and by all means, please listen to the ongoing and forthcoming directives of your local governments.

Dee

Dee, this is your week, not Marriott's week. You own it. Marriott is the management company. Situations like this are horrible, but it isn't your fault or Marriott's fault. Your best bet is to go ahead with the II option and put in an ongoing search each month. Eventually you will get something you can use. If you don't like that option, just go to Hilton Head and make the best of it. The problem is that the island may be closed off to tourists by then. You can always just chalk up the MFs you paid to a really bad situation that hopefully never happens again. This is happening to hundreds of people and there's really not a lot that can be done since the weeks will pass and you can't put extra months on the calendar.

Good luck, and stay safe in NY.

 

[Steve Fatula]

Hi...I can report that i cancelled a Aruba Surf Club reservation for April 2020,last week,and the DC points I used went back into Jan1,2021-Jan 31,2021 use year..that being said..Im limited to 120 days out if I use those points this year...I’m not sure if I’m restricted to 120 days out in 2021

Yes, you will be. Correct, cancelled within 60 days borrowed points go back to their use year, but are still within 120 days even in their use year. Had you have been able to cancel outside of 60 days, they would go back to your use year but not be restricted. Cancelled points have proven no problem for me, but I am retired and more flexible than many. I believe the reason it was set up that way is when you cancel close in, they may not be able to rent or use the dates, so, it may go unused. That hurts everyone. So, by restricting to 60 (old rule) 120 (new rule), they are in essence making sure people who did not cancel have first choice of dates. Those with 60/120 get second choice. Which in normal circumstances is a good thing. Too little occupancy due to numerous cancels hurts everyone. But having everyone with unrestricted choices means few will be able to reserve as there will be more wanting to reserve than weeks or days available.

It sounds like a lot of people are understanding/learning their timeshare cancellation policy. It has not changed in a bad way from previous years, it's always been that way, but it's been made marginally "better". But I guess people are shocked what they purchased. Which is understandable, there are a lot of details in the purchase contract. And, most don't cancel very often so are just unfamiliar with how it works.

I don't think you'll have too much trouble using those points unless you are very restricted personally on when you can travel. It should be noted than depending on your ownership level, you get discounts as far as how many points it takes when you reserve within 60 days. Every points reservation we have ever made has been within 60 days as you get much cheaper rate. I suspect it will be a little harder next year than other years, we'll see how it shakes out.

 

[MabelP]

I had to cancel my owners week three days before my entry date. I deposited my week with II. They gave me a week with a thirty day restriction. I am thrilled! I thought I was going to lose the week.

 

[gln60]

Yes, you will be. Correct, cancelled within 60 days borrowed points go back to their use year, but are still within 120 days even in their use year. Had you have been able to cancel outside of 60 days, they would go back to your use year but not be restricted. Cancelled points have proven no problem for me, but I am retired and more flexible than many. I believe the reason it was set up that way is when you cancel close in, they may not be able to rent or use the dates, so, it may go unused. That hurts everyone. So, by restricting to 60 (old rule) 120 (new rule), they are in essence making sure people who did not cancel have first choice of dates. Those with 60/120 get second choice. Which in normal circumstances is a good thing. Too little occupancy due to numerous cancels hurts everyone. But having everyone with unrestricted choices means few will be able to reserve as there will be more wanting to reserve than weeks or days available.

It sounds like a lot of people are understanding/learning their timeshare cancellation policy. It has not changed in a bad way from previous years, it's always been that way, but it's been made marginally "better". But I guess people are shocked what they purchased. Which is understandable, there are a lot of details in the purchase contract. And, most don't cancel very often so are just unfamiliar with how it works.

I don't think you'll have too much trouble using those points unless you are very restricted personally on when you can travel. It should be noted than depending on your ownership level, you get discounts as far as how many points it takes when you reserve within 60 days. Every points reservation we have ever made has been within 60 days as you get much cheaper rate. I suspect it will be a little harder next year than other years, we'll see how it shakes out.

Thanks for the information...i am pretty much in the same boat as you...My wife and i have been retired for a few years now and are extremely flexible as to where and when we can vacation.....We may use the cancelled points to take a late summer/early fall vacation and/or add some days to a Marriot Oceana Palms reservation we have in November......We are also planning our annual trip down to South Florida in January 2021....we never ever have any problem using our points either in conjunction with our Interval exchanges or just flat out DC points vacations....and flexibilty has been a big part of our success