MARRIOTT / CORONAVIRUS [MERGED]

[ljmiii]

For points cancellations MVC is being completely unreasonable. DVC, HGVC, Wyndham, UVC, Holiday Inn Vacations (?!?) and I'm sure others I don't know about are all giving owners their points back without restriction. And as I mentioned previously, DVC is going above and beyond by allowing points to be 'unborrowed' and banked past their deadlines.

More to the point, the 'Inventory is inventory' argument for MVC ceased to be valid in 2010. Points can be spent on all sorts of things besides stays at a MVC resort.

Weeks are harder since they are actual inventory. But for weeks which are enrolled MVC could offer owners their DP value. And even if MVC didn't do that, MVC's parent could allow them to be deposited into II at less than 59 days without going into flexchange and less than 14 days without even more restrictions.

 

[Steve Fatula]

I agree that points can be used for other things, that is a good point. But you DO get points back, can't you then use them for other things? Not sure what you mean by that. That is the case, I got my points back and they gave me twice as long for stays to use them. The points do not expire in 120 days, they expire when they expired before they were used. The expiration date remains the same.

Inventory is inventory is a valid argument. All those points could not possibly be used for stays. But I do agree with your point about "other things", that is certainly the case. I will use mine for stays once I am in recovery after surgery. Never had a problem using holding account points, but that may chance now. And if it turns out there is no inventory, I will use them for other things as you say. Mine expire at year end, lots of time to use them. Though I've never actually read can they be used for all those other purposes (holding points), or, just reservations?

 

[alexb]

What did they offer you

 

[Dean]

Actually DVC is allowing people to 'unborrow' their points for cancellations as well as banking points that have passed the banking window.

That's c/w what they've done in the past. What they have not done that I am aware of, is allow one to extend points that were already banked.

 

[bogey21]

I have fixed weeks that guarantee my usage at a certain time. Once that time passes, how would you expect Marriott to provide that time back?

Fixed Weeks and Points are different animals. Points I know nothing about, Fixed Weeks, I do. At one time I owned 6 Fixed Weeks at 6 different HOA Controlled Independents. I had two (one in Biloxi, MS and one in Galveton, TX) shut down almost a year each due to hurricane damage. I figured it came with the territory and just lived with it which I think is appropriate. IMO Fixed Weeks at Marriott should be the same deal...

George

 

[ljmiii]

Though I've never actually read can they be used for all those other purposes (holding points), or, just reservations?

This is indeed a question for y'all who have ever had points in a holding account...or even more to the point have some now. I've read everything I've been able to find on the MVC website but all I see is...

"Use Vacation Club Points in a Holding Account:
If you have Vacation Club Points in a Holding Account, remember that you must use them before the end of the current Use Year. You may use these Vacation Club Points to reserve a vacation up to 60 days in advance, and you may not bank, borrow or transfer them."

I would very much appreciate it if someone could see if their holding account points can be used for anything else besides booking at a MVC resort.

 

[tiel]

This is indeed a question for y'all who have ever had points in a holding account...or even more to the point have some now. I've read everything I've been able to find on the MVC website but all I see is...

"Use Vacation Club Points in a Holding Account:
If you have Vacation Club Points in a Holding Account, remember that you must use them before the end of the current Use Year. You may use these Vacation Club Points to reserve a vacation up to 60 days in advance, and you may not bank, borrow or transfer them."

I would very much appreciate it if someone could see if their holding account points can be used for anything else besides booking at a MVC resort.

We used some points from our holding account for resort credit. Worked out well for us, since we couldn’t use them for a stay.

 

[answeeney]

I understand that some may be disappointed when a planned holiday (vacation) goes awry. I would imagine, though, that the vast majority of Marriott timeshare owners have the luxury of going away on a regular basis so it is difficult to imagine a lesser hardship than missing out on a trip. What’s the worst that can happen – you have read your books on the sofa at home instead of on the beach? Also, a holiday is a sunk cost so, pretty much by definition, it is something you can afford to lose. (If not, why buy it and not insure it?)

With that in mind, why would anyone think that if they suffer a minor hit (compared say to someone who is laid off because of Covid 19) that they should expect an innocent third party to step in and alleviate their inconvenience? There are far more worthy charities out there in my view.

In my opinion, it would be just as reasonable to urge TUG members to pass the hat round to provide compensation for those affected than to expect Marriott to pick up the tab. I’m not volunteering by the way but if some TUG members feel they need better vacation insurance then why not start a mutual benefit society?

 

[WBP]

https://www.alterramtnco.com/news/2020/03/14/alterra-mountain-company-closure-announcement

http://news.vailresorts.com/corporate/update-on-coronavirus-from-vail-resorts.htm

 

[pspercy]

Travel Information: COVID-19 Update
" Marriott Vacations Worldwide is included in this policy. Design Hotels are excluded from this policy. "

I have a resv made with DP for Hilton Head, about 1000miles drive each way, less than 30dys away. I'm hoping the above means if I cancel that the points will be restored to my account so I can bank them to next year, not put in the special holding account but of course getting MVC on the phone is about impossible.

 

[Steve Fatula]

Travel Information: COVID-19 Update
" Marriott Vacations Worldwide is included in this policy. Design Hotels are excluded from this policy. "

I have a resv made with DP for Hilton Head, about 1000miles drive each way, less than 30dys away. I'm hoping the above means if I cancel that the points will be restored to my account so I can bank them to next year, not put in the special holding account but of course getting MVC on the phone is about impossible.

Nope, that is Marriott Hotels and Bonvoy, not the separate company MVCI. I don't believe you will be able to bank any cancelled points from <30 days away.

 

[pspercy]

It says Marriott Vacations Worldwide is included in the new policy ?

Anyway I emailed Owner Services so we'll see . . .

P.S. driven thru' your town a few times

 

[Woj]

We are Legacy owners and just went round and round with II yesterday. We had two weeks booked in Paris and decided to cancel. We booked the weeks at $150 per week and took out the insurance at $62 per week. I was told that fear to travel is not covered. So the weeks go back in our account to be used within a year and when we decide to use them it will be another $150 per week and another $62 per week insurance. Under normal times I totally agree with II but these are not normal times. II continues to be a ball and chain to Marriott!

 

[amy241]

No compensation at my end. They did deposit into II with some restrictions though.

What was your travel date and what were the restrictions involved with the II deposit? I’m in a similar situation with a trip coming up to Hawaii in 6 weeks.

 

[Dean]

We are Legacy owners and just went round and round with II yesterday. We had two weeks booked in Paris and decided to cancel. We booked the weeks at $150 per week and took out the insurance at $62 per week. I was told that fear to travel is not covered. So the weeks go back in our account to be used within a year and when we decide to use them it will be another $150 per week and another $62 per week insurance. Under normal times I totally agree with II but these are not normal times. II continues to be a ball and chain to Marriott!

I'd look at the policy and likely file a claim. In general I'd agree with the stance II took but to a Tier 3 location for Covid and an upcoming trip, it might be covered. I know II has loosened their rules and allowed fee exchanges to use by the end of the year.

 

[Fasttr]

What was your travel date and what were the restrictions involved with the II deposit? I’m in a similar situation with a trip coming up to Hawaii in 6 weeks.

This email from II May give some clues.....

Dear Valued Member:

Your safety is important to us and so are your vacations. As the new coronavirus rapidly evolves, Interval is working to meet the needs of our members, affiliated resorts, and associates. We appreciate all of the feedback we have received and want to take this opportunity to provide an update.

If you have purchased travel insurance for your upcoming vacation, please contact Allianz Insurance directly at 1-800-419-7642 to discuss your coverage and claim options.

If you have not purchased travel insurance, or if your reason for cancellation is not covered by insurance, please read below for temporary adjustments that we have made to our cancellation policies to provide you with peace of mind during this unprecedented time. We will continue to monitor the situation and will make any necessary changes based on the circumstances.

EXCHANGES:

• For all exchanges with check-in dates through April 30, 2020, members may change their destination and/or travel date without incurring an additional exchange fee. Travel must be completed by December 31, 2020. If you prefer more time to travel, we can provide you with our standard fee-based replacement-week certificate, which is good for one year.
• For all exchanges with a check-in date after April 30, 2020, our standard exchange cancellation policies apply. We commit that we will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary.
• Members who make exchanges between March 14, 2020, and April 30, 2020, will have the option to retrade to another available destination and/or date if your plans change — without incurring an additional exchange fee.

GETAWAYS:

• For Getaways cancelled with check-in dates through April 30, 2020, you will have the option to apply the amount paid toward a future Getaway. If you are unable to identify your travel destination/date at the time of cancellation, you will be provided with a no-fee replacement-week certificate for which travel must be completed by December 31, 2020.
• For any cancellation of a Getaway that is booked between March 14, 2020, and April 30, 2020, you will have the option to apply the amount paid toward a future Getaway.

CRUISES:

• Members who book a cruise through Interval Travel will follow the policies of each individual cruise line. Please call Interval Travel, and we will inform you of your options and facilitate your cancellation for you.

In order to better serve you, we will open our Member-Services Center on Sunday, March 15, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Please recognize that our call volume is very high right now, so if you do not have travel plans within the next 30 days, please wait before contacting us.

We also encourage you to visit Community on intervalworld.com to communicate with your fellow members and stay abreast of any future policy updates.

We value your membership and appreciate your patience and understanding. We are committed to supporting you in this time of uncertainty — and providing you with wonderful vacation memories in the future.

Warm Regards,

Jeanette Marbert
President, Interval International

 

[Safti]

It was my owner, deeded week in Scottsdale. I am restricted from travel as I have to make a border crossing to do so. I am told that MVC will now deposit into II with no fees though. The restriction they placed on was a 30 day short notice. I am told that they will remove that now though.

 

[Old Hickory]

II just allowed me to change my Exchange week that was to start March 28th to the Fall. I requested the same property and requested it moved out further than E Plus was able to do. No fees.

Thanks II.

Edit: Let me add. The phone call was an opportunity for the II representative to upsell trip insurance and membership status.

 

[dioxide45]

My understanding is the infection on the Grand Princess that just docked in Oakland yesterday came from crew members who had transferred to that ship from the Diamond Princess that had the infection in Japan. The other Princess ships that had some crew members tested were crew that had also transferred from one of the ships with the infections. So, my understanding is all of those were directly related.

Stupid move by Princess. I had heard this too, though not 100% if true or not. If it is, they deserved to be the first to be shut down. Since no other cruise lines have had any confirmed COVID-19 reports (I know other ships were denied ports and delayed disembarkation), I see Princess as being 100% responsible for the state of the cruise industry right now, that being shut down. I think someone needs to investigate the actions taken by Princess and if they did indeed move staff from Diamond Princess to any other ships, they should face stiff fines or other regulatory action.

Another line that is somewhat culpable is Holland America. They were turned away from several ports after they decided dollars over passenger safety and picked up passengers in Hong Kong. They then ended up having to disembark in Cambodia. What were they thinking? While both Princess and Diamond are Carnival brands, I understand that their lines pretty much run independently of each other.

 

[dioxide45]

My issue is there is no way to contact Marriott to cancel a reservation. They will not answer phones or respond to emails. The standard answer is to contact Owner Services. I have been doing that for over a week and still can't reach them. If anyone know a secret way to cancel an upcoming reservation I would really appreciate it. My wife and I are in the high risk category and it is recommended to not travel. We have points reservations for the first week of April.

Marriott could have at least opened their call center on Sunday (today) to help owners that needed to make changes to their vacation plans.

 

[amy241]

Marriott could have at least opened their call center on Sunday (today) to help owners that needed to make changes to their vacation plans.

I so agree!! I was thinking the same thing. I have a trip to Hawaii scheduled in 6 weeks and need to speak to someone about our MKO reservation. I tried all day yesterday only to navigate all the prompts to hear that they are experiencing too many calls and to call again - click.

I am really disappointed in how MVC is handling this.

 

[amy241]

Marriott could have at least opened their call center on Sunday (today) to help owners that needed to make changes to their vacation plans.

They don’t even offer us the capability of cancelling it or modifying the reservation on their website. This is really giving MVC a black eye.

 

[icydog]

That's c/w what they've done in the past. What they have not done that I am aware of, is allow one to extend points that were already banked.

I’d like an answer to this too. I have a ton of points that had been banked from last year. What will Disney do about banked in points? If I can’t reserve anything the points will be useless.

 

[capjak]

Following on this weekend's announcement of two Mainland visitors on Kauai testing positive for the coronavirus, Maui County reported its first case and Oahu counted its third last night. The latest cases bring Hawaii's total number of COVID-19 cases to six.

 

[jpc763]

I just logged on and this was on the front page.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update:
Marriott Vacation Club is actively monitoring the situation regarding the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), including related guidance provided by local government and public health officials, and is following any protocols issued by governmental authorities and agencies in the locations in which we do business. All resorts remain open at this time. We encourage all Owners, Members and guests to refer to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or their local health authority for more information about COVID-19.
The health and safety measures that are already in place at our resorts and properties are designed to address a broad spectrum of viruses, including COVID-19. Our cleaning protocols include everything from handwashing hygiene and cleaning product specifications, to villa and common area cleaning procedures. However, in response to the spread of COVID-19, our resorts and properties have also increased the cleaning protocols for high frequency guest touchpoints. As always, the safety and well-being of our Owners, Members, guests and associates is our top priority.
Cancellation Policy Information:
Due to extremely high call volumes, if you need to cancel a reservation for an arrival in the next 75 days, please complete the following feedback form.
Owners using Marriott Vacation Club Destination Points

• Arrival 61 days or more prior to check-in: Vacation Club Points will be returned to their account and the Points Premium(if any) will be returned to a Holding Account.
• Arrival 1-60 days prior to check-in, the Vacation Club Points will be returned to a Holding Account, and the Points Premium (if any) will be forfeited. Hold Points can be used for a reservation or select Explorer offerings within 120 days of arrival.
• Day of Arrival reservations will result in the Vacation Club Points being forfeited.

Owners Using Ownership Weeks for a reservation

• Arrival 61 days or more prior to check-in: – Reservation can be cancelled, and Cancellation fees waived
• Arrival from 14-60 days prior to check-in: no cancellations are permitted, but week can be deposited with Interval International for a late deposit that can be reserved within 60 days of arrival
• Arrival from 3-14 days prior to check-in: no cancellations are permitted but a week can be deposited with Interval International for a week that can be reserved with Interval within 30 days of arrival
• Arrival from 0-2 days prior to arrival. No cancellations are permitted.

Other Reservations types

• If you have a reservation confirmed through Interval International, please contact them directly at 800-468-3782.
• If you have a rental reservation, please contact 1-800-Villas9
• If you have a Preview reservation, please contact 800-782-5410

Submit Your Cancellation Request

Hopefully it will help some people. I am 61 days out on a Waikoloa trip. Trying to decide what to do.