MARRIOTT / CORONAVIRUS [MERGED]

[Dean]

We don't feel like owners of anything with MVC. The term "owner" implies one has far more say-so, legal rights, and the ability to make real decisions about a property or possession. In the community where we bought our home, we pay annual homeowner association fees that are the equivalent to maintenance fees because the upkeep of our community pool, clubhouse, the landscaping and much more comes out of those association fees. Because you are a homeowner, by default you have the opportunity to be heard during monthly homeowner association meetings. A lien can be placed against your property if you don't pay your homeowner association fees. The terms are in your real estate contact. We are presidential level with MVC, but I am comfortable calling myself a member of MVC. We have basically prepaid for vacations, and our annual $6,000 plus maintenance and due fees goes to whatever MVC uses it for. I assume it is for what the contract/paperwork says, but I have to raise an eyebrow when I stay at a resort that provides guests with bathroom towels that have holes in them. Psychologically, it feels empowering to use the term "owner." Other than being exempt from resort fees, which are most likely discreetly rolled into some other membership fee, I don't see the perks. As I stated, we are in this now and I understand that it is what it is, but we don't have to like it or stay quiet about it. The timeshare industry employs some of the most politically connected and financially backed groups of lobbyists in the country. I understand that.

That may be the way you look at it but legally, contractually and functionally; you are a minority owner with responsibilities. It's no different than the condo/vacation home example or a minority owner in a business.

 

[dioxide45]

American airlines gave me until end of 2020 to schedule a new flight or lose it. While I would hate to lose it, we will if still not safe. I want them to survive as well so will just accept it if we lose it. We will survive. No idea if we will be able to. Dioxide45 is correct as usual, we'll see how things go as well. I feel far more fortunate as I am retired, not worried about my job, loans, etc. Might be a good chance to help some others.

That is where we sit also. We have an August 2020 cruise out of the UK. We bought airline tickets from AA (actually on BA metal) on Christmas day. The airlines are sticking to their one year from purchase to actually use any travel funds. Except Southwest, which is allowing people to use them through June 2021, regardless of when they were purchased. Not sure how we will use $1400 in credit with AA/BA by the end of the year. It may just be gone as we plan to cancel that cruise.

 

[Steve Fatula]

That may be the way you look at it but legally, contractually and functionally; you are a minority owner with responsibilities. It's no different than the condo/vacation home example or a minority owner in a business.

You are right of course, but the sales weasel undoubtedly gave her a different impression. That's where doing more research before spending 6 figures should come in. But how many have! Vast minority.

 

[hcarman]

For those of us that have not been happy with the way MVCI has treated their “owners” or have multiple different vacation clubs and have seen better treatment by others - we need to remember this next time we are coaxed into an owner’s update or are tempted to buy more points whether developer or resale. MVCI has always said they get more sales from existing owners.
If the fees weren’t so steep and averaging 7% increase each year, I think owners wouldn’t be as upset with the loss of their week(s). But with people losing jobs, getting ill, losing money in stock market, etc. - it is a lot for someone to choke up hefty fees for nothing. In my case my husband and I had rented our weeks this year since we had some unexpected costs associated with our home and an illness and we couldn’t justify the expense of vacation. Unfortunately our renters (family members) had to back out and so it is a hardship for us being out the funds and not being able to reschedule. Our points for one week expire in July and our week reservation goes to Interval and is not to be rented out.

 

[Steve Fatula]

For those of us that have not been happy with the way MVCI has treated their “owners” or have multiple different vacation clubs and have seen better treatment by others - we need to remember this next time we are coaxed into an owner’s update or are tempted to buy more points whether developer or resale. MVCI has always said they get more sales from existing owners.
If the fees weren’t so steep and averaging 7% increase each year, I think owners wouldn’t be as upset with the loss of their week(s). But with people losing jobs, getting ill, losing money in stock market, etc. - it is a lot for someone to choke up hefty fees for nothing. In my case my husband and I had rented our weeks this year since we had some unexpected costs associated with our home and an illness and we couldn’t justify the expense of vacation. Unfortunately our renters (family members) had to back out and so it is a hardship for us being out the funds and not being able to reschedule. Our points for one week expire in July and our week reservation goes to Interval and is not to be rented out.

Well said. No one should buy a timeshare if it's anywhere close to stretching their budget for this reason. Really, you need a very large cushion and should never finance it as that's a double whammy (not saying you did). I hope you are able to recover, there will be a lot of that going around. Not all MVCI properties average 7%, it depends on the property, some have perhaps never hit 7%. Just depends where you buy. Good luck! It's definitely a very stressful time for most.

 

[pianodinosaur]

Marriott is about to furlough thousands of employees according to the Wall Street Journal and Breitbart as of today. Very sad for all those people and their families. I guess they may have more serious problems than making new travel arrangements.

 

[jbeachlvr]

When did you deposit the 2019 week? It certainly wasn't now. I suspect the current block is because Aruba is not currently allowing any tourists. II knows that no one can trade in to the week, so why take it?

I deposited it when I could, in 2018 . Actually, Marriott deposited it for me. We used that exchange in late 2019, in Maui.


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[dioxide45]

I deposited it when I could, in 2018 . Actually, Marriott deposited it for me. We used that exchange in late 2019, in Maui.


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That is my point. The fact that II would take the week back in 2018 is relevant to the issue at hand today. It seems that II is blocking the deposit because they know they can't trade the week out due to the current tourist restriction in Aruba. I agree with others, try depositing directly online with II or wait and see what Marriott is able to do for you.

 

[Steve Fatula]

Marriott is about to furlough thousands of employees according to the Wall Street Journal and Breitbart as of today. Very sad for all those people and their families. I guess they may have more serious problems than making new travel arrangements.

Remembering that is Marriott the hotel company, not MVCI.

 

[TravelAmore]

That is where we sit also. We have an August 2020 cruise out of the UK. We bought airline tickets from AA (actually on BA metal) on Christmas day. The airlines are sticking to their one year from purchase to actually use any travel funds. Except Southwest, which is allowing people to use them through June 2021, regardless of when they were purchased. Not sure how we will use $1400 in credit with AA/BA by the end of the year. It may just be gone as we plan to cancel that cruise.

Hi, Where did you see something from Southwest indicating they are allowing people to use their travel funds through June 2021, regardless of when they were purchased? I ask because I have only seen original purchase dates beginning March 1 - with credit available for use through June 2021.
I purchased my tickets in Sept. 2019 for travel in March 2020 and have been told, and seen on the Southwest COVID-19 Info site, that my miles will expire one year from original date of purchase. When I called I was told the same thing - expires Sept. 2020. I’m feeling a bit cheated as in Sept 2019, we could not have foreseen the current circumstance; whereas, those who purchased after March 1 had a much better sense of a possible pandemic - even if 1600 Pennsylvania had doubts.


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[Dean]

You are right of course, but the sales weasel undoubtedly gave her a different impression. That's where doing more research before spending 6 figures should come in. But how many have! Vast minority.

Of course, but they should have. And they had the opportunity and responsibility to learn at some point even if they didn't going in. At the end of the day it doesn't change the realities, risks and responsibilities.

 

[dioxide45]

Hi, Where did you see something from Southwest indicating they are allowing people to use their travel funds through June 2021, regardless of when they were purchased? I ask because I have only seen original purchase dates beginning March 1 - with credit available for use through June 2021.
I purchased my tickets in Sept. 2019 for travel in March 2020 and have been told, and seen on the Southwest COVID-19 Info site, that my miles will expire one year from original date of purchase. When I called I was told the same thing - expires Sept. 2020. I’m feeling a bit cheated as in Sept 2019, we could not have foreseen the current circumstance; whereas, those who purchased after March 1 had a much better sense of a possible pandemic - even if 1600 Pennsylvania had doubts.


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Is is here, first item under their FAQ at the bottom. I understand that this change may be new. We cancelled on Saturday and it is possible that this changed on Friday.

In recognition of the current travel environment, we are extending the expiration date of some travel funds:

• Customers’ funds that have expired or will expire between March 1-May 31, 2020, will now expire June 30, 2021
• Any newly created travel fund due to a flight cancellation between March 1-May 31, 2020, will have an expiration date of June 30, 2021

It has always been my understanding that if you cancel an award flight with Southwest that your miles simply go back in to your RR account without restriction.

 

[Steve A]

Yesterday I cancelled my June 8 week at the Aruba Ocean Club and was able to deposit the week in II. Use is good until June 2022.

 

[barbg]

I want to start a new thread so Marriott will know how we feel. For what good reason would Marriott not allow owners to re-book their 2020 weeks in 2020 when customers are being forced not to travel? They are requiring us to turn our weeks over to II. For what good reason would Marriott not allow owners with 2020 Destination Club points to not re-book in 2020? They are requiring us to WAIT to book if we want to book something more than 60 days out. These are exceptional times. I don't see how it costs Marriott ONE PENNY to allow owners to re-book 2020 weeks and points for use in 2020. It makes no sense and it just screws their customers. The fact that we want to use 2020 points/weeks in 2020 should have no impact on Marriott.

Imagine how wonderful it would be for the Marriott resorts to be able to better plan for these upcoming dates if they are booked in advance.
Imagine how wonderful it would be for the airlines to be able to have future bookings.
Imagine how great it would be for local tour companies to get more future bookings.

We all know the virus pandemic is going to subside. Cut the suffering.... Let people make plans and have something to look forward to.

Marriott's policy penalizes not just their owners, the domino affect penalizes other industry companies. It would be so easy for Marriott to fix this and not penalize their loyal customers.

 

[A.Win]

Here is my guess. If everyone books fall and winter 2020 dates, there will be no availability for those that do not plan far in advance. How will sales find new customers to join if there is almost no availability?

 

[Pamplemousse]

I want to start a new thread so Marriott will know how we feel. For what good reason would Marriott not allow owners to re-book their 2020 weeks in 2020 when customers are being forced not to travel? They are requiring us to turn our weeks over to II. For what good reason would Marriott not allow owners with 2020 Destination Club points to not re-book in 2020? They are requiring us to WAIT to book if we want to book something more than 60 days out. These are exceptional times. I don't see how it costs Marriott ONE PENNY to allow owners to re-book 2020 weeks and points for use in 2020. It makes no sense and it just screws their customers. The fact that we want to use 2020 points/weeks in 2020 should have no impact on Marriott.

Imagine how wonderful it would be for the Marriott resorts to be able to better plan for these upcoming dates if they are booked in advance.
Imagine how wonderful it would be for the airlines to be able to have future bookings.
Imagine how great it would be for local tour companies to get more future bookings.

We all know the virus pandemic is going to subside. Cut the suffering.... Let people make plans and have something to look forward to.

Marriott's policy penalizes not just their owners, the domino affect penalizes other industry companies. It would be so easy for Marriott to fix this and not penalize their loyal customers.

DC points that go into a holding account can now book 120 days ahead of arrival per Marriotts updated policy.

“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 cancellations will result in the Vacation Club Points being forfeited.”

 

[alexb]

There is a lot of unhappy Marriott owners

 

[sandcfort]

Yes, it would be nice if points that can't be used within a use year be allowed to be used in the next use year. We paid for these points and due to circumstance beyond our control we cannot use or bank them to another year. In my particular situation, I was scheduled to use previously banked points on April 2nd but have since canceled due to the situation at hand. Since these were banked points, they expire 6/30/2020 and cannot be banked again. I also have an Encore package that the banked points were bookending the reservation. Then Encore package must be used prior to 12/31/2020 which is an extension from the April 30, 2020 deadline, so thank you MVCI for that. I am ultimately going to lose about 600 points as I have booked the other points for a trip in June to Las Vegas, first time at Grand Chateau (any thoughts on the resort).
Thanks

 

[barbg]

DC points that go into a holding account can now book 120 days ahead of arrival per Marriotts updated policy.

“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 cancellations will result in the Vacation Club Points being forfeited.”

Yes I saw the updated policy. They need to take off the 120 day restriction. The restriction should just be 2020 points/weeks can be re-booked in 2020.

 

[jshen]

I am super disappointed as well. We booked our trip 9 months ago and are supposed to go this Friday. I am basically being offered an II trade within 30 days. We have a 3 bedroom oceanview villa. That II trade is basically worthless to us. I am one of those owners who remained as a week owner instead of converting it over completely to the point system. I am paying an extra fee annually so that I can turn in my week to point equivalent. I feel they are treating us week owners as second class citizens. I see their policy would allow point owners to get their points back into their account and book again within a 120 day window. That means they have a chance to get something equivalent. Me, on the other hand, do not. Hilton Vacation Club are waiving cancelling fees and restrictions. When I voiced my displeasure, the email I got back basically said we do have insurance that you could have bought, but you didn't. Well, this is different. This is a global event and we are not even allowed to go in without being quarantined. It is not an individual traveler facing unexpected events. Marriott better rethink this!

 

[TravelAmore]

Is is here, first item under their FAQ at the bottom. I understand that this change may be new. We cancelled on Saturday and it is possible that this changed on Friday.

In recognition of the current travel environment, we are extending the expiration date of some travel funds:

• Customers’ funds that have expired or will expire between March 1-May 31, 2020, will now expire June 30, 2021
• Any newly created travel fund due to a flight cancellation between March 1-May 31, 2020, will have an expiration date of June 30, 2021

It has always been my understanding that if you cancel an award flight with Southwest that your miles simply go back in to your RR account without restriction.

Thank you for copying & pasting the info above. So I called again and it appears because my original flight was cancelled and changed to another flight that was cheaper, my travel funds do not get an extension. Doesn’t seem right so I’ve asked to have a manager call me. We’ll see what happens.
Thanks again!!


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[Pamplemousse]

jshen,
Really it all depends on your specific situation whether the points or weeks cancellation policy is better.

If you cancel DC points at less than 60 days they go into a holding account now restricted to 120 days out- so that’s better than the II booking window.
But my points expire 12/20 and there are very limited options for holding account points so if I can’t work out travel before the end of the year my points are gone.
Depositing a week in II gives 2 years to use it although if cancelled 14-60 days in advance you do have only 60 days ahead booking.
I will likely lose my points but hope to use my week before expiration.
The only thing that will likely save my points is if marriott were to extend the expiration date. I don’t expect that will happen.
I‘m an enrolled legacy weeks owner and because I only own Marriott my membership has saved me fees not caused more (again it just depends on the individual).

 

[Mongoose]

I canceled my trip with HICV and they fully refunded my points without any problems. I haven't tried to rebook yet.

 

[barbg]

Really it all depends on your specific situation whether the points or weeks cancellation policy is better.

If you cancel DC points at less than 60 days they go into a holding account now restricted to 120 days out- so that’s better than the II booking window.
But my points expire 12/20 and there are very limited options for holding account points so if I can’t work out travel before the end of the year my points are gone.
Depositing a week in II gives 2 years to use it although if cancelled 14-60 days in advance you do have only 60 days ahead booking.
I will likely lose my points but hope to use my week before expiration.
The only thing that will likely save my points is if marriott were to extend the expiration date. I don’t expect that will happen.
I‘m an enrolled legacy weeks owner and because I only own Marriott my membership has saved me fees not caused more (again it just depends on the individual).

The point is Marriott is putting unnecessary restrictions on 2020 points/weeks causing further stress and anxiety on already over-stressed customers. Have a heart, Marriott. Again, it costs Marriott NOTHING to modify their policy for 2020. They have much customer respect to gain.

 

[Pamplemousse]

The point is Marriott is putting unnecessary restrictions on 2020 points/weeks causing further stress and anxiety on already over-stressed customers. Have a heart, Marriott. Again, it costs Marriott NOTHING to modify their policy for 2020. They have much customer respect to gain.

barbq-
I made a mistake and didn’t hit quote on my last post.
It was in response to was jshen who said points owners were being treated better than weeks owners.
I wasn’t disagreeing with your thoughts on the policies.