Marriott Destination Points...They have done it!!!!!! {Merged}

[dioxide45]

From Page 14 of the exchange doc:

The discloser_guide.pdf that I am reviewing is only a 8 page document.

 

[icydog]

The biggest mistake is the points skimming. That was just stupid and now a PR nightmare that they need to address. They could have easily solved this problem by increasing the total maintenance fees by 7% and giving owners equal value in points exchange. That's all they would have to do. If I were the CEO of the Vacation Ownership business unit, a product manager would be losing their job over that gaffe.

I know this information is in this long, long thread but I do not understand what point skimming is. Can you explain please Jim?

 

[steveg11]

Much misinformation on this thread

I have never seen a discussion thread with so much misinformation in my life. "Skimming points"? "Bid / ask spread"? You've got to be kidding me.
Think about it people. In the weeks world, Marriott reserved weeks in the same seven day bundles in which they sold them, and when you reserved a week, you reserved the size, view, and season that you owned. That made it mighty efficient, and allowed their occupancy to be over 98%. Now they allow us to break our stays up into flexible lengths, check in any day of the week, and change our mind on a whim to select a different resort, different size villa, different season, and different view than we own.
Don't you think that might cause them to have to leave some villas unoccupied for a few nights? If Billy takes Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Sally takes Thursday, Friday, Saturday, who is going to take Wednesday and only Wednesday?
The points difference is so we can choose what we want and stand a good chance that it will be available.

 

[jerseygirl]

I have never seen a discussion thread with so much misinformation in my life. "Skimming points"? "Bid / ask spread"? You've got to be kidding me.
Think about it people. In the weeks world, Marriott reserved weeks in the same seven day bundles in which they sold them, and when you reserved a week, you reserved the size, view, and season that you owned. That made it mighty efficient, and allowed their occupancy to be over 98%. Now they allow us to break our stays up into flexible lengths, check in any day of the week, and change our mind on a whim to select a different resort, different size villa, different season, and different view than we own.
Don't you think that might cause them to have to leave some villas unoccupied for a few nights? If Billy takes Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Sally takes Thursday, Friday, Saturday, who is going to take Wednesday and only Wednesday?
The points difference is so we can choose what we want and stand a good chance that it will be available. Duh!!

But, Marriott's primary competitors with the same ability to book less than a week (Hilton and DVC, and Hyatt and Starwood with a few more restrictions) all manage to the same flexible lengths of stay without a so-called "skim." Does Marriott think that timeshare owners don't know that 100% of the owners/members do not use all their time/points each year, which allows for "orphan days" without penalizing anyone?

 

[Dean]

But, Marriott's primary competitors with the same ability to book less than a week (Hilton and DVC, and Hyatt and Starwood with a few more restrictions) all manage to the same flexible lengths of stay without a so-called "skim." Does Marriott think that timeshare owners don't know that 100% of the owners/members do not use all their time/points each year, which allows for "orphan days" without penalizing anyone?

I can't speak to anything other than DVC. While they do sell the entire year minus a 2-4% holdback mostly for maint, that doesn't mean that owners can effectively use those points completely, the truth is that they can't and DVC counts on some losing a few points and some trading for cash equivalent exchanges that eat up points. For example, a hotel room at a Disney hotel might be as much as a 2 BR at a DVC resort. A DCL exchange generally barely returns just over the maint fees at most resorts, around $6-7 a point on the cruise when most resort fees are in the $5 to $5.50 a point range and some over. Plus as I mentioned, they do "skim" on smaller units. I'm not defending Marriott on this one, it does seem odd to me how they've approached it, but it's not nearly as black and white as some would like you to believe.

 

[NJDave]

I'm surprised that no one has brought up the issue of time limitations in the new Marriott point system versus the old Interval International system.

If I understand it correctly, the new Marriott Vacation Points expire within a year, or during the next calendar year, whereas Interval International allows one three years in which to perform an exchange after a deposit has been made.

The three year flexibility of when to use a deposited week has always been appealing for me.

This is an issue for us. We have too many weeks in the bank now that need to be used first.

 

[gailo]

2 Questions

1. How many points to be premier and premier plus member?

2. If I enroll but book my home resorts (I usually book OP week7 and FC week8 at the 13 mo rule. Many years I rent my weeks. If for some reason they do not rent (usually do) can I call and change to points? And how close to reservation date?

Thanks for answers!

 

[Dean]

1. How many points to be premier and premier plus member?

6500 & 13000 respectively.

 

[JimIg23]

I have never seen a discussion thread with so much misinformation in my life. "Skimming points"? "Bid / ask spread"? You've got to be kidding me.
Think about it people. In the weeks world, Marriott reserved weeks in the same seven day bundles in which they sold them, and when you reserved a week, you reserved the size, view, and season that you owned. That made it mighty efficient, and allowed their occupancy to be over 98%. Now they allow us to break our stays up into flexible lengths, check in any day of the week, and change our mind on a whim to select a different resort, different size villa, different season, and different view than we own.
Don't you think that might cause them to have to leave some villas unoccupied for a few nights? If Billy takes Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Sally takes Thursday, Friday, Saturday, who is going to take Wednesday and only Wednesday?
The points difference is so we can choose what we want and stand a good chance that it will be available. Duh!!

Steve from orlando with one post,

While there are some that are really against it, many here are just confused and are looking for answers. Sometimes wrong information snowballs. Many here have called or chatted with Marriott reps and have gotten different answers.

Now, I am not against the new system. Actually, I am leaning towards going into it, I do see some good benefits to the program. But I have questions before I do, as do many. I am not really blaming the Marriott reps that have different answers because they probably got three days of training a few days ago and are being onslaughtered with 10,00 specific questions only TUGGERS can think of

But, at the end of the day, there are alot of unanswered questions. If you do have specific knowledge of this program, instead of saying "Duh," please tell everyone about some of the misconceptions and what the truth is. It may actually help put some of these misunderstandings to bed.

 

[deedman]

I don't get what all the hub-ub is about. The biggest deal breaker should be this fact and this fact alone, the rest is for the birds.

1) you give up your HOA vote to Marriott by joining this new points program.


I keep hearing wuv pooh saying how great it will be, and you lose nothing for trying it out but the $600-$2000 for joining, and if you want to keep your week instead of points its no problem and yadda yadda yadda. You don't get your vote back buddy, and that's a wrap.

and a close second

2) Marriott CAN and WILL change required point values, at that point you will pay $9 a point plus $.40 for MF or stay for a less and less amount of time, and if you don't get more points you wasted your initial payment and lost your vote for nothing.

I can't wait until all the people that join this new scam of a program are back on this forum complaining in 12-24 months when marriott point gouges you for even more, and at that point you will deserve it.

cheers, and I'm glad I never pulled the trigger on a marriott property, especially with this latest slap in the face to owners.

 

[jerseygirl]

I can't speak to anything other than DVC. While they do sell the entire year minus a 2-4% holdback mostly for maint, that doesn't mean that owners can effectively use those points completely, the truth is that they can't and DVC counts on some losing a few points and some trading for cash equivalent exchanges that eat up points. For example, a hotel room at a Disney hotel might be as much as a 2 BR at a DVC resort. A DCL exchange generally barely returns just over the maint fees at most resorts, around $6-7 a point on the cruise when most resort fees are in the $5 to $5.50 a point range and some over. Plus as I mentioned, they do "skim" on smaller units. I'm not defending Marriott on this one, it does seem odd to me how they've approached it, but it's not nearly as black and white as some would like you to believe.

This is well stated Dean and I'm certain that all developers make money on unused units, external "exchanges" like cruises, etc. What I was referring to is that with Hyatt, Hilton, DVC and Starwood -- an outgoing owner/member/exchanger receives the same number of points that is required by an incoming owner/member/exchanger.

I realize its more complicated because the new points system needed to correct seasonal errors of the past to be attractive to new buyers. But, Starwood had the same issue when it layered its points structure on an older resort with 1-52 float weeks where there was a newer resort in the same location with multiple seasons. Owners of the older 1-52 float received the average of all points for all weeks and the total of all points given to owners was equal to the total of all points required to exchange in. I find lots to fault Starwood for, but they certainly don't employ the skimming methodology -- nor do Hyatt, Hilton or DVC.

I don't begrudge Marriott wanting to make a profit -- I get that they're a public company, not a non-for-profit organization. But, I wouldn't let them off the hook on the "skimming" issue when their main competitors manage to make money despite the orphaned days that result from additional flexibility.

 

[dioxide45]

The Enrollment page still shows the following data:

Weeks purchased externally before June 20, 2010 may be enrolled for $1,495 for the first week or $1,995 for one and a half or more weeks. Weeks purchased externally, with a deed recording date after June 20, 2010 are not eligible for the program

Dan, the disclosure document says this on page 4 for Trust members:

Trust Members. Upon the sale of an Interest, Exchange Company may require the payment of an initiation fee. (The current initiation fee is $200 per Interest with a $2,000 minimum initiation fee; however, Exchange Company reserves the right to adjust the amount of the initiation fee from time to time and to waive the initiation fee on a case-by-case basis in Exchange Company’s sole and absolute discretion.) Until payment of any required initiation fee is received (or waived by Exchange Company), the owner of such Interest(s) will not be entitled to Base Plus Exchange Benefits or Exchange Benefits; however, payment of the initiation fee will allow access to the Base Plus Exchange Benefits. If the purchase of an Interest is not made from an Approved Broker, then the owner of such Interest(s) may not be entitled to Exchange Benefits in Exchange Company’s sole and absolute discretion, even if the initiation fee is paid. Additional payments may be required to access the Exchange Benefits.

From Page 14 of the exchange doc:

Effect of Transfer of Member’s Interest. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties to a sale, assignment, or transfer, if a Member (“Selling Member”) sells, assigns, or transfers the Selling Member’s Interest to another party (“New Member”), the Selling Member will lose any and all rights to utilize the Exchange Points associated with such Interest to reserve the use of a Use Period or to use any previously-reserved Use Period. Each New Member will be required to remit to the Association an initiation fee; provided, however, an initiation fee shall not be required to be paid by an existing Member. (The current initiation fee is $200 per Interest with a $2,000 minimum initiation fee; however, Exchange Company reserves the right to adjust the amount of the initiation fee from time to time and to waive the initiation fee on a case-by-case basis in Exchange Company’s sole and absolute discretion.) Exchange Company will, within ten (10) business days of receipt from a New Member of the initiation fee, if required, and a certified copy of the recorded deed transferring an Interest to the New Member, change Exchange Company’s official records to reflect such transfer of an Interest from a Selling Member to a New Member. Further, with respect to Trust Members, until payment of any required initiation fee is received (or waived by Exchange Company), the New Member may not be entitled to Base Plus Exchange Benefits or Special Benefits in Exchange Company’s sole and absolute discretion; however, payment of the initiation fee (or waiver by Exchange Company) will allow access to the Base Plus Exchange Benefits. With respect to Exchange Members, until payment of the enrollment fee, the New Member will not be entitled to participate in the Program. If the purchase of an Interest is not made from an Approved Broker, then the owner of such Interest(s) may not be entitled to Special Benefits in Exchange Company’s sole and absolute discretion, even if the initiation fee is paid.

It seems like if you do not use an approved broker you may be out of luck even if you do pay $2,000. Without having a full base interest or paying the initiation fee you are limited to reservations within 60 days, which is a big disadvantage. They seem to also want to control who brokers their exchange points.

“Approved Broker” which includes: (a) the developer of the Member’s Affiliate Program or Component; or (b) such other entity approved by Exchange Company, from time to time; (ii) acquire the Interest by virtue of being a Family Member by gift, will, divorce decree, testamentary disposition, intestate succession or trust from a Member; or (iii) is otherwise granted Membership by Exchange Company, upon the terms and conditions then determined by Exchange Company in Exchange Company’s sole and absolute discretion. If a Member does not purchase the Member’s Interest from an Approved Broker, such Member may be limited to only Base Exchange Benefits, or upon payment of the initiation fee, if permitted in Exchange Company’s sole and absolute discretion, Base Plus Exchange Benefits.

I think you have some more work to do to understand the implications. It is not very clear to me what all this means except that it gives Marriott all the cards in the deck

 

[jimf41]

Sue

You are obviously an intelligent person but your business acumen is lacking. All well run business try to protect their client interests if only for future potential sales. What business do you know that has a resale-able product doesn't tout resale value vs the the competition. I doubt very much your timeshare presentations did not discuss the advantages of a "Marriott Timeshare" i.e.; increasing value, Rewards points, deeded property (in most cases) and the ability to sell - the resale value. It was very obvious to me and stated to me numerous times that ROFR was the tool Marriott would use to insure values would stay high and you know that is exactly what they did until now! Your incessant defense of almost everything Marriott does makes me wonder what your motives are. I can understand some people wanting to join this points program because it fits their individual needs or wants or as some have described fear from what Marriott might do in the future. Whatever anyones reason to join or not join is fine but to try to tell people that Marriott is not breaking commitments to owners is utterly ridiculous. Verbal commits from their sales staff are legally binding and certainly there are thousands of us who were sold the whole program including the property would be ours and ours to run as we so choose. Marriott taking voting rights away and now voting in our annual meetings against owner rights may or may not be legal but it is morally wrong. That is unless you were the only one that was also told Marriott would vote our rights and not us.

All well run business try to protect their client interests if only for future potential sales.

I assume you do not feel Goldman Sachs, BP, Smith Barney, or Lehman Bros. to name a few were or are well run companies.

What business do you know that has a resale-able product doesn't tout resale value vs the the competition.

Actually none. That said can you tell me of anyone who ever bought a high priced, sexy, stylish, fast automobile because of it's resale value? Nobody buys anything because of resale value they buy because they want it.


Verbal commits from their sales staff are legally binding

Really, why doesn't everybody get what the salesman told them they would get?

Marriott taking voting rights away and now voting in our annual meetings against owner rights may or may not be legal but it is morally wrong.

Marriott is not taking anything. Those who enroll are giving and Marriott is being very upfront about it.

You are obviously an intelligent person but your business acumen is lacking.

I guess I don't have any either because I'm looking at this as a great deal. Not perfect but great for me. I also believe it's a home run for resale owners.

 

[sparty]

Can you imagine being a Premier Plus points member on July 26th, 2010? According to the rules you will have at least 13,500 points and be able to reserve any room, in any US Marriott, for any day, for any number of days, for 13 months which puts you through the entire summer of 2011 as long as there is inventory available :whoopie:

You will essentially have access to the entire system to yourself for a month. That would be cool. It almost makes me wish that I sold my house when it was $200k higher and bought more Marriott weeks I have serious points envy :hysterical:

Yes... This is why I joined today..

 

[dioxide45]

Can you imagine being a Premier Plus points member on July 26th, 2010? According to the rules you will have at least 13,500 points and be able to reserve any room, in any US Marriott, for any day, for any number of days, for 13 months which puts you through the entire summer of 2011 as long as there is inventory available :whoopie:

You will essentially have access to the entire system to yourself for a month. That would be cool. It almost makes me wish that I sold my house when it was $200k higher and bought more Marriott weeks I have serious points envy :hysterical:

Though if this were the case, the only inventory available is at the 11 resorts in the disclosure.

 

[deedman]

ya the inventory that people actually want doesn't exist unless someone enrolls their week and uses it as points for the year, you will NEED that 13 months if you try to book something worthwhile during platinum season. here come the waiting lists!

 

[floyddl]

Though if this were the case, the only inventory available is at the 11 resorts in the disclosure.

If I understand this correctly, everyone can trade through next July 26th. July 26th thru August 26th of 2011 the Premier Plus owners have the priority.

 

[NJDave]

I think we have to stop comparing the $89 part of the II fee. That $89 lets you look at inventory and go into the system. Supposedly, the new system forces you to let Marriott control everything. So, I think that many TUGGERS and experienced TS'ers will want to pay the $89 and keep the ability to look at Inventory. Who wants to give that up?

I would want a separate account just to get a sense of the inventory that is available. Understanding what will be available is a very important aspect of trading. That is why the sightings board is so helpful. I have never used one sighting to obtain a unit (except for bulk banking in RCI) but they have increased my knowledge greatly.

 

[deedman]

If I understand this correctly, everyone can trade through next July 26th. July 26th thru August 26th of 2011 the Premier Plus owners have the priority.

you missed his point. His point was the Trust only has 11 resorts, the rest depend on enrolled weeks by owners, or deposited weeks into II that have been plucked out to serve marriott's greedy plan. So the already small pool of prime weeks available will see MUCH more demand, thus resulting in even less availability.

 

[DanCali]

Since points members can call in on Tuesday for reservations I would think they automatically get the jump on weeks owners without having to go to another resort to do it.

My theory is different - I think at some resorts weeks get a jump on points at 13 months... Why do you think it is the opposite case?

 

[Dean]

This is well stated Dean and I'm certain that all developers make money on unused units, external "exchanges" like cruises, etc. What I was referring to is that with Hyatt, Hilton, DVC and Starwood -- an outgoing owner/member/exchanger receives the same number of points that is required by an incoming owner/member/exchanger.

I realize its more complicated because the new points system needed to correct seasonal errors of the past to be attractive to new buyers. But, Starwood had the same issue when it layered its points structure on an older resort with 1-52 float weeks where there was a newer resort in the same location with multiple seasons. Owners of the older 1-52 float received the average of all points for all weeks and the total of all points given to owners was equal to the total of all points required to exchange in. I find lots to fault Starwood for, but they certainly don't employ the skimming methodology -- nor do Hyatt, Hilton or DVC.

I don't begrudge Marriott wanting to make a profit -- I get that they're a public company, not a non-for-profit organization. But, I wouldn't let them off the hook on the "skimming" issue when their main competitors manage to make money despite the orphaned days that result from additional flexibility.

Disney also has access to unused inventory at 60 days out and can ANTICIPATE such unused inventory if they like.

 

[edge4414]

All well run business try to protect their client interests if only for future potential sales.

I assume you do not feel Goldman Sachs, BP, Smith Barney, or Lehman Bros. to name a few were or are well run companies.

What business do you know that has a resale-able product doesn't tout resale value vs the the competition.

Actually none. That said can you tell me of anyone who ever bought a high priced, sexy, stylish, fast automobile because of it's resale value? Nobody buys anything because of resale value they buy because they want it.


Verbal commits from their sales staff are legally binding

Really, why doesn't everybody get what the salesman told them they would get?

Marriott taking voting rights away and now voting in our annual meetings against owner rights may or may not be legal but it is morally wrong.

Marriott is not taking anything. Those who enroll are giving and Marriott is being very upfront about it.

You are obviously an intelligent person but your business acumen is lacking.

I guess I don't have any either because I'm looking at this as a great deal. Not perfect but great for me. I also believe it's a home run for resale owners.

Jim

You have to be kidding with the GS, Lehman and BP. They did not watch out for there customers and are paying dearly as well as the owners (stockholders) who have lost 50% to 100% of their value. Did I miss interpret you here because your reference to these as well run defies logic considering as Sue and I expect you would say their duty is to their shareholders.

Resale - Go to a quality car dealer BMW etc. or read a car report and see if resale value is considered. How about buying a house or vacation property. Isn't location and therefore potential resale a key part. Maybe you just buy things because you "want it" but most people are more practical and insure their investment value is maintained. That is unless you invested in BP, Lehman, or GS.

Despite what you say verbal contracts are binding albeit harder to prove but nevertheless legally enforceable.

And finally my complaint concerning voting is not the people who voluntarily give it up but for the rest of us who were promised we the owners would have 100% voting rights in the vacation clubs not Marriott. Besides what is your guess of the percentage of people who join how many will like these choices and how many will feel compelled.

I questioned the morality of what Marriott is doing and I question the morality of your favored companies you mentioned above. Hope you don't own any of their stock

 

[SueDonJ]

Sue

You are obviously an intelligent person but your business acumen is lacking. All well run business try to protect their client interests if only for future potential sales. What business do you know that has a resale-able product doesn't tout resale value vs the the competition. I doubt very much your timeshare presentations did not discuss the advantages of a "Marriott Timeshare" i.e.; increasing value, Rewards points, deeded property (in most cases) and the ability to sell - the resale value. It was very obvious to me and stated to me numerous times that ROFR was the tool Marriott would use to insure values would stay high and you know that is exactly what they did until now! Your incessant defense of almost everything Marriott does makes me wonder what your motives are. I can understand some people wanting to join this points program because it fits their individual needs or wants or as some have described fear from what Marriott might do in the future. Whatever anyones reason to join or not join is fine but to try to tell people that Marriott is not breaking commitments to owners is utterly ridiculous. Verbal commits from their sales staff are legally binding and certainly there are thousands of us who were sold the whole program including the property would be ours and ours to run as we so choose. Marriott taking voting rights away and now voting in our annual meetings against owner rights may or may not be legal but it is morally wrong. That is unless you were the only one that was also told Marriott would vote our rights and not us.

Oh geeze, now you've outed me. I was just at the point where I thought I'd better start wringing my hands, gnashing my teeth and keening to the timeshare gods - "aaaiiieee!!! there goes my resale value!!!" - to protect my cover, too. Now everybody knows that I'm actually a SuperSpyUndercover Marriott Agent sent to infiltrate TUG to try to combat the incessant anti-developer sentiment found here. Don't suppose I can convince you to keep a lid on things, huh?

Look. This argument is getting stupid. I don't have any reason other than it's the truth to say that I have had good experiences with one Marriott sales rep who has never misrepresented the product to me. She is my only frame of reference because she is the only sales rep I've ever dealt with. My ownership has worked as she led me to expect it would, exactly as it's supported by the contracts. And that's what I consider important.

Some other people have obviously had different experiences and expectations - I don't expect them to agree with me. But I also don't expect to be accused of ulterior motives or lying or being stupid or having something wrong with me. (All of which have been said at one time or another here about the few on TUG who are happy, satisfied developer-direct Marriott customers.) Why is that so difficult for some to resist? What possible difference does it make if I believe that Marriott has not treated me badly as a customer? How does it bolster your argument to insist that I recognize some phantom non-contractual moral responsibility that you think Marriott owes to MVCI owners?

 

[GregT]

I have never seen a discussion thread with so much misinformation in my life. "Skimming points"? "Bid / ask spread"? You've got to be kidding me.
Think about it people. In the weeks world, Marriott reserved weeks in the same seven day bundles in which they sold them, and when you reserved a week, you reserved the size, view, and season that you owned. That made it mighty efficient, and allowed their occupancy to be over 98%. Now they allow us to break our stays up into flexible lengths, check in any day of the week, and change our mind on a whim to select a different resort, different size villa, different season, and different view than we own.
Don't you think that might cause them to have to leave some villas unoccupied for a few nights? If Billy takes Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Sally takes Thursday, Friday, Saturday, who is going to take Wednesday and only Wednesday?
The points difference is so we can choose what we want and stand a good chance that it will be available. Duh!!

SteveG11,

Welcome to TUG -- your very first post is truly thought-provoking.

But with apologies, I think you're missing the point of our (my?) frustration. We love the flexibility of the proposed system and its great to be able to access other systems. But it's unprecedented for Marriott to not credit an owner with the "market" value of their unit (the Ask), but instead Bid you an offer that is 7-22% lower than the Ask. They present the argument of Breakage, as you have noted.

I belong to two other points systems -- both have found ways to ensure that there are very very few vacant units. I did a sample of available units during the summer for Worldmark (approx 100 days remaining thru Sept 30):

Depoe Bay 2BR: No units available
Kihei 2BR/3BR: 11 2BR days available/9 3BR days available
Tahoe 2BR/3BR: 1 2BR day available/2 3BR days available

Further, I fully expect that most of these remaining days will be acquired and utilized in some fashion. And yet Marriott is asking its owners to believe that there will be a 7-22% vacancy rate. The Skim is requiring many owners to now realize they are short by 1,000 points of being able to really utilize the system -- therefore The Skim is a major deal for them.

Stunning. I can't believe Marriott did this and thought it would not be controversial.

 

[ArtsieAng]

I have never seen a discussion thread with so much misinformation in my life. "Skimming points"? "Bid / ask spread"? You've got to be kidding me.
Think about it people. In the weeks world, Marriott reserved weeks in the same seven day bundles in which they sold them, and when you reserved a week, you reserved the size, view, and season that you owned. That made it mighty efficient, and allowed their occupancy to be over 98%. Now they allow us to break our stays up into flexible lengths, check in any day of the week, and change our mind on a whim to select a different resort, different size villa, different season, and different view than we own.
Don't you think that might cause them to have to leave some villas unoccupied for a few nights? If Billy takes Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Sally takes Thursday, Friday, Saturday, who is going to take Wednesday and only Wednesday?
The points difference is so we can choose what we want and stand a good chance that it will be available.

Assuming that some villas would go unoccupied under the new system....Isn't the MF's of those units being paid, (points & weeks) whether they are occupied, or not?

Either way, Marriott needed to find another way to make up any additional cost involved with implementing this new system. To take away our ability to reserve a "like for like" exchange, or our own week, without purchasing more points appears to me to be nothing more than Marriott trying to force us to purchase more points.......This is a total disregard for Marriott's loyal customers, and flies in the face of every vacation dream, and theory that they have been selling for the past 25 years.

Marriott is betting that we will all purchase more points in order to reserve those like for like weeks, and the actual week, that we have already paid for........That's how I see it, at any rate.