Marriott getting tough with BeachPlace HOA!!!

[Kazakie]

Although for 2 years the Board has asked Marriott to require a security deposit on the rooms rented to these occupants, they have not and will not comply.

Do they not supply a credit card at checkin? Or does marriott (or the HOA) not bill for damages? (or is that a legal thing)

 

[timeos2]

The BeachPlace Board has always approved Marriott's recommended budget for maintenance and housekeeping. Marriott assures the Board that they are attempting to keep up with the maintenance issues. Once the money is approved, Marriott is responsible for the day to day housekeeping and maintenance.

The Board takes its fiduciary responsibility to owners seriously and agree that the Marriott brand is important for our owners. However, the Board does challenge Marriott. Attendance at a Board meeting would confirm that fact. I believe that Marriott and the Board can resolve the problems of BPT if we all work in the spirit of partnership.

Eric Minotti

Eric - If I were an owner that is exactly what I would want to hear from the Board. Keep up the good work for the owners and that careful watch on the bottom line. It should never be getting things done at any cost but getting the best for the money spent. Hold Marriott to that standard and everyone wins.

 

[davemy]

As a owner, I am not in favor of a special assessement, what owner would be? What is interesting to me is out of 100 plus replys very few beachplace owners are part of this thread. I wonder if Marriott ever reads this message board? Thanks again to Eric being part of this thread, Its to bad we don't hear Marriott's side of the story. Even thou I think they will make lots of excuses for their bad Management at this resort.

 

[Dean]

Perry,

I hesitated even addressing your ill-informed comments about the Board's ability; but I will for the benefit of the others that are participating in this discussion--talk about a demigod!

We have been told by Marriott and Interval International that the low owner occupancy is a result of the high trading power of BPT. As a mature property, we are told that most BPT owners want to maximize their trading power-a fundamental objective of timesharing. This property is 95% occupied throughout the year. So there appears to be more satisfaction than dissatisfaction with occupants of BPT. Sure there is work to be done and compromise to get it done. The current Board wants to address the challenges at BPT and work with Marriott to resolve the issues.

The dissatisfiers at BeachPlace (as per guest surveys) for which the HOA has no control is the honky tonk shopping area below and the parking garage configuration. The dissatisfiers that are controllable were displayed earlier in Brian's picture, and the HOA is just as disappointed as Brian in the condition of some of the units. The parking fee (another apparent dissatisfier) is intended to cover legitimate costs associated with the expenses of a 2 story parking facility and local taxes. (Owners, ask local management about the significant costs to be incurred in 2008 regarding the garage).

David,

Marriott allowed 10 in the room in order to sell rooms, even though the official condo documents (Drafted by Marriott) limited the occupancy to 6 in a villa. Not only is this property subjected to "Spring Breakers", it is also a low priced overnight hotel destination for cruise people who are looking for a 1 or 2 night stay in Ft Lauderdale before boarding their cruise ship. Marriott rents a 2 bedroom villa to 10 people for $300/night--$30/person, you get the point. None of the other high-end hotels would rent to that many people at that rate. This is why the Board took the action regarding occupancy. These type of guests were/are destroying the property and wasting housekeeping and maintenance staff time. Although for 2 years the Board has asked Marriott to require a security deposit on the rooms rented to these occupants, they have not and will not comply.

The Board cannot set Marriott's room rates. One might point out--if you had better rooms, Marriott could charge a higher rate. The Board's response is that the 10 occupancy, low cost room caused the deterioration of the room to the point where we are at now. It is a chicken or egg discussion. The point is, after renovation, the Board does want to raise the bar and attract the high end occupants that BPT and its owners deserve.


Eric Minotti

Eric, it's good to get a BOD view on these issue but I can't think of any other high end US timeshare that I am aware, including HI, that has owner occupancy that low. I'm not saying I have the answer but that I don't believe that high trade power is the answer to that question. There are other properties that have lower yearly fees and trade as well or better that have well over 85-90% owner usage during Gold and Platinum seasons. I don't think BPT wants to be a place people own to trade.

 

[mas]

... I don't think BPT wants to be a place people own to trade.

I've owned at BPT since '99. I agree with Dean, and Eric. As an owner I would like to see a marked improvement in the owner occupancy as I believe that would go a long way toward reducing the wear & tear problem. I've only exchanged my week once in the 9 years that we have owned there.

I was there last year--early Feb and saw first hand the deterioration of the rooms: pealing paint, thread bare carpets etc. It was interesting to hear Eric's comments on how Marriott management was responsible for allowing 10 people/villa. If true, and I have no reason to doubt this, that practice has to stop.

 

[minoter]

The practice of allowing 10 occupants in a villa was discontinued in 2007 based on the Board action limiting 8 occupants to a full villa. Marriott assures the Board that 10 guests no longer occupy a full villa.

Eric Minotti

 

[Dean]

The practice of allowing 10 occupants in a villa was discontinued in 2007 based on the Board action limiting 8 occupants to a full villa. Marriott assures the Board that 10 guests no longer occupy a full villa.

Eric Minotti

I think all of my resorts legal paperwork says 6, 8 with the consent of the management, and trades for 6.

 

[KenK]

Eric:

What is the minimum age allowed to occupy a unit ?

We have stayed there many times, and twice during different weeks, had to evacuate the building because teens thought it would be funny to watch all the 'old folks' have to hobble down the staircases, just by setting off an alarm. They were on the street ( Cortez) when the folks came marching out.
Management seemed to know who did this the second time.

As for peeling paint off the ceilings, mold, and broken appliance parts, we were at Ocean Point last year and had it all.

We were at the Manor Club over Thanksgiving, and had an old unit that was excellent. Nothing must beat that American of Martinsville Federal furniture-when Marriott paid for the good stuff upon development.......no matter how hard those exchangers try to distroy. Didn't have a single appliance problem. What appeared as large CRT Sonys TVs were very sharp in the definition.

Seaview was also excellent.....

And we paid no parking fees...anywhere...period...and not because we were MVCI owners.

I wonder if an owner can book the OWNERS LOUNGE at MBP? We are thinking of having a TUG & Forums get together.

Of course, there's always the Hollywood Beach B'Walk......

 

[m61376]

When we went to Cancun and stayed at the Royal Sands they had a very interesting way of warning Spring-breakers, to prevent rowdy gathering. In the resort book there was a very clear message to all young adults as to what the house rules were and that no outside guests were allowed. They went on to say that any disturbances would be met with then getting thrown off the premises and they made it clear that parents (whoever was the owner/responsible party for the unit) would be notified and to trust them- they would be calling parents and describing any problematic activities. I thought it was interesting that they had a very strong "no nonsense" type policy in a huge Spring-break destination. Perhaps Marriott and/or the Board needs to develop a real deterrent here so that the resort isn't constantly trashed.

 

[PerryM]

80% of all the folks in BPT are non-owners - this is good?

Perry,

I hesitated even addressing your ill-informed comments about the Board's ability; but I will for the benefit of the others that are participating in this discussion--talk about a demigod!

We have been told by Marriott and Interval International that the low owner occupancy is a result of the high trading power of BPT. As a mature property, we are told that most BPT owners want to maximize their trading power-a fundamental objective of timesharing. This property is 95% occupied throughout the year. So there appears to be more satisfaction than dissatisfaction with occupants of BPT. Sure there is work to be done and compromise to get it done. The current Board wants to address the challenges at BPT and work with Marriott to resolve the issues.

The dissatisfiers at BeachPlace (as per guest surveys) for which the HOA has no control is the honky tonk shopping area below and the parking garage configuration. The dissatisfiers that are controllable were displayed earlier in Brian's picture, and the HOA is just as disappointed as Brian in the condition of some of the units. The parking fee (another apparent dissatisfier) is intended to cover legitimate costs associated with the expenses of a 2 story parking facility and local taxes. (Owners, ask local management about the significant costs to be incurred in 2008 regarding the garage).

David,

Marriott allowed 10 in the room in order to sell rooms, even though the official condo documents (Drafted by Marriott) limited the occupancy to 6 in a villa. Not only is this property subjected to "Spring Breakers", it is also a low priced overnight hotel destination for cruise people who are looking for a 1 or 2 night stay in Ft Lauderdale before boarding their cruise ship. Marriott rents a 2 bedroom villa to 10 people for $300/night--$30/person, you get the point. None of the other high-end hotels would rent to that many people at that rate. This is why the Board took the action regarding occupancy. These type of guests were/are destroying the property and wasting housekeeping and maintenance staff time. Although for 2 years the Board has asked Marriott to require a security deposit on the rooms rented to these occupants, they have not and will not comply.

The Board cannot set Marriott's room rates. One might point out--if you had better rooms, Marriott could charge a higher rate. The Board's response is that the 10 occupancy, low cost room caused the deterioration of the room to the point where we are at now. It is a chicken or egg discussion. The point is, after renovation, the Board does want to raise the bar and attract the high end occupants that BPT and its owners deserve.


Eric Minotti

I’ll be the first to admit that I know nothing about the internal struggle between the HOA and Marriott. I can only look at stats and make inferences. I have no stake in BPT except that it’s extremely easy to exchange into with WM credits both beyond 59 days and within 59 days it costs me but $200.

ARDA stats indicate that 47% of timeshare owners exchange their usage with 36% of the owners using the timeshare.

To me, the 20% occupancy rate versus the 36% rate indicate that owners just don’t want to visit BPT and with the $1,000 MF that’s a really expensive destination to bypass.

50% of BPT folks exchange and 30% turn in their usage for MRPs or 80% of the BPT owners just don’t want to visit their own resort. Seems exceedingly high to me compared to just 47% of normal owners avoiding their resort.

I’d put a grain of salt in the pronouncement from the Marriott salesreps and II’s reps believe that all this is the result of “High Trading Power (TP)”. Me, I’d believe my gut feeling that something is horribly wrong with BPT and that TP has nothing to do with this.

I must pass on the comments from my 21 year old son and his 7 frat brothers that love to exchange into BPT – Party’s on! I can see that many exchangers would get BPT hopping during spring break and summer vacation.

The parking fee is a matter that is more of an insult to fellow Marriott owners – our resorts don’t make extra money off the backs of fellow Marriott owners visiting our resorts. We include parking garage maintenance in normal MFs. BPT has chosen another path and is just another piece of the puzzle that suggests the HOA is the biggest problem for BPT and not Marriott.

Throw in a simmering war with Marriott and my conclusion is that the HOA is grinding this resort into dust. But this is just a WAG on my part.

BPT can't have it both ways - 80% of the folks in the building at any minute are not owners and don't treat the place as anything but a rental and high TP to visit other resorts. Those 80% renters/exchangers are killing the resort.

Take it for what it’s worth. My son and his frat brothers will be back this summer – party’s on!!!

 

[pwrshift]

...These type of guests were/are destroying the property and wasting housekeeping and maintenance staff time. Although for 2 years the Board has asked Marriott to require a security deposit on the rooms rented to these occupants, they have not and will not comply.
Eric Minotti

I don't understand why Marriott thinks it's a big deal to take a security deposit as they already do it the moment they swipe your card at check in.

I had a timeshare in Fort Laud from late 80's to until BeachPlace opened that simply charged owners and exchangers/renters a $100 security deposit against your card, and presented you with a list of inventory items in each suite that you had to check, sign and return within 2 days - counting all the knives, cups, etc. A 10 minute task but it didn't bother me as I could see the wisdom of protecting our MF. At check out time, someone went to your room and did a quick check - maybe 5 minutes - while you settled everything. I don't know how common that is with non-Marriotts but that old place still has the lowest MF in Ft. Laud, so it worked.

By today's standard, a $300-$500 would be an appropriate (and thought provoking) security deposit for owners as well as exchangers and renters ... and I'll bet the destruction problem would come to a quick end faster and more effectively than the dumb move of reducing the studio occupancy to 3 people over the age of 6. Why Marriott would refuse to do this is of great concern when it's obvious there is a problem.

On the point of room inventory ... for my annual 2007 visit to BPT there were several dinner plates missing and a few other items (normally servings of 8). When I asked housekeeping to replace them, they told me they couldn't as they didn't have any extras because the HOA was not buying any more until the new decor was done in 2008. I guess they'll only have paper plates by now!

Brian

 

[minoter]

Brian,

Marriott indicated to the Board that a security deposit policy is not a Marriott standard, and therefore declined our request to implement a security deposit and checkout inventory policy.

Over twelve months ago the Board drafted a new check-in document outlining the rules of the resort which was designed to address the fraternity parties and bon voyage parties at BeachPlace. The Board asked Marriott to include the document in the check-in welcome package and the in-room resort guide. Marriott declined to include that document (which was approved by their legal staff) year round with the welcome package and in the room, and opted to use it only for the 5 weeks of Spring Break. The Board was told that the tone of a "rules of the resort" document and the security deposit policy contradicts Marriott's standard of "an awesome vacation experience".

I asked local management about your (and other's) request for missing kitchen items. Management emphatically disagreed (and was disappointed in your suggestion) that those requests were not addressed and indicated to me that any missing items were brought to the room from the stock room. I have personally seen the stock of kitchen items at BeachPlace, so there is no reason a villa should not be stocked properly. What is true is that the Board does not want to purchase and stock the villas with all new kitchen plates and glasses, etc before the renovation project. Your are welcome to disagree with that decision. But management assures me that every villa will have the required inventory at check-in, or upon request if missing.

The positive news is that the Board and Marriott are attempting to (and want to) workout and compromise the issues at BeachPlace.

Eric Minotti

 

[vacationmama]

Eric, as an owner, I wonder why Marriott would not want to preserve Beachplace as a showplace. If spring breakers don't go to OP or other resorts, fine. But if our resort appeals to them, then there should be strict rules enforced to make sure they behave or pay the consequences of their behavior... or their parents do.

I visited Monarch and the table in the bedroom had been stained badly by the previous tenant who had spilled nail polish on it. The people were sent a bill for the restoration of the piece. Can we not do the same with Marriott's blessing. Why do they feel this would wreck someones vacation "fun" more than the next person coming to view their pillage?

Will eight people be allowed into the two bedroom unit? Seven is such a strange situation for a family.

I appreciate your efforts to keep us informed on the HOA thinking and Marriott responses. I love having a Marriott resort but do believe that they can be heavy handed and do not oversee refurbishments with the same care they would their own home. Their major concern is granite countertops and Sony tvs but not that the wallpaer in the bathrooms is done behind the sinks or that the wallpaper paste is washed off the woodwork before it is dried for life. Just some observations from other unit refurbs. Some would say that is nitpicking, I say for the huge amount they recieve to oversee the projects, I would say valid.

 

[pwrshift]

...Will eight people be allowed into the two bedroom unit? Seven is such a strange situation for a family.

.

I believe Eric will tell you the HOA has decided that the 2 bdrm suite can have 8 adults in it. But, after the reno in May 2008, the studio by itself can only have 3 adults and the 1 bdrm by itself can only have 4 ... but the 2 bdrm suite can still have 8 adults! Huh? 3+4=8? That's the kind of math the HOA used to get BPT in such terrible condition to start with. Marriott is contesting this decision.

If it goes through, the HOA ruins the purpose of the lockoff concept for families (and owners). While parents and 2 teens stay in the 1 bdrm portion for week one, they will have to send one of the teens home for week two in the studio ... even though there is the same bedding in both parts (a king bed AND a double sofa-bed). What kind of wisdom is that?

But 3+4=8 so the HOA says. BPT will be the only Marriott TS studios with a 3 adult occupancy if Marriott weakens on this. Someone I spoke with today at Marriott's head office said it won't happen ... we'll see.

Rather than playing games with studio occupancy they should attend to proper maintenance for the fees they charge. My suite in 2007 had a broken fridge and garbage disposal, leaky dishwasher, 2 elements out on the stove and a TV so old you couldn't plug your camcorder into it ... and not one of the shower heads would stop dripping even though they replaced one (with a reconditioned one). If the HOA president stays in BPT for 10 weeks a year he obviously gets a better room than I do, or he would have done something before now!

Brian

 

[thinze3]

...BPT will be the only Marriott TS studios with a 3 adult occupancy if Marriott weakens on this. Someone I spoke with today at Marriott's head office said it won't happen ... we'll see....[/B]

Brian

Brian,
When I checked marriott.com for next fall at MBP, it already states that the maximum occupancy is 3 for a studio/hotel room.

 

[PerryM]

The BPT timeshare model - something to avoid?

BPT is going to be a laboratory that I’m keeping an eye on – what happens when a timeshare becomes a motel! It don't look good.

When 80% of the owners don’t use the place those 80% are replaced with renters and exchangers.

This has 2 catastrophic effects on the resort:

1) Renters/exchangers trash the place

2) Owners don’t want to spend money on the place

Renters/exchangers trash the place

I can only imagine the BPT condo after my son and 7 frat brothers leave – he exchanged in. Renters are the same. While there, these 8 guys make quite an impression – the Pike shirts, caps and other stuff immediately signifies a fraternity and these guys are huge – they all work out every day and are not bashful kind of guys. I did tell my son that any damage to the room would be repaid by the guys. They did not get kicked out and I was happy about that.


Owners don’t want to spend money on the place

If I were an owner at BPT I too would want the renters and exchangers to pay for a lot of stuff. The parking garage is one target and I’d imagine that the HOA can cook up other fees to charge non-owners too. How long before a sort of tax is charged, per night, to renters/exchangers (beyond taxes for renters)?

This, to me, seems to be a situation that has already started to spiral out of control. The owners there have let this snow ball get out of control and is just going to gather speed as owners refuse to pay for all the wear and tear that non-owners inflict on the place.

Sadly the only solutions that pop to mind are punishments and no rewards. I guess the HOA could offer rewards for owners to use their own resort – free tickets to some restaurants, and other incentives. This is hard to come up with.

Oh well, I don’t think this will ever happen to Summit Watch, but other Marriotts might start to think of BPT as the salesreps and II talk about “Unbelievable Trading Power” and encouraging owners to abandon their Marriott and go elsewhere.

Sounds like Marriott and II did too good of a job.

P.S.
Punishments are easy to come up with:

1) The parking fees - the HOA has already done this
2) Limit as to how many II exchanges allowed per year
3) Limit the number of owners turning in their unit for Marriott Reward Points
4) Limiting occupancy - the HOA seems to be headed down this path (max of one body per bed?)
5) Close the pool
6) Remove the A/C

I don't see #2 and #3 ever happening but they are the culprits in this morphing of a timeshare into a motel.

P.P.S.
Don't expect any sympathy from Marriott - they are in the hotel/motel business and do very well. I doubt that they could care less except to enforce standards among all MVCI units.

 

[pwrshift]

What percent of owners use their Marriott TS?

Perry, while I find it surprising that more BPT owners (30%) turn in their weeks for Marriott Reward points (they can do it EY) than owners who use their weeks there (20%), I'm not so sure that is much different from other Marriotts, with some exceptions like Grand Ocean in platinum season. For me, 75 degree weather in Feb-Mar is like heaven compared to snow-bound Toronto and I can't think of a better domestic location for that, other than OP, and the transient use bears that out.

I just want to be proud of what I own and use ... and have that with ownership at Manor Club and Canyon Villas.

The parking fee doesn't bother me too much as you kind of expect that in a big city urban beachfront location. Even $17 a day is half what is charged in Boston Wharf at Custom House. Parking downtown Toronto is higher than that...wonder what NYC is.

The studio occupancy thing is a really bad HOA decision when an owner family of 4 can't use it as before ... and because so much else has been left undone for so long.

Besides, your son and his 7 frat guys will just sneak the other 5 extra into the studio anyways ... because Marriott won't check ... or get $500 from them on check in. Mandatory Daily maid service might also be an answer for 8 guys in a studio.

It would be interesting to hear from other Marriott TS as to what percent of 'owner use' they have.

Brian

 

[saturn28]

Perry, while I find it surprising that more BPT owners (30%) turn in their weeks for Marriott Reward points (they can do it EY) than owners who use their weeks there (20%), I'm not so sure that is much different from other Marriotts, with some exceptions like Grand Ocean in platinum season. For me, 75 degree weather in Feb-Mar is like heaven compared to snow-bound Toronto and I can't think of a better domestic location for that, other than OP, and the transient use bears that out.

I just want to be proud of what I own and use ... and have that with ownership at Manor Club and Canyon Villas.

The parking fee doesn't bother me too much as you kind of expect that in a big city urban beachfront location. Even $17 a day is half what is charged in Boston Wharf at Custom House. Parking downtown Toronto is higher than that...wonder what NYC is.

The studio occupancy thing is a really bad HOA decision when an owner family of 4 can't use it as before ... and because so much else has been left undone for so long.

Besides, your son and his 7 frat guys will just sneak the other 5 extra into the studio anyways ... because Marriott won't check ... or get $500 from them on check in. Mandatory Daily maid service might also be an answer for 8 guys in a studio.

It would be interesting to hear from other Marriott TS as to what percent of 'owner use' they have.

Brian

I see you own at Canyon Villas. I did a trade into there a couple of summers ago. I really enjoyed the property and the Marriott Hotel across the street. It seems to be one of the more difficult trades to get during the winter months. How have you found it being an owner there. Do you know what the trading power is like for a gold week at the resort.

Thanks

 

[pwrshift]

Saturn - I bought CV for the points plan - and trade EOY for points to replace points that I use, and use CV in the between years. This is my 'use' year for the first two weeks of April ... I split the suite into two parts for $75 and get two weeks holidays ... and they allow 4 adults in the lockoff (if I wanted). In addition, the place is spotless and always feels 'new' -- and even though it's a brand new resort they've already replaced all the bedding with the fancy Revive Marriott stuff, unlike BPT's worn out soft goods.

I've never traded CV with II as my plan was always 'use' and/or 'points' as IMO the MF makes that a good deal still, and better than BPT's higher MF for the same number of points.

Brian

PS ... I assume it was just part of a 'mass owner' email today but I got an invite from the GM at BPT to apply to run for election for the two openings on the Board this Spring. Quite ironic. I'll have to ask Nick if he reads TUG?

 

[thinze3]

Perry, while I find it surprising that more BPT owners (30%) turn in their weeks for Marriott Reward points (they can do it EY) than owners who use their weeks there (20%), I'm not so sure that is much different from other Marriotts, with some exceptions like Grand Ocean in platinum season.....
It would be interesting to hear from other Marriott TS as to what percent of 'owner use' they have.

Brian

From Waiohai GM.
"In response to your question, our owner occupancy rate for 2008 will be very close to 70%.
This is one of the highest in all the MVCI resorts, over double the average."

Total occupancy is 98%.

 

[LLW]

Brian,
When I checked marriott.com for next fall at MBP, it already states that the maximum occupancy is 3 for a studio/hotel room.

It also shows 3 on II for as early as April 2008. And 6/8 for 2BRs.

 

[minoter]

BeachPlace Update

The Board and Marriott met to resolve the following matters relating to BeachPlace;

Occupancy--The Board agreed to rescind the lock-off/studio 3 occupancy rule and voted to allow 4 adults in the lock-off.
Marriott agreed to reinforce the policies that monitor the number of occupants in the room by asking at check-in the financially responsible occupant for the number of occupants in the room. During the 5 or 6 weeks of spring break, the names of all occupants will be listed on a form at check-in. Marriott also agreed to publish and distribute to guests and owners at check-in a "rules of the resort" document. This document will outline the behavior that will not be tolerated at the property and the resulting consequences of disruptive or destructive behavior. This document will also be laminated and placed in the "Vacation Experience Guide" located in each room. Most important is that these rules will be enforced by local management. The rules are intended to provide a positive vacation experience for owners and guests while protecting the assets of the owners of BeachPlace.

TVs replaced during refurbishment--The Board and Marriott agreed to purchase and install 3 LG brand flat panel HDTVs in each villa. This was a compromise TV that all agreed would provide good value (compared to Olevia) at a high quality rating for operation at a reasonable cost (compared to Sony). Marriott indicated that this upgrade TV would not effect the $8 million refurbishment budget.

Eric Minotti

 

[timeos2]

The Board and Marriott met to resolve the following matters relating to BeachPlace;

Occupancy--The Board agreed to rescind the lock-off/studio 3 occupancy rule and voted to allow 4 adults in the lock-off.
Marriott agreed to reinforce the policies that monitor the number of occupants in the room by asking at check-in the financially responsible occupant for the number of occupants in the room. During the 5 or 6 weeks of spring break, the names of all occupants will be listed on a form at check-in. Marriott also agreed to publish and distribute to guests and owners at check-in a "rules of the resort" document. This document will outline the behavior that will not be tolerated at the property and the resulting consequences of disruptive or destructive behavior. This document will also be laminated and placed in the "Vacation Experience Guide" located in each room. Most important is that these rules will be enforced by local management. The rules are intended to provide a positive vacation experience for owners and guests while protecting the assets of the owners of BeachPlace.

TVs replaced during refurbishment--The Board and Marriott agreed to purchase and install 3 LG brand flat panel HDTVs in each villa. This was a compromise TV that all agreed would provide good value (compared to Olevia) at a high quality rating for operation at a reasonable cost (compared to Sony). Marriott indicated that this upgrade TV would not effect the $8 million refurbishment budget.

Eric Minotti

Eric - Thanks for a very positive update! Sounds like cooler heads prevailed and both sides met in the middle for the good of the owners and guests. Thats as good as anyone can hope for. Lets hope the pattern holds going forward.

 

[dlpearson]

Great news!

The Board and Marriott met to resolve the following matters relating to BeachPlace;

Occupancy--The Board agreed to rescind the lock-off/studio 3 occupancy rule and voted to allow 4 adults in the lock-off.
Marriott agreed to reinforce the policies that monitor the number of occupants in the room by asking at check-in the financially responsible occupant for the number of occupants in the room. During the 5 or 6 weeks of spring break, the names of all occupants will be listed on a form at check-in. Marriott also agreed to publish and distribute to guests and owners at check-in a "rules of the resort" document. This document will outline the behavior that will not be tolerated at the property and the resulting consequences of disruptive or destructive behavior. This document will also be laminated and placed in the "Vacation Experience Guide" located in each room. Most important is that these rules will be enforced by local management. The rules are intended to provide a positive vacation experience for owners and guests while protecting the assets of the owners of BeachPlace.

TVs replaced during refurbishment--The Board and Marriott agreed to purchase and install 3 LG brand flat panel HDTVs in each villa. This was a compromise TV that all agreed would provide good value (compared to Olevia) at a high quality rating for operation at a reasonable cost (compared to Sony). Marriott indicated that this upgrade TV would not effect the $8 million refurbishment budget.

Eric Minotti

Eric, thanks for the update. Sounds very positive--good resolution on the studio occupancy issue, reinforced management attention to monitor infractions, and TV situation from this owner's point of view!

-David

 

[Kazakie]

Occupancy--The Board agreed to rescind the lock-off/studio 3 occupancy rule and voted to allow 4 adults in the lock-off.
Marriott agreed to reinforce the policies that monitor the number of occupants in the room by asking at check-in the financially responsible occupant for the number of occupants in the room. During the 5 or 6 weeks of spring break, the names of all occupants will be listed on a form at check-in. Marriott also agreed to publish and distribute to guests and owners at check-in a "rules of the resort" document. This document will outline the behavior that will not be tolerated at the property and the resulting consequences of disruptive or destructive behavior. This document will also be laminated and placed in the "Vacation Experience Guide" located in each room. Most important is that these rules will be enforced by local management. The rules are intended to provide a positive vacation experience for owners and guests while protecting the assets of the owners of BeachPlace.

It'll be interesting to see how maintenance and maintenance fees progress over the next 5 years if spring-breakers were the main culprits (and taxes on the fees side - but can't do too much about that)