Marriott Reservations SUCK!

[BocaBum99]

You just need to wait for the new Marriott program to book 3 weeks in a row if you own 3 at 14-months. And then, the newer Marriott program to book 4 weeks in a row at 15-months.

It's too late for Marriott to move to a Hyatt-like system where everyone owns a fixed week and then at the 6-month mark, those weeks turn into points and the prime weeks have a higher point value than the non-prime weeks.

 

[dougef]

While I have been fairly lucky in getting the weeks I want, one year when I didn't, I simply reserved another "good" week, deposited it with Interval and exchanged back into my resort for the week I wanted. Granted it cost me $79 (old price) but it was worth it to get the week I needed.

I would bet many of those President's Week units will wind up deposited in Interval and available to Marriott owners for first pick.

 

[Avery]

That's why I love my Hilton Head Marriott. Platinum there is summer, lots of great weeks to choose from.

 

[ml855]

I don't think there is a best way or a good time, hence this thread. It's all the luck of the draw to get through. Being a multiple week owner does reduce the number of owners calling, but it's still difficult at some resorts to get reservations 13 months ahead. With our reservations, we are on the phone & on-line at the same time, hoping to get through with one.

If you do call, here are a couple of tips:

1) Ask the rep to check availability for all the check-in days. The computer will report back available days & then you can choose the one you want. If you only ask for one particular day, then you could be missing out on an alternate day.

2) If the rep tells you nothing is available, ask him to wait a minute or so & then check again. This has to do with 1) above. The units that come up available in 1) are taken out of the available pool (for lack of a better term). No other rep can see these units as available. Once the owner decides which day he/she wants, the other days are released back into the available pool. That's one reason why those who call after the initial 9 am rush may get the week, while some in the rush may not.

Hope this helps.

These are some good tips, but the problem I had was I couldn't even get a rep to talk with, before the system disconnected me, than I had to start all over again. I was pleased I finally was successful on line.

 

[e.bram]

Floating weeks and points are all the same. Get fixed weeks!!

 

[Clemson Fan]

Are you reserving to trade or to use? If to use I feel your pain. If to trade you can thank the thousands of Tug members, nonmembers, lurkers and just general internet buzz for informing them that Pres. Week is one of the most demand weeks and thus one of the best trading week.

Short,



The short answer (pun intended) to your question is that I was trying to reserve it to trade back into the resort for the real week I want - Sundance.



I purchased this second week at Summit Watch so that I could use the 13 month rule to make sure that I would get reservations at Park City for Sundance. I would very likely use both of my weeks in Park City if they were both for Sundance. We like to go to Sundance every year and this year I had to tell some family members no who would've liked to go. I'd like to make it a big extended family type of vacation each year with both sets of parents, etc.



However, I failed in my first attempt at the 13 month reservations for Sundance. I did get one of my weeks booked for Sundance. I then failed to get my second week booked for Sundance at the 12 month mark due mainly to a Marriott mishap. I outlined this in great detail in the following thread.

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15995


Sundance is a very strong week and I figured I needed to get a strong week booked in order to trade back into my own resort for Sundance.



I have to say I'm getting a little tired of timesharing the "Marriott Way" because I'm convinced that in order to book a really good week that it takes one of two things:



1. Pure luck

2. Knowing somebody on the inside who can "fix" the system for you and even make the reservation for you

 

[Clemson Fan]

Yep, the Marriott reservations system sucks and Marriott needs to fix this problem! It is unacceptable to have to repeatedly call and be told they're too busy to answer and to call back later.

To me, this is the most outrageous part of their system. I find it so unprofessional with today’s technology of a big company not to have an effective telephone queue system. It's a boat load of fun to start calling right at 8:59 to get busy signal after busy signal only to get through and get a message saying their "too busy" and then hung up on



They had this same problem last and same we're "too busy" phone message last year. I contacted Pete Watzka about it not just to complain but to try and lend some suggestions for making the system better. He put me in contact with the main reservations manager who I had lengthy discussions with over e-mail. He assured me they were updating their system to appropriately queue people up.



Guess not - same old same old!

 

[Sue K]

We think it is unfair for multiple week Marriott owners to reserve thirteen months out using those other units to reserve the President's week at the "hot" President's week resorts only to then cancel the "prior to" President's weeks at their other non-hot resorts. We have three weeks in Aruba and want to book three weeks in a row there, but are competing with those that have one week in Aruba and two other weeks in less in demand resorts, then later canceling out the weeks prior to the Aruba week. It's so obvious one would not spend one week in, say, Hilton Head, the next week in Orlando and the next week in Aruba.

Secondly, one should not be able to reserve the hot weeks unless they are planning on using them themselves. It just rankles us to try to get three weeks in a row in Aruba and lose out only to find those desirous weeks for rent on TUG hours later. IMHO those folks are being GREEDY!!!

 

[Gadabout]

You just need to wait for the new Marriott program to book 3 weeks in a row if you own 3 at 14-months. And then, the newer Marriott program to book 4 weeks in a row at 15-months.

QUOTE]

My thoughts exactly. When is that new program coming out?

 

[jme]

I think they know you're a Clemson fan

I think they know you're a Clemson fan, and that makes all the difference. Have you thought about going back to school? jme

 

[jerseyfinn]

. . . Knowing somebody on the inside that can "fix" the system for you. . .

Clemson,

Initially I attribute some of your angst and anger to your disappointment at not getting the week you want. I hear you loud and clear in that regard.

But then you follow up with some caustic statements and an interesting admission. It's a pretty preposterous comment to suggest that Marriott has "fixed" the system. The whole program would unravel if that were the case.

And your own stated reason for wanting the week was to do some of your own fancy wheeling dealing and maneuvering. Doesn't exactly sound like an owner who intended to occupy that sought after President's week.

Looks more to me to more a case of it's a beautiful world when one gets what they want and a crime against humanity when they don't.

Sorry man, no sympathy from me.

Respectfully,

Barry

 

[jerseyfinn]

SueK,

I completely agree with you when you refer to multiple week owners combining different resorts to utilize the 13 month rule. The 13 month rule should apply only to multiple weeks owned at that resort and the same season.

. . . Secondly, one should not be able to reserve the hot weeks unless they are planning on using them themselves. It just rankles us to try to get three weeks in a row in Aruba and lose out only to find those desirous weeks for rent on TUG hours later. IMHO those folks are being GREEDY!!! . . .

I disagree with this statement. Marriott TS ownership involves flexibility. This means that one is perfectly entitled to occupy, split lock-offs, deposit with II, trade for MR points, or rent if they so desire.

It's got nothing to do with greed, avarice, or bad behavior. It's simply MVCI owners exercising their various options of ownership. That's why so many folks purchase Marriott TS.

I can appreciate the disappointment at being unable to get precisely the weeks one wants, but this has nothing to do with the dynamics and the priviliges of individual ownership. We've all paid hard earned dollars for the TS and we all pay our maintainance fees and special assessments when they pop up.

I too have had disappointments over the years reserving weeks. But that's the nature of life, especially TS life when one purchases floating weeks. One sometimes has to work around the disappointments and get out there and enjoy their weeks on other dates or at other destinations.

Despite the occasional dissapointment or shortcoming, I'm very satisfied with my Marriott TS ownership.

Barry

 

[Clemson Fan]

. . . Knowing somebody on the inside that can "fix" the system for you. . .

Clemson,

Initially I attribute some of your angst and anger to your disappointment at not getting the week you want. I hear you loud and clear in that regard.

But then you follow up with some caustic statements and an interesting admission. It's a pretty preposterous comment to suggest that Marriott has "fixed" the system. The whole program would unravel if that were the case.

And your own stated reason for wanting the week was to do some of your own fancy wheeling dealing and maneuvering. Doesn't exactly sound like an owner who intended to occupy that sought after President's week.

Looks more to me to more a case of it's a beautiful world when one gets what they want and a crime against humanity when they don't.

Sorry man, no sympathy from me.

Respectfully,

Barry

Barry,

I agree that there are some sour grapes on my part. No question about that.

However, if your happy with a system that either gives you a busy signal or hangs up on you without placing you in a fair queue, then so be it.

One of the reasons I was so mad was that I recognized this deficiency last year and had multiple e-mail discussions with folks at Marriott who were in charge who stated they we're going to update the system and frankly nothing happened. Instead, I got talked into buying a very expensive second week to avoid the "rat race."

As far as my fixed comment, I didn't state the whole system was fixed, but instead stated that if you knew somebody on the inside that they could get your reservation for you. This is true and is not Marriott's fault, but rather just a fact of life in any big corporation. I used to have a family member who worked for a major airline who would always find a way in the computer to upgrade us to first class.

It's very easy for one of those reservation reps who knows your owner number and what you want to easily get into the computer and book your reservation for you. In fact, there was at least one admission by someone on these boards that was very frustrated with the reservation system who finally got their VOA to make that reservation for them and it popped up in their e-mail right before 9AM when they were getting ready to call in.

One of the reasons I was talked into buying the second ParkCity week was to avoid the reservation hassle and frankly this year has been worse then ever. So, yes, there is some sour grapes.

 

[Clemson Fan]

We think it is unfair for multiple week Marriott owners to reserve thirteen months out using those other units to reserve the President's week at the "hot" President's week resorts only to then cancel the "prior to" President's weeks at their other non-hot resorts. We have three weeks in Aruba and want to book three weeks in a row there, but are competing with those that have one week in Aruba and two other weeks in less in demand resorts, then later canceling out the weeks prior to the Aruba week. It's so obvious one would not spend one week in, say, Hilton Head, the next week in Orlando and the next week in Aruba.

Secondly, one should not be able to reserve the hot weeks unless they are planning on using them themselves. It just rankles us to try to get three weeks in a row in Aruba and lose out only to find those desirous weeks for rent on TUG hours later. IMHO those folks are being GREEDY!!!

I'm not sure if you're referring to me, but both of my weeks are platinum Park City weeks. Also, I originally tried to use the 13 month rule for weeks that I was planning on using. It wasn't until I was surprised at the 13 month date not to get the reservation I wanted and then jacked by a Marriott mistake when I tried to make the reservation I wanted at the 12 month interval that I was forced to go this route.

 

[Clemson Fan]

And your own stated reason for wanting the week was to do some of your own fancy wheeling dealing and maneuvering. Doesn't exactly sound like an owner who intended to occupy that sought after President's week.

If you call trying to reserve a powerful week to put in a $89 request first trade request with II to try and get back into your home resort during the same season classification fancy wheeling dealing and maneuvering, then I can recommend to you some books that will really knock your socks off.

You seem to contradict yourself with this statement followed by your post to SueK.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Marriott TS ownership involves flexibility. This means that one is perfectly entitled to occupy, split lock-offs, deposit with II, trade for MR points, or rent if they so desire.

It's got nothing to do with greed, avarice, or bad behavior. It's simply MVCI owners exercising their various options of ownership. That's why so many folks purchase Marriott TS.

That's very well put!

Along the same lines, people want to exchange into good weeks. Our family is glad that somebody deposited a summer Ko Olina 2BR with II, because we really enjoyed that vacation last year. And I assume that another family is glad that we deposited a summer 2BR Newport Coast week with II, and I hope they enjoyed their vacation there last year. It's not a bad thing when good weeks are deposited with II.

Now, back to the original problem...

Yes, Marriott needs to do something to spread the calls, such as taking calls based on the local time of the resort, rather than strictly on Eastern Time. Also, Marriott needs to make sure their Web site is able to handle peak activity. Finally, as Marriott develops future resorts, the seasons should be designed to represent roughly comparable tiers of demand (which is not always the case today).

 

[Judy999]

Question about President's week

I have read that President's week is most popular. But in my mind, it is not in the school holiday season and is at least one mth before most Spring breaks for college/elementary/high school.

Therefore, is the reason that President week is popular due to Valentine's day?

Thanks

Judy

 

[floyddl]

I have read that President's week is most popular. But in my mind, it is not in the school holiday season and is at least one mth before most Spring breaks for college/elementary/high school.

Therefore, is the reason that President week is popular due to Valentine's day?

Apparently a lot of school systems around the US do have the week of President's off. In North Carolina that is not the case so I am like you in not seeing the value of it but it is popular enough for Marriott to charge premium dollars and make it a fixed week.

 

[TerriJ]

I had never heard of President's week being special either until I tried to reserve this year. I was surprised to learn about this.

 

[floyddl]

I have read that President's week is most popular. But in my mind, it is not in the school holiday season and is at least one mth before most Spring breaks for college/elementary/high school.

Therefore, is the reason that President week is popular due to Valentine's day?

Apparently a lot of school systems around the US do have the week of President's off. In North Carolina that is not the case so I am like you in not seeing the value of it but it is popular enough for Marriott to charge premium dollars and make it a fixed week.

 

[Quilter]

SueK,

I completely agree with you when you refer to multiple week owners combining different resorts to utilize the 13 month rule. The 13 month rule should apply only to multiple weeks owned at that resort and the same season.

I disagree with this statement. Marriott TS ownership involves flexibility. This means that one is perfectly entitled to occupy, split lock-offs, deposit with II, trade for MR points, or rent if they so desire.

It's got nothing to do with greed, avarice, or bad behavior. It's simply MVCI owners exercising their various options of ownership. That's why so many folks purchase Marriott TS.


Barry

Having the feature of combining resorts with the 13 month feature is one of the terrific "options of ownership." With it we can plan to travel from resort to resort as we want. It was a great selling feature.

When you call JW, tell him thank you for me.

 

[jerseyfinn]

I think that the President's week sojourn is a regional phenomenon. A number of school districts in the northeast allocate a day or two around the weekend, using the days as curriculum and faculty days while giving the kids the day off.

Years ago, before the Federal government turns Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays into a Monday day off for Federal workers, we actually had a day off from school for both of these presidents -- at least in NJ. Today, parents jump on these long weekends and I think that over the years it has developed its own momentum, turning into week long holidays for many.

One big emphasis of Presidents Week is for folks up in the northeast to flock down to Florida where they do the Disneyworld thing, or they head to the beaches. Ocean Pointe is packed during this week (we're actually heading home this afternoon and will escape the crush ).

Another time when folks in NJ take family trips is in early November when the teachers hold a 2 day convention in Atlantic City. Many school districts work in a couple of curriculum days and this coupled with election day turns an early November week into 4 days of no school and a mass exodous to Orlando ( I myself use this opportunity to take my son out west to Flagstaff AZ and environs for some hiking ). A similiar thing occurs in NY state in November. I'm told that New Yorkers flock to Aruba in droves.

Folks from other regions might weigh in with similar things.

Barry

 

[jerseyfinn]

Clemson,

I'm not trying to turn this into a running argument. I'm responding to your extremely negative post about Marriott -- "Marriott Reservations suck" to be precise.

All of us who have owned for a number of years have had a reservation disappointment ot two when we try to snag an extremely popular resort week. I completely understand the angst when one's hopeful plans don't turn out quite right -- it's not a good feeling.

There are over 250,000 MVCI owners, all of us trying to make our "special" reservations. Most times things work out just fine. But squeeze a lot of folks into competition for a finite number of weeks at a specific resort and somebody isn't going to get the week they seek -- that's the nature of floating week ownership -- it's not a crime against humanity or incompetence on the part of Marriott.

It's my opinion that Marriott does a decent job and has over the years worked to improve the reservation process for all owners. Will the results always be perfect? No they will not, but then again, neither is life.

What catches my eye about your thread is both its provocative title, and your incredulity. There's nothing wrong with playing the TS game and attempting to snag one week to be parleyed into another -- it is indeed a perogative of ownership. If you got lucky and pulled it off, it becomes a TS owners story that you brag about. But because you don't get what you want, it turns into a harsh rant and rave.

I'm only responding to your words.

Here's to happy future travels.

Barry

 

[MOXJO7282]

I too have always been satisfied with my reservation success, but I did buy a 2nd Maui and just recently a fixed week, because I saw it, and still see it as getting more and more difficult to get exactly the week you want, which I need, as I follow the school calendar.

I always plan 13 months out so it should be a piece of cake for me, but as suggested even then its not always so easy. I miscalculated the start of my 13-month reservation window, and lost out on my preferred Sat to Sat check-in and had to settle for Sun to Sun. Not the end of the world, but that just means that the allocated weeks for 13 month distribution went in the first day.

Its a great product with huge demand. We knew how the system worked when we bought in, so now we have to play the game and hopefully get what we want. Its just the way it is.

Overall though, I am hugely satisfied with the Marriott TS program.

Regards.
Joe

 

[ZCar]

I'll go with jerseyfinn & Moxjo.

But a question for Clemson Fan:
In your post No. 38 you said.
" I used to have a family member who worked for a major airline who would always find a way in the computer to upgrade us to first class".

Yet you complain about possible hard-to-get reservations being made by "Marriott insiders".
What makes your getting First Class upgrades, through an "insider" any different than someone "possibly" getting an inside reservation from Marriott?
You were happy then, but not now. Neither situation was (or is) correct.