New DC Status Tiers effective 4/30/15

[jme]

I just wish the highest level, Chairman's Club, would get FREE BREAKFAST x2 wherever it's served in a Marriott hotel.

Many hotels don't have concierge lounges at all, and others don't open on weekend. We like the Renaissance brand occasionally because of locations, and they do not have free breakfast..... bummer.

 

[dansimms]

Future

I like the idea that we were grandfathered and that in the future, as carrots are added to incentivize members to a higher level that some of us are already there and should see other nice perks being added without necessarily having to buy anything more. After May 1st, it will take a sizeable investment to reach Chairman Club and I don't currently think there is enough to draw many Owners to that level, unless they offer Bonus Points to make the leap, which I would expect they will. What would we like to see added to Chairman to further distinguish it as the top level? 4 years as Platinum Elite, rather than 3 ? A bigger MOD rental discount than currently? A richer bonus for Friendshare purchases? Better redemption rates for City Explorer Packages? A 14 month advanced booking window for 1 + ?

 

[bmul2]

I have just over 5900 points allocated to me. If I read this right then if I can get to 6500 points prior to Apr 29th, then I will be granted Executive Level with a full reservation window for 1+ nights at 13 months with no premium surplus charged, like today's 20% point surcharge if booked at 13 months.

This at least causes me to think about it...

 

[GregT]

I have just over 5900 points allocated to me. If I read this right then if I can get to 6500 points prior to Apr 29th, then I will be granted Executive Level with a full reservation window for 1+ nights at 13 months with no premium surplus charged, like today's 20% point surcharge if booked at 13 months.

This at least causes me to think about it...

I think this is intentional by Marriott -- there is a real value now to having 7,000 points. Marriott is very very good at this, and I'm sure they've studied it and see much greater sales opportunity in people upgrading to get to Executive versus people upgrading to get to Chairman.

My opinion was that there was a big distinction between being Premier Plus versus Premier -- with the new levels, I see little advantage to being Chairman Club versus being Executive. Others may feel greater benefit, but I don't think the two year borrowing feature for CC is that exciting. Sailing Adventures? Maybe those will be interesting but I can't see it motivating someone to upgrade. And the ability to have one additional month to bank isn't that exciting to me.

If they wanted to make Chairman Club valuable, they would have changed the holding period, ie, 30 days to reservation without penalty box, or borrowed points can be restored to original Usage Year. But these appear to have been too radical, because I'm sure they were considered. I'm also really surprised that they didn't come up with some Uber level at 25,000 or 30,000 points to try to entice people like me to buy from them. And honestly, the things I noted would not have been sufficient to motivate me to buy more points.

The positive (for me) is that Marriott didn't take things away from me. I have been distrustful of Marriott for 5 years now and this is the first major change they've made to the program and it didn't offend me. I don't really worry about the additional competition from Executives, and this may entice more people to play in points which would further lubricate the inventory.

Will be interesting to study this further.

If I was 1,000 points away from Executive (or being grandfathered as a Premier Plus at 6,500 points), I would consider buying the points to achieve the status. I think 1+ day reservations are that powerful, when used in combination with a legacy week at my home resort.

If I was 1,000 points away from Presidential or CC, I'd save my money and buy another resale week -- or an HGVC.

Best,

Greg

 

[SueDonJ]

I have just over 5900 points allocated to me. If I read this right then if I can get to 6500 points prior to Apr 29th, then I will be granted Executive Level with a full reservation window for 1+ nights at 13 months with no premium surplus charged, like today's 20% point surcharge if booked at 13 months.

This at least causes me to think about it...

That's how I read it, too. And like has happened with every incentive program that they've ever implemented over the years, there are no doubt others like you who are at least considering a purchase to reach a certain status tier.

 

[jme]

This new hierarchy with accompanying perks might speak to those who are at a higher level but for whatever reason might wish to SELL a legacy week (or two) which was enrolled, thus dropping to a new lower level. I know a friend who sold a couple of enrolled legacy weeks over the past year "just to get out".

If the benefit is important to them, they might want to just rent out that week each year and hold onto ownership (that is if the MF is the issue).

 

[SueDonJ]

I like the idea that we were grandfathered and that in the future, as carrots are added to incentivize members to a higher level that some of us are already there and should see other nice perks being added without necessarily having to buy anything more. After May 1st, it will take a sizeable investment to reach Chairman Club and I don't currently think there is enough to draw many Owners to that level, unless they offer Bonus Points to make the leap, which I would expect they will. What would we like to see added to Chairman to further distinguish it as the top level? 4 years as Platinum Elite, rather than 3 ? A bigger MOD rental discount than currently? A richer bonus for Friendshare purchases? Better redemption rates for City Explorer Packages? A 14 month advanced booking window for 1 + ?

What do you mean by MVW, "... offer[ing] Bonus Points to make the leap ...?" Buying more Points to attain a higher status level is an option that's always available to anyone, and, incentives are always included with a purchase.

Other than that, if I can ask for anything I want then I want them to offer an option to convert my floating Weeks to fixed weeks (ideally, the flexible fixed week option that's been offered by DVC at the three newest Disney timeshares.) No question that's a pipe dream but if by some miracle it happens, I'd be okay with them offering it to every Weeks Owner. I simply don't agree that they "owe" any new options to only those DC members eligible for Chairman's Club status.

 

[dansimms]

What I was referring to

I meant a purchase bonus for buying now, such as an extra 1500 Destination Points that must be used in the next 12 months, as a perk for buying Points. I believe they have a history of offering this type of buying reward.

 

[SueDonJ]

I meant a purchase bonus for buying now, such as an extra 1500 Destination Points that must be used in the next 12 months, as a perk for buying Points. I believe they have a history of offering this type of buying reward.

Yes, on ongoing history. The incentives vary depending on how many Points you purchase, if they're discounted from the base price, whether they're part of a hybrid package with an internal resale Week, etc ... But most every Points purchase already comes with a one-time Plus Points incentive.

 

[jeepie]

Mixed but net loss for PP?

Basically, the only great PP benefit was less than 7 at 13 months... now almost every Premier gets that anyway....

not sure the banking and 35% is worht bumping up to Chairman...

Yup, that seems right to me.
I believe P was to be for the owners who were in the top 20% and PP in the top 5%, set originally at 6500 and 13000 respectively. So, IF those numbers reflect current reality, there will now be four times as many people competing for the 1+@13 months, right? And on top of that, MVC's inventory control people seem to be holding back inventory until 11-1/2 months, per another recent thread.
As PP, soon to be Chairman level, I do like the idea of two years banking. On balance, though, it seems a net loss due to the point Puckman makes...Cheers.

 

[puckmanfl]

good evening

Fairwinds...

Let's assume you had 12K points... You purchased 1000K points to get to PP and be able to reserve less than 7 days at 13 months... A huge benefit. You really didn't need the points because you can rent at near MF's. You just dropped 12K and 6 months later you find out that you would have this benefit anyway...

Sorry, under this scenario you were "hosed"....

with regards to the "my dollar is as good as yours argument"..just about every business in America gives perks to loyal and high end customers. Just take my beloved Tampa Bay Lightning. When I take Gregster to the game,As a 6 seat club season ticket holder, I get extras at a btter price than the average customer.

I don't get upgraded on Delta..the millionmile medallions do!!! I respectfully don;t agree withyour take on Tiered advantages sorry!!!

 

[jme]

Other than that, if I can ask for anything I want then I want them to offer an option to convert my floating Weeks to fixed weeks (ideally, the flexible fixed week option that's been offered by DVC at the three newest Disney timeshares.) No question that's a pipe dream but if by some miracle it happens, I'd be okay with them offering it to every Weeks Owner. I simply don't agree that they "owe" any new options to only those DC members eligible for Chairman's Club status.

no, no, no.......

I have a problem with that----- we purchased BECAUSE OF the flexibility of non-fixed weeks, and we would never desire anything different. Situations change within a family due to kids growing up and family needs evolving.

Introducing fixed weeks would automatically REDUCE the high-demand weeks available to those who might opt out of "fixed weeks", and if every single June or July week at a resort became fixed, there would never be availability for anyone else. That probably wouldn't happen in reality, but any step closer to that (say, a % of those weeks becoming fixed) would impact the system negatively for us. I'm positive that would begin a legal battle.

(or is the "flexible fixed week" something that won't allow the same fixed week every year, but say, alternating? I'm not sure what flexible fixed means ?????)

 

[answeeney]

Introducing fixed weeks would automatically REDUCE the high-demand weeks available to those who might opt out of "fixed weeks", and if every single June or July week at a resort became fixed, there would never be availability for anyone else...

Not neccessarily, but you are right to be concerned. I suspect it could only be done fairly if Marriott had control of a unit for an entire season which could then be removed from general inventory. The released weeks could then be split up in a different way to now e.g. fixed weeks plus remainder (lower platinum/upper gold season?). Anything else could potentially be open to abuse so, unless every owner of the season buys in/agrees/gets compensated in some way then watch out for flying writs.

 

[answeeney]

with regards to the "my dollar is as good as yours argument"..just about every business in America gives perks to loyal and high end customers. Just take my beloved Tampa Bay Lightning. When I take Gregster to the game,As a 6 seat club season ticket holder, I get extras at a btter price than the average customer.

I don't get upgraded on Delta..the millionmile medallions do!!! I respectfully don;t agree withyour take on Tiered advantages sorry!!!

To state the obvious, perks are only ever there to boost the potential of the businesses offerring them. Flattery, as in Marriott's case with their Chairman's Club, can be pretty powerful but is really not that much different to Costco offerring a discount to those bulk buying toilet rolls. You just have to make your buying decisions based on what is offered at the time amd realise that you are not that special to anyone beyond your immediate circle.

 

[BocaBoy]

good evening

Fairwinds...

Let's assume you had 12K points... You purchased 1000K points to get to PP and be able to reserve less than 7 days at 13 months... A huge benefit. You really didn't need the points because you can rent at near MF's. You just dropped 12K and 6 months later you find out that you would have this benefit anyway...

Sorry, under this scenario you were "hosed"....

with regards to the "my dollar is as good as yours argument"..just about every business in America gives perks to loyal and high end customers. Just take my beloved Tampa Bay Lightning. When I take Gregster to the game,As a 6 seat club season ticket holder, I get extras at a btter price than the average customer.

I don't get upgraded on Delta..the million mile medallions do!!! I respectfully don;t agree with your take on Tiered advantages sorry!!!

Puck, I totally agree with everything you say in this post. And the sales people have indeed been pushing sales to get owners to 13,000 points by saying they would be grandfathered into PP if they buy. They tried this on us in December because we said we were planning to sell one week which would drop us to just a few points under 13,000. They said we NEEDED another 1,000 points. I declined and now with the new tiers we will be Presidential level with benefits as good as or perhaps even better than we had as Premier Plus. If I had bought 1,000 points to retain PP I would feel hosed big time.

As it is, I personally like the changes and don't see much difference between the Presidential and Chairman's Club levels. They both have the two big benefits for us: (1) the ability to book one day stays at 13 months; and (2) the 30% discount for stays booked in the last 60 days before check-in, which is even more important to us.

 

[SueDonJ]

no, no, no.......

I have a problem with that----- we purchased BECAUSE OF the flexibility of non-fixed weeks, and we would never desire anything different. Situations change within a family due to kids growing up and family needs evolving.

Introducing fixed weeks would automatically REDUCE the high-demand weeks available to those who might opt out of "fixed weeks", and if every single June or July week at a resort became fixed, there would never be availability for anyone else. That probably wouldn't happen in reality, but any step closer to that (say, a % of those weeks becoming fixed) would impact the system negatively for us. I'm positive that would begin a legal battle.

(or is the "flexible fixed week" something that won't allow the same fixed week every year, but say, alternating? I'm not sure what flexible fixed means ?????)

Hopefully I understand this correctly and am able to explain it, too!

DVC sells holiday intervals with a fixed option that you pay a premium for, with I think only 30% of the intervals being available for purchase that way. Say a week's stay would require 100 DC Points and the fixed option premium is 20%. At purchase you would buy 120 DC Points which would get you that particular holiday interval every year. Your reservation would be automatically booked at the 14-mos window but you would have the option to instead convert the fixed interval to floating Points every year. If converted, you'd have to use the reservation windows for regular floating points. Your ownership wouldn't be affected by re-allocations in the Points Chart except in the years that you convert to floating use.

I think that's the gist of it but I'm not certain of the actual DVC premium numbers. DVC'ers, please don't crucify me - this is just supposed to explain how it works.

Marty, this option would work out GREAT for us with our typical Memorial Day stays but really, it's never going to happen. It's a pipe dream.

 

[Fairwinds]

good evening

Fairwinds...

Let's assume you had 12K points... You purchased 1000K points to get to PP and be able to reserve less than 7 days at 13 months... A huge benefit. You really didn't need the points because you can rent at near MF's. You just dropped 12K and 6 months later you find out that you would have this benefit anyway...

Sorry, under this scenario you were "hosed"....

with regards to the "my dollar is as good as yours argument"..just about every business in America gives perks to loyal and high end customers. Just take my beloved Tampa Bay Lightning. When I take Gregster to the game,As a 6 seat club season ticket holder, I get extras at a btter price than the average customer.

I don't get upgraded on Delta..the millionmile medallions do!!! I respectfully don;t agree withyour take on Tiered advantages sorry!!!

Ok, maybe i didn't think that one all the way through regarding the purchase to achieve status. See your point. I guess I've just always disliked that one aspect of the program regarding loyalty rewards. Upgrades for a repeat Delta customer who buys in economy along with me does not diminish what I paid for in any way. I know it's the system, and one that benefits me. I was aware of it since my first purchase and I don't think it should be taken away. But in theory I don't agree with it. Better than the delta analogy, I compare advance reservations more to a policy that would allow multiple weeks owners to always have priority villa selection. (And if this already exists please don't tell me:ignore

 

[Superchief]

As a current Premiere Plus member, I find the ability to bank points for up to two years to be a very attractive benefit. This addition initially outweighs the dilution of some of my previous benefits. I may regret this statement later if I find it more difficult to get the DC point reservations I want.

I haven't found the Explorer offerings to be a very good value up to now, but hope they may improve. They do offer an alternative way to use my vacation investment, so I can choose to do something different without spending additional money.

I have not yet received anything from MVC regarding this program change, so I am curious regarding why they aren't directly communicating with their 'Chairman' level members. Did others receive any notice of these changes?

 

[bazzap]

As a current Premiere Plus member, I find the ability to bank points for up to two years to be a very attractive benefit. This addition initially outweighs the dilution of some of my previous benefits. I may regret this statement later if I find it more difficult to get the DC point reservations I want.

I haven't found the Explorer offerings to be a very good value up to now, but hope they may improve. They do offer an alternative way to use my vacation investment, so I can choose to do something different without spending additional money.

I have not yet received anything from MVC regarding this program change, so I am curious regarding why they aren't directly communicating with their 'Chairman' level members. Did others receive any notice of these changes?

I agree 100%, in fact I can't think of any changes if I had written the post myself!
I have not received any notice yet either.

 

[GaryDouglas]

This change will cause us to go from Premier to Presidential. In the plus column, Owner Rental Discounts go from 30% to 35%, Last Minute Reservation Point Discount from 25% 30 days prior to 30% 60 days prior, and Reservation Windows from 13 Mo 7+ nights / 10 Mo 1+ nights to 13 Mo 1+ nights. In the minus column, it now only takes 4K points for someone to have 13 month reservation rights to our MOC units. Not a good deal for us. This is the sort of thing I was afraid of when they rolled out the new program in 2010. At that point it became apparent to me that all bets were off and worst case scenario, we would get our weeks, everything else is up for grabs. Marriott has control of the horizontal and the vertical and we are in the outer limits...

 

[MALC9990]

I just wish the highest level, Chairman's Club, would get FREE BREAKFAST x2 wherever it's served in a Marriott hotel.

Many hotels don't have concierge lounges at all, and others don't open on weekend. We like the Renaissance brand occasionally because of locations, and they do not have free breakfast..... bummer.

Why would status level in the DC Points programme have any relevance to Marriott Hotels ?

 

[m61376]

I can see I'm going to have a problem now booking my resale week that isn't on the Point system . I can't book until 12 months out and with all the additional owners being able to book at 13 months, it could get difficult. You're right: It will also be a great selling feature to the basic "Owner" level when they find everything is gone by 12 months.

Shouldn't have any impact- weeks are still weeks, and a proportionate number of weeks are held for week reservations. So you're not competing with points owners to reserve your owned week.

 

[m61376]

A couple questions-
No mention has been made of the new "priority" phone number for upper tiers. Will this be a quicker line for booking weeks reservations too, or just for point reservations?

Is it confirmed that the additional 10% Visa discount will be gone? That was a nice incentive.

Glad to get the 13 month 1 day booking option.

Curious to see if, as Sue pontificated, there will be any changes in point allocations.

 

[thinze3]

.... If I was 1,000 points away from Executive (or being grandfathered as a Premier Plus at 6,500 points), I would consider buying the points to achieve the status. I think 1+ day reservations are that powerful, when used in combination with a legacy week at my home resort. ....


Best,

Greg

So, imagine currently being only 75 points away from Premier. That would be me.

 

[puckmanfl]

good morning....
No clear evidence tha the 45% Visa discount is gone....

I am not sure that the "not to be combined with other discounts" clause is applicable here...

we shall see...