New DC Status Tiers effective 4/30/15

[Time Travelers]

Special Marriott Event in Our City regarding New DC Tiers

We have received a phone call to attend a Marriott's Owner Event in our city. We are located nowhere near a Marriott Vacation Club Resort and do not have a Marriott stay booked until July. I do know for sure it is being hosted by Marriott as we are communicating by phone and email with a Sales Associate at a Marriott Vacation Club we stayed at a couple of years ago, so it is not some scam from some outside company. Also, they are offering the normal Marriott perks for attending. It is being held at one of the nicest Marriott hotels in our area.

Has anyone else been invited to and/or attended a "Special Marriott Event" in their city? They told us it is specifically to discuss the new tier levels and what the new levels will mean to us.

 

[SueDonJ]

We have received a phone call to attend a Marriott's Owner Event in our city. We are located nowhere near a Marriott Vacation Club Resort and do not have a Marriott stay booked until July. I do know for sure it is being hosted by Marriott as we are communicating by phone and email with a Sales Associate at a Marriott Vacation Club we stayed at a couple of years ago, so it is not some scam from some outside company. Also, they are offering the normal Marriott perks for attending. It is being held at one of the nicest Marriott hotels in our area.

Has anyone else been invited to and/or attended a "Special Marriott Event" in their city? They told us it is specifically to discuss the new tier levels and what the new levels will mean to us.

Since the DC inception I've been invited to a few given by a Boston Custom House rep but the timing hasn't ever worked for us to go. There have been other posts on TUG about different locations but they all seem to be run by knowledgeable reps with good reputations.

As long as you're aware that its main purpose is a sales presentation for DC Points then there's no harm in going and you could learn something new.

 

[Superchief]

Did my presentation yesterday day. Focus was on the next level that you would qualify for. It was clear that I knew more about the program that the rep. Not his fault. He kept trying to sell me on the 13 month 1day + reservations, which I already receive for being executive. There was also focus on the extended banking, but since. I always borrow, it was not relevant for us. He also mentioned the 60 day, 30% discount and was trying to describe the puck trick. Then the last was the introduction of the bundle packages.

60 minutes in and out.

I guess I won't be invited because we currently qualify for Chairman's level. We will be in Hilton Head in September so it will be interesting to see if we receive an invitation.

 

[Fairwinds]

I guess I won't be invited because we currently qualify for Chairman's level. We will be in Hilton Head in September so it will be interesting to see if we receive an invitation.

We are at Surfwatch now and they are pushing the presentations more than in my recent experiance. they put us in Tide Mark 5th floor unit. This is a very nice resort and a perfect villa. Beautiful view. Winter in HH can be risky and this years gamble didn't pay as well as other years but it beats NH.

 

[dansimms]

II Destinations Annual Fee

Looking at the new Tiers, I wouldn't be surprised to see a rate increase on the annual fee we pay / II Membership. I could see them distinguish between 3 grouping now versus the present 2 groupings. Under 4000 DPs, 4000 to 6999, and 7000 and up. We shall see at the end of this year.

 

[StevenTing]

I guess I won't be invited because we currently qualify for Chairman's level. We will be in Hilton Head in September so it will be interesting to see if we receive an invitation.

I didn't wait to be invited. I went and asked for a presentation as I Ko Olina is generally good about getting you on your way. Like I said, 60 minutes in and out and it was early morning on our third day at the resort.

Just because you're chairman doesn't mean they will dismiss you. I went in there with the intention of clarifying what I did not understand. But if you've read this thread, you'll already be ahead of the game.

 

[SeaDoc]

Greg, actually I think these new tiers are terrific and Marriott VCI did not throw those of us with Premier/Premier Plus status 'under the bus'. In fact, they literally gave Premier ownership 1 day at a time 13 months out by upgrading them to Executive status - that is huge for scheduling vacations on a day by day basis. For Premier Plus/Chairman's Club the 24 month banking is also huge - I can bank and borrow an enormous amount of points to take some amazing vacations. I am even more glad I am in this club... The Ritz Carlton Club Properties are simply beautiful... Great job MVCI!!!

 

[SeaDoc]

It's a sales presentation, but if you enjoy the process - you may learn something new... They are called road shows and different properties in the MVCI system go to different areas of the country to touch base with owners and those that might be interested in joining or adding to their portfolio... Have fun... Remember, it's time share, not brain surgery...

 

[SeaDoc]

Indeed, the destination club values given to weeks are deeded and many of these weeks are permanently placed in the trust. I can not fathom how they could legally alter these values.

 

[SeaDoc]

That is indeed correct - act quickly...

 

[SeaDoc]

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!!!

One issue you are not considering - presently it would take 1000 points to get to PP, then auto upgrade to CC in April 2015. In May 2015, it becomes a 3000 point requirement to a 15000 point level - a $25K price increase. We don't know yet what benefits will becoming the way of CC and frankly, I would kick myself for not doing it now...

 

[SeaDoc]

We just returned from a presentation here at SurfWatch. Fortunately I had read about their new Tier level here on Tug and knew they were going to try to upgrade us to Executive level. We were 1725 points away from this level. They tried to sell us 2,000 pts. @ 9.73/pt., which was $19,951 out of pocket. This was using the Encore pkg we had purchased at MOW last year and not giving us 75,000 MRP. Maintenance fee would be 940. I began thinking of what I could purchase resale with this money, even though I could not use it in the destination program. We have received some terrific certificates and getaways from Interval in the past. All without required maintenance fees. Ultimately we declined and hope to continue to make the most out of what we have.

That was a good deal... I would have taken it... Going price per point is $12.24...

 

[SeaDoc]

I have to agree with Puck. Last year I bought resale points to achieve PP. I'm not feeling the love from the new Chairman's level. I also agree with one of Sue's first comments about the complexity. As someone who just celebrated their 60th BD, I can't imagine explaining all of this to my kids, or believe they will have any interest in understanding it like we do (try explaining the Puck Trick to a 28 year old by texting!) I have truly enjoyed my Marriott ownership, but this time I'm feeling like they have diluted the PP level and differentiated perks associated with it.

My kids are very computer literate, love to ski, and love this program - they can take only days off at a time and with the 30% discounts for PP within 60 days it has been a terrific value added product... By the way, they hated the weeks program... They use my sign-on and I get free pics of their vacationing in return (if they don't, I change my password) :>)

 

[SeaDoc]

Disagree. Worthless in and of itself, or worthless if you wish to sell it? Did you buy it as an investment? What about this novel idea: if you purchased it to occupy and/or trade, and continue to do so for decades? Funny way to value a timeshare, imho.

That's what we purchased 16 years ago-----TIME with family at certain resorts during certain seasons. It's worked for us and we're still getting nothing less than what we bought. As the commercial says, "priceless" when we consider our kids' experiences and ours.

I have done something far worse with every vehicle. After a few years they are DEFINITELY worthless, and they cost far more than a timeshare week, but who complains? We ditch the vehicles and buy another one, and yet we don't compare cars with timeshares. Perhaps we should. Maybe, just maybe, we get our money's worth with both. I paid $70,000+ for my wife's Lexus and we're still driving it. I knew I couldn't sell it for more someday, quite the contrary. Is that much different?

I never once believed I was buying something with inherent value other than usage and enjoyment for my family. I would have been fooling myself otherwise. What was promised, I'm still getting, and still loving it. It's been a good ride with the timeshares too, and perhaps it's even better. We have VERY positive cash flow if we rent out the timeshares now... why would I wish to sell them???

Beautifully stated... As an owner since 1986, my family has had some wonderful times that WE WOULD NEVER HAVE HAD, if I had not owned... THE PROGRAM NOW IS EXCEPTIONAL because I can now take vacations at properties that would have cost me a $500000 to own... The Ritz Carlton Clubs which initially started in 1999 had many properties costing in the millions... Amazes me how people don't realize what they have...

 

[GaryDouglas]

Redistributive Change

Greg, actually I think these new tiers are terrific and Marriott VCI did not throw those of us with Premier/Premier Plus status 'under the bus'. In fact, they literally gave Premier ownership 1 day at a time 13 months out by upgrading them to Executive status - that is huge for scheduling vacations on a day by day basis. For Premier Plus/Chairman's Club the 24 month banking is also huge - I can bank and borrow an enormous amount of points to take some amazing vacations. I am even more glad I am in this club... The Ritz Carlton Club Properties are simply beautiful... Great job MVCI!!!

What MVCI gives to some, they take away from others. I alluded to this in a previous post in this thread. For points users, it used to take 6,500 points to reserve at 13 months, now it only takes 4,000 points. That means we (those that have sufficient points or multi-week legacy owners) now have more competition to get our reservation of choice. BTW, this is what "Redistributive Change" feels like...

 

[SeaDoc]

What MVCI gives to some, they take away from others. I alluded to this in a previous post in this thread. For points users, it used to take 6,500 points to reserve at 13 months, now it only takes 4,000 points. That means we (those that have sufficient points or multi-week legacy owners) now have more competition to get our reservation of choice. BTW, this is what "Redistributive Change" feels like...

But you now have 1 day at a 13 months out - that is a far better deal then those who have to do 7 day minimum 13 months out - everyone wins in this... The only downside I see for Marriott is once you're a CC member - unless you take African safaris every year, I don't see the upside in purchasing more...

 

[Superchief]

I am anxious to learn the details regarding the extended point banking periods. As a Chairman level, I hope I am able to bank my 2014 points to 2016, since I still have a lot left that are uncommitted. I hope the new terms apply to 2014 points.

 

[GaryDouglas]

But you now have 1 day at a 13 months out - that is a far better deal then those who have to do 7 day minimum 13 months out - everyone wins in this... The only downside I see for Marriott is once you're a CC member - unless you take African safaris every year, I don't see the upside in purchasing more...

Like most owners at MOC, we bought to occupy. In the last 10 years, we only missed going once. For us, the most important thing is getting the week that we want. We already have ocean front dialed in, so time is the only variable that is important. We have typically gone in May, one of our preferred months, but as the grandkids get older, we will be going during the summer, more and more. In the past we have reserved in June and July without problems, booking at 13 months. We won't know for sure until we get there, but my crystal ball says it will be worse for us because of MVCI's relaxation of the 13 month rule...

 

[jeepie]

I am anxious to learn the details regarding the extended point banking periods. As a Chairman level, I hope I am able to bank my 2014 points to 2016, since I still have a lot left that are uncommitted. I hope the new terms apply to 2014 points.

Please clarify. If they are 2014 points, are they already banked into 2015? And, are you hoping to be able to extend the use of these banked points until the end of 2016? In essence, are you asking for the Chairman benefits to be retroactive? I don't know the answer, but am also curious.

 

[SeaDoc]

Please clarify. If they are 2014 points, are they already banked into 2015? And, are you hoping to be able to extend the use of these banked points until the end of 2016? In essence, are you asking for the Chairman benefits to be retroactive? I don't know the answer, but am also curious.

There will be no retroactive options... All options start on the 30th of April 2015 moving forward...

 

[SueDonJ]

There will be no retroactive options... All options start on the 30th of April 2015 moving forward...

Considering that MVW has grandfathered other changes/adjustments to the DC Program when it appeared there would be no chance of grandfathering, I wouldn't assume anything. Unless you have something official you'd like to share?

Superchief, if you're talking about what jeepie has said, 2014 Points banked into 2015 already, then trying to get them banked further into 2016 would in effect be two banking transactions for the same Points which the rules don't allow. If after 4/30 MVW doesn't allow your scenario (which none of us knows for certain yet if they will) I think that multiple transactions disallowance would be the reason rather than no grandfathering. We'll see. Like you I'm also most interested in the two-year banking but when the changes go into effect I'll be working with 2015 Points banked ahead through 2017.

 

[SueDonJ]

SeaDoc, can we ask you to use the "quote" function when replying? It makes it much easier to try to figure out what you're saying. Thanks!

 

[Fasttr]

Considering that MVW has grandfathered other changes/adjustments to the DC Program when it appeared there would be no chance of grandfathering, I wouldn't assume anything. Unless you have something official you'd like to share?

Superchief, if you're talking about what jeepie has said, 2014 Points banked into 2015 already, then trying to get them banked further into 2016 would in effect be two banking transactions for the same Points which the rules don't allow. If after 4/30 MVW doesn't allow your scenario (which none of us knows for certain yet if they will) I think that multiple transactions disallowance would be the reason rather than no grandfathering. We'll see. Like you I'm also most interested in the two-year banking but when the changes go into effect I'll be working with 2015 Points banked ahead through 2017.

Are you envisioning the way the 2 year bank will be handled, will be that it must be done in one transaction... i.e. assuming I was in a tier that qualified, if I want to bank my 2015 points forward, I would either have to chose to bank them into 2016 OR into 2017, but would not be allowed to bank them into 2016 AND THEN a year later, bank them forward the 2nd year into 2017?

That never even crossed my mind until your post....but now it has. When I read it, I was assuming a double bank would be allowed (grandfathering notwithstanding).

 

[SueDonJ]

Are you envisioning the way the 2 year bank will be handled, will be that it must be done in one transaction... i.e. assuming I was in a tier that qualified, if I want to bank my 2015 points forward, I would either have to chose to bank them into 2016 OR into 2017, but would not be allowed to bank them into 2016 AND THEN a year later, bank them forward the 2nd year into 2017?

That never even crossed my mind until your post....but now it has. When I read it, I was assuming a double bank would be allowed (grandfathering notwithstanding).

I'm thinking one transaction allowed, but that the banked Points will be usable in either of the two years ahead. I agree with dioxide's take in Post #35 here. Hopefully, it's automatic so that if the DC Member designates Points to be banked, they'll be usable anytime during the interim allowed by the tier level status.

 

[Fasttr]

I'm thinking one transaction allowed, but that the banked Points will be usable in either of the two years ahead. I agree with dioxide's take in Post #35 here. Hopefully, it's automatic so that if the DC Member designates Points to be banked, they'll be usable anytime during the interim allowed by the tier level status.

I guess that makes more sense. That dioxide45 is always on his "A" game.

Like Formula 409, he is much better than the 44 dioxide's that came before him.