New Wyndham Website: feedback on pros/cons for formal submission to Wyndham

[BDMX2]

@HitchHiker71 thanks for doing the testing and documentation on this!

 

[JimmieJames1]

The listing of booked resorts should also show the check-in person assigned to the reservation as it used to - this is a major take away for me to have to open each reservation to see who the check-in person is.

Jim

 

[HitchHiker71]

The listing of booked resorts should also show the check-in person assigned to the reservation as it used to - this is a major take away for me to have to open each reservation to see who the check-in person is.

Jim

Added to the regression list.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Here are my comments. On your Pros.
#2 was specific to Mobile users. Laptop users had a drop down. So, only a pro for Mobile Users.

Sorry just getting around to replying - I've totally re-arranged the numbers in the lists now LOL. Agreed, the scroll function only works on smartphones. It doesn't work on my iPad either - which really doesn't make sense to me since it's still a touch device - I think they're doing it based upon screen real estate - rather than device type - I'll add this as an enhancement request to allow touch devices to utilize the scroll calendar feature.

#3 may have been specific to Mobile users. Even today, my laptop moves faster than my iphone8 running on the most current OS version.

So the end result is much quick search result returns regardless of platform yes?

#5 is nice but, it is not a viable replacement to the calendar. You got to the month and you saw ALL of your options. So, this is really not a Pro.

Agreed it's not a replacement. It's still a useful feature to many.

On your Cons
#1 is HUGE. Not just Major. It is a terrible step backwards when it comes to using the site for the purpose it was designed, vacation planning.

Upgraded to critical.

#6 would not be a con where it not for the elimination of the calendar.
#14, I'm not a fan of this since unless it's via a box check option.

Can you let me know which items you were referring to under the new numbering lists? I'm no longer sure which ones you're referencing.

Add something about WorldMark. Don't tell us to call unless a unit is truly available. It might be part of another con, but, it merits a separate con. All the clutter requires a lot of scrolling.

Got it - I'll add this to the list of enhancements.

I know that they designed this to be more mobile friendly, you've made that very clear. But, there are many users that prefer a laptop for a variety of reasons, ie, arthiritis, eye conditions, while chilling in the recliner, ease of flipping between wyndham and non-wyndham websites, while at work on a corporate machine, etc. etc. etc. We really don't need more people searching for vacations in the car while driving!!!

I get it, I really do - but touch devices are the future - and that's where the primary design focus will be, regardless of what anyone thinks. This is akin to a cloud first development approach - new features are introduced in the cloud/SaaS versions first - and packaged software versions second (or not at all in some cases). I'm just the messenger - don't kill the messenger.

I would encourage folks to send their own feedback, also. A bucket list is nice but volumes of purposeful comments would probably do more good.

Agree 100% - use the Feedback link on the website - or email your own contacts under separate cover - whatever works best for you.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Just FYI I switched the entire CONS section into a table format since it's getting larger, segmented by the same categories.

 

[Cyrus24]

Here are my comments with your new numbers. I tried to comment where you captured the jist of my thoughts so that you do not repeat any responses.

On your Pros.
#2 was specific to Mobile users. Laptop users had a drop down, so, only a pro for Mobile Users. Your new list has this addressed.
#3 may have been specific to Mobile users. Even today, my laptop moves faster than my iphone8 running on the most current OS version. You missed my point, I never noticed that system as being slow. And, today, smartphone is definitely not faster than my laptop. Speed is in the eye of the beholder. Not a huge win for me.
#5 is nice but, it is not a viable replacement to the calendar. You got to the month and you saw ALL of your options. So, this is really not a Pro. I stand by this NOT being a pro as the calendar did so much more.

On your Cons
Regression #1 is HUGE. Not just Major. It is a terrible step backwards when it comes to using the site for the purpose it was designed, vacation planning. You updated to Critical.
Enhancement #1 would not be an enhancement were it not for the elimination of the calendar. Doing the enhancements will not eliminate the number of searches required to find all availability with a period to time. Only the Calendar does this.
Enhancement #5, I'm not a fan of this since unless it's via a box check option.
Enhancement #9. Add something about WorldMark. Don't tell us to call unless a unit is truly available. It might be part of another con, but, it merits a separate con. All the clutter requires a lot of scrolling. This is a HIGH for 2 reason, eliminates all the clutter and unnecessary scrolling plus it lets us know that calling won't be a futile exercise.

I know that they designed this to be more mobile friendly, you've made that very clear. But, there are many users that prefer a laptop for a variety of reasons, ie, arthiritis, eye conditions, while chilling in the recliner, ease of flipping between wyndham and non-wyndham websites, while at work on a corporate machine, etc. etc. etc. We really don't need more people searching for vacations in the car while driving!!! You and I will forever disagree on this, I find multitasking easier on a laptop. Most people sitting in offices still use laptops. I've had a cell phone for 25 years +/- and had a smartphone for roughly half that time. I was a IT person, as well, I just don't practice that type of work anymore. I still prefer my laptop except when on the go. And, I'm certain that while I may not be part of your future, I am part of Wyndhams today. Laptop users should be considered.

I would encourage folks to send their own feedback, also. A bucket list is nice but volumes of purposeful comments would probably do more good.

 

[kaljor]

Reading you edited original post, it is an exceptional piece of work, especially in only 2 days. The newer format is easier to follow, and your comments on the Cons are spot on and should enable the site designers to clearly understand why they are negatives, even if they've never actually used the site in real life.

And thanks to all the users who offered suggestions. We're not just volunteer beta testers, we actually pay Wyndham for the privilege of being beta testers!

 

[Sandi Bo]

@HitchHiker71 thanks for putting the list together. Is what is listed in the 2nd post the most recent list?

I haven't seen any mention of alerts. I don't think they are present and/or working. Expiring points and overlapping reservations, at one time we had alerts, they weren't working for at least the last several months.

 

[Braindead]

Just FYI I switched the entire CONS section into a table format since it's getting larger, segmented by the same categories.

Reservations list was compact with all needed information.
Now bulky without the information.
Could do without the picture of the resort.

I sent you a PM. Thank you for putting the time in compiling our feedback

 

[Eric B]

WRT the suggestions about the ability to check WorldMark availability in the Club Wyndham searches, I would support that if and only if it didn't entail worsening the interface for folks that actually own WorldMark accounts. The interface there, while not perfect, works and shows the amount of availability at specific resorts for specific unit sizes for a 4-month period; I don't want to lose that to help out the guys booking rooms on their phones. I'm okay with improving the mobile interface, but don't trash what works for others in order to do that.

 

[Sandi Bo]

Anyone know where announcements (like COVID status) are located now?

 

[Braindead]

Anyone know where announcements (like COVID status) are located now?

I’m not sure how I got there but I found it! lol
Clicked on the blue “here” to get to the second page

 

[Sandi Bo]

Did anyone say this? It makes no sense to default the resort search to my home address.

It would be nice if we could save searches (like when you book a flight on Southwest Airlines, it remembers the last 3).

How about reporting? We asked for 3 years, and never received, any decent reporting capabilities to see all our reservations or points usage. I'm not seeing anything in the new system, either.

I don't see the ability to reverse the date order (from oldest to newest and vice versa). Although thankful to oldest sorting first. Comically, I do still still have an "orphan" March, 2020, reservation. It was in the old system, and it's still there now. I expect some day it will disapear (like they used to in the old system).

Interesting the VC's seem to be able to search by available and any number of days, so you know the capability is there. Will they give it to us? I'm surprised they would implement something that would increase call volume. Were the VC's getting lonely?

Personally, I want to search for a particular resort or optionally request the additional ones. Or let me select the option to restrict my search.

 

[Braindead]

Did anyone say this? It makes no sense to default the resort search to my home address.

It would be nice if we could save searches (like when you book a flight on Southwest Airlines, it remembers the last 3).

How about reporting? We asked for 3 years, and never received, any decent reporting capabilities to see all our reservations or points usage. I'm not seeing anything in the new system, either.

I don't see the ability to reverse the date order (from oldest to newest and vice versa). Although thankful to oldest sorting first. Comically, I do still still have an "orphan" March, 2020, reservation. It was in the old system, and it's still there now. I expect some day it will disapear (like they used to in the old system).

The resort search isn’t available unless you put in Wyndham first, it wants you to search by city or address.

All choices like reservation order are gone. It’s a one way street with no options.

Points history is by use year with only plus or minus points. If you cancel a reservation the points history no longer shows what cancelled reservation the points came from. Very hard to track points with reservations

 

[Braindead]

For me Voyager was HEAVEN compared to the new website!

 

[HitchHiker71]

@HitchHiker71 thanks for putting the list together. Is what is listed in the 2nd post the most recent list?

I haven't seen any mention of alerts. I don't think they are present and/or working. Expiring points and overlapping reservations, at one time we had alerts, they weren't working for at least the last several months.

All updates are contained in the original post - I’m just editing the content as we go. I don’t know that I’ve ever received an alert of any kind along the line of what you mention. How do the alerts surface? Pop ups on the website? If the alerts are website based - I would recommend banner alerts be used - similar to the banner alert that appears at present for the COVID-19 updates. Let me know how the alerts in question worked in the past.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HitchHiker71]

Did anyone say this? It makes no sense to default the resort search to my home address.

It would be nice if we could save searches (like when you book a flight on Southwest Airlines, it remembers the last 3).

I like the idea of saved searches - favorites if you will - I will add this to the enhancement section.

How about reporting? We asked for 3 years, and never received, any decent reporting capabilities to see all our reservations or points usage. I'm not seeing anything in the new system, either.

I don't see the ability to reverse the date order (from oldest to newest and vice versa). Although thankful to oldest sorting first. Comically, I do still still have an "orphan" March, 2020, reservation. It was in the old system, and it's still there now. I expect some day it will disapear (like they used to in the old system).

Are you referring to historical transactions? If so I see both the ability to choose the scope of transactions and also the ability to sort by date in the Points Summary section via clickable
Column headers on my smartphone. You can choose “All Transactions” and/or “All Use Years”.

Interesting the VC's seem to be able to search by available and any number of days, so you know the capability is there. Will they give it to us? I'm surprised they would implement something that would increase call volume. Were the VC's getting lonely?

Personally, I want to search for a particular resort or optionally request the additional ones. Or let me select the option to restrict my search.

Many of the enhancements already captured are intended to add this type of functionality.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HitchHiker71]

The resort search isn’t available unless you put in Wyndham first, it wants you to search by city or address.

All choices like reservation order are gone. It’s a one way street with no options.

Points history is by use year with only plus or minus points. If you cancel a reservation the points history no longer shows what cancelled reservation the points came from. Very hard to track points with reservations

It depends on what you mean by resort search. The primary search box allows you to search by resort name - in fact that’s what it’s for really. Click the Hamburger icon at the top left of the touch screen. The resort search box is the first item that appears in the list. Start typing any resort name, input “bon” and Bonnet Creek will appear as a drop down choice.

I’ve already replied to Sandy’s post indicating points history by use year or all use years is available, and the dates are sortable via the column header on touch devices. Not sure on the cancellation details but will check that out as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Braindead]

It depends on what you mean by resort search. The primary search box allows you to search by resort name - in fact that’s what it’s for really. Click the Hamburger icon at the top left of the touch screen. The resort search box is the first item that appears in the list. Start typing any resort name, input “bon” and Bonnet Creek will appear as a drop down choice.

Still doesn’t work on my iPad. Touched “Resorts” then started to search by name

 

[HitchHiker71]

Still doesn’t work on my iPad. Touched “Resorts” then started to search by name
View attachment 20481View attachment 20482View attachment 20483

That’s not the resort search - those are the availability search areas. Click on the Hamburger icon at the very top left of your iPad screen. The icon with three horizontal lines. The search box appears, start typing the resort name from there. Here’s a screenshot from my iPad:

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Braindead]

That’s not the resort search - those are the availability search areas. Click on the Hamburger icon at the very top left of your iPad screen. The icon with three horizontal lines. The search box appears, start typing the resort name from there. Here’s a screenshot from my iPad:

For whatever reason the layout on my iPad is different. I never see three horizontal lines. The header doesn’t change when I’m in different areas.
So I touch the search function. It will bring up a list of resorts when a few letters are used. I make a selection. Then the results bring up the same results. Then I have to touch on Margaritaville Rio Mar again to actually go to the Margaritaville Rio Mar Resort page. Then you could search for availability. It’s functional but a heck of a lot of touching-clicking. I’ll stick to the booking function on the dashboard.

 

[Rolltydr]

The Upgrade Opt-in screen suggests that you can upgrade to a”better room” which may be larger or have better amenities. I take this to mean I should be able to upgrade from a 2 bedroom to either a 2 bedroom lockoff or 2 bedroom presidential. I’m looking to make a reservation at La Belle Maison in December. If I select a 1 bedroom, I get the Upgrade Opt In screen. But, if I select the 2 bedroom, I do not, even though there are 2 bedroom lockoffs and presidentials at that location. I can only assume I’m not getting the option because there are no 3 or 4 bedroom units which means I still can’t opt in for an upgrade even though a “better room” could become available. I‘ve only checked this feature at La Belle. Is anyone else seeing the same thing? If so, I would suggest this be added to the list.

 

[paxsarah]

That’s not the resort search - those are the availability search areas.

If I want to search for a resort I would expect to click the menu header called "resorts." When I do that, I get options "explore resorts," "featured destinations," and "resort news." It sure sounds like a resort search is "explore resorts" and when I do that, it gives me the map search which only really searches place names (so, only resorts if their name incidentally happens to contain the place name or I happen to remember that I need to start the name with "Club Wyndham" and then it might come up). If they intended for the resort search to be the website search that comes up with the magnifying glass (on the desktop version, it appears on the right-hand side near my account name), then they should put that type of search bar under the menu header "resorts" --> "explore resorts" instead of the map search. Note that when I do the map search under resorts, I am not searching availability - I can click right through and view the resort info page from those search results.

 

[Braindead]

If I want to search for a resort I would expect to click the menu header called "resorts." When I do that, I get options "explore resorts," "featured destinations," and "resort news." It sure sounds like a resort search is "explore resorts" and when I do that, it gives me the map search which only really searches place names (so, only resorts if their name incidentally happens to contain the place name or I happen to remember that I need to start the name with "Club Wyndham" and then it might come up). If they intended for the resort search to be the website search that comes up with the magnifying glass (on the desktop version, it appears on the right-hand side near my account name), then they should put that type of search bar under the menu header "resorts" --> "explore resorts" instead of the map search. Note that when I do the map search under resorts, I am not searching availability - I can click right through and view the resort info page from those search results.

Exactly, that’s my thinking as well

 

[Manzana]

The Upgrade Opt-in screen suggests that you can upgrade to a”better room” which may be larger or have better amenities. I take this to mean I should be able to upgrade from a 2 bedroom to either a 2 bedroom lockoff or 2 bedroom presidential. I’m looking to make a reservation at La Belle Maison in December. If I select a 1 bedroom, I get the Upgrade Opt In screen. But, if I select the 2 bedroom, I do not, even though there are 2 bedroom lockoffs and presidentials at that location. I can only assume I’m not getting the option because there are no 3 or 4 bedroom units which means I still can’t opt in for an upgrade even though a “better room” could become available. I‘ve only checked this feature at La Belle. Is anyone else seeing the same thing? If so, I would suggest this be added to the list.

I tried that at the Grand Desert and the option was not available. I booked a 2 bedroom with 2 bedroom lockoff and Presidential available. There was no upgrade options to either one of them. then I called in to see and they said it was only better view and larger room which to them meant more bedrooms. I was very excited about the Better Suite option when I saw it but it does not populate what it says it does.