Ocean Club Disappointment

[tiger1210]

We were at the MOC July 6-13. Like advised here I requested a certain building and floor 2 weeks before going. It was like pulling teeth, they just gave me the run around. When we arrived I was stuck on the 2nd floor, little view, even though the unit was nice inside. I gave up a good week in Palm Desert. I don't understand how people on TUG say they are able to request and get an upgraded floor or view. Sometimes I think when you do this, they "stick" it to you in spite of your request. Two years ago we went to the MOC, made no special request and scored a great floor and view. Go figure!!

 

[gmarine]

Someone has to get the less desirable views. Sometimes you get the good view, sometimes you dont.

 

[Palguy]

For what it's worth, we just left MOC on August 3rd. We did not get the room we requested either. We were told at the desk that regardless of when you request a specific room or location that someone who placed their reservation earlier would be given first priority. The first to reserve has the priority not necessarily the first to request, or at least that was what I was told upon check-in and again on check-out by a completely different person when I was checking into next years reservation.

 

[Zac495]

But if you own the week and the view, you get it, right?
I bought it for the view. I guess a lot of owners with views were there when you were...

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

When you exchange into another resort via II, you get the view from the unit that you ended up receiving from II. (ex. Bob Smith deposited his Gardenview unit for July 6 into II. You were the person who requested that week, so you got his week in exchange.) Many times it is possible to request a different view because you are an exchanger, but that doesn't guarantee you will get it. If the view that you requested was completely booked by owners and exchangers that were lucky enough to get an exchange week with that view, then you are at the bottom of the list.

You were in Hawaii though, so I'm sure you had a wonderful time, right?

 

[jme]

'2-week' calling

to be honest, calling two weeks ahead may be about 50 weeks too late......owners usually place requests at booking a year ahead, and naturally they get top priority.

.....and depending on the % of owners occupying, it sometimes doesn't leave many units available for traders, period, upgrade or not. You apparently did far better than the total number of first-floor occupiers, so maybe you did get the very best upgrade.

The BEST predictor of possible upgrades is the percentage of owner occupancy at the resort, and it has NOTHING to do with what you traded.....obtaining the trade week initially does have something to do with that, but less influence from what you traded.

I'll bet there were many OWNERS occupying there who also had second floor units. Count the number of first-floor units in the entire resort, and you may not have done so bad.

Experience will best show you how things work, but don't expect a last-minute request to do much 98 % of the time. It works only sometimes...i.e.,when it CAN be done...mostly, it can't.........the system works just like it should. I think your disappointment this time falls under the category of unrealistic expectations. Next time you may be pleasantly surprised. Things tend to balance out "in the world of trading". jme

 

[Gussie]

We had a similar experience. We were there the same week as OP, and got an "ocean view" on the 4th floor which was largely blocked by construction. I like to spend time on the balcony, and was not able to that. It was disappointing.

 

[MikeM132]

MOC is one of the resorts with very high owner occupancy. Owners get their view, as well as first priority on specific requests. There is a general pecking order, and Mar exchangers are not at the bottom, but a few down from the top. In peak season with high owner-occupancy, you are probably not going to get much choice in room assignment on an exchange----anywhere.

 

[tiger1210]

Thanks for all the comments - they were all very helpful. Yes, we still had a great time in Maui!!

 

[ciscogizmo1]

Honestly... I hate saying this because it has worked for me. Anyways... when we trade, I've never requested a view or floor. I just go expecting to get what we get. I've never been disappointed except once at NCV we got a ground level floor with a high wall around the balcony instead of a railing. But someone who was looking at my resort pictures the other day pointed out that I was looking at the ocean (which I knew I was) but that I was also looking at Catalina Island.

I remember on TUG a long time ago someone told me I was crazy for not requesting a room at Manor Club. And, the fact that I was checking in at midnight I would for sure get a parking lot view. I was traveling during peak time. I was really bummed when I read that post. However, we ended up checking in at 1 am and we got a great view of the golf course. We were on the ground level but still had a great view.

Now, if I'm staying at my home resort I definitely make my requests.

 

[pwrshift]

..., we ended up checking in at 1 am and we got a great view of the golf course. We were on the ground level but still had a great view.

At MMC the ground level views are often the best as the trees can be pretty 'bushy' higher up and block otherwise nice golf views.

 

[thinze3]

I traded lat month into Hawaii for next July. I immediately called and gave my reservation number and placed a building/direction request. Don't know if it will help or not, but I'm hopeful. I have always had good views in my Marriott stays after requesting certain buildings and floors.

As suggested above, maybe it is best to not request at all. Then you will not be disappointed.

Terry

 

[Cindala]

I traded lat month into Hawaii for next July. I immediately called and gave my reservation number and placed a building/direction request.Terry

Since you said trading into, I assume this is not your home resort. I never would have thought to make a request so early, but maybe I better get moving on this and follow your lead!

 

[Cindala]

to be honest, calling two weeks ahead may be about 50 weeks too late......owners usually place requests at booking a year ahead, and naturally they get top priority.jme

Can 'trading in' Marriott owners put a request in this early once they are confirmed?