Owner 1st Time Buying Points. Rescind?

[concernedchild]

My parents have owned a Platinum 2b2b week in Grande Vista since before the points system was introduced. We went to a timeshare update presentation yesterday and they informed us the week is worth 2,775 points, but we can’t access the point program unless we buy the minimum 1,000 points. The sales person recommended to buy 1,250 points for ~$20k to get at least the Select tier (2,775+1,250>4,000). He also mentioned at the end of 2023, that ALL Marriott hotels will be available to points owners (though I have not seen anyone mention this in the forum or online so unsure if true). As my parents will retire this year, it seemed like a good idea during the presentation as it would provide more flexibility and properties to choose from.

Now that I’ve found TUG, I’m concerned that this retail purchase was a horrible decision. If they buy 1,250 resale points, will this allow them to access the 2,775 points from Grande Vista? Or should they just not buy points at all? We have 8-9 more days to rescind thankfully.

Thank you in advance for any advice! It is currently 3:45AM and can’t sleep as I’m very stressed on their behalf!

 

[Fasttr]

If they purchased MGV before June 2010, and are US residents, they can enroll in the points program for free…simply by watching a video. No need to purchase the 1000 or 1250 extra points.

See last video here…read the fine print directly above that last video…

Marriott Vacation Club | Owner Learning Center

insider.marriottvacationclub.com

 

[concernedchild]

Thank you so much!!!! I don’t know why I’m surprised the sales person lied to us. I explicitly asked if we can just add the option to use the 2,775 points with no fee and he said no…

 

[4TimeAway]

Thank you so much!!!! I don’t know why I’m surprised the sales person lied to us. I explicitly asked if we can just add the option to use the 2,775 points with no fee and he said no…

Were their lips moving?


They lie with reckless abandon and don't understand why we can NEVER TRUST A WORD THEY SAY.

Sorry to sound jaded.

 

[sponger76]

My parents have owned a Platinum 2b2b week in Grande Vista since before the points system was introduced. We went to a timeshare update presentation yesterday and they informed us the week is worth 2,775 points, but we can’t access the point program unless we buy the minimum 1,000 points. The sales person recommended to buy 1,250 points for ~$20k to get at least the Select tier (2,775+1,250>4,000). He also mentioned at the end of 2023, that ALL Marriott hotels will be available to points owners (though I have not seen anyone mention this in the forum or online so unsure if true). As my parents will retire this year, it seemed like a good idea during the presentation as it would provide more flexibility and properties to choose from.

Now that I’ve found TUG, I’m concerned that this retail purchase was a horrible decision. If they buy 1,250 resale points, will this allow them to access the 2,775 points from Grande Vista? Or should they just not buy points at all? We have 8-9 more days to rescind thankfully.

Thank you in advance for any advice! It is currently 3:45AM and can’t sleep as I’m very stressed on their behalf!

Have your parents rescind ASAP. As others noted, due to when they purchased their week it can be enrolled for free.

 

[DRH90277]

This is a sad reflection on the ethics of the sales team at that location. They are sitting there expecting your parents will not find out they could have enrolled for free.

Was this sales presentation at Grande Vista? Please confirm the location so others will know of this deception.

 

[concernedchild]

Thank you everyone! We had the presentation at the Grand Chateau in Vegas. As we’re travelling home today, will look into the process to rescind tonight! Thankfully have 8 more days to rescind.

 

[Pamplemousse]

Thank you everyone! We had the presentation at the Grand Chateau in Vegas. As we’re travelling home today, will look into the process to rescind tonight! Thankfully have 8 more days to rescind.

Once enrolled EACH YEAR they can choose to use their week as they always have (stay their ownership or deposit into II and exchange) or elect to convert the week to points.
I suggest they take a good look at what those points will get them by checking the points charts on the owners site under helpful tools.
If they want to stay shorter trips maybe off season, weekdays they may find the points to be the best option, but locking off and exchanging or staying their week may get more time.
Enrolling may save on fees if you lock off and exchange on II.
Run the numbers for enrolled club dues vs. what you pay to use the week now before deciding to enroll for free.

No idea what salesmen meant about Marriott “hotels”. You can already book Abound timeshares with these time share points (MVC, Sheraton,Westin) on the owners site.
Hotels are booked on Marriott.com using bonvoy points. While you can convert your Abound points to bonvoy points that is usually not a good value.

Kuddos to you for being a concerned and involved offspring! There is some great info in the pink section at the top of this forum that will help you identify the truth going forward.

And please report the sales person- lying in general is bad enough but trying to part people from their retirement money is evil.

 

[Fasttr]

Also, once enrolled, your parents can rent up to 20,000 points a year (www.vacationpointexchange.com) to supplement enrolled points, or to simply use for other stays for their kids as an example. ;-)

Cost to rent is very close to cost of Maintenance Fees, but you didn’t have to spend any upfront purchase costs, and no forced annual commitment!!

 

[WBP]

This is a sad reflection on the ethics of the sales team at that location. They are sitting there expecting your parents will not find out they could have enrolled for free.

Was this sales presentation at Grande Vista? Please confirm the location so others will know of this deception.

ETHICS? Ethics of that sales team? Are you kidding? Marriott Vacation Club threw out their 30 year ago ethics, with the baby and the bath water, at their corporate headquarters. MVC and MVW have picked up all of Diamond Resorts old tricks and non-ethical DNA.

 

[concernedchild]

No idea what salesmen meant about Marriott “hotels”. You can already book Abound timeshares with these time share points (MVC, Sheraton,Westin) on the owners site.
Hotels are booked on Marriott.com using bonvoy points. While you can convert your Abound points to bonvoy points that is usually not a good value.

Thanks for your insight! Regarding the hotels, he said all Marriott hotels, which includes non-timeshare hotels, will be available using time share points at the end of the year. Given he lied already, I’m not holding my breath this is true.

 

[concernedchild]

Also, once enrolled, your parents can rent up to 20,000 points a year (www.vacationpointexchange.com) to supplement enrolled points, or to simply use for other stays for their kids as an example. ;-)

Cost to rent is very close to cost of Maintenance Fees, but you didn’t have to spend any upfront purchase costs, and no forced annual commitment!!

Amazing, thank you! Do you have any tips on choosing who is a reputable seller? I want to gift my parents the bonus points they’ll lose out on by rescinding. They were hoping to take a big trip next year with these bonus points to celebrate their retirement.

 

[Fasttr]

Amazing, thank you! Do you have any tips on choosing who is a reputable seller? I want to gift my parents the bonus points they’ll lose out on by rescinding. They were hoping to take a big trip next year with these bonus points to celebrate their retirement.

Anybody listed as a Verified Seller (check the list on the website…don’t take an ads word for it) should be safe. If you want to be really safe TimG is a licensed realtor who owns quarter shares at the residents club, so has lots of points, and, I believe he also manages point rentals for other owners, so he seems safe.

 

[jwalk03]

Thanks for your insight! Regarding the hotels, he said all Marriott hotels, which includes non-timeshare hotels, will be available using time share points at the end of the year. Given he lied already, I’m not holding my breath this is true.

Definitely a lie as well.

 

[Fasttr]

Thanks for your insight! Regarding the hotels, he said all Marriott hotels, which includes non-timeshare hotels, will be available using time share points at the end of the year. Given he lied already, I’m not holding my breath this is true.

I heard this on my virtual presentation this morning as well. My guy said by 2025, you will be able to book any Marriott branded hotel in the world via Abound Points (booked via the MVC site).

Even if true, I doubt the conversion will be very good.

 

[concernedchild]

Anybody listed as a Verified Seller (check the list on the website…don’t take an ads word for it) should be safe. If you want to be really safe TimG is a licensed realtor who owns quarter shares at the residents club, so has lots of points, and, I believe he also manages point rentals for other owners, so he seems safe.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Fasttr]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Keep in mind, rented points can’t be banked, so if they are using them for a 2024 ressy, make sure you rent 2024 points.