Owner's Update at Sheraton Steamboat Springs-Need Clarification Please

[EasyGoer]

My wife and I just completed an Owner's Update (misnomer because we don't own there) at the Sheraton Steamboat Springs Resort this past Thursday, June 27, 2024. This is what we were offered: 1,000 MVC points for $16,700 with a "bonus" of 2000 Club points which could be used in the next two years.(I think) We didn't buy, we were just there for the $300 Visa gift card.

But here's the deal and the question: We were told by the salesperson (David) that MVC points were the only currency that we should be using and that we should purchase because it meant that all of our Vistana options (all 400,000 of them) would be rolled into the Marriott system. And further, that we could then reserve 13 months out for Marriott properties (we are Presidential level) and 12 month out for Vistana properties. I expressed doubt and questioned further for clarification. He said that simply purchasing 1,000 MVC points (we own none) automatically would equate to roughly 13,000 MVC points and save money and give priority in reservations. I told him I thought I had to voluntarily convert our Vistana ownership to MVC points and nothing was automatic. He also said that Marriott owners now the same priority access to our WKV, SVV, and Westin Flex just as we do. I said "I don't think so" because my 12 month right to access my own weeks' ownership can't be snatched up by a Marriott owner because they don't have access to the same inventory. He said that wasn't true. Am I not correct about this?

I have never converted our 400,000+ options to MVC points and probably won't because we use the Vistana system exclusively for now. Therefore, we have never given up our ownership weeks for others to use.
I believe the salesman is wrong. Has something happened that I am not aware of?

 

[kozykritter]

I think what he was referring to is the fact that when an owner elects Club Points for their Vistana week, that inventory goes into Abound where Marriott owners (and Vistana owners with access to Abound) can book it up to 12 months out. However the fact hasn't changed that Marriott owners have no access to the Vistana booking system so your home priority period for your week has not been diminished or taken by Marriott owners like he said.

 

[Hindsite]

Koz summed it up well.
Your instincts are right, its the current "set piece" script of lies being peddled to Sheraton and Westin owners to get them to think they need to buy club points to be able to do what you have always been able to do.
Expect to hear it year after year after year, as they try to sell what they have, as opposed to anything you might actually need or want.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Total lies. You are already in Marriott, if you want to be, and no Marriott owner can book what you own at 12 months out.

I just did the math on the $16,700 points, and I know this is just a high amount per point, possibly because it's a small number of points, but my 17,600 Marriott Abound points would be crazy expensive to buy direct. Who can afford just under $300K to buy into that level. It's unbelievable.

 

[EasyGoer]

Thank you everyone for your responses and observations. In this day and age, you just don't know what to believe from Marriott (and Vistana)
salespeople so I have learned just to consult with the Tuggers for the real scoop. Thank you!