There is one thing that disturbs me about the theory Marriott is balancing points and not skimming. With Grand Chateau, the entire season is Platinum except for week 52, which is Platinum Plus. If they're balancing the points out, then why is it that every single 3 bedroom Platinum week receives the same short end of the stick?
Points assigned are 4,625. I can see no arguement that ANY owners of a 3 bedroom Plat. week would be assigned anything more or anything less. That is unless there is a Marriott fickle finger of fate which smiles upon some owners but gives the finger to others.
So, they assign 4,625 points to every three bedroom Plat. owner but, the smallest point fee to reserve is 4,675 points. That means that there are no owners who will recieve what Marriott takes. Points totals for 3 bdrm Plat weeks are 4,675 points, 5,225 points and 5,400 points. I'm sorry but is it just me that see's that Marriott gives less than they take? EVERY SINGLE OWNER GET'S LESS THAN THE VALUE MARRIOTT ASIGNS TO THE WEEKS FOR EXCHANGE! How can anyone argue that they're not taking more in points for reservations than they're giving owners to use for reservations? At this one resort it is very easy to calculate the NEGATIVE flow of points for owners and the POSITVE flow of points for Marriott.
Yes I know one does not elect to use points to reserve at their home resort but, other owners DO use points to reserve these same units. So how is this a like for like exchange and not skimming? If I give you $1 for your product, then charge $1.25 for that exact same product, I've just made a profit at YOUR expense and without breaking a sweat to work for that profit. The points are unbalanced in Marriott's favor. It's their game, they set the rules and YOU pay a premium in addition to the sign on fee and yearly membership fee.
As to why I won't join I have a trust issue with any company that will do this up front. As I understand it, and maybe I'm wrong, Marriott has written this new program so that they have full control to change virtually any aspect of the program as they see fit. Anyone here familiar with Marriott Rewards points? We all know how aggresively Marriott pushed that option as a reason to but direct rather than resale. But every year MF's go up and over time the value of MR points has gone down. I wonder what the future holds for those who pay to have the option to use Marriott Exchange Company Points? Before signing any agreement, I'd be sure and read the fine print. Anyone know if there is a right to rescind since this isn't a timeshare sale but a membership fee?
