Points for use other than timeshare [reservations]......

[Jim Mc]

I am wondering if ANYONE actually uses points to book hotels, cruises, or Colette tours using Abound points? I just looked at booking a cruise and they want 14,000 points for two for a balcony. That's approx $11,200 (based on $.80 per point). Through the cruise line the cost is $4,300 I can't even come close to understanding the thought process at Marriott to even think this is rational! I know they are trying to sell more points to their customers, but when it is obviously a joke in using them for these types of transactions all they are doing is making them a laughing stock.

I have been a loyal time share owner since 1999 and still travel throughout the world with my time shares, but come on Marriott get some one in charge that has some common sense.

 

[Fasttr]

That’s about right. Any time you use a non-core (non MVC resort) usage of Abound points, you will get approx 30 cents per point value (give or take a few pennies). There are too many greedy hands in the chain, all trying to make a profit.

 

[dioxide45]

This situation is not unique to Marriott Vacation Club or Abound. It happens in all the timeshare systems that allow you to use your timeshare to book travel outside of the timeshare program. I made a video that looked at the two best uses for your Club Points other than timeshare and the two worst cases. I also made a list where I analyzed all the possible options and their estimate value. Only one option is actually worth more than the club points maintenance fee.

Using points for these options is a good use for points that you have no other use for. Perhaps one year out of 10 you want to go on a safari. Then it is easier to justify. Just don't do it every year because you would be better to just pay cash. As you can easily see.

 

[Dean]

This situation is not unique to Marriott Vacation Club or Abound. It happens in all the timeshare systems that allow you to use your timeshare to book travel outside of the timeshare program. I made a video that looked at the two best uses for your Club Points other than timeshare and the two worst cases. I also made a list where I analyzed all the possible options and their estimate value. Only one option is actually worth more than the club points maintenance fee.

Using points for these options is a good use for points that you have no other use for. Perhaps one year out of 10 you want to go on a safari. Then it is easier to justify. Just don't do it every year because you would be better to just pay cash. As you can easily see.

Agreed, they have to turn the points into cash which is extremely inefficient.

 

[goodbadugly]

Agreed, they have to turn the points into cash which is extremely inefficient.

That's an understatement. The "mob" could learn a few things from MVC. BTW The Collette tour premium through MVC is `35-40%.

 

[wuv pooh]

You also have to find a few tricks. For example Seabourn cruise lines will sometimes do a marketing deal to get new customers. They are a high end small cruise line. Some of their cruises will offer a suite for the same points as an inside cabin. You can get a good/decent deal if you are willing to spend time looking.

 

[Dean]

That's an understatement. The "mob" could learn a few things from MVC. BTW The Collette tour premium through MVC is `35-40%.

DVC is just as bad if not worse and they have a major advantage in turning the points into cash and a number of their options are under their corporate umbrella where they should have leverage.