Purchase decision

[Patmcg]

My wife and I are considering a purchase in the MVC to add to our vacation experience, especially now that we are close to retirement.

We presently own at two Disney Vacation Club Resorts and are extremely satisfied. We have been members since 93 and have no intention of selling them. We like the fact that we are not tied to a specific season or week. For those not familiar with DVC it works on a point system and depending upon the number of points you own, you can decide your length of stay, time of travel and size of accommodations. We also have the ability to switch out and "trade" our points for various other Disney accommodations and non Disney timeshares including Interval International.

This past October we took a tour of the Marriott Ocean Point while staying there for a week’s vacation. Although we both enjoyed our stay, we did find the surf to be a bit rough but that may have been the season. We also felt a bit “confined” to the resort. While we were at OP the salesman (super guy) showed us a video of the new MVC in St. Thomas (not built yet) and discussed other properties including Myrtle Beach, also very nice. Although it was very tempting at the time, we did not purchase anything.

Recently, after further consideration, we contacted the MVC via their website and received a package containing sales brochures and additional information from an Orlando office sales rep. Needless to say we are now seriously considering a purchase, but haven’t decided on where. We are, for the sake of convenience, limiting out search for our “home resort to the East Coast and Caribbean.

While we struggle with our decision, we are hoping someone can assist us in making up our minds and provide us with some helpful information.

If we buy a “gold season” at any given MVC location, can we trade or switch a week for another location in a “platinum season”, assuming availability of course, or are we committed to staying in our purchased season? I understand that there will be a fee imposed.

It appears whether or not you need the rooms your always seem to get two bedrooms.

It seems a waste of money if you have no intention of traveling with someone for a given trip. Since there may be times that my wife and I just want to travel by ourselves.

Along the same lines, when we do welcome friends or relatives to join us on a trip to the STT, VI, as an example, some friends or relative may find the air fare or length of travel time too much and we would be going alone, again a waste of a good two BR unit.

On the other hand, I also feel that the times when we do invite others (because we have the 2 BR unit) to join us, we are giving them a really inexpensive vacation. I don’t seem to imply that I am cheap, but my intention of buying into the MVC is not to subsidize other individual’s vacations. We are being more than generous presently at the Disney VC.

The bottom line is that with two bedrooms you almost always feel compelled to invite others just so that you are not wasting the room. How do you handle situations like that?

Since the new sales information was sent from a Marriott sales representative from the Orlando sales office without the benefit of a current on-site sales presentation at a MVC resort could I expect to receive some incentives from the sales representative to encourage us to purchase or are the best incentives offered while on tour?

Are week requests usually filled or do I have to wait list most of the time?

And how satisfied are you with the entire MVC experience?

I am sure I have probably missed some important questions, but at least this will give us a start.

We certainly appreciate your advice.

Thank you so much.

Pat

 

[Big Matt]

Pat,
you should read a lot of the threads here on TUG and the FAQs. Most of your questions will be answered there.

Very specifically, you never mention Marriott points in your post. If you don't want to trade your week for rewards points, don't buy from Marriott. You can get the same week resale for 25-50% less on the open market. There are plenty of ads in the TUG classifieds that will give you some price points (on the high side).

I love Marriott and have been able to trade well in their system. I do own Platinum, and yes I bought from Marriott. What I wanted, I couldn't find in the open market at the time, and I got a lot (350,000) or rewards points to buy.

Buy at a resort where you will go at least every third year. Look for resorts with lower maintenance fees. I suggest that you look at Hilton Head, Manor Club in Williamsburg, Ocean Pointe, and Aruba.

I'm sure others will chime in on this thread.

 

[squiggle]

Like you I debated for a long time before I jumped in - trying a bronze HH Grande Ocean resale which I got very good trades but quickly realized what a hassle so I sold ($50 profit!). I ended up getting Hawaii lockout EOY from the Orlando salespeople who were great to deal with and took the time to explore my needs - and allowed me to change from Myrtle Beach to Hawaii even after the rescission time was over ( maybe b/c I was upgrading). I bought not for points but b/c what I wanted was not yet avail in resale and the price was relatively starter price. EOY in a lockout resort gives you 2 vacation period with half maintenance fee esp if you're not needing 2 BR all the time - and if you get prime resort, your exchanging power is great -
Now, reserving your week - that's altogether a different issue.
Hope this helps.

 

[mj2vacation]

If we buy a “gold season” at any given MVC location, can we trade or switch a week for another location in a “platinum season”, assuming availability of course, or are we committed to staying in our purchased season? I understand that there will be a fee imposed.

--The season that you buy only matters at your home resort.

It appears whether or not you need the rooms your always seem to get two bedrooms.

--If you buy at a resort without lockout Aruba is a good alternative to St. Thomas



The bottom line is that with two bedrooms you almost always feel compelled to invite others just so that you are not wasting the room. How do you handle situations like that?

Since the new sales information was sent from a Marriott sales representative from the Orlando sales office without the benefit of a current on-site sales presentation at a MVC resort could I expect to receive some incentives from the sales representative to encourage us to purchase or are the best incentives offered while on tour?

--I have found that telesales has better service and better incentives.

Are week requests usually filled or do I have to wait list most of the time?

--book at 12 months. The availability is either there or not. Just like DVC (except a longer time frame)

And how satisfied are you with the entire MVC experience?

--I love DVC and MVC for different reasons. We use DVC for WDW stays, MVC for travel.

--Many on this board have bought directly from Marriott during preconstruction. I think that makes the most sense. I hate e-bay, and don't have the time to waste to find the absolute cheapest deal that I can then use to brag that I traded crappy resort X into Maui Christmas.... I have a business to run, kids to raise, and a life to lead. I don't buy used cars for the same reason.. I like convenience and ease, and I asm willing to pay a reasonable premium for it (as long as it makes sense).
As for points, my family has no use for them right now. In the next 10 years, as the kids move on, we will absolutely use the points. Again, maybe not the rock bottom deal that people that everyone always wants to get, but it makes sense to me.

Buy becuase this makes sense to you and meets your needs. Don't buy if it doesn't.

[/QUOTE]

 

[Zac495]

Email Seth Nock. He can get you pretty much whatever you want in Marriott with great prices. He takes a lot of time listening to what you want, and helps you make a great decision. If you have no need for points, buy resale (the right resale - not just anything, I agree with the previous poster) unless you can get in pre-construction, which does seem to have good deals.

 

[Dave M]

If we buy a “gold season” at any given MVC location, can we trade or switch a week for another location in a “platinum season”, assuming availability of course, or are we committed to staying in our purchased season? I understand that there will be a fee imposed.

Yes, you can request an exchange to another resort or your own resort in different season. However, because exchanges depend on supply, demand and whether the exchange is reasonably comparable, it pays to be flexible when requesting an exchange.

It appears whether or not you need the rooms your always seem to get two bedrooms.

If that's what you own, then when you use your own week at your own resort, that's what you'll get. For an exchange, you might get something else, depending on configurations at that resort, the size of the unit you are using to exchange, what's available at the resort where you want to stay, and how many people there are in your party.

The bottom line is that with two bedrooms you almost always feel compelled to invite others just so that you are not wasting the room. How do you handle situations like that?

I never feel that way. I take my own vacations. If I choose to invite someone, I will. But I never feel guilty over how I choose to use my own property!

...could I expect to receive some incentives from the [tele]sales representative to encourage us to purchase or are the best incentives offered while on tour?

The incentives are normally about the same. However, depending on the particular promotions, incentives can sometimes be higher through telesales.

As Matt suggested, you should definitely consider a resale purchase and save up to 50%. It's tough to make a calculation where the incentives and Marriott Rewards option would make up the price difference.

Are week requests usually filled or do I have to wait list most of the time?

You can call 12 months in advance. Most people have no problem making reservations, if they call at the earliest possible moment. However, if you want a very popular (e.g., holiday or school vacation) week, you might have difficulty.

And how satisfied are you with the entire MVC experience?

Very satisfied. And I think you'll find that most people here are very satisfied.

Also, as Matt suggested, please read the FAQs here (at the top of this list of topics for this Marriott forum) and as many threads as you can, based on topics that interest you. You’ll get great answers to many questions you would never dream of asking.

 

[pwrshift]

Time changes everything, including holiday needs. Once when the kids were growing, 2 bdrm timeshares were great, but once they've left the nest the 2nd bdrm goes wasted. That's why I much prefer lockoff suites - which is a 2 bdrm suite that allows you to split it into two parts - a studio with a kitchenette and a 1 bdrm with living room & full kitchen & master bedrm. One week turns into two for $75...nice deal if you don't need the space.

A platinum week, when split, can usually net 3 trading weeks - one for the studio, one for the 1 bdrm, and a 'bonus' week for the 1 bdrm.

Buying direct from Marriott puts you into the Marriott Rewards program. Buying resale privately means you can never trade it for point. For instance if you buy Monarch (2 bdrm) in HH from Marriott you can trade it each year for 125,000 points in exchange for giving up your week (plus a $104 fee). Get used to fees from Marriott for the 'extras' which in most cases are good deals. Usually, when you buy direct you can negotiate bonus points for the purchase, and possibly points for non-use years in the case of pre-construction resorts.

The points program has permitted me to enjoy the world, just by buying and trading for points. I'll take the Grand Flora on Rome's Via Veneto for a week over a timeshare anytime. Or County Hall on the Thames, or Marriott on Champs Elysses. And getting there take business class seats using the points from Marriott ... air for 2 and 7 night hotel packages are great for that. We plan on one 'world class city' trip every other year. Study the www.marriottrewards.com site to make sure you wouldn't miss this option - and if you're sure you don't want it today or tomorrow buy resale.

I own 6 weeks now and trade 2 weeks every year to replenish points used for these trips. It works very well for us, but the kids are adults now and on their own. I wouldn't buy anything but platinum if trading for points might be an option you'd like to have.

Marriott seems to be cutting back on lockoffs but there are some available like OP, BeachPlace, Manor Club Sequel and Grand Vista. Buy one you'd also enjoy using...and one that won't break the bank buying plane tickets in prime time (which adds to your annual costs).

Brian

 

[Patmcg]

Thanks to everyone for providing us with some very helpful information.

While we haven't quite made up our mind's yet, we want you all to know you have been terrific!

Pat