Quick Guide for using MR points

[soch2000]

Hi there - Just bought an EOY at Horizons in Orlando from Marriott. Then I discovered this forum and by then it was too late to cancel. So I've just resolved to make the most of my timeshare, including the points that come from buying direct from Marriott.

I'm very new to travel points system and thought some of you vets could provide a nice straight forward guide on how to plan a vacation using points.

If there is a thread that already addresses this please send the link. I had searched a bit before posting and didn't find anything completely relevant.

So we got a 90000 point signing bonus, and with 2009 being a points redemption year (110000), we should have 200000 total points available to us in 2009, which sounds paltry to what others have We would like to go on a vacation using our 200000 points in summer 2009.

So first how do we know what 200000 points could even get us?
How do we inform Marriott that we want to redeem our timeshare for points in 2009? Once we do, when are the points deposited into our account?
Can we make reservations now, prior to all the points being redeemed? What website do we use to make reservations on points?

Or if you can just outline what you do when you want to book a vacation on points, that would be great. Thanks, Sunny

 

[mas]

Hi there - Just bought an EOY at Horizons in Orlando from Marriott. Then I discovered this forum and by then it was too late to cancel. So I've just resolved to make the most of my timeshare, including the points that come from buying direct from Marriott.

I'm very new to travel points system and thought some of you vets could provide a nice straight forward guide on how to plan a vacation using points.

If there is a thread that already addresses this please send the link. I had searched a bit before posting and didn't find anything completely relevant.

So we got a 90000 point signing bonus, and with 2009 being a points redemption year (110000), we should have 200000 total points available to us in 2009, which sounds paltry to what others have We would like to go on a vacation using our 200000 points in summer 2009.

So first how do we know what 200000 points could even get us?
Check out this link. Most people agree that the travel packages (Air +Hotel) are the best bang for the buck. Currently 200k points would get you a week stay at a Cat 6 Hotel and 70K air miles, however, you've probably heard of the new points devaluation -- if not check out this link.

How do we inform Marriott that we want to redeem our timeshare for points in 2009? Once we do, when are the points deposited into our account?
I don't know whether you've closed yet and are recognized as owners at MVCI. If so you can set up an online account here. Once you have an account, on the right side under "My Reservations" click on the "check availability" link. There you will be able to select the 'trade for points' option. The points are generally deposited into your MRP account at the end of the year before the year you give to Marriott, so for your 2009 week you will receive the points sometime before the end of this year.

Can we make reservations now, prior to all the points being redeemed? What website do we use to make reservations on points? See the MRP link above.

Or if you can just outline what you do when you want to book a vacation on points, that would be great. Thanks, Sunny

See answers above...oh, and welcome to TUG

 

[Danette]

So we got a 90000 point signing bonus, and with 2009 being a points redemption year (110000), we should have 200000 total points available to us in 2009, which sounds paltry to what others have We would like to go on a vacation using our 200000 points in summer 2009.

Welcome to TUG!
Just FYI - the signing bonus points will likely not be credited to your account until 6 months after closing. I closed in July and checked with Marriott in October about the bonus points - I was told it would be at least six months and to 'check back' in January

Danette

 

[soch2000]

thanks

Thanks for the replies. Lays things out nicely. Great forum.