Recent Observations on State of the MVCI Resorts

[davidvel]

Each Week "we" own represents something like 1/50-1/51-1/52 of a single unit at a single resort; MVW retains ownership of the common areas of the resorts.

I didn't know that was the case. I guess I'll have to go read the Master Declaration next....

P.S. Go 'Hawks

 

[sea&ski]

Notification is Mostly up to Us

We stayed at Ko'olina this fall in a room that had just been renovated. The washer had some issues and the dishwasher was malfunctioning. I did bring that to the attention of the front desk at check out. We are Marriott Owners, I always take note of things that need repair no matter where we stay and be sure to mention it upon check out. I suspect that non-owners might shrug and walk away. If we, as owners, don't proactively take account of things that need repair, then we can expect to find less than satisfactory conditions on subsequent visits.

When Mountainside did their granite and cabinet updates several years ago, I predicted their early demise... the quality of the materials used do not seem to be appropriate for heavy use. I suspect it will be several more years before we see another update of these, and they will look fairly terrible as they near their use-end.

 

[jme]

I'll give a different spin on this thread.

Yes, the resorts are aging, but I see overall improvement in terms of value. I've seen more activities added, fire pits added, corn hole and other games including bocce added. I've seen management be proactive in dealing with soft goods and making sure that furniture is replaced when necessary.

I do not see Marriott decreasing quality in any way shape or form.

Having said that, my experience is limited to many east coast and Florida resorts regularly and Newport Coast and Ko Olina a couple times, but I've never, ever had a bad room.

We aren't dealing with the other timeshare companies.

very, very good point, Big Matt. Now that you mention it, it's obvious when I think back upon all our stays at any resort.

The fire pits are going in at numerous resorts, and they are really nice. Also, grills (not BBQ, but cook & serve from a structure w menus,tables) are also being constructed, enlarged and/or improved...and that has happened at two of my home resorts, Grande Ocean and Barony. Barony's bar & grill was a major construction, and GO's has been improved several times over the last few years.

Also, more than 200 new bikes were purchased at GO last year. Outdoor pools at GO have also been retro-heated, and nice lounge chairs and shade covers & umbrellas have been increased dramatically. Refurbs at GO involve all stainless steel appliances, which is great, and that will probably be the trend most everywhere now. Fitness rooms are getting some great machines, too, and more of them. A common area at GO called the Crow's Nest has gotten all new leather ottoman chairs and sofas, and new HDTVs, and is a gorgeous room for lounging, reading, etc. while overlooking the ocean.

A nice bocce ball court was also added at GO, along with new ping pong tables, along with an outdoor chess game with oversized chess pieces. I'm assuming that similar things are being added all over, a point which escaped me until Big Matt mentioned it.

also, it seems to me that the number of activities offered at all the HH resorts has exploded (similar elsewhere?), with the handout list running several pages. It's almost too much to digest upon arrival, and takes a good half hour to read everything. That involves a lot of effort and expense to add & support those activities.

These things don't speak to upkeep, but they sure do speak to effort and increased value.

so, Big Matt, good line of thought!!!

And all the while, the upkeep and refurbs continue, not non-stop, but on schedule, and that's acceptable to me. Wear and tear will show mid-process, but that's to be expected, and often, touch-ups are necessary, especially when owners complain, but the cycle continues.

Hey, we don't have it so bad. I don't anyway. I don't want the MFs to go up, nor do I want assessments, so I think it's being done correctly, even if not perfectly.

 

[Big Matt]

I don't disagree with you at all. I think it is critical to maintain the signage, buildings, etc. I guess my experience is that the resorts I go to are pretty well maintained. I haven't seen the degradation that you mention. My guess is that it is at some and not all of the Marriotts based on different experiences. Granted, mine are mainly east coast and Florida.

That is correct. My comment was pointed more at those particular properties.



Personally, adding a fire pit and a bocce court does not replace the need to modernize some of these properties nor is it an excuse for them not doing so...Whether its simple things like modernizing lobbies and entrance signs, changing out the pool furniture and landscaping, or more complex things like refacing buildings with brick/cultured stone these things need to be done. We are not talking about a low end timeshare/vacation club system. Marriott still has (and deservedly so) a reputation of being a high end timeshare/vacation club system. I think they need to keep up with the times at some of the aging properties to maintain that image, particularly when they are pushing the DC system with points +/- $12 per point.

 

[SkyBlueWaters]

Marriott's resorts are still the best timeshare resorts in the United States. The over all conditions of their resorts properties interior and exterior and their building standards are the best in the timeshare industry.

I beg to differ. While I love Marriott and have reasons for choosing to be with this brand, Disney, Westin and HGVC (add Hyatt and Four Seasons for smaller network) come to mind. This is what Marriott has to keep up with. Don't they forget that! They're competition and have to keep up with them.

I will address our board about my issues and will share the letter. It doesn't help that I took up design and have a construction background. Yes, I can be critical but broken ignition after one year of installment, really? And the cheap grill tools that couldn't hold the grill items properly? The broken and cracked lamp. The sofa cushion sliding off uncomfortably revealing a tear...the granite and kitchen cabinets were actually fine.

 

[NYFLTRAVELER]

I beg to differ. While I love Marriott and have reasons for choosing to be with this brand, Disney, Westin and HGVC (add Hyatt and Four Seasons for smaller network) come to mind. This is what Marriott has to keep up with. Don't they forget that! They're competition and have to keep up with them.

Agree 100%. Must keep up with the Jones'...... MVCI is a high end brand and has an obligation to its owners to keep the resorts, interior and exterior to modern standards.

 

[m61376]

The new 10 year renovations at the Marrot Surf Club lighthouse tower are beautiful- well done, both furnishings and soft goods. Updated look which hopefully will withstand the test of time. Good attention to detail wrt lamps and ceiling fans as well.

 

[hangloose]

I am still very happy with the consistent quality of the Marriott Vacation Club timeshares. While some are nicer than others, all are fairly well kept. There will always be areas in between refurbishment time periods, where some areas look like they need some extra TLC. I also find those with higher price and/or maintenance fees often show a bit more attention to detail.

As a multi-week Grande Vista owner, I was a little disappointed recently with the upkeep in a few areas of the resort, especially given the recent increases in maintenance feeds. While overall still very nice and clean, extra TLC should be given in a few areas including the Plaza del Sol pool area which captured my attention immediately.

Glad to see Beachplace Towers pool is being renovated from April to June. This is much needed after being there a few months back. We have plans to be there in the spring before the reno and shortly after in the summer.

 

[marileehaire]

very, very good point, Big Matt. Now that you mention it, it's obvious when I think back upon all our stays at any resort.

The fire pits are going in at numerous resorts, and they are really nice. Also, grills (not BBQ, but cook & serve from a structure w menus,tables) are also being constructed, enlarged and/or improved...and that has happened at two of my home resorts, Grande Ocean and Barony. Barony's bar & grill was a major construction, and GO's has been improved several times over the last few years.

Also, more than 200 new bikes were purchased at GO last year. Outdoor pools at GO have also been retro-heated, and nice lounge chairs and shade covers & umbrellas have been increased dramatically. Refurbs at GO involve all stainless steel appliances, which is great, and that will probably be the trend most everywhere now. Fitness rooms are getting some great machines, too, and more of them. A common area at GO called the Crow's Nest has gotten all new leather ottoman chairs and sofas, and new HDTVs, and is a gorgeous room for lounging, reading, etc. while overlooking the ocean.

A nice bocce ball court was also added at GO, along with new ping pong tables, along with an outdoor chess game with oversized chess pieces. I'm assuming that similar things are being added all over, a point which escaped me until Big Matt mentioned it.

also, it seems to me that the number of activities offered at all the HH resorts has exploded (similar elsewhere?), with the handout list running several pages. It's almost too much to digest upon arrival, and takes a good half hour to read everything. That involves a lot of effort and expense to add & support those activities.

These things don't speak to upkeep, but they sure do speak to effort and increased value.

so, Big Matt, good line of thought!!!

And all the while, the upkeep and refurbs continue, not non-stop, but on schedule, and that's acceptable to me. Wear and tear will show mid-process, but that's to be expected, and often, touch-ups are necessary, especially when owners complain, but the cycle continues.

Hey, we don't have it so bad. I don't anyway. I don't want the MFs to go up, nor do I want assessments, so I think it's being done correctly, even if not perfectly.

Did you mean that all of the outdoor pools at the Grande Ocean are now heated? We're going there in mid March, and it would be great if they were!!