Seeking advice for booking rooms that shows no availability at MVC but has availability on Marriott near term

[Fallenone]

I'm on the point system and booked a vacation at Harbour Lake in Orlando right before Christmas for my family with a 1 br unit. Just now, my parents decided to visit us earlier than planned and I would like to have them join my family on this vacation. I checked MVC website and showing no availability for any room during the period. But, looking at Marriott website I see a 2 br unit available. Any chances I can talk to MVC and ask them to exchange my exiting 1 br unit to a 2 br? I'm more than willing to pay the point difference.

Also, any methods other than MVC and Marriott website to book this particular property?

Thanks all!

 

[marriottdude]

Check Redweek, there are several units available before Xmas.

 

[Fallenone]

Check Redweek, there are several units available before Xmas.

Thanks. I just checked but there are no listing for the particular days we will be staying there. We booked our flights already and it is quite expensive to change them now as ticket price rose significantly.

 

[marriottdude]

MVC holds some inventory for "cash" payers. There's no harm in calling to see if they'll swap your unit for the cash unit. I had one reservation once when MVC messed it up, and dipped into the "cash" inventory to make it right. While that's not the situation here, they might be willing to deal to make you happy.

 

[marriottdude]

The other thing is to check inventory daily, because it is dynamic. People cancel, plans change, etc. I've seen inventory come up a few days before trips that I wouldn't have thought would have appeared. I got my boss a 2 BR in Aruba Surf a week before spring break when he had mismanaged his reservation somehow, and because I kept checking, I was able to nab something.

 

[Fallenone]

The other thing is to check inventory daily, because it is dynamic. People cancel, plans change, etc. I've seen inventory come up a few days before trips that I wouldn't have thought would have appeared. I got my boss a 2 BR in Aruba Surf a week before spring break when he had mismanaged his reservation somehow, and because I kept checking, I was able to nab something.

Got it. I actually went and booked the cash inventory, now it is sold out on Marriott website too. Good thing is they have a no penalty cancelation until a few days before arrival so I can keep that option open.

I heard as a owner I can also be placed on a waitlist and the chance of getting a desired unit is not low?

 

[Dean]

Got it. I actually went and booked the cash inventory, now it is sold out on Marriott website too. Good thing is they have a no penalty cancelation until a few days before arrival so I can keep that option open.

I heard as a owner I can also be placed on a waitlist and the chance of getting a desired unit is not low?

You can wait list, usually this cuts off at 60 days out. You'll need the points for the 2 BR or else you could wait list a separate studio and hope they'll assign them like it was a 2BR.

 

[Fasttr]

Got it. I actually went and booked the cash inventory, now it is sold out on Marriott website too. Good thing is they have a no penalty cancelation until a few days before arrival so I can keep that option open.

Did you book using the appropriate MVC code to get the owners discount?

From the Points FAQ Sticky…
Discounts for cash stays at the MVCI resorts (and very infrequently, at certain of the Marriott hotels/resorts) are capacity-controlled and based on ownership status:
Presidential and Chairman's Club DC Members - 35% off (code "2VC")
Executive DC Members - 30% off (code "6VC")
Select and Owner DC Members and Weeks Owners not affiliated with the DC - 25% off (code "7VC")

*When checking availability on marriott.com, enter the appropriate code in the "Corporate/promotional code" box under "Special Rates."

 

[Fallenone]

Did you book using the appropriate MVC code to get the owners discount?

From the Points FAQ Sticky…
Discounts for cash stays at the MVCI resorts (and very infrequently, at certain of the Marriott hotels/resorts) are capacity-controlled and based on ownership status:
Presidential and Chairman's Club DC Members - 35% off (code "2VC")
Executive DC Members - 30% off (code "6VC")
Select DC Members and Weeks Owners not affiliated with the DC - 25% off (code "7VC")

*When checking availability on marriott.com, enter the appropriate code in the "Corporate/promotional code" box under "Special Rates."

Oops. Newbie mistake, I didn't...

 

[Fasttr]

Oops. Newbie mistake, I didn't...

May be able to modify the ressy and add the code to refresh your rate. Worth a try.

 

[jmhpsu93]

May be able to modify the ressy and add the code to refresh your rate. Worth a try.

It's capacity controlled as well...so sometimes it'll say that the rate isn't available, just like when you book Bonvoy rewards nights.

 

[Fallenone]

May be able to modify the ressy and add the code to refresh your rate. Worth a try.

Not available. But I see they released new inventory, and jacking the price up by 25% compared to yesterday.

 

[Fallenone]

Happy to update that my waitlist turned into a confirmation today. Nice!

 

[davidvel]

Happy to update that my waitlist turned into a confirmation today. Nice!

Don't forget to cancel your cash stay! Congratulations.

 

[Fallenone]

Don't forget to cancel your cash stay! Congratulations.

Yep. Did that and the point stay for the 1 BR. Now left with some holding account points but they are not hard to use.