System like DVC?

[TMJJS]

I use to below to TUG years ago (don't remember when), but then bought points in the DVC and have been real happy there!

My current situation is that we bought too many points at Vero Beach and am currently trying to sell them. We are pretty sure we will re-buy into DVC via resale at another resort on-site with lower maintenance fees. However, I was also thinking that maybe it was time to look at any similar programs. My question is if there are any similar programs to DVC by others? What I like about DVC is the flexibility of the point system. From what little I know, others have "point systems", but you still have to reserve a week at a time.

I'm really looking for a timeshare system that does points like DVC and where I can reserve from 1 night to multiple nights and different size accommendations as needed. Would like something that has lots of resorts in the system around the US, Mexico and Carribbean. Is there a company like this that I can start researching while waiting for Vero Beach to sell?

From what I have gathered, Worldmark/Fairfield, Marriot and Hyatt do point based systems, but don't have the flexibility to do 1 night stay months in advance. Is that correct?

 

[tashamen]

Club Intrawest

I own Club Intrawest points, and it is a true points-based system - in fact I believe it was modeled after DVC. The major difference is that there is no home resort with CI like there is with DVC - you just own CI points.

Right now there are 5 CI resorts in Canada - Mont Tremblant in Quebec; Blue Mountain in Ontario; Panorama, Whistler and Vancouver, all in BC. In the US there are two resorts - one in Palm Desert, CA and the other Sandestin, FL. There is one Mexico resort in Zihuatanejo.

You can reserve as many or few nights as you want, and any size unit. If you book 6 nights or more you can reserve 11 months in advance - otherwise 4 months in advance for shorter stays. CI now has an online reservation system with real-time availability.

We primarily use our points for 4-5 night stays at Mont Tremblant, but I have also stayed in Palm Desert over a spring break for 6 nights, and in Vancouver for 3 nights. Edited to add: my inlaws who also own CI points have been to Sandestin, Whistler and Zihuatanejo on points. All of the resorts have met our expectations.

I have also traded into DVC resorts through II - Vero Beach, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West (upcoming) and I would say the quality is similar to CI, though the Intrawest resorts are generally much smaller (which we prefer.)

 

[scy3000]

I also think Shell is similar. I could be wrong. I know they have Home Clubs( which is a region). Hyatt and Hilton are also point systems, though they do seem to have seasons and weeks.

 

[lprstn]

Also, if you purchase Wyndam you may consider purchasing at a Wyndam resort that will give you an II account, if you like II a lot. Otherwise Wyndam trades well with RCI also.

Bluegreen, Hilton (HVGC) and Sheraton are also well spoken of.

 

[Lisa P]

With Wyndham points, you may reserve 3-, 4- or 7-night stays in prime season. At 3 months out, you may reserve any length of stay available. In non-prime seasons, you may reserve any length of stay, from 2-nights up, at any time.

Several other points systems work similarly. Wyndham, Bluegreen, HGVC and some others may be found on resales as weeks ownerships, weeks-converted-to-points ownerships or strictly UDI points ownerships (like DVC but not leased, they're actually owned/deeded in perpetuity). As long as you own a contract that's in points (either converted or UDI), you may use the ownership to book varying lengths of stay. In some 10 years, I've only once used our Wyn points to book a full week directly. We normally trade our points for full weeks or we use the points for short stays.

WorldMark credits do not have a home resort, they're like owning a portion of the entire trust. They also have some restrictions on length of stay during prime time early booking. Don't know much about DRI (Diamond, used to be Sunterra) but they have nice locations too.

You'd like to vacation in U.S., Mexico and Caribbean locations, but where, specifically? You may want to look at the actually lists of locations that each of these systems offers to see if they have the places where you want to stay. That'll make a big difference in your satisfaction level with their programs later. HTH.