Thread Dedicated to the Upcoming/Anticipated Integration of Vistana and Marriott Ownerships

[Eric B]

The one footnote, "Resort is available using Club Points only through the MVC Exchange Company," is interesting. At the initial rollout that language confused us a bit, until we figured out fairly early on that it meant that no intervals at those resorts had to that point been conveyed to the DC Trust. If the same footnote is on every page in the Vistana Points Charts, it will be interesting going forward to learn if MVW ever intends to convey non-MVC-branded intervals to the DC Trust or if the integration of any other timeshare systems will only ever be via the DC Exchange Company.

That footnote has been in all of the full pictures I've seen posted for Vistana points charts (Kierland, WKORV/N, Lagunamar, and SVV).

 

[SueDonJ]

Here’s what I have gleaned from everything I’ve read and heard

1. nothing is finalized. Everything is subject to change, but it’s unlikely there will be major changes
2. Westin/Vistana/Sheraton owners will maintain their current usage rights exactly like they have them now. They will continue to be able to use their ownership as they always have without interruption
3. Westin/Vistana/Sheraton owners will have the option to elect participation in Marriotts Destination Club on an annual basis (I haven’t seen mention of the timeframe to elect this option).
4. Marriott owners will only have access to Westin/Vistana/Sheraton inventory that has been elected by those owners to be deposited/converted toDestination Points.
5. once the program is finalized, only Destination Club Points will be sold
6. Once the program is finalized, any unsold inventory with Westin/Vistana/Sheraton will be deposited into the Destination Club trust.
7. MVC owners are not likely to see much Westin/Vistana/Sheraton inventory in the DC until 2024 and more likely 2025.
8. I anticipate Westin/Vistana/Sheraton owners who are not TUG members may be more excited about the prospect of all the MVC locations and will test the availability.
9. I anticipate there will still be the Marriott “skim”(given fewer points than it takes to reserve what you currently hold), and this will limit the number of Westin/Vistana/Sheraton conversions to the DC is those owners can find what they want in their own program.
10. As points reservations become more popular, weeks exchanges will become a little more difficult to obtain, but this will take many years (decades) to play out.

What we don’t know is when this will be finalized or the exact date that they wil, stop selling the current program. Sales does not appear to be guaranteeing anything, making this an informed guess/rumor IMHO with guidance by Mother Marriott. I do believe that all sales material has been provided by mother Marriott. I believe the soft launch is designed to get feedback from owners at the sales presentations to see what works and what might not work, allowing for time to tweak the program, as in tweak the points given for any particular week (up/down) based on current owner response.

The most important thing I’m taking away from all this discussion is that nothing is finalized and everything is subject to change. That makes all of this informed speculation IMHO with a pretty solid source for that speculation. Still, I would not recommend buying additional time/points unless it is to provide additional vacation time with full, current ownership usage rights in the group of resorts you prefer. I would not buy now based on a program that is still subject to change. IOW, if I wanted Marriott Destination Club access, I’d buyDestination Club points, either direct or resale, rather than increase my Westin/Vistana/Sheraton ownership on the promise of conversion rights. If I wanted to lock in Westin/Vistana/Sheraton first right privileges then I’d increase my ownership in that group before the opportunity is gone

My one vehement disagreement is with your #4. We learned from an early-edition DC FAQ from Marriott that requests for DC Points exchanges could be fulfilled through machinations other than just owners electing DC Points. That particular FAQ has long since disappeared but I saved the quoted language and deliberately put it in the TUG DC Points FAQ because I don't understand why the "DC Exchange Company intervals come only from owners who elect" notion continues to flourish.

From Page 2 of the TUG FAQ:
>>~~ Inventory Sources for DC Points Usage ~~
MVCI Weeks and MVCD Points inventory is kept separate according to the terms of each system's governing documents in order to protect Owners/Members ownership and usage rights. Inventory available through the DC Exchange Company is sourced from Marriott-controlled deposits as well as (according to a no-longer-available FAQ that had been posted to the owners' website during the early DC years,) "... other Marriott Vacation Club Owners who enroll their weeks and elect Vacation Club Points, and non-enrolled Owners who trade their usage for Marriott Rewards points or exchange their week through membership in Interval International."<<

As for #7 re when we'll start to see Vistana intervals available in the DC Exchange Company, I think it'll be immediately after the official launch if MVW is able to machinate Vistana intervals as it has always been able to machinate MVC intervals. It won't be a great deal of inventory at the beginning, of course, but there's no way that MVW will allow the official launch to happen with the success of this chapter dependent only on recalcitrant Vistana owners. They know as well as we do that the initial takeaway for Vistana owners/members will be mostly negative, because that's just human nature, and they need exchanges to happen quickly so as to entice Vistana owners/members to enroll.

I can't even make a guess as to if/when Vistana intervals might end up somehow in the DC Trust, am counting on all you Trust experts to educate me.

 

[TravelTime]

Since you don’t care for the beach, I can see why you will enjoy it. The beach is def my thing, much more so than the resort. What I love is a big room, my own kitchen, and a washer dryer. After that…..get me to the pristine beach! Lol. No one is denying the quality of the Ritz being impeccable. That’s a fact that we can all agree on. For you, the high point value will be worth it. For me, I’d rather multiple trips at a “nice” resort. It sounds like the beaches at MFC, Ritz, and WSJ are all comparable. For that reason I’d choose WSJ because I’d rather spend my time on the isle of St John.

A combined program wouldn’t help me to achieve that better than the VSN. That was my original Point. I’m not knocking the DC, I’m just saying that it won’t work in my favor. That’s ok, that’s the rules of the game. Doesn’t mean I’m on the losing end (yet). For me the VSN is a winning bet, until MVW Erodes the inventory. When the game changes so will my strategy. No biggie, it makes ownership fun I guess, keeps ya on your toes haha.

The beach at WSJ and MFC are not good beaches. Not sure why people keep acting like WSJ has a good beach. The beach at WSJ is worse than the one at Ritz Carlton St Thomas. You can drive to the good beaches in WSJ and lug your stuff around. If you really are a beach lover, then you would not stay at WSJ. You would want to stay directly on a great beach and be able to walk out.

You keep taking about the high point value of the Ritz. I already told you that the point value in the summer is about the same as MFC. I do not mind the comparisons but I would appreciate if people would be accurate when making comparisons about something objective like point values.

When we stay at the Ritz St Thomas in June, I am planning to take many sailing excursions directly from the Ritz on their private sailboat and sail around St John. To me, that is the way to go for ocean lovers. I am an ocean lover and prefer sailing over sitting on a beach. I like to be on the ocean or sitting in a beautiful resort looking at the ocean more than sitting in the sun on the beach. I need a lot of shade so even an umbrella does not cut it in the sun on the beach. I like to rent a cabana or at least the chairs that roll over you. Those block the sun well.

I think you should take this discussion over to the Vistana forum. Unless you own DPs with MVC and have stayed at the Ritz Carlton, I am not sure why you would making such strong comments on something you do not understand.

 

[Fasttr]

It won't be a great deal of inventory at the beginning, of course, but there's no way that MVW will allow the official launch to happen with the success of this chapter dependent only on recalcitrant Vistana owners.

recalcitrant

Now that's an SAT word!! ;-)

 

[SueDonJ]

This one seems a bit speculative. There are some categories of unsold inventory that the developer has chosen not to deposit into the Flex trusts because of its higher value separate from those trusts (e.g., the oceanfront WKORV/N units) and some that isn't included in any of the Flext trust products (e.g., WSJ). I haven't seen anything that would indicate that unsold inventory will be deposited in the Destination Club trust and I'm not sure that depositing it would be necessary or potentially even possible due to the way some of them are set up.

I agree that there is no need for MVW to consolidate all of the inventory under its umbrella to the DC Trust, because the separate and distinct DC Exchange Company serves perfectly as the conduit through which any and all inventory can be manipulated by MVW. There is nothing to say that they couldn't continue to sell MVW- and Vistana-branded intervals exactly the way they're being sold today, keeping the Vistana (and any other timeshare company) integration to only the DC Exchange Company.

The thing, though, is that during investor calls while talking about the integration they have repeatedly referenced a single points product. What remains to be seen is whether that will happen in the form of actual DC Trust conveyances of Vistana intervals or via another layer of integration combining DC Points with Flex (or any other Vistana points.)

 

[CPNY]

My one vehement disagreement is with your #4. We learned from an early-edition DC FAQ from Marriott that requests for DC Points exchanges could be fulfilled through machinations other than just owners electing DC Points. That particular FAQ has long since disappeared but I saved the quoted language and deliberately put it in the TUG DC Points FAQ because I don't understand why the "DC Exchange Company intervals come only from owners who elect" notion continues to flourish.

From Page 2 of the TUG FAQ:
>>~~ Inventory Sources for DC Points Usage ~~
MVCI Weeks and MVCD Points inventory is kept separate according to the terms of each system's governing documents in order to protect Owners/Members ownership and usage rights. Inventory available through the DC Exchange Company is sourced from Marriott-controlled deposits as well as (according to a no-longer-available FAQ that had been posted to the owners' website during the early DC years,) "... other Marriott Vacation Club Owners who enroll their weeks and elect Vacation Club Points, and non-enrolled Owners who trade their usage for Marriott Rewards points or exchange their week through membership in Interval International."<<

As for #7 re when we'll start to see Vistana intervals available in the DC Exchange Company, I think it'll be immediately after the official launch if MVW is able to machinate Vistana intervals as it has always been able to machinate MVC intervals. It won't be a great deal of inventory at the beginning, of course, but there's no way that MVW will allow the official launch to happen with the success of this chapter dependent only on recalcitrant Vistana owners. They know as well as we do that the initial takeaway for Vistana owners/members will be mostly negative, because that's just human nature, and they need exchanges to happen quickly so as to entice Vistana owners/members to enroll.

I can't even make a guess as to if/when Vistana intervals might end up somehow in the DC Trust, am counting on all you Trust experts to educate me.

I posted this in the other thread. The last section “d” states that the network operator, in this case MVW can make reservations in anticipation of Bonvoy point conversions as well as external exchange. I’m sure MVW will make less bulk deposits into interval and put some into the DC Exchange in anticipation of amount VSE owners converting to participate in the DC program. So I agree, there will be Vistana inventory in the DC at the onset. I’m sure DVC did the same thing with interval, which is why we saw DSS inventory in II very quickly!

Ok so going through governing documents I would love some clarification on this stuff and to hear your thoughts. I see vistana East vacation club consists of Bella/Key West, HRA, and WSJ. Each of these has their own verbiage of being part of the club. Here is what it says for Key West SVV: I assume this is just the “mandatory” aspect.

“Key West. Key West will be sold on a fee title basis. The fee simple title to the Key West property will be submitted to the condominium form of ownership. Units in Key West are being sold subject to a vacation ownership plan. Under the Club Resort vacation ownership plan for Key West, fee title to a VOI, consisting of an undivided 1/52nd interest in the Owner's Unit as tenant in common with the other Owners of VOIs in that Unit, is conveyed to a Purchaser. A Unit is committed to the Club Resort vacation ownership plan on the recording by the Developer of the first deed to a VOI in such Unit, which first deed will also designate the specific VOI being conveyed in that Unit. Title to VOIs will be transferred to Purchasers by a special warranty deed pursuant to the terms of a purchase agreement.
As described above and as set forth in the Club Resort Affiliation Agreement for Key West, membership in the Club is an inseparable part of each Club Resort VOI in Key West. Therefore, when a Purchaser acquires a Club Resort VOI in Key West, the Purchaser automatically becomes a Club Member.”

Here is what is said regarding the Club, which is different than the network. The network which is the VSN is just an exchange. Now that there will be another exchange I assume that mandatory club members must have access to that exchange as well? Here is what it says:

“The Club currently is affiliated with the Vistana Signature Network, an exchange program under Florida law, pursuant to a Network Affiliation Agreement. Not all of the Network Resorts are Club Resorts. At Club Resorts, all owners are required to be Club Members. Only the Club Resorts are component sites of the Club multisite vacation ownership plan under Florida law. Subject to availability and pursuant to the Network Rules for the Vistana East Vacation Club, all Network Members will have the opportunity to reserve accommodations and related facilities located at their Home Resort and other Network Resorts, if any, that are affiliated with the Network from time to time.
Pursuant to the Network Affiliation Agreement for the Club, Club Operator also has contracted with Network Operator for Network Operator to perform certain obligations and duties of Club Operator under each Club Affiliation Agreement, including the operation of the reservation system for the Club.”

Last but not least, Does this give MVW the right to take units from the VSN to place into the DC exchange? does this silence the “MVW can’t take inventory from the VSN and put it into the DCE” crowd? Or is this for interval bulk deposits? It could be a case for funding the DCE considering the DCE is an external exchange. ITS about to get real if that’s the case. If the DCE is not considered an external exchange and is a network exchange like the VSN, how could they keep club members out of converting?

“d. Network Float Period. The Network Float Period begins eight (8) months prior to the Check-in Day for a given Vacation Period and ends sixty (60) days prior to the Check-in Day. It follows the Home Resort Reservation Period for a given Vacation Period and precedes the Network Options Period. During the Network Float Period, all Network Members must compete with other Network Members for reservations on a first-come, first-served basis for a reservation for any available Vacation Period that the Network Member has sufficient StarOptions to reserve. Due to the automatic reservation of Reserved Periods as described in Section 4.2.a(2), the availability of such Vacation Periods may be limited.
Network Members also will compete with Network Operator for reservations during the Network Float Period with respect to Network Operator's rights to make reservations for bulk banking for external exchange and anticipating Network Member demand to access the Starwood Preferred Guest Program as discussed above.”

 

[SueDonJ]

recalcitrant

Now that's an SAT word!! ;-)

Words, I can do but you can keep your filthy math!

 

[DanCali]

I think that Vistana owners who choose to "enroll" (or whatever terminology is used) their eligible ownerships in the DC Exchange Company will get the same documentation as is given to owners of Marriott Weeks, at the least a copy of the "Enrollment Agreement" and "Exchange Procedures" governing documents, either the existing versions as amended to include Vistana-specific requirements/language or versions separate and distinct. (I don't know for a fact if it's mandated by law that MVW provide those in the same way that it's mandated that Weeks purchasers must be provided certain docs, but I suspect it probably is because they only ever distribute informational materials to satisfy legal requirements.) I agree with you that MVW won't ever publish for public consumption a chart showing the DC Points election values of Vistana Weeks or Points, because if it were a legal requirement they would have published such a list for Marriott Weeks.

I'm looking forward to your report following your upcoming sales presentation.

I'm curious how they will match ownership in Vistana with existing MVC ownerships. Will they be using only the Bonvoy numbers on file?

 

[TravelTime]

I am still scratching my head and wondering why people who do not own at Marriott, and especially the ones who do not own DPs, are coming over to the Marriott forum to complain about Ritz Carlton and Marriott? I can see if you are an owner and complaining about Marriott on this forum. But I would not go to the Wyndham forum and complain about them because I do not own there. I would go there if I were considering buying there. More than likely, Vistana owners will not lose anything with the integration. There is a lot of fear right now for Vistana owners and I get that because I am a Vistana owner too. But let’s wait and see. No use freaking out in advance.

 

[TravelTime]

So many other great travel options! VRBO, AIRBNB, Great resort deals constantly being Advertised, or just renting on redweek for less than MF in many cases. Spending tens of thousands of dollars on timeshare points is a real head scratcher!

the devaluation on the hotel side is terrible! While MVW is separate from Marriott hotels, we know the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

For some people, this is true. If spending a lot on timeshares is a head scratcher, why do you own Harborside? Isn’t that the most expensive resort within the VSN? Also it is a hard one to unload even for a dollar. I looked at buying over there but it made no sense even for a dollar.

 

[SueDonJ]

I am still scratching my head and wondering why people who do not own at Marriott, and especially the ones who do not own DPs, are coming over to the Marriott forum to complain about Ritz Carlton and Marriott? I can see if you are an owner and complaining about Marriott on this forum. But I would not go to the Wyndham forum and complain about them because I do not own there. I would go there if I were considering buying there. More than likely, Vistana owners will not lose anything with the integration. There is a lot of fear right now for Vistana owners and I get that because I am a Vistana owner too. But let’s wait and see. No use freaking out in advance.

I don't blame Vistana owners for reading any- and everything under the sun wherever they can find it, this forum included. We mods have actually made a point of letting both groups of Vistana and Marriott people know that there are threads in each of the forums and we encourage everyone to participate for their own and their fellow TUGgers' benefit.

As for the negativity, there has always been and will always be people with a definite preference for one of the brands over the other. It's best to just roll with it because it's never going away. Sometimes I choose to defend my preference for Marriott as fiercely as any Vistana people will defend theirs. Unless it violates TUG Rules, anybody else is free to do the same.

 

[CPNY]

The beach at WSJ and MFC are not good beaches. Not sure why people keep acting like WSJ has a good beach. The beach at WSJ is worse than the one at Ritz Carlton St Thomas. You can drive to the good beaches in WSJ and lug your stuff around. If you really are a beach lover, then you would not stay at WSJ. You would want to stay directly on a great beach and be able to walk out.

You keep taking about the high point value of the Ritz. I already told you that the point value in the summer is about the same as MFC. I do not mind the comparisons but I would appreciate if people would be accurate when making comparisons about something objective like point values.

When we stay at the Ritz St Thomas in June, I am planning to take many sailing excursions directly from the Ritz on their private sailboat and sail around St John. To me, that is the way to go for ocean lovers. I am an ocean lover and prefer sailing over sitting on a beach. I like to be on the ocean or sitting in a beautiful resort looking at the ocean more than sitting in the sun on the beach. I need a lot of shade so even an umbrella does not cut it in the sun on the beach. I like to rent a cabana or at least the chairs that roll over you. Those block the sun well.

I think you should take this discussion over to the Vistana forum. Unless you own DPs with MVC and have stayed at the Ritz Carlton, I am not sure why you would making such strong comments on something you do not understand.

How you do the beach and the ocean is different than others. As I have point out in the post you quoted. If you go back and read it you’ll see what I said about the Ritz. I’ll say it again. “No one is denying the quality of the Ritz being impeccable, that’s a fact we can all agree on”. Clearly you are just being a bit defensive as well.

I think this thread should only be in the vistana forum and both have the same title so I am free to comment on any thread I feel. I am a paid tug member after all. I never understood the whole “you can’t post in a Marriott forum if you don’t own Marriott” it’s very elitist and makes you sounds privileged. But since we are discussing MARRIOTT OWNED RESORTS, I can comment and post regarding what own. Again, it is a high point value when I can get 4 weeks at the WSJ but only end up with 1 at MFC or the Ritz.i am absolutely not bashing Marriott resorts or the quality. Trust me, WSJ isn’t the greatest, I know this. If you go back you’ll see where I said I would just rather be on the island of St John.

 

[Eric B]

I am still scratching my head and wondering why people who do not own at Marriott, and especially the ones who do not own DPs, are coming over to the Marriott forum to complain about Ritz Carlton and Marriott? I can see if you are an owner and complaining about Marriott on this forum. But I would not go to the Wyndham forum and complain about them because I do not own there. I would go there if I were considering buying there. More than likely, Vistana owners will not lose anything with the integration. There is a lot of fear right now for Vistana owners and I get that because I am a Vistana owner too. But let’s wait and see. No use freaking out in advance.

Well, it is the Timeshare Users Group BBS, not the Timeshare Owners Group BBS. I’m not complaining about anything in any case; I believe you’re responding to other postings — but I would welcome postings that provide perspectives from non-owner users in any of the fora about systems I do own in as they can give a sense of potentially valid comparisons between resorts.

Edit to add: I do believe that postings like this one by a non-Wyndham owner about what they believed at the time was a Wyndham timeshare in the Wyndham forum are perfectly acceptable:

Magic Village Views in Orlando

We are staying at Magic Village Views in Orlando. We got it as an exchange through ThirdHome from an owner so I assume this is a timeshare. It is managed by Wyndham and part of their Trademark Collection. I am wondering if it’s a timeshare because if it is, then I will post a review on TUG.

tugbbs.com

 

[Eric B]

One other thought — I hope there isn’t a push to combine the Vistana and Marriott fora. They are distinct enough to support the separation IMHO.

 

[SueDonJ]

How you do the beach and the ocean is different than others. As I have point out in the post you quoted. If you go back and read it you’ll see what I said about the Ritz. I’ll say it again. “No one is denying the quality of the Ritz being impeccable, that’s a fact we can all agree on”. Clearly you are just being a bit defensive as well.

I think this thread should only be in the vistana forum and both have the same title so I am free to comment on any thread I feel. I am a paid tug member after all. I never understood the whole “you can’t post in a Marriott forum if you don’t own Marriott” it’s very elitist and makes you sounds privileged. But since we are discussing MARRIOTT OWNED RESORTS, I can comment and post regarding what own. Again, it is a high point value when I can get 4 weeks at the WSJ but only end up with 1 at MFC or the Ritz.

As the Marriott moderator I just want to make the point clear that what is bolded above has NEVER been a TUG Rule. Some people might think it should be, but it's not. Sure, with respect to the Marriott/Vistana integration there will come a day when separation between the two TUG forums is more clear but that time isn't now. We encourage everyone to join in the fun and help us all get through this state of confusion.

 

[CPNY]

I am still scratching my head and wondering why people who do not own at Marriott, and especially the ones who do not own DPs, are coming over to the Marriott forum to complain about Ritz Carlton and Marriott? I can see if you are an owner and complaining about Marriott on this forum. But I would not go to the Wyndham forum and complain about them because I do not own there. I would go there if I were considering buying there. More than likely, Vistana owners will not lose anything with the integration. There is a lot of fear right now for Vistana owners and I get that because I am a Vistana owner too. But let’s wait and see. No use freaking out in advance.

LOL you should have just tagged me in this post. Im sorry you think I’m complaining about the Ritz because I’m not at all, nor am i complaining about Marriott or the DC here. I’m just talking about the point value THAT MY OWNERSHIPS IN VISTANA WILL GET ME.

I’m just shocked you’re surprised by this statement When these posts have the same title talking about the same exact topic in two different forums. Two forums of let’s face it, the same company, it was an Acquisition remember? I get it that Marriott owners don’t like anyone posting in the Marriott forum if they don’t own the specific product Marriott sold so Maybe you should change the title of this thread and add in NO NON MARRIOTT OWNERS ALLOWED

 

[SueDonJ]

One other thought — I hope there isn’t a push to combine the Vistana and Marriott fora. They are distinct enough to support the separation IMHO.

We're thinking alike, typing at the same time. The possibility of combining the two TUG forums hasn't ever been entertained.

And, we're going to please stop now with the comments about who should be posting where and what should be posted. As always, if you think something is in violation of TUG Rules then hit the "Report" button and the mods/Admin will review. Thanks!

 

[DanCali]

The beach at WSJ and MFC are not good beaches. Not sure why people keep acting like WSJ has a good beach. The beach at WSJ is worse than the one at Ritz Carlton St Thomas. You can drive to the good beaches in WSJ and lug your stuff around. If you really are a beach lover, then you would not stay at WSJ. You would want to stay directly on a great beach and be able to walk out.

You keep taking about the high point value of the Ritz. I already told you that the point value in the summer is about the same as MFC. I do not mind the comparisons but I would appreciate if people would be accurate when making comparisons about something objective like point values.

When we stay at the Ritz St Thomas in June, I am planning to take many sailing excursions directly from the Ritz on their private sailboat and sail around St John. To me, that is the way to go for ocean lovers. I am an ocean lover and prefer sailing over sitting on a beach. I like to be on the ocean or sitting in a beautiful resort looking at the ocean more than sitting in the sun on the beach. I need a lot of shade so even an umbrella does not cut it in the sun on the beach. I like to rent a cabana or at least the chairs that roll over you. Those block the sun well.

I think you should take this discussion over to the Vistana forum. Unless you own DPs with MVC and have stayed at the Ritz Carlton, I am not sure why you would making such strong comments on something you do not understand.

Picture of the beach at the WSJ resort is below so people can make up their own mind... I think it's a very nice beach but, that said, St. John has such amazing beaches that it's more fun for us to get in the Jeep with our stuff and drive for 20-45 minutes to a different beach each day. WSJ is a great resort IMO - we don't own there (MFs too high for my taste) but exchanged and rented multiple times, and for me it's literally the crown jewel in the Vistana portfolio.

We haven't been at the Ritz on ST but stayed at MFC multiple times for 1-2 night stays on the way back from St. John. The views there are amazing, and it's a great resort too (although always felt crowded). But to us St. John is greatly preferred as a destination over St. Thomas so issue is resolved there.

 

[Eric B]

Words, I can do but you can keep your filthy math!

We're thinking alike, typing at the same time. The possibility of combining the two TUG forums hasn't ever been entertained.

Dang! I was hoping others would pick up the pluralization as “fora”. Guess that’s kind of like math….

 

[CPNY]

For some people, this is true. If spending a lot on timeshares is a head scratcher, why do you own Harborside? Isn’t that the most expensive resort within the VSN? Also it is a hard one to unload even for a dollar. I looked at buying over there but it made no sense even for a dollar.

I don’t!

“Resorts owned” as in I no longer own it. I was successful in giving it away. I guess there is that age old TUG mantra, buy where you want to go that had me own it. When it was purchased, it wasn’t what it was today, the MF were extremely low. Once the fees skyrocketed and I learned about TS ownership here, I’d probably still own it not knowing any better. I go to the HRA every year so if for some reason getting in is impossible via the VSN then yes I can choose to own again or just rent a unit for the cost of MF or below. It made sense to own there at one time, but that has proven to not be the case any longer.

 

[Steve Fatula]

I guess there is that age old TUG mantra, buy where you want to go that had me own it.

I guess timeshare salesmen should love me then. Since I want to go everywhere....

So, is WSJ the crown jewel of Vistana? If so, would probably add it to my list of places to go one day. If not, what is the crown jewel?

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I blame the developers. These integration changes are causing considerable anxiety because the developers (I am looking at you MVC and HGV) are not sharing all details of their new programs transparently.

The choice to participate is not one size fits all. Participating and how you use will boil down to looking at your current portfolio economics - have you already invested in elite? multiple properties? DP? and comparing the buy-in cost relative to your other options which include do nothing and use what you own, trade in II/RCI or double down with another resale. Every portfolio and owner will be different i.e. did you buy resale? your travel location preferences, do you need more points? For some who are already heavily invested, it makes sense to continue. For others who may just own one property, are not elite and don't trade it may not.

All the systems (MVC, Vistana, Hyatt, HGV) offer great resorts so arguing about it is moot. It is a question of what fits your travel preference, existing portfolio of TS investments and budget.

 

[vacationtime1]

I guess timeshare salesmen should love me then. Since I want to go everywhere....

So, is WSJ the crown jewel of Vistana? If so, would probably add it to my list of places to go one day. If not, what is the crown jewel?

I think picking Vistana's "crown jewel" is an east coast / west coast thing.

I lot of east coast people love WSJ. I'm not into 10-12 hours of travel to get to a beach.

I think Westin's Maui resorts (specifically the OF units) are the "crown jewel" on the west coast.

Because you are in Oklahoma, you need to visit both and compare.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

What is considered the "Crown Jewel" in MVC? Ritz? MOC? Oahu? FWIW Westin Princeville is not bad either.

@TravelTime I will be interested in your observations of St. Thomas (outside of the Ritz compound) when you visit. We visited St John in the 1990's (we rented a home). St. John is one of our favorite places on earth. The warm clear water, the beaches. We haven't returned because of the time and cost of getting there from the west coast.

In comparison, we found St Thomas and St Croix suffered from high crime and poverty at the time. We decided we didn't want to return to those islands. Perhaps it has changed since we visited?

 

[dioxide45]

I blame the developers. These integration changes are causing considerable anxiety because the developers (I am looking at you MVC and HGV) are not sharing all details of their new programs transparently.

The choice to participate is not one size fits all. Participating and how you use will boil down to looking at your current portfolio economics - have you already invested in elite? multiple properties? DP? and comparing the buy-in cost relative to your other options which include do nothing and use what you own, trade in II/RCI or double down with another resale. Every portfolio and owner will be different i.e. did you by resale? your travel location preferences. For some who are already heavily invested, it makes sense to continue. For others who may just own one property, are not elite and don't trade it may not.

All the systems (MVC, Vistana, Hyatt, HGV) offer great resorts so arguing about it is moot. It is a question of what fits your travel preference, existing portfolio of TS investments and budget.

For developers it is about making it a one size fits all. It never matters about your personal circumstances, the product is always right for you. By putting details out there, it will show that the product really isn't good for most people.