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

[VacationForever]

We were at OceanWatch at the end of June and the sales guy had the printed VCP point sheets for individual Vistana resorts. He expected the point sheets would be posted soon and properties could be reserved for 2023. Well, nothing yet. Does anyone have a feel for whether the properties being added upgrade the portfolio. I looked up the Myrtle Beach property and concluded this would certainly not be any competition for the steller OceanWatch.

Any insight??

Some better and some worse. Westin Kierland is heads and shoulders above Canyon Villas. Ocean Watch is far superior to Sheraton Broadway Plantation. Some are almost similar and can go one way or the other - Desert Springs, Shadow Ridge vs. Westin Mission Hills and Desert Willow.

 

[jabberwocky]

We were at OceanWatch at the end of June and the sales guy had the printed VCP point sheets for individual Vistana resorts. He expected the point sheets would be posted soon and properties could be reserved for 2023. Well, nothing yet. Does anyone have a feel for whether the properties being added upgrade the portfolio. I looked up the Myrtle Beach property and concluded this would certainly not be any competition for the steller OceanWatch.

Any insight??

I’d say that the Mexico resorts that Vistana has are infinitely better than anything currently in the MVC Mexico portfolio.

 

[Dean]

I’d say that the Mexico resorts that Vistana has are infinitely better than anything currently in the MVC Mexico portfolio.

IMO that's a low bar in more ways than one.

 

[dioxide45]

I’d say that the Mexico resorts that Vistana has are infinitely better than anything currently in the MVC Mexico portfolio.

For sure, since MVC is just sitting on an empty plot of land in Cancun (unless they sold it already).

 

[Bodie]

Why do I think MVC is going to hold something tantalizingly out of reach than could be “ours” for only……

 

[californiagirl]

I’d say that the Mexico resorts that Vistana has are infinitely better than anything currently in the MVC Mexico portfolio.

I’m not aware of any MVC resorts in Mexico. Are you speaking of Marriott hotels and resorts instead?

 

[jmhpsu93]

I’d say that the Mexico resorts that Vistana has are infinitely better than anything currently in the MVC Mexico portfolio.

I'd say it's more of an undefined number better.

 

[aklausing]

No separate category. Yes they hand out a booklet that has point charts for all the Westin properties plus Harborside. I asked if there was one for Sheraton and they told me they don't have one but I heard from another purchaser that they received one.

Do you happen to have a point chart for the Westin Cape Coral Resort?

 

[kozykritter]

Do you happen to have a point chart for the Westin Cape Coral Resort?

Only have charts for Westin timeshare properties within Vistana so unfortunately can't help you with that.

 

[dioxide45]

Do you happen to have a point chart for the Westin Cape Coral Resort?

This really isn't a Vistana timeshare property. From what I understand there is a timeshare property colocated with the Westin hotel, but the timeshare technically isn't a Westin nor Vistana resort. It is similar to the Buganvilias resort in Puerto Vallarta. It is located with the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort, but it isn't Vistana.

 

[californiagirl]

This really isn't a Vistana timeshare property. From what I understand there is a timeshare property colocated with the Westin hotel, but the timeshare technically isn't a Westin nor Vistana resort. It is similar to the Buganvilias resort in Puerto Vallarta. It is located with the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort, but it isn't Vistana.

That too bad this resort isn’t part of Vistana. It’s a beautiful property. We stayed there in 2016 in a 3 bedroom unit that we booked through II getaways. The only downside is the resort is not on a beach. It is on the bay. However it’s a short drive to Sanibel and Captiva islands.

 

[californiagirl]

 

[Luvtoride]

Since you are interested in Cancun, maybe ask how many points would be required for the Westin Lagunamar, March 25-April 2 next year. I'd be curious to see how things compare to the Vistana SO equivalent cost.

I asked and they looked it up for me. 5,500 MVC points for those 8 nights in a 2 bedroom. Not sure how that compares to Vistana.
Good luck.


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[Luvtoride]

Looks like something is indeed coming....

PARDON OUR DUST
Your Owner website will be offline starting 12:30 a.m. Eastern Time on August 1, 2022, for a scheduled system update. We expect the website to be unavailable for approximately 15 hours.
There continues to be many behind-the-scene improvements as we bring together multiple vacation options for you to explore and enjoy. This important update will enhance your vacation planning and online experience.
Thank you for your patience during
this extended outage.
For Weeks Owners, any inventory scheduled to be released on August 1st will be moved to 9:00 a.m. on August 2nd. later.

I just came from a presentation at Aruba Ocean club. They confirmed the 8/1/22 date for Vistana and Sheraton properties to be added to the MVC site for booking directly with points. They had the points calendar/ calculator live on their screen and they gave me examples of points needed for Westin Lagunamar (see my separate response to Jabberwocky above).
The Hyatt properties will be at a later date (not given), but they showed us the Hyatt properties that will be included. Nothing too exciting as they overlap with many locations that MVC already has a strong presence ie. Orlando and Hawaii. We know someone who stayed at the Bonita Springs, FL Hyatt a few months ago and they said it was very nice.

Price of points going up in Aug too from the $16.08 retail price now due to the new systems coming in.

I need to check the ROFR spreadsheet for Aruba Ocean Club as they quoted us a high (Platinum) 2 bedroom here for $49,600 which comes to $11.21 point. I’ve seen these advertised on Red Week (and probably TUG, but I will check for sure) for around $17,000-$20,000 range.
When I told the sales manager I would more likely buy resale, he said it was like buying a Ferrari without wheels…no bells and whistles for enrollment. I reminded him I’m already at Chairman’s level and have all the Bells and Whistle of MVC ownership and would only use the Aruba week to vacation at during high demand seasons.
They were very respectful of our ownership and time and didn’t draw it out thankfully, other than reminding me that MVC has ROFR.


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[GregT]

I just came from a presentation at Aruba Ocean club. They confirmed the 8/1/22 date for Vistana and Sheraton properties to be added to the MVC site for booking directly with points. They had the points calendar/ calculator live on their screen and they gave me examples of points needed for Westin Lagunamar (see my separate response to Jabberwocky above).
The Hyatt properties will be at a later date (not given), but they showed us the Hyatt properties that will be included. Nothing too exciting as they overlap with many locations that MVC already has a strong presence ie. Orlando and Hawaii. We know someone who stayed at the Bonita Springs, FL Hyatt a few months ago and they said it was very nice.

Price of points going up in Aug too from the $16.08 retail price now due to the new systems coming in.

I need to check the ROFR spreadsheet for Aruba Ocean Club as they quoted us a high (Platinum) 2 bedroom here for $49,600 which comes to $11.21 point. I’ve seen these advertised on Red Week (and probably TUG, but I will check for sure) for around $17,000-$20,000 range.
When I told the sales manager I would more likely buy resale, he said it was like buying a Ferrari without wheels…no bells and whistles for enrollment. I reminded him I’m already at Chairman’s level and have all the Bells and Whistle of MVC ownership and would only use the Aruba week to vacation at during high demand seasons.
They were very respectful of our ownership and time and didn’t draw it out thankfully, other than reminding me that MVC has ROFR.


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That's interesting -- I was under the impression that the Hyatt properties would not be included (and still don't expect them to be....) I will be curious to see what happens on August 1st (if anything).

Best,

Greg

 

[jabberwocky]

I'd say it's more of an undefined number better.

I guess I should have said approaches infinity in the limit!

 

[jmhpsu93]

I asked and they looked it up for me. 5,500 MVC points for those 8 nights in a 2 bedroom. Not sure how that compares to Vistana.
Good luck.
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Bat $#$t crazy. About $3300 in MFs vs. $2300 if you're using Staroptions (using a 2 BR LO mandatory phase at SVV - you can get the SOs even cheaper), for example. It's even worse in the slower seasons from what I saw.

It'll be cheaper to trade into there even accounting for the fact I've never seen a 2 BR available there and I'd need two trades (1 BR and studio).

 

[jabberwocky]

I asked and they looked it up for me. 5,500 MVC points for those 8 nights in a 2 bedroom. Not sure how that compares to Vistana.
Good luck.


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Thanks - I'm trying to reconcile this with the chart posted by @kozykritter in post 615 . For the 8 days it looks like it would be 5900 (full week) + 1075 (Saturday night) = 6975. Did they perhaps look at a different set of dates - or is there a discount method I don't know about.

On the Vistana side I was able to book an Oceanside 2BR for 177,725 SO. With a 28.8:1 conversion ratio for Westin Flex, this would work out to around 6170 DP, or around 12% cheaper.

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks - I'm trying to reconcile this with the chart posted by @kozykritter in post 615 . For the 8 days it looks like it would be 5900 (full week) + 1075 (Saturday night) = 6975. Did they perhaps look at a different set of dates - or is there a discount method I don't know about.

On the Vistana side I was able to book an Oceanside 2BR for 177,725 SO. With a 28.8:1 conversion ratio for Westin Flex, this would work out to around 6170 DP, or around 12% cheaper.

You could look at say a Tuesday to Wednesday reservation to get the eight nights and only have the one set of expensive Fri and Sat nights in there. When you do a Sat to Sun 8 night stay, you have that extra expensive Sat point night instead of a cheaper mid week.

 

[jabberwocky]

You could look at say a Tuesday to Wednesday reservation to get the eight nights and only have the one set of expensive Sat and Sun nights in there. When you do a Sat to Sun 8 night stay, you have that extra expensive Sat point night instead of a cheaper mid week.

Alas, I have the kids as my big constraint. Their spring break starts March 25 and they have to be back in school on April 3rd. I thought about only doing seven days, but the airfare is the same, so I added the more expensive Saturday night as I've had a few extra points kicking around because of all the covid banking.

If you do have the flexibility, I would definitely set it up to start midweek and avoid the more expensive days (I usually do this in Maui).

 

[dioxide45]

Alas, I have the kids as my big constraint. Their spring break starts March 25 and they have to be back in school on April 2nd. I thought about only doing seven days, but the airfare is the same, so I added the more expensive Saturday night as I've had a few extra points kicking around because of all the covid banking.

If you do have the flexibility, I would definitely set it up to start midweek and avoid the more expensive days (I usually do this in Maui).

I did looked at the chart you referenced from @kozykritter and I can't see a week in March or April that would cost 5500 let along 8 nights. THe only exception would be after april 14th where a 2BR for eight nights would run 5,700 if you only include one Fri and one Sat night.

 

[kozykritter]

Thanks - I'm trying to reconcile this with the chart posted by @kozykritter in post 615 . For the 8 days it looks like it would be 5900 (full week) + 1075 (Saturday night) = 6975. Did they perhaps look at a different set of dates - or is there a discount method I don't know about.

On the Vistana side I was able to book an Oceanside 2BR for 177,725 SO. With a 28.8:1 conversion ratio for Westin Flex, this would work out to around 6170 DP, or around 12% cheaper.

I suppose there is the remote possibility that they changed the points chart since first published and downgraded the amount of points needed. Could happen...seems unlikely

 

[ndang3]

That's interesting -- I was under the impression that the Hyatt properties would not be included (and still don't expect them to be....) I will be curious to see what happens on August 1st (if anything).

Best,

Greg

There is a licensing issue with Hyatt hotels preventing them from including Hyatt timeshares into the abound program. Until that contract expires don’t expect to see the Hyatt inventory included.

 

[kyaustin]

There is a licensing issue with Hyatt hotels preventing them from including Hyatt timeshares into the abound program. Until that contract expires don’t expect to see the Hyatt inventory included.

What sort of licensing issue, if you know?

 

[VacationForever]

What sort of licensing issue, if you know?

When Hyatt sold/spun off Hyatt timeshare, there was a 50-year licensing where Hyatt timeshare will continue to use the Hyatt name and pay to Hyatt, the hotel company, license fees to continue to use the name. This arrangement cannot be terminated unless Marriott Vacation Worldwide wants to go into negotiation and likely would cost MVW hundreds of millions of dollars to do so.