To Elect or not to Elect?

[buzglyd]

I’m pondering whether to Elect my 2027 Vistana points into Abound. I’m still trying to learn the Marriott system and would like to try resorts I haven’t been to. I also have 1000 bonus points in the system from tours that expire midway through 2027. So, my 2825 points could be 3825.

I assume I can borrow 2027 points into 2026 if I want it make a reservation?

 

[Hindsite]

Yes you can borrow 2027 into 2026.

 

[travelhacker]

I almost always elect into Abound.

For where I like to stay, it's almost always similar "cost" or cheaper to book via Abound rather than StarOptions (the big exceptions are Maui and the Westin Riverfront). It's worth noting that you can also typically get better units using VSN (i.e. if you book right at 8 months you can get an Ocean View easier)....so that's a factor to be considered.

I'd figure out where you might like to go in 2026 / 2027 and go from there....it's hard to beat trading your week for a 1 bedroom at the Ka'anapali resorts, but if you don't want to go to Maui, I think you could enjoy Abound.

 

[buzglyd]

I’ll likely elect because there are more options. My Vistana options are either Lagunamar or Maui. I own a place in Scottsdale now so don’t need those resorts. Palm Desert is easy to get via AC or Getaways. I never go to Orlando.

 

[dougp26364]

For the last several years, we’ve always elected points.

We like to arrive midweek rather than traditional check in days. We like to tack an extra day on if we have a late night flight home so we’re not homeless after 10:00 am. We like to take 4 night weekends trips once or twice per year. We also like to book the best view available that we can afford.

Basically, we take the flexibility over the quantity we could get exchanging weeks. If we locked our units off, we could get several more nights vacation time than what we get using strictly points.

 

[buzglyd]

I also am interested in the ability to rent points. Seems like a nice way to add points without having an ongoing or additional maintenance fee.

At one point I thought I might pick up a Grand Chateau or something to use as a Marriott trader but then I need a separate II account and have to pay all the fees. I still might do it but I’ll try the rental route for now.

 

[travelhacker]

The best place to rent points is:

Vacation Point Exchange

Maximizing your vacation experience

vacationpointexchange.com

A TUGger runs it. I've successfully rented 5000+ points in to make reservations.

You can only use rented points during the designated use year (they can't be banked or borrowed).

 

[buzglyd]

The best place to rent points is:

Vacation Point Exchange

Maximizing your vacation experience

vacationpointexchange.com

A TUGger runs it. I've successfully rented 5000+ points in to make reservations.

You can only use rented points during the designated use year (they can't be banked or borrowed).

I know Greg. He lives near me in Carlsbad last I remember.

 

[iowaguy09]

Have converted to Abound 3 times now with great success. Used waitlist to build from a couple of days direct reservation to stay at Los Suenos 2 years ago, then did the same for Custom House last year. For this year used VPE to buy enough extra points to get a week at Son Antem in August for the solar eclipse. With the plus that our MF’s are a few cents cheaper per point than they would be if they were bought from MVC.