What would be a realistic SFX exchange request for a studio Hyatt Colorado ski week?

[funtime]

SFX has some particular strengths such as the Grand Mayan and other Mayan properties in Mexico and a fairly strong presence on West coast and Hawaii. They rarely if ever get Marriott weeks and have little on the East coast of US. So, if your request fits their parameters they are great. And if your week is a strong trader you are great. I would venture if you deposit your Hyatt week it will be one of the only ones in their inventory. Funtime

 

[heathpack]

Thanks everybody for the suggestions. We have decided as one option to list this week as a rental and see what happens. However, looking at cost for rentals in locales/resorts we'd like to visit, I am not at all convinced that we could rent out our Hyatt week and turn around and rent something elsewhere plus have cash left over for our MF. It seems to me like I have to rent my week for way less than Hyatt.com would, or else why would the renter not rent a week directly from Hyatt? That way the reservation could be cancelled, would not require prepayment and one could earn Gold Passport points (or whatever Hyatt rewards program is called).

And then looking on redweek most things we'd want to rent seem to be listed for $1000-$2000/week.

When I factor in my original purchase price for my Hyatt unit and my on-going MF, I figure my Hyatt points cost me about $1 each per year. I can exchange for a studio in II for 430 points plus $160 exchange fee, or about $600. A 1BR "costs" me 870 points + $160 or around $1000.

If I trade with SFX, I would give them my 750 point week, plus $160 exchange fee plus my $300 membership, so my "cost" for a week would be around $1200. If I can uptrade to a 1BR (free for platinum members), my assessment is than an SFX trade is a worthwhile consideration.

So it seems to me that unless I can rent a studio for less than $600 or a 1BR for less than $1000-$1200, we are better off exchanging. The only real advantages to renting are: 1. possible guaranteed view/unit, 2. no sitting around waiting to see if an exchange comes through, and 3. the ability to use the cash for something else besides accomodation if we choose.

So our conclusion is that we should also continue exploring exchange options for this week. What do we have right and what are we getting wrong in all this?

H

 

[rickandcindy23]

You lost me! I am not a left-brained thinker; I am a right-brained thinker.

II will be good for you, since you already have a membership.

SFX is an option, considering you are giving up a studio with realistic MF's to give it a try. For a Gold membership, you don't have to pay a membership fee.

Although my experience with SFX is generally a lack of communication and long waits, they have come through twice in three years so far. Rick thinks I am nuts to try SFX again, but since we have two years left, I will. I want something in NYC and know they are my only chance for such an exchange, but I will give up a 1 bedroom Myrtle Beach SBP and see how they do for me.

 

[camachinist]

I looked twice but still don't see confirmation of which Hyatt resort we're talking about. Is it indeed Mountain Lodge or is it Main Street? Big difference in pricing/value parameters.
At Main Street, the cheapest of the two, there are no studios available for week 7 and, as noted, week six is available:


Room Type: Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Studio
Room Details
329.00 329.00 329.00 329.00 329.00 329.00 329.00
Total Price Per Room: 2303.00 USD 1

Book

Two Bedroom
Room Details
499.00 499.00 499.00 499.00 499.00 499.00 499.00
Total Price Per Room: 3493.00 USD 1

Week 7 does have a two-bedroom available for 629.00 per night, so, extrapolating, a studio would have a rental rate of 414.00 per night, similar to the 419.00/night I actually saw before availability disappeared.

Since there is no availability through Hyatt, this supports valuing the interval at or near the same price as Hyatt formally asked (and received) for the property. I'd have no problem asking 400.00/nt for that interval.

As support for this methodology, I routinely ask as much for summer weeks at NCV as Marriott does (when available) simply because they become unavailable through the hotel reservation portal. It's simple business supply and demand.

My strategy, assuming, like Marriott, Hyatt 'allows' owners to rent their personal ownerships (I'd do it anyway, ef them), would be to make request first exchange requests through SFX and, simultaneously, rent the week on Redweek. Also, follow your resorts results on eBay's rental portal and, as appropriate, consider that alternative. Maximize your flexibility *and* value. No one cares as much about your value as you do.

You already have a SFX membership so get that exchange request (or requests) in *now*. Push them, on the phone. Use the numbers you know to make your case. Don't be deterred. Push back. If you don't like their perspective, accept it and move on to other alternatives. The key is not to let anyone deter you from getting what you want. I get the sense that you're minimizing your ownerships. That's patently *wrong*. You have a great week at a wonderful resort in a desirable location. *Maximize* it!. Good luck!

 

[heathpack]

I looked twice but still don't see confirmation of which Hyatt resort we're talking about. Is it indeed Mountain Lodge or is it Main Street?

See post #5. It is Main Street Station in Breckenridge.

Although I hear what you are saying on maximizing the value of our timeshare, our logistical problem is we are getting a little too much out of it this year. Not counting this Hyatt ski week, we already have 38 nights of timeshare stays booked between now and when we get our new set of Hyatt points next June. Maybe we are coming across as very mellow about all this just because we can't squeeze in any more travel this year. We are also heading to France for 2 weeks next Aug, so really that pushes timeshare travel in to the Jan-Apr 2012 time frame.

If we can't travel until Jan-Apr 2012, I can't realistically do the request-first option with SFX now and be very forceful. For the most part, they will not have any of that inventory deposited until next winter/spring, right?

H

 

[rickandcindy23]

I agree with the previous poster that it is just a coincidence. You have been complaining about them for a long time.

Sharing my experiences is not complaining. You have had nothing but great experiences, while mine has been so-so. At least this exchange I received is a 2 bedroom for my 2 bedroom. I am thrilled to get the exchange. So I am applauding SFX for doing right by me. Two more years to go, and hopefully I will continue to have some success. We will see. I have never gotten a size upgrade and don't think SFX is really as special as others believe. $159 for exchange fee is high, too. $20 higher than II, and that is for Platinum!

The people who are most happy with SFX have some things in common, which I have noticed: 1) they have been members a long time and seem to have a relationship with a certain person, 2) they get upgrades in size with their platinum memberships, 3) they seem to use SFX exclusively, 4) and they love to tell us of their successes.

The rest of us who are less successful are just jealous.

If you want Four Seasons Aviara, you should indeed request Newport Coast Villas along with it. It's a beautiful resort and all units are 2 bedrooms. I love the location of NCV to Anaheim.

 

[heathpack]

I am thrilled to get the exchange.

Out of curiosity Cindy, what did you get and what did you deposit?

 

[rickandcindy23]

Two bedroom Gold Crown summer in Hawaii--Kona Hawaiian Village
Got a 2 bedroom Gold Crown for January 2011 at Point at Poipu. I am very happy with that exchange. It's a good even exchange.

 

[camachinist]

If we can't travel until Jan-Apr 2012, I can't realistically do the request-first option with SFX now and be very forceful. For the most part, they will not have any of that inventory deposited until next winter/spring, right?

I'd put in the requests anyway, as you're now at 18 months for some dates, and adjust as time goes by. Simultaneously, list your 2011 week on Redweek and attempt to maximize rent. You'll have 2012 Hyatt points to reserve in 2011 and can adjust your SFX request as appropriate, using those points, as applicable.

Realistically, as your current week is in 2011 and your desired week is in 2012, if I'm reading right, a rent swap is what I'd pursue. Start with a high price, near what Hyatt charges, and then watch things and, if no joy, gauge the responses from SFX as your occupancy date approaches. Remember, generally, you lose 'power' the closer in your occupancy date is, as it gives them less time to find an appropriate exchange, since you'd be using request-first.

My apologies for not seeing your clarification. Still a lovely resort. Don't short-change yourself. I'm sure some skiers will thank you

 

[heathpack]

I'd put in the requests anyway, as you're now at 18 months for some dates, and adjust as time goes by. Simultaneously, list your 2011 week on Redweek and attempt to maximize rent. You'll have 2012 Hyatt points to reserve in 2011 and can adjust your SFX request as appropriate, using those points, as applicable.

Realistically, as your current week is in 2011 and your desired week is in 2012, if I'm reading right, a rent swap is what I'd pursue. Start with a high price, near what Hyatt charges, and then watch things and, if no joy, gauge the responses from SFX as your occupancy date approaches. Remember, generally, you lose 'power' the closer in your occupancy date is, as it gives them less time to find an appropriate exchange, since you'd be using request-first.

My apologies for not seeing your clarification. Still a lovely resort. Don't short-change yourself. I'm sure some skiers will thank you

One more question: if I am interested in Maui or Kauai Marriotts or Westins, who would have better inventory for this, SFX or II?

We have listed the rental. Could not get SFX on the phone to make a request and there is some sort of glitch in their online exchange request system. They have not returned my calls.

If we can't get what we want from either SFX or a renter, we can always cancel the reservation, get our points back and either deposit them with II or use them for a weekend Hyatt trip.

Thanks,
H

 

[camachinist]

IMO, your best bet for Marriott or Starwood is II. That said, the Hyatt experts would be a better source of a specific strategy than I could possibly be. I'm assuming your booked week is your currency. I think, in II, if you deposited it, you'd have an excellent opportunity to obtain a 1BR Marriott or Westin in shoulder season in Hawaii. Do you currently have an account with II? If yes, how far is it paid out?

I've been seeing the Cliff's Club (Princeville, Kauai) and KBC (Kauai Beach Club) a lot with my NCV summer week on II and this is consistent with past years. I've only seen studios at Ko Olina (Oahu) and MOC (Maui Ocean Club). Westin, for me, online, has been a rare sighting in general, and I've never gotten a request into Hawaii for one when I've tried through II. That's just my experience however. YMMV

 

[heathpack]

IMO, your best bet for Marriott or Starwood is II. That said, the Hyatt experts would be a better source of a specific strategy than I could possibly be. I'm assuming your booked week is your currency. I think, in II, if you deposited it, you'd have an excellent opportunity to obtain a 1BR Marriott or Westin in shoulder season in Hawaii. Do you currently have an account with II? If yes, how far is it paid out?

I've been seeing the Cliff's Club (Princeville, Kauai) and KBC (Kauai Beach Club) a lot with my NCV summer week on II and this is consistent with past years. I've only seen studios at Ko Olina (Oahu) and MOC (Maui Ocean Club). Westin, for me, online, has been a rare sighting in general, and I've never gotten a request into Hawaii for one when I've tried through II. That's just my experience however. YMMV

We get an II membership as part of our HVC dues. If I deposit with II, however, I do not deposit that specific week. I would cancel the reservation, get my points back into my HVC account and then deposit those points with II.

If we are going to wind up in a studio, it would only take us 430 points to get this through II. Turning our Hyatt Main St Station back in to Hyatt would net us 750 pts.

I will check out the non-Marriott/Starwood Hawaii TUG reviews and see if anything appeals.

H

 

[bdh]

I would cancel the reservation, get my points back into my HVC account and then deposit those points with II.

If we are going to wind up in a studio, it would only take us 430 points to get this through II. Turning our Hyatt Main St Station back in to Hyatt would net us 750 pts.

If you cancel the Main St Station reservation with Hyatt, wouldn't your points become LCUP points (which can only be used within HVC) - might want to verify that with them.

 

[heathpack]

If you cancel the Main St Station reservation with Hyatt, wouldn't your points become LCUP points (which can only be used within HVC) - might want to verify that with them.

I will check with HVC, but I don't think so. Last year we saw a Marriott Ko'Olina as an instant exchange with II. We cancelled a Hyatt Highlands Inn 3-night stay in order to book that and there was no problem with the points going into II.

H

 

[heathpack]

I will check with HVC, but I don't think so. Last year we saw a Marriott Ko'Olina as an instant exchange with II. We cancelled a Hyatt Highlands Inn 3-night stay in order to book that and there was no problem with the points going into II.

H

Called Hyatt. Points were in CUP when reservation was made and would still have been in CUP now if no reservation had been made, therefore points would go back in to CUP if reservation were to be cancelled in the next few months. Cindy, did you follow all that?!

The bottom line is they would be depositable into II.

H

 

[funtime]

In my estimation you will do far better in II than SFX which rarely gets Marriott weeks. Funtime
By the way, threads go back years and years on SFX including their assertion that they were "working on a website." That one is years old. How hard is that really? HTSE, Platinum Inerchange and DAE all post their inventory on a website.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I think you would agree that it's a lot better for SFX for people not to be able to search online. They can cater better to their oldest and best customers. I think they have preferred customers.

 

[John Cummings]

I think you would agree that it's a lot better for SFX for people not to be able to search online. They can cater better to their oldest and best customers. I think they have preferred customers.

That is absolutely false. Their business model does not lend itself to doing an on-line search due to how they pro-actively acquire weeks. That has been explained many times but you can't accept that and continue with your conspiracy theories.

You would help yourself a lot if you would get to know and deal directly with some of their agents who are very good. My favorites are Elena and Scarlet. They will gladly assist you.

 

[heathpack]

Am finding SFX user-unfriendly

Am having trouble getting much done with SFX. With what I do for a living, its really hard for me to call or receive calls during the work week. Frequently (50% of the time?), even when I can make time to call SFX, a machine comes on and says to call during business hours PST (which I am already doing). Machine takes a message and sometimes someone calls me back that day- but usually I am unavailable.

One day, I did manage to get through to a human and spoke with an associate who strongly urged me to get requests in for Hawaiian properties now. OK, but I need to check 1 or 2 things with DH and call back.

Call back 30 minutes later (mid day on a weekday). Get the familiar SFX machine telling me to call during business hours. Leave a message. No call back. Call again around 4pm. Machine friend comes on the line and I leave another message.

So I try to set up my request on line. Went through the whole process and then got an error message that I could not make a request past June 2011.

Called SFX and left them another message that there was a problem with the dates I was being allowed to request on-line.

Someone from SFX called me back 4 days later ("to assist me with logging in to my account"), but I was not home when they called.

Emailed SFX and got problem corrected and now I have ability to request through Jan 10, 2012. In the email I sent SFX, I gave them my desired location, properties and timeframe and they said they'd set the request up for me but could only do so through Jan 10, 2012- I'll have to come back and extend dates as my 18-month request window opens. Ok, that's fine.

Today I look on line and nothing set up. Ok, no big deal. I'll set it up. Go through whole process of entering dates for multiple locales and get an error message that I can only request travel that will be COMPLETED by Jan 10, 2012. I include in the comment line the specific resorts I am interested in.

Ok, so re-enter everything and then I get a message that if SFX gets an EXACT match of locale, resort quality, and time but I don't accept the exchange, I will still be charged the exchange fee. Which I totally understand, except for resort quality part. Some of the resorts that they suggested I request are in my opinion of lesser quality than the resort I am offering.

So in the end, I just deleted this exchange request. And after all that I've still accomplished nothing.

So the point of my post is two-fold:
1. Does anybody know how it is handled if I request specific resorts in the comments section of my on-line request and SFX matches us into another resort on the same island that we did not request. Am I forced to pay the full exchange fee if I do not accept the exchange?
2. To share this experience and see if anyone has suggestions as to how I might be better able to work with SFX, keeping in mind that calling during the work week will frequently not work for me. Truthfully, my current vibe is that my schedule is incompatible with SFX's and I probably won't realistically be able to work with this particular company.

H

 

[pranas]

Although my experience with SFX is generally a lack of communication and long waits, they have come through twice in three years so far. Rick thinks I am nuts to try SFX again, but since we have two years left, I will. I want something in NYC and know they are my only chance for such an exchange, but I will give up a 1 bedroom Myrtle Beach SBP and see how they do for me.

Give up a 1 bedroom Myrtle Beach for NYC! Not exactly an easy trade unless it is last minute.

 

[camachinist]

So the point of my post is two-fold:
1. Does anybody know how it is handled if I request specific resorts in the comments section of my on-line request and SFX matches us into another resort on the same island that we did not request. Am I forced to pay the full exchange fee if I do not accept the exchange?
2. To share this experience and see if anyone has suggestions as to how I might be better able to work with SFX, keeping in mind that calling during the work week will frequently not work for me. Truthfully, my current vibe is that my schedule is incompatible with SFX's and I probably won't realistically be able to work with this particular company.

Post your inquiries/comments here and have a company official assist you.

It does help

 

[rickandcindy23]

I think summer Myrtle Beach for an early April NY studio would probably work just fine. I can deposit a July week easily enough. I will see what they can do for us; otherwise I can take something in So. or N. CA.

I know of one person who did get two weeks in NYC for their SBP lockoff deposit through SFX. I am not a beginner at exchanging.

Give up a 1 bedroom Myrtle Beach for NYC! Not exactly an easy trade unless it is last minute.

 

[brigechols]

So the point of my post is two-fold:
1. Does anybody know how it is handled if I request specific resorts in the comments section of my on-line request and SFX matches us into another resort on the same island that we did not request. Am I forced to pay the full exchange fee if I do not accept the exchange?
2. To share this experience and see if anyone has suggestions as to how I might be better able to work with SFX, keeping in mind that calling during the work week will frequently not work for me. Truthfully, my current vibe is that my schedule is incompatible with SFX's and I probably won't realistically be able to work with this particular company.

H

1. AFAIK, SFX will not automatically match you to a resort if it does not appear in your list of requested resorts.
2. Work with one agent at SFX and establish a mutually agreeable time for the two of you to communicate by phone, if necessary, or email. I believe a previous poster provided you with the names of two agents.

I've had good success with SFX. I purchased a first Marriott in August 2009 and joined II and SFX shortly thereafter. Exchanged a 2 BR Marriott Grande Vista for a 2BR Kona Hawaiian Village for March 2010. Received bonus weeks for the deposit. Used one bonus week to reserve a 1 BR at Polo Towers for July 2010. An Eagle Crest deposit picked up a 1 BR at the Manhattan Club July 2010.

 

[heathpack]

I believe a previous poster provided you with the names of two agents.

As an FYI, I did ask for either of those agents from the previous post or the rep whose card was included in my new member info packet. I was told by the agent who I got on the telephone that all the others I mentioned were unavailable but that he works closely with them and he could help me. Then when I called back got my machine friend for the rest of the day.

The email exchange was with the rep whose card I have. I don't have anyone else's email contact info.

H

 

[heathpack]

1. AFAIK, SFX will not automatically match you to a resort if it does not appear in your list of requested resorts.

According to SFX's disclaimer when you try to set this up on-line, they consider an "exact" match to be one that matches your desired date range, location, and resort quality. Their verbage does not state that an "exact" match is considered one that is limited to the actual resorts that you requested.

Perhaps in practice, however, they only match you to resorts you request. If I can clarify this for sure with SFX, I will post the reply here.

H