Wyndham VIP status seems to be nonexistent

[1Melanie]

just checked into two resorts in the past week. There used to be a time that VIP from Gold on up could check in at 2:00. That seems to no longer be true. Checked into Legacy golf resort at 2:30, room wasn’t ready until later but were told they would put us into the first available unit. After a long hot drive, all we wanted to do was check in and kick back but there isn’t even a lobby in air conditioning you could wait in. Tried waiting around the pool which was noisy and [crowded]. Finally got a room around 4, only after making a fuss as we watched one customer after another get assigned rooms. Wondered if it was because it’s a Shell facility. They assured me Shell members receive the same treatment as Wyndham owners. just checked into Sedona. Same thing happened. This time we were told there’s no guarantees for early check in, not even for VIP. when asked why the resort site doesn’t say that, no answer could be provided. Other than the discounts you might be able to get these days, VIP is worthless.

 

[kanerf]

I checked in to Old Town Alexandria last Monday as a Gold around 11:30 AM. Room was ready. So this is not always true. Note that I stay at this resort often and almost always check in early. Only on a few occasions have I had to wait for the room to be ready.

 

[CO skier]

This time we were told there’s no guarantees for early check in, not even for VIP. when asked why the resort site doesn’t say that, no answer could be provided.

The answer is, "when available"; there are no guarantees. It is in the Club Wyndham Directory for Gold, Platinum, and Founders.

 

[paxsarah]

This time we were told there’s no guarantees for early check in, not even for VIP.

It’s subject to availability.

 

[Melder]

This summer we were able to check in early at Glacier Canyon. One at 2pm and another at 3:20.

We are Grand Desert resale only owners

 

[dioxide45]

What it comes down to, is the room clean when you get there. Does housekeeping do anything different to prioritize certain rooms over others?

 

[chapjim]

just checked into two resorts in the past week. There used to be a time that VIP from Gold on up could check in at 2:00. That seems to no longer be true. Checked into Legacy golf resort at 2:30, room wasn’t ready until later but were told they would put us into the first available unit. After a long hot drive, all we wanted to do was check in and kick back but there isn’t even a lobby in air conditioning you could wait in. Tried waiting around the pool which was noisy and [crowded]. Finally got a room around 4, only after making a fuss as we watched one customer after another get assigned rooms. Wondered if it was because it’s a Shell facility. They assured me Shell members receive the same treatment as Wyndham owners. just checked into Sedona. Same thing happened. This time we were told there’s no guarantees for early check in, not even for VIP. when asked why the resort site doesn’t say that, no answer could be provided. Other than the discounts you might be able to get these days, VIP is worthless.

Early check-in has always been a bit of a fantasy. Very shortly after early check-in for VIPs was announced, we tried to check in to National Harbor shortly after 2:00 PM and were told, "We don't do that here."

Now, post-Covid, labor seems to be a major problem at resorts and many other establishments.

 

[Eric B]

We checked in at Wyndham Austin as VIPG at 8:30 am a week or so ago and had a room ready. They do what they can when available.

 

[WManning]

just checked into two resorts in the past week. There used to be a time that VIP from Gold on up could check in at 2:00. That seems to no longer be true. Checked into Legacy golf resort at 2:30, room wasn’t ready until later but were told they would put us into the first available unit. After a long hot drive, all we wanted to do was check in and kick back but there isn’t even a lobby in air conditioning you could wait in. Tried waiting around the pool which was noisy and [crowded]. Finally got a room around 4, only after making a fuss as we watched one customer after another get assigned rooms. Wondered if it was because it’s a Shell facility. They assured me Shell members receive the same treatment as Wyndham owners. just checked into Sedona. Same thing happened. This time we were told there’s no guarantees for early check in, not even for VIP. when asked why the resort site doesn’t say that, no answer could be provided. Other than the discounts you might be able to get these days, VIP is worthless.

As a resale owner I checked into Wyndham Nashville at 10 am last Saturday. Sometimes luck is on my side. They also pitch a presentation of only 35 minutes for a $125 Amex card plus 4 bus vouchers. Valued at $15 ea. The presentation was for us to ask questions only. Salesman was very courteous and tried to show us how to cash out our equity. This would of only cost us thousands buying developer points to become VIP owners. We politely declined to pay $250/1000 for any more points since we have more then we need now.

 

[chapjim]

I think the chances of an early check-in would be better if check-in is on a weekday rather than Saturday or Sunday. I have nothing to back that up but it makes sense that there would be fewer units for housekeeping to prepare on say, a Wednesday.

 

[WManning]

I think the chances of an early check-in would be better if check-in is on a weekday rather than Saturday or Sunday. I have nothing to back that up but it makes sense that there would be fewer units for housekeeping to prepare on say, a Wednesday.

Earlier the check in the better your chance. 6am check in puts you in front of line for rooms that are cleaned and available.

 

[rickandcindy23]

We just got our requested upgrade at Branson Meadows from a small 1 bedroom to a larger one bedroom. I am really happy because this is next week, we are staying a few nights to see a show and rest before our 10-11 hour drive back home from there.

 

[HitchHiker71]

I think the chances of an early check-in would be better if check-in is on a weekday rather than Saturday or Sunday. I have nothing to back that up but it makes sense that there would be fewer units for housekeeping to prepare on say, a Wednesday.

This is actually often stated in the check-in SMS messages that we receive, example with bolded emphasis below - this is from Wyndham Shawnee where we will be staying this coming weekend:

Hi, MEMBER NAME HERE! We look forward to your arrival at Club Wyndham Shawnee Village! If you plan on arriving to the resort after 11:00pm, please advise us in advance so we may plan for your arrival after hours as guest services does close at 11:00pm. Also, peak check-in days such as Saturday and Sunday, check-in begins at 4:00pm with a very large amount of units to prepare for incoming guests, however if your arrival time is slightly later (after 6:00pm), it would increase the likelihood of your unit being ready and available for your arrival. Please be aware that we are not a pet friendly property and we only allow ADA certified service animals. Please call ahead so we may update your reservation if needed. We look forward to your arrival and as always, travel safely!

 

[Pink_Warrior]

I had a kerfuffle about a check-in time. I had a two night stay. We were not staying on night one so I called to say that we would be arriving in the morning. I was told that check-in would be at 4pm of that day. And there was just no meeting of the minds from that point forward. We didn't check in and I got my points back.

However, this doesn't seem to be the only time that things like this are happening. I cannot seem to fathom as to why they would give your assigned unit away and make you wait hours for your unit to be ready.

 

[Sandi Bo]

I had a kerfuffle about a check-in time. I had a two night stay. We were not staying on night one so I called to say that we would be arriving in the morning. I was told that check-in would be at 4pm of that day. And there was just no meeting of the minds from that point forward. We didn't check in and I got my points back.

However, this doesn't seem to be the only time that things like this are happening. I cannot seem to fathom as to why they would give your assigned unit away and make you wait hours for your unit to be ready.

Oh no -- that was very wrong (of them). I've showed up a day late and been able to check in when I arrived. I called days in advance and was assured my room would be available. Must be (another one of those) resort specific things.

As a rule... I think you get your room when it's ready (on the day of check-in). I have very little expectations these days of VIP benefits. Except I do think our requests are honored when possible (ocean views, slope side, etc). Maybe I'm kidding myself on that, too. Many places don't have separate checkin lines (I don't care, just saying...)

Ha, you just made me think of how the newspaper was delivered for VIPs only. History. Again, not something I cared about, but my Dad sure did!

 

[Floridaman76]

Early check-in, like pretty much all VIP benefits are, and always have been "if available". With the exception of points discounts at your window, which are mandatory.

My experience is you can have the room as soon as it's available. And if it's not available, it's not available. Not sure what you want them to do.

 

[BaillieCH]

VIP bronze member here. Given our situation, we are always traveling during spring break or in the summer. Only been a timeshare owner for about 3 years at this point so take my experience with a grain of salt. That being said, we have had early check in available to us ever time we go somewhere, be it Bonnet Creek, Emerald Green or Glacier, we always arrive between 2 and 3 and have always got our room early.

 

[BaillieCH]

Sorry, decided to add that that seems to be the ONLY VIP benefit we've ever gotten though.

 

[dioxide45]

Sorry, decided to add that that seems to be the ONLY VIP benefit we've ever gotten though.

But was it specifically because of VIP or just because the room was ready? Most any resort will let you checkin if your room just happens to be clean and ready when you arrive.

 

[BaillieCH]

Just because it was ready I'm sure. I guess my point was more, I don't get early checking at my level and I'm still able to do it during peak travel seasons. Again, still relatively new to this stuff, but not seeing much in the way of any real benefit to the VIP benefits I do have.

 

[Floridaman76]

I have a pretty extensive trip planned for Christmas/New Years this year. I booked all of it at wither the 11 month VIP RARP mark, or 10 month mark. I was able to rebook everything but what I had booked at 11 months and one booking I made with resale ponts for VIP discounts, then rebooked again at exactly midnight at the 30 day mark for smaller suite with vip discount that got instant upgrades.

So after all the dust settles, I will have saved close to 200,000 points. It's hard to justify retail points purchase at the prices they are going for now, but i'd say i'm making the most of what I own. I think our biggest issue is the website.

 

[BaillieCH]

I have a pretty extensive trip planned for Christmas/New Years this year. I booked all of it at wither the 11 month VIP RARP mark, or 10 month mark. I was able to rebook everything but what I had booked at 11 months and one booking I made with resale ponts for VIP discounts, then rebooked again at exactly midnight at the 30 day mark for smaller suite with vip discount that got instant upgrades.

So after all the dust settles, I will have saved close to 200,000 points. It's hard to justify retail points purchase at the prices they are going for now, but i'd say i'm making the most of what I own. I think our biggest issue is the website.

Can't wait until I no longer need 3 bedroom units to be able to do such things