- Joined
- Mar 10, 2007
- Messages
- 6,792
- Reaction score
- 317
- Points
- 518
- Location
- 'burbs of Cincinnati, OH
- Resorts Owned
- Used to own: WKORV-N; SVV - Bella
Inspired by another thread where we opined that we'd like to see the ability to sign up for automatic monthly pre-payments of MFs (1/12 each month), I was thinking about what customizations/enhancements we'd like to see to the SVO program.
Me? First on my list would be:
Select your villa
I'd LOVE if instead of booking a villa blindly, we could actually see the actual villa we are reserving, similar to Ticketmaster that allows you to see a graphic of the stadium so that you can pick the best seat in your price range.
That way, assuming we have options (ha!), we can decide whether we'd prefer 5th floor overlooking the pool or 2nd floor overlooking the harbor (HRA). Or whether we'd prefer to face south (hot and sunny lanai) or west (shady and cooler) at WKV. Or whether we'd go ahead and accept a parking lot view if it's the only villa available during our Kid's spring break (WKORV). Do I want a 5-day reservation with a great OV or an 8-day reservation with a fairly crappy view? (WPORV) Would I prefer an OF studio vs. an OV 1-bdrm? (WLR)
I really do hate the uncertainty that comes with both reserving my home resort and SO reservations. And I actually think that if owners knew up front exactly what they were reserving, there would be far fewer complaints at check-in.
Modifications without losing your original reservation
Another idea: I'd also love a system that operates similar to the rental car websites where you can make modifications to your reservation, but it will not actually cancel v1 until you've compared the Original and Modified Reservations side by side, and clicked which one you want to keep. That way you don't have to freak out about losing out on any villa if you risk adding a day or deleting a day or grabbing that 3-bdrm that just became available!
Upgraded views with more SOs
Finally, I'd love, love a system that allowed exchangers to guarantee an upgraded view with additional SOs. I wouldn't even mind if Starwood allowed the one-time purchase of additional SOs ONLY for the purpose of these upgrades.
Anyway, that's my Wish List. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Me? First on my list would be:
Select your villa
I'd LOVE if instead of booking a villa blindly, we could actually see the actual villa we are reserving, similar to Ticketmaster that allows you to see a graphic of the stadium so that you can pick the best seat in your price range.
That way, assuming we have options (ha!), we can decide whether we'd prefer 5th floor overlooking the pool or 2nd floor overlooking the harbor (HRA). Or whether we'd prefer to face south (hot and sunny lanai) or west (shady and cooler) at WKV. Or whether we'd go ahead and accept a parking lot view if it's the only villa available during our Kid's spring break (WKORV). Do I want a 5-day reservation with a great OV or an 8-day reservation with a fairly crappy view? (WPORV) Would I prefer an OF studio vs. an OV 1-bdrm? (WLR)
I really do hate the uncertainty that comes with both reserving my home resort and SO reservations. And I actually think that if owners knew up front exactly what they were reserving, there would be far fewer complaints at check-in.
Modifications without losing your original reservation
Another idea: I'd also love a system that operates similar to the rental car websites where you can make modifications to your reservation, but it will not actually cancel v1 until you've compared the Original and Modified Reservations side by side, and clicked which one you want to keep. That way you don't have to freak out about losing out on any villa if you risk adding a day or deleting a day or grabbing that 3-bdrm that just became available!
Upgraded views with more SOs
Finally, I'd love, love a system that allowed exchangers to guarantee an upgraded view with additional SOs. I wouldn't even mind if Starwood allowed the one-time purchase of additional SOs ONLY for the purpose of these upgrades.
Anyway, that's my Wish List. I'd love to hear your thoughts.