Greetings!
Marriott owners have had a lot to digest in the past few months. The introduction of the Destination Points program has caused confusion, anger, frustration, and uncertainty. In addition, Marriott has announced selling off the timeshare business, setting off all of these emotions again. With these newsletters I hope to clear up some of the confusion so that you are able to make the best informed decision that you can involving your ownership. Read on for more insight into these recent developments. |
Marriott Sheds Timeshare Business
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In February, Marriott announced that it is spinning off the timeshare business into a standalone organization. The new company will control the management and planning of the timeshare properties, including properties under-construction and unsold. The main reason for this is that Marriott's hotel revenues have been increasing while timeshare sales have continued to lag. The Wall Street Journal reported that Marriott's COO, Arne Sorenson, said Marriott shareholders have lost their appetite for the timeshare business. He also said that "this recession was harder on the timeshare business than last recessions."
Marriott has indicated in a recent email to owners that "you should experience no changes in your ownership from this transaction". I do believe them for now--only time will tell.
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Enrolled Club Points vs. Trust Points
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We recently learned that there are 2 pools of inventory that the new Destination Club points can access. The majority of Marriott owners own deeded weeks which can be "elected" for Club Points in any given year. These points can be used to reserve Marriott Vacation Club stays for any number of days that you choose. These "enrolled" Club points can only access the available inventory of resorts and dates that are made available from owners turning their deeded weeks into Club Points. This is known as the Exchange Inventory.
When you purchase Club points these are considered "Trust" Club points and with these points you can only access the Trust Inventory. This is the inventory comprised of unsold weeks, resale weeks and re-acquired weeks. In other words, this is the inventory that Marriott owns, not the owners.
When searching for available resorts for specific dates, you can only search the inventory in which your points can access. The two types of points can not be combined. Marriott Sales Executives have been selling existing owners a minimum of 1,500 points and some owners have opted to do this with the idea that these 1,500 "trust" points can be combined with their deeded week Club points. Not so.
The following example illustrates how exchanging with points works: You have 2,500 points in the bank that you have elected from your deeded weeks. And you have 1,500 Trust points you have purchased. You want to go to Aruba in February and it requires 3,900 points. If the inventory is only in the Trust you don't have enough points to book it. If the inventory is only in the Exchange Inventory, you don't have sufficient points to book it. ONLY if the inventory is in both pools, can you book it. MVCI will use 2,400 points for the first 4 nights from your "enrolled" points and then 1,500 points from your "Trust" points for the last 3 nights.
I don't believe this is how it has been explained by Marriott Sales Executives. To learn more about this topic, check out Timeshare Talk on our website. |
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I hope you found this newsletter valuable. If you would like assistance with your 2011 or 2012 travel plans using your timeshare, reward points, or Club points or to book a cruise or custom vacation, please contact us to set up a consultation appointment. Pam Keystone  The Art of Vacationing Office: (480) 629-5559 Cell: (480) 363-2875 Fax: (602) 467-3181 [email protected] www.TheArtofVacationing.com "Ownership Simplified"
The Art of Vacationing is not affiliated with or endorsed by Marriott Vacation Club�.
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Sail Away
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Heralded as the most beautiful, elegant and sophisticated ship in the modern era of cruising, Oceania Cruises' Marina debuted in February to wide acclaim. I had the pleasure of previewing the ship and enjoying a delicious lunch on the Marina last month. This is THE ship to experience and I encourage all of you "cruisers" to check it out. We can save you money by booking your cruise for you and using points for your flights and pre- and post- hotel stays.
Oceania introduced 2 new sailings in 2012 in the South Pacific. We have reserved space on the Regatta Ship in January from Tahiti to New Zealand and in March from Australia to Tahiti. Our clients receive free pre-paid gratuities valued from $486- $675. Contact us for details. |
Deadline Dates
to Remember
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June 30
Bank unused 2011 Club points into 2012
September 30
Elect for Club points
for 2012
December 31
Elect for Marriott Rewards Points
December 31
800 Bonus Club
points expire
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Share this Newsletter
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| If you find these newsletters valuable, then think of all the other Marriott owners you know who would also benefit from reading them. Please forward this to your friends and family that own with Marriott so they too can MAXIMIZE THEIR OWNERSHIP.
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