Maximizing My Week

[gt899 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gt899]

As mentioned on an early post I recently purchased a week in the SoCal desert. We closed last month and the MF's were paid by the selling party so a week was available for the remainder of the season (white). Because of prior commitments we will be unable to use the week this year. My wife spoke with II and Marriott and in their discussion they advised "banking" the week and utilizing it either in '07 or '08. My wife went ahead and did so and also booked our '07 week at our home resort.

Our plan is to exchange the banked week for something in Hawaii. (Hopeful wishing?) I know from reading the many post on this forum I might have a chance if I go in what would be considered the "off" season (fall). We're flexible so this time of year would be okay. We're going to request our exchange in Oct (12 months) and hope for the best. II suggested paying the exchange rate now and get on a waiting list. Is it worth doing so in terms of having a better shot at getting a week in Hawaii or where ever we'd like to get to? Also, if I know I will not be able to use a week what are the best options in utilizing that week? When to bank for best trade possibilities, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Gabe

[camachinist Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close camachinist]

You've already deposited your desert week and seem to know that you want to go to Hawaii in 2007 in the autumn. OK so far?

Where do you want to go in Hawaii?

Do you want to limit your exchanges to Marriott only?

FWIW, there are some October Hawaii Marriotts that will show up in September (and even back into August) because of owners utilizing the 13 month rule for multiple week reservations. IMO, most Hawaii owners use or rent their intervals, so exchanging for one can sometimes be a problem. Your idea of shoulder/off season there is a good one. If that is what you want to do, formulate a request strategy now and get it in.

Pat

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

You have a white week that you want to trade for red time (Hawaii trades red all year). So your Marriott priority may look like your best bet, BUT the Marriotts in Hawaii are among the most requested and there aren't many of them (one on Maui, two on Kauai, and one on Oahu); there will be plenty of Marriott owners ahead of you in terms of trading power. Get your request in now to at least get ahead of other similarly-powered weeks that put in requests later. Yes, you are right, the season you are asking for should help.

If there are other non-Marriott resorts that you would accept, add them to your list, be as inclusive as possible. II will then charge the full exchange fee ($135, I think) up front, but if you are matched to a Marriott in the end you can call and request a refund of the difference since the Marriott exchange fee is only $89 (you might get it, might not).

Due to construction at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club, there may be more deposits there than usual for a while, but you should also consider that in making your request...

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Our plan is to exchange the banked week for something in Hawaii. (Hopeful wishing?) I know from reading the many post on this forum I might have a chance if I go in what would be considered the "off" season (fall). We're flexible so this time of year would be okay. We're going to request our exchange in Oct (12 months) and hope for the best. II suggested paying the exchange rate now and get on a waiting list. Is it worth doing so in terms of having a better shot at getting a week in Hawaii or where ever we'd like to get to? Also, if I know I will not be able to use a week what are the best options in utilizing that week? When to bank for best trade possibilities, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Gabe

If you know when you want to go - request EARLY.
I want to go to Phuket in January 2008 - I put my request in with II in July 2006.
I want to be the EARLIEST gold week request waiting for those first deposits to come in .


As far as depositing your own week, as soon as you reserve it - be prepared to deposit - I say 'prepared' because you first want to find out if II is offering an accomodation certificate "AC" for your week. An AC is a second week of accomodations that you can get from II for a small fee - usually under #299 for a 2BR - it has restrictions but an be used for anything available (almost!) within the 60 day check-in period.
You find that out by first calling II and asking what the AC history has been for your resort for the past 3 years....then determine if any of your white time falls in that category. If it does, reserve one of the weeks that has gotten an AC in the past and then call II to deposit. If they say they are not offering it now - say thanks and call back in a week or 2 ....

As per info from II - your week has the maximum 'power' if you deposit at the 12 month mark....the next decrease in trade power would be at the 10 month then 8, then 6 month mark.
Plan your deposits accordingly.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Gabe, I just received your email.....good luck with your exchange and thanks for your kind words regarding my website

Stick around, there is a lot to learn here....many members are willing to help.