What's the Chance of an Exchange to Mardi Gras?

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

Hi, just discovered this site and wondered if anyone can help.

I own points with Diamond (Sunterra) in Europe. We are affiliated to II and I have put in a pending request for a 2 bed exchange in New Orleans arriving Friday before Fat Tuesday.

Do all owners in NO just book their week and rent for cash or do I stand any chance of getting an exchange? If not then I will just have to book hotel accommodation. Any help or tips greatly appreciated

thanks

Ray

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

Just personal opinion here, but I think your chance is slim to none. First, you are looking for 2 bedroom and the supply of two bedroom units is limited. You are looking for a very expensive to rent holiday week. If I were to own that week I would either use it or rent it for big money...especially if it were 2 bedroom.

Now, if you can open up your acceptance to any size unit you will have a better chance, but still a slim one.

Joy

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Joy gave you good advice but IMO I think even a smaller unit for that week will not happen. Look for a rental.

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

[D]o I stand any chance of getting an exchange?

Virtually none. In 10 years of timesharing, I have heard of only one person who got an exchange into Mardi Gras, and that was through SFX, at about a month out.

I own two Mardi Gras weeks because I can rent them at pretty good (for me) prices, due to the fact that there are almost never any exchange opportunities there.

Hotels will require a minimum five-night booking, prepaid in full with no refundability, and the less expensive ones (less than $250 a night) sell out many months before the event.

I have found that the hotel prices and value of my Mardi Gras unts have gone down somewhat since Katrina, but still nothing like I would consider reasonable.

[Sue S Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sue S]

A few years ago I worked with a chap who'd got an exchange into NO for Mardi Gras using a week at the Edinburgh Residence (which I think doesn't exist any longer) - so it can be done.

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

Another option to look at is staying in the area, not necessarily New Orleans, but one of the surrounding areas. I know that Gulf Shores, Alabama is in driving distance and there are a few (very few) resorts in the area that are 2 and 3 bedroom. Also Biloxi, Mississippi has exchanges; can I say for a certainty for the week you want...No, I can't but open yourself up to other possibilities. I think if you are an hour or so drive away during that time you will have a much better chance of getting something.

Again, just my opinion, but I have done this and it worked well for us. I was only looking for a unit; I didn't care about size since there was only 2 of us. Get out the map and see what you would be comfortable driving and plan around that.

Good luck to you!

Joy

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

Thanks for all your responses, which have been most helpful, we particularly want to stay in the center (note the US spelling! but forgive me if I miss any others), of the action and we most definitely do not want to drive so I'm afraid staying further out is not for us. I will see what's available in hotels, or Timeshare rentals I'm not sure if there is such a forum on this site (will check after sending this) or if I will be able to access it if there is.

Aside from here any suggestions for sites where I can find rentals ? And how do I avoid sending money to someone who... How shall I put it? Doesn't have the use to sell!

Ray

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

Ray,

Try ..VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® Vacation Homes Rentals by Owner as for payment use Paypal and make sure you have a written contract. You can also google vacation rentals and then narrow that down by location with an advanced search.

Once you have a contact I would call the location to make sure the person does have the unit reserved and has a right to rent it. On vrbo it is usually homes or vacation homes for rent. Often they are not timeshare units and therefore will be more difficult to know that the person stating it is for rent actually has that right.

Best of luck to you.

Joy

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

New Orleans Vacation Rental - Condominium

Here's one link I found. It is expensive, but it is the week you are looking for, Mardi Gras week and the correct size.

Joy

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

Many thanks for your help, I'm sure we will be able to find something from the link you have kindly provided.

I have to say that the site is quite big but I will look in from time to time and hope to be able to reciprocate, although I suppose the opportunities for me to be able to help will be fairly limited.

regards

Ray Andrews