Marriott changes and SFX

[david10225 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close david10225]

I came here from a TUG link. I am looking into SFX for future exchanges. I only have one property (platinum Barony Beach), but I think it would be a good trader. I only try to trade every 3 years as I enjoy where I bought.

But all that said, if you are looking for future enhancements, I would be willing to try SFX if there was a request first feature. I would hate to give up my week unless I knew what I was getting...

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I might deposit a week but not my Marriott. I know you put a lot of "value" into your bonus weeks but when I compare it to a Marriott AC I get II, I don't arrive at the same level of value.

- It's essentially a 1BR bonus week for $399. II ACs cost me a $249 for a 1BR.
- Yes, the SFX bonus week theoretically can be used most anywhere but you have to pay $299 upgrade fees for specific locations such as Hawaii and then an additional size upgrade fee if I want larger than a 1BR. With an II AC, I'm restricted to a grid but I can go a number of places and if I can see a larger unit, I can book it with only a $50 increase.
- Additionally, during flexchange, I can get an even broader variety of resorts and locations, typically Marriotts because the priority period still comes into play during the flexchange period and the grid no longer applies. Don't have that with SFX.

Yes, there will likely be less II inventory and more uncertainty but for me, it still has more value for my Marriott than this promo. Sorry Mark, but there's gotta be more for me.

Djyamyam - thank you for your feedback. I don't know all the details with A/C's you refer to. Your input will be appreciated. How far in advance can you book a unit? eg. 60 days, 90 days etc.

Also, can you request what you want, or can you only book something that is just sitting there?

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

At the moment, I'm not quite sure who has disappointed me more, Starwood, or Marriott.........

I am leaning towards Marriott at this point

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

Don't know whether it's been covered elsewhere, but the scuttlebut is that the Marriott points accounts on II will be 'basic' accounts without online search ability. Just like with SFX, you will have to call in and look for something with a phone CSR or put in a request. In order to see things online or place online requests, one will have to maintain a separate, paid II account to facilitate online functionality. I hope Mark sees an opportunity there, if this scuttlebut is in fact accurate

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

I came here from a TUG link. I am looking into SFX for future exchanges. I only have one property (platinum Barony Beach), but I think it would be a good trader. I only try to trade every 3 years as I enjoy where I bought.

But all that said, if you are looking for future enhancements, I would be willing to try SFX if there was a request first feature. I would hate to give up my week unless I knew what I was getting...

Not Mark, but SFX does have a request first feature.

[dmiller1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dmiller1]

I am a Harbour Point owner and we are not joining the new program. We have used SFX in the past and we were very happy with our exchange. We haven't used SFX recently because we exchanged through II to another Marriott property but I can say that we will certainly look to use them in the future.

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

Djyamyam - thank you for your feedback. I don't know all the details with A/C's you refer to. Your input will be appreciated. How far in advance can you book a unit? eg. 60 days, 90 days etc.

Also, can you request what you want, or can you only book something that is just sitting there?

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

I am not DJ but can answer regarding ACs thru II.

Costs can vary but the "usual" fees are $199/249/299 for studio/1BR/2BR+

You can book up to one year in advance in certain areas - there is a 'certificate' that has a grid on it (also can be accessed online) that tells you which areas can be booked in advance and which months.
example - you can book Palm Springs using the AC in January, April, May, Sept, Nov.
OR
Anything you can "see" 60 days or less.
On occasion and for no apparent reason, you can booked further out then 60 days using the AC with no restrictions .
There are still quality filters in place so you would see different resorts if the AC was from a Marriott deposit versus a Fairway of the Mountains versus Island Park Village.

Yes, you can put in an ongoing request using the AC.

Starwood weeks are NOT offered ACs thru II - II does not need to 'entice' Starwood owners to deposit since Starwood has always bulk deposited with II - and now with the total change/loss of control of all II Starwood deposits by owners, there is REALLY no incentive needed.

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

JWC,

What makes you think there aren't already special features in place for HGVC or GM Owners?

StressCadet - thank you for your post. I can assure you there are "no" special features like that in place with SFX. Such features are typically imposed by a multi-site developer with the affiliated exchange company, requiring an Owner priority for a certain period days for internal exchanges. This is very common place within the industry.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

StressCadet - thank you for your post. I can assure you there are "no" special features like that in place with SFX. Such features are typically imposed by a multi-site developer with the affiliated exchange company, requiring an Owner priority for a certain period days for internal exchanges. This is very common place within the industry.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

Let me re-word my post then. Targeted Brand Promos....

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I am not DJ but can answer regarding ACs thru II.

Costs can vary but the "usual" fees are $199/249/299 for studio/1BR/2BR+

You can book up to one year in advance in certain areas - there is a 'certificate' that has a grid on it (also can be accessed online) that tells you which areas can be booked in advance and which months.
example - you can book Palm Springs using the AC in January, April, May, Sept, Nov.
OR
Anything you can "see" 60 days or less.
On occasion and for no apparent reason, you can booked further out then 60 days using the AC with no restrictions .
There are still quality filters in place so you would see different resorts if the AC was from a Marriott deposit versus a Fairway of the Mountains versus Island Park Village.

Yes, you can put in an ongoing request using the AC.

Starwood weeks are NOT offered ACs thru II - II does not need to 'entice' Starwood owners to deposit since Starwood has always bulk deposited with II - and now with the total change/loss of control of all II Starwood deposits by owners, there is REALLY no incentive needed.

GrayFal - thank you for the information, very appreciated.

......You can book up to one year in advance in certain areas - there is a 'certificate' that has a grid on it (also can be accessed online) that tells you which areas can be booked in advance and which months.
example - you can book Palm Springs using the AC in January, April, May, Sept, Nov....

Based on the above information, would it be reasonable to assume the areas that can be booked up to one year are only in the low/lesser demanded season? (High-season is excluded?), and areas where there may be an over-supply of space?

And everything displayed 60 days or less is available. Am I understanding this correctly?

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

Yes Mark, you are understanding it correctly.

Ray

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

We have always used our II accommodation certificates and think they are a great perk, although some find them of no value. The II AC is good for 1 year from issue and are quite limited but offer extremely good value if one is able to travel off/shoulder season. The price usually ranges from $199 to $299 depending on size of the unit, much less than SFX bonus weeks. There is no restriction to size based on deposit so no added fee for an upgrade.

We have used them for DVC, Marriott, 4 Seasons and Westin units, almost always in a 2 bedroom. The exchanges have always been off season so wouldn't work for some people but were fantastic bargains for us.

In comparison, the SFX bonus weeks are twice as much. We have used them during prime season just to feel that the higher price was justified. After our last trip to Mexico during high season, we won't bother using those bonus weeks again. The rowdy crowds/lounge hogs made the experience a poor one. I'd love to have SFX bonus weeks be priced lower for those of us who prefer off season travel.

One of the things we'd love to see SFX and other independents do is to fill the huge void in urban accommodations. II offers nothing for those of us who want to visit some of the big city destinations. Marriott and Starwood clubs offer their members trades into hotel accommodations in the cities. That is an option we ordinary timeshare owners don't have. Maybe SFX can work on something in that category. Cruises don't really offer trading value since there are many discount cruise options. Maybe major city exchanges would be more enticing.

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

GrayFal - thank you for the information, very appreciated.

......You can book up to one year in advance in certain areas - there is a 'certificate' that has a grid on it (also can be accessed online) that tells you which areas can be booked in advance and which months.
example - you can book Palm Springs using the AC in January, April, May, Sept, Nov....

Based on the above information, would it be reasonable to assume the areas that can be booked up to one year are only in the low/lesser demanded season? (High-season is excluded?), and areas where there may be an over-supply of space?

And everything displayed 60 days or less is available. Am I understanding this correctly?

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

Yes Mark, you are understanding it correctly.

Ray

Yes, as Ray said....but.....

We have always used our II accommodation certificates and think they are a great perk, although some find them of no value. The II AC is good for 1 year from issue and are quite limited but offer extremely good value if one is able to travel off/shoulder season. The price usually ranges from $199 to $299 depending on size of the unit, much less than SFX bonus weeks. There is no restriction to size based on deposit so no added fee for an upgrade.

We have used them for DVC, Marriott, 4 Seasons and Westin units, almost always in a 2 bedroom. The exchanges have always been off season so wouldn't work for some people but were fantastic bargains for us.

I agree with barnie that for me, these have represented very good value.

I have used ACs for London Carleton Court (a studio for Beags), Marriott Aruba Surf, more then one DVC, Westins....it is not Aruba in March but DVC in April, Westin Mission Hills in October, Aruba in May and November.
As you have found out, you have many members who enjoy shoulder season travel as well.

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Yes Mark, you are understanding it correctly.

Ray

Ray - thank you for your reply.

Perhaps you would be kind enough to advise if there is much availability for A/C's in the Hawiian Islands, or it that a region not often available for A/C's unless it's within 60 days?

Someone had mentioned they also have their Resort Getaways, where those weeks are around $700-$1,100. I take it this is inventory that is not used for A/C's? It's a separate rental pool?

If you could clarify that for me, it will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

Someone had mentioned they also have their Resort Getaways, where those weeks are around $700-$1,100. I take it this is inventory that is not used for A/C's? It's a separate rental pool?

Sometimes the weeks overlap into the exchange pool, sometimes not. A search yesterday at my home resort turned up weeks that were in Getaways but not available for exchange, whether via A/C or a regular unit surrender (deposit or request first). There were also some weeks which appeared on both functionalities. I search my home resort with my high season week as a control measure.