BLT Trip in August Need Advice

[ospopo5]

Hi guys. I currently have our first trip at the end of August booked at BLT.
For the amount of points we have, we were able to book the first night in a studio and the remaining nights in a one bedroom. What I would really like to do is to get the whole trip in the one bedroom.

I need to rent points in order to do that but currently the room availability is out. In order to get on the wait list I need the points in my account.

So the question is, If I purchase the additional points needed to get on the waitlist, what are my chances of getting the one bedroom for the first night. Otherwise I will be out the points and $$ I spent if it doesnt come through.

Any help or advice for a first timer would be appreciated.

 

[hollis]

I'd assume even with banking or borrowing, you won't have enough points from your own account to switch you to a 1-bedroom. Doesn't sound like "renting" points will work for you. Sounds like you need to "transfer" points. Not very many people are willing to "transfer" just a few points.

You didn't say what view you want. Anyway, for BLT for August, it is hit or miss. I'd say, not wise to pay for the points upfront and take the chance.

Other options to explore with Member Services:
(1) Ask them if you can buy the few additional points from them if the wait list comes through.
(2) Ask them if member cash price (which is 25% off rack rate) is available for that night, assuming you are willing to pay cash and not use points for one night.

Good luck.

 

[palaemon]

I agree w/ pp. The cash rate (for 2010) is $455-520 for all of Aug (considered Value season.) 25% off that would be $341-$390 for 1BR (depending on view.) It's 33 points if it's a weekday SV up to 53 points for a weekend MKV. At $10pp it's $330-$530. I'd say go for cash rate if available. I'm not sure about linking them so you don't have to move.

 

[ospopo5]

Thanks. Correct I dont have enough points to bank or borrow. We bought a small initial contract as a promo and are going to purchase more points in a couple of years.

They wont waitlist me unless I had all the available points. I would only need 15 points more to get the 1 bedroom from the studio I currently have (i would be using the current studio points plus the 15 extra)

I have found a couple of people who will transfer in the remaining points because it's all they have left and are trying to get rid of them.

I am going to call to talk to them about the rack rate with discount for availability.

 

[HotdogDncrs]

Since you only need 15 points why wouldn't you "buy" them from MS. They cost $15 each, and you are already within the 7 month window. You can purchase up to 24 points.

 

[palaemon]

Since you only need 15 points why wouldn't you "buy" them from MS. They cost $15 each, and you are already within the 7 month window. You can purchase up to 24 points.

The OP said that there was no availability, and they won't let you waitlist w/o enough points in your account. They also won't let you buy the "one-time" points "just in case."

 

[ospopo5]

Correct, I tried and spoke with many different folks on the phone. Hmm if anyone else has any thoughts I would appreciate it.

 

[palaemon]

Correct, I tried and spoke with many different folks on the phone. Hmm if anyone else has any thoughts I would appreciate it.

Maybe buy cash reservation AND have someone transfer points in so you can waitlist. If waitlist comes through, cancel cash reservation; if not then (assuming it's more than 30 days out) bank transferred points.

 

[HotdogDncrs]

The OP said that there was no availability, and they won't let you waitlist w/o enough points in your account. They also won't let you buy the "one-time" points "just in case."

Oops, thought the solution sounded too easy!

 

[Sandisw]

I would say trying to get it on cash is the best you could hope for if you have no use for the transferred points if it doesn't come through.

 

[Mahusky]

I agree w/ pp. The cash rate (for 2010) is $455-520 for all of Aug (considered Value season.) 25% off that would be $341-$390 for 1BR (depending on view.) It's 33 points if it's a weekday SV up to 53 points for a weekend MKV. At $10pp it's $330-$530. I'd say go for cash rate if available. I'm not sure about linking them so you don't have to move.

I know you said no availability for points but $$cash inventory is different and my be available. As the poster stated above $$cash rates are very similar to buying or renting points. MS WILL link your cash request to your points request as long as you go through them, I do this often.

Mahusky

 

[ospopo5]

Thanks for all the advice.

My use year is September. I had to borrow the points from 2011. So I understand that I can't bank those. Do I have enough time to bank the 2010 points I won't use for the reservation if I switch to a cash reservation?

Then next year I can decide what I will do with those points?