Booking with cash and points?

[kristenrice]

I am trying to "finalize" my plan of attack for the first week of April 2011. We want to go to HHI and here are the scenarios...

1) Arrive Saturday night (cash reservation from MS) and stay in a 2BR, followed by 4 nights in a 2BR on points.

...or...

2) Arrive Sunday night and stay five nights in a 1BR on points

Since there are so few 1BR's available (and I will be booking at 7 months), I have the 2BR scenario as the most likely.

So, would I be able to book the entire 2BR reservation (cash and points) on the first day of the 7-month window? Or will I only be able to book the first night and then call back the next day? I know they will "link" the reservations, but I wasn't sure if it is all considered one reservation from the get-go.

I'm thinking that I will need to book the one night on cash and then call back the next day to check on the availability of the 1BR reservation. Our arrival date is flexible since we are driving down.

 

[DebbieB]

The 7 month window does not apply to a cash night. You could call now to see if it's available. For the points nights, you would have to call 7 months from the first points night.

 

[kristenrice]

Oh, that's cool! I have been going CRAZY wondering if there will be availability. I will call tomorrow and maybe I can get a 1BR for that Saturday night. That would save us a little money and it will let me actually *do* something for this vacation.

 

[kristenrice]

YeeHaw!!

I called this morning and got a 1BR with our member discount!!

Now, I just have to wait until the 7-month window opens so I can book the rest of the trip.

If we get lucky and can get a 1BR for the next 5 nights, I *might* be able to talk DH into a 6-night trip. If we end up in a 2BR, then I will pay the extra $25 and upgrade our cash ressie to a 2BR also.

Either way, I have a reservation made so the trip is starting to feel more real.