Conflicting info from MS regarding member discount

[Jenn]

A little background - last summer we spent 3 nights at Vero in a Beach Cottage on points. We added an additional night 1 night prior to the BC reservation, but didn't have enough points so we booked 3 studios for ourselves and our family on cash. The member discount was available and applied to all 3 rooms.

For this August I had a reservation for Vero for a 2 BR and a studio, with 2 nights on points and 2 nights on cash. The member discount was available for the cash nights. A few weeks ago, our in-laws planing to use the studio decided to cancel. So, I called MS and cancelled their 4 nights.

Now, the in-laws have reconsidered and want to come. I call MS and I'm told we can't have the studio with the member discount since we aren't staying in it. Huh?

I explained my experience with last year's reservation and this year's reservation which was cancelled - and you know what the woman says?...."Well, I could go into your reservation right now and cancel that discount!!" What?! I had this exact reservation booked and just cancelled it a few weeks ago. She says whoever did this was wrong.

Is she correct? Can you or can't you get the member discount for your guests when you are booking multiple rooms some nights on points/some on cash?

 

[InstImpres]

My understanding is you hvae to be in the room. Sometimes, like last year, you get a person who is willing to bend the rules slightly. The way around that, as confusing as it might be, is put their names on the points room and your name on the cash room.

Good luck
Sandy

 

[RobDoc]

It sounds as though you got a real break last year.

The Member Discount is available only to members. Our guests are not entitled to the discount. The member is supposed to be the one actually staying in the room.

 

[PamOKW]

Yes, the member discount only applies to the unit where the member is staying. There used to be a detailed example in the member guidebook, not sure if it's still there.

You might also try booking through CRO or directly with the resort and use one of the other available discounts, like Birnbaum, Disney, etc. You might even get a better rate.

 

[DebbieB]

The member discount is not guaranteed. They only give the discount when they anticipate that the room will not be reserved with points, it comes from the points inventory.

 

[PamOKW]

DebbieB, that's an excellent point to keep in mind. In fact, DVC usually warns that once a resort sells-out it will be harder to come by the member discounts.