Exhanges.... More Research

[sconstantz]

hi all. I am just trying to do a little more research and could really use help from those of you who have
a) exchanged in the interval exchange program and
b) who have both marriott and dvc.

First, some background. I have been doing my homework and realize that the best use of any purchased points is at a DVC property. And most of the time we would use them there. We are probably leaning towards Vero Beach or Hilton Head. I am very familiar with the Hilton Head Property, just stayed at OKW for a week (and loved it), visited the Boardwalk while we there, and am now probably planning a small get-away for DH and me to check out Vero. But once in awhile, I can definately see us wanting to expand our horizons, and visit other places. And the ability to use our points would be very nice.

So, my questions:

Do you feel that there is a desired number of points (or typical) that would be required to exchange to stay for a week in a nice location like Hawaii or Europe? For instance, forget about it if you have 150 points, or 200 points gets 4 days, etc.

Also, for those of you who own both DVC and Marriott, do you feel that your exchange power is better with one over the other? And if so, which one and why? Is one more flexible than the other in exchanging?

Anything else I should know about exchanging that is important?

Thanks in advance. Ya'll have always been so helpful with these types of inquiry's. And I want you to know how grateful I am.

Shelly

 

[Dean]

I own two Marriott weeks and two DVC contracts in addition to two weeks in Aruba. One of the Marriott's is Grande Ocean on HH which I use or rent and (like DVC) would only exchange to the tip top places. I also own week 35 Harbour Pointe on HH (right across from DVC) which I use for exchanging. The Aruba weeks are for exchanging also. I try to judge what will get me what I need and only go up the ladder in desirability only as much as I need to. I always try to be in a position where I'm always trading up in unit size, resorts or season. Examples, I've traded the 2001 and 2002 HP weeks for concurrent weeks at Marriott’s Monarch Resort week 26 right after 4 July. A better resort on the ocean for a better time of the year at a resort that just finished a total redo this past month. I’ve traded Aruba 1 BR units for week 25 at VCI in Cancun in a 2 BR and 3rd week Oct for Gatlinburg town square (fall colors) also in a 2 BR, both upgrades in unit size at comparable resorts and a somewhat better time of year.

In contrast, I’ve never traded my OKW and would only consider trading for specific and special options like HI, Royal Resorts, Marriott’s Grande Ocean, etc. Few resorts would meet my criteria as an equal exchange. For private exchanges, a studio for 5 days would equal a 1 or 2 BR at most resorts. One of the best strategies for those who want to do some exchanging and own DVC, is to buy both. Just buy less DVC points and bank and borrow then a timeshare(s) for exchanging. DVC only makes sense for exchanging for specific top notch options and very infrequently like every 4-5 years or so. The fact there’s no yearly fee for II, exchange fee $75 and search first are pretty big advantages and not to mention that DVC has good trade power. That being said, the negatives for me are much too much. You only have access to about 10% of the II inventory, no chance to trade up (or down) in unit size, etc; no bonus weeks and no access to cash getaways with II. Don’t forget about RCI either which is better and worse than II, depending on your specifics.

Overall, you need to decide if DVC is right for you and if you want to do much exchanging. If you want to exchange every year or two, decide what locations are most important and what type of resorts you want to try to visit. Then look at the DVC list along with the RCI and II book to try to decide which system will best fit your needs. Don’t forget to visit www.tug2.net where you can get reviews and rankings and a lot of info. Determine the factors and considerations that will help you determine what type and location of resort that might be best for you for exchanging out of DVC.

1. Is there internal exchanging or priority (Marriott, Royals, etc)?
2. Is this a places and time of year I might like to visit regularly?
3. How flexibile am I?
4. Do I need a 2 BR unit or larger? If you need a 3 BR, buy one.
5. Is it a lockout unit and will that benefit me?
6. Can I vacation for a week at a time?
7. Can I travel off season or be very flexible?
8. What is my overall Budget and price range?
9. Is RCI or II a better fit for me and my travel expectations?
10. How demanding am I?
11. Where do I live?
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    Here are some options and combinations to consider. For sake of discussion, I’m going to assume you live within a reasonable days drive of HHI, SC. I’ll also assume that at least part of the package will be DVC points.
    1. Buy DVC around 150 points and a summer Marriott HH but one of the lesser resorts. Advantages are II with a bonus week for the Marriott, a unit you can use in the summer and a strong II trader both within and without the Marriott family with Marriott priority. Access to DVC with enough points for a 2 BR unit for 6-7 days about every other year. Disadvantages are few. Total cost around $16K and yearly fees around $1100 including II yearly fees.
       
    2. Buy DVC around 150 points and a summer Marriott but one of the top resorts. Advantages are II with a bonus week for the Marriott, a unit you can use in the summer and a strong II trader both within and without the Marriott family with Marriott priority. Access to DVC with enough points for a 2 BR unit for 6-7 days about every other year. Disadvantages similar to DVC, most trades are trades for lesser resorts giving in part the same problem as owning DVC. This is a great choice for someone that is very particular and knows where they want to go most years and is very demanding in their resort choices, it’s also a great choice for someone who plans to own more than 2 timeshares. Total cost around $27K or higher and yearly fees around $1250 including II yearly fees.
       
    3. uy DVC around 150 points and an off season Marriott. Advantages are Marriott priority and cost. Access to DVC with enough points for a 2 BR unit for 6-7 days about every other year. Disadvantages are that outside the Marriott family, there will be few high demand trades available. This works best for those that are fairly flexible and basically want to exchange to other Marriott’s. Even top Marriott’s for top seasons will be few and far between. This is a great choice for someone that is very flexible and can plan ahead. Total cost around $12K or slightly higher and yearly fees around $1100 including II yearly fees.
       
    4. Buy DVC around 150 points and brand XXX timeshare. Advantages vary with the quality, timing and location of the resort in questions.. Access to DVC with enough points for a 2 BR unit for 6-7 days about every other year. Price also will vary from $12K and up depending on non DVC resort. Might get a bonus week or internal exchange priority depending on resort, season, etc. If a points property might have flexibility much like DVC. Yearly fees likewise will vary tremendously. DVC plus a South Africa unit might cost no more than $11K up front and yearly fees as low as $600 per year. The South Africa (or off season week without internal trade priority) is only for those that are great planners and very flexible and are not that demanding in their resort choices. It is unlikely they will get many trades during prime time, top resorts in most places but if flexible and can travel off season, can make out like bandits.
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       Of course there are an infinite number of possibilities and combinations in these scenarios but I just wanted to get you to think about it. Finding the right resort to own and determining the combination of price, fees, exchange company, unit size, trade power and locations is an art more than a science. Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[sconstantz]

I am going to print this and spend some time with it. I really appreciate you taking the time to go that in-depth with me. And you have definately given me some food for thought. If anyone else has an opinion or thoughts, please don't hesitate to share them. I appreciate the information.

shelly

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Yes, thank you for the very informative post. I too will spend some time with it.

 

[Dean]

You're both very welcome. Good luck and let me know if I can help.