How I lost 134 points in one easy trade

[Slakk]

We did a trade through II for Mariott Ko Olina for a studio in June. In February we realized that we would not be able to use it.

I tried to trade it - no offers

I tried to sell it - no takers

So I was forced to give it up and only have a year to use it. Unfortunately our son is in school so our only choice in our timeframe is spring break 2009 and not only is there no availability the availability there is for larger units.

So we basically have no options and lost our points.

I do not post this as a poor pitiful me but as a warning to others that trading out is not for the faint of heart.

 

[Happy_Mom]

Is there a possibility of using them somewhere else during that time frame? I'm sure you have your heart set on Ko Olina but then at least the points won't be lost.

 

[Slakk]

Is there a possibility of using them somewhere else during that time frame? I'm sure you have your heart set on Ko Olina but then at least the points won't be lost.

Actually I am NOT trying for Hawaii...with fuel prices as they are I am not looking for ANYTHING that requires a plane.

The problem is that there is nothing available in studios anywhere in the Southeast now and the choices that they do have are beyond limited.

Yes I could get Ft Lauderdale at Spring Break but there is nothing like me, my hubby my 11 year old son and 943958934875484575 drunk college students - NOT

I tried Hilton Head but there is only one studio choice. Basically I am stuck due to time constraints since I cannot split the week up.

 

[Brian Noble]

It's even worse than you think: technically, you could not have traded or rented it, either. That's explicitly forbidden by II.

The good news is that II exchanges often happen within six months, or even less time. Put in an ongoing search for the resorts and areas you could accept. I think your chances of getting something for next spring are pretty good---you've got plenty of time.

 

[Laxmom]

Brian is correct. You cannot rent something thru II that you do not own. They could have suspended your membership and canceled the week if you had been successful and they found out. Don't give up yet. Marriott owners, for example, can only request their home resort 12 months out. Trades usually do not show up until a couple of months later. I wouldn't expect to see any availability show up on II until June. I would put in a request, otherwise, you are waiting for a week that no one has a request in for. On HHI, that probably won't be successful in getting your stay.

 

[ldo]

if you join TUG (timeshare users group) "tug2.net" for about $15, you can view the "Sightings/distress" BB (you can only see it if you are a member) and TUG members post things they have seen online at II. A lot of things are posted in the 60 day window---if you look every few days, you very well might be able to snag something that way--it's certainly worth trying. good luck. Elaine

 

[ClarabelleCow]

We did a trade through II for Mariott Ko Olina for a studio in June. In February we realized that we would not be able to use it.

I tried to trade it - no offers

I tried to sell it - no takers

So I was forced to give it up and only have a year to use it. Unfortunately our son is in school so our only choice in our timeframe is spring break 2009 and not only is there no availability the availability there is for larger units.

So we basically have no options and lost our points.

I do not post this as a poor pitiful me but as a warning to others that trading out is not for the faint of heart.

what about all summer?? Or, depending on what grade your son is in, pull him for the week. I know some school systems frown upon that, but if he's a good student, in the long run, it really won't hurt him, but only you know your son. Great times to pull out are when they already have a day off during that week, our kids are off for the Jewish holidays in the fall, Columbus Day,
Election Day and Veterans Day. So if you can get away during those weeks, they are only missing 4 days. Just a thought!

 

[Slakk]

what about all summer?? Or, depending on what grade your son is in, pull him for the week. I know some school systems frown upon that, but if he's a good student, in the long run, it really won't hurt him, but only you know your son. Great times to pull out are when they already have a day off during that week, our kids are off for the Jewish holidays in the fall, Columbus Day,
Election Day and Veterans Day. So if you can get away during those weeks, they are only missing 4 days. Just a thought!

No I am not taking my son out of school just to recoup points. He is in 5th grade and I cannot even fathom him missing school (plus he would throw a fit he LOVES school) And this year is the year where we do not even have a 4 day weekend so I could try to use that. Plus due to rules I have to use the points a year from the date I cancelled so I am limited I have Christmas or Spring Break.

We already have other plans for the summer this year so I am really stuck. As I said I know I am screwed and accept that I have no way of using it. I just put this out so others think about it - II is not DVC.

 

[Brian Noble]

Slakk, you're not screwed yet. Honestly: things are often deposited in II closer to the occupancy date. Put in a broad request for several resorts/areas for that specific week. I'll be surprised if something doesn't turn up.

Your point is well-taken though. II is much less forgiving to changes in plans than is DVC.

 

[Slakk]

It's even worse than you think: technically, you could not have traded or rented it, either. That's explicitly forbidden by II.

The good news is that II exchanges often happen within six months, or even less time. Put in an ongoing search for the resorts and areas you could accept. I think your chances of getting something for next spring are pretty good---you've got plenty of time.

Thats weird because I called DVC and they told me I could rent it out.

The problem is that I rented a studio and there really is not studio available anywhere for me to use. If I had a 1 BR I would not have the issue.

I appreciate the assistance but I don't think there is a happy ending for us. Mostly because I am not interested in just going *somewhere* so I cannot lose the points. I would try the Carribean but I am afraid of the airfare for next year.

 

[Starr W.]

So try for something closer for Spring Break 09 or is the problem you can't go for the full week? Do you have to use the week by next April?

You could try Williamsburg, VA, it might not be outside swim weather, but a lot of the resorts have inside swimming pools. I've been there over Easter and for a buckeye it's great weather. Also have done HHI for Easter. There is a lot of HHI availability over Xmas too.

I don't know all the II rules or resort rules, but is there a penalty for leaving early. I know a lot of the TUG'ers will only stay 4-5 days when they get a cheap getaway(it's not a trade).

With my Starwood week, I have already seen some April 09 deposits made(including my Spring Break week).

 

[Slakk]

So try for something closer for Spring Break 09 or is the problem you can't go for the full week? Do you have to use the week by next April?

You could try Williamsburg, VA, it might not be outside swim weather, but a lot of the resorts have inside swimming pools. I've been there over Easter and for a buckeye it's great weather. Also have done HHI for Easter. There is a lot of HHI availability over Xmas too.

I don't know all the II rules or resort rules, but is there a penalty for leaving early. I know a lot of the TUG'ers will only stay 4-5 days when they get a cheap getaway(it's not a trade).

With my Starwood week, I have already seen some April 09 deposits made(including my Spring Break week).

Again the issue is I have a STUDIO and I need it to allow 3 people which takes out most choices. I thought I could get HHI but no studios so it is out I do not want Florida due to all the kids and still VERY limited choices and really am not interested in early April in VA.

I do appreciate everyone's help to try and make lemonade but I am limited to spring break and studio and those do NOT seem to want to work.

 

[Laxmom]

You could have rented the DVC reservation that you made but once you traded it into the Marriott, that is where you passed the point of no return; you can't rent something that you traded for - only the unit you own.

I would still keep my eyes open instead of just giving up. There are a lot of things that come up within the 59 day window. In most cases, you would then be able to see any unit, regardless of size, available for immediate confirmation. Check daily and early - like first thing in the morning.

 

[RobDoc]

It's even worse than you think: technically, you could not have traded or rented it, either. That's explicitly forbidden by II.

It is allowed by DVC who holds the "membership" with II. World Passport exchanges are not the same as a "normal" II exchange since the trade is all accomplished thru DVC. In this case, II is merely the company currently used by DVC to administer these trades - but the details are all controlled thru the DVC World Passport Collection. (For the first several years of the program, RCI was the exchange company used.)

The DVC policy is certainly different than a "normal" II exchange, but DVC members are not governed by the same policies used by II since they are not II members. DVC uses an abbreviated selection of resorts and DVC members do no have access to many of the benefits and programs offered to other II members.

 

[PrincessDadx2]

Again the issue is I have a STUDIO and I need it to allow 3 people which takes out most choices. I thought I could get HHI but no studios so it is out I do not want Florida due to all the kids and still VERY limited choices and really am not interested in early April in VA.

I do appreciate everyone's help to try and make lemonade but I am limited to spring break and studio and those do NOT seem to want to work.

People are trying to help you, but you are free to lose the points if you wish. There are many studio options that will be fine for Spring Break. With just Marriott you could go to Palm Springs in CA, Canyon Villas in AZ, Grande Vista in FL, Ocean Point in FL, Manor Club in VA, Ko Olina in HI, Surf Club in Aruba, etc. etc. and that is just one company.

Studios are almost never traded for and Spring Break is a popular week to reserve and deposit. The earliest people can deposit is one year in advance, but most people will wait until they have firmer plans. Pick where you want to go, put in a request and you are sure to get somewhere.

PS: All Marriott studios sleep 2 privately 4 total.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Again the issue is I have a STUDIO and I need it to allow 3 people which takes out most choices. I thought I could get HHI but no studios so it is out I do not want Florida due to all the kids and still VERY limited choices and really am not interested in early April in VA.

I do appreciate everyone's help to try and make lemonade but I am limited to spring break and studio and those do NOT seem to want to work.

I know you wrote, "really am not interested in early April in VA." I agree that I would not consider a destination like Virginia Beach in early April, because it's not beach weather. However, we've visited Williamsburg three times in late March. We always had lovely spring weather. Tulips were blooming. Trees and bushes were budding. Colonial Williamsburg is perfect for a 5th grader, especially one who likes school. And there are many other attractions in the area.

Consider Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony Sequel in Williamsburg, Virginia. The studio has a king bed and a sleeper sofa.

When DVC Member Services checks with II, have them check for studios that "sleep 2 privately." At Marriott's Manor Club, there will be no problem having a child use the sleeper sofa. (The same advice applies to most timeshare resorts, but you should call the resort directly to verify that the studios are appropriate for a couple with a child before you confirm the exchange.)

There's a lot of good advice in this tread. Exchange availability is likely to improve as owners reserve their 2009 weeks and deposit them with II.

But studios will only become available at resorts that have studios. The problem with the better II-affiliated timeshare accommodations on Hilton Head Island, such as the Marriott properties, is that they are dedicated 2BR (or 3BR) villas, NOT 2BR lock-off villas, so there are no studios at such resorts.

 

[Laxmom]

Interesting. Since I have not used II for my DVC, I wasn't aware of the difference. OP can still stay proactive by putting in an ongoing search.

 

[starbox]

Yes I could get Ft Lauderdale at Spring Break but there is nothing like me, my hubby my 11 year old son and 943958934875484575 drunk college students - NOT

Florida is not as bad as you may fear. 99% of colleges do Spring Break in March - by April it is mostly families. The main drag in Daytona and Panama City will still be party central - full of high schoolers and maybe some college. Avoid Daytona and PCB and you ought to be fine.

Ft. Lauderdale, Destin, St. Augustine, Seaside, Ft. Walton - all those areas should be nice.

 

[Brian Noble]

WMD: the WPC inventory has to come from somewhere---and often that somewhere is II. Of course, Disney pushed through the $95 inbound fee, so I suppose it is possible that they negotiated away the restriction against renting Host Accomodations as well.

 

[Dean]

Thats weird because I called DVC and they told me I could rent it out.

The problem is that I rented a studio and there really is not studio available anywhere for me to use. If I had a 1 BR I would not have the issue.

I appreciate the assistance but I don't think there is a happy ending for us. Mostly because I am not interested in just going *somewhere* so I cannot lose the points. I would try the Carribean but I am afraid of the airfare for next year.

See if they'll allow you to trade back in to DVC. They normally won't but see if they'll make an exception. You might also consider resorts like Marriott's Ocean Point and Beach Place which do have lockoff units as do some of the non Marriott HH resorts. Lodge Alley Inn and Harbour Lights in MB also have studios though at HL, they are just hotel units. Go through the list and find as many resorts that have studios that fit your needs. You can do a search for which resorts have studios in a given area, we can talk you through it if you need us to. Put in a request that includes all applicable and acceptable resorts. Pay the fee again but you'll get it back if you don't match something. There are 15 resorts in FL and the SE US on the DVC exchange list that have studios, there are many more in other areas like Williamsburg. What about Cancun, usually good air and often you can get a large unit when searching for a smaller one. Also look at Aruba as US Air flies direct out of Charlotte and air is usually fairly good to very good. Also see where else US Air flies to directly from Charlotte which might open up your options even more.

This illustrates two of the existing problems with trading DVC and trading in general. That there are inherent risk in exchanging, esp if done well ahead of time and that DVC costs full price (can't trade up) even in flexchange time (60 days out). If you get something else then cancel again, you will not be given another option to trade this unit. You could also give it to family/friends if you wanted. This situation also illustrates one of the issues with depositing first because you can't ask for a larger unit than you deposited unlike essentially every other timeshare trade in the world. While trying to trade a studio for a 2 BR might have a lower chance of success, it'd be better than your current change which is zero. See the recent thread where one had 320 developer points and was considering deposit first as an option.

Didn't we have this discussion back in March and were told you couldn't rent it at the time.