II Exchange - Short Notice

[tomandrobin]

Myrtle Beach almost never comes up.

Everytime I hear that, I am amazed. IMO most of the timeshare resorts in Myrtle aren't great. The Marriott (The one at Grande Dunes is the best in Myrtle Beach) and Fairfield standout, the Yachtsman is ok, but the rest are just condos with not alot of amenities or services. And the ones that do offer alot, are not on the beach. But I guess the ocean and beach make up for facilities. We have friends who have tried several times to trade in to Myrtle during the sumer with no luck. we own some condos in Myrtle, but no timeshares, so I really don't have any first hand experience with trades to Myrtle Beach. I will say that booking a larger unit during the summer is tough, especially with the two, three and four bedroom units. When we go to Myrtle, we usually book our room the last week in December or first week in January. Last year we put it off to the end of February. Every Resort we called had thier two and three bedrooms already booked. Needless to say, we did not go to Myrtle last year.

 

[Dean]

Everytime I hear that, I am amazed. IMO most of the timeshare resorts in Myrtle aren't great. The Marriott (The one at Grande Dunes is the best in Myrtle Beach) and Fairfield standout, the Yachtsman is ok, but the rest are just condos with not alot of amenities or services. And the ones that do offer alot, are not on the beach. But I guess the ocean and beach make up for facilities. We have friends who have tried several times to trade in to Myrtle during the sumer with no luck. we own some condos in Myrtle, but no timeshares, so I really don't have any first hand experience with trades to Myrtle Beach. I will say that booking a larger unit during the summer is tough, especially with the two, three and four bedroom units. When we go to Myrtle, we usually book our room the last week in December or first week in January. Last year we put it off to the end of February. Every Resort we called had thier two and three bedrooms already booked. Needless to say, we did not go to Myrtle last year.

MB like HH is tough during the summer. True the resorts may not be as nice overall in II though RCI likely has a better representation there. MB is actually higher rated from a golf standpoint and has more golf courses than HH from what I understand. But it is a different mindset which some like and some do not. Staying at the Carolina Grande next Month.

 

[tomandrobin]

MB like HH is tough during the summer. True the resorts may not be as nice overall in II though RCI likely has a better representation there. MB is actually higher rated from a golf standpoint and has more golf courses than HH from what I understand. But it is a different mindset which some like and some do not. Staying at the Carolina Grande next Month.

I love that part of Myrtle Beach. Right up the street from Broadway at the Beach. Easy drive to North Myrtle Beach and a Starbucks a few blocks down at 21st street. Crossing the street at that location toget the beach is real easy too. Best part its brand new! Didn't realize that there were timeshares in that building.

 

[beachblanket]

Manor Club is an EASY exchange overall even for a 2 BR and not that difficult even for 4th of July in large part.

Well, again, I found checking a year out that getting a 2Br anytime in late July through later August of this coming summer was tough - perhaps it had to do with how DVC requests space vs. those who are actual II members.

 

[Dean]

I love that part of Myrtle Beach. Right up the street from Broadway at the Beach. Easy drive to North Myrtle Beach and a Starbucks a few blocks down at 21st street. Crossing the street at that location toget the beach is real easy too. Best part its brand new! Didn't realize that there were timeshares in that building.

It's new and it's in the Bluegreen system.

 

[Dean]

Well, again, I found checking a year out that getting a 2Br anytime in late July through later August of this coming summer was tough - perhaps it had to do with how DVC requests space vs. those who are actual II members.

Did you do an ongoing request, this is not a difficult exchange by any means for the time you stated.

 

[beachblanket]

Did you do an ongoing request, this is not a difficult exchange by any means for the time you stated.

Yes, we opened it in July, at which MS told us "this is a very popular property, so be patient and don't put your heart into getting something". In early December, MS called and told us a week (with a Sunday check in) had just become available in mid August, which we accepted (that time worked for us, and I didn't want to procrastinate and gamble that other times might subsequently become available). Again, if trade space for DVC is so readily available there, I don't know why I encountered such limited availability over the course of 6+ months. Maybe just my luck of the draw?

 

[BroganMc]

Manor Club: Looking now I see weeks for June 1-8, and August 3 through September 7. There's about 9 weeks total available. That's for a two bedroom.

There was a lot more available last Fall with my Marriott/II trade. But again, not the last two weeks of June or first two of July. These do get booked quickly by owners and early II traders.

I have noticed Marriott weeks tend to turn up in masse in January. Still haven't figured out why. Either Marriott holds them back for owners or owners wait till then to deposit and plan. I know Marriott has a Dec 31 deadline for trading your week for Marriott points. For several years I used that deadline to deposit my weeks and make my yearly plans. Including Spring Break in Florida. It was fabulous being able to book a March Orlando week at my choice of resorts in January.

 

[BroganMc]

Everytime I hear that, I am amazed. IMO most of the timeshare resorts in Myrtle aren't great. The Marriott (The one at Grande Dunes is the best in Myrtle Beach) and Fairfield standout, the Yachtsman is ok, but the rest are just condos with not alot of amenities or services. And the ones that do offer alot, are not on the beach. But I guess the ocean and beach make up for facilities. We have friends who have tried several times to trade in to Myrtle during the sumer with no luck. we own some condos in Myrtle, but no timeshares, so I really don't have any first hand experience with trades to Myrtle Beach. I will say that booking a larger unit during the summer is tough, especially with the two, three and four bedroom units. When we go to Myrtle, we usually book our room the last week in December or first week in January. Last year we put it off to the end of February. Every Resort we called had thier two and three bedrooms already booked. Needless to say, we did not go to Myrtle last year.

I've been to Myrtle Beach once, years ago for a conference. Stayed on the beach and drove down so had my car. Must say I wasn't all that impressed. The beach was tiny and the hotel not so great. Best part was the Broadway at the Beach and that other Bay shopping area. But still, I'm not dying to return.

I'm spoiled. My family owns an oceanfront condo in Ocean City, MD. We keep our beaches wide and clean. (Lots of tax money for beach replenishment.) The boardwalk area is historic and kept up. Trams run along it throughout the day, there's Trimper's amusement park, typical Boardwalk games, Thrasher fries, Fischer's popcorn, Candy Kitchen taffy, Dumser's ice cream and Dough Roller's pizza. The condo became our family vacation home when I was a kid. The reason I never traveled anywhere else much. Now it is the beach place for my nieces and nephews. And it's only 2-3 hours away by car. Why would I need to go elsewhere?

I feel the same about HiltonHead. Nice place but a tad overrated.

 

[tomandrobin]

I've been to Myrtle Beach once, years ago for a conference. Stayed on the beach and drove down so had my car. Must say I wasn't all that impressed. The beach was tiny and the hotel not so great. Best part was the Broadway at the Beach and that other Bay shopping area. But still, I'm not dying to return.

I'm spoiled. My family owns an oceanfront condo in Ocean City, MD. We keep our beaches wide and clean. (Lots of tax money for beach replenishment.) The boardwalk area is historic and kept up. Trams run along it throughout the day, there's Trimper's amusement park, typical Boardwalk games, Thrasher fries, Fischer's popcorn, Candy Kitchen taffy, Dumser's ice cream and Dough Roller's pizza. The condo became our family vacation home when I was a kid. The reason I never traveled anywhere else much. Now it is the beach place for my nieces and nephews. And it's only 2-3 hours away by car. Why would I need to go elsewhere?

I feel the same about HiltonHead. Nice place but a tad overrated.

There is no boardwalk per se at Myrtle, but they are in the planning stages to build one. There was the "Pavillion" which is very similar to the inlet, but with more and better rides. It was closed this past fall for a project to be named later.

Its a personal choice thing. 100+ golf courses and warm water. Certain parts of me don't like the water below low to mid 80's water temp We also like the more laid back atmosphere, southern style!

 

[Dean]

Yes, we opened it in July, at which MS told us "this is a very popular property, so be patient and don't put your heart into getting something". In early December, MS called and told us a week (with a Sunday check in) had just become available in mid August, which we accepted (that time worked for us, and I didn't want to procrastinate and gamble that other times might subsequently become available). Again, if trade space for DVC is so readily available there, I don't know why I encountered such limited availability over the course of 6+ months. Maybe just my luck of the draw?

As I said, an easy resort to trade into comparatively. But then DVC doesn't really trade as well as many members think it does.

 

[bpmorley]

As I said, an easy resort to trade into comparatively. But then DVC doesn't really trade as well as many members think it does.

Some of us are finding this out the hard way. Hopefully more people read these boards before they buy DVC. I remember my guide telling us how easy it is to go anywhere in the world. Maybe the more people with this info will put some pressure on DVC to get us direct memberships to II

 

[WolfpackFan]

Well, see I really don't understand this at all. Everyone keeps saying how desirable the DVC resorts are. How much better they are than other timeshares, etc. I would think we would be in a sellers market and could get all kinds of great trades. What's the real story? Is it a problem with how DVC negotiates with II? Or are we being fooled and DVC isn't as good as other timeshares?

 

[Starr W.]

Some of us are finding this out the hard way. Hopefully more people read these boards before they buy DVC. I remember my guide telling us how easy it is to go anywhere in the world. Maybe the more people with this info will put some pressure on DVC to get us direct memberships to II

Our guide really didn't play up exchanges, he told us if you want to try one, start 2 yrs out, give alot of options(2-5 places) and a very broad time frame. Pretty much said it's not the easiest thing to do.

To be honest, I looked at some of the rental prices for the Boyne MI, resorts which are available through II and it makes much more financial and planning sense to pay cash for them. I have also eyeballed some of the West coast FL resorts(Sanibel Island) and for us it would be much easier just to rent.

I have to thank Dean for alot of his insight into timeshare/II exchanges. I did research some of the II options and looked at cash rental prices and I think you'd be better off paying with cash/than points(if you can get the exchange).

 

[beachblanket]

Well, see I really don't understand this at all. Everyone keeps saying how desirable the DVC resorts are. How much better they are than other timeshares, etc. I would think we would be in a sellers market and could get all kinds of great trades. What's the real story? Is it a problem with how DVC negotiates with II? Or are we being fooled and DVC isn't as good as other timeshares?

Those are all excellent questions.

On the issue of demand, I scan the trade and rental offers/requests on TUG from time to time, and there appear to be plenty of people looking to stay at the premium WDW properties (particularly BVC and BWV). In other words, the "sellers" (ergo, demand for our stuff) part of the equation mentioned above doesn't appear to be the issue. The DVC resorts are generally well represented in the universe of the more preferred time share properties.

So if I had to wager a guess, the problem may be DVC's contact setup/negotiating capabilities with II. Seasoned DVC vets know that the organization has at best a so-so history in terms of negotiating effective deals with outside properties. The Concierge program is exhibit A of that; the relative "value" of the point costs at the various resorts varies dramatically (some -- like the Sagamore in NY during edge or off seasons -- are decent to very good values. Others, like some of the urban hotel properties -- Boston Harbor Hotel in particular comes to mind here -- are terrible.

 

[littlestar]

Well, see I really don't understand this at all. Everyone keeps saying how desirable the DVC resorts are. How much better they are than other timeshares, etc. I would think we would be in a sellers market and could get all kinds of great trades. What's the real story? Is it a problem with how DVC negotiates with II? Or are we being fooled and DVC isn't as good as other timeshares?

I think DVC members just don't realize how to trade out. That you have to be flexible and plan far in advance and be patient.

DVC is nice, but I don't think it's at the top of the food chain in popularity like a platinum Marriott Hawaii or Aruba week would be. There's a lot of nice stuff out there as nice or nicer than DVC.

 

[Dean]

Well, see I really don't understand this at all. Everyone keeps saying how desirable the DVC resorts are. How much better they are than other timeshares, etc. I would think we would be in a sellers market and could get all kinds of great trades. What's the real story? Is it a problem with how DVC negotiates with II? Or are we being fooled and DVC isn't as good as other timeshares?

I too think it's a combination of issues. But look at the situation. You've got the area with the most timeshare units in the world where you can easily get a unit most of the year for less than maint fees, even Marriott's. II also isn't getting the top units/weeks/resorts from DVC. Add to that the fact that as a rule, DVC members don't know how to work the system very well. They don't plan far enough ahead, they aren't flexible or realistic enough.

While DVC resorts are great, there are many other great resorts throughout the world. If you were II or an II member you'd probably be a lot more interested in a top Beach Resort 2 BR on HH 4th of July than a 1 BR DVC in Sept and that is the crux of the matter. Also I think DVC is so interested in being in control that they cost the members a lot of opportunities as well.

 

[BroganMc]

I can tell you some of my II experiences with Marriott. I own two timeshares in Orlando (Grande Vista and Cypress Harbour) and one in Williamsburg. I routinely deposit my Orlando weeks, but always reserve my Williamsburg week direct. My Orlando weeks are Platinum and Gold season.

Now we had a bit of a question about what traded better. And yes, the Marriott salesman was adamant that a Platinum week would be the best trade... far more powerful than a Gold (i.e. Choice season equivelant). It was also $5-6k more in purchase price.

Well throw them both into the II system and you know what? The same inventory pops up. I also find that Marriott weeks tend to appear in bulk 3-6 months up to your check-in date wth fewer offerings a year or more out.

So my thinking is that II is really all a bit of a crap shoot. When you go to make your exchange you end up with the same choices in inventory as the next guy. A more valuable trade just doesn't exist.

One caveat would be when you are reserving a week and then trading that to II. For instance, reserving Easter, Christmas or New Year's and offering that up if II gives you what you want.

Another thing I've noticed about my Marriott weeks which I frankly dislike. If you are traveling to your home resort but out of your season, you must do an II trade and are subject not only to a fee but whatever inventory they happen to have. If I'd known that, and known I would be traveling in Choice season later, I never would have bought the Platinum weeks.

 

[Dean]

I can tell you some of my II experiences with Marriott. I own two timeshares in Orlando (Grande Vista and Cypress Harbour) and one in Williamsburg. I routinely deposit my Orlando weeks, but always reserve my Williamsburg week direct. My Orlando weeks are Platinum and Gold season.

Now we had a bit of a question about what traded better. And yes, the Marriott salesman was adamant that a Platinum week would be the best trade... far more powerful than a Gold (i.e. Choice season equivelant). It was also $5-6k more in purchase price.

Well throw them both into the II system and you know what? The same inventory pops up. I also find that Marriott weeks tend to appear in bulk 3-6 months up to your check-in date wth fewer offerings a year or more out.

So my thinking is that II is really all a bit of a crap shoot. When you go to make your exchange you end up with the same choices in inventory as the next guy. A more valuable trade just doesn't exist.

One caveat would be when you are reserving a week and then trading that to II. For instance, reserving Easter, Christmas or New Year's and offering that up if II gives you what you want.

Another thing I've noticed about my Marriott weeks which I frankly dislike. If you are traveling to your home resort but out of your season, you must do an II trade and are subject not only to a fee but whatever inventory they happen to have. If I'd known that, and known I would be traveling in Choice season later, I never would have bought the Platinum weeks.

If you're in the FL club with GV you have a few more options. The idea that the Marriott season directly affects trade power is somewhat wrong. Think about Platinum Orlando vs HH vs HI vs Aruba. It would be nuts to think that Orlando would have as much trade power as the other 3. Even then the exact week can make a big difference. I'll point out though that it's not what's sitting in II that reflects trade power but rather what you can get before it goes online to the masses. Comparatively both Orlando and MC platinum are much weaker than the others I mentioned in comparison but when you look at price vs trade power, you see a different tale. There are a number of Gold weeks at certain resorts that will out trade even Xmas at CH or GV in Orlando, Aruba and Ocean Point come to mind but there are others.

II can only give you what they have and they aren't going to have much Maui Marriott for summer, Xmas, etc. So while Williamsburg lockoff at $8K or GV Platinum at $7K might not trade as well as Maui at $35K, the trade value is much better. That's why I rent my HH Platinum weeks and trade my Horizon's Branson lockoff week.

 

[WolfpackFan]

All I got to say after reading all this is thank goodness for DVC. All these Platinum, Gold, etc. seasons and all the other complications are way above me that is for sure. DVC makes it so simple even a cave man could do it . Anyway, as far as II exchanges go, all we can do is put in our requests and see what we get. We've always got WDW, Vero and HHI even if the II option wasn't there.