II Exchanges - When Do You Have To Have The Points?

[WolfpackFan]

I am confused about something related to doing II exchanges. Say I want to do an exchange for an II resort in Hawaii and I want a 2BR in either June or July 2006. I understand I can put in my request up to 2 years ahead, so I could call MS in June of this year to start the process. What if they find me a match pretty quick, like January 2005 for a stay in June 2006. Do I have to have the points available at the point they find the match (January 2005) or when we will be actually staying (June 2006)? I thought it was the later, but a friend of ours who also owns DVC says it is the earlier date. Who is correct? Thanks.

 

[disgirl]

I am bumping this thread up because I, too was wondering about the answer to this. Anyone?? Thanks.

 

[jel0511]

I was trying to get a trade for July 2005, and the points have to be available at the time the trade comes through. We did get a match about 3 months ago, but already had our 2004 trip booked for that summer. I would have to either borrowed points or cancelled the summer ressies. We decided to pass on the exchange, and they only allow you to place an exchange if the points are there to use. To book the exchange, they need to take points out of your account immediately, so you'd need points in whatever your current use year was.

 

[disgirl]

Lori:
Thanks so much for your quick response.
I am sorry you had to cancel your exchange this time but I am sure your 2004 trip will be great.

Patty

 

[WolfpackFan]

Originally posted by jel0511
I was trying to get a trade for July 2005, and the points have to be available at the time the trade comes through.

Shucks, not exactly what I wanted to hear. I wonder on the average how far ahead exchanges for Hawaii resorts come thru when you put in your request two years ahead of time. Kind of makes me want to wait until only a year out, but then I know you really reduce your chances of getting an exchange by delaying.

 

[dianeschlicht]

When we did the II exchange for Hawaii, our exchange came through in just 5 days, and we had started 2 years out. However, they told us our points would be subtracted from our account in September of that year, which was about 7 months after our exchange came through. We are waiting until a year out this time for our exchange too. We might even try depositing a specific week for exchange. Has anyone else ever done that?

 

[disgirl]

Diane
You talk about possibly trying this time to exchange for a specific week? How did you do your Hawaii enchange before two years out? Did you give a variety of different weeks that would work and they matched one of those weeks? Is the way you did it and got a match so quickly because you were very flexible. I was thinking if we ever tried to exchange for Hawaii we would need to try for specific weeks because my DH's schedule at work is not too flexible. Also, could I ask what would a week in Hawaii costs in say the summer on points. I do not have a 2004-2005 member book, I got last years and I am confused what are value, regular, and peak seasons. Thanks so much for any more help!! You are all terrific with your information.

Patty

 

[Dean]

First, you need the points available for an exchange just like you were booking the unit for your use then giving it to II.

As for how far out, few resorts deposit more than 12 months out. Resorts with II have the option of deposits 12, 18 or 24 months out. Most are 12 and a couple are 24. KCR is 24 months and a relatively easy exchange for HI compared to other choices. I wouldn't list it unless that's what you want as you'll likely get it. Most will come in under 12 months, sometimes much under like 2-6 months. That makes getting air fare at a good price difficult and using FF miles almost impossible.

Decide what resorts and weeks you want then go after them. Look at other venues besides II including renting directly (and renting your points to pay for it), smaller independent exchange companies and direct exchanges. If you find good air deals or plan on using FF miles, make the air reservations then get a hotel or condo reserved that is cancellable if you don't have a match at 11-12 months out. If you match later, you can cancel the cash reservation. For most, the air is by far the most costly portion. To use FF miles you usually need to reserve each leg at the first oportunity, usually 330 days out. That means reserving the trip to HI at 330 days then again at 330 days from the return, staying up to midnight eastern each time to do so.

There are only a few resorts that are truly a fair exchange one to one with DVC but only you can decide what's important to you. I can list the resorts that are fair exchanges to me, others might have a different list. Don't forget there are other great resorts in II and RCI that you can access other than using DVC to exchange. There are also many great resorts that are not a fair exchange one to one but are great choices for less points. By using the independents, renting or private exchanges, you frequently have the opportunity to exchange for less points than you might through II. I hope this helps.

 

[disgirl]

Yes, thanks Dean. I thought of you when I first was responding to this thread. I know you often have helpful advice when it comes to II exchanges. Thanks again!!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by disgirl
Yes, thanks Dean. I thought of you when I first was responding to this thread. I know you often have helpful advice when it comes to II exchanges. Thanks again!!

Thanks for the kind words. I try to help with honest answers. After that, everyone must decide for themselves.

 

[chips]

If you wanted to pay cash for a timeshare rental, where would you look for listings? Would you look directly to the specific resort or chain? Would you look on redweek or other web site compilers? Also how do you know what a fair rental price should be? The owner can ask anything. How do you know what is right. M.f. times two or three?

Where would you find high end timeshares availlable for cash?

If you deal with the individual owner directly then there probably has to be an element of trust. The owner hasn't rented it twice.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Originally posted by Dean
I can list the resorts that are fair exchanges to me, others might have a different list.

Dean - Could you list which resorts you think would be good exchanges? Also, what do you think about the new Marriot resort on Oahu (Ko Olina)? I know most folks would say go to another island, but when we go to Hawaii we're going to do it in conjunction with a week long Hawaii Cruise (NCL), where we will see all the islands. I'm looking forward to the resort stay basically for relaxation, etc. Plus I am really interested in the historical stuff on Oahu. Finally, you mentioned KCR as being an easier exchange. What/where is KCR?

Doing an exchange in conjunction with booking a cruise creates additional problems. I guess I'm going to put in for the exchange first and hopefully it will come in around the 12 month mark, then book the cruise and air. If I don't have an exchange by say 9 months, then I might just say the heck with it and get ressies at Kapalua using points and then book the cruise. I'd hate to wait past 9 months to book the cruise. Does this plan seem reasonable.

Thanks.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by WolfpackFan
Dean - Could you list which resorts you think would be good exchanges? Also, what do you think about the new Marriot resort on Oahu (Ko Olina)? I know most folks would say go to another island, but when we go to Hawaii we're going to do it in conjunction with a week long Hawaii Cruise (NCL), where we will see all the islands. I'm looking forward to the resort stay basically for relaxation, etc. Plus I am really interested in the historical stuff on Oahu. Finally, you mentioned KCR as being an easier exchange. What/where is KCR?

Doing an exchange in conjunction with booking a cruise creates additional problems. I guess I'm going to put in for the exchange first and hopefully it will come in around the 12 month mark, then book the cruise and air. If I don't have an exchange by say 9 months, then I might just say the heck with it and get ressies at Kapalua using points and then book the cruise. I'd hate to wait past 9 months to book the cruise. Does this plan seem reasonable.

Thanks.

First let me say that everyone has different goals and expectations. This is my view, no more and no less. The only choices on the DVC list I'd consider truly comparable exchanges are the Marriott's plus Hanalei Bay. I understand Oahu has been added but not the second one on Kauai. Choices I expect to be added to the exchange list include the two Embassy's (Maui and Kauai), the Marriott above and the Westin. I'd likely take One Napli as well if there were no small children. Resorts I'd personally consider a comparable exchange but are not on the DVC list or are only in RCI would include the Whaler and Maui Lei (Maui), Several of the Pahio resorts and possibly Makai Cottages for Kauai along with the Hilton for Oahu and the Bay Club for the Big Island. KCR is Kona Coast Resort both 1 and 2. KCR is actually a great resort but it's fairly easy to get so that's why I'd be hesitant using DVC.

Many of the other resorts would be fine to stay at but not of comparable one to one exchange to DVC. These include resorts like the Schooner, Papakea, Cliff's Club, Lawaii Beach, Sands of Kahana and the remaining 5* resorts. I'm sure there are a couple of gems I've left out along the way so give me some wiggle room. In these cases, you may want to consider a trade that is less than the exchange rate through DVC such as 5 days for a full week or a studio for a 1 BR, etc.

One word of advice and warning. One persons heaven is anothers hell. Decide what YOU want then get info on the resorts you are interested in and how they fit in with your plans. If you are a beach person, find out which ones have a beach. If you like it to be 65 at night to sleep, find out which ones don't have AC. Location and/or week may be most important. Timing can be a big issue and in your case it is. Getting when you want may be the most important. Some people value the quality of the resort most and others the location. You must decide for you. I hope this helps, good luck.