II Short Stays online booking

[WolfpackFan]

It's going to be interesting to see how often the presets change. Evidently like Dean said, these are exchanges that are very easy to get. Having the little popup that says what is available and when does help. I saw where it said there was some Cape Cod exchange available but I haven't found the exact date yet. I was excited about seeing so many Arizona exchanges. I could see DW and myself doing one of these. Plus one at Williamsburg also. Also we've never been to Branson.

 

[MrsNick]

I can't even find that part .

I can't find it either. When I click on "Book Now" it just takes me to the DVC Member II home page.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I can't find it either. When I click on "Book Now" it just takes me to the DVC Member II home page.

Glad I am not the only one.. I have no idea I cleared everything and it still does not work. It is driving me crazy..

 

[squidmo]

Checking vs. the regular Interval Internations site, it appears that the "Short Stays" properties and dates for DVC are a stripped-down list of the "Getaways" that are available to the regular members. The Getaways are weeks that are available for cash bookings to Interval International members. It looks like the DVC list may only include "Premier" Resorts. One thing that really bugs me is that you can search for Getaways for any time range (ie- show me everything available between April and December), but on the DVC site, once you have selected the start date, you can only search for the following 6 days. I think it would be pretty much impossible to find what you are looking for using the DVC site. For example, I can see using the regular Interval International site that there are Getaways available at Marriot's Maui Ocean Club and/or Kauai Beach Club available for 4/12 - 4/20, but if you don't pick exactly the right dates on the DVC site they won't show up. Also, it looks like Interval is generally not making the dates available as "short stays" until the very last minute- the latest Hawaii week I could find through DVC was 4/27 - 5/3, while in Getaways there is one "Premier" resort (Kona Coast Resort Phase II) which is available pretty much every non-holiday week through 2008. I think the "short stays" program is doomed to failure unless they add more flexibility

 

[littlestar]

I don't think the value for summer Branson on DVC points is too bad, as the regular II cash Getaway prices are high during summer (summer is probably peak season for Branson when the kids are out of school). I saw some studio dates on DVC points for June and July at a resort I own (Marriott Horizons Branson) that were cheaper than buying a cash Getaway with my regular II membership. If someone had some extra DVC points they wanted to use up, not bad.

 

[ACDSNY]

I was surprised to find 1 listing for Kauai and 1 for Maui from 4/27 - 5/2/08. Hawaii must be getting hit pretty hard from the fallout of the airline shutdowns.

 

[Dean]

Has anyone been able to pull up any exchanges by entering in a location rather than picking one of the presets? Personally, I think this is a great new feature. I would like to see this replace the entire calling MS and doing searches, etc. The old process seems like a lot of voo-doo to me. I'd much rather do the search on my own and see what is available before making a commitment.

Sure, just remember that most places you want are not likely to be there. MX, Caribbean and south FL for weeks 17-50 will likely have some availability. Dessert areas for summer will also be available. Branson and Williamsburg likely most of the time, same for LV to a degree. You might find some in MX for the rest of the weeks since there are so many resorts now with excess inventory.

Just realize these are things you could easily get with a very cheap timeshare purchase and reg II membership. These type exchanges you'd be looking for at 160/270 points for a week (or prorated portion thereof) would be total $199-299 plus tax (studio to 2 BR) with any II bonus week, without using your exchange. Plus given the window is 30 days, that means they've been picked over for a month before II gave DVC members access. It looks like II is giving up a full week to DVC members but only allotting them the number of days in question. It's still a better deal for II to get 100 DVC points than $300 or less (? zero) otherwise. I'd assume DVC will pool these points and give II whole weeks in return much like they're doing now with the points traded for II.

I was surprised to find 1 listing for Kauai and 1 for Maui from 4/27 - 5/2/08. Hawaii must be getting hit pretty hard from the fallout of the airline shutdowns.

Actually HI has a lot of last minute availability for all islands, esp in the last 2 weeks prior. I could have gotten a 3 BR for my daughter's trip last Sept instead of the studio but given she was only in it 3 days and it would have been more $$$ using a bonus week, I elected to pass it up. This does bring up the other related question, that of retrades. They work like this. Say you had a 1 BR at Sands of Kahana (or a Marriott or Westin studio) for Maui with air in hand. You could keep checking back to see if a better resort or larger unit came available. If it did you could "retrade" to the larger unit. You'd have to pay an extra exchange fee but an extra $95, $99 or even $139/154 is often worth it. It also works for a different situation. Say one has already cancelled once and booked a second time. If you cancel a second time you lose everything but you can retrade instead of canceling and get a different week when you would have lost it all if you'd simply cancelled a second time. This is one of the reasons I often book my air (or make my car plans) in on Fri and out on Sunday giving me the option of making more resorts and weeks work for this situation.

 

[Dean]

I don't think the value for summer Branson on DVC points is too bad, as the regular II cash Getaway prices are high during summer (summer is probably peak season for Branson when the kids are out of school). I saw some studio dates on DVC points for June and July at a resort I own (Marriott Horizons Branson) that were cheaper than buying a cash Getaway with my regular II membership. If someone had some extra DVC points they wanted to use up, not bad.

Actually Branson is pretty easy for Summer, maybe even more so for RCI than II. Don't be fooled into thinking that getaway prices reflect demand, they often don't since the destination system/resort has input into what they can be sold for. That's why you rarely see DVC or Marriott for cheap prices. Some of the systems will let the week go empty rather than doing a fire sale. I assume they feel it would cheaper their system and they're better off having empty units than to get someone in at any cost. Currently the summer's wide open for this year. What I'm showing is more 1 BR units (my traders in RCI are very weak right now) but I suspect that's due to trade power and not lack of availability. Big Cedar is the exception. I don't have anything to search II at the present time from an exchange standpoint.

 

[Brian Noble]

It looks like II is giving up a full week to DVC members but only allotting them the number of days in question. It's still a better deal for II to get 100 DVC points than $300 or less (? zero) otherwise.

Absolutely. This is a HUGE win for II, on two fronts. First, distressed inventory is being exchanged at an effective rate no less than they'd get for a cash exchange. In return, II has more DVC inventory available to meet demand.

Branson is dirt-simple to get in RCI---I can get prime weeks with my rock-bottom blue studio Wyndham deposits. II may have less inventory; but still not hard.

 

[littlestar]

Still, if you had 40 to 60 DVC points that you needed to use up, I think it's nice that you can do these short stay trips (more options are nice).

The Branson Marriott studios are over $800 for a II cash Getaway for summer. Using 42 DVC points that are going to expire anyway for a 3 day trip is a nice option to have.

 

[Dean]

Still, if you had 40 to 60 DVC points that you needed to use up, I think it's nice that you can do these short stay trips (more options are nice).

The Branson Marriott studios are over $800 for a II cash Getaway for summer. Using 42 DVC points that are going to expire anyway for a 3 day trip is a nice option to have.

If you could avoid weekends, a bonus week with II would have gotten you that same week for $199 plus tax for the entire week. The Marriott getaways are usually overpriced due to Marriott's decisions, not supply and demand.

 

[littlestar]

If you could avoid weekends, a bonus week with II would have gotten you that same week for $199 plus tax for the entire week. The Marriott getaways are usually overpriced due to Marriott's decisions, not supply and demand.

Right, I understand. But most DVC members don't own another timeshare and a lot of people who own timeshares don't even know what a bonus week is. My family used to get them through II and they would let them expire because they didn't know what they were (laughter). I'm just saying that if a DVC member who doesn't own another timeshare has some leftover points, that it's nice to have another option to use those points if they are past their banking windows and don't want to go to the trouble to rent out their extra points - probably most DVC members wouldn't even know you could rent your points on these boards or other places.

 

[bwvBound]

Oooooo-kay .... but that argument sounds like it acceptable to fleece the unknowing?

Right, I understand. But most DVC members don't own another timeshare and a lot of people who own timeshares don't even know what a bonus week is. My family used to get them through II and they would let them expire because they didn't know what they were (laughter). I'm just saying that if a DVC member who doesn't own another timeshare has some leftover points, that it's nice to have another option to use those points if they are past their banking windows and don't want to go to the trouble to rent out their extra points - probably most DVC members wouldn't even know you could rent your points on these boards or other places.

 

[littlestar]

Oooooo-kay .... but that argument sounds like it acceptable to fleece the unknowing?

I think the points required needs to be lower. Too bad they didn't make it like 8 to 10 points for an efficiency (more in line with a DVC studio at OKW). I'm just saying that it is nice to have other choices. I know people who actually let their DVC points expire because they can't make it back to Orlando. I have a sister-in-law who is a beautician and she has an older customer who lets her DVC points expire every year. I'm not kidding.

 

[WolfpackFan]

I know if I could get a short getaway for 42 points for say Williamsburg, Branson or wherever, I could care less if it's a good deal or not if I had this II membership. To me it's giving me another way to use my points rather than go to WDW all the time. I think we get carried away worrying whether or not something is a "good deal" or not. Like I said before I bought my DVC to pre-pay for vacations and 42 points for a short stay in Williamsburg is a good alternative use for my points. We go there quite often and pay $120/night at the Hampton Inn. This will save me a lot of money.

 

[bwvBound]

42 points is for 3 mid-week nights in a studio unit. Raise that to a 3 night stay over a weekend in a 1BR unit and you are shelling out 96 points for the stay. Using SSR's MF + exchange fee the total is $480 or $160/night.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Well I just tried to do a number of searches and this morning I can't pull up hardly anything. Exchanges I was able to pull up yesterday, no longer are present. Either the system is buggy or folks have been making exchanges like crazy.

 

[Starr W.]

Well I just tried to do a number of searches and this morning I can't pull up hardly anything. Exchanges I was able to pull up yesterday, no longer are present. Either the system is buggy or folks have been making exchanges like crazy.

If you have any experience with the "regular" II site, it can be rather buggy sometimes.

 

[Brian Noble]

I had another thought. Is it possible that the points exchanged for this are not going into II inventory? I can imagine that DVC is paying II for the weeks at (or possibly below) the getaway rates, and funding those payments with cash rentals via CRO out of exchanged inventory. That leaves a substantial skim for the Mouse.

I would imagine it is possible to determine whether II is getting cash or points from the various filings required of DVC. Anyone know for sure?

 

[spiceycat]

30 days out for only easily available areas essentially for full DVC points, what a bargain for something you could likely get for $200-300 total if you were a regular II member.

where is the $200?

here is the April - May for Williamsburg, Va

the $399 for the week is what most II members will pay. the $374 is for their gold members for Williamsburg Plantation.


Williamsburg Plantation
Apr 25 2008 - May 02 2008 2 6 6 266 $374.00 $399.00 $53.43
Apr 26 2008 - May 03 2008 2 6 6 266 $374.00 $399.00 $53.43
Apr 27 2008 - May 04 2008 2 6 6 266 $374.00 $399.00 $53.43
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.
Golf Resort
Resorts participating in the Golf Resort program have an 18-hole golf course on-site or within close proximity. These resorts also extend special golf-related benefits to members.
Williamsburg Plantation • WLM Premier Resort
The highest level of recognition, providing an outstanding vacation experience, with state-of-the-art conveniences, and modern features and appointments. Williamsburg , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
Apr 26 2008 - May 03 2008 2 6 6 266 $374.00 $399.00 $53.43
Apr 27 2008 - May 04 2008 2 6 6 266 $374.00 $399.00 $53.43
May 02 2008 - May 09 2008 2 6 6 266 $930.00 $955.00 $132.86
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.

The Townes at King's Creek Plantation • KCT Premier Resort
The highest level of recognition, providing an outstanding vacation experience, with state-of-the-art conveniences, and modern features and appointments. Williamsburg , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
Apr 27 2008 - May 04 2008 2 6 6 266 $374.00 $399.00 $53.43
May 03 2008 - May 10 2008 2 6 6 266 $960.00 $985.00 $137.14
May 08 2008 - May 15 2008 2 6 6 266 $960.00 $985.00 $137.14
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.

Greensprings Vacation Resort • GSS Premier Resort
The highest level of recognition, providing an outstanding vacation experience, with state-of-the-art conveniences, and modern features and appointments. Williamsburg , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
May 02 2008 - May 09 2008 2 6 6 266 $860.00 $885.00 $122.86
May 04 2008 - May 11 2008 2 6 6 266 $860.00 $885.00 $122.86
May 10 2008 - May 17 2008 2 6 6 266 $860.00 $885.00 $122.86
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.

King's Creek Plantation • KCP Premier Resort
The highest level of recognition, providing an outstanding vacation experience, with state-of-the-art conveniences, and modern features and appointments. Williamsburg , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
May 02 2008 - May 09 2008 1 4 4 144 $770.00 $795.00 $110.00
May 03 2008 - May 10 2008 1 4 4 144 $770.00 $795.00 $110.00
May 09 2008 - May 16 2008 1 4 4 144 $770.00 $795.00 $110.00
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.

The Historic Powhatan Resort • PWP Select Resort
Select Resorts provide a great vacation experience with a comfortable and home-like atmosphere, offering hospitality, welcome, friendliness and warmth. Williamsburg , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
May 02 2008 - May 09 2008 2 6 6 266 $870.00 $895.00 $124.29
May 03 2008 - May 10 2008 2 6 6 266 $870.00 $895.00 $124.29
May 04 2008 - May 11 2008 2 6 6 266 $870.00 $895.00 $124.29
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.

Colonial Crossing of Williamsburg • CCX Select Resort
Select Resorts provide a great vacation experience with a comfortable and home-like atmosphere, offering hospitality, welcome, friendliness and warmth. Williamsburg , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
May 03 2008 - May 10 2008 2 6 6 266 $860.00 $885.00 $122.86
May 09 2008 - May 16 2008 1 4 4 144 $770.00 $795.00 $110.00
May 10 2008 - May 17 2008 1 4 4 144 $770.00 $795.00 $110.00
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.

Marriott's Manor Club Sequel • MSE Premier Resort
The highest level of recognition, providing an outstanding vacation experience, with state-of-the-art conveniences, and modern features and appointments. Williamsburg , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
May 09 2008 - May 16 2008 0 2 4 024 $740.00 $765.00 $105.71
May 24 2008 - May 31 2008 0 2 4 024 $740.00 $765.00 $105.71
May 25 2008 - Jun 01 2008 0 2 4 024 $740.00 $765.00 $105.71
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.

Areas Surrounding Williamsburg, VA, USA

Creekside Village • CRK
Basye , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
Apr 20 2008 - Apr 27 2008 2 4 6 246 $454.00 $479.00 $64.86
Apr 27 2008 - May 04 2008 2 4 6 246 $454.00 $479.00 $64.86
Apr 27 2008 - May 04 2008 2 4 6 246 $454.00 $479.00 $64.86
See More Dates Nightly rates are based on per week basis.
All prices are shown in US DOLLARS.

Ocean Beach Club • OCB Premier Resort
The highest level of recognition, providing an outstanding vacation experience, with state-of-the-art conveniences, and modern features and appointments. Virginia Beach , VA , USA
Resort Details & Photos

Gold
Member Interval
Member Average Nightly
Rate From
Apr 25 2008 - May 02 2008 0 2 2 022 $274.00 $299.00 $39.14
Nightly rates are based


even the studios at Marriott are $795 for the week.

Now the last one is $299 - but it is NOT in Williamsburg, Va.

II and RCI has both gone up on the prices for getaways