There's no reason to give up that many points and it doesn't have to be your home resort. Assume the cost is the same in terms of points for a
DVC exchange vs a direct exchange. You save the $75 exchange fee and will be the guest of an owner. In many cases that means getting a much better unit/view and in many cases, picking that view. You may also be entitled to some other discounts and incentives as the guest of an owner or avoid certain fees like parking and extra for AC. In addition, you have your trip set and are not waiting hoping something matches. You can also have time to look for air fare. You can look for both at the same time thus far improving your chances of success.
Let me give you an example of how this can work. I own at La Cabana in Aruba which has mostly studios and 1 BR units. The sqare footage is the same for both size units and the kitchen essentially the same (actually slightly better for the studio). The only difference is the sleeping arrangements where the 1 BR has a King and pull out and the studio a Murphy bed and pull out. You could also have your pick of a specific unit and tailor your interest and how many points you're willing to give up to what is offered. No way these units are worth the exchange rates DVC charges when you can get a studio or 1 BR for between $500-700 for summer and a modest premium for winter. I own there but it's not a comparable resort. You could likely get a 1 BR or studio for between 60 & 100 points.
You can find this scenario duplicated throughout the world, especially in the Caribbean, MX and HI. That's where TUG and the reviews come in. Are exchangers given the bad units? Is there an extra charge for AC or maybe there's no AC at all. Is there an All inclusive option and if so how much and is it mandatary or cheaper for guests of an owner? The studios at the Royals in cancun are just hotel units with no kitchen. Exchangers at Paradise Village near Puerta Vallarta (where I also own) get the worst views on the Marina side in the first 3 floors.
Direct exchanges and independent exchange companies can also give you access to resorts not on the DVC II list. Resorts Id add to my list for outside DVC are Harborside which has been removed from the DVC list, Costa Linda in Aruba, Windjammer in St. Lucia, and Club Ortanique in Jamaica (former Ciboney) to name some of the more prominent options. Even when the resort is on the DVC list, it gives you access to potentially more available units that are not deposited with II. It also gives you the opportunity to consider resorts you wouldnt accept directly through DVC or resorts you wouldnt do an even exchange for. You could do this by structuring how many points youre willing to give up for a certain option. A resort youd never give up 160-200 points may become a great choice at 80 or 100 points.
What resorts have you narrowed your choices to and what time of the year are you looking to go. I know you said early 2004, is that before or after April for your planned trip.
