Interval International - Sitings

[littlestar]

Hi all,

I'm a DVC Member and a member of Interval International. A thread with a question from a new DVC member got me to thinking (a dangerous thing for me) so I thought I would post this thread. We own a couple of other timeshares and have an individual account with Interval and I can do online searching on availability from their website. I thought I'd do a search for some popular destinations on Interval tonight and post what I find for those that are curious. Remember, these are just leftovers (units that didn't get picked up by ongoing requests for trade):

Aruba:
Marriott's Aruba Surf Club - May 27-June 3, 2007 (studio)
Aruba Beach Club - December 1-8, 2007 (1 bedroom)

Cancun:
Royal Sands - November 17-24, 2007 (1 bedroom)

Newport Beach, CA:
Marriott's Newport Coast Villas - April 20-27 (2 bedrooms)
May 11-18, 2007, May 13-20, 2007, May 19-26, 2007
Various September, October, and November dates

Gatlinburg, TN:
Westgate Smoky Mountains (various 1 bedrooms) for March through May. And starting again for August 11th through the end of December. Lots of October dates available.

Hawaii:
Saw about (4) non name brand one bedrooms on various islands for travel within the next 60 days.

Note: I used a nicely rated (non name brand) week to search with. I'm sure DVC probably has more trade power than what I used to search with and could probably pull even nicer stuff with Interval.

 

[gtrist4life]

Thanks Littlestar,

If you saw a site/time you liked, could you reserve it right then?

 

[Dean]

Thanks Littlestar,

If you saw a site/time you liked, could you reserve it right then?

I'm not littlestar but yes, you can reserve anything then if you have a week to trade. II is actually set up where you would normally be searching with a week that automatically qualifies but given that you can put in dummy info to search, you don't always have something that you could actually give to II at any given time. I routinely run searches on my II account for DVC, HI, HH and frequently also do a search all and see what pops up. I do so with several different deposit options which gives me an idea of what will get what. It's interesting to see what comes up, esp on short notice. Plus I find that by doing this over several years, it gives me a great idea of what I'll likely be successful for as well as how good a week I have to give up to get something.

 

[WolfpackFan]

I sure wish this capability was available to us as DVC members.

 

[3DisneyKids]

So, as a DVC owner, but not HHI, how are we supposed to search for a potential trade?

From what I read on these boards, on the recent members' cruise, one of the talks was about how/why DVCers don't trade into II (not nearly as much as II wants/hopes). Making it easier (or even possible) for us to search for potential trades is one way to up the number of trades...

 

[eliza61]

Your right being able to readily search for trades would probably generate a lot more interest. I've traded alot using the concierge collection and found that to be very easy but would love to try II.

 

[Dean]

So, as a DVC owner, but not HHI, how are we supposed to search for a potential trade?

From what I read on these boards, on the recent members' cruise, one of the talks was about how/why DVCers don't trade into II (not nearly as much as II wants/hopes). Making it easier (or even possible) for us to search for potential trades is one way to up the number of trades...

No question II wants more DVC trades, wouldn't you if you were them? The problems with trading are several IMO. A combo of reasons that includes the fact that most trades are down trades and/or too expensive for what you're giving up, that most members don't understand the system, that the access is difficult for members. I have it on good authority that DVC is currently negotiating with II to try to improve this though they have been since the spring. II's problem is that their main business is almost one size fits all and as such any outlier, either too high or too low, is going to be difficult for them to do much with. They've already given DVC concessions in allowing them to pick which resorts members can trade to as well as direct access, the search first option and a reduced fee. Personally, I'd prefer DVC just become a regular member of II then those that want to exchange with them can do so directly and the rest wouldn't have to worry about it. If not, I'd at least like to see direct access, access to the getaways, reduced points within the flexchange time, the ability to trade up in units for instant exchanges and bonus weeks; all c/w what a lot of other II members have now including some corporate memberships.

Even better would be for DVC to expand the BVTC and do a mini exchange system with Marriott, Hyatt, Worldmark, Hilton and the like.

 

[littlestar]

So, as a DVC owner, but not HHI, how are we supposed to search for a potential trade?

From what I read on these boards, on the recent members' cruise, one of the talks was about how/why DVCers don't trade into II (not nearly as much as II wants/hopes). Making it easier (or even possible) for us to search for potential trades is one way to up the number of trades...

Yes, being able to search Interval's inventory live is very "fun." It feels like a shopping trip every time I log on. And even knowing what I'm seeing is the leftovers (stuff that didn't get picked up by an ongoing request), makes it even more amazing. Because I see some fantastic stuff just sitting out there. And yes, if you see it, you can grab it. You have 18 minutes once you grab it to book it (the unit stays on hold for 18 minutes until you pay the exchange fee).

 

[dumbo71]

Isn't there another thread started by you that I just posted in?

Now I'm confused.

 

[littlestar]

Isn't there another thread started by you that I just posted in?

Now I'm confused.

I posted this thread last night (12-18). The other thread is showing what I saw on Interval on 12-19-06.

 

[bwvBound]

Personally, I'd prefer DVC just become a regular member of II then those that want to exchange with them can do so directly and the rest wouldn't have to worry about it. If not, I'd at least like to see direct access, access to the getaways, reduced points within the flexchange time, the ability to trade up in units for instant exchanges and bonus weeks; all c/w what a lot of other II members have now including some corporate memberships.

AMEN!

Even better would be for DVC to expand the BVTC and do a mini exchange system with Marriott, Hyatt, Worldmark, Hilton and the like.

INDEED! (Sorry to shout - but I would really like that idea.)

-bwvBound (who enjoys direct membership with both II and RCI through her other timeshares)

 

[dumbo71]

So Dean,

How much do you charge for your timeshares 101 class????

Seriously I might sign up for that if you offer it.

What would you charge?

 

[3DisneyKids]

No question II wants more DVC trades, wouldn't you if you were them? The problems with trading are several IMO. A combo of reasons that includes the fact that most trades are down trades and/or too expensive for what you're giving up, that most members don't understand the system, that the access is difficult for members. I have it on good authority that DVC is currently negotiating with II to try to improve this though they have been since the spring. II's problem is that their main business is almost one size fits all and as such any outlier, either too high or too low, is going to be difficult for them to do much with. They've already given DVC concessions in allowing them to pick which resorts members can trade to as well as direct access, the search first option and a reduced fee. Personally, I'd prefer DVC just become a regular member of II then those that want to exchange with them can do so directly and the rest wouldn't have to worry about it. If not, I'd at least like to see direct access, access to the getaways, reduced points within the flexchange time, the ability to trade up in units for instant exchanges and bonus weeks; all c/w what a lot of other II members have now including some corporate memberships.

Even better would be for DVC to expand the BVTC and do a mini exchange system with Marriott, Hyatt, Worldmark, Hilton and the like.

Both of your suggestions would be fabulous, should they ever come to be. Here's hoping...

 

[Dean]

So Dean,

How much do you charge for your timeshares 101 class????

Seriously I might sign up for that if you offer it.

What would you charge?

LOL, I try to share what I know about timeshares both DVC and otherwise. I do my best, try to be honest but considerate, try to get people to think about what their doing, offer the info and experience I have that seems appropriate and sometimes play to contrarian. One can agree or disagree but I hope they'll have to think to do so. But I think most people on this board turn off when non DVC timeshares comes up, at least until it't important to them at the time. Thanks for the kind words.