Is it possible to get a member discount on a 2BR lock-off at OKW?

[Mike]

In July 2006, I will be staying in a 2BR lockoff unit at OKW and I am going to pay cash for Fr and Sat. I called today and was able to get the member discount but only for a Dedicated 2BR which means we would have to move. I asked the CM if they ever offer the discount on a 2BR lock-off. She put me on hold and then gave me a very vague reply. Reading between the lines it sounded like they don't offer a discount for a 2 BR lockoff. Is this true? Has anybody ever received a member discount on a 2BR lock-off before? Is there still hope for me?

By the way, I have to be in a lock-off because we check in on Sunday (1BR) and then will be joined by friends on Thursday-Sunday (2BR).

Thanks!

 

[RobDoc]

It appears that this far in advance they are unwilling/unable to offer the discount when they may be able to reserve the lock-off units individually as a 1BR and Studio. They are offering the dedicated 2BR since they know from past history that there is likely to be availability for that specific type of villa.

At BCV, they will not accept cash reservations for the dedicated 2BR villas with 2 queen beds- those are saved for point reservations. At BWV, the BW view villas aren't usually reserved for cash stays- only point reservations.

You may still be able to get a 2BR lock-off if the booking pattern later suggests that some will be available, but that may not happen until within 6 months of arrival. It sounds as though you already may have to move since you want to have a 1BR initially and then add a studio. While this may be accomplished, they will not guarantee that you won't need to move (if you had booked the lock-off 2BR at arrival and then kept the 1BR when guests keft, you'd probably be OK).

I'd accept the discounted dedicated 2BR and see what becomes available later - keeping in mind that you may have to move regardless.

Good luck!

 

[Mike]

Thanks Doc! Yes I was aware of the possibility of having to change rooms when our friends arrived on Thursday. That is why I would like to not have to move on Friday as well. We are moving to the BCV on Sunday so I really don't want to have to move 3 times in 4 days

I do have another option that I'd like to run by you. I have 6 other family members staying in a dedicated 2BR from Sunday - Friday on points and then Fr and Sat night on cash. As you suggested I did accept the discounted Dedicated 2BR. My plan was to try to get them an AP discount for their cash portion. Would I be able to add my name to their reservation and link this reservation to the member discounted dedicated 2 BR. Then I could get the AP rate for our room. I know technically I am supposed to be staying in the room with the member discount but this would lessen the possibility that we would have to move on Friday morning. Do you think this would work?

 

[Dean]

The member must be staying in the unit to get the cash discount. Your options as I see them include :

• Book the lockoff by cash and hope the discount is available later.
• Book with points now and hope for the discount later.
• change your 2 BR to a dedicated for the entire time you're in a 2 BR knowing you'd only have to move once in this situation.

 

[RobDoc]

... Would I be able to add my name to their reservation and link this reservation to the member discounted dedicated 2 BR. Then I could get the AP rate for our room. I know technically I am supposed to be staying in the room with the member discount but this would lessen the possibility that we would have to move on Friday morning. Do you think this would work?

I think that would add another level of complication to your situation since that AP reservation (IF it's even available) must be made thru CRO not MS and it's very possible that you would still have to move. I think you stand a better chance of getting the discount on the lock-off 2BR once within 6 months.

 

[Mike]

Thanks guys. I think I will sit tight until the end of the year and see if the discount becomes available.

Another option I thought about last night is biting the bullet on the additional 32 points (even though I am point-challenged ) and booking a dedicated 2BR right from the start. If I do that, I can link my Fri and Sat member discount room directly to this new reservation and I am guaranteed to not have to move at all. Plus my family and I will have plenty of room to spread out for the first 4 nights.

 

[RobDoc]

That sounds like a plan!