Marriott's Grande Ocean/Barony Beach Club

[tmcc]

Anyone ever have luck trading into Marriott's Barony Beach Club or Grande Ocean (Hilton Head) utilizing the World Passport Collection(II). I recently stayed at the Grande Ocean for three days on a special (toured Marriott's newest Hilton Head resort, Surf Watch, sales office currently located at the Barony Beach Club). I then headed over to Disney's Hilton Head resort for two days. Now don't get me wrong, Disney's resort is beautiful, my two bedroom was immaculate; however does not compare to the Grande Ocean with regard to location and amenities. I am torn between purchasing into Marriott for a guaranteed Hilton Head vacation every year (of course in addition to my yearly Disney vacations) or taking the chance on the trade. Moreover, I would have to sell my 150 WL points to help soften the blow of the Marriott purchase (I would still own points at SSR & VB). Any opinions or advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I recently inherited 2 weeks at Marriott's Grande Ocean. I have been trying to make a reservation and it has not been easy. When I called in July, they only had one week left in the entire fall. If that is how it is for owners, I can imagine trading would be quite hard.

I really like the flexibilty of DVC much better. Perhaps I will get used to the way Marriott works, but right now, my head is spinning abit.

Hopefully Dean will answer this post. He owns at Grande Ocean and DVC and know tons about trading.

 

[lat]

tmcc, do you remember which building you stayed at Grand Ocean? We are leaving for HH on Friday night, will be staying at Disney HH for 1 night before moving over to Grand Ocean for a week.

What do you like more in "amenities" at Grand Ocean more than Disney? Thanks!!!

 

[Dean]

Trading in can be quite difficult for summer, not that hard overall for the rest of the time. Week 24-32 or so is the worst. As for reservations, you've got to call at exactly 9 am on the day 1 year (or 13 months) ahead to get the good stuff. With 2 weeks, you can schedule 13 months out if they are concurrent or consecutive weeks. That's true even if they are different seasons as long as the seasons touch and you are scheduling the weeks chronicologically together.

As I've said many times, I believe the soon to be 3 beachfront and newer Marriott's are the top choices for the island all around. They are every bit the equal of the DVC from a resort standpoint and have a better location with GO being the best chocie overall.

DVC and Marriott complement each other nicely. If one wants to exchange in, a private exchange is the best option. Using II, make sure you put in the request AT LEAST 12 months ahead and give yourself at least a 6-8 wk window and as many resorts as you feel comfortable taking. I'm expecting Harbour Club to drop off and Surfwatch to be added in a couple of years.

 

[spiceycat]

tmcc - I agreed GO is one of the best resorts I have been in - beautiful...

that say if you don't want or need summer - sometimes II has getaways to it. they run anywhere from $399 to $750 - but I think they are worth it!!!

you have to be a member of II to get the getaway or you can use this site.

don't know if the GO shows up here but I think it will. these prices are around $100 higher than the getaway that II offers members.

http://www.condodirect.com/iw/cs?a=0

 

[tmcc]

Thanks for the replies. lat, in response to your question, unfortunately I don't recall the name of the building I stayed in. Marriott is in the process of refurbishing all of the villas, so hopefully you get a refurb; I did not, however the room was clean anyway. The refurbished villas will include granite tops throughout. The amenities are as follows: Three very large pools,one adult only lap pool, 9 hot tubs, one indoor pool, Pizza Hut on site, just to name a few. Oh and did I mention that the resort is right on the beach. You are going to absolutely love this resort. I have never read a bad review about the resort.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by spiceycat
that say if you don't want or need summer - sometimes II has getaways to it. they run anywhere from $399 to $750 - but I think they are worth it!!!

That's true for off season but not most of the year. Summer rentals run from $2000-2800 or so and are more like $3200 plus tax through Marriott.

 

[tooncanator]

Does anyone know what the cost of Marriott Grande Ocean?

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by tooncanator
Does anyone know what the cost of Marriott Grande Ocean?

Through Marriott I think Ocean side is in the $32500 range and Ocean Front about $35500 or so. Resale OF about $25K and Ocean Side around $19-20K. Barony will be about the same except garden view in the $15-16K range.

 

[Merilyn]

We traded to the Barony in March several years ago to hopefully get closer to the water. WELL, that was wrong! They put us as far from the water as they could and some of the newer condo's are not even close to the water. We had a good 15 min walk to the water. I will never trade out to there again and will just stay at Disney's HH. The drive to the water isn't even 15 min. Barony is beautiful but not what we wanted.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Merilyn
We traded to the Barony in March several years ago to hopefully get closer to the water. WELL, that was wrong! They put us as far from the water as they could and some of the newer condo's are not even close to the water. We had a good 15 min walk to the water. I will never trade out to there again and will just stay at Disney's HH. The drive to the water isn't even 15 min. Barony is beautiful but not what we wanted.

The garden view units is what most exchangers will get. For this situation Barony is not that much of a trade up. GO or the new Surfwatch will be better.