MS question??

[Beca]

I called yesterday to check availability for VWL (I really wanted BCV or BWV...but, no surprise here...they are FULL), and the CM said, "I can probably get you those rooms, but I will have to call VWL directly to see." I said never mind, because I didn't have the EXACT dates that my friends were wanting to stay, and since I am borrowing points for this....I really don't want to make changes.

My friends got back to me last night, and the trip is a go for the dates I checked on yesterday. So, I woke up REALLY early to try and get what seemed like those last few rooms at VWL. So, the CM said, "I think there are rooms available...let me put you on hold and check". So, she comes back and verfifies that I am having to borrow for this ressie , and makes the reservation. She was really nice, so at the end of the call I asked her, "Why do you have to call VWL directly to see if these rooms were available? I'm just curious because I am still new to this. Is it because you are pulling inventory from somewhere else, or what?" She replied, "No, I didn't call the resort directly, I just had to put you on hold while I checked our system." I explained that the CM yesterday told me that she would have to call the resort directly to see if the rooms were actually available. This CM apologized for the "incorrect information" I was given, and explained that they do not have to call the resort unless they are within a 7-day arrival window.

Now, I know I am not crazy here...this is my third ressie, and NEVER have I heard "I think there is availability. Let me put you on hold while I check." The CM always just says, "Yes, we have rooms available. Would you like me to reserve that for you?"

I really was just curious as to why she needed to call...I didn't realize it wasn't something I shouldn't have asked. Or, maybe the second CM was telling me the truth...but, then...why would the first CM tell me she had to call if she didn't? This is just really strange to me.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!!



Beca

 

[LibertyBelle]

Having worked WL and now OKW I can answer this for you... There are an alotted amount of rooms that are reserved for members (much higher number) and an alotted amount of rooms that are reserved for renters (this includes members on cash). I don't know how the numbers are figured out for each day, but they are based on ownership and technical contract stuff. The hotel CM can go into the system and move "renter" inventory to the "member" inventory, but MS can not. If MS sees that the hotel is not sold out but is showing no avalabilty for members they can call the hotel and ask if they can book a room. The hotel will then authorize (or decline) an overide booking and release the "renter" room to them.

 

[Stimpy]

When I called for ressies at BCV for early October, the CM also put me on hold. This is 11 months out. She said the same thing, she needed to put me on hold to check for availablity. I don't remember them doing that before, maybe it's new.

Apparently, all the CM's from MS are going for training tommorrow since they are closing at noon (Friday). There was a message about it before main menu. Maybe they'll go over all the inconsitencies.

 

[scootert]

I had a similar experience with VB. I had made reservations 7 months out. Two months later we decided to try and add another day.

I called and first was told the day was not available, then the CM asked if I could hold so she could "check something". She came back about three minutes later and said "if I can get you this night do you want to book it immediately" I said yes. Another three or five minutes and it was all booked.

 

[Beca]

Originally posted by LibertyBelle
Having worked WL and now OKW I can answer this for you... There are an alotted amount of rooms that are reserved for members (much higher number) and an alotted amount of rooms that are reserved for renters (this includes members on cash). I don't know how the numbers are figured out for each day, but they are based on ownership and technical contract stuff. The hotel CM can go into the system and move "renter" inventory to the "member" inventory, but MS can not. If MS sees that the hotel is not sold out but is showing no avalabilty for members they can call the hotel and ask if they can book a room. The hotel will then authorize (or decline) an overide booking and release the "renter" room to them.

That does make sense!! Now I DO feel really lucky to get those rooms!! I wonder why the second CM wouldn't mention that?

Thanks to everyone for your replies,



Beca

 

[FOTM_Ring_Bearer]

I had the same thing happen when I booked our November trip. The cm told me she only had 3 of our 4 nights. Then she put me on hold and when she came back, I got my fourth night. I was wondering how she found a room. But I was really thankful she did.