One Time Use Points for Riviera?

[FrannyFrogs]

I'm a new DVC owner, having purchased a resale Poly contract. I've got some plans for August and I want to add a single night at the Riviera resort. My resale points aren't eligible for use there. If I buy (up to the max of 24) one time use points, will those act like direct purchase points, and I can use them to book a Riviera studio for 18 pts at 7 months out? Or will they act like my resale Poly points, since that's the only contract on my account?

 

[Sandisw]

I can’t remember where, but I read that no, it will not work, because your membership is currently not eligible for booking RIV since you only own restricted points.

 

[FrannyFrogs]

Hmm that's a bummer. We do have APs so maybe I'll just watch for an AP discount to come out and try to get a Riviera studio cash booking. Unless anyone has another creative workaround to suggest?

 

[Sandisw]

I’d still try at 7 months. If not, maybe search for a one night rental from someone with qualified points.

 

[lexxus379]

Now that you are a member, you can buy as little as 25 points direct for any future Riviera stays

 

[FrannyFrogs]

Aaaaack now instead of $500 in OTU points I'm thinking about $5000 in direct Riviera points! I mean, it's 10x the price (plus yearly dues) but I would get to use the points for 48 years instead of 1!

 

[DebbieB]

I would try to rent a reservation.

 

[CSLucas]

I would call in and try to have them do it over the phone - when we booked at RIV we used one-time use points because the only points we had available were restricted, and it wasn't a problem (but we booked over the phone). I don't know if the fact that we did have some direct points made a difference (even though we have direct points, we don't have enough to qualify for a blue card), but it seems weird to me that it would matter if you're only booking with the rented points so I would definitely call in and check.

 

[Sandisw]

I would call in and try to have them do it over the phone - when we booked at RIV we used one-time use points because the only points we had available were restricted, and it wasn't a problem (but we booked over the phone). I don't know if the fact that we did have some direct points made a difference (even though we have direct points, we don't have enough to qualify for a blue card), but it seems weird to me that it would matter if you're only booking with the rented points so I would definitely call in and check.

If you have direct points to use at RIV, then you membership is not a restricted one. That is most likely why they allowed you to buy and use OTU points there. The restriction on points has nothing to do with the blue card. Blue card is only for accessing membership magic extras, not what you can and can not book.

The issue is that those with completely restricted memberships are blocked out of even seeing RIV. So, adding unrestricted points...which OTU points would be...isn't that easy to accomplish. I heard it can be the same for those that get in transferred points that can be used, but their own membership is restricted.

Based on the reports I have read elsewhere, when it comes to OTU, they simply say you are not eligible to get them and use them there. Of course, I would still try as the worst they can say is no!