reservation stragies?? Has anyone tried this

[fijidoc]

we are wanting to book a 3 bed room villa at Hilton Head resort in late July/August 2008 which is prime season. We can book 7 months to the day of discharge of course. It was recommended to me that because it is prime season and to make sure we get what we want that we book the 3 bedroom one day at a time. In other words the day we would arrive book for one day, call back next day and book second day, next day call back again to book another day, etc until the end of our stay. Thus increasing our chance to get the time we want by not waiting until the discharge day and booking the entire week at once and risk that it is not available. Has anyone tried this strategy in the past? Did it work for them?

 

[LindaBabe]

well, yeah. lots of people do it this way. I can vouch that it works too - got Thanksgiving week two different years.

 

[dwelty]

I am assuming, since you said 3 bedroom, you mean a Grand Villa. This seems unlikely at the 7 month mark, day by day, or otherwise. You could try for a 2 bedroom and a studio, this seems more possible. Good luck!

 

[Plutofan]

Two years ago we did the waitlist for 5 nights including July 4 for a Grand Villa at HH at the 7 month mark. I called day by day to get on the waitlist. To my surprise our waitlist filled with in a couple of months. Be sure to have them treat the entire waitlist as one waitlist when complete so that you do not get split days. Since the point cost for Friday and Saturday were so high I booked those nights with the 25% member discount at the 7 month mark since we could cancel them with no penalty if our waitlist did not come through. Good luck.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I think dwelty is right. Grand Villa is going to almost impossible... so think about a 2bdrm & studio (if you have any older children). HHI has many 2 bdrm units. If you have an older child that can be responsible... it might be a great opportunity to experience some independence. The 2 bdrm will still give you the full kitchen and laundry. Good luck.

 

[Plutofan]

I would definitly book rooms and then waitlist for grand villa. We have done this at the 7 month mark and it worked for us so definitly give it a try.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I would definitly book rooms and then waitlist for grand villa. We have done this at the 7 month mark and it worked for us so definitly give it a try.

Sorry for the question, but did you do this at HHI?

 

[Dean]

I suspect late July to very early Aug will be very tough. The second half of August might be better if you can travel that late. Call exactly when they open at 7 months out to the day for each day you need. If nothing is available, wait list and take a 2 BR or 2 BR plus studio depending on your parties min needs. You might also put in for an exchange to one the ocean front Marriott's if you're looking at a full week or close to it, it wouldn't make sense for 3-4 days. Surfwatch is the only one with 3 BR units and it might also be very tough but it will further increase your chances somewhat overall. If you get it as an exchange it'll be less points by far and is a better resort in a better area IMO, not that DVC is not a great resort just that SW is better in comparison in my book mostly based on the OF location though I do like the resort set up somewhat better as well.

 

[Plutofan]

Sorry for the question, but did you do this at HHI?

Yes this was at Hilton Head at the 7 month window. We got 5 weeknights on points and then friday and saturday night on cash with the 25% member discount. This was a grand villa over the 4th of July holiday several years ago.

 

[starbox]

I suspect late July to very early Aug will be very tough.

Yup. HHI in June/July is the only DVC reservation I've been unable to get - even at 7 months. I got spring break (April) at 7 months.

 

[marynvince]

at the 7 month mark in June going day by day. MS is real helpful, just tell them what you are doing. Vince