Riviera - studio availability

[HFJohnson]

Every time I get close to submitting an offer on a Riviera resale contract another question/worry comes up!

Does anyone have direct experience of booking studios at Riviera (I'd be happy with tower or either deluxe view option)? I'm looking to buy enough points to get one of these room types (a 1BR would be too big for what I need) but I'm now stressing about not being able to get one of these rooms and not being able to use my points. My preferred time to visit would be early May or September/October but I have some flexibility and would always be booking on the dot of 11 months.

 

[C.Witch]

I've booked both May and September with no trouble at the 11mth window. I was never able to get a tower studio, but I was able to grab standard view no problem.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I have booked tower studios and std view studios several times. Most were at 11 months but we were also able to grab a tower studio about 5 months out. If all else fails, preferred views are pretty easy to get.

We have 200 RIV points, 150 direct and 50 resale. No regrets!

 

[Sandisw]

I own RiV and book a studio at 11 months about 4 to 6 months out of the year.

Never been a time when I could not get a studio at 11 months. Resort view studios go fast and some of the year, like October through early January, in seconds some days.

But, not once have I ever not gotten at least the preferred view.

So, as long as you book when the window opens, you will be fine!

If you choose resale, it’s even more important to make sure you book as close to the 11 month window!

 

[tx911]

As others have said, Tower Studios are toughest, then Resort Studios. Preferred view studios are not generally an issue at 11 months in my experience. Even Resort view pretty good availability if you are at 11 months on the nose.

 

[davidhr]

Standard Studios might be difficult at 11 months. Same for tower. I've never seen Preferred unavailable at 11 months (tbh, I've never noticed it unavailable during the owner priority period)

 

[HFJohnson]

Thanks all, that puts my mind at rest somewhat. As long as I can get at least a preferred studio I'll fine but I won't have the points for a one 1BR.

 

[Ruttangel]

The main worry with RIV resale is having access to just one resort, forever

If it’s your one true love then great, I just know my favourite resort has changed a few times over the years

 

[tx911]

The main worry with RIV resale is having access to just one resort, forever

If it’s your one true love then great, I just know my favourite resort has changed a few times over the years

It's kind of like getting married, when you think about it

 

[muppets3d]

The tower and resort view studios often go right at the 11 month mark, but I've booked them several times with no real worry. Lower points seasons make them more difficult to get as you can imagine.

 

[muppets3d]

The main worry with RIV resale is having access to just one resort, forever

If it’s your one true love then great, I just know my favourite resort has changed a few times over the years

Well only until 2070

 

[HFJohnson]

The main worry with RIV resale is having access to just one resort, forever

If it’s your one true love then great, I just know my favourite resort has changed a few times over the years

I've been backwards and forwards on this point since I started looking at DVC but I just keep coming back to Riviera as the place I want to stay. I'm looking at a small contract initially though to test the waters with the DVC and see if it works for me. I might then consider adding points at a second resort after a few years to give me more options.

 

[Ruttangel]

Well only until 2070

That’s definitely my forever

 

[Ruttangel]

It's kind of like getting married, when you think about it

Definitely! And of course they all end up happily ever after

 

[airjay75]

Just noting that RIV resale points can be exchanged into the Interval International program. I know nothing other than that, but presumably does give a resale contract holder some options to stay someplace else (even if redeeming at RIV is a better value).

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I was able to get duo studios during spring break and it was the day after my 11 month window opened.

 

[muppets3d]

Just noting that RIV resale points can be exchanged into the Interval International program. I know nothing other than that, but presumably does give a resale contract holder some options to stay someplace else (even if redeeming at RIV is a better value).

Depends on where you want to go, you can get a week in Aruba for like 50 points through II.

 

[Brian Noble]

There are some Marriotts in Hawaii that I think are at least decent values as well. I happen to like Kauai Beach Club, even though it's a red-headed stepchild hotel conversion. The oceanfront suites are great for a couple.

 

[JackosinDIS]

Not had an issue so far with the standard view studios, but have only booked them at Easter, which is high points so maybe not indicative of availability at other times of year. As long as you are ready to book when the 11 month window opens you should be absolutely fine!

 

[The Jackal]

The more and more RIV resale bought. More people will be booking at 11 months maybe 11+. Right now it might not be bad. But in 20-30 years things will be totally different. I foresee standard view rooms ( probably even 1 and 2 bedrooms) and duo studio room being walked for the majority of the year.