Upgrading view at check-in - cash v. points

[squirk]

If you book on points for, say, a "standard" view, but ask to upgrade at check-in to a "preferred" view, how can you pay for that upgrade? Points, cash or either?

My thought is that check-in is too late to modify the reservation in the DVC system and upgrade via points, so it probably has to be cash. Is that right?

If so, are there any rules of thumb on how much the upgrade would cost? Like, is it simply the difference between the prevailing cash rates of the two views?

Thank you!

 

[supersnoop]

You cannot upgrade for cash. Period.

Upgrading is a cancel and rebook if the inventory is available the front desk is notorious for screwing up your points (cancelling, putting points in holding, borrowing more points and booking with new points) when processing changes.

The same applies to rented reservations. The front desk has been known to provide an upgrade by using more points from the members account while the renter thinks they're getting a free upgrade. That causes lots of problems.

In short, don't ask for an upgrade, ever.

 

[DenLo]

If you want an upgrade call MS before you get to the resort and cancel and book a new reservation. But keep in mind you might lose the reservation completely.

A renter should never ask for an upgrade at a DVC resort because the owner will pay for the "free" upgrade with additional points.

 

[squirk]

Alrighty then. Thank you both.

 

[g8rben]

Good to know for us renters. I wouldn't want to do that to the owner at all, especially unknowingly.