We are suing our points to stay at the DLH next year. We just called MS with our dates, they were available, and we booked it. We got a confirmation letter in the mail. Very easy.
I guess it depends on if your dates are available for where you want to stay. If they aren't you would probably have to get on a waiting list, or do some searching. I am sure there are others on here with more experience that could elaborate more
We have also taken an exchange with II for a week in Devon in the UK. For this we phoned member services and we paid $75 for a search telling them what dates we wanted and where we wanted to stay. The search came back immediately and I booked it there and then. I believe that often you will have to wait to find a match and they recommend being flexible with dates and/or locations.
Will definately do again so easy and always get the confirmation back from Member Services very quickly.
My husband and I have talked about trying Atlantis sometime. Do use still use points or is there some other way of determining cost? Is so, about how many are involved in a week long stay there? Thanks!