New Marriott Program

[Rekenna]

Hey everyone,
I posted this in Off Topic, but I guess it's not.
I'm interested in feedback regarding the new Marriott Destination Points program. I have been discussing it with Allan Cohen (ex Marriott Board Chairman) and none of us (current owners) are happy about it. It seems to be great for new people coming in, who can just purchase points rather than properties and then use them for anything, anywhere, for any length of stay. Our issues are: who has first choice (will all the new people create an even higher demand for popular properties already difficult to book - like Aruba); what if these new owners only use 3 or 4 days, does that leave half weeks everywhere; it seems to be costing them much less than the exorbitant mortgages we took out to buy our properties; will they be paying maintenance fees? I spent a good half hour on the phone with a rep last week and by the time I got off the phone, I was even more confused. We had decided, however, that if someone owned a really nice villa and view (for example, 2-bedroom, ocean front in Aruba), then the program would not work for them as they would be paying for many, many points for this type of villa. It gets very frustrating that they keep changing the system. Enrollment is very expensive and there are annual fees, although this fee will supposedly eliminate the need for Interval fees, exchange fees, and lock-off fees. The thing that bothers me most is that they will not send us any disclosure documents or by-laws until we actually purchase the program. ??? How does this make sense? We need to opt in and then have a 5 day rescission period to opt out if we don't like it. Hmmm . . . Any comments would be appreciated.

[Zippy]

I haven't read everything about this yet.... BUT

Marriott would try to build "Brand" loyalty to it's users.
Owners may "deposit" units in exchange for points, and it seems the point values are "skewed" toward "high-poularity" properties.

Rather than allow "anyone" thru Interval International to exchange for "Marriott" properties... it would give greater availablity (based on deposits by Marriott property owners) the flexibility to see other Marriott Properties.

In this way it allows owners to exchange within Marriott a little easier. It also allows for "partial weeks" IE: 3days at location "X" and 4 days at location "Y".

I don't think anyone is getting out of maintenence fees as a depsoit within Marriott is required. As I understand it .... you may "purchase" points to use as well. The cost of the points and program + your current maintence fees will be similar if not slightly more costly.

So far ... I kinda like the idea of exchanging into "Marriott" properties a little easier.... and preferred treatment a s a Marriott Owner. The properties aren't "cheap" as you previously mentioned.

I don't quite have an opinion yet .... but will sure post it when I have one!

[Zippy]

I read more today ...

Not ALL weeks are available for depsoir into the program.

And if you "Purcahsed" your weeks directly from Marriott it costs less than if purchased from a 3rd party. This give greater wait to purchasing from Marriott.

It also grants you a "higher" value for "higher value properties".

Si I could deposit my 2bdrm at the Surf Club, purchased from Marriott directly and potentially stay at Orlando or Fort Lauderdale for 2 or 3 weeks rather than 1 or 2 at the Surf Club.

I kinda like what I'm seeing so far. I was considering doing what so mant have done... Purchase a cheap property ... then exchange into a more expensive destination. Looks like Marriot may finally be looking out for those that have purchased on the higher end, but sometimes want to see something different.

I'll post more when I get more aquainted with the details.

[Rekenna]

Yes, Zippy, I understand this, however, we (other existing owners) are under the impression that this system will create an influx of people clamoring for destinations that are already difficult to book. We seem to be very limited in availability; for example, I will call in January looking for a summer week on any Caribbean island and there will be nothing available. I can't imagine that this program wouldn't create an even greater demand for desirable spots. The fact that we now need to pay all this additional money to even enroll also seems wrong. What about the thousands and thousands we spent to purchase our weeks? Why doesn't that count? The new people are only paying for points; we have an initial large investment. Something just doesn't seem right.

[qlaval]

http://www.blogs.marriott.com/marrio...lity.html#more

They stop the thread, people are mostly mad about the new system....

[Rekenna]

Agreed, Pierre. Nearly every owner who has posted anywhere is upset. I doubt this will change anything, but maybe if enough people sell, they might get the message. Sad when something that started out so good just heads downhill.