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Re: Marriott Going to Point Syst (by Ev L.):

arindasue wrote:

I own a low season legacy week at Marriott Desert Springs and have not yet opted to join the new points program. I don't think I would benefit from it, since my lowly week is worth so few points each year-1875.

I virtually never use my assigned week at MDS: I always split my deposits into two weeks by using the Lock-off option, and use Interval International for two weeks of exchange per year. I sometimes trade back in to MDS during a nicer season. I also use II frequently for their inexpensive Getaways.

The main concern I have is losing availability of Marriott properties through II. Please fill me in if I'm missing something else that would affect my situation. Given all the above, it seems I should just keep things as is. (no points)

Although I own two Red (top season) weeks at MDSV I which until last year or so, traded beautifully,I have the same concern about continued availability of Marriott properties through II. When I spoke with II recently, they denied any recent or future change in Marriott inventory, property or seasons that would be available through II (while husseling me to renew while I have seven months left on my current II membership). Having said that, I have not been able to book into numerous Marriott properties through II even many months in advance. Either the inventory isn't being deposited as it once was, or there are 'tiers' of access. Given that II now has THREE membership levels (Platinum is the newest & boasts getting first notice of availabilities - at least the Getaways, & for a whopping $159/169 over the standard membership fee!), it seems that 'something has to give'. Even the selection of Getaway inventory is considerably more limited than in the past.

Except for the greater flexibility of using less than a week at a time, we cannot see the value in paying $2000 (1 original deed & one from a third party), + the various annual fees in addition to the usual ever-increasing maintenance fees, to get points that are structured in a punitive way. Whoever at Marriott came up with the idea that surrenduring 7 days during prime season at a prime resort would not get you 7 days trading power even back in to your own resort, should be taken out behind the barn, and, well.... A hairbrained, ill-conceived, arrogant scheme that thanks its owners by screwing them. We are SO sorry that we purchased a second week in 2010 just 2 months before the **** hit the fan.

Sorry about waxing on. I've been reading these mostly-helpful blogs for months & finally I feel compelled to chime in. Yes, please, if any of you can shed light on the Marriott-II relationship & what we may expect, at least 2 of us would love to hear.

Thank you.