I have paid small amounts for resort fees, and just paid $100 to upgrade my rooms at the Ritz and a MVC to a suite. I was glad to pay for the Ritz upgrade, and the vacation club properties are just that way for someone who is not an owner.

Overall, I seldom get denied a room on points, except on the standard blackout dates during major sporting events.

Rooms are even available in the Tampa and Charlotte area during the political conventions, if one will move out from the city center a bit.