Not sure if this is allowed - if not mods please feel free to delete. Over at tug2.net, there is a very active discussion regarding the change in Marriott Timeshare from a week based to a points system. As a flyertalker and owner at MVCI, I see value in the new system but most (all) of the timeshare owners see this is a big negative. Not saying the changes are best for the owners, but certainly value can be derived.

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124194

Isn't this similar to the HH model?

I haven't studied timeshares in great detail but at a glance the points system seemed easier for a novice looking at the secondary market to understand.

Marriott's new "points" based system may or may not be better for those who aren't currently owners. But in looking at the changes, it looks like a large percentage of existing owners aren't going to like the new program.

We own two weeks (Aruba and Phuket) and our not too moved my the new points system. We use Aruba every year and Phuket about every other year.

Be on the lookout for second-hand MCVI timeshares to be selling for next to nothing soon....

I have to admit I scanned it really really quickly but I was left with the impression this would impact new owners but existing.....as an owner I haven't seen anything informing me of any changes

My understanding is that this is a new program that does not affect current owners.

New owners can buy into this new program or the old system.

I think I will convert to the new system as it opens up a few options that my regular week did not get me. I bought a Silver week to use and now I have access to a gold or Plat week, albeit for 5 nights. If I use the TS in partnership the Marriott Rewards program (or even cash/Marriott cheques) or even getaways through II - I can get great benefit from this system. If I am inclinde to trade, most of the TS that I am interested in have a FS Marriott Resort next door, so I can simply use points for two days to avoid the markup on the weekend nights. I like St. Kitts and all, but 7 nights is stretching it a bit. Five seems ideal with another 5 in PR or some near-by island seems more ideal.

I have been reading the TUG board, and even though I own a TS, cant understand why some people have 5-6 weeks, or trade for points.

I have 7 weeks because I'm retired. I don't trade for points anymore but having the option is nice.

I agree that the sentiment on the TUG board regarding the new points based Marriott Vacation Club system is running strongly on the negative side. I'd say that Marriott is getting blasted.

I find it interesting that Marriott has a rep who posts on this board, but I never see a "Marriott Concierge" equivalent posting on TUG.

MC only represents the MR Brand, not any of the lodging/time share products

In my limited browsings of TUG, that seems like a somewhat higher-flammability board than the normal FlyerTalk travel boards. Might be a bit of a tougher role to play as an official rep there... (I think we agree it'd be a different rep from our MC - someone intimately familiar with MVCI in particular.)

I just reread the press release and still am left with the impression it wont impact me as a current owner (I do have a few contacts over in that division but haven't reached out to them yet)

If you plan to use you home resort - on the face of it there really is no change.

I have to say, having bought our week at Ko Olina (EOY odd) that I would have bought more if I'd known this was really coming! When we bought, the only thing holding me back from buying more than EOY was that Marriott did not have the system similar to Disney. Our sales person said it was coming, but I was doubtful. Now, if we had added the other year last year for $15K, that same allotment of points would cost $20K. Yikes. And we would have the flexibility of using two weeks at a time, the year we wanted (with banking or borrowing).

I think also TUG must have some folks that are more not happy and also prefer to buy resale (nothing wrong with a bargain!).

I think it's a nice system, and you aren't obligated to join.

I did talk with Marriott today, and as of now, they are no longer selling WEEKS at a "home resort". They are only selling POINTS. Minimum initial purchase is 1,000 points at $9,200 right now. Add on is in 250 increments at 92 cents a point. For that price, I'm not adding any points. I was going to buy Disney years ago, and liked the banking and borrowing idea. Oh, and the new maintenance fees are 40 cents per point.

HTH