Using points for timeshare
 

Q: Is there are specific timeframe (months) that Marriott vacation rentals/timeshares open up to members to book by using points?
Thx.

It seems to be based on demand, availability, and projected occupancy at the location. I've seen some timeshares with point availability 11-12 months in advance and then it go away, and sometimes it opens up as it gets closer. Haven't figured out any logic to it, except that if you want to get a high demand location you have to try to book early and keep checking.

I would also call reservations, because the timeshare point redemption doesn't always show up on the website.

Actually, I think it has a lot to do with when the timeshare owners trade in their weeks for Marriott points. Given that owners don't have to trade in their weeks a year out, some may wait longer than other owners.

The way around this (works for me) is to cash in points for Marriot Cheques (135,000 points gives you $1,000.00). The benefit of doing it this way is you get credit and points for staying; which in effect reduces the point cost and may even end up being cheaper than paying with all points. I just booked a two bedroom villa in St. Thomas and will pay for the stay with the cheques. I end up using 5,000 more points this way, but since I have had no luck to date getting the villa on points so this is the next best option.

Another idea
 

Another option might be to use "Coupon Connection" to trade in your Marriott points with the FTers who may be Marriott timeshare owners (such as myself). Owners can get these reservations at deep cash discounts and even get extra inventory for "Friends and family" at cheap prices. Timeshare owners often are looking for points stay for less than 7 day stays, especially in Europe, New York city etc where timesharing is not that common.