Original Message:
Marriott's Latest Devaluation of Time Share Ownership (by Ken B.):
I own several weeks at Marriott properties for many years and once was a great fan of the Marriott organization. However, that changed with my experiences at Aruba Ocean Club and Cypress Harbor but I will save that for another day. When I purchased my weeks years ago, key factors were Marriott promoting certain advantages of its time share program e.g. renting additional weeks at a reduced owner's price at Vacation Club properties and using Honored Guest points at hotel properties. Over the years Marriott and its properties have and continue to eliminate these qualities that made Marriott stand out as a premier time share company.
First to go was the owner's rate at vacation club properties. I tried several years ago to rent in Lake Tahoe as a Marriott owner and was given a very high price. I decided to call back and inquired about the rental price without identifying myself as an owner, and guess what, it was the same price. Next and more recently, what has been your experience in trying to use your Honored Guest points at Marriott Hotels? In years past, it was a real benefit, today it is almost non existent if you try to use in prime areas at popular times of year; it doesn't matter if you try to book a year in advance. I have not even mentioned the Marriott latest gimmick- the point's program-wonder if that is undermining the ability of owners who do not participate in using these and other various so-called benefits.
So when Marriott promotes these benefits, just take it with what they call "a grain of salt."