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Re: Marriott System (by Mike N.):

ericf55 wrote:

Kekouri,

I’m a little surprised that you or anyone didn’t have any comments on my previous post showing the higher value of purchasing directly from Marriott vs. buying private resale.

You did say: “I am aware thet Marriott can cancel the Rewards Program and give points holders many months to dispose of their points.”

Imagine what would happen to corporate profits if any of the major hotel or airline companies would terminate their points rewards or frequent flier programs. It would be corporate suicide! Marriott has about 25 million Marriott Rewards members and generates billions of dollars from customers using Rewards certificates. Hotel guests using the Reward certificates usually splurge on extra meals and services because they are using a “free” room certificate. So, yes, the Marriott Rewards program could be terminated and members would be given 6 months to use their points. However, Marriott would have to then replace the program with a new program of equal or greater value. The truth is that Marriott is constantly improving the Marriott Rewards program with more airline partnerships and other ways to use the Marriott Reward points.

You also asked: “Eric....are owners forced to belong to the Florida Club if the T/S they own are part of it?

The Marriott Florida Club is a deeded option and is part of the maintenance fee. Fl Club members can make a free reservation via Marriott (not an II exchange) at another Fl Club resort (GV, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and Panama City Beach) within their ownership season and less than 6 months in advance, all subject to availability.

And thank you for the compliment about Marriott Vacation Club International:

“BTW= I do think the Marriott Management & Development is one of the best. They are so good, they don't need a timeshare point exchange program, you own ( in the USA) a deeded week, not a long term lease (RTU) and they try to make sure the HOAs keep the properties as nice as possible.”

I look forward to your response and would welcome some comments from the “listening audience”.

Regards, Eric

========== Eric, regarding a major corporation cancelling a frequent user program. I agree that they may not cancel the program, but instead they often "change the rules" making it harder and harder to use the points or miles. Some institue an expiration date where previously there was none. Airlines are offering either less seats or require more miles for travel. Many hotel points expire within a year.

I know I didn't have any comments on the higher price to buy Marriott from the developer vs resale. That was part of my original question...let us know the difference. Someone can now make a better decision. Maybe our roads will cross in the future.

Mike