Original Message:
Marriott One Week Owners and the Destination Club (by Charles S.):
I posted this on TUG also, but wanted to share on this board too in case it may help others to maximize ownership with their Marriott timeshare.
I sat on the fence until the very last day to join the Destinations Club (DC). I love my week at Ko Olina but I don't go every year and do trade for it. However, having points in another system has taught me the positive of points.
As a one week owner with over 4000 points, I noticed I could get more than a week. However, when I looked at TUGGER's Greg T and Stephen Ting's website, for renting points, it was obvious to me that even with one week joining the DC was advantageous. You get all of the upside and none of the down from my viewpoint.
I have always pushed the concept of renting points on this and other boards in the DC program. However, after reviewing their website again, I notice that it's growing in popularity amongst owners and I have not seen one complaint. People can actually get what they want when they want to. With this site, a one week owner with 2500 points still has a chance to get to Maui in the DC program and not have to wait forever to go through II and perhaps never get in. The best part is you don't have to buy additional points and that of course means, no continuous maintenance fees year after year after year!
I know the biggest drawback now for a one week owner would be the enrollment fee. I was lucky and joined at $595. However, I would still join because you can still recoup money if you do use II to lock off, trade for MRP, or if you do have to use II there are no exchange fees to go to a Marriott property. Also, if you exchange, you have to buy your II membership anyway. It's included in club fee.
I believe that the renting of points is a great option. As a one week owner, you read great things that multi-week owners have received from the DC. I say that when I don't go to my beautiful home resort, I can still use that DC program to my advantage by renting what I need and ensure my reservation through the DC earlier so I can get my air reservation knowing for sure I have the dates I need.
This is no plug for the DC program. However, it is a way to maximize our ownerships. Also, it also is a great way to help other owners who are able to maybe recoup some of their losses. Just another way to think of things.