posted 01-25-2003 20:02               

* I have a deposit from 2002 in my account. I was hoping to use for a Marriott exchange in 2004. Does this week still retain Marriott priority for 2004? Obviously, when I deposited it, it was used as a Marriott week so it makes sense that I can exchange for a Marriott.

* I can deposit my 2004 week now. Can it be used for an internal Marriott exchange this year or in 2004?

posted 01-25-2003 20:04               

quote:

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Originally posted by Debbie Brown:
Craig,
We received a letter from Marriott about the split with Swallowtail and Spicebush but the exchange issues are confusing. If I outline scenarios, can you explain how II will handle the situations?

* I have a deposit from 2002 in my account. I was hoping to use for a Marriott exchange in 2004. Does this week still retain Marriott priority for 2004? Obviously, when I deposited it, it was used as a Marriott week so it makes sense that I can exchange for a Marriott.

* I can deposit my 2004 week now. Can it be used for an internal Marriott exchange this year or in 2004?

Thanks!
Debbie Brown who remembers you from the *good old* prodigy days.

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posted 01-26-2003 09:12               

When I deposited my August, 2002 Swallowtail week, I was told that I had Marriott internal exchange priority and could request weeks between August, 2001 and August, 2004. The request I made for a 2003 week was not met and I had planned to try again for 2004.

posted 01-26-2003 10:38               

quote:

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Originally posted by Debbie Brown:
Well, just for the record, I think it is a bad policy to change the rules during the life of a deposited week.

When I deposited my August, 2002 Swallowtail week, I was told that I had Marriott internal exchange priority and could request weeks between August, 2001 and August, 2004. The request I made for a 2003 week was not met and I had planned to try again for 2004.

Deb

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posted 01-26-2003 10:42               

Of course, this is JMO, and a little frustration.

posted 01-26-2003 11:31               

quote:

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Originally posted by Debbie Brown:
I am a Marriott owner NOW so you must be contractually bound to offer me an internal exchange. My 2002 week was certainly used as a Marriott resort. It shouldn't matter that I don't want to take that exchange until 2004.

Of course, this is JMO, and a little frustration.

Deb

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Craig Urbine
Vice President
Member Services
Interval International

posted 01-31-2003 21:21               

I also understand your gripe and as a fellow Swallowtail owner I can relate to your situation. The problem appears that II and Marriott both failed to take into consideration people in your situation and further failed to make any accomodation for the scenario in which you now find yourself. The owners and members (from II and Marriott's viewpoint, respectively) are the forgotten ones in the world of corporate decision making. Simply put, you, the customer, will not be treated like a Princess. Your example only illustrates how II continues to shoot themselves in the foot with its "policies" that fail to consider how corporate decisions effect its membership. Should II have resolved your issue with Marriott so II members similarly situated would not feel cheated? Sure, assuming II represented it's membership and not a major shareholder (I think that relationship still exists; sorry if not). Your plight tells you the answer is otherwise. This emphasis on short term profits verses long term customer relations is one reason I have soured on II.

At least you didn't deposit your other weeks in advance to try and get additional internal exchanges. I also didn't deposit my Swallowtail week way in advance but that was due to the change in exchange fees for the bonus week offer (the AC) and not the loss of an internal trading priority. The increase of the exchange fee for the AC, combined with the unknown cost (I was told the rate varies based upon the size on the unit into which I exchanged) has steered me away from II. Since the bonus week's exchange fee for a 2 bd. appears to have tripled, or maybe even quadrulped (no one at II has told me for certain), in just a few years, I'm done with II. I've taken my Swallowtail week, along with my Hawaii week (which also gets a bonus week) elsewhere.

My only suggestion for Debbie is the best way to voice your dissatisfaction with II is to try (800)338-7777. I'll see you there.

Greg