Floating vs. Fixed for buying resale at DSV

[marmite]

I have been thinking about getting a Marriott timeshare (for years on and off) and am trying to reacquaint myself with what is going on I the world of Marriott resales. I don't care about the points system at all I just want to trade in II with it for other Marriott's. Even though it might not have the cheapest maintenance fees for this purpose, I was thinking of limiting my search to Palm Desert and am partial to Desert Spring Villas I or II. If the timeshare world turns upside down and I can only stay in the resort I purchased, Palm Desert is a short flight away and a place I actually enjoy going.

That said, when I look at listings for red weeks in DSVI, I am seeing floating weeks 1-21 & 50-52. Is this what I should be targeting? I am also seeing fixed weeks, is there any reason one would want to buy a fixed week in red season (if they don't plan on staying in the unit that week)? Again, strictly when depositing in II and pulling other Marriott's, would you recommend one over the other?

As a side note, I currently own Sheraton Desert Oasis and I seem to be able to pull Marriott's very frequently, I see 11 months out. When owning a Marriott will that increase my window to see other Marriott trades before it opens up to non-Marriott owners?

Thanks!

 

[BJRSanDiego]

DSV has three "seasons" - - red (1-21, 51-52), white (22-26, 36-49?) and blue (27-35).

I own one red week and 2 white weeks. Red trades slightly better but white trades okay too. I personally enjoy going out to DSV in the fall, but spring is also very nice. If I was going to do it over, I'd probably spend more and get a red week.

Over at Shadow ridge, they use the nomenclature of platinum, gold and bronze.

I think that fixed DSV weeks must be pretty rare. Or it is an error in the listing. Sometimes I'll see the ad says something like week 20 - - but in nearly all cases that is the week assigned to the deeded week for accounting purposes but it is actually a floating week.

Perhaps others will comment on whether DSV includes true fixed weeks.

 

[Dean]

I have been thinking about getting a Marriott timeshare (for years on and off) and am trying to reacquaint myself with what is going on I the world of Marriott resales. I don't care about the points system at all I just want to trade in II with it for other Marriott's. Even though it might not have the cheapest maintenance fees for this purpose, I was thinking of limiting my search to Palm Desert and am partial to Desert Spring Villas I or II. If the timeshare world turns upside down and I can only stay in the resort I purchased, Palm Desert is a short flight away and a place I actually enjoy going.

That said, when I look at listings for red weeks in DSVI, I am seeing floating weeks 1-21 & 50-52. Is this what I should be targeting? I am also seeing fixed weeks, is there any reason one would want to buy a fixed week in red season (if they don't plan on staying in the unit that week)? Again, strictly when depositing in II and pulling other Marriott's, would you recommend one over the other?

As a side note, I currently own Sheraton Desert Oasis and I seem to be able to pull Marriott's very frequently, I see 11 months out. When owning a Marriott will that increase my window to see other Marriott trades before it opens up to non-Marriott owners?

Thanks!

I think it's good to consider the what ifs and if it's something you'd use part of the time that sounds like a good plan. But just for what if options later, I'd go more for the savings over the theoretical insurance of location. From a trading standpoint I think a Gold/White week there will trade roughly the same (maybe slightly better than some) as any other trader Platinum (Orlando, LV, Branson, Williamsburg). If you can get a Platinum week there for a very good price, that might be even better. A little food for thought: Most Grande Vista weeks are in the FL club giving you additional options for the other FC resorts, LV 3 BR trades as a 2 BR plus a 1 BR if you lock it off and I believe the enclave deluxe units trade as two 1 BR when locked off. I wouldn't discount the effect of the fees though since you could be looking at a $400 spread between the lowest fees for a trading resort vs DSV I.

 

[SteelerGal]

For the Desert also remember that Jan through April 31st is the high season: Jan/Feb-snowbirds, March- Tennis, and April- Spring Beach and Coachella/StageCoach. It’s very busy time so Platinum seasons are normally rented instead of traded. I own 2wks at Westin.

 

[mjm1]

I have been thinking about getting a Marriott timeshare (for years on and off) and am trying to reacquaint myself with what is going on I the world of Marriott resales. I don't care about the points system at all I just want to trade in II with it for other Marriott's. Even though it might not have the cheapest maintenance fees for this purpose, I was thinking of limiting my search to Palm Desert and am partial to Desert Spring Villas I or II. If the timeshare world turns upside down and I can only stay in the resort I purchased, Palm Desert is a short flight away and a place I actually enjoy going.

That said, when I look at listings for red weeks in DSVI, I am seeing floating weeks 1-21 & 50-52. Is this what I should be targeting? I am also seeing fixed weeks, is there any reason one would want to buy a fixed week in red season (if they don't plan on staying in the unit that week)? Again, strictly when depositing in II and pulling other Marriott's, would you recommend one over the other?

As a side note, I currently own Sheraton Desert Oasis and I seem to be able to pull Marriott's very frequently, I see 11 months out. When owning a Marriott will that increase my window to see other Marriott trades before it opens up to non-Marriott owners?

Thanks!

We own a Platinum 2BR lock off at DSV1 and love it. We have also stayed in DSVII. I am not aware of any fixed week units.

The units at DSV1 are larger and are perhaps the largest 2BR units ever built. The guest room side has two large beds while DSVII has one king bed and a sofa sleeper. Another difference is the balcony of the guest rooms in DSV1 look out over the parking area. The living room in DSV1 is sunken but not in DSVII. Otherwise, the two resorts share the property’s amenities. One other difference of that DSV1 owners and guests can use the amenities at the adjoining JW Marriott on Monday- Friday. The MF’s include about $70 due to having that access.

We prefer DSV1, but are very happy to stay in DSV2 as well. The trading power has been very good and if we are trading it through II we will usually lock it off and get two weeks instead of one. We usually pay II’s size upgrade fee on one or both of the trades depending on our needs for the trip.

Personally I would spend a few thousand dollars more and buy a Platinum unit, especially if you are looking to trade it some years.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[marmite]

We own a Platinum 2BR lock off at DSV1 and love it. We have also stayed in DSVII. I am not aware of any fixed week units.

The units at DSV1 are larger and are perhaps the largest 2BR units ever built. The guest room side has two large beds while DSVII has one king bed and a sofa sleeper. Another difference is the balcony of the guest rooms in DSV1 look out over the parking area. The living room in DSV1 is sunken but not in DSVII. Otherwise, the two resorts share the property’s amenities. One other difference of that DSV1 owners and guests can use the amenities at the adjoining JW Marriott on Monday- Friday. The MF’s include about $70 due to having that access.

We prefer DSV1, but are very happy to stay in DSV2 as well. The trading power has been very good and if we are trading it through II we will usually lock it off and get two weeks instead of one. We usually pay II’s size upgrade fee on one or both of the trades depending on our needs for the trip.

Personally I would spend a few thousand dollars more and buy a Platinum unit, especially if you are looking to trade it some years.

Best regards.

Mike

I think maybe I'm getting confused on the 'colours' of the weeks available at DSV1. I thought red was the best I could buy? What would a Platinum unit look like (as far as weeks listed, is the Platinum the same as Red)? I have stayed at both resorts, and am happy at either, but do like the sunken living room and spaciousness of DSV1. I managed to get a patio facing some green space last time (road was farther in the distance if I recall). Very nice overall.

 

[marmite]

DSV has three "seasons" - - red (1-21, 51-52), white (22-26, 36-49?) and blue (27-35).

I think that fixed DSV weeks must be pretty rare. Or it is an error in the listing. Sometimes I'll see the ad says something like week 20 - - but in nearly all cases that is the week assigned to the deeded week for accounting purposes but it is actually a floating week.

Perhaps others will comment on whether DSV includes true fixed weeks.

I am seeing fixed: week 3, 30, 32, 45, 49. Most of the listings match the seasons you listed above though.

 

[Dean]

I think maybe I'm getting confused on the 'colours' of the weeks available at DSV1. I thought red was the best I could buy? What would a Platinum unit look like (as far as weeks listed, is the Platinum the same as Red)? I have stayed at both resorts, and am happy at either, but do like the sunken living room and spaciousness of DSV1. I managed to get a patio facing some green space last time (road was farther in the distance if I recall). Very nice overall.

If you think red = Platinum, White = Gold and Blue = Silver/Bronze you'll be pretty close. Then the enclaves confuses it even more with an expanded Gold season IIRC.

 

[Dean]

I am seeing fixed: week 3, 30, 32, 45, 49. Most of the listings match the seasons you listed above though.

Must be the underlying week of the deed, you're not guaranteed that week if so.

 

[marmite]

I think it's good to consider the what ifs and if it's something you'd use part of the time that sounds like a good plan. But just for what if options later, I'd go more for the savings over the theoretical insurance of location. From a trading standpoint I think a Gold/White week there will trade roughly the same (maybe slightly better than some) as any other trader Platinum (Orlando, LV, Branson, Williamsburg). If you can get a Platinum week there for a very good price, that might be even better. A little food for thought: Most Grande Vista weeks are in the FL club giving you additional options for the other FC resorts, LV 3 BR trades as a 2 BR plus a 1 BR if you lock it off and I believe the enclave deluxe units trade as two 1 BR when locked off. I wouldn't discount the effect of the fees though since you could be looking at a $400 spread between the lowest fees for a trading resort vs DSV I.

I did read about Grande Vista being a good idea as a trader (and the others you mentioned), but I discounted it as a contender because I don't see myself going to Orlando for a really long time (maybe if I have grandkids someday... I still have a kid in middle-school at home). I owned Disney Beach Club Villas when my kids were younger and did Orlando a lot, the flight from Vancouver is terrible in travel-time and price so I pretty much avoid travel to Florida unless it was for a cruise. I didn't realize Grande Vista was part of a FL club, I will have to read up on that. My favourite is the Lakeshore Reserve if I were to go back. I will go back and look at the fee chart too. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Dean]

I did read about Grande Vista being a good idea as a trader (and the others you mentioned), but I discounted it as a contender because I don't see myself going to Orlando for a really long time (maybe if I have grandkids someday... I still have a kid in middle-school at home). I owned Disney Beach Club Villas when my kids were younger and did Orlando a lot, the flight from Vancouver is terrible in travel-time and price so I pretty much avoid travel to Florida unless it was for a cruise. I didn't realize Grande Vista was part of a FL club, I will have to read up on that. My favourite is the Lakeshore Reserve if I were to go back. I will go back and look at the fee chart too. Thanks for your thoughts.

Sure, the whole idea is to give you variations and angles so you can decide what's best for YOU. But no way would I pay an extra $400 a year for a Gold/White week as a trader unless I specifically intended to use it part of the time. IMO it is not worth that just to have "just in case" options.

 

[marmite]

For the Desert also remember that Jan through April 31st is the high season: Jan/Feb-snowbirds, March- Tennis, and April- Spring Beach and Coachella/StageCoach. It’s very busy time so Platinum seasons are normally rented instead of traded. I own 2wks at Westin.

Yes, you're right. I haven't even tried to trade into Palm Desert in Spring time, and there is pretty much zero availability on II by the time I think of planning a trip there. Summer however is a whole different story, so Palm Desert ends up being our go-to place for a trip if we hadn't planned on anything else. Easy to fly to from Vancouver and easy to pull a great 2 bedroom unit even with the Small 1 bedroom side of my SDO. I am still using my timeshare weeks for Spring break, Summer and the occasional Christmas, but I know that will change in the next 5 years. I am looking forward to not being tied to the school schedule!

 

[marmite]

If you think red = Platinum, White = Gold and Blue = Silver/Bronze you'll be pretty close. Then the enclaves confuses it even more with an expanded Gold season IIRC.

This is super helpful. Thanks!

 

[SteelerGal]

Spring in CA Desert is truly not a trade in option because of the seasonal activities. I am tied to school calendar and most units are rented instead of traded. Hotel rooms start in the $500. So if you want the season, buy Platinum. I have a friend who own DSV I/II red season for that reason. Plus golf.

 

[vacationtime1]

Yes, you're right. I haven't even tried to trade into Palm Desert in Spring time, and there is pretty much zero availability on II by the time I think of planning a trip there. Summer however is a whole different story, so Palm Desert ends up being our go-to place for a trip if we hadn't planned on anything else. Easy to fly to from Vancouver and easy to pull a great 2 bedroom unit even with the Small 1 bedroom side of my SDO. I am still using my timeshare weeks for Spring break, Summer and the occasional Christmas, but I know that will change in the next 5 years. I am looking forward to not being tied to the school schedule!

Two bedroom Palm Springs / Palm Desert summer weeks are usually available as Getaways on Interval -- and cost less than even using a small side SDO week as a trader (considering the MF's, the exchange fee, and the size upgrade fee).

 

[marmite]

Two bedroom Palm Springs / Palm Desert summer weeks are usually available as Getaways on Interval -- and cost less than even using a small side SDO week as a trader (considering the MF's, the exchange fee, and the size upgrade fee).

Yes, I only noticed this very recently (unfortunately). I hadn't given much consideration to the Getaways before, but I can see that there are some weeks I could grab for about $300ish yet 1/2 my maintenance fees alone is over $600. And as you say, the cost of II membership, my exchange fee and size upgrade... it makes it quite a bit more expensive (perhaps triple the price of the Getaway!). Best to save my trades for Hawaii or a prime week somewhere.

 

[marmite]

For the Desert also remember that Jan through April 31st is the high season: Jan/Feb-snowbirds, March- Tennis, and April- Spring Beach and Coachella/StageCoach. It’s very busy time so Platinum seasons are normally rented instead of traded. I own 2wks at Westin.

Thanks, SteelerGal, I have no idea which specific weeks will be hard to get yet so will have to see when those events fall on the calendar. Will 3rd and 4th week of March be hard/impossible to book for Marriott, seeing that I will not have multiple units so may only be able to book at 12 months mark? Perhaps a Marriott owner can chime in too?

 

[CPNY]

Spring in CA Desert is truly not a trade in option because of the seasonal activities. I am tied to school calendar and most units are rented instead of traded. Hotel rooms start in the $500. So if you want the season, buy Platinum. I have a friend who own DSV I/II red season for that reason. Plus golf.

How do the Coachella weeks rent? I was thinking of picking up a Westin week to trade or be able to rent during Coachella

 

[SteelerGal]

How do the Coachella weeks rent? I was thinking of picking up a Westin week to trade or be able to rent during Coachella

Double or more. Coachella is 2 weekends. StageCoach is the weekend after.

 

[CPNY]

Double or more. Coachella is 2 weekends. StageCoach is the weekend after.

How hard is it to get those weeks? When is Coachella announced? I assume Thursday to Thursday is ideal for booking?

 

[SteelerGal]

It can be hard. Ppl have complained. It’s just not concert weekends but also Spring Break. Last year we had to go to Vegas. Hated it. So it will be either Arizona or Palm Desert for us going forward.