Greg,
Thank you for all of your comments/feedback. I have learned a lot from those comments and I mean a lot. Thank you. Thank you.
We own a 2 bedroom at Grand Chateau. We lockoff so we have 2 deposits into II. We have used those deposits to trade into Marriott’s Surf Club each of the last 3 years. In 2016 and 2017 we went in May. Our initial trade was into a one bedroom and we used EPlus to snag a 2 bedroom each year. In 2018, I was working in May, so we will go the 2nd week of December in 2018. We have traded into a 2 bedroom. The trades are made about 4-6 months before arrival.
I have not looked for specifically summer months in Aruba, as late May is hot enough for me but I have watched for 2 bedrooms in April and May and there is availability. It does not last long but it is there.
Thunder Up
Excellent points....the lockoff and upgrade game is alive and well for those who understand and appreciate it.
I think it's vastly underutilized.
Even though the Interval Int'l trades are not what they used to be (no need to expound),
there are amazing trades still available, and we continue to have success, and have never been denied a request
(specific requests, as in one resort & one particular week).
It does take a little longer to materialize...instead of 2-4 weeks it might take 12-15.
I have used my lockoff at Manor Club Sequel this year to obtain TWO great 2BR weeks
at Lakeshore Reserve, which I consider the finest spot in Orlando. Have also gotten Aruba Ocean Club, Maui Ocean Club, Barony,
and a few more....all definite up-trades and definitely worth purchasing the resale at Manor Club to accomplish.
You will find the same success using other lockoff resorts. The concept is a hidden gem in the Marriott game.