I’ve heard from many Marriott Owners and some Vistana Owners this week about the Abound program — both excitement and anticipation, confusion and many questions. I’ll admit, I was excited to finally see the Club Points required for the Vistana resorts that will soon be available to reserve.
Related: How to Find Club Points for Vistana Properties
But I hope these changes and speculation of what Abound will do for Owners does not change the recommendations of successful resort reservations — PLAN EARLY and MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS ASAP!
Related: MaxingMarriott 101 — Back to the Basics
You should have (or have in calendar of when to reserve in the next few months) all your travel plans for the major vacations for 2023 already completed. Sure you can have some points in a “wait and see” category for quick Getaways, Destination Escapes deals, or even an exciting Owner Event that might take only a portion of your Club Points. But your weeks and major vacations should already be reserved or scheduled to reserve in the next 12-13 months. Do not take the “wait and see” option of when the Abound resorts will be available to make your reservations for next year.
Marriott hasn’t said when the additional resorts will be available to reserve, but I’m hearing in a few months, not days. By waiting to see what opportunities those resorts will have, other owners are snatching up the best MVC resorts for 2023 travel. If, when reservations can be made on the Vistana resorts, and there are some resorts you want to go to instead of what you have reserved – cancel what you have reserved and make the new reservation. Remember there aren’t any penalties for canceling unless it is within 60 days of travel. You have made plans, and can change them for something better – EASY SCHMEAZY – with no penalties!!
Related: When to Reserve When Using Points to Get MAX Value!
Which brings me to reminding you about The Costco Rule. Get what you want now, and adjust if something better comes along. You won’t lose anything by making your 2023 reservations before Abound becomes fully functional. Do not wait for Abound to make your vacation plans for 2023.
Related: Follow the Costco Rule!
I agree. For 2023, Westin & Sheraton resort inventory in Abound is going to be VERY limited. Most Vistana owners have already made their reservations for 2023 to their home resort or in their Vistana Signature Network using their StarOptions. Marriott has seemed to indicate a full rollout in October. This will give Vistana owners only a couple months to decide if they want to elect Club Points for their ownership in 2023 (they will have through December 31st to choose). Most owners may already have reservations through the middle of 2023 and don’t plan to change. Even long term availability will be hard because Abound will always be relying on Vistana owners to elect Club Points for their ownership each year.
Another thing is, some resorts don’t appear to be receiving favorable allotment of Club Points to elect. So many Vistana owners will simply continue to use their in network StarOptions to go back to the Westin & Sheraton resorts that they already know and love.
You are spot on correct! Many Vistana Owners are concerned about the “skimming” of points to move to Abound. Personally, I think over time more Vistana owners will use the Abound option — but I’m talking years out, not months. Thanks for your great insight!