Increasing your Odds

When you make an exchange request, there can be a lot of waiting. Waiting for a confirmation so you can take the next step in planning your vacation can be frustrating. 

By being willing to accept smaller accommodations than the villa you requested, you increase your chances of getting what you want. 

For example, if you own a 2-Bedroom villa, you can request a 1-Bedroom villa, which may have better inventory and odds of getting into.

When our family recently vacationed in Boston, we stayed a week at the Marriott Custom House, using this strategy. While there, I overheard a staff person talk about how difficult it is to stay at the Custom House using Interval International. They were talking about the advantages of going to the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program. I disagree with this.  I had no problem getting into Custom House during their peak season (summer) using Interval International.  I think some of the sales tactics are misleading and statements are made to persuade Marriott owners to switch from Interval International to the Destinations program. In theory, the more Marriott owners buy into the Destinations program, the less inventory there will be deposited at Interval International.  This should be a large concern for those that rely on this method of trading/exchanging.  But I digress...

By requesting a smaller accommodation size, this will also allow you to get into a property that doesn't offer anything larger than a 1-Bedroom or a Studio.  Of course if your travel party it too large, this would not be smart to do.  But some 1-Bedroom villas can accommodate more people, especially children, and should be considered.

Do some research as well, by calling the resort and asking if they have roll away beds available. And there are websites that show floor plans, for example, Marriott Vacation Club resorts show floor plans (with square footage).