NOTE: Much of the information included in this post is valid, but as of January, 2011, some major changes occurred within the Wyndham system concerning usage of points. To get the most current information, please click on this post.
Wyndham Resorts is the largest timeshare company, offering resorts all over the world It can be a very flexible system, but one that is somewhat difficult to understand. We have written two previous posts about the Wyndham system. The first was an overview and focused on using your Wyndham week or points to plan vacations in that system. In the second post, we looked at using your timeshare to trade into the RCI system. In this post we want to look at the Plus Partners points, the timetable for using the different options of the system, the VIP programs, and a few other aspects of the system with some helpful hints.
Let’s take a quick look at the Plus Partners program. To be part of this program, you need to have purchased points from Wyndham since 2001. You can use those points for several different options, such as, hotel stays, rental car, air travel, cruises, RCI nightly stays, and some other travel expenses. There are fees associated with using your points in this program. This idea may be attractive for some, but usually is not a very cost effective way to use your points. It might appeal to some if they have too many points that they can’t use or that are about to expire.
Timetable for using the system
Advanced reservations: making a reservation at Wyndham Resorts at your home resort: 13 months before travel
Standard reservations: making a reservation at any Wyndham Resort 10 months before travel
Express reservations: making a reservation at any Wyndham Resort less than 90 days before travel
Depositing points into the RCI system: anytime that you have current Wyndham points.
The VIP program is a benefit for owners who have at least 300,000 points that were purchased directly from Wyndham. Resale points do not count. They have three levels based on number of points, and benefits increase as you move up in levels. Some of the benefits are: point discounts when you book within 60 days of check-in, unit size upgrades when available, free reservation transactions, some advance reservation priority, free USA Today newspaper, and some other miscellaneous items. If you are VIP, be sure to check the Members’ Directory for a complete outline of all VIP levels and benefits. Most people feel it is not worth buying directly from Wyndham (versus buying resale) to obtain VIP status.
A few Wyndham tidbit reminders
A Reservation Transaction is a fee that you are charged for making reservations and is $25.00 for each one that you make. You receive one free transaction for every 77,000 points that you own. You will be charged for anything over that.
Housekeeping credits are also based on the number of points you own. Usually you do not need additional credits, but if you are making express reservations and need some extra housekeeping points, you will be charged.
The Wyndham system takes time to learn. You can’t know it all in the first day or even the first week. If you don’t have a Wyndham Members’ Directory, it is available online here. Also, consider joining the Wyndham Resorts Forums group (there is no cost, but you must register). Another good source of information is TUG, which stands for Timeshare User Group. There is a Wyndham section on their bulletin board, which can be accessed for free. (To access all of their site is $15 per year, which would be money well-spent.)
Plan ahead. Timesharing is generally not a last minute thing.
Keep in mind that the system will probably NOT work as smoothly as the salesperson indicated to you when you bought your timeshare (if you bought directly from Wyndham). You need to keep trying, keep learning, and use the system to your advantage to get the most out of your timeshare vacations.
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