Marriott "Pre-Paid Special" - Palm Springs
 

I bought one of those pre-paid Marriott specials for 3 nights at one of their timeshare resorts in Palm Springs. It's about ready to expire. It's supposed to be for me and spouse. Husband doesn't want to go. Wondering if Marriott would know or really care if I went alone...or with another family member? I don't want to be disqualified and have to pay (again) for the lodging.
Do they make both parties register with ID?
It does say that time share presentation is not required (...although we all know that's the reason they try to lure you there). Would like to hear from anyone who's done one of these "deals".

Why not call and ask them?

Think about it.
If you pay for three nights
and show up with somebody
other than your husband, are
they going to throw you out?
I think not.

If worse comes to worse (which it won't), say, "At the last
moment my husband was unable to
travel."

Since the idea behind those promotions is to get you to buy a timeshare -- they most certainly want your spouse with you. That way, you will both be available to sign contracts should they manage to get you hooked. IF DH is not there, that is not possible.

The language on the deals is pretty specific - you must have a certain income, you must come with spouse etc.

If you come with someone else, you may void the deal and have to pay the FULL retail price [usually listed on the invite].

I wouldn't take a chance, since the retail price is usually way higher than what you would pay if you booked similar stay on your own.

Well, if it says timeshare presentation is Not required, I don't see what the problem would be if he didn't go, especially if it's already paid for.

I'm pretty sure if I asked they'd say we both need to attend. I was thinking of the "he couldn't come" approach, or maybe "He's at the ____, and will check in later." ( But never does. ) Or grabbing a stranger and saying he's my husband. We've already had the dates extended due to illness in the family. I might just let it expire. Can't imagine why I bought it anyway! I much prefer the quaint, small lodging places in old Palm Springs.

Are you sure you are not required to attend a timeshare? As far as I know the 3-night prepaid ($199) do require one and it has to be on a specific day prescheduled when you reserve. Did you fill out an application when you prepaid? That shows the names of both spouses?

I think you'll need to call to clarify what type of package you've booked.

If it makes you feel any better, the accomodations are nice and they sales pitch is not high pressure at all.

Of course it's about 115 degrees out there at the moment so I would probably let it expire if I had to go between now and September.

Which Marriott are you talking about, please.

It's Marriott's Shadow Ridge, which is actually in Palm Desert.

We took advantage of a Marriott deal in Maui. Super cheap kids stay free. Though they would’ve liked for us to attend a presentation they very specifically did not require it for the deal. They never would have known if DH had come with me or not. To get extra perks or add ons we could have gone to the presentation but we didn’t. The most we did was meet with the scheduler who tried (but not really hard) to get us schedule a meeting but we declined and he gave us our hotel credit as promised. It was all no big deal. As timeshare presentations go I’d have to say Marriott is the easiest to deal with. So if you had not agreed to attend a presentation I’d say you could show up with whomever you wished.

I did decide to call Marriott to check the details of our package. The very nice rep said that they sell two kinds of packages. One requires a time share presentation and husband and wife must check in with ID. The other package does not require a presentation, and there are no requirements. We would get extra gift certificates for dinner, etc. if we take a tour. I am free to come alone, or with someone else. They would also rebook us anytime thru Jan 31. Lots of options. Good for Marriott!

Good for you! I would make note of who you talked to, the date and the specifics. Unfortunately, employees often change jobs and no one else "knows" about what was said. If you could get it in writing, even better.

Going to the source is usually the best way to get info.

Debi