Years ago I signed up for Wyndham co-branded credit card (X2), back when the offer was 45,000 points and the annual fee was $69. The perk that got my attention was 15,000 bonus points upon renewal (no longer available). I didn’t have any plans for them at the time, but figured I can’t lose much at that price. And indeed, I’ve kept the cards and over the years have been able to get very good value out of my Wyndham points stash.
What I didn’t count on was just how much energy Wyndham program requires, and how much stress it generates when you try to do even the simplest of tasks. See my posts here and here I’ve reached out to Wyndham and even trolled them on Twitter, to no avail. The website is still pathetic and the reps are still clueless. But!
There is definitely value to be had, otherwise, why would I keep renewing the card and paying $69 each year, right? The 15,000 points is enough for one night at a 1-bedroom condo at any of Wyndham resorts. There are many options in Florida, Hawaii, Colorado etc, so I suggest you check out Wyndham Vacation Resorts page in order to see specific listings. Do keep in mind that availability is limited, especially during peak times.
Occasionally, Wyndham’s ineptitude works in your favor because in the past I was able to book a 2-bedroom unit at an oceanfront hotel for the price of 1-bedroom ( you guessed it, no longer available). I also published a post just last week on how you can potentially reserve a 4-bedroom villa in Orlando resort for only 15,000 points per night
I didn’t actually end up booking that rental because I had my eye on another place: Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort Since we have young kids, it’s easy to see the appeal. There are several pools, a lazy river and slides, including one that looks like a pirate ship. It’s located close to all Disney parks, so it’s extremely popular with families. Best of all, a 1-bedroom unit costs 15,000 Wyndham points per night, which I acquire for $69 each year.
If you don’t have any Wyndham points, I recommend looking into reserving a unit on VRBO for about $150-$200 per night during high season. During off-season, you may be able to score a great deal by checking SkyAuction website, especially if you plan to stay a week. To me, burning points during peak season is definitely the way to go.
It could actually make sense to buy Wyndham points in order to reserve a Go Fast award. Here is an example of cash rates vs. points rates in the middle of March, prime season for this neck of the woods:
Points rates:
Let’s say you want to stay three nights in a 1-bedroom unit. If you buy 9,000 points, it will cost you $117.
Another option is buying La Quinta points for a bit less via occasional promo (nothing at the moment AFAIK) and transferring them to Wyndham for free. Either way, you will still come out ahead compared to retail rate. Just be prepared to deal with a lot of nonsense. Speaking of…
My experience with redeeming points on Wyndham Bonnet Creek resort
I was looking to take my kids here for two nights during next summer. I found a weekend that would work for us, but something weird happened. When I searched availability for three nights, it was there. When I shortened it to two nights, it vanished.
Wyndham does require a minimum of two nights when it comes to their vacation rentals, and it was indicated on the website as well. What’s going on? I did have 54,000 points, technically enough for three nights. So, I decided to just book a three-night stay and be done with it. I avoid calling Wyndham if at all possible. But it wasn’t meant to be because the website gave me an error on the very last page. I tried several times, to no avail.
OK, let’s call Wyndham, but not before taking a chill pill first. The rep I got connected to was pleasant enough. I told her I want to use points and she said no problem. We spent about ten minutes on the phone before she told me she can only book paid reservations. Huh?
She then transferred me to another department. I explained everything to the next rep who seemed just as clueless. We went through the entire process (again) and she told me she was ready to confirm the room with two queen beds. Hmm… She was trying to reserve me a room at Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek Hotel instead of Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort. Admittedly, that is confusing, but I was clear as to what property I was looking at. She then told me she can’t book vacation rentals and that she will transfer me to another department. Of course.
The third rep was, you guessed it, clueless. On the plus side, she did understand what I wanted. That gave me false hope because I asked her about 2 nights vs. 3 nights availability glitch. That apparently caused an information overload because she kept on asking me if I wanted to stay two or three nights. I told her I would prefer two nights, but the website didn’t show availability. She didn’t get it and just kept repeating the question. Eventually, I got transferred…again.
I simply told the next guy I wanted three nights. KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid) is everything when dealing with Wyndham. Finally we were able to reserve the unit, except he kept mispronouncing my name. I was concerned that I would have to call again, so I went letter by letter, slowly. He got it at last. He had access to my member profile, why not just look there?
All in all, it took about an hour. Not horrible, but if you have a super busy life, keep that in mind. You may get lucky and book everything online, but if not, that’s what you have to look forward to. I don’t mean to sound like a jerk because I don’t blame the reps. It’s obvious that they receive very little training from Wyndham. As far as constantly malfunctioning website, there is zero excuse as far as I’m concerned.
Looking at the big picture
Despite this ridiculous rigamarole, I got a very good deal. Essentially, we will be staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort for three nights for a total of $207. There are no parking or resort fees, and the master bedroom is separated by door from the living room where our kids will sleep. Yay!
Since we are getting a relatively good deal on lodging, I’m thinking about splurging on ‘Ohana character breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian resort, located only 12 minutes from Wyndham property. I’m going for a Disney fix on a shoestring budget. And I have Wyndham to thank for it.
Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Absolutely worth it, I meant to say.
Waldorf is abdeorth it. Gorgeous property, impeccable service. Just luxurious.
We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria bonnet creek and it was amazing.
@Natasha Glad you enjoyed it! I think that whole area is fabulous for visiting Disney, though we won’t be going to parks on that particular trip. It’s funny, I have just scheduled a post on debating between Waldorf Astoria and another property via my Hilton renewal cert.
What a great deal, but an hour on the phone? I just don’t have that kind of patience or time. Way to go for peak summer though. Can’t wait to hear about your mini vacation.
I had to call Hyatt the other night to tie free night certs with points on the same reservation which took about 5 – 10 minutes and that’s all I could handle.
@Stephanie Wyndham program is definitely a mixed bag. I want to give up on it, but buying 15,000 points for $69 is too good of a deal. Especially since they let you get a 1-bedroom condo in any of their resorts. Of course, availability is often spotty, so flexibility is key. But yeah, these phone calls are driving me nuts. Thankfully, I don’t have to make them too often. And the website does work on occasion.