I am intending to expand my bolded thought above ... while incorporating an example from our other points-based timeshare. I feel DVC's point cost, unit type, occupancy numbers has done a disservice to the member base, overall. DVC's point values and occupancy numbers have greatly encouraged members
towards the studio units rather than spreading the usage more evenly across the system. The core factors favoring studio use:
- Studios offer equal occupancy, and sometimes higher occupancy, than a 1BR unit.
- Studios are offered at approximately half the point-value cost of a 1BR unit.
Given these, who wouldn't book the Studio if it fit their family? It makes sense and puts the 1BR unit in an uncomfortable "extra luxury" role if one uses occupancy/cost as the two most critical driving factors.
Our other timeshare uses a more "sliding scale" of point valuation and rewards the larger standard unit with higher occupancy. Take a look at the
Worldmark Solvang resort information page. Reading the
point chart at the bottom we find:
- OCCUPANCY:
- Studio: 2 person max
- 1BR: 4 person max (intended as 2 in the bedroom; 2 in the living room)
- 2BR: 6 person max (intended as 2 in each bedroom; 2 in the living room)
- 3BR: 8 person max (intended as 2 in each bedroom; 2 in the living room)
- Penthouse units offer less occupancy as there is no accommodation for sleeping in the living room
- POINT VALUES, looking at Weekly rate in High Season:
- Studio: 7000 WM Credits (aka 'points')
- 1BR: 8000 WM Credits (14.3% increase over studio)
- 2BR: 10000 WM Credits (25% increase over 1BR)
- 3BR: 12000 WM Credits (20% increase over 2BR)
So we can see that occupancy increases for each unit type and the point steps between sizes is more gradual, never more than 25% in a single step. Heck,
a 3BR unit is still less than 2x the studio. This gradual ramp between unit sizes makes it easier for family to 'justify' booking the 2BR when it would be a best fit. The occupancy limitations also spread the 'use' across the unit types more evenly. This suggests favorable impact on both the room repair/renovation cycle (reduced wear) and to availability (usage is spread more evenly across the unit types; studios remain "available" for couples).
EDITED TO ADD:
Oh, by the way ... when you visit the Resort info page for Solvang (linked above) check out the photos. The first image is of the resort exterior but the next three are of the studio. Yes, the couch converts into a murphy bed and check out that kitchen! Yes, the unit also has a stacked laundry directly across from the bath. And it has a gas fireplace, a balcony and gas grill on that balcony. Quite a spacious and functional studio ... wouldn't you agree??