Royal Elite/Sandos question

[fv9]

Anyone here knowledgeable on Sandos Royal Elite Club? I am not interested in a timeshare, but this seems to be just pre paying for 30 weeks for a total of $7,000. Plus AI fees and $199 for every two weeks redeemed per year. Anyone have experience? Good or bad? Would love to hear from you. Thanks!

 

[LannyPC]

...but this seems to be just pre paying for 30 weeks for a total of $7,000. Plus AI fees and $199 for every two weeks redeemed per year. Anyone have experience?

I personally have not had any experience with this but your post describes why many people would not recommend such clubs. Why prepay for a vacation that you may or may not take? How do you know the AI fees will not increase? What if ten years down the road (let alone 30) your travel needs and desires change and what this club offers no longer is your cup of tea? What if ten years down the road your circumstances or philosophies in life change and traveling is no longer possible or desirable?

 

[fv9]

I personally have not had any experience with this but your post describes why many people would not recommend such clubs. Why prepay for a vacation that you may or may not take? How do you know the AI fees will not increase? What if ten years down the road (let alone 30) your travel needs and desires change and what this club offers no longer is your cup of tea? What if ten years down the road your circumstances or philosophies in life change and traveling is no longer possible or desirable?

When you run the numbers, it appears one week will cost around $1500 for a couple compared to $2500 if booked online using Kayak or something like that. Assuming everything remains the same, which I know is quite an assumption, 7 trips is the break even point. Plus, no timeshare maintenance fees. The AI fees are set in the contract, but the $199 can change with inflation as set by a particular bank benchmark.

 

[bobpark56]

Anyone here knowledgeable on Sandos Royal Elite Club? I am not interested in a timeshare, but this seems to be just pre paying for 30 weeks for a total of $7,000. Plus AI fees and $199 for every two weeks redeemed per year. Anyone have experience? Good or bad? Would love to hear from you. Thanks!

I suggest you check out "Sandos Resorts Aficionados" on Facebook. There are knowledgable members there who can help you. Judy Patricko is one such. FWIW, I am a Sandos owner, and I find it perhaps my most cost effective timeshare ownership. How does a $299/year maintenance fee sound for a 1BR apartment, with ability to make 3 additional reservations per year?