270,000 Annual RCI Points

[ampaholic]

lol yet another cool site. Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to do a little more research on the different choices and see what will work best for us.

Good idea:

First get a good grip on what kind of vacationing you like to do (usage)

Timeshares are much like other real estate --- Location, Location, Location.

One school of thought here says "buy were you like to vacation" another says "buy where you get the best exchanges" - there is even a small faction of "buy the best rental units" guru's here.

There are so many variables measure twice - cut once

 

[tugger2020]

Good idea:

First get a good grip on what kind of vacationing you like to do (usage)

Timeshares are much like other real estate --- Location, Location, Location.

One school of thought here says "buy were you like to vacation" another says "buy where you get the best exchanges" - there is even a small faction of "buy the best rental units" guru's here.

There are so many variables measure twice - cut once

Aside from the UDI units that were mentioned, I am still very much leaning towards a points based membership. It just seems much more flexible. If I go the points route, I shouldn't have to be concerned as much with getting the best exchanges right? The points that are provided are my points to use, provided a resort is available for the time/location I want/need?

Also, you can rent out whatever a "guest" would want...again provided you do it early enough and if it is available? It just seems much more flexible to me than buying a week at a resort. The only exception that I've heard to that is the UDI units.

 

[MichaelColey]

I agree that a points system would be best for what you're looking for. Of the points systems, I would rate Wyndham as one of the best and RCI Points as one of the worst.

The only positive thing RCI Points has going for it is the number of resorts, but that's far outweighed by many negatives IMHO. When I look at what's available right now, RCI Points has 2736 resorts with availability. If I remove 7 night stays (basically RCI Weeks inventory), that number plummets to 556. Just in the US, it drops to 445. 4-star (out of 5) or higher, it's down to 190. Available this month or next, and it's onlly 42. That's about one per state to choose from (but of course it's not evenly distributed -- 11 of those 42 are in Florida).

Wyndham and the other systems will have much more consistently high quality resort and much better inventory available fairly close in. Where RCI only had about 10% of it's RCI Points inventory that was high quality (4-star and up) available close in (this month and next), it's probably closer to 90% elsewhere.

I'm not saying RCI Points is good for nothing. I've got a few good exchanges out of it. But for most things, I could do better in other systems. There are specific situations where RCI Points is often best. But I wouldn't want to lock myself into just (or primarily) using RCI Points. That's just me, though. It might work better for others.

 

[vacationhopeful]

If you look at what many of the posters' own who have been replying to you, you will see they (and I) have a portfolio of resorts and systems which they own. These were NOT brought within a month - but over the years. And everyone of us, constantly track the return we get (vacationing needs met) and dump the dogs when necessary.

Go slow - the bargains will still be there next month or next year. And realize, your employees may not want the boss controlling their vacations. Esp the spouses - pesky critters that they are.:ignore:

And us TUGGERS have run into other guests at resorts WHO just hate the timeshare concept - make your own bed, kitchen to cook in (many wives), no on site food/hard liquor, gabby elevator persons, and quirky resorts which would NEVER be considered Hiltons or Marriotts (my favorite was the PINK place - everything pink like kitchen cabinets, floors, paint, bathroom, furniture).

 

[tugger2020]

I agree that a points system would be best for what you're looking for. Of the points systems, I would rate Wyndham as one of the best and RCI Points as one of the worst.

The only positive thing RCI Points has going for it is the number of resorts, but that's far outweighed by many negatives IMHO. When I look at what's available right now, RCI Points has 2736 resorts with availability. If I remove 7 night stays (basically RCI Weeks inventory), that number plummets to 556. Just in the US, it drops to 445. 4-star (out of 5) or higher, it's down to 190. Available this month or next, and it's onlly 42. That's about one per state to choose from (but of course it's not evenly distributed -- 11 of those 42 are in Florida).

Wyndham and the other systems will have much more consistently high quality resort and much better inventory available fairly close in. Where RCI only had about 10% of it's RCI Points inventory that was high quality (4-star and up) available close in (this month and next), it's probably closer to 90% elsewhere.

I'm not saying RCI Points is good for nothing. I've got a few good exchanges out of it. But for most things, I could do better in other systems. There are specific situations where RCI Points is often best. But I wouldn't want to lock myself into just (or primarily) using RCI Points. That's just me, though. It might work better for others.

Looking into Wyndham now. Any recommendation on places to purchase from or resellers? Are these are locations like RCI that have better MFs to points ratio?

 

[tugger2020]

And realize, your employees may not want the boss controlling their vacations. Esp the spouses - pesky critters that they are.:ignore:

:rofl:

I wouldn't "control" their vacations but I see your point. I was going to give them the options to select a lot of places and provide me projected dates (way in advance) from the RCI Resort directory and we'd do everything we can to get their first priority. I haven't decided on all the details yet but figured it would be a good benefit to most employees. They'd just have to pay for airfare but even that we may try to cover for one or two of them with the AA rewards miles. Just ideas at this point but the possibility seemed like a good idea. We're a small group (less than 5) so it would be manageable until/if we grow and I'd have to re-think this more.

I know what you mean about people not liking a timeshare and complaining though. I personally don't care about making the beds and like the idea of having my own kitchen but not everyone would.

 

[MichaelColey]

Looking into Wyndham now. Any recommendation on places to purchase from or resellers? Are these are locations like RCI that have better MFs to points ratio?

My only recommendation right now is NOT to buy. Have you ever stayed in a timeshare? Try it out by renting first.

If you had never driven a car before and had never seen one up close, would you think it would be a good idea to buy a fleet of half a dozen cars, sight unseen? Wouldn't it make more sense to at least take one on a test drive? Or try a few? Then buy one? Then if you think you need more, gradually expand your fleet?

 

[tugger2020]

My only recommendation right now is NOT to buy. Have you ever stayed in a timeshare? Try it out by renting first.

If you had never driven a car before and had never seen one up close, would you think it would be a good idea to buy a fleet of half a dozen cars, sight unseen? Wouldn't it make more sense to at least take one on a test drive? Or try a few? Then buy one? Then if you think you need more, gradually expand your fleet?

I'll rent before I buy. I've seen ads on eBay for Wyndham, HGVC and Marriott weeks or points rentals. Is it possible to rent RCI points from someone to book a stay at a resort I want?

 

[chriskre]

The way we travel would be a week vacation and then a bunch of regular weekend and/or holiday weekend trips.

I was hoping to also use the RCI points for work stays when I travel on business rather than booking hotels. Maybe even use the Last Call ability to use a lower amount of points to book last minute.

Not knowing where you live and where you want to go, you did mention Hilton so I'll expound on that. Although the buy in may be higher but is on par with this RCI points ownership that you are thinking of taking on, it's a great system for short stays.

Not using the HGVC points per say but for booking last minute getaways. I've only owned HGVC for 2 short years and I've stayed more than 24 nights. Only 8 of those stays were with club points the rest were Open season rentals from the club. That is one of the best perks for this ownership IMO and the reason why I wanted to at least own a biennial in HGVC. Since I live in an area that HGVC is strong in, it works for me. If you live in an area that they are strong in or can travel with 30 days notice then you might enjoy this ownership.

Another thing I can say is I agree with the others that if you have never stayed in a TS, then that should be square one. They are definitely not hotels and don't function or book like hotels. You need to either be an uber planner like Michael or a free wheeling opportunist like me.

For that reason I don't believe in over committing to any one system and why I now only acquire biennials and triennials if possible or systems that will allow me to bank and borrow points. That way my portfolio of TS's is balanced and if the rules change, which they always seem to do :annoyed: , I can cut my losses and dump the doggies. Also if I stay in all the resorts in any system and tire of them, I can get out a little easier and cheaper with a lower commitment ownership. Well that's my take on it YMMV.

 

[tugger2020]

Not knowing where you live and where you want to go, you did mention Hilton so I'll expound on that. Although the buy in may be higher but is on par with this RCI points ownership that you are thinking of taking on, it's a great system for short stays.

Not using the HGVC points per say but for booking last minute getaways. I've only owned HGVC for 2 short years and I've stayed more than 24 nights. Only 8 of those stays were with club points the rest were Open season rentals from the club. That is one of the best perks for this ownership IMO and the reason why I wanted to at least own a biennial in HGVC. Since I live in an area that HGVC is strong in, it works for me. If you live in an area that they are strong in or can travel with 30 days notice then you might enjoy this ownership.

Another thing I can say is I agree with the others that if you have never stayed in a TS, then that should be square one. They are definitely not hotels and don't function or book like hotels. You need to either be an uber planner like Michael or a free wheeling opportunist like me.

For that reason I don't believe in over committing to any one system and why I now only acquire biennials and triennials if possible or systems that will allow me to bank and borrow points. That way my portfolio of TS's is balanced and if the rules change, which they always seem to do :annoyed: , I can cut my losses and dump the doggies. Also if I stay in all the resorts in any system and tire of them, I can get out a little easier and cheaper with a lower commitment ownership. Well that's my take on it YMMV.

I live in Northern Virginia and my hope with a timeshare purchase is to take trips worldwide. This is also one of the reasons I went with RCI over HGVC because they're so heavily concentrated in the U.S. and you would have to trade with RCI to go elsewhere. When you traded into RCI with HGVC, my understanding was that you would get an RCI gold crown week anywhere in the world but it didn't provide flexibility to use it for a few days versus the entire week.

270,000 points is high but I was buying it to allow my family (my brothers and my parents) or co-workers to use too. If it was just me, I would get much lower points and try to use it wisely. When you're sharing points with others, it seemed like a good idea to get much more points so you have the flexibility to book just about anywhere even at a high point rate (especially if you can't find anything good at the Last Call points rate).

You're suggesting I go with memberships in multiple clubs like RCI, HGVC CMV, etc and go for biennial or triennial units? Is there a benefit to get this versus one timeshare unit with CMV or RCI?

I have stayed at Marriott timeshares before but haven't stayed at at HGVC timeshare or RCI associated resort.

 

[gnorth16]

You can use your HGVC points for non-week stays exchanged into RCI weeks inventory. Not the best use of your HGVC points, but depending on the resort and time of year, it could be...

 

[ampaholic]

Several points to consider:

First: RCI Points attracts a high percentage of "doggies" because of a timeshare phenomenon I call Meitis. The owner of a prime week (great location, great calendar, great rooms) will tend to keep their hooks in it for their own use - to heck with you. OTOH an owner of a "doggie" (poor location or poor calender or poor rooms) will tend to want to "exchange" it - let you use it while hoping to get a better unit for themselves.

RCI Points tends to attract doggies into its list since any timeshare (almost) can be converted - simple fact.

Second: You can't (legally) rent out an exchange - only an interval that you own can be rented.

You CAN "guest" an exchange but both Wyndham ($99) and RCI ($69) charge a fee for the privilege. Wyndham will give you a wink about charging (renting?) for the guesting to a non family member but RCI will cut your gizzard out if they catch you doing what they consider "their" thing (making a profit on an exchange).

Third: No one system can work for every situation every time as none are universal enough - each lacks something and has other things it is good at.

I would suggest you look into a week at a VRI managed resort as VRI*ity has inexpensive internal trades - but it is mostly western states.

Fourth: EVERY year (or quarter, or month) the HOA will want what they think of as their money and all too often they will want even more (a SA). This wanting money NEVER stops even if you don't want to vacation with them that year.

Measure twice - cut once.

 

[chriskre]

I live in Northern Virginia and my hope with a timeshare purchase is to take trips worldwide. This is also one of the reasons I went with RCI over HGVC because they're so heavily concentrated in the U.S. and you would have to trade with RCI to go elsewhere. When you traded into RCI with HGVC, my understanding was that you would get an RCI gold crown week anywhere in the world but it didn't provide flexibility to use it for a few days versus the entire week.

270,000 points is high but I was buying it to allow my family (my brothers and my parents) or co-workers to use too. If it was just me, I would get much lower points and try to use it wisely. When you're sharing points with others, it seemed like a good idea to get much more points so you have the flexibility to book just about anywhere even at a high point rate (especially if you can't find anything good at the Last Call points rate).

You're suggesting I go with memberships in multiple clubs like RCI, HGVC CMV, etc and go for biennial or triennial units? Is there a benefit to get this versus one timeshare unit with CMV or RCI?

I have stayed at Marriott timeshares before but haven't stayed at at HGVC timeshare or RCI associated resort.

You can use HGVC points in RCI points for short stays as well but unless it's top of the line resorts might not be the most cost effective use of points.

The only reason I suggest biennials or triennials and only after you have done a few TS stays, is that the rules are constantly changing on us. It's almost a full time job to keep on top of all this stuff. If you have the time then great, if not then you don't want to be stuck with something that just won't work anymore for you but you're stuck like Chuck with it cause no one wants South African units anymore.

I'm saying, you're almost buying into old advice on how to use RCI from a broker who either hasn't kept up with the times or is selling what he knows and believes is best. It may be, I dunno. I personally don't want to buy a combo like he is offering you. I think there are better options and much, much cheaper options. For the money you are spending you can get top tier TS's that will work better for you IMO. Personally, I'd rescind and hang out here for a few months and learn more cause you might regret this purchase when you know a little more.

 

[tugger2020]

I'm going to cancel the purchase I was going to make and possibly cut it down to one bedroom with 67,500 points yearly. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback and went out of their way to give me advice.

I'm going to look at biennial or triennial units. That makes a lot of sense to me now as you bank the points for up to two years with most program anyway. Plus it gets you into the system and give you the opportunity to book last calls with HGVC and RCI. I'm assuming the others are the same.

The yearly maintenance fees will be significantly less as well as the up-front costs.

I'm going to read up more on the CMV units as that is still confusing me.

 

[MichaelColey]

Okay, the international twist makes me lean away from suggesting any of the systems (Wyndham, HGVC, Marriott) and towards RCI (although probably Weeks rather than Points) or II. That is one area where those two shine. They have a lot of international choices.

But I'm still having a hard time getting a handle on what you're really looking for. You've talked about "1 week of vacation", weekends, holidays, international travel, work stays, last minute travel, travel for others, and more.

No system is going to cover all of that, and to piece something together (like Christine suggests) might work, but it might also be expensive if you spread yourself too thin. It's kind of like vacationing in Orlando and doing WDW, Universal, SeaWorld, LegoLand, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove, and spend a day at the beach, too. Diversification makes much more sense when you have a LOT of time available to travel.

I think you'll have to figure out what it is that's most important to you.

 

[tugger2020]

Okay, the international twist makes me lean away from suggesting any of the systems (Wyndham, HGVC, Marriott) and towards RCI (although probably Weeks rather than Points) or II. That is one area where those two shine. They have a lot of international choices.

But I'm still having a hard time getting a handle on what you're really looking for. You've talked about "1 week of vacation", weekends, holidays, international travel, work stays, last minute travel, travel for others, and more.

No system is going to cover all of that, and to piece something together (like Christine suggests) might work, but it might also be expensive if you spread yourself too thin. It's kind of like vacationing in Orlando and doing WDW, Universal, SeaWorld, LegoLand, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove, and spend a day at the beach, too. Diversification makes much more sense when you have a LOT of time available to travel.

I think you'll have to figure out what it is that's most important to you.

You are right. I was definitely trying to do it all with one system or was hoping to anyway. I was betting on the fact that buying getting timeshares that give me enough points yearly would give me the flexibility to do just about anything whether it is weekend trips or a one week vacation yearly or for business travel at the last minute.

I'm not picky where I stay so if it's not a gold crown resort for business travel, it's not a big deal because I figured it will save me significantly more than staying in a hotel. Most of my travel will be to Florida (Miami, Ft Lauderdale area) and California (San Jose area), and NYC.

Traveling internationally is important to me though. While I do want to go to U.S. destinations, I definitely love traveling overseas.

 

[MichaelColey]

Most of my travel will be to Florida (Miami, Ft Lauderdale area) and California (San Jose area), and NYC.

Florida is easy in the off season, but almost impossible in the peak season (or holidays). California can be tough (and expensive). NYC is almost impossible.

You might look at TUG's Timeshare Map and see which resorts are near the areas you're most interested in, and see if one of the systems (Wyndham, HGVC, Marriott, etc.) might have a better coverage for you.

None of those three really have much to choose from internationally. You would probably need to exchange through RCI or II (which you can do with any of the three) for that.

I still lean towards Wyndham as being the best choice for you. Or perhaps Wyndham plus a good II or RCI Weeks trader (like a lockoff Week 26 Branson unit for MFs around $500).

 

[rickandcindy23]

I would buy the deal he is being offered because it's similar to the deal I had for Aussie points way back when, although his deal has lower fees. My fees at the time were around .0067 each, and now with the value of the dollar and the increase of fees at the resort, I am now over 1 cent each. The dollar is at a low now, compared to other currency, so I assume maybe when the US economy improves, his fees will be cheaper for him in US dollars.

I still am tempted by the CMV, but I forget to call Sheraton daily for inventory, so I know I would forget to call CMV, too. :rofl:

 

[e.bram]

Beware. Most RCI points weeks are from converted all weeks resorts. Prime weeks owners by and large do not convert, but use or rent. Dog weeks owners convert hoping to get prime weeks which don't exist as converted prime weeks. So you will be competing for the same nonexistant prime weeks if you purchase them.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Beware. Most RCI points weeks are from converted all weeks resorts. Prime weeks owners by and large do not convert, but use or rent. Dog weeks owners convert hoping to get prime weeks which don't exist as converted prime weeks. So you will be competing for the same nonexistant prime weeks if you purchase them.

Another negative post from e.bram. I am so surprised.

Seriously, I would have done it, if this was offered five years ago, when I got my Aussie points. I think it's a better deal than my Aussie points were back then, and now they are no bargain with the value of the dollar as it is today.

You still might want to talk to Brucecz. He is very good at the CMV Timbers UDI's.

But I have to be honest and say I would jump with both feet into what you were offered because I am loving RCI Points. I seriously wish I could dump what I have and go your route. But that would be nuts. I also own Foxhills in WI in RCI Points, and I am a little under 1 cent there. My Points for Deposit are cheap at .0076, but that is high compared to what you are getting.

 

[tugger2020]

Another negative post from e.bram. I am so surprised.

Seriously, I would have done it, if this was offered five years ago, when I got my Aussie points. I think it's a better deal than my Aussie points were back then, and now they are no bargain with the value of the dollar as it is today.

You still might want to talk to Brucecz. He is very good at the CMV Timbers UDI's.

But I have to be honest and say I would jump with both feet into what you were offered because I am loving RCI Points. I seriously wish I could dump what I have and go your route. But that would be nuts. I also own Foxhills in WI in RCI Points, and I am a little under 1 cent there. My Points for Deposit are cheap at .0076, but that is high compared to what you are getting.

Have you had pretty good experiences with RCI? I'm guessing it can be pretty good as long as you don't hope to get an awesome resort last minute but plan it out months to a year in advance?

 

[ampaholic]

Have you had pretty good experiences with RCI? I'm guessing it can be pretty good as long as you don't hope to get an awesome resort last minute but plan it out months to a year in advance?

To me the three most important things to consider with RCI Points are:

1. your home resort and home group matters - because - you get a 303 day or less booking window at all points resorts (good), but you get 304-334 days out at your home group (better) and you get 335-364 days out at your home resort (best).
For example we have Meadow Lake for a home resort where we like to go often, so I can book late June 2013 now long before any non owners can. I can also often get a weekend there at the last minute.
I also have Grandview as a home resort (I have 5 home resorts) so I am grouped with all the Dailymanagement group and can get reservations 304-334 days out - before any other RCI Points members can (except the home resort owners).

Oh, and when you book into your home resort within the owners ARP you will only need to pay between zero and $40 bucks for a reservation! Cheap, cheap, cheap.

2. Don't get too many points - I have 213K points every year and would actually like to have fewer (maybe 140K) - such is life.
Go here to see how many points you'll need to do what you want to do. You can always rent more points to fill out a vacation - but having extra can be an issue to use before they expire (but not as bad as a week you can't use IMO).

3. When you buy don't overpay: A real smokin' solid deal is less than a penny per point in MF's costs along with closing under $300 and this years points thrown in for for free. A reasonable deal would be points @ a penny to 1.5 cents each in MF's along with $500 in closing and no free points IF it's at a resort you want for a home resort.

3a. A red week gives you more points per MF (generally) than a white or blue week.

I own a Red week 1bed Triennial at Grandview for which I get 16,337 points every year for $113 MF each year - and I'll never set foot on the Grandview Grounds, I use the points to go elsewhere. I bought it for $52. (plus 300 closing) on eBay - I'm happy with that.

 

[ampaholic]

Another negative post from e.bram. I am so surprised.

But a rare accurate statement from our favorite "guest".

Re RCI:

I had to get an MROP membership to get the summer units I wanted at Kala Point and along the Oregon and Washington coast.

RCI Points general reservation window is only 10 months out, so it is a poor performer for premium weeks.

RCI Points are great for last minute, long stays, and low seasons but the top weeks just don't make it through the gauntlet to the opening of the 10 month window - with my MROP I can reserve Kala Point and along the Oregon and Washington coast 20 months out. I can also reserve Jackson Hole, Island Park and several desirable ski resorts 18 months or 16 months out.

The day the 10 month window opens there is nothing (nada, zip, zilch) for Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Coast of Oregon, or Quality Pacific coast resorts because the owners (like me with MROP) have gobbled up the premium weeks at 18 or 16 or 14 or 12 months out.

RCI Points are great for "overbuilt" areas such as Las Vegas and Hawaii since there are "lots" of premium weeks, just don't expect to get a whale watching week on Maui.

 

[tugger2020]

To me the three most important things to consider with RCI Points are:

1. your home resort and home group matters - because - you get a 303 day or less booking window at all points resorts (good), but you get 304-334 days out at your home group (better) and you get 335-364 days out at your home resort (best).
For example we have Meadow Lake for a home resort where we like to go often, so I can book late June 2013 now long before any non owners can. I can also often get a weekend there at the last minute.
I also have Grandview as a home resort (I have 5 home resorts) so I am grouped with all the Dailymanagement group and can get reservations 304-334 days out - before any other RCI Points members can (except the home resort owners).

Oh, and when you book into your home resort within the owners ARP you will only need to pay between zero and $40 bucks for a reservation! Cheap, cheap, cheap.

2. Don't get too many points - I have 213K points every year and would actually like to have fewer (maybe 140K) - such is life.
Go here (post #3) to learn how to see how many points you'll need to do what you want to do. You can always rent more points to fill out a vacation - but having extra can be an issue to use before they expire (but not as bad as a week you can't use IMO).

3. When you buy don't overpay: A real smokin' solid deal is less than a penny per point in MF's costs along with closing under $300 and this years points thrown in for for free. A resonable deal would be points @ a penny to 1.5 cents each in MF's along with $500 in closing and no free points IF it's at a resort you want for a home resort.

3a. A red week gives you more points per MF (generally) than a white or blue week.

I own a Red week 1bed Triennial at Grandview for which I get 16,337 points every year for $113 MF each year - and I'll never set foot on the Grandview Grounds, I use the points to go elsewhere. I bought it for $52. (plus 300 closing) on eBay - I'm happy with that.

That link in the forum for the points chart wouldn't work for me before or now. Is this the chart you meant?

http://www.rci.com/GPN/CDA/Common/pdf/RCI_ExGridsUpdate1.pdf

Thanks for the advice. I'll likely just get one of these RCI points timeshares and look into HGVC or another timeshare.

What's MROP membership?

 

[ampaholic]

That link in the forum for the points chart wouldn't work for me before or now. Is this the chart you meant?

http://www.rci.com/GPN/CDA/Common/pdf/RCI_ExGridsUpdate1.pdf

Thanks for the advice. I'll likely just get one of these RCI points timeshares and look into HGVC or another timeshare.

What's MROP membership?

Yea, I fixed my link - thanks.

Multi Resort Ownership Plan - Mostly western states and Hawaii.