Reduction in PR Benefits

[2BlackKitties]

I am curious if anyone else has noticed a material reduction in PR benefits or knows the reason for the reduction. Over the last year, PR benefits at Avon have been eroding at a fast clip.

1. About two years ago, the restaurant at Avon was shut down, which was a surprise to us when we arrived. When we asked why, we were told it was due to staffing issues. It's never been re-opened, and now they give us a $20 coupon for a local restaurant for breakfast.
2. About a year ago, upscale amenities like shampoo and conditioner were downgraded.
3. There used to a small stainless steel pan, a medium one, and a large one. They took away the medium sized pan.
4. There used to be two cutting boards - one small, and one large. Now there is only one large.
5. We were here at Avon in January 2024, and the $150 AmEx gift card was changed to a local restaurant card in the same amount. I don't appreciate that at all because my husband is allergic to garlic and we have a hard time eating out.
6. When we returned this month (February 2024), the restaurant gift card amount was reduced to $100. When I asked who made that decision, we were told "It must have been Corporate." Try going out to dinner at a reasonably nice restaurant in a resort town for $100....
7. When we arrived here at Avon this month (February 2024), we noticed a new sign on top of the washer that says (summarizing): Here are two laundry detergent packs. If you want more, you can buy them at the front desk." Does that make me feel special (a typical question Wyndham asks on their surveys): Absolutely not. Furthermore, I'm not going to wash towels anymore if this is the case. I'll have housekeeping come up and change them out.
8. Until this month, we received the USA Today and the local paper at our door every morning (except Sunday). Starting in February, no papers.
9. In prior years, the resort put out tea, hot water, apple cider and hot chocolate in the afternoon along with freshly baked cookies. Starting this year, no tea in the afternoons, and cookies are provided once a week.
10. Until this year, Avon had a wonderful concierge, who was a true concierge in every sense of the word. Michael really made Avon stand out from all the other Wyndham resorts where the "concierge" is nothing but a marketing person trying to get you to sign up for a sales meeting.

We noticed similar erosion of PR benefits at Park City last month. All we received was pancake mix, syrup and an apple pie.

The thing that is most disappointing is that there has been absolutely no communication about any of this ahead of time. It's all a big surprise when we arrive at our PR destination, and the surprise is not a good one. I have no idea how the resorts themselves or Corporate can think this makes us feel special or why on earth they would think that we would recommend upgrading to PR to anyone who asks about it.

I realize the fine print in the contract says that Wyndham can change any of the PR benefits at any time. That's not the point. The point is that the reduction in benefits is getting so material that they are quickly becoming useless, and furthermore, the utter lack of communication about it is disappointing and, really, insulting. I'm willing to bet that anyone who signs up for PR can read a financial statement and understands business. They also understand that keeping your customers/owners informed with timely, complete, and objective communication is key to setting proper expectations.

My apologies up front for a long-winded post, but I am genuinely curious if anyone else has noticed a similar erosion of benefits at other PR locations.
Thank you.

 

[ridgerunner71]

Of your list, the laundry soap one is petty. They give out as many as you want at any of the other resorts. For non-PR owners even.

What do you mean by "premium toiletries"?

Every time I have stayed in a Presidential suite, the toiletries are identical.

 

[chapjim]

I can't identify any of the things in OP's as PR benefits. Perhaps at Avon but not elsewhere.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Of your list, the laundry soap one is petty. They give out as many as you want at any of the other resorts. For non-PR owners even.

What do you mean by "premium toiletries"?

Every time I have stayed in a Presidential suite, the toiletries are identical.

PR owners (not exactly the same as Presidential Rooms/PR rooms used by non-PR owners) typically receive upgraded toiletries. There was a recent Wyndham email announcement about upcoming changes to toiletries here: https://clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinat...ontent=na_adhoc_button_na_body_bath-amenities

Screenshot specific to PR suites:

 

[2BlackKitties]

I can't identify any of the things in OP's as PR benefits. Perhaps at Avon but not elsewhere.

Thank you for your reply. Regarding the $150 gift certificate, this is right off the website. It says a "credit" but it has always been a gift certificate in the past.

 

[pagosajim]

I am curious if anyone else has noticed a material reduction in PR benefits or knows the reason for the reduction. Over the last year, PR benefits at Avon have been eroding at a fast clip.

1. About two years ago, the restaurant at Avon was shut down, which was a surprise to us when we arrived. When we asked why, we were told it was due to staffing issues. It's never been re-opened, and now they give us a $20 coupon for a local restaurant for breakfast.
2. About a year ago, upscale amenities like shampoo and conditioner were downgraded.
3. There used to a small stainless steel pan, a medium one, and a large one. They took away the medium sized pan.
4. There used to be two cutting boards - one small, and one large. Now there is only one large.
5. We were here at Avon in January 2024, and the $150 AmEx gift card was changed to a local restaurant card in the same amount. I don't appreciate that at all because my husband is allergic to garlic and we have a hard time eating out.
6. When we returned this month (February 2024), the restaurant gift card amount was reduced to $100. When I asked who made that decision, we were told "It must have been Corporate." Try going out to dinner at a reasonably nice restaurant in a resort town for $100....
7. When we arrived here at Avon this month (February 2024), we noticed a new sign on top of the washer that says (summarizing): Here are two laundry detergent packs. If you want more, you can buy them at the front desk." Does that make me feel special (a typical question Wyndham asks on their surveys): Absolutely not. Furthermore, I'm not going to wash towels anymore if this is the case. I'll have housekeeping come up and change them out.
8. Until this month, we received the USA Today and the local paper at our door every morning (except Sunday). Starting in February, no papers.
9. In prior years, the resort put out tea, hot water, apple cider and hot chocolate in the afternoon along with freshly baked cookies. Starting this year, no tea in the afternoons, and cookies are provided once a week.
10. Until this year, Avon had a wonderful concierge, who was a true concierge in every sense of the word. Michael really made Avon stand out from all the other Wyndham resorts where the "concierge" is nothing but a marketing person trying to get you to sign up for a sales meeting.

We noticed similar erosion of PR benefits at Park City last month. All we received was pancake mix, syrup and an apple pie.

The thing that is most disappointing is that there has been absolutely no communication about any of this ahead of time. It's all a big surprise when we arrive at our PR destination, and the surprise is not a good one. I have no idea how the resorts themselves or Corporate can think this makes us feel special or why on earth they would think that we would recommend upgrading to PR to anyone who asks about it.

I realize the fine print in the contract says that Wyndham can change any of the PR benefits at any time. That's not the point. The point is that the reduction in benefits is getting so material that they are quickly becoming useless, and furthermore, the utter lack of communication about it is disappointing and, really, insulting. I'm willing to bet that anyone who signs up for PR can read a financial statement and understands business. They also understand that keeping your customers/owners informed with timely, complete, and objective communication is key to setting proper expectations.

My apologies up front for a long-winded post, but I am genuinely curious if anyone else has noticed a similar erosion of benefits at other PR locations.
Thank you.

We are also PR owners and have visited Avon over the years and most recently during the same timeframes as you (January 2024, February 2024). We have also noticed some small changes in the PR benefits provided. I will say up front that Avon still has among the best "freebies" for PR owners.

1. We were never able to enjoy the onsite restaurant (no PR owners back then), but do appreciate the $20 PER PERSON gift certificate for breakfast. We've really come to enjoy the workers/owners at "Bob's Place" and look forward to those breakfasts there. When traveling with another couple ,that amounted to $40 for breakfast each day.
2. Never noticed a change in the toiletries. I never did care for the minty smell of that shampoo though.
3. Didn't notice the absence of the frying pan, but now that you mention it... (not a PR benefit though)
4. Ditto on the cutting boards. (not a PR benefit either)
5. Didn't so much mind the change of gift card to a local restaurant. There's 4 to choose from on the card. Consider going to Benderz Southside for a burger and a beer - it's a pretty reasonable place to eat at considering the location. More upscale is Fattoria. Go there just to see the gregarious Maitre'D wearing shorts in the middle of winter.
6. I did notice the reduction in gift card amount (down to $100). Figured it was because I was travelling alone this time
7. Didn't see a sign on the washer detergent. Don't do much laundry there anyway. Those kitchen towels really don't absorb anything BTW. (not a PR benefit AFAIK)
8. Got the papers like clockwork each morning. Maybe you should have said something at the front desk. There's also a pile of them on the table next to the elevators.
9. Can't comment on the tea/cookies. Not my thing, but DW has missed them.
10. I will put in a strong word for Michael O. the concierge. He truly was a joy to see at the resort. Like running into an old friend each time we arrived. He understood us, the Wyndham system, and went the extra mile for not just the PR owners, but all guests at the resort. It was a true disappointment to hear he had left sometime in the past year. Word on the street was he had differences with the resort GM.

11, Added to note the 2 bottles (1 red, 1 white) of wine waiting in our room each time.
12. Don't forget the complimentary valet parking (it's a mandatory $35/day for non-PR owners)

Maybe reduced to a degree from what it was, but clearly still a lot to be had there...

 

[ridgerunner71]

Speaking of toiletries, i'm at Ocean Blvd right now and they are installing those dispensers like they have on cruise ships that dispense body gel, shampoo and conditioner.

They have not quite gone live yet, so still have the normal stuff, but I hate seeing this. I am a soap user and hate that body gel. I hope they dont do this at all the resorts, but i'm sure it's a cost cutting venture.

They also have the outdoor hot tubs between towers 1 and 2 under construction, started this morning, god awful racket all day, and who knows how long they will be out of commission. Great timing. Last time I was here the indoor pool in tower 1 was out of commission for some reason too.

 

[chapjim]

Thank you for your reply. Regarding the $150 gift certificate, this is right off the website. It says a "credit" but it has always been a gift certificate in the past.

View attachment 88597

Are you booked into a Presidential Reserve suite?

 

[Zeke_62]

7. I move a couple of bathroom hand towels into the kitchen. And toss the kitchen hand towels that dont absorb much under the sink.
10. Yes, he was great! Too bad as Wyndham needs more like him, not less.

 

[pagosajim]

Are you booked into a Presidential Reserve suite?

Avon is entirely PR, so yes.

 

[chapjim]

According to Wyndham's website, Avon is entirely Presidential, not Presidential Reserve. They are not the same thing.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Speaking of toiletries, i'm at Ocean Blvd right now and they are installing those dispensers like they have on cruise ships that dispense body gel, shampoo and conditioner.

They have not quite gone live yet, so still have the normal stuff, but I hate seeing this. I am a soap user and hate that body gel. I hope they dont do this at all the resorts, but i'm sure it's a cost cutting venture.

This "Bulk Bathroom Amenities" sustainability change was announced via a Wyndham email a couple weeks ago now, here's a link to the online announcement: https://clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinat...ontent=na_adhoc_button_na_body_bath-amenities

Screenshot for ease of reference - there's more detailed info provided on the exact changes coming in the link above:

 

[ridgerunner71]

The only thing I care about is soap. Bar soap should still be provided. That "body wash" is awful. I take bar soap with me when I go on cruises because I hate body wash. I hope they still have soap.

 

[chapjim]

The only thing I care about is soap. Bar soap should still be provided. That "body wash" is awful. I take bar soap with me when I go on cruises because I hate body wash. I hope they still have soap.

We checked into Governor's Green yesterday evening. Shower has body wash, shampoo, and conditioner on the wall. My head is shaved so the last two are not used. Body wash is "brown sugar and fig." The dispenser fell off the wall -- adhesive isn't very strong.

HGVC does "bulk bathroom amenities" better than Wyndham.

 

[HitchHiker71]

We checked into Governor's Green yesterday evening. Shower has body wash, shampoo, and conditioner on the wall. My head is shaved so the last two are not used. Body wash is "brown sugar and fig." The dispenser fell off the wall -- adhesive isn't very strong.

HGVC does "bulk bathroom amenities" better than Wyndham.

Yeah if all they are using is adhesive that's going to be the norm. Those units need to be permanently mounted onto the surface with anchors - especially with all of the moisture in the bathrooms - any adhesive is going to break down over time regardless of what is used. What about the soap typically left for the bathroom sinks? Are they using containers for hand soap there too?

 

[JerseyDeb]

I got the email about the bulk bathroom amenities too and all I could think was YUCK! Sorry how can I trust that the dispensers were not tampered with? And will they clean them periodically? Leave any bottle of body wash or shampoo in a shower long enough and it will grow mold.

I'm all for the environment and think it is great to cut down on waste in my home. But using products from a dispenser a number of people have used and with no idea how it was cleaned? No thank you. So I guess I need to bring my own products from now on

 

[ridgerunner71]

The nice, pretty face says "better for the environment", but this is 100% a cost cutting measure. Guess I will have to start bringing soap. Not the end of the world.

 

[chapjim]

Yeah if all they are using is adhesive that's going to be the norm. Those units need to be permanently mounted onto the surface with anchors - especially with all of the moisture in the bathrooms - any adhesive is going to break down over time regardless of what is used. What about the soap typically left for the bathroom sinks? Are they using containers for hand soap there too?

Nope. The sinks have the same wrapped bar of soap.

The nice, pretty face says "better for the environment", but this is 100% a cost cutting measure. Guess I will have to start bringing soap. Not the end of the world.

We have what is probably a lifetime supply of the bar soap!

 

[pagosajim]

According to Wyndham's website, Avon is entirely Presidential, not Presidential Reserve. They are not the same thing.

Agreed that PR and Presidential are not the same thing. Wyndham's statement that all units at Avon are Presidential is accurate. All PR units are Presidential. Not all Presidential units are PR.

The fact remains that every room in Avon is Presidential Reserve.

 

[dioxide45]

Agreed that PR and Presidential are not the same thing. Wyndham's statement that all units at Avon are Presidential is accurate. All PR units are Presidential. Not all Presidential units are PR.

The fact remains that every room in Avon is Presidential Reserve.

I'm more confused than ever.

 

[sponger76]

I'm more confused than ever.

I second that statement.

 

[bnoble]

The label "Presidential" means "furnished to a higher standard and/or larger and/or in a better location and/or whatever Wyndham means by 'better'" The label "Presidential Reserve" applies to inventory that is in its own "club," but that club has exchange privileges with Club Wyndham inventory. Every "PR" unit is, by definition "Presidential."

It's my sense that Wyndham was more enthusiastic about the Presidential Reserve product some years ago than they are now, but I could be wrong about that. Either way, it seems like it has been a while since they've announced new PR resorts/phases/inventory.

Avon is listed as a resort that has PR inventory, so at least some of the Presidential units there are in the Presidential Reserve "system." After a quick spot check, I only see PR units, not "plain" Presidential ones.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I personally like the bottles attached to the wall at all of the timeshares/ hotels we have been recently. I am happy to see this change. The products tend to be higher in quality than the standard little bottles. I like less wasted plastic, so I am all for this change. They do need to include a bar for the sink. Going to the shower to grab gel for the hands isn't easy, and your feet will get wet each time you step into that shower. Just sayin'.

 

[dioxide45]

I personally like the bottles attached to the wall at all of the timeshares/ hotels we have been recently. I am happy to see this change. The products tend to be higher in quality than the standard little bottles. I like less wasted plastic, so I am all for this change. They do need to include a bar for the sink. Going to the shower to grab gel for the hands isn't easy, and your feet will get wet each time you step into that shower. Just sayin'.

Sheraton properties have both a bar on the sink as well as a pump hand soap. We prefer the pump.

 

[Jan M.]

To clarify. Some resorts that aren't one of the 21 Presidential Reserve resorts do have presidential units. Some of the Presidential Reserve resorts have both PR inventory and presidential inventory. Also not all of the PR inventory is held for PR owners.