Craigendarroch Suites vs. Lodge

[vidx3m]

Can't seem to find a clear distinction between Craigendarroch Suites vs. Lodge.

I have seem some listings for Craigendarroch Suites, but most people here on TUG seem to prefer the Lodge, but I'm not sure why.

Why would someone acquire either, are there some major disadvantages of owning the Suites?

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[HuskerATL]

Lodges are cheaper, legacy elite qualifying points, and can be exchanged in DEX EU and II... Much better than Suites....

 

[vidx3m]

Lodges are cheaper, legacy elite qualifying points, and can be exchanged in DEX EU and II... Much better than Suites....

Thanks, this helps.

So Suites are very limited, can they be exchanged within HGVC?

And am I right to say they cannot be exchanged via DEX EU and II?

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Suites are considered an HGVC resort and are contained inside the main building. The lodges are on the grounds. Think of them as townhouses. Both share common amenities and associated costs. As an HGVC resort you can turn in your ownership and upgrade to another HGVC resort. Suites do not participate in DEX EU as an HGVC owned resort but fully participates as would any other HGVC owned resort.

I seem to recall that suites has a lounge for owners. I cannot say whether they served food or appetizers like the bHC lounges or whether is simply a place to sit. Perhaps Suite owners can comment.

Lodges are a separate affiliate entity managed by HGVC. The Lodge HOA has voted to enable DEX EU and II in addition to HGVC enrollment.

 

[vidx3m]

Suites are considered an HGVC resort and are contained inside the main building. The lodges are on the grounds. Both share common amenities and associated costs.

I seem to recall that suites has a lounge for owners. I cannot say whether they served food or appetizers like the bHC lounges or whether is simply a place to sit. Perhaps Suite owners can comment.

Sounds like Suites are offered as a premium product, I'm curious to understand what comes with the added cost of ownership. And whether they acted like any other HGVC resorts, i.e. can they be traded easily, the previous comment suggests that they cannot be traded on II or DEX EU, so can they be traded on RCI?

 

[HuskerATL]

Suites isn't necessarily a premium product. I would argue that is it a less premium product with less options. It is owned by HGVC where the lodges are an affiliate so you get more options with Lodges

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Suites is like owning in Vegas or Florida or some other HGVC property and like those VOIs trades with RCI. I haven't checked recently but I believe the MF is high too.

 

[vidx3m]

Suites isn't necessarily a premium product. I would argue that is it a less premium product with less options. It is owned by HGVC where the lodges are an affiliate so you get more options with Lodges

Lodges offer greater flexibility and are cheaper to acquire.

I've on TUG that the Suites are better furnished and mostly upgraded, while the Lodges are dated. I assume that this is the reason for the higher cost to acquire Suites.

But from an ownership perspective, it sounds like Lodge can offer better opportunities to trade, while Suites cannot be traded on DEX and II.

Initially I thought the Suites were just like another HGVC resorts, and Lodge just offered better value, but it seems like there's more to it.

 

[vidx3m]

Suites is like owning in Vegas or Florida or some other HGVC property and like those VOIs trades with RCI. I haven't checked recently but I believe the MF is high too.

This is helpful. So Elara and Craig Lodge would still be better value then?

 

[CalGalTraveler]

You would have to compare the MF/point if you are buying to trade. Run the numbers.

If you are buying to stay that is a different question.

 

[vidx3m]

You would have to compare the MF/point if you are buying to trade. Run the numbers.

If you are buying to stay that is a different question.

That's fair, thank you

 

[HuskerATL]

Lodges offer greater flexibility and are cheaper to acquire.

I've on TUG that the Suites are better furnished and mostly upgraded, while the Lodges are dated. I assume that this is the reason for the higher cost to acquire Suites.

But from an ownership perspective, it sounds like Lodge can offer better opportunities to trade, while Suites cannot be traded on DEX and II.

Initially I thought the Suites were just like another HGVC resorts, and Lodge just offered better value, but it seems like there's more to it.

It depends on how you want to use the system. You can own at the lodges but use the points at the suites if you actually want to stay there. For folks using points across the system, the most important part is low MF/pt and options. We never stay where we own.

 

[vidx3m]

It depends on how you want to use the system. You can own at the lodges but use the points at the suites if you actually want to stay there. For folks using points across the system, the most important part is low MF/pt and options. We never stay where we own.

I'd like to achieve this as well, I don't plan to travel to Scotland, rather use the points to exchange for other places.