Have any Royal owners heard AI rumours for renters and exchangers? [merged]

[BoaterMike]

We'll be somewhat testing the "system" for a week 44 visit at the RH after a week at the RC. Our non-member friend executed the exchange in to RH, so the reservation is in his name. We will spend the $49 (or whatever) for a guest certificate in my name. On prior visits they took our word for it, or perhaps did a cursory check of a database. But, we certainly can't take that for granted this time.

Mike

 

[johnsontrio]

We'll be somewhat testing the "system" for a week 44 visit at the RH after a week at the RC. Our non-member friend executed the exchange in to RH, so the reservation is in his name. We will spend the $49 (or whatever) for a guest certificate in my name. On prior visits they took our word for it, or perhaps did a cursory check of a database. But, we certainly can't take that for granted this time.

Mike

I would think if the person staying is a member it wouldn't matter how they got there, you are still a member. I would also spend the $49, way cheaper than their all inclusive.

 

[BoaterMike]

I would think if the person staying is a member it wouldn't matter how they got there, you are still a member. I would also spend the $49, way cheaper than their all inclusive.

That's the way I see it also. Plus there is the matter of transacting the exchange before the AI is fully implemented. While I don't expect any issues, we'll be sure to obtain the guest certificate just to make sure.

Mike

 

[moonlightgraham]

Well, that was fast. We returned from our owned week 21 stay at the Islander on Saturday and in the post-vacation glow I put in for an II exchange for Thanksgiving week. Less than 24 hours later I'm filled at the RC, oceanfront no less (I know, I know, no guarantees but still nice if it happens).

With all the AI talk, I scoured the exchange certificate for any statement regarding AI requirements and found none. Funny though, in the section for Reservation Number "AI" is listed there (no reservation number, just AI). That can't be the only indication of an AI requirement can it? I would think it would have to be clearly spelled out this is an AI resort and AI is required for the reservation and I don't see any of that. I do recall November as the start date in discussions with our concierge last week, but could that be reservations made beginning in November as the program details still seem to be in flux?

 

[BoaterMike]

Well, that was fast. We returned from our owned week 21 stay at the Islander on Saturday and in the post-vacation glow I put in for an II exchange for Thanksgiving week. Less than 24 hours later I'm filled at the RC, oceanfront no less (I know, I know, no guarantees but still nice if it happens).

With all the AI talk, I scoured the exchange certificate for any statement regarding AI requirements and found none. Funny though, in the section for Reservation Number "AI" is listed there (no reservation number, just AI). That can't be the only indication of an AI requirement can it? I would think it would have to be clearly spelled out this is an AI resort and AI is required for the reservation and I don't see any of that. I do recall November as the start date in discussions with our concierge last week, but could that be reservations made beginning in November as the program details still seem to be in flux?

You should be ok. The RC is not included in the initial wave of AI. The RS and RH are scheduled for week 42 this year, but the dates are not specified for other Royals as far as I know.

Mike

 

[pjrose]

Mike is right.

Also, as an owner/member, you are exempt from AI no matter when/where/how you stay at one of the Royals.

14. If a Member exchanges through an International Exchange company or does an internal exchange with Interval Servicing Co. (ISCO) or rents will the Member have to purchase the Special All-inclusive package?
No, the Member will have optional access to the Special All-Inclusive package for members.



http://www.royalresorts.com/packages/default.asp

 

[BoaterMike]

Mike is right.

Well, maybe not. In retrospect, it's actually week 43?

Mike

 

[Paumavista]

Royal Resorts AI Program Cost

We stayed at the Sands earlier this year and really loved our first visit to Cancun - we plan to visit again (although we haven't made reservations).

We understand it is now an ALL INCLUSIVE resort and there will be a fee for food?
We are curious and would really like to know what the cost is for this? We would be using an owners week (we don't own a unit nor will be be trading.....not sure if this would affect the cost - is there a different AI cost depending on how you rent your unit?)

We need to be able to factor this cost since we usually eat in & cook. If we rent a unit from an owner would we then pay the AI cost upon arrival? or would owners now collect that fee when they rent the unit?

Thank you,
We look forward to planning our next trip!
Judy

 

[buceo]

When you rent from an owner getting the AI is going to be optional. Though the cost/package is not yet announced, you won't need to buy it unless you want to, whatever it is.

In their words:
16. If a Member loans or rents their units privately will the person they rent to have to purchase the All-Inclusive Package?
No, they do not have to purchase the All-Inclusive package but can do so if they wish.

 

[maciec]

I was very sad to see that this is taking place. We live the Royals and have traded in twice now. We love that the Royals weren't AI. We aren't drinkers and we aren't big eaters. We only ever eat out for dinner when we are there. We would never eat and drink $150 worth a day. With 3 kids that's what was once an affordable vacation for us now is not. I really hope that this idea bombs so that when we are ready to go back in 2014 that we can stay at a Royal. In the meantime I will be researching other places to stay.

 

[pjrose]

I was very sad to see that this is taking place. We live the Royals and have traded in twice now. We love that the Royals weren't AI. We aren't drinkers and we aren't big eaters. We only ever eat out for dinner when we are there. We would never eat and drink $150 worth a day. With 3 kids that's what was once an affordable vacation for us now is not. I really hope that this idea bombs so that when we are ready to go back in 2014 that we can stay at a Royal. In the meantime I will be researching other places to stay.

Rent from an owner and you won't have to do AI.

 

[geoffb]

Or trade into one of the four properties that have no A.I.

 

[maciec]

Or trade into one of the four properties that have no A.I.

Hoping that by the time that we are reading to go back that the other properties still don't have AI

PJ - if I rent through an owner that costs $$$ something I don't want to have to do

 

[MuranoJo]

Or trade into one of the four properties that have no A.I.

Or trade into a completely different property which doesn't have AI. Avoid the sales presentation and you'll have a great time.

 

[pjrose]

Hoping that by the time that we are reading to go back that the other properties still don't have AI

PJ - if I rent through an owner that costs $$$ something I don't want to have to do

I hope so too.

And yes, renting is more than trading and then what do you do with the banked weeks. But at least renting from an owner is less than renting from the management

 

[tikicarver]

From the link in a post above:

This program is scheduled to be launched at The Royal Sands and The Royal Haciendas in Week 43, October 27, 2012 with the intention of rolling it out to others in 2013.

Also said prices and more details will be released on July 2.

 

[kenie]

The Royals AI program is up....

http://www.royalreservations.com/em...el&hq_m=1811534&hq_l=5&hq_v=6cc215c143http://

Reservations will be taken as of July 3rd and pricing will be released at thae same time.

If the rumour is true that they are going to charge $160 per day per person, this looks to be an epic fail.
They are touting the dining options, but how are people going to get to Captains Cove or Conquistador? Cab? :hysterical:
They do not have the amenities to be a top tier AI resort.

Compare this to the Gran Melia announcement which will come into effect on November 15. A coincidence?? lol

If you are going to pay the kind of dollars that are rumoured, for non-owners, where would you rather be?

http://www.hotelnewsresource.com/ar...cun_Converted_to_Paradisus_Cancun_Resort.html

 

[blackjack]

According to II when making an exchange:

MANDATORY ALL-INCLUSIVE/MEAL PLAN FEES. Fees are payable to the resort and subject to change without notice. Effective with bookings from JULY 3, 2012 for check-in OCTOBER 27, 2012 and beyond, "REFINE" All-Inclusive Package: Rate per adult, per day USD 105; child 4-17 years, USD 75; child under 4 years, no charge.

 

[pjrose]

According to II when making an exchange:

MANDATORY ALL-INCLUSIVE/MEAL PLAN FEES. Fees are payable to the resort and subject to change without notice. Effective with bookings from JULY 3, 2012 for check-in OCTOBER 27, 2012 and beyond, "REFINE" All-Inclusive Package: Rate per adult, per day USD 105; child 4-17 years, USD 75; child under 4 years, no charge.

Is that 105 or 150?
Does this show up for all the resorts, ot just RS and RH ?

 

[blackjack]

For me, I only see this for Royal Sands and Royal Hacienda. I also see 105 and not 150 as has been speculated.

 

[pjrose]

For me, I only see this for Royal Sands and Royal Hacienda. I also see 105 and not 150 as has been speculated.

Anyone who makes an exchange now should print that 105. Just in case.

 

[gcole]

I got the email today. When I was down last month as an exchanger they said all renters and exchangers would be mandatory. Owners would be discounted and optional. This news made this my last trip. Owners were saying that exchangers shouldn't be allowed to use their resort for free. I did mention that we also pay maint fees. Here is the link:
http://royalreservations.com/emb/al...p?hq_e=el&hq_m=1811544&hq_l=4&hq_v=0017040020

 

[pjrose]

I got the email today. When I was down last month as an exchanger they said all renters and exchangers would be mandatory. Owners would be discounted and optional. This news made this my last trip. Owners were saying that exchangers shouldn't be allowed to use their resort for free. I did mention that we also pay maint fees. Here is the link:
http://royalreservations.com/emb/al...p?hq_e=el&hq_m=1811544&hq_l=4&hq_v=0017040020

If I deposit my week I have paid the mf. It is a member owned week. Therefore IMNSHO you, as an exchanger, should have all owner/ member benefits. So we are in agreement, though coming from different directions. One way or the other, mf fees have been paid, by you and by me. The royals have never before had two 'classes' of people staying there. If I exchange into your ts I expect to be treated the same as you, and you should have that expectation too. Grrrrrrrrr.

If indeed ISCO has gotten many requests for AI then by all means offer it - as an option, not as mandatory.

 

[MuranoJo]

Great post and I absolutely agree, PJ.
BTW, I noticed the previous poster also said renters would have to pay AI?

I've always wanted to try a Royal and actually got a RM on RCI late one night several years ago. But I threw it back (and posted I was going to do so on Sightings, where someone grabbed it) because we had the previous week booked on the Pacific side at Westin PV.

 

[pjrose]

Great post and I absolutely agree, PJ.
BTW, I noticed the previous poster also said renters would have to pay AI?

I've always wanted to try a Royal and actually got a RM on RCI late one night several years ago. But I threw it back (and posted I was going to do so on Sightings, where someone grabbed it) because we had the previous week booked on the Pacific side at Westin PV.

Thanks.
Too bad...but maybe you can still exchange into the RM.
Renters through the royals' mgt, ISCO or royalresorts.com or through a travel agent type of deal, yes. Renters direct from an owner, no.