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

mstoyanov

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I am also certain that it will kill exchange desirability (and trade power of deposits from Royal resorts) but it should make it easier for owners to get an exchange. As it is right now almost any chain (Marriott, Starwood even WorldMark) have higher priority than Royal deposits trying to exchange for another week. So it will help owners that are not forced into AI due to decrease competition from external exchangers. Especially owners that are still using powerful and economical deposit (WorldMark for example). So for me it may turn to be a positive as long as my guests are not forced into AI.
 

Phydeaux

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Anyone here ever stayed at or heard of an AI that had a complete kitchen? :shrug:
 

SDMiller

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Phy - That's why it doesn't make sense why Royals are doing this?

Perhaps they think renters will still shop at their little market for some food/drink items, income from two sources? Then on the other side majority are members will still shop at the food market......

Their website announcement indicates they are implementing AI to provide better service to their members, making their stay more enjoyable??? How many members really want an AI???

SD
 

tschwa2

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Another thing to consider is that many resorts that have mandatory AI's for 50%+ of the people staying there give bracelets to AI participants and bars and restaurants that were once a la carte are no longer accessible to those not participating in the AI. That would mean no happy hour pricing for non AI participanst. It would also mean that you can't get a beer or a soda while down at the pool. Hopefully that will not be the case here, but who knows.
 

X-ring

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Anyone here ever stayed at or heard of an AI that had a complete kitchen? :shrug:

Yes, the 2 BR apartments in the Beach Palace had complete kitchens. Then they offered members optional AI while letting the condition of the kitchens and the cooking implements deteriorate to the point where you didn't want to use them. Finally Palace Resorts "improved" the program by forcing all members to pay for the AI. Then came 2005 and Wilma and blew the house down.

My experience led me to buy two additional replacement weeks at the Royal Resorts whose integrity I have come to trust implicitly over the last nine years.
 
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mamadot

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The restaurants are so under used at the Tris. I can see why they are turning to this.

I have week 41 RI. Guess I will see how it work in 2013. I love my week in Cancun every Oct.
 

BoaterMike

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The restaurants are so under used at the Tris. I can see why they are turning to this.

I have week 41 RI. Guess I will see how it work in 2013. I love my week in Cancun every Oct.

I agree with the point. Especially that time of year. This will fill some seats. But, the implementation is only at RH and RS.... For now.

Mike
 

Phydeaux

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The restaurants are so under used at the Tris. I can see why they are turning to this.

I have week 41 RI. Guess I will see how it work in 2013. I love my week in Cancun every Oct.

The reason the restaraunts are empty is because of the ridiculouslu overpriced meals.

Don't raise the bridge, lower the river???
 

Former Cruiser

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I got one today too. I read threads yesterday that the people at the RR had been telling guests that are staying there now all about it. Not sure how it affect me as we use our week instead of renting. I can see how renting will now be much harder with the extra cost involved. Why have kitchens if you have to use their restaurants? Stupid.
 

Former Cruiser

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It's official. I got the email today explaining the new "Packages" available to members and their families. However, they'll be mandatory for renters. If you do a trade through II are you considered a renter? Hmmm....
 

momeason

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Ok, so I should visit royal sands before 10/23/12.
Going to interval site right now to make an exchange...

I was thinking the same thing. I have been trying to talk my husband into these resorts for a while. I want to go before the change.

I think the atmosphere will totally change also with all the people who buy AI for free alcohol.
 

ocdb8r

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Our favorite timeshares

Harborside Resort Atlantis
Westin St. John
Royal Haciendas
Marriott's Frenchman's Cove
Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
Royal Sands (I guess we'll have to replace with Westin Lagunamar)
Marriott's Lakeshore Reserve
Worldmark Depoe Bay
Westin Kierland Villas
Hilton Bay Club Waikoloa


Very sad to be crossing these of our list. I hope the program is a complete failure and they have to reconsider.
 

maja651

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It's official. The Royals sent out an email on this today. I am still fuzzy on whether or not renters from owners are forced into the AI or not. It is not clear. Text from the email:
" Dear Member,

Over the past year, we have been looking for different ways to make your experience at Royal Resorts even better. We are very proud of the product we currently offer, and we are aware of the excellent level of satisfaction among our members. However, Royal Resorts has always strived to go one step further and we believe we can still do more to make your Royal Resorts vacation unforgettable.

Royal Resorts is pleased to share news about an upcoming program designed to help guests customize their vacations. We understand that each person is different and therefore we want to offer every guest the possibility of choosing the elements that will truly make their vacation unique.

Through this program, guests will have the opportunity to create customized vacation packages via add-ons such as spa services, tours, water sports, green fees and food and beverages at Royal Resorts restaurants, all of them at preferential rates.

Because we want to provide greater benefits to our members, we have established some differences between the programs that members and non-members will have access to. The most significant difference is the fact that members will be offered an optional special all-inclusive package at a discounted price. Non-members will have their room, food and beverages and other services built into a mandatory all-inclusive package sold at the market rate. Non-members will not have access to the special all-inclusive package for members. This will help maintain our resorts efficiently and improve occupancy, thus providing a platform for further discounts and benefits to members; it´s not only about saving you money, but also about giving something back to you for being one of our extremely valuable members.

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. We will be sending more information on this program in the near future but we wanted you to be the first ones to read about it. We hope you are as excited as we are about this upcoming program and that you will find great value in it.

For further details on how the program will work and what it entails, please refer to the FAQ section below.

Sincerely,
Royal Resorts Management

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the program work?
Royal Resorts members will have a set of different packages at discounted prices that they can choose from to customize their vacation and enjoy during their stay. Members may purchase these at any time before or during their vacation.

2. As a Member, what will my discount be?
Royal Resorts is currently in the process of establishing rates and discounts for the variety of packages that will be offered. Because the packages are so different, discounts will vary depending on services and participating suppliers.

3. In which resorts will these special packages be offered?
They are scheduled to be offered in The Royal Sands and The Royal Haciendas starting Week 43, October 27, 2012. We will inform members in due time about the date when we expect to start offering packages at other Royal Resorts.

4. What type of packages will I be able to purchase?
These packages can include a special all-inclusive package for members, weddings and special events, spa services, golf, specialty dining, theme parks, water sports and trips to archaeological sites among others.

5. What does the special all-inclusive package for members include?
The special all-inclusive package for members includes food and beverages and other services such as, room amenities, Sunday maid service, room service, supervised kids club, tips, and taxes among others, all of them at discounted prices. Members will also have the option of customizing and upgrading this package by adding other items such as specialty dining, spa services, and entertainment.

6. Is the special all-inclusive package for members mandatory or optional?
All packages including the special all-inclusive package will be optional for members. This package will not be available for non-members.

7. What will the packages program look like for non-members?
Non-members will have their room, food and beverages and other services built into their all-inclusive package sold at the market rate and they will also have the option of purchasing additional packages should they wish to do so.

8. Which criteria determine whether the packages are optional?
All members registered in the membership agreement will have optional access regardless of how they are staying at the resort, e.g. a Royal Resorts member who exchanges or rents at Royal Resorts will have optional access to all packages.
Family and friends staying as guests of a member in their unit(s) will have optional access to all packages.

9. What will be the quality of food and beverages if I choose to purchase the package?
Royal Resorts will ensure that any food and beverages sold at the resorts will maintain the same level of quality that is currently offered at the resort restaurants.

10. Should I expect more people staying at the resort?
The resort facilities and amenities are designed to accommodate maximum occupancy. We do expect the program to bring more guests to the resorts. We look to increase our occupancy but only to a level where we can operate and manage the resorts and its services with the same quality standards.

11. Will the atmosphere in the resorts change?
We believe that the resort atmosphere will not change. The quality standards we are known for will be maintained and we will continue to adhere to the Resort Tips and guidelines; as an example antisocial behavior will not be tolerated and management will reserve the right to refuse serving alcohol to anyone who is visibly impaired. What will change is that more people will be enjoying the excellent quality and services provided at our restaurants and this will allow us to pass on discounts to our valued members.

12. How do I get additional information about the program?
We are in the process of establishing the full details and usage guidelines of these new packages and will be posting regular updates on www.royalresorts.com/packages.

13. How can I purchase one or more of the aforementioned packages for my vacation?
The purchase of packages is not available at the moment. We will send an announcement to members as soon as it becomes available. "


I for one am VERY upset about this. I DO believe this will change the atmosphere of the Royals, and in a negative way, :crash:

Michelle
 

suzannesimon

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Hmmm. I was hoping to trade into the Royals next year. Now I'm not so sure. I'll be interested to hear how much they charge for the AI and what's included.
 

pjrose

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Wow. I'm speechless. OK, I'm NEVER speechless.

It seems clear to me that the all-inclusive for non-members is for those renting from the Royals (ISCO). This corresponds with how the new royalresorts.com emphasizes renting with "Check Rates and Availability..." and "Check-In" and "Check-Out" allowing any date, not just Saturdays.

I think that private agreements between me and my friends is exempt, because of the statement, "Non-members will have their room, food and beverages and other services built into their all-inclusive package sold at the market rate." They can't dictate the rental price of a member-rented unit, and since it sounds like they are selling the packages....it wouldn't seem to apply to the way we rent our own units. You are all my friends :wave:

Exchanging is a good question; it remains to be seen how II fits into all this.

ocdb8r, put the Tris on your list, and rent from one of your many owner-friends so you'll be their guests!

Good points above re exchange desirability, possible change in atmosphere due to more alcohol, etc.

It'll be interesting to see what the packages are; I hope there are some partial meal packages.

And once we see, if we don't like it, then we need to deluge them with emails. Time to hop over to the member sites to see what the talk is.......
 
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heathpack

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Very sorry to hear of this. It is a real shame.

H
 

heathpack

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But Heath, I'm pretty sure if you occupy one of your FRIEND's units, you'll be fine. All TUGgers are of course friends!

Haha, you're right.

One concern would be the cost, of course, but of bigger concern to me is the potential for changing the flavor of the resort. With mandatory AI, there is a serious disincentive to provide decent food and there is a serious incentive for folks to overconsume alcohol. We've only spent 2 weeks at Royal Resorts, but we really liked the relaxed vibe. I would worry that the vibe will change for the worse.

We recently picked up a Starwood week, so for the foreseeable future should be able to exchange into the Westin Lagunamar. Despite that, however, it had been our intention to visit every Royal. Maybe we still will, we'll just have to see how this all pans out.

We will be in Cabo for 2 weeks in April, then at Lagunamar and the Grand Luxxe for 2 weeks in Nov/Dec, so we will probably be not be back to Mexico until late 2013 or 2014, plenty of time to hear how things shake out.

H
 

pjrose

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Haha, you're right.

One concern would be the cost, of course, but of bigger concern to me is the potential for changing the flavor of the resort. With mandatory AI, there is a serious disincentive to provide decent food and there is a serious incentive for folks to overconsume alcohol. We've only spent 2 weeks at Royal Resorts, but we really liked the relaxed vibe. I would worry that the vibe will change for the worse.

We recently picked up a Starwood week, so for the foreseeable future should be able to exchange into the Westin Lagunamar. Despite that, however, it had been our intention to visit every Royal. Maybe we still will, we'll just have to see how this all pans out.

We will be in Cabo for 2 weeks in April, then at Lagunamar and the Grand Luxxe for 2 weeks in Nov/Dec, so we will probably be not be back to Mexico until late 2013 or 2014, plenty of time to hear how things shake out.

H

I, too, am worried about the flavor or vibe changing. One thing I don't like is that the new layout of royalresorts.com is impersonal and seems to stress renting - and not Saturday-Saturday. There's nothing sacred about Saturday-Saturday, but how on earth will they keep people in the same unit for mid-week rentals? Are there that many units that are management-owned or controlled?

As far as visiting every Royal, count the Tris as one, and just do a different pool area and restaurant each day. It honestly doesn't matter much where you sleep!

PM me next time you're thinking of going to a Royal; it'd be fun to go at the same time! I can't think ahead to 2013 or 2014; heck, I don't even know if we're going this summer!
 

heathpack

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It'd be fun to go at the same time! I can't think ahead to 2013 or 2014; heck, I don't even know if we're going this summer!

Yes, that would be fun!

H
 

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Very sorry to hear of this. It is a real shame.

H

From what I am reading it sounds like guests using your Royal Resorts weeks will be exempt from the AI packages and opt in if they choose.

We do not own at the Royals, but have been renting units for the past 8 years. We love the Royal Sands and so do my kids. It's like going home. I think that the AI is really going to change the vibe for the resort. Also like someone mentioned gone will be the Sunday Welcome Party, Happy Hour, Free chips & salsa if it goes AI.

Looks like we would go to the Lagunamar or over to Isla Mujeres and rent at Ixchel or Nautica Beach. AI has never appealed to me, I feel like I would over eat or drink at an AI.

It's like going on a cruise and going to breakfast with every intention of getting a yogurt & fruit and leaving with a full plate of waffles & bacon!!

Boo hoo :annoyed:
 

DrRx

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What about those "renters" that have already confirmed an II exchange into the RH or RS for a stay "after" the Oct 27 effective date of the AI policy?? As the transaction has already been completed and has been accepted by all parties involved, the Royals will not be able to retroactively force those "renters" into the mandatory AI program. Similarly, since the Royals have not yet finalized their pricing, II exchanges currently being completed will also need to be exempted from mandatory AI for the renters; i.e. the exchange couldn`t include a requirement to pay an AI supplement, "the price of which would be determined at a future date".

So I am guessing for the time being it will need to be business as usual for II exchanges into the RH and RS. Thus, if anyone is sitting on the fence, now would be the time to act I think.
 
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Finsky

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I would agree, I don't think that they could force someone to pay all-inclusive charges if the person books now.

I just contacted the Royal Resorts and they don't have specifics right now. They are considering it a "project" so I guess we will all wait and see.
 

Helene4

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[My experience led me to buy two additional replacement weeks at the Royal Resorts whose integrity I have come to trust implicitly over the last nine years.[/QUOTE]

Still trust them implicitly?:rolleyes:
 
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