Help! RCI switched me! What to do?

[michelle]

Hi,

I bought an Extra Vacation to Longboat Bay Club (for around $800, I think) for Sat, 22 Nov to Sat, 29 Nov - yes, next week and through Thanksgiving.

Now I got a msg from RCI saying there was an overbooking and they are going to switch me to Calini Beach Club (Siesta Key)

Looking at the pictures, and reading through TUG reviews, it does not look as if I am getting a better deal. In fact, there is nothing about Calini that appeals to us as a family (we have a 2year old and a 4 year old... To give but 1 example about why this place wont work: both my kids turn up in our bed during the night... how am I going to do this in the queen bed that Calini has in its master suite?? This does not sound like a restful vacation to me!)

So, tomorrow, I am supposed to phone RCI. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this?

 

[caribbean]

Calini is very nice resort and is on Siesta Key, which in my opinion is the best beach in the area. It is in a quiet family style area. I have been on all of the beaches from St Pete/Clearwater down to Sarasota. I prefer Siesta Key due to the beautiful quartz sand. It is where we plan on retiring in a few years. I own at Sandpiper Beach, a short walk up the beach.

Given the late date of the trip, RCI may not have any other units open. Calini may be able to arrange a crib for you. The management group for the resort is usually very helpful.

 

[Liz Wolf-Spada]

If there is a significant difference to you, you could always see if they would cancel and return your money. Or maybe they could switch you with a couple who don't need the King bed.
Liz

 

[michelle]

Unfortunately, at this point, they have me over a barrel: it is very late in the game, and I already have flights booked, car booked (hotwire - non refundable). Plus the fact that next week is Thanksgiving means that both DH and I have 2 extra vacation days. So, cancelling is not an option.

As far as switching, all units at Calini are queen beds.

Thanks, everyone, for helping with suggestions. Patty, thanks for your opninion on Siesta Key... it helps!

As of now, I still don't know where we are going. The RCI person I am working with, (and who assures me I am the only one so far who has shown resistance ) says she has 1-2 other people who might move. So it is still wait and see....

She says it is due to a computer glitch, but since I am not seeing anyone else here on TUG mentioning cancellations/moves, I think it has more to do with human error, or perhaps RCI trying too many venues for renting out ??!