How to improve RCI on-going search?

[travelnut]

I know better, but for pressing reasons, I was unable to get around to booking 2 weeks straddling Thanksgiving anywhere in Hawaii until 8/25, 3 months out. I had 2 weeks in the RCI SpaceBank, one expiring during my stay. They found an excellent resort (Lawai Beach Resort-Kauai) for that week right away, and said Princeville was also available, which I declined, because of its remoteness (I'm not into glitz or golf or gassing up a lot). For 2 weeks, I've had an on-going search for ANYWHERE ANYTHING in Hawaii. I called after about 10 days, and they said "no availability, anywhere". I know from personal experience with several past stays at that time that Thanksgiving is actually a slow time at many resorts.

I tried to get info from the RCI board here, but after saying that it's a way to communicate with RCI reps, it says "no new threads allowed". Huh?

RCI said I would be notified by phone or e-mail if/when there is availability anywhere. Are people notified about availability in the order in which their request was received, or does a blanket notice go out to all with on-going searches?

I did list one desired resort (Sun Mt. in Pahala, Big Island) for my second week and asked if that would narrow my search. As my first week ends on Thanksgiving (Thurs), and some resorts have weeks starting Fri or Sat, I put in a range of dates including these three days. I asked if this was confusing, and the RCI rep said that it was perfectly clear that I would take ANYTHING ANYWHERE, ANYTIME (during that time).

What about 45 days out? Do unbooked weeks suddenly become available then?

I put an exchange ad on TUG's BBS, but their format doesn't allow much in the way of explanation for willingness to accept multiple resorts over a range of days.

Should I call RCI every day?

Has RCI changed their site? Several years ago I was seaching for resorts in Baja for my daughter, and it was more interactive. I was actually to see the available inventory. Now I just see a bar that reads "on-going" search, with my range of dates and accomodatins.

Suggestions on how to improve my search are not only welcome, but desperately sought!!!!!

 

[travelnut]

Improving RCI search?

In just under 3 weeks, 170 of you have viewed my post inquiring how to improve my RCI on-going exchange, and not a single one of you has any suggestion???????

Should I be calling RCI every day? They say I have impressive trading power, but there is no match. Do I assume that I will be notified of any availability based on the date of my request?

When I made my request in August, I was immediately given the first week at a very desirable resort that "just came up". Do I assume that I got this ahead of others who had been on the "list" a while?

 

[beejaybee]

It can't hurt to call often now that you are approaching the 2month out window which theoretically means RCI releases units without regard to trading power.

 

[SherryS]

Be patient!! 45 days out from your date is often the "magic number".

 

[rmatarrese]

Patience and steel nerves are the key in Hawaii

I read a post about someone that would book his airfare for a 5 to 6 week vacation to Hawaii with NO accommodations except his first week. Then he would build his itinerary as the time neared making most of his bookings while already on the Island. Why?. Because you cant drive there. Airfare is so high to Hawaii that most resorts are booked way in advance to be sure a reasonable airfare is obtained. But that is also a double edged sword! Because when someone does have to cancel a unit at the last minute 30 days or less, it is impossible for those who want to grab it from RCI to get a reasonable airfare or sometimes even a seat! That is why your best chances are going to be much closer to actual travel time. If you have airfare booked along with your first week. I would put a high probability on something showing up before that second week shows up, even if it is the day to take off. There are so many puddle jumper flights from island to island each day, that you will be set on the interisland transportation. I know that is a lot easier to say than do.

P.S. if you still have something else to deposit, you can look into one of the alternate exchange companies. One of them specializes in Hawaii.

Good Luck

 

[dukebigtom]

If I am really hunting for something, I call every day. I have often gotten nice resorts that are not showing up with my ongoing search or another on line search with the same week.

Calling does indeed result for me getting things often that I never see online. I know it is not supposed to be that way, but, that is my experience.

BigTom

 

[jstapleton]

If I am really hunting for something, I call every day. I have often gotten nice resorts that are not showing up with my ongoing search or another on line search with the same week.

Calling does indeed result for me getting things often that I never see online. I know it is not supposed to be that way, but, that is my experience.

BigTom

I am much less experienced than all of you but I too can tell you when I really want something and I have an ongoing search that doesn't result in any matches, I call and call. It usally takes about 2 weeks of constant calling (3-5 times a day) but I end up getting what I want. Like BigTom siad, it results in my getting things that I don't get online.
Good luck and keep calling!

 

[HudsHut]

A Lawai Beach unit is on RCI right now...not certain if it meets your needs. I posted it in Sightings area.