Moon Palace Cancun?

[strocksj]

I have friends who while on vacation at a Westin in Cancun, decided to buy into Moon Palace, because its "not a timeshare".....no annual fees.
What they paid was $10K for 350 nights over 25 years, but they just get a 20% discount, and have to spend $3500 every 5 years......which is kind of like a maintenance fee.

Does anyone have any info on this? I know there was an Aruba resort that was all-inclusive, but now defunct that was sold this way, the name escapes me.

$10k isn't a lot to lose in the long run, but are they going to be sorry, or is this a good deal? There is NO information online anywhere......
Apparently Moon Palace is a Mexico only small resort system (so US timeshare laws and customs won't apply). They apparently have 6 resorts.
I'm told they are "way more upscale" than Westin, yet they are only RCI Silver Crown.

Anyone with info, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[echino]

Is there a mandatory additional all inclusive fee?

 

[tiel]

This is new membership scheme, as far as I know. Previously, you would buy in for $X, getting 1 or 2 free weeks, and 1 or 2 discounted weeks, and then be entitled to Y number of weeks at the membership or some other discounted rate over 25 years or so. There were no additional costs, other than the all inclusive fees for non-free weeks. You also got resort credit, plus RT airport transportation, a short massage, and a mani/pedi for each of those weeks.

Regarding the deal outlined outlined above, I would not take it. It sounds like the minimum total payout will be $27,500 over the 25 years, regardless of whether they actually go or not, though I may have misinterpreted the OP’s statements. Assuming I understood the deal more or less correctly, I believe the purchaser would spend less renting weeks from Palace Resorts members, with the renter paying a relatively small sum to the member, and the all inclusive fee the member is entitled to directly to the resort. The renter will “inherit” the member’s privileges and bonuses on property. The cost of a week can vary a lot, depending on the resort, season, and the type of room selected, but in general, this approach is probable more economical. Weeks are also available through II and apparently RCI, along with payment of the AI fee.

 

[dayooper]

$10k isn't a lot to lose in the long run, but are they going to be sorry, or is this a good deal? There is NO information online anywhere......
Apparently Moon Palace is a Mexico only small resort system (so US timeshare laws and customs won't apply). They apparently have 6 resorts.
I'm told they are "way more upscale" than Westin, yet they are only RCI Silver Crown.

Anyone with info, I would greatly appreciate it!

We stayed at the Moon Palace for our Honeymoon back in 1997. It was a brand new resort (had just opened Summer of '97). As a young couple just fresh out of college, we were in awe when we showed up. It was a great place to stay. I have told my story on the timeshare presentation there in a different thread, but we declined (actually laughed out loud when they told us the price).

Again, this was 24 years ago so things may have changed (and my memory might be hazy). The resort was great, but the beach was substandard. I don't think we spent more than an hour actually on the beach. We did get access to the other resorts (Moon Palace was a bit south of Cancun) when we went into Cancun for the day. We had a nice buffet that was part of a comedy show that night and they provided transportation there and back.

As far as "way more upscale" than Westin, I'm not sure I can compare as I've never been to a Westin before. I will compare it to an HGVC resort. It's a similar level of luxury to the older HGVC resorts, but more swanky (even more swanky than Elara). Then again, this was 24 years ago and a brand new resort, but the fit and finish was great.

 

[pierrepierre]

We have been with Palace Resorts for 20 years Plus or minus. We started with the basic amount, something we could afford, and now are Elite! We love their program and the quality of the program. Some resorts they had have come and gone (hurricane), but there have been more added. Different destinations offer different activities as some are adult only. When I go on holiday - I will not cook, do not want to travel with a wallet for each drink or meal or have to worry about getting to the airport. Even though all-inclusive we tip at every meal and our drivers. At every level of their program we were happy and blessed with our purchase! I do not have one negative thing to say about the Palace Resorts. While there, some folks just drop their trash, and when I see it laying there - I pick it up and dispose of it! It isn't often, but I treat it like my HOME! And what a wonderful, beautiful home it is! We give Palace Resorts a 10+

 

[pierrepierre]

Opps...forgot. Moon Palace is 3 Resorts - Sunrise, Nizuc, and Grand, and I think you have to be at a certain level to walk over to and get into the Grand. ( I think you can purchase a day pass too) Restaurants are all fabulous.....you just have so many options, and excellent options they all are!