Ocho Cascadas and SFX? What are my chances?

[amycurl]

Okay, I'll admit it: Ocho Cascadas looms large in my imagination. I fell in love with this resort when I first saw it innocently pictured in the pages of the 1996 II catalog. I'd never even been to Mexico at that point, but I knew I wanted to go *there.*

I know that there is at least one Tugger who owns there, and I will say that I've never even attempted to try to get it through an II exchange. But I was checking out SFX the other day and discovered that they would take my week, and that, yes! OC was also one of the resorts that traded through SFX.

So, my question is: would joining SFX increase my chances of getting into Ocho Cascadas? Should I try an ongoing request with II first? Stalk the Tugger? Any other advice for me? Even if it didn't increase my chances there, would it be worth joining in order to get some of the HGVC resorts, that are normally RCI-only? (I didn't check those on the website, so maybe I'm mistaken about that.)

Thanks!

 

[JudyS]

I don't have any experience with SFX, but why don't you give Trading Places a call? I think they get a reasonable amount of Ocho Cascades inventory, and they will accept any resort you have, on a same-size trade basis.

 

[beach_bumz]

SFX rents out Ochos Cascadas...http://www.sfx-resorts.com/specials/ocho-cascadas.asp The rental rates are very reasonable too!

I too have always wanted to stay here but don't want to rent when I have so many timeshare weeks available.

 

[collinsc]

Many years ago, an Interval International rep told me that they get 3000 requests per year for exchanging into Ocho Cascadas, but only about 30 deposits from owners, which means that only about 1% of requests get filled. And he said most of the successful exchangers are owners of Marriott timeshares.

We deposited our entire 2-bedroom villa (it has a lockout option) at Marriott Desert Springs. We placed our exchange request one year in advance of our desired dates. We gave them a window of several months during which we wanted to travel. And then for 10 months, Interval International kept calling us to say "We hardly ever get any deposits from Ocho Cascadas, so your odds of getting in are very slim. Can we interest you in one of the other fine resorts in Puerto Vallarta?" We just kept telling them that we were only interested in Ocho Cascadas, and that we would continue to wait. And we did finally get our exchange confirmation in 1998. We loved it so much that we started watching for units to buy. We finally snagged one in 2001.

 

[heathpack]

Ok, so here's the thing I've wondered: no A/C, how is that ok? Do fans make the place cool enough? No bugs?

H

 

[amycurl]

But you did ultimately get it...that's good news, I guess. I've, too, heard about the crazy odds, which is why I guess I've never even attempted it. So, would you ever exchange your weeks, Chris? *whistles innocently*

I don't have any desire to stay anywhere else in PV other than OC, so it might be worth it. Maybe I'll need to buy a second week somewhere in order to have one tied up in the request....

Thanks, everyone, for the input!

 

[beach_bumz]

You don't have to deposit your week to join SFX. Just complete the application and get a free membership, then call and rent the OC!!!!

 

[collinsc]

Ok, so here's the thing I've wondered: no A/C, how is that ok? Do fans make the place cool enough? No bugs?

It all depends on the time of year. The weather is pretty darn perfect most of the year. But June thru August can be hot, humid, and rainy, complete with bugs. So I personally wouldn't want to go there then.

 

[Passepartout]

We were there last September. Hot, humid. It would have been unbearable w/out A/C. I saw a crab walking up the stairs away from the ocean. Guess the ocean was not wet enough for it. The good: no tourists/lines. The Mexican timeshare body snatchers call it SeptHambre (hungry).

Jim

 

[collinsc]

So, would you ever exchange your weeks, Chris? *whistles innocently*

Sorry amycurl... never have, never will!