Presidential Reserve

[VacayKat]

Hi, we are in the process of negotiating a move to presidential reserve. There is little to no info online from current owners. I’m curious if there are presidential reserve owners who will give an honest review of the program and their experience with it - any perks or benefits you love?

 

[55plus]

Don’t do it if it’s through the developer. Look at resale options on this (TUG) website and eBay where you can buy practically the same thing for pennies on the dollar.

 

[VacayKat]

Don’t do it if it’s through the developer. Look at resale options on this (TUG) website and eBay where you can buy practically the same thing for pennies on the dollar.

Im actually just look for info about the program not advice on how or whether to purchase. (As an aside, if you can find resale presidential reserve that gives all the perks please give me links - as far as I can tell it doesn't exist as Wyndham has buyers on a waiting list for this program, again not advice, just links to the reputable resale) thanks for replying.

 

[55plus]

When you say, “move to presidential reserve,” do you already own with Wyndham? If so, how many points and are they developer points?

 

[Sandy VDH]

It does exist, I can assure you, it is just that you can't log into Club Wyndham unless you are currently an owner. If you are a current owner you can find this information online.

It is an ownership type within Wyndham, other types are Margaritaville, Club Wyndham Access and Club Wyndham Select. The first two have some special perks and some inventory access that they received before the other types of membership.

OWNERSHIP TYPES
Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve
Turn your vacations into exceptional experiences — and enjoy the finer things in life — with Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve. This exclusive membership offers access to luxurious Presidential Reserve suites at participating resorts. Plus, the option to take advantage of special fee-based resort services and exclusive reservation and vacation benefits.
Presidential Reserve is available to Club Wyndham owners who have purchased a minimum of 1,000,000 Club Wyndham points in a Presidential Reserve suite(s). Presidential Reserve members automatically achieve VIP by Wyndham Founders status in Club Wyndham and all the rewards and additional benefits that come with it.
Members own a deeded interest in a Presidential Reserve suite at a specific Presidential Reserve resort. Along with high-end experiences in upscale Presidential Reserve suites, Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve members enjoy a host of exclusive benefits like:
Guaranteed Access

• Guaranteed access to available Presidential Reserve suites at Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve resorts when you book during your Advance Reservation Priority (ARP) window, 14 to 12 months in advance of your check-in date at your “home” resort.

Exclusive Access

• Exclusive access to available Presidential Reserve suites from 12 to 10 months in advance of your check-in date at all Presidential Reserve resorts.

Privileged Reserve Period

• Up to 75% of unreserved Presidential Reserve suites will be held for Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve members to access, 10 to one month(s) prior to your check-in date.

The Registry Collection®

• The Registry Collection® is an exclusive exchange benefit for Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve members that is offered in addition to membership in the Worldwide External Exchange company (RCI) that is part of your Club Wyndham Plus membership.
  
  
  

As a Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve member, you’ll receive these benefits when staying at a Presidential Reserve resort:

• Presidential Arrival – intentional touches designed to delight your senses from the moment you step inside your suite, from dimmed lighting and soothing music, to premium snacks and upgraded bath amenities.
• Special On-Site Amenities – fee-based services to customize and complement your vacation, like Housekeeping on Demand, an in-room personal chef, and pre-stocked groceries.
• Resort-Specific Services – special services, available for a fee, that take advantage of opportunities in the local area to help elevate your stay from pleasant to Presidential.

Important Information:

• Only points associated with ownership interests purchased directly from Club Wyndham or its affiliates are eligible for full Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve benefits.
• At this time, Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve is offered in limited availability at select locations.
• Benefits and services may vary at each Presidential Reserve resort and may be subject to change without notice or require an additional fee for use.

The following contract types are included within the Club Wyndham program:

• PIC Plus Contract
• PIC Express Contract
• Bonus Points Contract

Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve operates within the Club Wyndham Plus program and offers you access to all of the benefits associated with the program.

 

[VacayKat]

I have access to all of that as we are owners. - i’m looking for the personal inside info that owners have- apart from a few threads about the truthfulness of salespeople I see no testimonials or downsides or benefits posted.

Also there is apparently a presidential only website...?

 

[VacayKat]

When you say, “move to presidential reserve,” do you already own with Wyndham? If so, how many points and are they developer points?

Yes, we are founders level.

 

[Sandy VDH]

I have access to all of that as we are owners. - i’m looking for the personal inside info that owners have- apart from a few threads about the truthfulness of salespeople I see no testimonials or downsides or benefits posted.

Also there is apparently a presidential only website...?

Never heard of a separate website. But then again I am not PR. There are other here that are PR who can comment.

 

[rpeacock]

If I understand your responses, you're already Founders Level.
I am a long time PR owner. What perks are you thinking that PR folks receive that are not available for you?
I understand the PR program quite well. Happy to help you sort out your options.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[VacayKat]

If I understand your responses, you're already Founders Level.
I am a long time PR owner. What perks are you thinking that PR folks receive that are not available for you?
I understand the PR program quite well. Happy to help you sort out your options.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Mostly I’m looking to hear how the program works, what onsite amenities there are, how much they cost (or if they are part of the program) and if they are worth it. Also how about the registry collection and TPI - worth it? Waste of time? Anything that you get that isn't advertised? From what I hear no one is unsatisfied with the perks, and with the lack of complaints online I’m inclined to believe that. Basically I’m just looking for the inside info.

 

[Sandi Bo]

It is not advertised, but based on some conversations here on TUG, where we talked about what a PR person could see versus what a Platinum VIP was seeing, they have better upgrade paths. Since upgrade paths aren't published to begin with, and as we've seen with the advent of Voyager, they can be changed and still are not documented, I'm not sure how much you would value that in your decision. I for one am green with envy and would certainly consider upgrading to PR if the price was right.

My understanding also is that if you purchase a Presidential Reserve account resale, most of the PR benefits transfer. It's not all of them, and I don't recall what doesn't (sorry, hopefully someone more knowledgable can chime in). As a Founder, if I saw the opportunity to purchase a PR account resale at a decent price (with good MF), I would strongly consider it. I don't know what it costs to purchase PR from Wyndham versus resale, it would be nice to see some numbers. One downside to my suggestion of purchasing a PR account resale is you'd then have an additional 1M points, in additional to your existing Founders account. That right there may be a reason not to go the resale route.

 

[55plus]

Perks, just like benefits can be eliminated by Wyndham at a whim for no reason at all anytime. They are able to do this because it’s written into their policy.

 

[chapjim]

Sandi Bo makes a good point. Depending on the number of people listed as owners and how you book reservations, there may be a limit on the number of points you can use.

 

[rpeacock]

Here is an example of our use of PR:

As PR owners at a specific resort that has PR units we are able to take advantage of the unit mixes that the resort can offer.

Location and time of year are critical in making use of our PR advantages.

We typically travel south for the first 6 weeks of the year. Outside the 60 day discount time frame we are able to reserve studios at very low points.

Once we are in the discount period we get upgraded to the 2BR PR. Wyndham is required to reserve 75% of the PR units until 30 days to start of reservation. This specific requirement, almost always, leaves these 2BR PR units available for upgrade.

This is why we are deeded at this specific resort. YMMV. Yes, the perks are nice but if you are purchasing PR, resale or developer, for the perks, the cost of those perks cost several hundred $ in extra program fees.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[chapjim]

Mostly I’m looking to hear how the program works, what onsite amenities there are, how much they cost (or if they are part of the program) and if they are worth it. Also how about the registry collection and TPI - worth it? Waste of time? Anything that you get that isn't advertised? From what I hear no one is unsatisfied with the perks, and with the lack of complaints online I’m inclined to believe that. Basically I’m just looking for the inside info.

You'll not hear me complain about the perks of PresRes ownership except when perks are removed as they were in 2017. (I don't want to argue about the difference between a perk and a loophole.)

We got to PR ownership incrementally in three or four steps. We didn't pay cash but never had a loan balance for very long and not with Wyndham (Navy Federal CU is good like that). Working the PR ownership is different and more time consuming than it used to be but otherwise, it's working pretty well for us.

Would I do it if I was starting from scratch? No, but there's a point where it may be a good move depending on the current ownership.

 

[VacayKat]

It is not advertised, but based on some conversations here on TUG, where we talked about what a PR person could see versus what a Platinum VIP was seeing, they have better upgrade paths. Since upgrade paths aren't published to begin with, and as we've seen with the advent of Voyager, they can be changed and still are not documented, I'm not sure how much you would value that in your decision. I for one am green with envy and would certainly consider upgrading to PR if the price was right.

My understanding also is that if you purchase a Presidential Reserve account resale, most of the PR benefits transfer. It's not all of them, and I don't recall what doesn't (sorry, hopefully someone more knowledgable can chime in). As a Founder, if I saw the opportunity to purchase a PR account resale at a decent price (with good MF), I would strongly consider it. I don't know what it costs to purchase PR from Wyndham versus resale, it would be nice to see some numbers. One downside to my suggestion of purchasing a PR account resale is you'd then have an additional 1M points, in additional to your existing Founders account. That right there may be a reason not to go the resale route.

We have a boatload of points- as in so many we have debated dumping some due to MF. It looks like we are upgrading - most of this research is to level my expectations. Having lots of Hawaii points is important to us and if we played our cards right we could get between 6 and 10 weeks each year right now. Hoping PR gives us more options and amenities.

 

[VacayKat]

Here is an example of our use of PR:

As PR owners at a specific resort that has PR units we are able to take advantage of the unit mixes that the resort can offer.

Location and time of year are critical in making use of our PR advantages.

We typically travel south for the first 6 weeks of the year. Outside the 60 day discount time frame we are able to reserve studios at very low points.

Once we are in the discount period we get upgraded to the 2BR PR. Wyndham is required to reserve 75% of the PR units until 30 days to start of reservation. This specific requirement, almost always, leaves these 2BR PR units available for upgrade.

This is why we are deeded at this specific resort. YMMV. Yes, the perks are nice but if you are purchasing PR, resale or developer, for the perks, the cost of those perks cost several hundred $ in extra program fees.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Yeah- I get that price to perk problem. My hope is we will start spending months per year on vacation in the next 5-10 years, and at the same time will have adult children to offer vacation to, so upgrading while we have the ability to do so makes sense to us. For me though, the perks are a nice bonus. Was thinking of what we spent eating out with friends while in Hawaii and with the perk of in room chef could have had as good a meal for less. Those kind of perks could come in handy but wouldn't upgrade just for them.

 

[VacayKat]

You'll not hear me complain about the perks of PresRes ownership except when perks are removed as they were in 2017. (I don't want to argue about the difference between a perk and a loophole.)

We got to PR ownership incrementally in three or four steps. We didn't pay cash but never had a loan balance for very long and not with Wyndham (Navy Federal CU is good like that). Working the PR ownership is different and more time consuming than it used to be but otherwise, it's working pretty well for us.

Would I do it if I was starting from scratch? No, but there's a point where it may be a good move depending on the current ownership.

We managed a unique path as well- what are the perks you use most or enjoy the most?

 

[Pathways]

Was thinking of what we spent eating out with friends while in Hawaii and with the perk of in room chef could have had as good a meal for less

I haven't run into anyone who actually used this 'benefit'. Any idea of the cost? I find it hard to believe it would give you a 'meal for less"

 

[VacayKat]

I haven't run into anyone who actually used this 'benefit'. Any idea of the cost? I find it hard to believe it would give you a 'meal for less"

You have to know how much we spent on the meal to make it less, lol! Apparently the ‘cost’ is essentially a tip- its subsidized. I want to say $175 for the day? Can’t remember for sure what was said. Not hard for us to spend 300 or more when out with these friends.

 

[Pathways]

You have to know how much we spent on the meal to make it less, lol! Apparently the ‘cost’ is essentially a tip- its subsidized. I want to say $175 for the day? Can’t remember for sure what was said. Not hard for us to spend 300 or more when out with these friends.

• In-room personal chef - If you would like to have a private chef prepare a meal in your suite for any occasion, Resort Management staff will be happy to coordinate. We ask that you please request this service at least 48 hours prior to when you would like the meal prepared. Resort Management will work with you and the chef to finalize all of your meal options and arrangements. The cost for this service, along with a service fee, will be billed to your suite. Once the staff obtains a chef, you will work directly with the chef to finalize all your meal details and other arrangements. Prices vary according to the nature of your request.

I heard the 'service fee' was substantial. (and that is just the fee to the resort for putting it together). Then you have the cost of the chef (Labor) and all the food and 'other arrangements'. And of course, the tip to the chef!!

If you consider all of that 'essentially a tip', well, we are in different worlds! I still can't fathom that all those costs would be less than a meal out. It would, however, be quite impressive.

OTOH, anyone staying in a timeshare with a kitchen can do the same thing - hire a local chef and 'work directly' with them to create an impressive meal. No PR needed! Then you might really save vs. that expensive meal out you are describing.

 

[bendadin]

Do you want to book PR units at PR resorts in the ARP window? 14-12 at home resort, 12-10 at other PR resorts. If you do then PR will work for you. If not, points are points at 10 months out just like other points. So the difference would be to get robes, chocolates, better soaps, Starbucks coffee, and the occassional amenity. So that perk alone is not worth an upgrade to PR in actuality. And that perk only applies to the PR resorts. As far at Registry Collection, I have it through my DVC RCI account. I saw one Wyndham property and it would have cost so much more than our full price points for that resort.

Since you are already Founder's, there isn't much that you are missing for the price tag that will come along with it.

 

[Eric B]

• In-room personal chef - If you would like to have a private chef prepare a meal in your suite for any occasion, Resort Management staff will be happy to coordinate. We ask that you please request this service at least 48 hours prior to when you would like the meal prepared. Resort Management will work with you and the chef to finalize all of your meal options and arrangements. The cost for this service, along with a service fee, will be billed to your suite. Once the staff obtains a chef, you will work directly with the chef to finalize all your meal details and other arrangements. Prices vary according to the nature of your request.

I heard the 'service fee' was substantial. (and that is just the fee to the resort for putting it together). Then you have the cost of the chef (Labor) and all the food and 'other arrangements'. And of course, the tip to the chef!!

If you consider all of that 'essentially a tip', well, we are in different worlds! I still can't fathom that all those costs would be less than a meal out. It would, however, be quite impressive.

OTOH, anyone staying in a timeshare with a kitchen can do the same thing - hire a local chef and 'work directly' with them to create an impressive meal. No PR needed! Then you might really save vs. that expensive meal out you are describing.

Booking your own chef seems like a much better use of resources than going through Wyndham to book a chef. I just might have to try that sometime, though we're more likely to just make our own meals.

.... As far at Registry Collection, I have it through my DVC RCI account. I saw one Wyndham property and it would have cost so much more than our full price points for that resort.

Since you are already Founder's, there isn't much that you are missing for the price tag that will come along with it.

We have Registry through our Vidanta ownership, but are likely to just let it lapse at the end of this year. There are some great resorts available through there, but similar options are available through other exchange systems at a lower cost.

 

[55plus]

Yeah- I get that price to perk problem. My hope is we will start spending months per year on vacation in the next 5-10 years, and at the same time will have adult children to offer vacation to, so upgrading while we have the ability to do so makes sense to us. For me though, the perks are a nice bonus. Was thinking of what we spent eating out with friends while in Hawaii and with the perk of in room chef could have had as good a meal for less. Those kind of perks could come in handy but wouldn't upgrade just for them.

We spend five to six months a year in Florida during the winter months. We are VIPP and are able to book the entire time at 50% points discount with unit upgrades by being flexible. And, we have points left over for some summer travel. We’ve retired and have been doing this for the last 10 years. My point is, you don’t need a lot of points if you travel in the winter.

Question to PR owners, how often are point discounts available for PR units? Being that there are a limited number of PR units, isn’t it more difficult to reserve a PR unit vs. a regular unit at a points discount.

 

[jwalk03]

You have to know how much we spent on the meal to make it less, lol! Apparently the ‘cost’ is essentially a tip- its subsidized. I want to say $175 for the day? Can’t remember for sure what was said. Not hard for us to spend 300 or more when out with these friends.

It will cost a lot more than just a tip for the chef. Don't believe the sales lies, they were feeding you to convince you to upgrade. You will be disappointed.