Questions on Canyon Villas [Also DSV-I / JW Access]

[Steve Fatula]

I own at DSV2, yes, I am glad I don't pay for JW access! I stayed at DSV1 once, kind of like 2 better myself but everyone has different taste or needs. There are literally hundreds of things to do in the area, and some very fancy restaurants, you can pay 4 figures for a meal if you wish (not me). We always do a lot of hiking while out there, did the tram, climbed the mountain the tram goes up to, balloon rides, the air museum is nice, the street festival every week, etc. etc. We also attend many of the activities while there, and, the theater room sometimes has good movies too. I like the new exercise equipment outside that they put there in the last year or so, we used it this time.

 

[Superchief]

What rubs me sideways is my resort (DSV) and your resort (Canyon Villas) both are paying for those activities. So are resorts like the Grand Chateau. But some resorts, like Newport Coast, charge $16 for three or four 2-ounce samples of beer (their cost? $2 supplies plus associate labor). They charge $20 for 4 tequila tastings. (their cost? 4 x 3/4 ounce = 3 ounces >> $3 supplies plus labor). So, even if I'm off by 100%, Newport Coast is actually trying to profit from these activities. I think that Marriott is amply rewarded by charging (IIRC?) about 15% of our MF as profit (in addition to covering all of their other costs). So they are making close to $200 per owner unit.

This is a major reason I think a consistent policy is established across resorts, especially since a majority of guests for most resorts are not home resort owners. Why should I fund complimentary wine and bourbon tastings for those who aren't paying for them. The resort management likes high guest satisfaction ratings so they offer many of these free activities to inflate the ratings. Who doesn't want something that's free.

My recommendation is to establish a consistent policy for cost and funding of activities. I suggest charging a nominal fee to cover the cost of the activity. This will eliminate the inconsistency between DSV and NCV. I also think resorts need to modify the activities based on the demographics of the occupants during various seasons. Kids activities can be cut back on weekdays during the school year. Personally, I own my timeshares as an alternative to a vacation home. If I wanted the activities of an expensive resort, I would stay at a hotel/resort. I'm happy with nice grounds, pools, grills, landscaping, sports rentals, and fitness centers. I would prefer fair food/bar prices and happy hours over wine and bourbon tastings.

 

[Steve Fatula]

I wouldn't want some central organization over all resorts specifying what policies my resort implements, just my opinion. That's what my owners association is for. I personally prefer DSV as is as far as the activities. It encourages a lot of people, like at the welcome reception, to come out and meet that otherwise likely would not. Makes for more of a community. Any complaints or suggestions I have, go to the association. I like it as is.