Questions re: FS Aviara Gold Week Usage

[heathpack]

...MF's at FS - do you not find other TS's have HUGE increases after the realize they way under priced their MF's to begin with? The FS will do what they need to do to keep their reputation! If you like cheap cleaning - lots of others to choice from.

Hi Greg,

Just because I ask about MF does not mean that I think FS should clean their rooms in some other way than they do now nor that I think they are currently too high. (?!) Cannot quite figure how you've construed this from my posts.

It seems to me one would be a fool to make a purchase with ongoing expense and not understand what that expense may be. It was a simple question with no editorial comment on FS intended.

But glad to hear how much you love your FS. Enthusiasm can be infectious.

H

 

[GregGH]

Hi Heathpack

I didn't mean to imply anything negative relating to your previous comments - I wanted to place emphasis on some TS's that 'undercharge' then suddenly whack people with a big increase. Some MF's 'seem to good to be true' ...and you know what - they are - and then they change! BUT with FS -they have a level of 'expectations' that they set for themselves.

Hope you had a chance to see the summary or readers comments on the amazon link I posted - it gives you an insight into where these guys come from and what drives them. Pretty rare in many businesses these days, imho.

BTW - my comment on Mexico or Costa Rica ( or other properties like Jackson Hole ...etc ) -you will see that FS changed to more of a 'really expensive fractional program' = so for many, Aviara & Troon are really 'cost effective' ways to enjoy a FS experience.

Your comments "and not understand what the expenses will be" are right on for ALL TS's -- I think you will find some surprises like impact on defaults will become a huge issue everywhere. Also see what the board looks like - on the annual voting - the caliber of people standing seems very impressive. I had a quick look but only see my 2007 copy of the annual statement - that gives you a good idea of how they collect MF's and set aside for future upgrades ( there is an interior refresh in the works I think ) - will look to see how I misfiled these (damm organization). Many TS's have no 'rainy day' fund.

Greg

 

[jarta]

GregGH, ... How do the views compare between Summits and Meadows locations? Which do you prefer? Why? Any locations/buildings to be avoided? When a reservation is made, will FS allow a preference to be declared? TIA. ... eom

 

[tahoeJoe]

Question for Aviara Owners

Does anyone know if owners at FS Aviara have "day use" privileges at either the FS timeshare facilities or the hotel facilities? For owners in the San Diego area this may make a difference.


-TJ

 

[GregGH]

GregGH, ... How do the views compare between Summits and Meadows locations? Which do you prefer? Why? Any locations/buildings to be avoided? When a reservation is made, will FS allow a preference to be declared? TIA. ... eom

Hi

first for Tahoe Joe -- no day use ( saw this in a BoD minutes a while back )

for Jarta -- locations ... for whatever reason my wife likes the Summits better than the Meadows - but we are forever walking down the hill to the Meadows. There are really nice locations in both. The first time we went there we were renters - and got probably a 'poorer' location ( unit #17 - overlooking the road -- but we still liked it enough to come back and buy one ( then 2 and now 3 ) -- even the poorer locations are very pretty. Carlsbad as a city spends so much money keeping the streets pretty. The whole area is just 'nice'

There are some VERY pretty views in the Meadows. I am also curious on the 'osprey' part of the summit - I keep walking up there looking - but my wife likes 25 thru 29 area. There are some shots ( see this thread -- http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37538&highlight=aviara+layout ). I looked to see if I could see the layout - but I will post ( again ?). With 100kb limit on uploads - ha dot remember how to trim down the image ,,,, 100kb ??

Another choice is lower - middle or upper ( some only have 2 levels ) for the condo. You can have some 'heavy walkers' and we are always sensitive to be 'quiet walkers' in the unit - you will rarely hear anyone beside you - but you can heard noise from 'above' or the water running ( eg - bath tube ). I think most guests at Aviara are very considerate on a whole ( from what our experiences have been).

Once you go there you will start to see what is your favourite - they will list your preferences but they always say they can't guarantee.

Go with a positive attitude and you will have a great time.

Greg

 

[GregGH]

GregGH, ... How do the views compare between Summits and Meadows locations? Which do you prefer? Why? Any locations/buildings to be avoided? When a reservation is made, will FS allow a preference to be declared? TIA. ... eom

Hi Again Jarta

The best location is something that contains different elements of what you like. I have driven by other TS in Carlsbad area and you can quickly see some have crappy views. I do not think any would qualify as 'poor' views at FSA.

However --
-do you like sun rises ( then get a unit pointing more Easterly
-the upper floor units have less shade that the mid or lower units
-all units close to the many BBQ's / if in the studio unit - all are fairly close to multiple washers/dryer locations ( in your unit for 1 bbd/2bbd )
-some upper units are just 1 bbd
-Meadows closer to tennis courts - they also have larger gym & pool etc ( and more people - however it is rarely considered 'packed' at FSA especially compared with Marriotts at any time at any place - a nice low density to the entire place - you will often see more gardeners than fellow guests in your walks.

Give yourself 5 years to make up your mind what are the couple of favourite locations ( smile ) ... today we have gotten rid of the humidity a a gentle breeze is blowing thru the house -- just like I remember at FSA ... that area is blessed with nice weather 12 mths of the year ...

Greg