RCI member, should I buy an II resort?

[Rachelsail56]

I have owned an RCI resort for 20 years. Since Windham purchased Rci, it’s more difficult to trade. I do get a lot of value from Rci extra vacations and last minute vacations.

I am retired and like to travel. Would an II membership truly expand my travel choices?? Does II give preference to Marriott owners??

 

[jp10558]

TUG seems to really like II more than RCI, so I actually just got a free timeshare that should let me get II in a month or two when it all transfers over (assuming I understand the transfer process). I do think Marriott gets preference in II, but I don't exactly know how that works.

 

[montygz]

There aren't as many resorts in II as there in RCI but they do include some nice systems including Hyatt, Marriott and DVC.

The fees for exchanging in II are less expensive than in RCI.

The advantage RCI has is in volume. You can find more deals and travel more with RCI, especially if you aren't picky.

It really will come down to if you want access to those II resorts. If you don't know, rent a couple stays first.

I do own in both systems and use them both.

 

[DeniseM]

So does Vistana (Westin/Sheraton.) Preference means that owners in that group can see and reserve reservations from their resort system earlier than non-owners.

 

[rickandcindy23]

So does Vistana (Westin/Sheraton.) Preference means that owners in that group can see and reserve reservations from their resort system earlier than non-owners.

Yes.

 

[Ski-Dad]

I own in both the RCI and II ecosystems. I prefer II for two reasons:

1. The quality of resorts, namely Marriott, Sheraton and Westin. RCI certainly has more stuff, but I have little trouble getting my needs met in II and I get consistent high quality with these brands; and
2. Exchange fees. The II fees are lower and fewer. For example, I have Platinum level in both, but I get 5 free guest certificates with II and none with RCI. Recent example for the same week. The bride and I were in Cancun on a II exchange and paid $164 USD for the exchange (Vistana to Vistana; otherwise $229 USD exchange fee). The same week my oldest daughter was in Fort Lauderdale on my RCI points: $434 CDN exchange fee + $158 Guest Certificate. THe cost of the RCI fees were equal to the MF on the RCI points for the week.

I anticipate parting with my single RCI unit later this year. I contracted for a resale Marriott yesterday to replace that week

 

[iftravel]

I own in both the RCI and II ecosystems. I prefer II for two reasons:

1. The quality of resorts, namely Marriott, Sheraton and Westin. RCI certainly has more stuff, but I have little trouble getting my needs met in II and I get consistent high quality with these brands; and
2. Exchange fees. The II fees are lower and fewer. For example, I have Platinum level in both, but I get 5 free guest certificates with II and none with RCI. Recent example for the same week. The bride and I were in Cancun on a II exchange and paid $164 USD for the exchange (Vistana to Vistana; otherwise $229 USD exchange fee). The same week my oldest daughter was in Fort Lauderdale on my RCI points: $434 CDN exchange fee + $158 Guest Certificate. THe cost of the RCI fees were equal to the MF on the RCI points for the week.

I anticipate parting with my single RCI unit later this year. I contracted for a resale Marriott yesterday to replace that week

Is Marriott to Marriott exchange also discounted?

 

[rickandcindy23]

Is Marriott to Marriott exchange also discounted?

It's $164 for an exchange fee, Marriott-Marriott, Marriott-Vistana, Vistana-Marriott, Vistana-Vistana.

We own Marriott's Shadow Ridge with fees of about $2,200 with property taxes. Lock it off for $95, get two II exchanges: studio and 1 bedroom. Total of about $2300/2:

$1,150 + $164 for exchange in same unit size, $59 upgrade in size does apply (with II platinum membership)

Until recently, when exchange power went down, I was able to get 2 bedrooms everywhere pretty easily (studio to 2 bedroom is $118 upgrade in II for a studio deposit).

We also own Marriott's Willow Ridge. Lower fees, slightly lower trading power.

 

[iftravel]

It's $164 for an exchange fee, Marriott-Marriott, Marriott-Vistana, Vistana-Marriott, Vistana-Vistana.

We own Marriott's Shadow Ridge with fees of about $2,200 with property taxes. Lock it off for $95, get two II exchanges: studio and 1 bedroom. Total of about $2300/2:

$1,150 + $164 for exchange in same unit size, $59 upgrade in size does apply (with II platinum membership)

Until recently, when exchange power went down, I was able to get 2 bedrooms everywhere pretty easily (studio to 2 bedroom is $118 upgrade in II for a studio deposit).

We also own Marriott's Willow Ridge. Lower fees, slightly lower trading power.

You don't mention your Grand Chateau no more? About to ditch it?

 

[rickandcindy23]

You don't mention your Grand Chateau no more? About to ditch it?

No. Just own a 1 bed, EOY.

 

[iftravel]

No. Just own a 1 bed, EOY.

BTW, I noticed that you also own DVC. I just got mine and checked into Vacation Exchange and it's 130-150 points for a 1-bd Marriott / Westin in Hawaii and the availability is not too bad without preference. 2-bd would be too expansive at about double the points. Cheapest points you can get is $12/point factoring in MF and purchase. so it's not too far off and if I know it right, there is no exchange fee, no cancel/change/rebook fees, no II membership fees, and no guest certificate fee. Have you ever done that?

 

[rickandcindy23]

BTW, I noticed that you also own DVC. I just got mine and checked into Vacation Exchange and it's 130-150 points for a 1-bd Marriott / Westin in Hawaii and the availability is not too bad without preference. 2-bd would be too expansive at about double the points. Cheapest points you can get is $12/point factoring in MF and purchase. so it's not too far off and if I know it right, there is no exchange fee, no cancel/change/rebook fees, no II membership fees, and no guest certificate fee. Have you ever done that?

I have never used DVC for exchange. I use it and rent it. I have too many exchangers. I have several Willow Ridge and several Shadow Ridge. Since we bought our Westin Ka'anapali (resale), we don't use as many exchanges.