?? RE fees charged to exchangers by resorts

[caribbean]

Madge-

I recently visited a resort. I was aware from reading reviews that I would be charged a service fee ( $180/week ) when checking in. When checking in we were told it was to cover the high cost of electricity on island and the daily maid service. It seemed to be quite steep for just those two items, especially as compared ( 3-4 times ) to that charged by other resorts in the region for actual power used. But given the apparent quality of the resort, and assuming that it was charged to all customers, renters, exchangers and owners, I assumed it as their cost of business. During our 16 day stay, I became good friends with three couples that were owners at the resort and also took the TS tour. From these couples, as well as the TS salesman and manager, I was able to confirm that owners do not pay this extra fee. The cost of electricity and daily maid service is paid by the owners as part of their MF. Infact, the fee charged was about 30-35% of the total MF for that unit, which would appear to be very high as compared to most TS budgets. So, it would appear that RCI exchangers are fraudulantly being double charged for fees already paid by the owners MF.

What is RCI's position on this type of charge? Is there any recourse other than reflecting it in my RCI score card and in my TUG & TripAdvisor reviews? I also received a score card from the resort that I plan on returning with suggections for improvement as well as my complaint on this matter. I am particularily interested in getting this stopped for future exchangers. Unlike some other Tuggers, I do not mind paying a legitimate service fee so long as it is charged to owners and exchangers alike. But this is completely unethical to charge exhangers a fee for something that has already been paid as part of the owners MF. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[STEVIE]

Fees Charged To Exchangers

I have written this before, but feel I need to repeat it because it makes me so angry!!! This summer at Smugglers notch we were charged an extra $250.00 for recreational fees!!! The fee had to be prepaid before arrival, and we were told we would not have the great experience if we chose not to buy. Basically, we would not be able to use two of their pool areas, and only the main pool would be allowed. Well of course I wanted the best vacation for my family, and I paid the fee. I was so ever disappointed, and really felt ripped off. I included this information on my comment card, but never heard anything from RCI, or from the resort itself. Of course this fee was only charged to exchangers and not owners. I know that my home resort does not charge exchangers to use the pools, so why are some resorts able to get away with this scam??

 

[Carolinian]

Of course, the best counter is to pop them with a ''1'' in the Resort Hospitiality and Check-in / Check-out categories on the comment cards. Low scores on comment cards motivated Pelican to eliminate some unfair fees, and it can motivate others as well. The key is the number given not the verbal comments, although you should follow it up with verbal comments.

Why does RCI not simply set a standard of what resorts must include that they cannot charge extra for?

 

[Sandy VDH]

[Message deleted. This forum is for questions posed to RCI. Discussions belong on the Exchanging or other appropriate forum. Dave M, BBS Administrator]

 

[Madge]

caribbean,

Resorts are at liberty to impose fees however they wish. (Please note that I am not referring to distinctions based on gender, ethnicity, religion, etc.) RCI's primary concern is to be sure that members exchange to resorts with their eyes open. Extra fees for services and amenities should not be an unpleasant surprise at check-in.

Fairfield resorts charge separately for many of their amenities and activities. Resorts outside of the U.S. commonly charge for basic utilities. Owners at golf resorts often receive special discounts on greens fees that aren't offered to other guests. We make every effort to provide this information in our resort profiles. The RCI Community and TUG journals/reviews are also an important resource for this kind of information.

Resorts have their own individual budgets to meet and they don't all do it in the same ways. Carolinian is correct that the comment card score is more powerful that you may think. Trends in these scores are carefully considered by resorts and RCI. Resorts must maintain minimum scores for purposes not only of award status, but also for participation in our exchange program.