Ditto on RHC Pluses
I am also a new RHC owner [2005]with a purchase of 70,000 points dirt cheap. I researched timeshares for 2 years and read all the bad reviews prior to buying. I even sat through a RHC presentation so I could see the "dark side" plus tour Los Tules. I am in sales so I marveled at the techniques used. They have not changed much since the first presentation I attended 25 years ago.
No one should be buying a timeshare without doing their homework first. Sadly, these high pressure salespeople are good at what they do! I know a person who is very knowledgeable about the secondary market who found himself handing over his credit card at a presentation in PV. He quickly got a Mexican lawyer to get out of the $40,000 purchase at the Royal Mayan. So if you bought retail you are not alone!
With RHC, the reality is we are dealing with people in Mexico who have a whole different set of values in terms of customer service. Yes their administrative side is lousy. Having said that, I have found the reservations people to be very pleasant to deal with.
My biggest worry last year when purchasing was the availability question. My first membership closed in June. By that time I found there was little availabilty for the remainder of the year. Now that the on-line reservation system is working, I can see availabilty is much better than expected.
So far the only resort which seems to be impossible to get is the Wave Crest in San Diego. Otherwise, like most timeshares booking early is the key. I have two rooms in Ixtapa, and three in Puerto Vallarta booked this year. My purchase price will have paid for itself once I complete those stays.
People who have paid retail are in a different situation having high expectations of 5 star service, fanatastic availabilty, blah, blah, blah.
The reality is this company has many good to great resorts along with some dogs. The membership is definitely useable but you have to be realistic. Plan ahead!
So no matter what you paid lets be thankful for other owners willing to share advice on how to use this membership to the fullest. I know I am willing to help anyone out with what I have learned this far. We need more owners to get involved with TUG, fill out reviews, etc.
My headaches with RHC include no paperwork for combining my memberships. I may have a 20, 25, or a 30 year membership. I have nothing in writing, just that I have been told the clock started all over again at 30 years. I have received emailed reservation copies of my Puerto Vallarta trip for June but nothing for my eariler trip coming up in Ixtapa??
It took months to get my memberships transferred and finally combined. They don't reply to emails. My online account shows I owe money when I don't.
BUT! It will all be worth it sitting on the beach in Ixtapa in April sipping on a cold one. And in June, back to Puerto Vallarta to stay at Los Tules. I love that resort having toured it last year. I can't wait.
The bottom line is I am thrilled to have my membership. This year Mexico and 2007 will be Rome.
