Sedona/VOC, last call/Getaways: GPX vs Last call vs open season etc: availability, $, better option?

[mountainboy]

How is availability of TS units in Sedona/VOC for last call (RCI) vs open season (HGV) vs GPX vacations getaways vs IS//MM (on WM) vs GPX vacations insider extras (last minute renal weeks) vs others?
Saw some good pricing on GPX vacations.com (as can see publicly) but don't have access to RCI or HGV etc, so can't see.
Also, do these places charge a separate resort fees apart from the GPX vacations website? (they usually show resort fees included for some of their insider extras/last minute getaways listings but did not show any here).
Any weekend specials vs entire week only?
TY!

 

[klpca]

Some of the last minute GPX rentals have additional resort fees, but they are noted.

I have RCI but in my opinion, the GPX last minute rentals are in better locations for us. RCI has a lot of availability in the areas with a lot of timeshares (Orlando, Vegas, Mexico). As far as Sedona is concerned, right now GPX is the place with a lot of availability. It seems that there is some kind of relationship between the (former) Diamond properties and GPX, but now that HGVC is managing Diamond, who knows what the future looks like.

One thing to keep in mind since you are in the learning stage, every program is bound to change over time. I bought my first resale in 2011 and there have been many changes along the way, and not just in maintenance fees (which of course go up as well). Since then, Marriott now manages the former Starwood resorts (now Vistana) and Hyatt, HGVC now manages the former Diamond and Bluegreen, Capital has taken over management of some independent resorts, and Wyndham manages the former standalone Worldmark. There have been changes within the exchange companies as well. All that you can do is expect changes, learn to pivot, choose a resort of program that you would be happy to use no matter what, and buy something that you can exit out of in the future if you decide to get out of timesharing. It is not for everyone, although seeing you ask so many good questions makes me think that you will be someone who can efficiently use timeshares.

 

[mountainboy]

Some of the last minute GPX rentals have additional resort fees, but they are noted.

I have RCI but in my opinion, the GPX last minute rentals are in better locations for us. RCI has a lot of availability in the areas with a lot of timeshares (Orlando, Vegas, Mexico). As far as Sedona is concerned, right now GPX is the place with a lot of availability. It seems that there is some kind of relationship between the (former) Diamond properties and GPX, but now that HGVC is managing Diamond, who knows what the future looks like.

One thing to keep in mind since you are in the learning stage, every program is bound to change over time. I bought my first resale in 2011 and there have been many changes along the way, and not just in maintenance fees (which of course go up as well). Since then, Marriott now manages the former Starwood resorts (now Vistana) and Hyatt, HGVC now manages the former Diamond and Bluegreen, Capital has taken over management of some independent resorts, and Wyndham manages the former standalone Worldmark. There have been changes within the exchange companies as well. All that you can do is expect changes, learn to pivot, choose a resort of program that you would be happy to use no matter what, and buy something that you can exit out of in the future if you decide to get out of timesharing. It is not for everyone, although seeing you ask so many good questions makes me think that you will be someone who can efficiently use timeshares.

Exactly my thoughts re Sedona/Diamond & HGV vs GPX.... Wasn't sure if HGV open season also has these Sedona properties (or only HGV properties)....

Yup, all these changes are head spinning to keep up & try to understand if they fit well into my vacationing/lifestyle/work/life balance (or would take more time/effort than just renting).

I love sedona; can drive up here in less than 90 minutes from PHX & come here all the time for day trips, but would be nice to have the ability to stay here for weekends or longer cheaper/more efficiently with TS as retail room rates are nutty here). Hence trying to see if able to leverage TS's to get access to nice properties here inexpensively (without being suckered into expensive TS which would not fit my travel needs)

Thx for the kind words: learning a lot from everyone's years of wisdom/experience !

 

[SmithOp]

At those prices you could stay a long weekend and leave early.

I've stayed at The Ridge several times, it's not in Sedona proper, but before in Oak Creek. The units are nice. We like the location for access to the Bell Rock area trails.

I've also rented via RCI using the HGVC portal, it was more expensive ($799+), Arroyo Roble in old town Sedona.

The GPX properties are a little nicer than RCI IMO.

HGVC + GPX is a good combination for people wanting locations in the Southwest and West Coast. An EOY in each would be good minimal ownership with options for extra cash stays.

PS: Legacy HGVC shows no options for Sedona.

 

[sue1947]

vs IS//MM (on WM)

WM doesn't have a Sedona resort.

 

[mountainboy]

At those prices you could stay a long weekend and leave early.

I've stayed at The Ridge several times, it's not in Sedona proper, but before in Oak Creek. The units are nice. We like the location for access to the Bell Rock area trails.

I've also rented via RCI using the HGVC portal, it was more expensive ($799+), Arroyo Roble in old town Sedona.

The GPX properties are a little nicer than RCI IMO.

HGVC + GPX is a good combination for people wanting locations in the Southwest and West Coast. An EOY in each would be good minimal ownership with options for extra cash stays.

PS: Legacy HGVC shows no options for Sedona.

Updated post to say Sedona or VOC (Village of Oak Creek).
Have stayed at Ridge before (on a TS promo deal); decent property; nice location; next to pricy Sedona Bell Rock Hilton.
Was wondering if other systems also had access (as loved the pricing at GPX) but at 799 a week, not as appealing as 399 (which is a no-brainer for a 1BR in Sedona/VOC).
Thank You for the excellent recommendations!