The Grand Bliss Puerto Vallarta

[mbreitenbach]

My sister owns a 2bedroom at the Grand Bliss Puerto Vallarta. She wants to sell it due to health issues. What would be the best way to do this s? Thank you

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

My sister owns a 2bedroom at the Grand Bliss Puerto Vallarta. She wants to sell it due to health issues. What would be the best way to do this s? Thank you

Welcome to TUG

The short answer is that it is not really sellable ; although she certainly can try.

About 18 years ago Vidanta wanted to prevent resales from competing with their sales operation.
They introduced a great new benefit called " pay on use only" / no required Maintenance Fee.
This means as an "owner" only pays when they [or a guest or a renter] are booked & stay at the resort .

At the same time Vidanta increased the transfer fee on resales to at least 5 x the Usage / MF.
[ and the "pay on use only" and other benefits are removed from resales ]
Note: a 2 bedroom Grand Bliss MF / Usage Fee is probably $ 2600 + ; so the transfer fee would be $ 13,000 + .

The good news is that it costs your sister $ 0 to not go. She could try renting it ; ( if she has health issues it may not make sense.)
She can also let family & friends use it - if they are willing to pay the week usage fee.

Her contract can transfer to Immediate family at no charge ; and all benefit addendums transfer.
I am not sure if siblings are included. Children & Grandchildren definitely are no charge.

TUG Marketplace is a place to list resales & rentals.

 

[mbreitenbach]

Welcome to TUG

The short answer is that it is not really sellable ; although she certainly can try.

About 18 years ago Vidanta wanted to prevent resales from competing with their sales operation.
They introduced a great new benefit called " pay on use only" / no required Maintenance Fee.
This means as an "owner" only pays when they [or a guest or a renter] are booked & stay at the resort .

At the same time Vidanta increased the transfer fee on resales to at least 5 x the Usage / MF.
[ and the "pay on use only" and other benefits are removed from resales ]
Note: a 2 bedroom Grand Bliss MF / Usage Fee is probably $ 2600 + ; so the transfer fee would be $ 13,000 + .

The good news is that it costs your sister $ 0 to not go. She could try renting it ; ( if she has health issues it may not make sense.)
She can also let family & friends use it - if they are willing to pay the week usage fee.

Her contract can transfer to Immediate family at no charge ; and all benefit addendums transfer.
I am not sure if siblings are included. Children & Grandchildren definitely are no charge.

TUG Marketplace is a place to list resales & rentals.

Thank you for the info. Does Vidanta do any type of buy back programs

 

[LannyPC]

Does Vidanta do any type of buy back programs

No because Vidanta "owners" don't really own anything. Basically all your sister, and any other Vidanta owner owns is a contract.

Hopefully I haven't said this too late but I hope your sister hasn't fallen for any of the resale scams out there that claim they can sell her Vidanta for tens of thousands of dollars if she pays some sort of an upfront fee.

 

[mbreitenbach]

No, she hasn’t but she is in for at least $100000 over the last 25 years. She does not want to pay the $4000+ contract renewal fee and wants us to take it over but we are not sure. And they want the contract fee by tomorrow.

 

[WorldT]

You can try to sell it but it is usually a waste of time as mentioned in post #2 above. The transfer fee is too high and the benefits don't transfer. I can pay vidanta the $13k directly and get a unit from them with all the benefits. There is no reason why I would pay to acquire it from you.
Your only options are:
1. Transfer to a family member if anyone is interested. As post #2 already said, the unit transfers at no charge and all the benefits transfer
2. Don't pay the renewal and the contract ends and she goes her way.

There is nothing hidden about the process.

 

[mbreitenbach]

You can try to sell it but it is usually a waste of time as mentioned in post #2 above. The transfer fee is too high and the benefits don't transfer. I can pay vidanta the $13k directly and get a unit from them.
Your only options are:
1. Transfer to a family member if anyone is interested. As post #2 already said, the benefits transfer at no charge and all the benefits transfer
2. Don't pay the renewal and the contract ends and she goes her way.

There is nothing hidden about the process.

Thank you so much. You have been very helpful

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

No, she hasn’t but she is in for at least $100000 over the last 25 years. She does not want to pay the $4000+ contract renewal fee and wants us to take it over but we are not sure. And they want the contract fee by tomorrow.

Vidanta runs quality resorts & the Grand Bliss in Nuevo is centrally located on the resort .
I believe a 2 bedroom is ballpark 2000 sq. feet.

Typically the renewal term would be for 10 years = $ 400 per use year + Usage / MF for each week.
I would assume her contract has access to 2 weeks per year [ and possible more]

In Feb 2024 hotel rooms at the Marriott & the Westin in the Puerto Vallarta Marina area were running $350 a night.

 

[mbreitenbach]

She has what she calls senior weeks (2) and 4 weeks she can pay to stay. She has the 1 bedroom with lockoff so a 2 bedroom. Do you know the MF for one week?

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

She has what she calls senior weeks (2) and 4 weeks she can pay to stay. She has the 1 bedroom with lockoff so a 2 bedroom. Do you know the MF for one week?

The senior weeks are non-transferable. They allow your sister to stay for free after age 75.
They were offered for less than 18 months around 2006 / 07 . She was required to go to Member Services and sign up.

MF for a 2bd Grand Bliss . I am going by estimate - I believe it is $ 2600+ . Your sister should have some information.

Her contract likely allows her to reserve smaller units and / or lower brands - for their current MF.
For example : @pittle - a long time Vidanta owner can get 2 weeks at the Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta Marina**
for the payment of one week of her Grand Luxxe ownership.

** a lot of long time members prefer the smaller footprint of the MP- PV Marina { about 200 units ] and the ability to go off resort .
Many of them also "started their PV vacation visits" at that resort ; as it predates the building of the larger Vidanta resort in Nuevo .
[It also has a lot less walking due to the footprint size.]

FYI - both resort locations are a short cab ride from the PV airport.
There is no need to rent a car as Cabs ,Ubers and public buses are easy to access and inexpensive.

PS : I am going to request your thread be moved to the TUG Mexican forum
Happy New Year 2025

 

[mbreitenbach]

She has what she calls senior weeks (2) and 4 weeks she can pay to stay. She has the 1 bedroom with lockoff so a 2 bedroom. Do you know the MF for one week?

The senior weeks are non-transferable. They allow your sister to stay for free after age 75.
They were offered for less than 18 months around 2006 / 07 . She was required to go to Member Services and sign up.

MF for a 2bd Grand Bliss . I am going by estimate - I believe it is $ 2600+ . Your sister should have some information.

Her contract likely allows her to reserve smaller units and / or lower brands - for their current MF.
For example : @pittle - a long time Vidanta owner can get 2 weeks at the Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta Marina**
for the payment of one week of her Grand Luxxe ownership.

** a lot of long time members prefer the smaller footprint of the MP- PV Marina { about 200 units ] and the ability to go off resort .
Many of them also "started their PV vacation visits" at that resort ; as it predates the building of the larger Vidanta resort in Nuevo .
[It also has a lot less walking due to the footprint size.]

FYI - both resort locations are a short cab ride from the PV airport.
There is no need to rent a car as Cabs ,Ubers and public buses are easy to access and inexpensive.

PS : I am going to request your thread be moved to the TUG Mexican forum
Happy New Year 2025

I am so appreciative of all your advice and response to my emails. I think she/we have made a decision on the future with Vidanta. Thank you so much

 

[mbreitenbach]

The senior weeks are non-transferable. They allow your sister to stay for free after age 75.
They were offered for less than 18 months around 2006 / 07 . She was required to go to Member Services and sign up.

MF for a 2bd Grand Bliss . I am going by estimate - I believe it is $ 2600+ . Your sister should have some information.

Her contract likely allows her to reserve smaller units and / or lower brands - for their current MF.
For example : @pittle - a long time Vidanta owner can get 2 weeks at the Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta Marina**
for the payment of one week of her Grand Luxxe ownership.

** a lot of long time members prefer the smaller footprint of the MP- PV Marina { about 200 units ] and the ability to go off resort .
Many of them also "started their PV vacation visits" at that resort ; as it predates the building of the larger Vidanta resort in Nuevo .
[It also has a lot less walking due to the footprint size.]

FYI - both resort locations are a short cab ride from the PV airport.
There is no need to rent a car as Cabs ,Ubers and public buses are easy to access and inexpensive.

PS : I am going to request your thread be moved to the TUG Mexican forum
Happy New Year 2025

Thank you

 

[mbreitenbach]

Thank you for all your info it has been very helpful and I am appreciative of your time.

 

[pittle]

She has what she calls senior weeks (2) and 4 weeks she can pay to stay. She has the 1 bedroom with lockoff so a 2 bedroom. Do you know the MF for one week?

T-Dot has given you some great advice. I have been around the block with Vidanta since 1999 and have owned Mayan Palace. Grand Mayan and now Grand Luxxe. My current contract does have the Senior Certificates and I now use them for 2 weeks each year. That said, I do not plan to renew in December 2033. You do not have to renew, - if you do not, you just are no longer a member.

There is nothing to sell as most contracts since 2013 (and sometime earlier than that), have 10 Usage Fees to transfer to another owner other than immediate family. If I wanted to sell mine, with fees right at $3000 per week, that would be $60,000 that Vidanta would get, but I would get nothing. My son is not interested in me transferring it to him. Since I get to go free for 10 years (after paying them $5500, December 30, 2023), I plan to take friends and family with me for my 2 GL 2-bedroom weeks, or go 4 weeks in Grand Bliss.

She will not get any of her money back. I am just hoping to use my weeks through 2033 and should break even on all the money that we paid upfront.

Those are the cold hard facts. Sorry, but it is what it is.

 

[rpennisi]

You can try to sell it but it is usually a waste of time as mentioned in post #2 above. The transfer fee is too high and the benefits don't transfer. I can pay vidanta the $13k directly and get a unit from them with all the benefits. There is no reason why I would pay to acquire it from you.
Your only options are:
1. Transfer to a family member if anyone is interested. As post #2 already said, the unit transfers at no charge and all the benefits transfer
2. Don't pay the renewal and the contract ends and she goes her way.

There is nothing hidden about the process.

My take is that the 10 year renewal is up and the family or family members don't know if they want to spend the $4000 to renew, as well as the $2600 usage fee for a week(?).
I have to agree with T-Dot, the Grand Bliss and RM resort are top notch. If a close family member wants to vacation in MX, this contract would be a bargain for the next 10 years.

 

[WorldT]

I stayed at the Grand Luxe 1 bedroom/2 bath at RM on an exchange. Would happily stay there every year if I could afford it.

 

[Tbone1200]

Where on contract or purchase paperwork does it spell out closing costs on a Vidanta sale?

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

Where on contract or purchase paperwork does it spell out closing costs on a Vidanta sale?

Hi @Tbone1200
Welcome to TUG & the Mexican Forum.

Are you asking about closing costs as the original buyer or transfer costs to a resale buyer ?

 

[Tbone1200]

Transfer costs when you resell. I see on contract closing costs. The sales person said those would also be costs to Vidanta when you sell.

 

[qb_bc]

Where on contract or purchase paperwork does it spell out closing costs on a Vidanta sale?

Not sure if this is the question you asked, but Clause 6 - Assignment in the contract booklet states "...a transfer fee equal to the amount of Closing Costs listed on the Cove Page of this Contract to cover administrative costs." The closing fee is given on the single page Contract for Lodging Rights and Services.

My contract is 2016 and the closing cost was in the neighbourhood of $4,000. The Purchaser has to sign a new agreement, and all addenda, promotions are terminated.

Contracts from different years have different conditions, so one needs to read the specific contract.

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

Transfer costs when you resell. I see on contract closing costs. The sales person said those would also be costs to Vidanta when you sell.

The sales person is not the final arbitrator - You need the specifics in the contract that you wish to sell or buy.

Not sure if this is the question you asked, but Clause 6 - Assignment in the contract booklet states "...a transfer fee equal to the amount of Closing Costs listed on the Cove Page of this Contract to cover administrative costs." The closing fee is given on the single page Contract for Lodging Rights and Services.

My contract is 2016 and the closing cost was in the neighbourhood of $4,000. The Purchaser has to sign a new agreement, and all addenda, promotions are terminated.

Contracts from different years have different conditions, so one needs to read the specific contract.

Yes - you need the specific contract to get the details.
My Mayan Palace is 5 x MF - and the pay on use only addendum and VF week do not transfer.

Earlier Mayan Palace contracts were 10 % of original sale price [ from about 2001 to late 2005 ]
There were some early Grand Mayan contracts that are 10 % [ 2003-late 2005]

Mayan Palace were 1 MF. transfer fee until 2001. Those contracts are close to their 25 year renewal date at 5 x MF.
[@rpennisi has 2 of those that he bought resale] I believe he VF week does transfer on those contracts and if you pay the 25 year
renewal the "registered week" renews as a registered week.

 

[rpennisi]

The sales person is not the final arbitrator - You need the specifics in the contract that you wish to sell or buy.

Yes - you need the specific contract to get the details.
My Mayan Palace is 5 x MF - and the pay on use only addendum and VF week do not transfer.

Earlier Mayan Palace contracts were 10 % of original sale price [ from about 2001 to late 2005 ]
There were some early Grand Mayan contracts that are 10 % [ 2003-late 2005]

Mayan Palace were 1 MF. transfer fee until 2001. Those contracts are close to their 25 year renewal date at 5 x MF.
[@rpennisi has 2 of those that he bought resale] I believe he VF week does transfer on those contracts and if you pay the 25 year
renewal the "registered week" renews as a registered week.

Yes, my two resale MP contracts run out after 25 years. The 2001 MP 2 bedroom with a VF week runs out this year. Renewal is 5X MF. Transfer to a new buyer is 1 MF. I am not sure if I need to pay the 5 year reno MF (every 5 years) to use the 25th year(?). When in NV next week, I will try to get that clarified at member services (my guess will be yes).

The other MP 1 bedroom contract with a VF week, 2004 ends in four years. Transfer to another owner for that one is 10% the original buyer purchase price. Both contract weeks' VF weeks also transfer with a new 25 year renewal. Both contracts have a mandatory yearly MF and every 5 years, a renovation MF.

The last time I went to an "update", I wanted to find out if Vidanta would buy me out instead of me selling my contract(s). Instead (of course), they tried to upsell me to another contract (no way) and the "closer" was very rude and condescending because I had done my research before going (thank you T-Dot ) to the meeting!

 

[pittle]

I have a notebook with my original contracts for our 1999 2-bedroom Mayan Palace, our 2006 two 2-bedroom Grand Mayan and our 2013 Grand Luxxe. I also bought four 2-bedroom and one 1-bedroom MP weeks on ebay for less than we paid for the first one from Vidanta! I do not have the original contracts for those, but the rules were basically the same for all.

In the older contracts, there was a fee of 1 current Maintenance Fee (MF) every 5 years (Renovation fee) and then to renew it after 25 years, it is 5 current MF. It was 1 MF to transfer to someone else.

In February 2006, we got letters for all of our MP contracts that we had the no pay unless you go feature. That was right after we signed up for the Senior Certificates on all the contracts that we had - even the resales!

My April 2006 Grand Mayan contract had 5 current Maintenance Fees to transfer to someone else. It had the same 5 year extra renovation fee and 25 year renewal of 5 MF. We traded some of the cheap resales in for two - 2 bedroom GM weeks. The senior Certificate was applied to the GM contract too.

By 2013, everything was on a 10 year basis and they call it Usage Fee with the no pay unless you go feature. We traded all of our MP and GM weeks for Two Grand Luxxe 2-bedroom units in June 2013 and paid right at the amount of our 5 year renovation fees for all of our contracts that would be due until their 25 year point. The transfer fee is 10 current Usage Fees - so more than $56,000, and all the extras do not transfer. (I do not have that much invested.)

I paid the 10 year fee for GL last December, and can go free through 2033. I will let it expire at the end of 2033 as I will be 88, and by then, I will have recouped everything I have paid upfront since 1999. The only expenses then would have been the MF/Usage Fees paid from 1999 until 2023. With the no pay unless you go, we did miss some years, but most of the time, we took family and friends who reimbursed us for their share of the MF.

I have not regretted it as we got in early and learned the system and leveraged it. We hae had many wonderful vacations over the years.

 

[Tbone1200]

Not sure if this is the question you asked, but Clause 6 - Assignment in the contract booklet states "...a transfer fee equal to the amount of Closing Costs listed on the Cove Page of this Contract to cover administrative costs." The closing fee is given on the single page Contract for Lodging Rights and Services.

My contract is 2016 and the closing cost was in the neighbourhood of $4,000. The Purchaser has to sign a new agreement, and all addenda, promotions are terminated.

Contracts from different years have different conditions, so one needs to read the specific contract.

Mine says the same. Thank you.

 

[Tbone1200]

One follow up. There is the main contract for the Grand Legacy at Riviera Maya. Then a "promotions" booklet that lists the other properties- i.e. Grand Bliss at Nuevo Vallarta. Would those be considered truly promotions and would not go with the transfer of sale? In other words, the only saleable contract is the 10 years at Riviera Maya? I am new to this and thought that you could always exchange weeks at sister locations? They said in the meeting, Grand Bliss and Grand Mayan were included for him. But trying to figure out if they woudl transfer over. Happy to send the contract if you are comfortable looking at it.