VDP split 2 bedroom

[AlbertaTravel]

If you own VDP Flamingos Gold two bedroom can you split it and go two weeks in a one bedroom.

 

[beach.bar.bob]

If you own VDP Flamingos Gold two bedroom can you split it and go two weeks in a one bedroom.

A gold membership allows you to split and go one week in a one bedroom and one week in a studio

...then you can hope for an upgrade to a one bedroom

Depending on time of year an upgrade may be possible. I just returned from Villa del Arco and rec'd an upgrade from a two bedroom to an ocean front penthouse for the second year in a row.

Safe travels.

bbb

 

[robin50]

You were lucky! I just came home for Villa del Arco and did not get an upgrade. Do you have someone there that you can deal with?

 

[tartanwood]

A gold membership allows you to split and go one week in a one bedroom and one week in a studio.....

Are there additional maintenance fees to pay when you do this this kind of split?

 

[beach.bar.bob]

Are there additional maintenance fees to pay when you do this this kind of split?

It is my understanding that there is no additional maintenance fee for this split. For a Gold member this is available without additional charge, a Premier member pays $70 charge - worth double-checking though.

This is a clear advantage of a Gold membership over a VPA membership.
A winter two bedroom VPA unit at VDA = 2900 points. Splitting into a one bedroom (2200 points) and a studio (1200 points) requires 3,400 points thus is not possible without dipping into a future year or additional membership for the additional points...plus the maintenance fees on those points.

bbb

 

[ccsincsd]

2 BR Split and Other Villa Group Question

Hi BBBob. I've been reading and appreciate your posts for the past months. You bring allot of great insite to this world of timeshares, and especially for the Villa Group resorts.

I'd like to ask your opinion. I've read in detail the work of Jeff Robbins, and respect what he has done. But, we have enjoyed our VDP-Gold membership for the past 10 years and would like to add a Villa Del Arco 2BR Gold to our set.

Through RedWeek.com, there are a few ranging in the $2,500-$5,000 range. I can work with that. Can you confirm that a Villa Del Arco Gold will transfer just like that to me? They won't (can't) strip off the Gold, convert it to the points system, or the Premier, or any perform any other shenanigans can they?

Do you have any warnings to buying in the aftermarket as a resale?
I think I'll have a escrow fee ($400-500) and transfer fee ($250) to deal with. Anything else you know about.

Thanks so much. Steve

 

[tartanwood]

It is my understanding that there is no additional maintenance fee for this split. For a Gold member this is available without additional charge, a Premier member pays $70 charge - worth double-checking though.
bbb

I would definitely double check this. When we were Gold members, I looked into splitting our 2-bedroom. My memory is that they told us we would have to pay additional MF equivalent a 1-bedroom plus a studio. We chose not to do that at the time. We are no longer Gold members, so I can't check this for you.

We later converted to Villa Preferred Access points. For us this has been a better deal. We originally purchased a Summer 2-bedroom with the promise that we could use it as a Winter 1-bedroom. We discovered, however, that we could make reservations for a Winter week only 60 days in advance. Our jobs limit our travel dates to the school calendar, and we were never able to find anything with only 60 days notice. Now with our Preferred Access points, we are able to request weeks whenever we want except for Christmas (still 60-day limit). Our regular MF gives us 2200 points which will get us into a 2-bedroom in the summer or a one-bedroom in the winter. For a few extra points (saved or borrowed), we can book a bigger unit in the winter when necessary. We now have enough lead time to make the reservation during our limited travel windows.

So, in our case, we have more flexibility with VPA. For Gold Members, the idea of splitting sounds good, but be sure to check the issue of possible extra MF charges. I might be wrong, so just check before you count on doing this.

 

[robin50]

I'm under the understanding that if you split your week, for example a 1 bedroom and studio from a 2 bedroom, you have to pay the maintenance fee for a 1 bedroom plus a studio (not the 2 bedroom maintenance fee). This will definitely cost more money....$750 plus $620 not the $900. I'm not sure what the actual maintenance fees are but these should be close. It may still be worth it but it's not a simple trade.

Does anyone have the newest upgrade charts?

Has anyone ever booked a 1 bedroom reservation and a studio to get a 2 bedroom? I was told they can't guarantee they will be together. I think it is so silly and you are ending up paying more than a 2 bedroom maintenance fee.

 

[ccsincsd]

Robin & Tartanwood. I think you both have it spot on. Most likely one has already paid their 2 BR MF and when you request to split it, you then have to pay the difference as an additional cost.

We are close to requesting this exact thing so that we can do a 2 week vacation instead of 1. I'll report back with the exact details.

Last year we downgraded our 1 BR to two Studio's at Del Arco. This had a additional MF cost.

One thing that has not been said very clear is: You can "downgrade" 1 year in advance, but you can only "upgrade" 60 days in advance. I think the upgrades are tough to come by. The downgrades I think are easier.

 

[easyrider]

UVC Bylaws

http://www.myuvc.com/files/Amended and Restated Rules Articles and Bylaws (17) - with TOC.pdf

You will find the answers to most of your questions about your membership on this pdf.

I like premiere memberships. These have a home resort. Resale premiere memberships usually only have 15 or less years left on the RTU. They also have lower maintanance fees. My 1 bed units are $520 and my 2 bed units are $630. I have been able to upgrade to the ocean front penthouses at the Villa del Arco and Flamingos.

Gold members do not have a home resort. You guys are just UVC members with some extra privledges like free vacation banking, your own reservation line (not really), express check in ( sometimes), gold member discount at the resort, free wifi and 5 year vacation back instead of 3. Maintanece fees are at least $200 more a year and since this is a newer type membership than premiere the 30 year rtu with resale contracts usually have 20 - 27 years left on them. Gold members can also pay a mf for GOLD TIME which is weeks 18 - 43 on availability.

Both of these memberships can split weeks.

I never thought about downgrading. How much did this cost ?

Thanks
Bill

 

[ccsincsd]

Thanks for the document EasyR. It will help me as I look to buy a VDA 2 BR in the aftermarket.

Like you said. GOLD TIME in weeks 18-43 only. And, I'm pretty sure they will put us in VDP. Have not met anyone using a GOLD TIME week at VDA yet.

On the downgrade. Round numbers were: We had already paid our VDA 1 BR MF of $700. When we switched it to two weeks in a VDA studio, and the studio MF was ~$500 each, then we had to pay the $300 difference. But, we did it almost a year in advance. Worked good to get a longer vacation.

 

[easyrider]

ccsincsd, Is your membership a fixed Villa del Arco ? Gold Members do not have a home resort.

The downgrade seems like a good move, especailly when you can do it so far out.

Bill

 

[ccsincsd]

Hi Bill. No, we are a homeless Gold member. Bought in VDP 10+ years ago. Upgraded to Gold about 5 years ago. That makes you homeless, like you said, but we have really enjoyed being able to go to Loreto, Cancun, & PV besides about 3 uses of Del Arco.

Yes, the downgrade works well. Upgrades not so much. But, in 2009, at the check in counter, we rolled 2 studios and a 1 BR up to the 3 BR penthouse. (for $500 cash on the spot). Split between the 3 couples, it made for a heck of a week.

 

[beach.bar.bob]

Hi BBBob. I've been reading and appreciate your posts for the past months. You bring allot of great insite to this world of timeshares, and especially for the Villa Group resorts.

I'd like to ask your opinion. I've read in detail the work of Jeff Robbins, and respect what he has done. But, we have enjoyed our VDP-Gold membership for the past 10 years and would like to add a Villa Del Arco 2BR Gold to our set.

Through RedWeek.com, there are a few ranging in the $2,500-$5,000 range. I can work with that. Can you confirm that a Villa Del Arco Gold will transfer just like that to me? They won't (can't) strip off the Gold, convert it to the points system, or the Premier, or any perform any other shenanigans can they?

Do you have any warnings to buying in the aftermarket as a resale?
I think I'll have a escrow fee ($400-500) and transfer fee ($250) to deal with. Anything else you know about.

Thanks so much. Steve

Hi Steve -

I've also followed Jeff's work and appreciate what he's done to help a some folks out of bad situations resulting from the over-hyped sales process. I've spoken to Jeff and he and I are on the same page in many respects. However, my SO and I really like the Villa Group resorts...especially Villa del Arco and Flamingos (and we think we'll like Cancun - we stopped by to tour it a while back, but won't stay there until we visit next March.) Our goals and my reason for participating here are to learn how to best leverage and utilize what we own. We've worked towards building a portfolio of UVC weeks both VPA and Gold that will enable us to enjoy the Mexican vacations we want. We're close to that ... I may need one more piece to the puzzle, but I'm still contemplating that For me, that has meant adding to my initial developer purchased week via the resale market. So far, I think I've done okay in that. Time will tell.

As I understand it here are the theoretical rules that are "supposed" to be implemented by UVC HQ for resales:

• A resale Premier membership transfers as a Premier membership
• A resale Gold membership transfers as a Gold membership BUT is marked as a resale unit and is therefore not eligible to be upgraded to a VPA membership
• A resale VPA membership loses all "points" capabilities and transfers as a Premier membership. See page 19 of the most recent UVC bylaws at http://www.myuvc.com/files/Amended ...es and Bylaws _19_ - with TOC - Final _2_.pdf
  As Premier memberships have a "home" resort and VPA's are sold as floating inventory, it is not clear to me nor is it specified in the bylaws how the home resort is determined in this process. (Personally, I think this is pretty harsh. I have argured to HQ member services reps that at least a VPA should transfer as a Gold memberhip...but...)

Here's what I can tell you to be fact as I've done (or attempted to do) these transactions:

• In late 2010 I purchased on eBay a resale 2200 point VPA membership for $780 plus transfer fees. The escrow company verified the membership would transfer as a VPA membership. The transfer process was stalled for many months. Ultimately, UVC allowed the transfer but per the now current bylaws (at the time the old bylaws did not include any language regarding VPA memberships - those bylaws are no longer available on line, but I have a hard copy) transferred the membership as a Premier membership. As I did not want a Premier membership, the resale company (CJ Timeshares) and their escrow company stood by the spirit of the deal and we cancelled this sale and membership transfer (kudos to them).
• CJ Timeshares then substituted a Gold Two bedroom Winter unit for no add'l cost. This membership ultimately transferred to my name as a Gold Winter Two bedroom unit. It is NOT marked as ineligible for resale. At my recent "member update" the sales team was more than happy to give me a price to upgrade this to a VPA membership I still own and use this membership as a Gold membership. With the original eBay purchase and all transfer fees, etc. this membership cost me $1,210.
• I purchased via eBay a Gold three bedroom penthouse unit for $1.00 on eBay. This membership transferred to me as a Gold membership and was NOT marked as ineligible for resale. With the eBay purchase price and all transfer costs, etc., this membership cost me $501.
• Working thru CJ Timeshares again, I helped my brother obtain a Gold Winter Two bedroom unit. This was originally a Gold membership and transferred as a Gold membership and it was NOT indicated as not eligible for upgrade (seems to be a theme...the ineligible for upgrade "process" does not seem to be actually implemented...but don't assume it won't in the future.) Including the purchase price and all transfer fees, this membership cost my brother $1,200.

I have seen the same listings you refer to on RedWeek. Personally, I think you can do better on eBay if you are patient. I've monitored UVC resales on eBay for the past couple of years. While I watch them all, I pay attention to Gold Two Bedroom Winter weeks. Many, many have been sold. Most have sold for around the $1,200 mark plus fees. Here's an example of a sale from last week that sold for $1,128. Remember, Gold memberships are floating inventory...no such thing as a Gold Arco or Gold Flamingos even though this ad says Flaimingso... (sorry if this link expires after a while ...eBay's fault) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Villa-Del-P...50766107809?pt=Timeshares&hash=item231a5c3ca1

I keep hard copies of all the sales I see. Recently there was a sale a Gold membership of four weeks worth of winter two bedrooms for a buck...yes, that's four memberships... of course, buyer had to assume four weeks of maintenance fees too. But a buck!!

If I were you, I'd be patient and monitor eBay for the type of unit you are interested in. I think if you pay much more than $1,200-1,500 plus transfer fees for a Gold winter Two bedroom unit you've overpaid. It may take a few months for the right auction to come around...but so what? Are you really going to need a week that badly you can't wait? If you need a week short term, just borrow one from the future in your current membership to tide you over until you get your new week in place.

Other than being patient I only have one other warning - don't get into a bidding war on eBay. If the price gets over $1,200 drop out. Also be aware that word is that UVC or Villa Group is quietly soaking up resale inventory on eBay. There have been a hugely disproportionate number of sales to a single eBay bidder that seems to focus (not exclusively) on Premier memberships with a max bid of $301. FWIW.

Transfer fees are whatever the escrow company charges 300-500 seems to be the norm. Some sales include the fees. UVC charges $150 in transfer fees.

Hope this helps.

bbb

 

[beach.bar.bob]

It is my understanding that there is no additional maintenance fee for this split.

Okay... so I'll retract this statement.
The Bylaws cover this on the bottom of Page 6 without explicitly stating that the maintenance fee differences will be charged...rather they include nebulous language stating that "Fees associated with any split reservation may be charged by the club as they determine from time to time." Clearly this gives them the right to charge whatever the heck they want The Resortcom Q&A doesn't explicitly cover this example, but here's how they handle three bedroom penthouse splits...makes sense they would carry this forward to all splits.
"3 Bedroom Fixed Cabo Gold Weeks
Split Unit Options:
2 Bedroom + Studio
or
1 Bedroom + 1 Bedroom
If this option is used, the owner must pay the difference in maintenance fees for booking two units instead of one."

In the end, it would be good to hear from someone that's actually booked it.

bbb

 

[tartanwood]

• A resale Premier membership transfers as a Premier membership
• A resale Gold membership transfers as a Gold membership BUT is marked as a resale unit and is therefore not eligible to be upgraded to a VPA membership
• A resale VPA membership loses all "points" capabilities and transfers as a Premier membership. See page 19 of the most recent UVC bylaws at http://www.myuvc.com/files/Amended ...es and Bylaws _19_ - with TOC - Final _2_.pdf

bbb

Our original purchase was for a Gold membership. We later paid to upgrade it to VPA. The added flexibility is important to us. We intend to use for several more years; but when the time comes to sell, are you saying that it would transfer to a new owner as Premier only?

Will I find this restriction in our original contracts for Gold and later for VPA, or is this something that changed later?

 

[robin50]

Hi BBB. I noticed you are showing as having an elite membership as well. I was told that you need points to be "elite" and have at least 5100 points. Can you tell me how you were able to get this with just your gold memberships that you mentioned? Did you do this with someone in Mexico? They told me that gold membership would have to be converted to VPA and there was a very high cost. I would love to hear more about this. Everyone gets told different information. Thanks.

 

[ccsincsd]

Bob, thanks for the great reply. I really appreciate you passing on all that info.

And, thanks to you and Easyrider, I now get it that there is no such thing as a Del Arco Gold. We are Gold only, with no home resort.

I think I'm ready to go into the resale market to find a Gold 2BR. Thanks for the target pricing too.

BTW .... great deal on that 3 BR Gold you made. Smokin' deal !!

Also. It does not appear that a Premier membership is that much less effective than a Gold. I might keep an open mind to Premier if we can move around in the Villa Group.

Thanks again. Steve

 

[beach.bar.bob]

Our original purchase was for a Gold membership. We later paid to upgrade it to VPA. The added flexibility is important to us. We intend to use for several more years; but when the time comes to sell, are you saying that it would transfer to a new owner as Premier only?

Will I find this restriction in our original contracts for Gold and later for VPA, or is this something that changed later?

That's exactly what I'm saying...well not me - UVC is saying that. VPA's transfer as Premier memberships. As I said, I find that a bit harsh.

You'll find that restriction in the Bylaws linked above. Your contracts are silent on this point. Prior to the new Bylaws published last fall there was nothing written down on this topic about VPA memberships as the old bylaws were created before the existence of VPA memberships. I'm sure if we looked thru all the fine print in our contracts, It'll say something like "refer to the current club bylaws and that UVC retains the rights to change any and all 'club rules' as they see fit"

Safe travels.

bbb

 

[beach.bar.bob]

Bob, thanks for the great reply. I really appreciate you passing on all that info.
...
Also. It does not appear that a Premier membership is that much less effective than a Gold. I might keep an open mind to Premier if we can move around in the Villa Group.

Thanks again. Steve

No problem...

Just one comment (albeit a long comment ) on the Premier memberships versus Gold. There is one Gold benefit that might be important based on your desired usage. A Gold membership can reserve at any resort up to 24 months in advance. "Almost all" Premier memberships have a home resort of VDP Cabo or VDP PV - there are some at Flamingos, I've never heard of one at Arco. A Premier membership can make reservations at their home resort 24 months in advance and at any other UVC resort 10 months in advance as described on page 26 of the bylaws linked above. Often this is not a problem. However, if your preferred resort is Villa del Arco (VDA) then this can currently be an issue and is likely to become more of an issue in the future. VDA is the smallest UVC resort by a long shot (they had a small piece of property to work with...look at it on Google Earth and compare to La Estancia next door). It's also the most popular (currently at least ... maybe Cancun will fix that). Thus, most complaints about availability spin out of VDA.

Why is this? VDA is a small resort. VDA is in high demand due to popularity. Villa Group has retained inventory (mostly studios) and not made it available to UVC - meaning it's not in the pool to be sold and thus it is not in the pool to be used by UVC members. They do this because they want to retain units for their hotel business and to have inventory to bring new potential buyers to the resort. And, they continue to aggressively sell memberships at the VDA sales office. Of course, they are selling floating VPA memberhips across all the resorts. Thus while you may buy a 2200 point membership at the VDA sales office thinking you will plan to use it as a Winter One Bedroom at VDA, Villa Group may pull the "inventory" as a summer two bedroom unit at Loreto (worth 2200 points). Which is perfectly within their rights as 2200 points is 2200 points. Thus, as time goes buy there are likely to be more and more members looking to book during peak times and looking to book at VDA. But of course, there's no more inventory available down the road than there is today...

Anyway, long winded discussion to say that IF you want to stay at Arco during certain high demand times you MAY get frozen out if you are a Premier member versus a Gold member. Case in point. I have a reservation for the week of Feb 16, 2013 in a two bedroom unit. I called last week which was 11 months in advance. I wanted to change my reservation from a Two bedroom to a One bedroom. Not possible. As of last week, there were no one bedroom or studio weeks available during the week of Feb 16, 2013. There were still 25 Two bedroom units available...but of course, they can't/won't reserve a one bedroom and put the lockout into the pool for another member...the inventory system doesn't work that way...DUMB. If you were a Premier member looking to get into Arco that week with a one bedroom or a studio...out of luck.

Thus the "possible" advantage of the Gold over Premier. Clearly it's specific to your usage desires. The more flexible you are on timing and on the resort you want to use, the better off you will be with a Premier membership. I can tell you it wouldn't work for me as my SO has no desire to stay at VDP Cabo/PV...she's very partial to Arco and Flamingos and as we're from
Minnesota, Feb and early March (high demand times) are our preferred times to visit - thus we put value on the 24 month window. I typically make our reservations about 14-15 months out and have never had a problem.

FWIW

bbb

 

[easyrider]

The advantages of a premiere membership are they cost less in MF and have a shorter RTU. We will be out of our UVC contracts in 12 -14 years. Im sure we will enjoy these as we have.

So far there hasn't been any problem reserving rooms and getting upgrades. With Cancun and Loreto now available the presure will not be as hard on the VDA is my feeling.

Our long term vacation plans revolve around our Worldmark memberships that our kids and grand kids enjoy with us. These memberships will be passed on to the kids as they will want them.

I can get up to a 3 bed ocean front WM unit in SJD that is pretty pretty nice.

Just a heads up, there is a 3 bed VDP on redweek that is a fixed week 4. These are really nice. Room 1301. Ocean front penthouse.

 

[CURIOUS1]

ccsincsd,

We are Gold members and have had no problems reserving at VDA.