I have recently come across the Welk Resorts in RCI and they seem nice. It is a small system but has complementary locations to HGVC.
Lake Tahoe
Cabo
Breckenridge (new)
San Diego (Escondido)
Palm Springs
Branson
Would love to see HGVC develop a partnership similar to Fiesta Americana or acquire them to expand locations.
Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but will look in the meantime for RCI options to trade.
We used own points in Welk’s system. While we liked some of their resorts the locations weren’t ideal, so we sold our ownership.
Lake Tahoe- they bought the Hyatt Residence at Northstar. The original units that Hyatt built are amazing. Welk acquired the adjoining land and added some buildings. We have not seen what those units look like. The little Northstar Village is there and the Ritz is not far away, but we didn’t care for the location.
Cabo (Serena Del Mar)- nice resort on the corridor. We stayed there once and enjoyed it. Had a unit overlooking the ocean. There is a small beach not suitable for swimming right below. Not far from Costco. They added at least one more building that either has no ocean view or limited ocean view from what we were told. They also said that owners who don’t buy at that resort, and exchangers, will most likely get assigned to the less desirable units. We never tried to go there again, so I can’t confirm their actual policy.
Escondido (Lawrence Welk Resort Villas- 2 BR non-lock off units, Villas on the Green- 2 BR lock off units, and Mountain Villas (2BR lock off and 3BR lock offs)- very large resort and well maintained. Has an 18 hole Executive golf course and a 9 hole course on site. Plenty of pools. The only downside for us is the location. Traffic to San Diego can be bad. About 30 minutes to the nearest beach. We used this resort the most during our ownership and enjoyed it.
Palm Springs (actually Cathedral City, which is right next door)- a converted apartment complex. All 1BR units. They remodeled the units several years ago and improved it, but it didn’t measure up to the other resorts in their system.
Branson- very nice resort with a country feel to it. The location is outside of the main strip of Branson, but not too far away. Never stayed there, but visited when it was brand new.
They switched from II to RCI, so we haven’t traded in to any of their resorts since we use II when we do trade. However, I would consider doing so if I could. I hope this helps anyone interested.
Best regards.
Mike
