When you book a resort from an exchange company do you view the resorts website?

[connect1]

Curious, mostly because I do this for a living, and so many of the resort websites are outdated ... When you are searching resorts in RCI, Interval, other exchange companies, or here on TUG, do you visit the resort website or do you base your decision on the photos posted on the exchange company website?

Or... do you solely base it on reviews here on TUG, through RCI, TripAdvisor, etc.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

[mdurette]

I think you questions are a bit different.

Your poll is: where do I expect to find the most accurate info.
Your text is: do you base your decision on info on TUG, Exchange Co or website.

Personally:
I expect to find the most accurate info about what the resort offers on their website.
I expect to find the most accurate info about the condition of the resort on TUG, exchange company reviews or other travel websites (tripadvisor)

So...in a nutshell.....I research before I confirm anything to a place I haven't been to.

 

[taterhed]

I blindly trust anything I see on the "High quality HD video" and pictures found on Interval or RCI.
Nothing ever changes with these resorts anyway.

 

[taterhed]

Ok, sorry, I was apparently incapacitated there for a minute.

Really? I trust nothing but hit 3-4 sites minimum on any resort I don't know by brand or experience.
Google reviews: 1 grain of salt. TripAdvisor: 2 grains of salt and shot of tequila to help me forget. Tug: Taken with aspirin to cure the hangover from bad web reviews, but usually pretty dang accurate. Especially in the posts when specifically discussed with experienced members.

Warning: Govt. research shows that use of II or RCI reviews and information concerning resorts can cause vacation discomfort and inflammation.

IMHO. YMMV

 

[silentg]

I look at the website, check TUG and trip advisor reviews . Even though some have a couple of poor reviews, the good out weigh the bad. Most of the time it’s not disappointing.
I’m glad to see RCI putting info on construction that might be going on at a resort I may be think of exchanging into. Have stayed at a few places that were being renovated and it’s not very relaxing to be there during renovations. A heads up is always appreciated.
Silentg

 

[connect1]

I think you questions are a bit different.

They are different - and I appreciate answers to both. Thank you for taking the time.

 

[connect1]

Ok, sorry, I was apparently incapacitated there for a minute.

Really? I trust nothing but hit 3-4 sites minimum on any resort I don't know by brand or experience.
Google reviews: 1 grain of salt. TripAdvisor: 2 grains of salt and shot of tequila to help me forget. Tug: Taken with aspirin to cure the hangover from bad web reviews, but usually pretty dang accurate. Especially in the posts when specifically discussed with experienced members.

Warning: Govt. research shows that use of II or RCI reviews and information concerning resorts can cause vacation discomfort and inflammation.

IMHO. YMMV[/QUOTE


I wondered about that first response!

 

[WinniWoman]

Anytime I book or exchange anything I check everything- the resort's website, Trip Advisor, the exchange company if one is involved, Yelp, Expedia, Booking.com. Hotel.com- you name it. Also- I join the resorts' Facebook page. I actually look at the TUG last because a lot are old.

 

[Eric B]

I read the reviews on the exchange website, TUG and Trip Advisor. Generally I look for comments/opinions on specific things to get an appreciation for whether or not the review is credible. I’ve never been one to rely on the averages of the responses, but look to the underlying info for trends and whether things have gotten corrected.

 

[alexadeparis]

I might be doing too much, but I first check Tug to see which resorts are in the area I want to go, and make note of which exchange company that they are with. Then I check TripAdvisor, then I go to the resort directory of the exchange company to check the resort website link. Also, YouTube can be a good source for room layouts/resort walkthroughs. Only then do I narrow down which resorts I would accept and put in an ongoing search.

 

[taterhed]

Of course......I think Tugger's are absolutely NOT the norm in the industry.

I'm always surprised when.... A friend will ask me "can you help my parents/aunt/friend figure out what to do with their timeshare?" ....and the owner's of the timeshare have no idea what they actually own or how to use it.

I think most Tugger's--me included--are info-junkies and prefer facts and 1st-hand opinions to glossy brochures and ads produced by the sellers....not the users.

Just my 2c

 

[Icc5]

All of the above. I'm retired so have the time to spend on checking everything I can find. I actually did the same when I was working but then did it on the weekend. Many times I find things on one site and not another. An example is with a two bedroom how many bathrooms? Some will have one others two.
One site might give construction updates where another doesn't. Even something such as partial kitchen. One site might leave it at that where another site might say a one burner stove top.
Bart

 

[connect1]

Of course......I think Tugger's are absolutely NOT the norm in the industry.

I'm always surprised when.... A friend will ask me "can you help my parents/aunt/friend figure out what to do with their timeshare?" ....and the owner's of the timeshare have no idea what they actually own or how to use it.

I think most Tugger's--me included--are info-junkies and prefer facts and 1st-hand opinions to glossy brochures and ads produced by the sellers....not the users.

Just my 2c

Really good point. I agree Tugger's are savvier all the way around - research, knowledge of properties, what's not being explained, etc. I do believe the public does more research these days but are often reliant on reviews that have stacked in a property (or products) favor. Finally, Google is catching on to this and is starting blacklisting of vetting reviews.