RCI Gold Crown Timeshare Resorts??
 

Message: Is anyone a member of the RCI Timeshare <BR> family? We are going to preview our first timeshare <BR> and would like to hear some opinions on the RCI <BR> company and timesharing in general. For those of <BR> you who have done this are you generally happy with <BR> the process? Do you have any regrets? <BR>We would probably be interested in purchasing a timeshare in Virginia but trying to exchange our weeks to travel extensively in the US. <BR> Thanks! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

There's a great website called tug2.com that has timeshare information and ratings. It costs $15 but well worth it I think. (My sister has timeshare so I don't know much about it, except that we're swapping their place for a place in Orlando next June -- she'll provide that and I'll use my frequent flier miles to get her, her two girls and myself down there . . . and maybe even grandma for a fun "girls" trip to Disney!)

Yes, Jackie...members of my family have RCI timeshare. We were always very pleased with the exchanges. You need to work at least a year (maybe two) in advance in order to get a specific "plum" resort, but perhaps others will say they've lucked out with last minute great trips too. It has happened to us, (at the last minute) too. But really you should plan a yr. or 2 ahead with your requests. An added plus since "the Net" is that many condos that are listed in the RCI book are often also rented privately over various websites (do a search on condominiums, and the region), so you can see the insides and amenities better on the Net. But I am very pleased with the opportunities and conveniences that the timeshare thing has given us for travel, especially with my growing family (at the time, 1980s, til now when my kids were growing up). We werent travelers then, so RCI membership gave us the chance to travel, where we wouldnt have with a large family.

I will probably get flamed for this, but I am not a fan of timeshares, for many reasons. Go to www.frommers.com/philosophy/ and read Arthur Frommers article about timeshares. <BR>My 2 cents is you should price out independently the rental cost of a one or two bedroom condo in the area you are interested in before you go to the timeshare presentation. They will present you with some numbers that will make it look like a great deal. It may be a good deal after all, depending on your vacation preferences. But don't be talked into anything. Any deal that is good for "today only" should be available a week later. <BR>As for exchanges, I understand that you need to get someone to trade with you in order to get another resort. How popular are the timeshares in Virginia to other timeshare owners? <BR>Are there any timeshares available for resale at the resort? If not why? The salesman will say because it is so popular, nobody wants to sell. It could be that there is no market for it.

Jackie, we own three timeshares in three areas, and enjoy our trading and vacations. And we are members of both RCI & II (Interval International). <BR>Do go to the website Julie told you about www.tug2.net and learn before you go to your first presentation, then say NO, and go back to TUG and ask questions and learn more, then decide whether timesharing is for you. <BR>We have been members of TUG (Timeshare Users Group) for 3 years now, and the information on that site is wonderful. Check out the website - your password can be anything you want (just remember it) and when you decide to join you will be sent a "members only" password that will get you into the section of over 1400 reviews of t/s around the world...done by timeshare owners who have gone there--not by the resorts. There are other areas available for members only. Your second year's dues are $10 UNLESS you refer people to the site and they give them your name. Two referrals gets you a free year, or a free ad or $2 or $3. I would be pleased to be your referral, unless Julie is eligible for it. <BR>As an answer to "Do we have any regrets?" NO We bought our 1st in '83 in Las Vegas because our son lived there. In '92 we made our first trade for 2 weeks in Hawaii (Kauai & the Big Island)for our anniversary. Since then we've added 2 more t/s, and have been to Mexico twice, Costa Rica for 2 weeks, New England, Florida, the Carolina's, Colorado, Lake Tahoe, TN, New Orleans, & heading for the NW later on. We stay in condos, with full kitchens (cuts down on eating out costs); have at least one bedroom and one bath and a living room. <BR>Yes, we are retired, but just in the past 5 years. <BR>Some t/s owners buy in an area they really like and return there every year, others are like us...wander all over. <BR>DO NOT BUY from the developer--IF you decide to buy, there are plenty of resales available...ads are on TUG for those too. NEVER pay an upfront fee of any kind. And buy deeded property, NOT right to use/lease. <BR>John, you are entitled to your opinion. But for us, we go to places we would never go to because we would not pay the $100-150 per night for a condo, nor $1000 & more a week somewhere. Yes, you have your initial price (don't use the developers financing!) plus the yearly RCI membership, plus the yearly maintenance fee, plus the exchange fee (unless it's an internal xchange). But, you know, John--we don't even take that in to consideration too much...and my husband is VERY frugal. We are getting a chance to see things, experience things, see different cultures, that we wouldn't otherwise. For US timesharing is worth it--and it's a whole lot better than a housekeeping cottage in the north woods, taking our own linens, or spending a week in a hotel somewhere! <BR>Any of you are free to check out TUG, or email me for more information. <BR>Hope it helped some, Jackie--go listen, take your gift and JUST SAY NO!

We have 5 Timeshares and have traveled extensively using them. We always have room to take others along and have stayed in wonderful resorts at great <BR>locations. I am very satisfied with our purchases. Buy tradable weeks. That is, in places and at times when there is a demand. Attend presentations and buy your units on the re-sale market. You should not pay more than 1/2 the Resort price. Both RCI and II offer trade opportunities and bonus weeks and weekends for last minute get aways. <BR>

<BR>Thanks for the answers to my questions. I appreciate finding out that re-sale is the better purchase. I'm also glad to know that RCI seems reputable. <BR>Thanks again.

Hi Jackie, <BR>We got into Timesharing a couple of years ago and love it. As a matter of fact, I just renewed our RCI membership today thru 2007. We had renewed 6 months ago for 3 years to lock in the current rate. I called this week to get some information and they offered us an additional 5 year renewal for $71/year. <BR>We have had some great trades. We have have been to Carlsbad, CA, Breckenridge, CO, Panama City, FL, Gatlinburg, TN (our home unit), Naples, FL and we have no complaints with any of the facilities. I do agree with everyone else. BUY RESALE! There are too many out there to have to pay full price. Make sure you buy something with good trading power. You need a two bedroom, RED time, floating not fixed week (unless you plan to return there the same week every year)and Gold Crown (if possible). This is what we own in Gatlinburg, TN and have never had any trouble trading, but we are flexible. We have no children and can travel anytime of the year. One more piece of advice is don't buy where Timeshares are overpopulated such as Orlando, Branson, Hilton Head. We were told in a Seminar that RCI has thousands of people turning in their week from these three places which makes it extremely difficult to get the exchange you are trying for(without a 1 to 2 year advance notice). I hope this is helpful and that it makes sense to you. If you have anymore questions, please feel free to email.

Jackie, <BR>You have received excellent advice here! <BR> <BR>I love my timeshare! I have travelled to Hawaii, Germany and Cancun. I traded it for Scotland this year and will use it for Australia next year. It is in Kissimmee, FL. I have also let my parents and my brother use it on their vacations to be close to Disney. My husband and I bought it on our honeymoon in 1985- the husband is gone, but I still have my timeshare! <BR> <BR>I'll through my hat in to the "buy resale" ring. An example: about 6 years ago I looked at a timeshare on Indian Rocks Beach (St. Pete area)FL. They were asking $5,000-$6,000 for 1 week red time in a specific unit. I called a resale place I found in the classified section of the Tampa Tribune and they had a unit next door-two weeks later than the week I was looking at for $1,200. That's quite a difference! <BR> <BR>I don't think this was addressed: don't buy a real expensive unit unless you plan on staying at your home resort alot. Buy cheaper (but still buy red time) then trade into the expensive unit. For example: Friends of mine bought on Aruba for $20,000. I can take my unit that I bought for $4,500 (in 1985) and trade into a unit on Aruba (both theirs and mine are red time). <BR> <BR>**I know you said that you want to travel in the US, but I need to pass this along: <BR>when I was putting my trade in for Australia, one of the RCI "counsellors" told me that when you buy in a "crown resort" your trading ability is diminished a little. This is because the people that buy weeks in the "crown resorts" expect a certain level of resort (ammenities,room size) that some foreign timeshares do not compare to. He stated that they were tired of getting complaints from people who bought a 3 bedroom with all the ammenities then traded into a smaller resort then complained back to RCI.The RCI man mistakenly thought that my home resort was a "crown resort" and said that there were certain resorts that I would not even be considered for when they put all the info in their big computer. I corrected him on the mistake. I am now put in for any resort in specific areas of Australia. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. <BR> <BR>Kittie

What great advice, tips & hints you have all given--hope you all frequent the Timeshare Users Group BBS--we need you all to help inform and instruct all who own t/s and think they might want to own. The more education that gets out about t/s, the better off we will all be--it has changed since we bought our first in '83! <BR>Yes, I am promoting it-NO I don't get anything from it, but it is Free to everyone--except for the "members" only section. And you can get some great vacation tips there too! www.tug2.net <BR>Happy traveling!

Had to put my 'two cents' in regarding timeshares. We own two and, for the most part, are very happy with the experience. I'll echo what most of you have said, don't let the salesmen wear you down during your presentation. If you decide to purchase, go through the resale market. One thing that I feel needs to be stressed is the 'lifelong' obligation of a maintenace fee. This, in my experience, goes up yearly and you have no recourse but to pay! So, even if you pay for your unit outright (and please confirm that it's 'deeded' property), you still have the exchange fee and maintenance fee to contend with. Our units fees average about $350 yearly, add an exchange fee of about $120, and there's your cost for your week's accomodations. Also, do not purchase a unit with the thought that it's an investment and you'll make money when you resell...that very rarely happens. <BR> <BR>Lest I sound bitter, we have been to some incredible resorts and had great trips! Once you purchase a unit, it really forces you to take time to vacation. I'm looking forward to the retirement era when we can travel spontaneously and take advantage of more exotic locations. <BR> <BR>Anyway, it's good to have first-hand knowledge before you sit down for these presentations. Enjoy your trip ... but don't get caught up in a quick transaction. <BR>

We bought our 1st week in 1979 when time sharing was a very new concept. Since then have bought 4 more weeks -one was extremely inexpensive but have traded it for a week in italy and Wisconsin(!). You must plan ahead for overseas exchanges and popular sports 9N. Carolina coast in the summer). We enjoy our weeks in Florida and look forward to every year there. Maintenance fees do go up. You can rent your units when you don't use them. <BR>

Jackie, I highly recommend the TUG online group. We bought a timeshare in Orlando from another TUG member online. It is an older timeshare development but all the amenities & 4 miles from WDW, 5 miles from Seaworld / Universal. Price was DIRT CHEAP, person we bought from lives near Orlando & recorded deed with county records himself, it was great! If we ever trade we will probably do it directly through TUG instead of paying the fee for RCI or II

Timeshares are great for us because they force you to plan a vacation! (We Americans tend to work to hard)...We own a property in Ft. Lauderdale and one in New Orleans, but we "trade" our weeks there and have visited such great destinations as: France, Spain, Greece, Germany, San Francisco, and Sanibel Island, Fla., just to name a few...All of these have been visited within the past three years! <BR> <BR>Also, you can will timeshares to your children, or issue them as Christmans gifts...It is VERY IMPORTANT, however, to plan your trips atleast one and preferably two years ahead in order to get the best exchange for for your trading power. <BR> <BR>I don't know about other timeshare companies, but RCI it tops in our mind and we researched quite extensively. <BR> <BR>Good luck, and charge ahead like a Rhino tourist!

Jackie, now that this has been brought to the top again, I'm wondering--and probably the others are to....What happened? What did you think of the whole concept? And don't forget to check out www.tug2.net and ask questions, whether on buying, exchanging or what to do when you get to your vacation spot. Any questions? please feel free to email any of us (and I hope all of you have joined Timeshare Users Group aka TUG - we need your input)

Hi all. I am a member of RCI also & my husband & I recently purchased timeshare in Aruba. I am very confused now after reading what you all had to say. We were never told that in order to exchange our week, someone had to be willing to trade with us 1st. Is this true? Am I misunderstanding what some people are saying? <BR>We had wanted to exchange for a week in London (or someplace within 60 miles of London), but nothing was ever available for the whole year of 2000! We started our search in August of 1999. Once we were told by the "counselor" that it is very rare that places in London become available, we put in a search for 6 other places we were interested in going. Nothing was available again! We found that it was very difficult finding places that were available at all. Is this normal? We were very flexible with times & places too. We finally (a week ago) were told there was a place available in San Clemente, CA in May 2000 that we are now going to. <BR>If someone could let me know if it is usually this difficult to exchange, please let me know. I have never been on that TUG website, but will definitely give it a try now! <BR>Jackie, sorry that I "intruded" on your post, but I am kind of confused too! <BR>We are sort of new at this whole thing, & the only experience we have had is difficulty exchanging our week. Just thought that you should be warned about that if you are planning on doing alot of exchanges-it's not as easy as they lead you to believe at the "preview". <BR>Thanks in advance for any help you all can give! <BR>Amy

THE KEY to getting the best exchanges through RCI are: <BR>1. Buy a Gold Crown Property that will have a higher trading power. <BR>2. ALWAYS plan your trip atleast one year in advance and start your search. <BR>Don't be surprised if you have to wait six months before your desired destination comes up.--Also, have some flexibility with alternate proerties because some properties are harder to get than others. <BR>3. If you want simply a "quick getaway", be flexibile with where you will go and realize the property you receive may not be exactly what you had in mind. <BR> <BR>If all of the above troubles you, we don't recommend you buy one...In our case, we give RCI three or four searches at a time, and go to whatever area pops up.--This way, we don't actually plan our trip until the vacation is secured. For us, this makes traveling more fun and spontaneous. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>HOPE THIS HELPS...

We have two timeshares with Fairfield, one at Lake Luke, NC and one at Myrtle Beach. We use the point system and Fairfield pays our RCI dues. We have traded all over the US and last summer went to Mitterfels, Germany. You do not save money by timesharing, but it makes you go since you paid for it ahead and the facilities are much nicer.

I agree with alot of the respondants in these areas: buy resale not from the developer, buy only "red" time or your exchange possibilities are diminished, don't be pressured, try to plan exchanges ahead. <BR>I have 3 weeks timeshares in Hawaii on Maui and Kauai and use them every year. I believe that those of us who love timeshares have bought them because we want to invest in our leisure time. I love staying in a condo instead of a hotel room, and would not pay the outladish hotel prices some resorts ask. Plus you have to eat out all your meals. If you buy timeshares be aware of the costs for maintenance fees and exchange fees. Also figure how long it takes to recoup your initial investment. Timeshares only pay off if you hold them for the long haul. At an average of 10,000-20,000 per week in the top areas, it takes a number of years to recoup that investment. Timeshares are a good deal if investing in leisure is a priority, you enjoy travel and going to different places, and you realize it does not pay off immediately. Don't buy as an investment to make money, rather as investing in your leisure.I am happy with my choice to invest in timeshares, as are many others. Everyone has to weigh the pros and cons, there are some of each. Nothing is all good or all bad.

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