AZ Biltmore or Tanque Verde Ranch??

[bwvBound]

Given announced changes to the Concierge Collection -- we've got a fire under us to try at least one of these locations before they become unavailable through DVC. We've got 232 banked points to burn with an anniversary to celebrate in late February. Sounds like great reasons to try either one -- but which ... ???

Tanque Verde Ranch would be 72 points per night for the Deluxe Suite/Type 1 (with jetted tub) including meals and most activities. We could easily do 3 nights with a few points left-over to apply towards a (later) visit to the Grand Californian. We both ride -- and the Tanque Verde has long been on my "someday" list -- but I'm concerned that DH may be either bored or affected by "been there/done that" attitude given the similarities to our regular hangout at Warner Springs Ranch. (Comparing the two would be impossible to avoid ... and I'm somewhat concerned the Tanque Verde would be remembered as "just like home but missing the hot springs pool.")

AZ Biltmore starts at 53 points per night - but we'll pay out of pocket for meals and activities, etc. Current promotion offered: 5th night free. (Longer than we might have stayed -- but possible.)

Our original Anniversary plans included 4-5 nights in Canmore, Alberta. We've been before and enjoy the winter activities -- but had not yet booked airfare. The DVC changes have triggered a hard re-think as we have points available and could drive to either location.

We both agree we'd do either one ... and the decision seems to be coming down to food and activities. Any comments on the Ranch's menu or the Biltmore's eateries? Favorite suggestions on things to do from the Biltmore? (We don't golf -- but would probably try a Spa package.)

TIA!

 

[melk]

Given announced changes to the Concierge Collection -- we've got a fire under us to try at least one of these locations before they become unavailable through DVC. We've got 232 banked points to burn with an anniversary to celebrate in late February. Sounds like great reasons to try either one -- but which ... ???

I am unaware of the changes to the Concierge Collection. When will these be unavailable? We have tossed around the idea of these two resorts as well because we were thinking of a Grand Canyon trip eventually. Are they offering some other places in that area?

Thanks!

 

[eva]

Yes, where / when was this announcement made? We have always thought about trying Tanque Verde Ranch.

 

[bwvBound]

Both resorts are being removed from the Concierge Collection at the end of January 2008. Upcoming stays using DVC points will have to be booked before the end of January -- for travel before the end of May. I learned of the changes in the thread Member Getaways Changes started 12/13/07. Member Services confirmed the info yesterday when I called to check point values.

I am unaware of the changes to the Concierge Collection. When will these be unavailable? We have tossed around the idea of these two resorts as well because we were thinking of a Grand Canyon trip eventually. Are they offering some other places in that area?

Thanks!

Yes, where / when was this announcement made? We have always thought about trying Tanque Verde Ranch.

 

[goldilocks_63]

I guess I'll have to do it cash....

Another good option taken away....

Ugh...
Companing the CA to the AZ ranch, anyone have an opinion as to which has a better kids (age 10) program?

Thanks, Goldi

 

[bwvBound]

Threads with reviews of either the Tanque Verde and/or AZ Biltmore:

• Just Back from Tanque Verde Ranch and Arizona Biltmore, Mar-05
• Anyone been to Tanque Verde Ranch?, Sep-05
• Tanque Verde Ranch April 7-12, Apr-07 <- Thorough Review!
• Arizona Biltmore Spa?, Apr-05
• Biltmore in Phoenix, Apr-05
• Rate the Concierge Collection?!?, Nov-06

Will edit to add others as I find them ...

 

[wintergreen]

We have stayed at Tanque Verde twice, and Arizona Biltmore once (see my review, top one on list in post, above). We liked them both, and I am very sad to see them go as choices to trade to. Very different experiences. As you mentioned, just about everything is included at Tanque Verde, including meals, riding, guided hikes, etc. The food there is quite good, but not gourmet. The riding is good, although depending on what time of year you go (both of our visits were during spring break), it can be quite crowded. The accommodations are pretty basic, but comfortable (no televisions for instance).

The Arizona Biltmore is a much more upscale experience, although your points will not include anything other than the room. Lovely place, and if you are a fan of the Frank Lloyd Wright style of architecture, you will be in heaven. There is a spa there, but we did not use it. The food in the restaurants was very good, but very expensive.

I would highly recommend using your points for one of these resorts before they disappear from the list. We might never have stayed at either one if we had not been able to use our points to stay there.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Another good option taken away....

Probably can't blame this on DVC, but on those resorts themselves. Usually when options like that are taken away it is because it isn't a good profit idea for the other resort. If they are having trouble meeting their own requests, it is not in their best interest to try and provide something for a group of DVCers.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Probably can't blame this on DVC, but on those resorts themselves. Usually when options like that are taken away it is because it isn't a good profit idea for the other resort. If they are having trouble meeting their own requests, it is not in their best interest to try and provide something for a group of DVCers.

Yep. Actually, I thought the Tanque Verde was being taken off a couple of years ago. TV has a tremendous following from all around the world. I think they have probably become totally sustainable with their own reservations.

This place is definitely in our top 5 of all vacations. Don't know when, but we will be going back at some time.

 

[bwvBound]

Companing the CA to the AZ ranch, anyone have an opinion as to which has a better kids (age 10) program?

I think the TVR wins by default.

WSR is a private club with too few guests to support a fully developed kid's program. They do offer "Horse Camp" during the summer weeks: 5 full days of riding instructions, games on horseback, grooming, (etc) with a horse show for the parents on Friday. They also host "age appropriate" programs over specific holidays such as New Years. Other than that ... the weekly event planner shows a smattering of youth activities (arts, crafts, competitions, scavenger hunts, etc) -- but these aren't strung together as full-day programs.

 

[goldilocks_63]

Booked TVR for Oct. 11 -18 (over columbus day weekend, so we only miss 3 days of school verses 5).

Hubby staying home, so just me a DD.

If I fly into Tuscon, they have free shuttle (for stays 4 days or more). Got the smallest room - $370 / night w/3 meals, riding, and tennis. - 2 singles, plus takes which I think we'll take it to $400 /night.


TVR said that we should be able to use DVC option thru end of year, but DVC says no, only thru May.

Points would have been 47 I think... but with taxes (8 % + 15 gratuity), it would have been okay use of points.

I"m looking forward to the trip. Yea!

Goldi

Anyone else with DD-10 they want to come and ride with us?

 

[bwvBound]

Points would have been 47 I think... but with taxes (8 % + 15 gratuity), it would have been okay use of points.

The room we want runs $690/night plus 8% taxes and 15% gratuity. I consider DVC's 72pt/night + $95 exchange fee to be a good trade. (Especially as I'm trying to burn out 320 "free" points from a recent add-on.)

 

[drakethib]

Given announced changes to the Concierge Collection -- we've got a fire under us to try at least one of these locations before they become unavailable through DVC. We've got 232 banked points to burn with an anniversary to celebrate in late February. Sounds like great reasons to try either one -- but which ... ???

Tanque Verde Ranch would be 72 points per night for the Deluxe Suite/Type 1 (with jetted tub) including meals and most activities. We could easily do 3 nights with a few points left-over to apply towards a (later) visit to the Grand Californian. We both ride -- and the Tanque Verde has long been on my "someday" list -- but I'm concerned that DH may be either bored or affected by "been there/done that" attitude given the similarities to our regular hangout at Warner Springs Ranch. (Comparing the two would be impossible to avoid ... and I'm somewhat concerned the Tanque Verde would be remembered as "just like home but missing the hot springs pool.")

AZ Biltmore starts at 53 points per night - but we'll pay out of pocket for meals and activities, etc. Current promotion offered: 5th night free. (Longer than we might have stayed -- but possible.)

Our original Anniversary plans included 4-5 nights in Canmore, Alberta. We've been before and enjoy the winter activities -- but had not yet booked airfare. The DVC changes have triggered a hard re-think as we have points available and could drive to either location.

We both agree we'd do either one ... and the decision seems to be coming down to food and activities. Any comments on the Ranch's menu or the Biltmore's eateries? Favorite suggestions on things to do from the Biltmore? (We don't golf -- but would probably try a Spa package.)

TIA!

My 2 cents.

We stayed at AZ Biltmore a while back and paid cash for about 200 per night (maybe a little less).

It is a gorgeous place.

With that being said, I would not burn 53 points per night on the place. Heck you could transfer your points out and get $10 per point.

The restaurants at the Biltmore are great, but be prepared to pay some big $$$ for meals (makes WDW prices look cheap).

Just my 2 cents.