BEWARE when trading for RCI All-Inclusives

[rsimon]

We have been involved with RCI in the past with other timeshares and so knew about this from back then but we thought we would check again now that DVC is trading into RCI. DVC has selected properties that are "premium" which is nice, but some of them have a mandatory all-inclusive price that you still have to pay.

Having to pay for the all-inclusive in itself isn't the problem, however the value with some of those properties has to be looked at closely. In at least one case, it is actually cheaper to go directly to the hotel (yes it is a hotel, not a real timeshare property) and book direct vs paying the RCI mandatory fee for all-inclusive at the same property. PLUS you have to give up your DVC points in the process.

If you want to see for yourself an example, check out the Palace Resorts in Cozumel. For 2 adults and a 16 year old, RCI will actually cost more PLUS your DVC points than if you just went direct to the Palace Resorts web site and booked it direct.

I am really surprised DVC didn't negotiate more value for its members with RCI, but sadly this was also the case when we owned other RCI properties so it is nothing new..

Just make sure you evalute the REAL value you are getting and all the costs before giving up your valuable DVC points for that RCI trade. If you are like me and don't think this is right, please let member services know so maybe they can either negotiate better values for us with RCI or take those kinds of properties off the list.

 

[CarolA]

I agree. I have looked at some of them and while some are a good deal other's aren't so you do have to "shop around"

 

[tomandrobin]

I have also been warning members to be leary of the AI fees and how you can book the resorts much, much cheaper directly or thru a travel agent.

 

[Starr W.]

Those AI exchanges are not worth it, I ran the numbers a few times. You'd be better off going through a TA or Costco travel.

 

[fers31]

As I've mentioned when this has been brought up in other posts, it seems that you will almost ALWAYS do better booking on your own for one of the all-inclusives. From what I've seen, the price they've got you paying for the food portion normally comes close to covering the all in price (including the hotel part of the stay)

 

[rsimon]

Apparently (this is only based on my guide's comments) this is not known within the DVC rank and file employees. In fact, he made a comment that DVC was attempting with its RCI relationship to give members more AI options "as members have been requesting."

I hope DVC does something about this or takes the properties off their "list" because it would be sad to see someone give up their points AND pay close to or even more than the cost would be if they booked direct.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Thanks for the heads up on this. DH is really interested in trading into an all inclusive resort.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Thank you for posting.

Will DVC tell you about the fees when you book or are they listed?

It would be sad for someone to get to the resort and be hit with a big fee.

I had to ask about any fees with my recent II exchange (deposit before the switch) so just wondering if they are upfront about it or is it one of those "do your homework" things.

So basically you are paying full value in cash fees and throwing in your points too

 

[dzorn]

Nothing like DVC giving our points away for nothing.

Thanks for the warning

Denise in MI

 

[Starr W.]

Thank you for posting.

Will DVC tell you about the fees when you book or are they listed?

It would be sad for someone to get to the resort and be hit with a big fee.

I had to ask about any fees with my recent II exchange (deposit before the switch) so just wondering if they are upfront about it or is it one of those "do your homework" things.

So basically you are paying full value in cash fees and throwing in your points too

If you look at the RCI directory on line, most of the AI resorts have listed their fees.
Personally I would do my own research and I don't think MS is up to speed on RCI yet. I made one call to them the other year about II and

AI or regular resort that's why I don't trade my DVC points, I don't like to depend on someone else to set up my searches, plus I like to poke around in RCI/II for those "just deposited" gems.

 

[rsimon]

Thank you for posting.

Will DVC tell you about the fees when you book or are they listed?

It would be sad for someone to get to the resort and be hit with a big fee.

I had to ask about any fees with my recent II exchange (deposit before the switch) so just wondering if they are upfront about it or is it one of those "do your homework" things.

So basically you are paying full value in cash fees and throwing in your points too

DVC should tell you about all the fees.. RCI's site tells you about them too.. The trick is, to go to through a travel agent or even direct to the resort and check their prices against all the fees through RCI. From my experience any resort that isn't really a "Time Share" will have horrible fees through RCI.

RCI has made deals with some resorts. Like my example of the Palace Resorts, they are basically hotels with all junior suits and above. So RCI has made some deal with this property (or so it seems). In truth though, RCI collects more money from you than if you booked direct and they will also take your points.. So if that is 160 points that would be an additional $1600+ in point value they are taking also.

Just be careful if you book one. The reality of it is, you will probably do better without the RCI trade and be able to keep your DVC points.

 

[CarolA]

As I've mentioned when this has been brought up in other posts, it seems that you will almost ALWAYS do better booking on your own for one of the all-inclusives. From what I've seen, the price they've got you paying for the food portion normally comes close to covering the all in price (including the hotel part of the stay)

Well not "always" Try high season (Christmas week) for example. One of the one's I looked at the fee was $85 a night. The room rate for that week about $350 to 400!

(I won't rent to bring in cash so that's not really a trade that I would consider like others....)

 

[Dean]

Every option must be evaluated on it's own merit. Do your homework. Certainly many are not worth it and often you can get in as cheaply without using your points as with using your points. I remember one that was over $3K for a week for Xmas 2009 for two people. And remember you're locking yourself into a resort which is not such a big deal in some places but it would be a shame to limit your dining choices for Cancun, OV or similar. Within the year we will see more than one post where someone traded and didn't like the buffet food that they overpaid for.

Do your homework and investigate yourself. Don't rely on DVC or you deserve what you get. One thing to point out is that RCI doesn't have anything to do with the AI fees, they do not get a cut of it, it all goes to the resort. Remember that what is included with one AI will be totally different from another. Some also have minimum occupancy payments. For a 2 BR you may have to pay for 4 people even if there is only 2 going.

Think of it like the dining plan. If you will take advantage of a lot of the recreation inclusions and/or drink a lot; you may indeed get a good value.

 

[rsimon]

Well not "always" Try high season (Christmas week) for example. One of the one's I looked at the fee was $85 a night. The room rate for that week about $350 to 400!

(I won't rent to bring in cash so that's not really a trade that I would consider like others....)

FYI.. I didn't check Christmas week in my example.. but I was checking spring break time which is high season in Cozumel/Cancun... It was cheaper going direct to the resort vs RCI.. So I would imagine during low season the diference will be even more.