How to reserve at Concierge Collection

[jorez]

Thinking about staying at the Grand on Mackinaw Island and saving the airfare.
1. How hard is it to use points to stay in September?
2. How do I use points to stay there.
3. I know its not a good use of points, but a room for 2 is 420 a night, so its close to the 55 points per night.

Thank you

 

[Kevin&Randall]

Using any Concierge Collection is fairly easy. I have used the Collection a few times. Most times Member Services was able to confirm I had a reservation within a day or two. I guess they have to call the other hotel and make a rservation. The point trade out always seems high, but I find the hotels Disney uses worth the exchange.

Randall

 

[debbie in Seattle]

You know, I thought I'd use the Concierge Collection for my upcoming trip to AZ for one night. I called, no biggie, then got told how many points PLUS the $95 fee, decided I'd save my points and add a few more bucks and stay somewhere else.

 

[Dean]

Thinking about staying at the Grand on Mackinaw Island and saving the airfare.
1. How hard is it to use points to stay in September?
2. How do I use points to stay there.
3. I know its not a good use of points, but a room for 2 is 420 a night, so its close to the 55 points per night.

Thank you

I'd agree that for a 3 night or more stay and given $420 vs 55 points, I'd be tempted to use my points. That's a return right at $8 per point. However, I'd be willing to bet you could get the price down to around the low to mid $300's per night for two plus tax and in that scenario, I would not use points. Look at expedia, travelocity, call them directly or email and try AAA and Sam's travel. Get your best info then decide.

 

[dvc-NE]

Dean:

I just booked 3 nights at the Sagamore in August. Our book said 51 pts a night. When I called MS she said my child would be an extra 9 pts per night. So instead of 153, it's 180 for points. The rack rate for a lodge suite from their website seems to be $500-$577. As far as I can tell, there are no activities or food attached. 60 pts a night is causing my wife to think it's too much for just lodging. We spent one night at the Tanque Verde Ranch in Az once for about $700 cash, but it included meals and all activities. I know my $95 to book is gone no matter what, but I am actually thinking about cancelling. I've been wanting to stay there for a while, and we will not need airfare. The place looks great, but I'm just thinking it may be a little rich for my blood. Any thoughts? Matt

 

[Dean]

Dean:

I just booked 3 nights at the Sagamore in August. Our book said 51 pts a night. When I called MS she said my child would be an extra 9 pts per night. So instead of 153, it's 180 for points. The rack rate for a lodge suite from their website seems to be $500-$577. As far as I can tell, there are no activities or food attached. 60 pts a night is causing my wife to think it's too much for just lodging. We spent one night at the Tanque Verde Ranch in Az once for about $700 cash, but it included meals and all activities. I know my $95 to book is gone no matter what, but I am actually thinking about cancelling. I've been wanting to stay there for a while, and we will not need airfare. The place looks great, but I'm just thinking it may be a little rich for my blood. Any thoughts? Matt

There's no doubt these world class hotels/Inn's such as on those on the CC are a lot of money either points or cash. The first decision for most should be whether to do it period, then what is the best value. My goal in any of these discussions is to have a well educated DVC member who knows what they are getting and what their options are. In this case I'd look at the potential discounts, just like I mentioned above for the Grand. I'd NEVER use rack rates to compare unless I would actually pay rack rates and there were no discounts applicable to my situation.

 

[dvc-NE]

There's no doubt these world class hotels/Inn's such as on those on the CC are a lot of money either points or cash. The first decision for most should be whether to do it period, then what is the best value. My goal in any of these discussions is to have a well educated DVC member who knows what they are getting and what their options are. In this case I'd look at the potential discounts, just like I mentioned above for the Grand. I'd NEVER use rack rates to compare unless I would actually pay rack rates and there were no discounts applicable to my situation.

Thanks Dean. Yeah, I wouldn't be willing to pay rack rates either. The Tanque Verde Dude Ranch was an exception, however as we we on vaction visiting my sister. Believe me, we spent as much time there as humanly possible before we left. I would not pay $300 per night for the DVC
studios either, that's why we joined DVC. But there must be people out there willing to spend that kind of money.