New Orleans

[pigget74]

Has anyone ever traded points to stay here? Is it worth the trade?

 

[Dean]

Has anyone ever traded points to stay here? Is it worth the trade?

I think the individual would have to make the ultimate determination as to whether it was to them. I tend to make the determination based on quality and demand of each and the inherent cost/$$$ value of each. Personally I don't want to trade a BMW for a Chevy or 250 DVC points for something I could rent for $1000-1200. There are no top resorts in NO, even the 4 Gold Crown resorts are pushing it based on the fact there really aren't any good options. Personally I'd do one of several other things besides trading DVC points directly. I'd find a Bluegreen, Wyndham or Worldmark owner or an owner at one of the few top resorts there and trade directly, a studio should easily get you a 1 BR, possibly even just a studio for 5 nights or so. Or I'd rent out the points and pay cash for a private rental. Lastly I'd look at the independent exchange companies and see if I could trade something that was cheaper, say a studio and trade up using OKW for example.

 

[bwvBound]

We've stayed a few times at the Avenue Plaza (also known as Worldmark New Orleans and Wyndham Avenue Plaza) and once at Chateau Orleans. Each are offered through the DVC/RCI relationship although we did NOT book using DVC points. Of these, I prefer the Avenue Plaza's location on St. Charles Avenue, with streetcar service to the French Quarter. As a child, the Garden District, Audubon Park/Zoo and surrounds were my favorite memories of the New Orleans area (beyond my G'Ma's house in Algiers).

My Mother preferred the Chateau Orleans given its 'address' on Burgundy. The street itself meant something to her, although not that specific location. It is an easy walk into the French Quarter from this location - although possibly not a safe walk at night. (I felt uneasy in the few blocks surrounding this resort location but perfectly safe once I was inside the Chateau Orlean's gates). The Chateau Orleans has a lovely courtyard, nestled inside the property's brick walls, with swimming pool and shaded tables.

 

[a742246]

Has anyone ever traded points to stay here? Is it worth the trade?

New Orleans is a city where one weekend (a festival weekend ) can be 3-4 times the price of a non festival weekend. So technical trading thru RCI you can get your moneys worth or not all depends on what week you choose.

That said, most available weeks thru RCI are from the Summer to Late Fall months. There is less available units between January- May especially for 2 bedroom units.

New Orleans has some of the best festivals around. You have the Jazz Fest, Satchmo Summerfest, Congo Fest, Voo Doo Fest, and my favorite French Quarter Fest only to name a few.

With that said, Dean's suggestion of renting your dvc points and then renting someone's else's timeshare is your best bet. The reason you want to do this is because they can get you a prime week, if that is important to you, although Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras could be more difficult regardless.

If you plan on having a car and exploring the whole NO area then Avenue Plaza (they only have studios and 1 Bedrooms available) is your best bet. If you plan on only staying in the FQ then a FQ timeshare is your best bet.

New Orleans has a lot to offer besides the FQ so do your research.

 

[pigget74]

Thanks for your responses. I knew someone could help me understand this!