RCI exchange fees charged to DVC members?

[bwvBound]

We recently returned from a 9n stay split between points (VWL) and RCI exchange (BWV). Going through the charges, I noticed I was never charged for the $95 inbound-exchange guest fee nor was I charged for the two days we used the internet during our week at BWV. Are these fees still being charged to inbound-exchange guests who are DVC members?

I have reason to suspect they may have been "removed" administratively as quiet compensation for the problems we had with our room's A/C unit. The motor and filters were replaced -- which required 5 separate visits to our room from maintenance over 2 days. In all, maint and front desk staff were each very gracious and I received a wonderful plate of chocolates to "sweeten my stay." (They worked!!! ) But I wonder if someone didn't also wave a magic wand on the three fees I had expected to pay??

 

[CarolMN]

AFAIK, anyone who exchanges in from RCI has to pay the fee. Exchangers do not qualify for free internet either, AFAIK.

So maybe someone did waive those fees for you in addition to the chocolate.

 

[Brian Noble]

Every once in a while, an inbound RCI exchange is coded as a Guest-of-Member stay. This is not correct, but it does happen. You'll get comped the internet, and your KTTW will say "DVC Member" on it. I last had this happen to me in the days when you had to call II and pay in advance, but it is possible that such stays also aren't charged the $95 now that it is collected on check-in.

So either you got lucky, or you got comped. Every inbound exchange is supposed to pay for it (and pay for any Internet usage, etc.), Member or not.

 

[Dean]

We recently returned from a 9n stay split between points (VWL) and RCI exchange (BWV). Going through the charges, I noticed I was never charged for the $95 inbound-exchange guest fee nor was I charged for the two days we used the internet during our week at BWV. Are these fees still being charged to inbound-exchange guests who are DVC members?

I have reason to suspect they may have been "removed" administratively as quiet compensation for the problems we had with our room's A/C unit. The motor and filters were replaced -- which required 5 separate visits to our room from maintenance over 2 days. In all, maint and front desk staff were each very gracious and I received a wonderful plate of chocolates to "sweeten my stay." (They worked!!! ) But I wonder if someone didn't also wave a magic wand on the three fees I had expected to pay??

They normally charge the $95 fee separately and up front on check in. Check your CC bill.

 

[Brian Noble]

It shows up on the itemized day-of-departure bill, though, doesn't it? I vageuly recall that it does (along with the credit from paying for it at check in.)

I could be wrong---I don't have one with me.

 

[Dean]

It shows up on the itemized day-of-departure bill, though, doesn't it? I vageuly recall that it does (along with the credit from paying for it at check in.)

I could be wrong---I don't have one with me.

Usually lately but not always.

 

[bwvBound]

... and your KTTW will say "DVC Member" on it.

My KTTW card from BWV did not show the "DVC Member" designation. But now thinking back, nothing about the $95 fee was mentioned during my check-in which was a heavily monitored process conducted by two staff members: one in training with the trainer right behind him.

They normally charge the $95 fee separately and up front on check in. Check your CC bill.

I checked my credit card statement and recent activity starting from my check-in date. I'll go back and review charges since March 2009 - the date when my exchange request was confirmed.

It shows up on the itemized day-of-departure bill, though, doesn't it?

In this case, nothing regarding these three fees was mentioned on the departure invoice. I have seen the $95 fee itemized on the departure invoice when exchanging in through II -- even when I had paid the fee months in advance directly through MS.

Thanks all for the comments and dialog.

 

[Dean]

I checked my credit card statement and recent activity starting from my check-in date. I'll go back and review charges since March 2009 - the date when my exchange request was confirmed.

It is normally charged on arrival day, as Brian points out, it has been showing up on the bill lately, didn't used to though. If they had given compensation I would have expected a credit and the charge. Sounds like you lucked out. IMO this is the way they should treat members staying on an exchange anyway. Most systems recognize members trading back in and often cut them a break if applicable though it depends on specifics.