RCI exchange for HHI?

[MAGICX2]

We would like to go to HHI in June 2009. I am looking on the RCI link thru the member website and it just doesn't give me enough pictures of the different resorts to make a decision on where to stay. We have never been to HHI before and would like to stay beach front and close to stuff that DS 8 and DD 5 will enjoy. Any suggestions?

 

[Mom2Nick]

Why don't you want to stay at the DVC resort?

 

[Brian Noble]

I highly recommend TUG (www.tug2.net) For about $15 a year, you'll have access to a very large database of very detailed reviews.

Well worth the money.

 

[MAGICX2]

Why don't you want to stay at the DVC resort?

There is no direct beach access at the HHI DVC resort. You have to take a shuttle to the beach. Not to sound snooty but if I am going to vacation at the beach, I want to be able to walk out my door and just about be there. The idea of packing up all the stuff we would take down to the waterfront and getting on a mini-bus/van does not appeal to me at all.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I think Marriot's Monarch resort is the only beachfront resort in HHI that I am aware of available thru RCI as a DVC member. This resort has recently been refurbished...I would definitely stay there on an exchange.

 

[MAGICX2]

I think Marriot's Monarch resort is the only beachfront resort in HHI that I am aware of available thru RCI as a DVC member. This resort has recently been refurbished...I would definitely stay there on an exchange.

That's one of the resorts we are considering. The others are the Southwind II at Shipyard Plantations and Island Club-Seawatch.

 

[ldo]

Most resorts are not on the beach. Island Club is on the beach--but if you get a far unit, it's sort of far as far to walk to the beach--but I think they used to have little cubbies that you could leave beach stuff near the beach on the honor system (take old stuff no one wants). We stated there 15 years ago and the decor was pretty funky. I assume they have updated.
We have also stayed at Southwinds II---it is not near the beach--you have to walk (20+ minutes and not good with kids), or bike--pretty easy. I did not like the pool at Southwinds II.
For RCI resorts, I am partial to Waterside by Spinnaker. We traded in 2X and then bought one b/c we liked it so much. It is very good for toddler and school age kids--big zero entry pool, separate gated waterplay area and easy 7-10 minute walk down shaded back road to residential beach (never crowded, even 4th of July week), or shuttle ride to Coligny beach area, putt-putt across the street. Units are newish and large.
I also recommend joining TUG--you can get a lot of information to make a good choice.

 

[buzz5985]

There is no direct beach access at the HHI DVC resort. You have to take a shuttle to the beach. Not to sound snooty but if I am going to vacation at the beach, I want to be able to walk out my door and just about be there. The idea of packing up all the stuff we would take down to the waterfront and getting on a mini-bus/van does not appeal to me at all.

It's too bad you don't give the DVC resort a chance, especially with the ages of your children. They have so many activities geared toward that age group. Loved sitting on my balcony overlooking the marsh watching the dolphins come in to feed. We didn't take the shuttle to the beach - but we did take our car, it wasn't really a big deal at all. Good luck with your plans.

 

[50 years Too!]

It's too bad you don't give the DVC resort a chance, especially with the ages of your children. They have so many activities geared toward that age group. Loved sitting on my balcony overlooking the marsh watching the dolphins come in to feed. We didn't take the shuttle to the beach - but we did take our car, it wasn't really a big deal at all. Good luck with your plans.

I agree. What I loved about being at Disney was the contrast.
I felt like I was in two worlds. I loved the fact that the units felt like being at
Sunriver (desert in Oregon where I live) and just hop in the car or ride the bike (can rent at resort) and you are at the beach. And the beach house has everything you need to stay the entire day. Food, drink, pool, indoor space.
Wonderful!

Deb

 

[littlestar]

For RCI resorts, I am partial to Waterside by Spinnaker. We traded in 2X and then bought one b/c we liked it so much. It is very good for toddler and school age kids--big zero entry pool, separate gated waterplay area and easy 7-10 minute walk down shaded back road to residential beach (never crowded, even 4th of July week), or shuttle ride to Coligny beach area, putt-putt across the street. Units are newish and large.
I also recommend joining TUG--you can get a lot of information to make a good choice.

I've heard good things about Waterside by Spinnaker. I think they have the 1 in 4 rule in RCI.

 

[MAGICX2]

We seriously considered the HHI DVC resort, but for the one bedroom unit when we are going in June it is 259 points. For a two bedroom trade into RCI it is only 160 for the same time frame. We would also like to be walking distance to the beach. Seems like a no brainer. We would like to try the Villas at some point in the future, but maybe for a shorter stay or when the points are not so high.

 

[MAGICX2]

I've heard good things about Waterside by Spinnaker. I think they have the 1 in 4 rule in RCI.

What is the 1 in 4 rule?

 

[CarolA]

It's too bad you don't give the DVC resort a chance, especially with the ages of your children. They have so many activities geared toward that age group. Loved sitting on my balcony overlooking the marsh watching the dolphins come in to feed. We didn't take the shuttle to the beach - but we did take our car, it wasn't really a big deal at all. Good luck with your plans.

Just because it appears that "not wanting to stay at Disney" is getting "trashed"

I have the DVC resort a chance. Have no desire to stay there again!

However, to the OP. Good luck trading into HHI. I tried under II. No go!

I generally just rent a villa there.

 

[MAGICX2]

Just because it appears that "not wanting to stay at Disney" is getting "trashed"

I have the DVC resort a chance. Have no desire to stay there again!

However, to the OP. Good luck trading into HHI. I tried under II. No go!

I generally just rent a villa there.

I am worried about not being able to get in. We are talking about 6 months from now and when you can book at these resorts 2 years out it might be slim pickins!

 

[littlestar]

What is the 1 in 4 rule?

Normally Waterside at Spinnaker only lets other resorts trade in every 4 years. By the way, I see a May 30th through June 6th 2 bedroom in RCI for Waterside at Spinnaker on an RCI Getaway. It's priced at $1,223.99 on cash.

 

[Luv2trav]

Normally Waterside at Spinnaker only lets other resorts trade in every 4 years. By the way, I see a May 30th through June 6th 2 bedroom in RCI for Waterside at Spinnaker on an RCI Getaway. It's priced at $1,223.99 on cash.

Where do you find this information?

 

[littlestar]

Where do you find this information?

I have a regular paid membership with RCI (I own another timeshare besides DVC that will trade with RCI)

 

[Luv2trav]

I have a regular paid membership with RCI (I own another timeshare besides DVC that will trade with RCI)

Are these available to public to rent or just members? We are looking to rent something for a week in the summer at HHI..

 

[Brian Noble]

Just RCI Members. You can sometimes find a subset of the rci.com inventory for a few extra dollars here:

http://www.wyndham-vacations.com/

That particulary early-June 2BR is $1,570 there.

 

[CarolA]

That's steep IMHO. I do my renting via either one of the companies on the Island or VRBO. Rumor is that bookings are soft right now so I am thinking there might be some "deals" a little later on LOL!