RCI free week certificate

[edith76]

Has anyone who has won one of the RCI vacation certificates at a DVC event actually been able to use it?

 

[carlbarry]

Oh boy. I am also a Wyndham owner and was given one of those certificates a few years ago. The choices are very limited. A few weeks ago I read somewhere, I don't remember which web site, comments about how almost impossible it is to book something through that. One person had to fight to get their money back, as nothing was ever available.

 

[edith76]

I won this one on the member cruise but don;t have high hopes for being able to use it.

 

[Daddio]

We won a certificate a few years ago at the annual DVC Member's meeting. I agree, it was difficult to use, but we did stay somewhere with it. I think Vegas, but my memory is really faint.

That was the year DVC associated with RCI.

~ David

 

[JimMIA]

Oh boy. I am also a Wyndham owner and was given one of those certificates a few years ago. The choices are very limited. A few weeks ago I read somewhere, I don't remember which web site, comments about how almost impossible it is to book something through that. One person had to fight to get their money back, as nothing was ever available.

I don't know if this is the thread you are talking about, but there was a thread over on the TUG Wyndham board from a guy who had been given a free RCI week as an incentive to buy direct from Wyndham. He says he was specifically promised that he would be able to use it to exchange into DVC -- which of course never happened.

Several of us suggested that he just rescind the purchase, or if he was beyond the recision date to contact Wyndham corporate and demand cancellation of his purchase. (They void sales all the time because their sales force is so sleazy. They have a richly-deserved 'F" rating with the Better Business Bureau.)

He got some kind of solution for the issue, but still shot himself in the foot with the direct purchase.

OP's situation is different, I think. I'm sure if DVC gave the certificate to her, it's legit. The question would be what kinds of restrictions are on the free week, and whether those make a good exchange unlikely. Can't tell that from the sketchy info given.

 

[carlbarry]

I don't know if this is the thread you are talking about, but there was a thread over on the TUG Wyndham board from a guy who had been given a free RCI week as an incentive to buy direct from Wyndham. He says he was specifically promised that he would be able to use it to exchange into DVC -- which of course never happened.

Yes, that was it.

 

[Dean]

Has anyone who has won one of the RCI vacation certificates at a DVC event actually been able to use it?

It really depends on the certificate type. If it's the RCI bonus week you'll likely have a very difficult time plus you'll have to work by phone rather than online. What does it say on the certificate about lead time and restrictions? I have a lot more experience with II bonus weeks and have used them a number of times in past years for DVC stays.

 

[edith76]

I won it at one of those member "meetings" they have on cruises. This was on the member cruise. Usually they have stateroom credit but this time it was this rci cert. All it says is that it is for a week rci vacation (the Disney trades). The only restriction on it is can not be used within 30 miles of Disney World. However when I emailed my request - which was an off season, lower value resort - that was available - I got an email with some bs back. That made me suspicious so I bingged and found a lot of comments about how worthless these certs are. I don't think it is worth my time complaining to DVC about but it hasn;t given me any warm fuzzy feelings for DVC or RCI. Been long time members of both.

 

[Dean]

I won it at one of those member "meetings" they have on cruises. This was on the member cruise. Usually they have stateroom credit but this time it was this rci cert. All it says is that it is for a week rci vacation (the Disney trades). The only restriction on it is can not be used within 30 miles of Disney World. However when I emailed my request - which was an off season, lower value resort - that was available - I got an email with some bs back. That made me suspicious so I bingged and found a lot of comments about how worthless these certs are. I don't think it is worth my time complaining to DVC about but it hasn;t given me any warm fuzzy feelings for DVC or RCI. Been long time members of both.

Again, I'm not as versed in the RCI bonus weeks as with II but my understanding is (depending on the specific type) that they access the cash inventory (Extra Vacation and Last Call) which is different from exchange inventory. I've generally found II's bonus weeks to have some value though they've gotten more restrictive over the years. My last one expired unused and I have another likely to meet that fate coming up in a few months as well. There are plenty of inventory off season at reasonable but easily available places, I simply can't go to the places that are available. I'm sure those of us with access would be happy to check available inventory for members in this situation since DVC members can't check it directly though it should likely be done privately for anyone in need.

 

[edith76]

I'm familiar with both RCI and II. Actually been a member of RCI for more than 22 years. My II membership just lapsed but thinking about renewing as I am a fan of some of their resorts. (I spend way too much time on vacation - almost half of last year. LOL)

This cert. doesn't say anything about being a bonus certificate and there are not restrictions on it. Just got suspicious because RCI rep told me to call her, then it was emailing would be better, then she was away, then someone else emailed me..... Just was wondering if anyone else had won one of these and had issues also. It just would have been better if they had been honest upfront. Venting my frustration a bit. Thanks for listening.

 

[Dean]

I'm familiar with both RCI and II. Actually been a member of RCI for more than 22 years. My II membership just lapsed but thinking about renewing as I am a fan of some of their resorts. (I spend way too much time on vacation - almost half of last year. LOL)

This cert. doesn't say anything about being a bonus certificate and there are not restrictions on it. Just got suspicious because RCI rep told me to call her, then it was emailing would be better, then she was away, then someone else emailed me..... Just was wondering if anyone else had won one of these and had issues also. It just would have been better if they had been honest upfront. Venting my frustration a bit. Thanks for listening.

An age old timeshare debate has been whether bonus weeks are worth anything or not. The answer is yes to some, no to others. Basically it comes down to whether one can use them and be happy with inventory that would otherwise sit there. Bonus weeks and usage seem to be more consistent with II than RCI. II tends to give them out mostly for deposits enticements where RCI seems to be more related to purchase incentives and specialty situations. I've used many II bonus weeks including for DVC and HI, I don't believe I've ever had an RCI bonus week.