Swapping points for an RCI all-inclusive - bad idea?

[Orsba]

My wife and I are brand new owners at BLT (or about to be, we just got our papers and about to send them back). We are celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary next April and were thinking about a romantic trip for the two of us to someplace tropical. The Sandals resort in Jamaica and Moon Palace resort in Cancun appealed to us, both for their beauty and the fact that we would not need to pay for anything else (due to them being all-inclusive resorts).

However, I am seeing some posts around the boards that swapping out for an RCI property is not a good use of points. We just returned from WDW a week ago and are looking forward to several years of visits there, but wanted something a bit more low key and relaxing than WDW for this special anniversary. Any thoughts regarding this use of points?

Also, how can we tell what "season" it would be at these resorts? It would be great if it was low or mid season in April instead of high season and would cost us fewer points. Thanks in advance!

 

[Chuck S]

Another problem with the All-Inclusives, is that at many resorts you are charged the all-inclusive fee by the resort separately from the room, and often those resorts charge as much for just the all-inclusive fee as they would for a cash reservation that included the fee. So not a wise use of points.

RCI is not the best use of DVC Points on a regular basis, but for an occasional trade, it's OK. But I really wouldn't trade to an all-inclusive.

There are many much cheaper timeshares out there that will trade every bit as well with RCI, if your main interest is trading to other locations.

For an all-inclusive, I'd try pricing a cash reservation through the individual resorts website, or a travel agent, then see what their all-inclusive fee would be for an RCI trade before I committed to RCI.

 

[Orsba]

Thanks for the quick reply! Let me get this straight - if we swap to say, Sandals, all we are getting is the room. We will be charged extra for the "all inclusive" part of it (food, drinks, recreation, etc.)?

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks for the quick reply! Let me get this straight - if we swap to say, Sandals, all we are getting is the room. We will be charged extra for the "all inclusive" part of it (food, drinks, recreation, etc.)?

I'm not sure about specific resorts, that would be a question for Member Services. I do know that it has been reported here that there are separate All-Inclusive fees charged at several RCI trade locations as a surcharge to RCI exchanges. Just as DVC charges inbound RCI guests a $95 resort services surcharge.

 

[Chuck S]

Here is a link to the RCI All-Inclusive resorts, and their mandatory fees:

http://ai.rci.com/

Bear in mind that not all of these resorts are available to DVC Members through the World Passport collection.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I thought I remember seeing the per day charge right on the RCI site when using the Disney pass through (member site) on all-inclusives because I was actually a little shocked.

UPDATE: Yes you can see them through the DVC Member services pass through, as well as the season variations. I just checked on particular one:

Casitas Royale (#6291) - Carretera Cancún-Tulum Kilómetro 45 Fraccionamiento 4 ; Fraccionamiento III, Lote 15 ; Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo 77710

Season Information
WHITE
Sep 02, 2009 - Sep 30, 2009

RED
Sep 30, 2009 - Sep 02, 2010

All Inclusive: Mandatory

May-01-2009 Aug-27-2009 Adult Fee: US $3400.00
Fee Type - Weekly

Aug-28-2009 Dec-17-2009 Adult Fee: US $3262.00
Fee Type - Weekly

For most tropical locations, outside of September you'll probably find Red Season all year long (highest priced). September is low season because of the Hurricane threat.

 

[Dean]

The fees for most are on the RCI website either under the listing and/or when you select a unit for trade. They are all different. MOST exchange options are not a good deal and I can't think of any AI option that is a good deal for DVC exchanges. However, you must look at each one individually and decide for yourself. One thing about Sandals is they are adult only which may be good for some, not for others. AI are notoriously easy to trade to though the Sandals may be an exception. If you want an AI resort, look for an II and/or RCI member you have an acquaintance with and see if they can get you something as a getaway. Or talk to one of the independent exchange companies like SFX, Dial an exchange or TPI and see if you can get a getaway yourself directly.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Here is a link to the RCI All-Inclusive resorts, and their mandatory fees:

http://ai.rci.com/

Bear in mind that not all of these resorts are available to DVC Members through the World Passport collection.

Wow. It looks as if the Paradisus Playa Conchal is no longer on the list. Not only were the fees not bad....DH and I love the resort.

Shucks! DH was really looking forward to Costa Rica.