What's going on with Skyauction?

[Daffiny]

I"ve been checking Skyauction recently. Usually 6 pages will come up for my dates. Last night, I was checking dates and only 3 pages came up. Then I realized there was a new line under the Search Property sign. A line appeared which stated, "Click here to view inventory at an additional charge". Some of the timeshares that I like such as SummerBay were listed under there. You can still access other timeshares at no additional cost. I have never seen this before. Are the additional charges per stay? Has anyone else seen this?

 

[spiceycat]

sometimes the owner of the timeshares will object - greatly at skyauction prices.

that is why Hilton Grand Vacation CLubs no longer appear on it.

this I think is a way to get more money out of you - and rci can still here the manager of the property that they are BETTER.

my opinion means nothing.

 

[Daffiny]

Thanks, Spiceycat. Thankfully, we've already gotten our condo but I can't resist checking out whats available. They always have great deals. Glad to know you don't think this will have an effect.

 

[spiceycat]

oh it will to us - but - from RCI it is better to kept the managers happy otherwise they might go to II.

which several have done.

II is definitely more expensive than rci

here is II version of skyauction, and other internets selling that rci does

www.condodirect.com

 

[lawgs]

oh it will to us - but - from RCI it is better to kept the managers happy otherwise they might go to II.

which several have done.

II is definitely more expensive than rci

here is II version of skyauction, and other internets selling that rci does

www.condodirect.com

some of the additional costs....on top of the price of the rci redemption certificate through skyauction add 250 to the cost ...eg Oasis Lakes at the foundation you can have for an additional 250, Cypress Pointe an additional charge over and above the Slyauction price of 220 additional

the deals on skyauction will not be as good for the better resorts now....

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Yes, I went ahead and bought two certificates at the last sale before I knew about this. I was thinking of calling and trying to cancel it, but I think I will hold on to them. We only need a 1 bedroom and that will be the least difficult to get at the $199. I see all of the 2 bedroom and nicer areas are for the additonal charge. Some for $7 per night ($49 for the week) and some for quite a lot higher. I wonder as dates get closer if there is still unused inventory if they will start to switch the addtl charge units to the base stock? The other concern I have, I was hoping to use them next Fall 09 and you must book by May 09. I hope there is some stock listed by May. they dont seem to do too well that far out. Live and learn. Grammy

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Did anyone else buy one? What do you think? Grammy

 

[muffyn]

Did anyone else buy one? What do you think? Grammy

yea I also have one I am waiting to use (for feb 09)
& was really po'd when I checked the inventory on their site.. they have tons avail in jan-feb for an extra $300-500++++..egads

but I looked through the inventory for this oct nov & saw plenty of 2 & 3 bedrooms avail for those months. I think you need to wait till really close to your dates to pick ( well not that close but 3 months I say has the best inventory).

now, you might have big problems since you must use by may 09!!! the inventory might not be there.
MY suggestion,,,,,,,,,,, is call them & find out what they will do if you do NOT get an inventory...... ask them when you can finally get your refund back & then look for ANOTHER certificate on sale in the meantime ( they should have another sale this holiday season) & buy that one that will have a much closer time to book to your dates before it 'dies'

 

[Daffiny]

Ouch! With those prices - its almost better to deal with Condodirect. Thanks for the link Spiceycat.

I've gotten a couple of great deals with Skyauction. I would tease dh that it was almost too good to be true. Our last trip we purchased the certificate with the restaurant voucher for Ran Getzu. I loved that restaurant. Plum wine, filet mignon and Crème Brulée is never a bad thing. Even dh was impressed. Guess our vacations will be back to our 3 night/4 day stays of the past.

Grammy, I hope you'll be able to use your certificates without any big fees attached.

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Thanks Daf and Muffyn, I think I am going to call them just to find out if I have any recourse if the inventory for next isnt out by May. I also thought it was too good to be true, but will enjoy the two we are using this fall. VRBO may end up having the best deals, or maybe skyauction will drop off so with the high fees that they will drop them back down. Another site I have looked at but not used is the Gov Employees Travel opoportunities. They seem to have had the ususal rci lower price things at about $329. I have to check to see it they have gone up as well. Best to All Grammy