Archive for the ‘Travel Destinations’ Category

New Timeshare Resort: Grand Lodges Mount Hood Timeshare Resort

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Interval International recently announced the addition of Grand Lodge to its network of resorts.  Grand Lodges Mount Hood is tucked into Oregon’s Cascade Mountain Range just a few miles from Mt. Hood that offers year-round downhill and cross-country skiing.  The resort is being sold as fractional, with a minimum 3 week purchase, starting at $49,900.  Grand Lodges Bedroom

“The central location of Grand Lodges adjacent to three ski areas is ideal for our upscale members, who will have the opportunity to visit this high-quality ski-in/ski-out resort,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International. “This destination offers a wonderful variety of recreational options, including an extensive night skiing area at Mt. Hood Skibowl and summer skiing at Timberline Palmer Snow Field.”

Since it is being sold as fractional, it typically means that for exchangers we’ll have a harder time getting either the winter or summer weeks.  Fractional resorts usually package together the prime with the not so prime weeks when sold.  For instance, the 3 week package probably contains 1 winter ski week, 1 summer week and 1 spring or fall week.  The week most likely to get deposited with Interval International is the spring or fall week-at least for the first 4 or 5 years.  After that, we can expect to see some winter and summer weeks up for exchange.

If you jump on it right away, it’s possible to exchange into the Grand Lodges, even in prime time, because the developer’s usually have more inventory than owners.  They give some of that inventory to II to fill their rooms and as a way to market them as well.  But you’ll need to jump on it now and maximize your exchange power.

The resort has 16 open-plan units with three different floor plans that range from 1,800 to 2,300 square feet.  The units include three bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and a private balcony with access from the master bedroom and living room, as well as offer a rustic elegant style with Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and Cascadian stone fireplaces in most units.

The developer of Grand Lodges and managing member of Mt. Hood LLC II, Kirk Hanna says, “Our vision was to create the ultimate balance between a getaway retreat and a comfortable home,” Kirk Hanna is also the owner of Mt. Hood Skibowl and continued to say, “Units are acoustically engineered to give owners a quiet appreciation of the stunning panoramas. The on-site recreation center and full-service concierge and spa will provide first-class pampering. And, our affiliation with Interval International completes the picture by expanding our owners’ vacation options to other quality locations worldwide.”

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 10 FREE videos on getting better timeshare exchanges in RCI and II go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

Join me on:

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Disney names its Hawaii resort ‘Aulani’

Sunday, January 24th, 2010
The new Disney hotel and timeshare resort is progressing nicely. They’ve given its first family destination resort in Hawaii a Hawaiian name — Aulani.

Disney Senior Vice President Joe Rohde said Tuesday that “aulani” means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”

Located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development, Aulani is to include 360 hotel rooms and 481 timeshare vacation villas. The first phase is to open in fall 2011.

Recreational highlights include pools, hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon, play programs for children and a river suitable for tube floating.

The resort will also have an 18,000-square-foot spa, two restaurants, a 14,545-square-foot conference center and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues.

With 481 timeshare villas expect to see some weeks showing up in RCI available for exchange.  Unfortunately, it will take 3-5 years before any appreciable amount weeks are deposited.  And you’ll have to really supercharge your exchange power and request very early to have a chance of getting in.Disney Timeshare Resort Hawaii

In addition, the fourth installment of the popular Disney movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean” series is scheduled for filming in Hawaii during the summer of 2010. Johnny Depp will return to his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in “On Stranger Tides.” The film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, is estimated to mean roughly $85 million to the economy of Hawaii.

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Jeff Pierce The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 10 FREE videos, a $97 value, on getting a better exchange in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

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Westgate Planet Hollywood Timeshare Opens

Monday, December 21st, 2009
Westgate Planet Hollywood Towers

Westgate Planet Hollywood Towers

The long-awaited 52-story Westgate residential, vacation ownership, and timeshare resort, PH Towers at Planet Hollywood, officially opened this week.  Grand opening of the 1,200 room resort began with room availability to timeshare owners and will be followed on December 28 by rooms available to the general public.

The first 20 timeshare owners of Planet Hollywood’s PH Towers by Westgate checked in Friday morning, marking the first of several residential tower openings over the next few months.

Westgate Resorts Chief Operating Officer Mark Waltrip said the tower is open this week for the 200 timeshare owners who purchased for the last two weeks of 2009. An estimated 500 units will be open by Christmas with the rest of the tower open by Jan. 1, Waltrip said.

The resort’s timeshare units account for approximately 20 percent of the total number of rooms at the property and include studio timeshare units, and one and two bedroom timeshare units. Many feature dramatic city views with floor to ceiling windows, marble accented bathrooms, spa tubs, and other luxury amenities.  But perhaps the real draw of Las Vegas timeshare at the PH Towers is its location at the heart of the Vegas Strip, on four acres next to the Miracle Mile Shops. At build out, you’ll find some 170 specialty stores and thirty restaurants in what Westgate timeshares describes as “retail bliss” for the “semipro shopper”.

Ownership amenities including an exotic tropical pool complete with sandy beach and private cabanas, an elite 46th floor pool for the exclusive penthouse suites, and a world class fitness facility, restaurants, onsite casino and marketplace/deli.

About 80 percent of the tower will be used as hotel rooms and will welcome guests Dec. 28 and officially celebrate the tower’s grand opening in early January.  Waltrip said rates will range from the low $100s to $600s. Guests will have direct access to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and Miracle Mile Shops.

The Resort will be connected to the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino which will give our guests direct access to amenities such as the all new Planet Hollywood Casino, twelve premium restaurants featuring an eclectic range of cuisine and a full-service shopping mall with over 140 shops.

Interval International is the exchange company for the PH Towers at Planet Hollywood.  Typically, for a new timeshare of this quality, I’d expect it would be a difficult exchange, but Westgate is going through some difficult times and is getting a lot of bad press.  There are already many resales for this property and it just opened so after the initial rush of owners wanting to stay there I think we’ll see good exchange availability.

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 10 FREE videos on getting better timeshare exchanges in RCI and II go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

Join me on:

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Exchange Your Timeshare To Exotic Dubai

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Palm Island Jumeirah

Palm Island Jumeirah

How about doing something really out there next year for your timeshare exchange by going to Dubai instead of Orlando?  Come to think of it, Dubai just may  be the Orlando of Arabia- as opposed to the Lawrence- although much more upscale.  Timeshares are big business in Dubai and Interval International has 4  resorts there under affiliation.

Considered the 8th wonder of the world, the man-made Palm Island is what put Dubai on the map as a tourist destination.  It consists of a trunk, a crown with 17 fronds, and a surrounding crescent island that forms an 11 kilometer-long breakwater. The island itself is 5 kilometers by 5 kilometers. It will add 78 kilometers to the Dubai coastline. The first phase of development on the Palm Jumeirah will create 4,000 residences with a combination of villas and apartments over the next 3 to 4 years.

The Royal Club at Palm-Jumeirah is located on the western side of the trunk-considered the hub of Palm Island.  A 50 meter wide canal gently weaves its way down the trunk past boutique hotels, upscale designer shops and restaurants and some of the priciest real estate in the world.

Another wonder to behold in Dubai is the Burj al Arab, one of the tallest and certainly most unique hotels in the world.

One of the tallest hotels in the world

One of the tallest hotels in the world

Construction of Burj Al Arab began in 1994. It was built to resemble the sail of a dhow a type of Arabian vessel. Two “wings” spread in a V to form a vast “mast”, while the space between them is enclosed in a massive atrium.

Burj Al Arab promotes itself as the world’s only “7-star” property and while that designation doesn’t really exist in the hotel rating system it is certainly one of the most opulent hotels in the world.  The rooms start at $1,000/night and go up to $28,000.  In fact, they charge $75 just to go in and see it.

Other activities include moonlight cruises, golf, desert safari, all manner of water sports, indoor snow skiing and world class duty free shopping and dining.  You’ll want to go in the winter and avoid the Arab holy holiday of Ramadan.  You’ll need to supercharge your exchange power first and request at least a year in advance to get a timeshare so now’s the time to get going for winter 2011.

I expect RCI will affiliate some timeshare resorts but for now Interval International has a lock on things.  But Dubai is an international hot spot for tourism and timeshare is becoming a major part of the room mix.

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 10 FREE videos on getting better timeshare exchanges in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

Join me on:

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Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Exchanging Your Timeshare for a Discount Cruise and the Swine Flu

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Cruise Ship

Cruise Ship

Hurricane season is about over and prime cruising season is about to begin. Timeshare owners can exchange their week for a discounted cruise through either RCI or Interval International but you may want to stay on solid ground this cruise season because of the prevalence of the H1N1, Swine flu spreading across the world.

The cruise industry would say that they have prepared for this pandemic and to yes, book your cruise. Executive Vice President of the Cruise Lines International Association, CLIA, Michael Cyre, explained that the cruise industry is taking proactive steps “to keep H1N1 off of  cruise ships and appropriately manage and treat influenza illnesses when and if they occur”.

One of the ways cruise companies are relying on to keep the H1N1 virus off the ship is through the use of mandatory pre-boarding health screening questionnaires.  All passengers are required to complete and sign a written questionnaire prior to boarding. If a passenger answers affirmatively to having flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat a secondary screening will be conducted.  A secondary screening will also be
conducted if a passenger reports that they have had contact with with a confirmed H1N1 case.  In either instance a fully paid passenger may be denied access to the ship.

Some cruise companies have started using thermal imaging cameras to screen passengers for elevated body temperatures.  A higher than normal temperature may lead to a secondary screening and denial of boarding.

If you’re planning a cruise this season you should check carefully the company’s refund and insurance policy regarding this issue.  You may find that the cruise portion of your fare may be fully or partially refunded if you’re denied boarding but not your pre-boarding hotel and airfare.

But being denied boarding at the outset of your cruise isn’t the only way your cruise vacation may be ruined.  If a passenger exhibits flu like symptoms while under sail the ship may be denied docking at their port of call.

On June 10 and June 11, 2009, a Royal Caribbean vessel, the Adventure of the Seas, was denied entry to two Caribbean Islands. Both St. Lucia and Antigua did not let the Adventure of the Seas dock after the ship reported that three people on-board exhibited flu symptoms. But, after tests came back, it was then discovered that those persons did not have the H1N1 virus.

Last May, the Pacific Dawn, a P&O Australia vessel was denied entry to all of its ports on a 10-day itinerary. This decision was based on the ship reporting flu symptoms experienced by three persons onboard. Tests later came back negative for the H1N1 virus.

Most cruise lines will provide some sort of compensation if an itinerary is severely affected but to what degree is anyone’s guess.  Compensation may come in monetary form, credit towards another cruise or a combination of both.

Although the cruise industry is taking rigorous action to monitor swine flu both pre-boarding and while under sail, keep an eye on the news this season to see how it will affect cruise itineraries.  With  cruise ships reaching the size of small cities today the chances of a passenger slipping through the screening process increases greatly.

If you do choose to take a cruise this season, be sure to thoroughly review both the insurance and refund policies of your cruise line.

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 10 FREE videos on getting better timeshare exchanges in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

Join me on:

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My Timeshare Exchange To Pagosa Springs, Colorado: Day Trip to Mesa Verde

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde

I had done a timeshare exchange to Pagosa Springs, Colorado and was very excited to learn that America’s premier archeological park, Mesa Verde, was only a 2 1/2 hour drive.  National Geographic Traveler had named it as one of the fifty “must see” places of a lifetime.

Mesa Verde is also our first World Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why.  The 700 year old homes, villages and kivas where the religious ceremonies were held speak eloquently of the people who built them.  And whatever you do, don’t call them Anasazi.  In today’s politically correct world they are now called Ancestral Puebloans.

Cliff Dwelling Mesa Verde

Cliff Dwelling Mesa Verde

There are over 4700 archeological sites within the 52,000 acre park and more than 600 of them are cliff dwellings – the most spectacular to see.  Mesa Verde was inhabited from about A.D. 550-1300.  It was discovered much later on a snowy December day in 1888, while ranchers Richard Wetherill and Charlie Mason searched Mesa Verde’s canyons for stray cattle. They unexpectedly came upon the cliff dwelling now know as “Cliff Palace” for the first time.

After paying only $15 to enter the park I drove the 15 miles to the Park Headquarters along the top of the mesa.  Once there I paid $6 for two ranger guided tours of the cliff dwellings of Cliff Palace and Balcony House -  definitely the best $6 I’ve ever spent.

The first tour was led by a sixty something, pony tailed Navajo by the name of Clyde – big disconnect – who added personal insights into the Native American culture.  He said the Ancient Puebloans ate while sitting on the ground to be closer to “Mother”.  Earth was Mother and rain Father. He said that he remembered as a kid the long conversation his whole family had about buying a kitchen table and chairs to sit at for their meals.  Those of his family that objected did so because it was distancing them from “Mother”.

Mesa Verde Cliff Dwelling

Mesa Verde Cliff Dwelling

The second tour was led by a very informed and experienced Caucasian ranger but lacked Clyde’s color commentary.  I highly recommend asking for a Native American guide if you’re ever touring the park.

It was a long day but worth it.  All in all, Pagosa Springs was a great place to to take a timeshare vacation and  I look forward returning to it again.  The next time I exchange my timeshare there I’ll be checking out The Million Dollar Highway that loops from Durango to Ouray – the “Switzerland of America” – to Telluride and back.

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 10 FREE videos on getting better timeshare exchanges in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

Join me on:

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Discover Belize For A Timeshare Vacation Part 3

Monday, June 29th, 2009
Main Street San Pedro

Main Street San Pedro

No vacation to Belize would be complete without a visit to Ambergris Caye and its little beach town of San Pedro.  In all of my travels this is one of my favorite places.

You can get there from Belize City by water taxi or plane.  It takes about 75 minutes by water taxi or ferry and is only $12.50 US one way.  A great way to go if the water’s not choppy.

There are many flights a day from both the Municipal and International airports.  Both Mayan Island Air and Tropic Air charge about $25.00 US each way. Both airlines have great safety records but if you’re not comfortable in small planes you may want to take the ferry.  I recommend flying over and taking the ferry or water taxi back.  That way you get to see it from the air and water.

Typical Beach

Typical Beach

Some of the RCI timeshare resorts on Ambergris Caye are Grand Colony Island Villas, The Villas at Banyan Bay and Caribbean Jewel.  The Grand Colony is an elite RCI Registry collection resort so it’s probably next to impossible for us to access.
A couple of the timeshare resorts listed in Interval International are, The Belize Yacht Club and Captain Morgan’s Vacation Beach Club.
The best time to visit Ambergris Caye for great weather is mid-December through April-the high season.  Rainey season is June through November but the first week of June is usually a great time to be there.

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 3 FREE tips on getting a better exchange in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

Discover Belize For A Timeshare Vacation Part 2

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

When visiting Belize make sure you take a trip up the New River to see the Mayan ruins at Laminai.  You can drive to the ruins but by catching a boat from  Orange Walk Town not only will you have a leisurely river trip of 2 hours, but you’ll see it the way the Maya did.

Keep your eyes open for some of the more than 500 species of birds that make Belize a birding Mecca, iguanas and crocodiles along the way.

Laminai means “submerged crocodile” in Mayan and was inhabited from roughly 1600 B.C. until the Spanish conquest.

Laminai’s High Temple was built around 100 B.C. and is the tallest know Mayan Pre-Classic structure.  It’s one of the few temples tourists are allowed to climb and the view from the top, at 125 feet is spectacular.

High Temple

High Temple

There are no RCI or Interval International timeshare resorts nearby so you’ll have to make it as an addition to your timeshare stay in Belize.  You may want to splurge and stay at one of the many “eco lodges” that are now becoming so popular worldwide.  They’re usually pricey but offer a much different experience than staying at a hotel or timeshare

I did a quick Google search and here are a few I found listed for Belize. I haven’t stayed at any of these so check them out before you make a reservation.

Chaa Creek was rated in the top 50 Eco Lodges by National Geographic Magazine in 2008 and has won many awards.

Chaa Creek Eco Lodge
Chaa Creek Lodge

Chaa Creek Lodge

Chan Chich Lodge is “carefully situated in the plaza of an ancient Maya city and surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge consists of 12 individual thatched-roof cabanas and one beautifully appointed 2-bedroom Villa. With a screened-in pool and jacuzzi, fully stocked bar and excellent cuisine, your every desire will be fulfilled by the exceptional facilities and outstanding service we provide.”

Jungle Lodge

Jungle Lodge

Reading Room

Reading Room

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 3 FREE tips on getting a better exchange in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

Discover Belize for a Timeshare Vacation Part 1

Monday, June 15th, 2009

It was 1974 the first time I visited Belize. I had just come from the magnificent ruins of Tikal in Guatemala and I wasn’t impressed much with Belize.

Morning in Tikal

Morning in Tikal

I had been traveling throughout Mexico and Guatemala for the last 6 months and had seen some of the world’s most impressive ruins, pyramids and scenery.  Belize was flat jungle with no ruins, at that time, to see.

Location of Belize

Location of Belize

Belize was still a British colony at the time and I experienced a  big disconnect of  hearing dark skinned Belizeans speak The Queen’s English with a Caribbean accent.  The other disconnect was how liberal the country was regarding marijuana.

Even though pot was prevalent in Mexico it was a major problem if a Gringo was caught with it.  The presence of marijuana in Guatemala was very rare and the penalties for being caught with it, Gringo or local,  were very severe.

In Belize City I witnessed a traffic cop at the corner of the city’s only lighted intersection, which had mainly foot traffic,  sitting in a rocking chair smoking a joint.  I doubt you’d see anything like that today but I sensed a lenient attitude towards it when I last visited in 2005 from a cruise ship.

I’m not promoting smoking Marijuana or going to Belize because it may be easy to get it there.  I mention it because it is prevalent and I believe reflects the easy going nature of the people.

Belize today is still easy going but much more vibrant than when I was there in the 70’s.  There are organized dive trips, resort hotels, spas and ecotourism.  And now, 35 years later, there have been 35 major sites uncovered containing temples and Mayan ruins.

Both RCI and Interval International have resorts in Belize,  mainly on famed Ambergris Caye.  But to truly experience this interesting country you should divide your time between the Caribbean coast and beach resorts with a few jungle excursions.  More in the next post.

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges.

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog.

For 3 FREE tips on getting a better exchange in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.