Posts Tagged ‘timeshare resort’

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RCI Last Call and Extra Vacations for Timeshare Owners

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

I found this very helpful video on You Tube explaining how to get Last Call and Extra Vacations in RCI.  I found it at a site called X Force Articles.

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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 22 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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Posted in How Timeshare Works, Last Call Vacations, Timeshare Tips | No Comments »

RCI Timeshare Resort: The Young Island Resort, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Young Island Resort

I was talking with a client yesterday and he told me about a new resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines called the Young Island Resort.  I don’t know how long it’s been affiliated with RCI as a timeshare, but not long.  The ID number is 6926 so that tells me it’s pretty new.

It seems that the gentleman and his wife and another couple have been going there for a number of years for Thanksgiving (November) and paying $2,600 for 8 nights including2 or 3 meals a day.  He is new to timeshare, he inherited it from his dad 3 years ago and has never used it, and he was shocked that he could get probably an upgraded cottage for only $189/week.

Better yet, he could use 2 exchange weeks for 2 cottages and his friends could pick up the airfare or meals.  This really got him going.

He waxed poetic about how beautiful the resort and the Grenadines were so I decided to have a look.  He was right.  The Young Island Resort is truly a piece of paradise.  The entire island is only 35 acres and the only thing on it is the resort, spa, lighted tennis courts, restaraunt and beach. No shopping and limited dining but if you’re looking for a place to just get away from it all and relax this is the spot. Young Island owns and operates Two (2) yachts, which can be chartered for a day sail to Bequia or Mustique and it’s just 200 yards from the Island of St. Vincent if you’re looking for other sightseeing opportunities.

Young Island Resort Pool

Young Island Resort Pool

RCI has listed two types of rooms; studios and 1 bedrooms. Both sleep 4, are air conditioned, have phones and internet but no televisions.  Their website lists 3 different types of cottages, of which there are 28 total, and a 2 bedroom. The daily rates start at $422/night in hurricane season and go to $1,222 for the 2 bedroom, plus tax I assume, making it a great place to do a timeshare exchange. I don’t know how many are timeshares so it would be good to ask RCI when booking.

A perfect add on before or after a week at The Young Island Resort would be to do an exchange for the Trade Winds Cruise Club or the Festiva Sailing Vacation yachts for a week. You will embark on a weeklong cruise aboard one of the club’s luxury cruising catamarans that will take you to places you could not visit on a land-based vacation. All yachts have four or five guest cabins and one for the crew, who are in charge of the yacht and all cooking. Each day sail for an hour or two after breakfast and again after lunch. You will visit different islands every day ending with cocktails and dinner in quiet bays where the yacht will moor overnight.  There is a mandatory all inclusive fee for meals on the yachts.

Once, while staying at The Crane Beach Hotel in Barbados on exchange, I nearly exteneded my vacation a week because the Trade Winds in the Grenadines was available online for the following week.  I didn’t because my wife at the time would never board anything smaller than a cruise ship.  I could kick myself now. 

Make sure you maximize your exchange power and request early to take this dream vacation.

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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 22 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:

Twitter   Facebook    My Space           

 

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Posted in New Resorts, Resort Reviews | 1 Comment »

Hilton Timeshare Adding To Their Hawaii Timeshare Resorts

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort

Good news for the timeshare industry.  Hilton announced that they will be adding two more timeshare towers to their Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort in Oahu. The new project, which is self-financed, will nearly double the timeshare accommodations capacity at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort.

Here’s what the Hilton Corporation has to say about their resort:

“Discover the unique environment and culture of Hilton Hawaiian Village® Beach Resort & Spa – our exquisite Waikiki hotel. Imagine lush tropical gardens, waterfalls, exotic wildlife and priceless artwork. This one-of-a-kind Honolulu Hawaii hotel resort is the only true resort property in Waikiki.

  • Nestled on 22 oceanfront acres
  • 2,860 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites
  • The only true resort in Waikiki
  • Just 20 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
  • Strolling distance to Hawaii Convention Center”

    • The good news is not only will there be more exchange availability in the always difficult Waikiki are but also a sign that Hawaii’s economic recovery has begun.  The University of Hawaii Research Organization expects that tourism and visitors to Hawaii will increase by 2.9 percent in 2010 and that spending will stabilize.

    Timeshare owners and timeshare renters, vacationing in Hawaii timeshare spend an average of $4202 each time they visit. An astounding eighty-six percent of these dollars don’t wind up just in the busiest Hawaii timeshare destinations such as Waikiki timeshare or Kaanapali timeshare, but are spent away from the resorts in malls, grocery stores, entertainment, restaurants, and even convenience stores.

    I don’t know about you, but I’m long overdue to return to Hawaii.  I lived in Maui at one time and have done many exchanges there.  The Hawaiian Islands are a good destination to exchange your timeshare because the prices of good hotel rooms are so expensive.

    Add to that the price of not having to eat out every meal when staying in a fully furnished condo, and you can save quite a bit of money to use at other attractions.  As always, you’ll want to put in your request with RCI as far in advance as possible. 

    Remember, avoid going to Hawaii in September if possible.  The second and third weeks in September are the most likely time to be hit by a tropical storm or hurricane.

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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 22 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:

    Twitter   Facebook    My Space           

    ***************************************************

    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 22 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:

    Twitter   Facebook    My Space          

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    Posted in Alerts, Travel Destinations | 1 Comment »

    How Timeshare Exchange Works: A Question From A Client

    Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
    Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay

    Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay

    I recently received an email from one of my clients that purchased The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition on using one of the many strategies I recommend to supercharge your exchange power.  The strategy is to find out from either your resort or RCI the most demanded week of the year in your resort and bank that week for exchange.  I also say that not all timeshare resorts will let you pick the week to bank.  This is the case with Richard and he wanted to know what to do next.  Below is his email and my response.
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    “Jeff, I’ve been reading and re-reading the Exchange Bible.  Last week, I attempted to book a red season week with Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay in Mazatlan. The answer I got back was they do not permit owners to select specific weeks and that their computer will randomly assign a week.  Here is their response:
    “The system assigns the next unit/week available in our system. For your information only, September is a white season week and has less power trading than a May week (red season)… Unfortunately we cannot know which week it will be…”

    Before I call them to bank my weeks, are there any other suggestions?”

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    Hi Richard,

    I’m glad you’re applying, or attempting to apply, the strategies in the Bible.  I did mention that not all resorts will let you pick the week.  Since I don’t own Pueblo Bonitio, I can only guess as how to deal with this.  You’d definitely be better off with a powerful Red winter week than a white week when exchanging in RCI.

    First off, did you buy a white week?  If not, I’d certainly demand a red week be banked regardless of what the computer generates. You might try calling and asking “if I want to bank a week, and that week is randomly generated can you tell me before it’s deposited what it’s going to be?”  If so, and the week is a crummy one, say no thank you and call back another time.

    You really need to pick the Pueblo’s reservationist’s brain on how best to do this.  Maybe banking much earlier will help.  You’ll have to dig deep to get the best answer.  One of the keys to getting great exchanges starts with understanding your home resort’s reservation policy.  That’s best done before you purchase your timeshare but seldom happens.

    When I bought my weeks at Whistler I made sure I could pick which weeks I could bank so I always bank 4th of July weeks.  (I chose to buy summer floating weeks because they were cheaper then winter.  I gambled that summer weeks would increase in exchange power over the years to nearly equal winter weeks and in fact they have) Good info to know if you ever plan to buy more timeshare.

    Let me know what Pueblo says so I can help out other timeshare owners.  I’ll blog this to help other timeshare owners facing the same problem.

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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 22 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:

    Twitter Facebook My Space

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    Posted in How To Exchange, Timeshare Tips | No Comments »

    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:

    Twitter Facebook My Space

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    Posted in Alerts, New Resorts, Travel Destinations | No Comments »

    New Welk Timeshare Resort in Cabo San Lucas-Sirena del Mar

    Friday, January 15th, 2010
    Sunset in Cabo San Lucas
    Image via Wikipedia

    Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq:IILG), yesterday announced that Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar has joined its vacation exchange network. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this is the first international location in the Welk Resorts portfolio launched by legendary entertainer Lawrence Welk.

    “Those familiar with the Welk history know that we strive to ensure whatever we do at our resorts is done with the highest quality standards,” said Jon Fredricks, president of Welk Resorts. “Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar, the newest addition to our family of resorts, clearly exemplifies this commitment to excellence.”

    Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group, parent company of Interval International, added, “We are very proud to welcome Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar, Welk’s sixth property, to Interval’s worldwide network. The resort’s stunning location and full range of amenities carry on the tradition of quality that has made Welk Resorts one of the most respected independent brands in the vacation ownership industry.”

    Set on a 65-foot bluff near the popular resort town of Cabo San Lucas on the tip of the Baja California peninsula, Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar is being built in tiers to maximize its panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez and El Arco, the landmark stone arch. There are two pools on the seven-acre property and cascading decks have wet wall water features, a vanishing edge waterfall and spa, thatched palapas, and a fire pit. At the rim of the seaside cliff, a spiral staircase leads to a swimmable cove beach.

    While the setting may be a world away from other resorts in the Welk Resorts portfolio — including the Welk Resort north of the San Diego suburb of Escondido, the 400-acre flagship property, and the Ozark Mountain-themed Timber Ridge Lodge in the heart of family-friendly Branson, Missouri — the quality and flexible, points-based product is very familiar to more than 43,000 owners at Welk Resorts. Sixteen of the 20 two-bedroom villas in phase one of Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar are lock-off units, adding another layer of flexibility. (The remaining four units are two-bedroom penthouses.) The build out is scheduled to progress in five phases for a total of 222 units with a range of configurations, including one-bedroom junior suites.

    All units will include luxury amenities such as whirlpool tubs, stainless appliances, multiple flat screen TVs, complimentary Internet access, and pillow-top king-sized beds.

    Phase one owners and guests will be able to enjoy a range of on-site amenities including two outdoor pools (one with a swim-up bar), a fitness center, game room, an owner’s lounge and shop selling beverages and sundries. Just five minutes from the property, Cabo San Lucas offers the full spectrum of shopping, dining, golf and water sports.

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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.

    Join me on:  Twitter FaceBook LinkedIn

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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.

    ***************************************************

    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:

    Twitter Facebook My Space

    Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

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    My Timeshare Exchange To Pagosa Springs, Colorado Part 3

    Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

    Friday September 11, 2009 3:37 P.M.

    I’ve just arrived in Pagosa Springs, Colorado for my Interval International timeshare exchange at the San Juan Mountain and Golf Resort after an 8 hour drive from my home in Scottsdale, Arizona.  It’s been a beautiful drive but I’m happy to get checked in and pop open a beer.

    I’m immediately impressed with the timeshare villa.  I have a gorgeous 2 bedroom attached home complete with a garage.  The home is about 1600 square feet, has 16 foot arched ceilings and is very tastefully furnished.  In fact, there is a solid leather couch/sofa sleeper in front of the natural stone fireplace and 46 in flat screen TV in the living room.  This is when owning a timeshare really pays off.

    The whole place is filled with natural light and I have a great view of the San Juan Mountains from the living room and master bedroom.  The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops with contemporary pendant lighting hanging from the ceiling.

    Both bedrooms have king size beds and flat panel TV’s and the master bath has double sinks, a walk in shower and a spa tub big enough to comfortably fit 2 adults.  All the furnishings are top quality.  This is definitely a timeshare I’d recommend and come back to.

    I had chosen to do a last minute timeshare exchange to Pagaosa Springs over one in Glacier, Montana because of a few things: I could drive to Pagosa Springs and there were balloon, wine/ food and beer/music festivals all going on the weekend I arrived.  In addition, the golf rates dropped from $89/round to $47.  A perfect vacation for me.  Get out of the desert heat, see some green mountains, eat, drink and play golf.

    I awoke both Saturday and Sunday mornings to a sky filled with colorful balloons.  Back dropped against the San Juan Mountains they made a beautiful site.  One even landed 50 yards from my timeshare in an open field.

    Colorfest Balloon Festival

    Colorfest Balloon Festival

    I hadn’t realized that the wine and food festival was only on the Friday night that I arrived so unfortunately I missed it.  On Saturday afternoon I did drive by the venue where the beer and music festival were being held, but it didn’t look interesting enough so I didn’t attend.

    I played 2 rounds of golf at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club, a really nice 27 hole course.  The course and greens were in excellent shape and for only $47 including cart I found it to be one of the best courses I’ve played for a while at that price.  For an added touch, there were wooden carvings of animals along some of the holes of mountain lions and eagles.

    Nice touch to Pagosa Springs Golf Course

    Nice touch to Pagosa Springs Golf Course

    Wood carving on one of the holes

    Wood carving on one of the holes

    In my last post I’ll be talking about my day trip to America’s largest archeological park.

    ***************************************************

    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:

    Twitter: My Space

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    Posted in My Timeshare Exchanges | No Comments »

    My Timeshare Exchange To Pagosa Springs, Colorado Part 2

    Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

    I’ve just gone through the Four Corners area on the way to my timeshare exchange in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.  I’m only 25 minutes into the southwestern part of Colorado and I’ve already left behind the starkness of the desert for lush green mountains.  I love Colorado and have done many timeshare exchange here – mostly to Vail, Beaver Creek and Aspen.

    As highway 160 leads me to Cortez, Colorado I’m driving on a valley floor that’s surrounded by a huge towering mesa that is our nation’s largest archeological park  – Mesa Verde.  It’s really an incredible piece of geology in itself and I look forward to coming back and exploring the ruins.

    Mesa Verde, Colrado

    Mesa Verde

    Coming out of Cortez I climb into a sizable thunderstorm.  Near the top of the pass I witness a large lightning bolt strike a power line tower not far from me and light it up.  It’s pretty cool and something I’ve never seen before although I’m glad to start descending from the summit to a lower elevation.

    I reach Durango and the highway turns east to Pagosa Springs.  The rest of the drive is pretty but uneventful.

    ***************************************************

    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:

    Twitter: My Space

    Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

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    Posted in My Timeshare Exchanges | No Comments »

    Anatomy of a Timeshare Vacation: Part 3

    Saturday, September 5th, 2009

    I decided to exchange my timeshare to the San Juan Mountain and Golf Resort for several reasons; I’ve been wanting to explore that area for some time now, I could drive there, there is a Balloon AND Wine and Food festival that weekend and the golf rates at the 3 courses drop from $89 to $35 that week.

    As I mentioned earlier, I like to drive so I’m looking forward to the 8 1/2 hour trip through Tuba City, the Navajo Nation and the Four Corners region from my home in Scottsdale, AZ.   If time permits I may take a day on my return to stop at Canyon de Chelly.

    Canyon de Chelly

    Canyon de Chelly

    The San Juan Mountain and Golf Resort is new having just opened in June of 2009.  Interval International has rated it as a Premier resort, its highest category.  There are 20 units open now with room for 200 total at build out.  The timeshare consists of 2 properties; The Timbers, stand alone 2 and 3 bedroom homes and The Links consisting of 1,2 and 3 bedroom condos.

    The Links at San Juan Mountain Golf Resort

    The Links at San Juan Mountain Golf Resort

    According to the website,

    “The Links is a beautiful vacation ownership community located on the Pagosa Springs 27-hole Championship Golf Course. Guests and owners are within walking distance to shopping and dining. In the winter, the Links provides cross country ski-in/ski-out services on the groomed golf course track as well as downhill sledding in front of the building. Some of the extras include:”

    • Panoramic Views of the San Juan Mountains
    • Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, granite countertops, garbage disposal, and tile floors
    • Cable TV and High Speed Internet Access
    • Double insulated, sound proof common walls
    • Luxurious bathrooms with granite counter tops, walk-in shower, and garden tub
    Living Room

    Living Room

    Even though I exchanged my timeshare at the last minute, I received a welcome letter from Peggy Davenport the resort’s Director of Guest Services in just a few days.  I called her to get some information on the resort and recommendations for activities and restaurants, and it was evident that she was not only enamored with Pagosa Springs but also with the resort itself.
    I’ve done more than 50 timeshare exchanges and I’ve learned that an enthusiastic staff usually translates into much better vacation experience;   not only because of a warm and friendly staff but also the quality and care of the resort.  Happy employees do their jobs better.
    I decided to talk with the resort manager since attitudes, good or bad, usually filter down from the top.  I left a message for Lonnie Lowe and when he called back my conclusions were confirmed.  Lonnie is one of the developers of  The San Juan Mountain and Golf Resort as well as the resort manager so his enthusiasm would be expected, but it went beyond that.
    I could tell from our brief conversation that he wanted to create an overall customer/owner experience beyond that of normal timeshare resorts and more on par with the big boys like Marriott Vacation Club, Westin and Disney Vacation Club.  I’ll see when I get there.  Although the resort just opened in June and I expect the units and public areas to be pristine, I developed a critical eye about judging resorts from working at the Four Seasons.  So far so good.
    ***************************************************

    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 a better exchange in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.

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