RCI/Vacation Internationale Points thing

[valichick Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close valichick]

Okay...new member of VI, but my parents have owned since 1977, so know a lot about it. However, they are not members of RCI--they were years ago when it was done differently, but apparently now RCI and VI have an exclusive deal of some sort where you use your points, can go for a day or two or weeks, blah blah...
Is anyone out there a member of this VI/RCI joint venture? What do you think? Is it worth the money? Are you able to get in where you want to go, or is it always full? HELP!! I need advice before plunking down the money!!
TIA!!
Sherri

[aliikai2 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close aliikai2]

Are you asking about giving VI money

To become an RCI points member?

If so don't. RCI points is not that flexible, most resorts are still weeks resorts, and if you use less than 7 nights they charge an additional cleaning fee.

So I just got off the phone with VI regarding this program. You must purchase or make permanent 50 points to get into the RCI points. VI points are worth 420 RCI points for each point, and according to the rep, RCI is treating this like a corporate account, like II does.
So for around $3000 you can perm 50 points, but you still only get what RCI has available to exchange, and since the majority of the good stuff is siphoned off into their rentals, this would just be a waste of money.
jmho,

Greg

Okay...new member of VI, but my parents have owned since 1977, so know a lot about it. However, they are not members of RCI--they were years ago when it was done differently, but apparently now RCI and VI have an exclusive deal of some sort where you use your points, can go for a day or two or weeks, blah blah...
Is anyone out there a member of this VI/RCI joint venture? What do you think? Is it worth the money? Are you able to get in where you want to go, or is it always full? HELP!! I need advice before plunking down the money!!
TIA!!
Sherri

[The Plain Speaker Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close The Plain Speaker]

The RCI points program through VI does not allow the owner to book through the RCI website.
All exchange requests are done through the VI desk.
There has been a mention of this changing in the future but without being able to look at available RCI inventory it puts the VI owner at a huge disadvantage for searching out locations and booking online.
Interval International is not being offered at the presentations to add more points or make the expiring temporary points permanent.

[valichick Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close valichick]

Hmmm...

From what I was told I have to book through VI desk, but I would have an ID and pssword to go on to the RCI site and see what was available. If that isn't true I certainly wouldn't join...who would want to sit on the phone all day asking about dates and places? Ugh! So frustrating. Is anyone actually a member through VI and can tell me if it is worth it?!
TIA
Sherri

[dez Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dez]

I'm wondering the same thing?