Frustration with RCI AI's

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

I own 4 Gold Crown, red weeks in tropical locales. I've been trying for many years to trade to the Mayan Riviera. I've been able to trade into the Mayan Palace which I like but it's a 1 in 4 year rule and they enforce it. Every other property on the Mayan Riviera, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelas are all AI Mandatory!! When I go to the Mayan Riviera, I like to get out and explore many days. We leave the resort at 9:00a with our bathing suits and cover ups and return at 10:00p. There are some days we stay at the resort all day and eat/drink there but that's not what I go there for. At one time the El Cid in Puerto Morelas was AI Optional, which was perfect; now, it too is AI Mandatory. I've complained to RCI about it and they say people like the AIs. If that's true, why are there so many AI Mandatory available? I'd think with the economy and not as many people traveling, the resorts would offer AI Optional. I'm just frustrated!! Any thoughts?

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

I recommend trying to get into Royal Resorts. They don't have All inclusive and they are really nice resorts. You might be able to get Club International Cancun. I've stayed there before and it is not all inclusive. It's an older timeshare but the beach is very calm on that side of the coast and since it is an older resort I imagine it would be easier to trade into. You will have a concierge assigned to you and the townhouses that face the bay/ocean are very comfortable and we used the full kitchen all week. They also have a pool bar/swim up bar that serves meals if you want a change of pace. Cancun also has a super Wal Mart now so you can stock the fridge with tequila and save on drinks. They also have 2 beautiful pools and the gardens are also very nice. It's a low rise resort since it's an older resort but very Mexican feeling. I highly recommend it. If you are more into hotel like resorts then try the other Royal Resorts on the rougher part of the beach. You will have privileges at all the Royal resorts when you stay at one so you can stay in the quieter resort and visit the others for the good restaurants and take a crafts class or do the Mexican mixer with free tacos etc. Good luck in your search.

[idahodude Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close idahodude]

I would also recommend looking into trading in through one of the other exchange companies, such as SFX. I'm pretty sure that SFX doesn't have the same 1 in 4 rule. Another option would be a direct owner exchange. There are plenty of Mayan Palace owners who would likely be interested in this.

[SteveChapin Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close SteveChapin]

I would also recommend looking into trading in through one of the other exchange companies, such as SFX. I'm pretty sure that SFX doesn't have the same 1 in 4 rule. Another option would be a direct owner exchange. There are plenty of Mayan Palace owners who would likely be interested in this.

You are correct; only RCI has the 1-in-n rules (I think Mayans are now 1-in-5). You are also correct that SFX is a great place to look for Mayan units. SFX has a preferred relationship with the Mayan group (this is one of the selling points Mayan pitches at the sales presentation), much as they do with Club la Costa in Europe. I would check if your Gold Crown resorts will be accepted by SFX (given that they're tropical locales, they probably will be, but you can't be sure until you ask).

I've found the folks at SFX to be great to work with so far.

sc
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[Amanda Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Amanda]

Agreed. SFX is most definitely the way to go !

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

I am new to the timeshare thing, but have looking at many things and trying to educate myself. From reading this Post I have a new question about SFX - Does my resort (TS) need to be on their list in order to deposit my week or use SFX as an exchange company?

Thanks for your patients and help.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

What is the nameof the resort(s) you own at and what season/week numbers can u deposit.

And yes, sometimes SFX takes resorts that are not on the list.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

I am new to the timeshare thing, but have looking at many things and trying to educate myself. From reading this Post I have a new question about SFX - Does my resort (TS) need to be on their list in order to deposit my week or use SFX as an exchange company?

Thanks for your patients and help.

Wayzer,

We are fortunate enough to have a representative of SFX that contributes and answers questions for our timeshareforums.com members.

You can ask SFX directly whether they will take your resort here: Ask Sfx - Timeshare Forums

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

Escapes! to StoneBridge Village in Branson Missiouri - Floating week 1-52 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath "Elite" LOCKOFF unit

Thanks for your help.