RCI/II Exchange - How does it work??

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

Actually, I think I know the basics...but correct me if wrong...please!!

1 - You pay for your membership through RCI or II.
2 - You bank your week as a week or as points.
3 - If banking as a week, you look for a week that is good for you, put in for your reservation and RCI will contact if the week has been reserved for you; pay the fee.
4 - If banking as points, not sure how this works??? Your points are based on your week, resort, and room size. You have points banked and can use them at anytime to "buy" weeks. Question...Do you have to buy a week? Can you buy days or smaller time intervals of time than a week?


5 - OK...here's where I need some suggestions...I own a 2-bed at Sheraton Vistana Resort (orlando, fl), week 30. It's going to be VERY difficult for me to get off work this week, so I'm thinking of forking out the membership fees/transaction fees to go to the orlando area at the end of June or mid-late August...what are my chances of getting a descent resort, if not my home resort? Is it too short notice to be confident in getting a week at a descent resort in the Orlando area? Also, what are your thoughts on exchanging for points, rather than weeks? RCI or II given my home resort?

Any help/suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thanks, again.

Carmelo

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

Actually, I think I know the basics...but correct me if wrong...please!!

1 - You pay for your membership through RCI or II.
2 - You bank your week as a week or as points.
3 - If banking as a week, you look for a week that is good for you, put in for your reservation and RCI will contact if the week has been reserved for you; pay the fee.
4 - If banking as points, not sure how this works??? Your points are based on your week, resort, and room size. You have points banked and can use them at anytime to "buy" weeks. Question...Do you have to buy a week? Can you buy days or smaller time intervals of time than a week?


5 - OK...here's where I need some suggestions...I own a 2-bed at Sheraton Vistana Resort (orlando, fl), week 30. It's going to be VERY difficult for me to get off work this week, so I'm thinking of forking out the membership fees/transaction fees to go to the orlando area at the end of June or mid-late August...what are my chances of getting a descent resort, if not my home resort? Is it too short notice to be confident in getting a week at a descent resort in the Orlando area? Also, what are your thoughts on exchanging for points, rather than weeks? RCI or II given my home resort?

Any help/suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thanks, again.

Carmelo

I would advise VERY strongly against using RCI for this if you are thinking of banking THIS years week 30 at this point. Your deposit would be nearly worthless in trade value. Late June would be impossible to get for this summer although late August would be feasible if you had the trade power to get it. You may get internal trade priority and I do see Vistana with the worst trader I have at my disposal to check with:

Sheraton Vistana Resort (#0450)
8800 Vistana Centre Drive
Orlando , FL , 32821 USA
407/239-3100
Starwood Vacation Ownership - A Better Way To See The World - Call 800.601.8699 Member Rating



- Exchange Unit(s) Available


Unit Options Select Unit Type Max Occ/Privacy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Full 08/22/2008 08/29/2008
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Full 08/23/2008 08/30/2008
2 Bedrooms 6 / 4 Full 08/23/2008 08/30/2008
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Full 08/23/2008 08/30/2008
1 Bedroom 4 / 4 Full 08/23/2008 08/30/2008
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Full 08/24/2008 08/31/2008
1 Bedroom 4 / 4 Full 08/24/2008 08/31/2008
2 Bedrooms 6 / 6 Full 08/24/2008 08/31/2008

I just can't say what RCI will do with your week at this late timeframe of deposit. You are +/- 20 weeks out.

The points v weeks scenario we can discuss in another thread.

I'm sure the II specialists will be along to give their input for that side.

ETA That I think there may still be regional trade blocks with RCI for Orlando. I don't own there so I can't state anything for certain. Maybe someone else can.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

II won't penalize the trading power depositing in this time frame the way RCI might. There are plenty of good Orlando summer weeks in inventory, including Marriotts that I can see with a non Marriott week (Villas at Polo Towers). Here are two of the better resorts with two bedroom units, but I am seeing 44 resorts with units available between 6/13 and 8/30. I agree with Lawren, do NOT give your week to RCI this year. But first check with II to make sure there isn't a regional block that would prevent you from trading back to Orlando with an Orlando deposit. Can anyone else here weigh in on that?

Marriott's Cypress Harbour • MCP
Orlando, FL, USA
Resort Details & Photos
Jun 13 2008 - Jun 20 2008
2 6 8


Jun 16 2008 - Jun 23 2008
2 6 8


Jun 19 2008 - Jun 26 2008
2 6 8



Jun 20 2008 - Jun 27 2008
2 6 8


Jun 23 2008 - Jun 30 2008
2 6 8


Jun 26 2008 - Jul 03 2008
2 6 8


Jun 27 2008 - Jul 04 2008
2 6 8


Jun 30 2008 - Jul 07 2008
2 6 8

Jul 03 2008 - Jul 10 2008
2 6 8

Sheraton Vistana Villages • SVV
Orlando, FL, USA
Resort Details & Photos
Jun 13 2008 - Jun 20 2008
2 6 8

Jun 15 2008 - Jun 22 2008
1 4 4

Jun 20 2008 - Jun 27 2008
2 6 8

Jun 22 2008 - Jun 29 2008
1 4 4


Jul 05 2008 - Jul 12 2008
1 4 4


Jul 05 2008 - Jul 12 2008
2 6 8

Jul 11 2008 - Jul 18 2008
2 6 8

Jul 12 2008 - Jul 19 2008
1 4 4

Jul 12 2008 - Jul 19 2008
2 6 8

Jul 13 2008 - Jul 20 2008
1 4 4

Jul 18 2008 - Jul 25 2008
2 6 8

Jul 19 2008 - Jul 26 2008
1 4 4

Jul 19 2008 - Jul 26 2008
2 6 8

Jul 20 2008 - Jul 27 2008
1 4 4


Jul 25 2008 - Aug 01 2008
2 6 8


Jul 26 2008 - Aug 02 2008
1 4 4


Jul 26 2008 - Aug 02 2008
2 6 8


Jul 27 2008 - Aug 03 2008
1 4 4

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

I'm mixed on the RCI for this summer with a late deposit issue.

OLCC and Vistana are the two resorts that make the most deposits to RCI, so you also have that going against you.

OTOH, it is Orlando and there is almost always plenty of stuff available.

Searching for 10 weeks starting 6/15/08 I see:

A Total of 49 Resorts were found for FLORIDA/FLORIDA: ORLANDO AREA

All the good stuff is there.

I just don't see RCI cutting themselves out of income by not letting you have one of them.

A minor correction--It's been a long time since I did an ongoing search, but I believe you have to pay the exchange fee to start the search, not when you confirm an exchange.

OTOH, I highly recommend that if you go with RCI that you register at rci.com and do all your business online, including doing your own searches. Do not trust a Guide.

If you deposit with RCI and don't like what you see when you search, you can get your week back, withdraw it from the Spacebank. Or, you can leave it there and have two years to use it. If you decide to quit RCI after testing your week with them, you can get a prorated refund of your membership fee. Ask them about the details.

Added later: I just realized how silly that last sentence sounds, since I just said not to trust what any of them say.

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

I'm mixed on the RCI for this summer with a late deposit issue.

OLCC and Vistana are the two resorts that make the most deposits to RCI, so you also have that going against you.

OTOH, it is Orlando and there is almost always plenty of stuff available.

Searching for 10 weeks starting 6/15/08 I see:

A Total of 49 Resorts were found for FLORIDA/FLORIDA: ORLANDO AREA

All the good stuff is there.

I just don't see RCI cutting themselves out of income by not letting you have one of them.

A minor correction--It's been a long time since I did an ongoing search, but I believe you have to pay the exchange fee to start the search, not when you confirm an exchange.

OTOH, I highly recommend that if you go with RCI that you register at rci.com and do all your business online, including doing your own searches. Do not trust a Guide.

If you deposit with RCI and don't like what you see when you search, you can get your week back, withdraw it from the Spacebank. Or, you can leave it there and have two years to use it. If you decide to quit RCI after testing your week with them, you can get a prorated refund of your membership fee. Askthem about the details.

With the real dawg I searched with deposited a year out I only saw 29 resorts for summer searching from 15-jun-2008.


The only OLCC I saw when I looked earlier was a studio in the West Village clubhouse.

RCI would be a really poor choice for this particular poster.

A deposit made only 20 weeks out would probably do worse. Much worse.

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

I would advise VERY strongly against using RCI for this if you are thinking of banking THIS years week 30 at this point. Your deposit would be nearly worthless in trade value. Late June would be impossible to get for this summer although late August would be feasible if you had the trade power to get it. You may get internal trade priority and I do see Vistana with the worst trader I have at my disposal to check with:

Sheraton Vistana Resort (#0450)
8800 Vistana Centre Drive
Orlando , FL , 32821 USA
407/239-3100
Starwood Vacation Ownership - A Better Way To See The World - Call 800.601.8699 Member Rating



- Exchange Unit(s) Available


Unit Options Select Unit Type Max Occ/Privacy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Full 08/22/2008 08/29/2008
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Full 08/23/2008 08/30/2008
2 Bedrooms 6 / 4 Full 08/23/2008 08/30/2008
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Full 08/23/2008 08/30/2008
1 Bedroom 4 / 4 Full 08/23/2008 08/30/2008
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Full 08/24/2008 08/31/2008
1 Bedroom 4 / 4 Full 08/24/2008 08/31/2008
2 Bedrooms 6 / 6 Full 08/24/2008 08/31/2008

I just can't say what RCI will do with your week at this late timeframe of deposit. You are +/- 20 weeks out.

The points v weeks scenario we can discuss in another thread.

I'm sure the II specialists will be along to give their input for that side.

ETA That I think there may still be regional trade blocks with RCI for Orlando. I don't own there so I can't state anything for certain. Maybe someone else can.

Thanks! The guy who sold me this timeshare last year (my old boss) let me have his password for RCI to look for weeks and these were the only ones I could see. However, he only has banked time through 7/31, so it wouldn't allow me to view weeks in August. I am completely fine with staying here, as my family loved the place last year. How does my week match up against your worst week? At this point, is timing the critical issue?

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

II won't penalize the trading power depositing in this time frame the way RCI might. There are plenty of good Orlando summer weeks in inventory, including Marriotts that I can see with a non Marriott week (Villas at Polo Towers). Here are two of the better resorts with two bedroom units, but I am seeing 44 resorts with units available between 6/13 and 8/30. I agree with Lawren, do NOT give your week to RCI this year. But first check with II to make sure there isn't a regional block that would prevent you from trading back to Orlando with an Orlando deposit. Can anyone else here weigh in on that?

Marriott's Cypress Harbour • MCP
Orlando, FL, USA
Resort Details & Photos
Jun 13 2008 - Jun 20 2008
2 6 8


Jun 16 2008 - Jun 23 2008
2 6 8


Jun 19 2008 - Jun 26 2008
2 6 8



Jun 20 2008 - Jun 27 2008
2 6 8


Jun 23 2008 - Jun 30 2008
2 6 8


Jun 26 2008 - Jul 03 2008
2 6 8


Jun 27 2008 - Jul 04 2008
2 6 8


Jun 30 2008 - Jul 07 2008
2 6 8

Jul 03 2008 - Jul 10 2008
2 6 8

Sheraton Vistana Villages • SVV
Orlando, FL, USA
Resort Details & Photos
Jun 13 2008 - Jun 20 2008
2 6 8

Jun 15 2008 - Jun 22 2008
1 4 4

Jun 20 2008 - Jun 27 2008
2 6 8

Jun 22 2008 - Jun 29 2008
1 4 4


Jul 05 2008 - Jul 12 2008
1 4 4


Jul 05 2008 - Jul 12 2008
2 6 8

Jul 11 2008 - Jul 18 2008
2 6 8

Jul 12 2008 - Jul 19 2008
1 4 4

Jul 12 2008 - Jul 19 2008
2 6 8

Jul 13 2008 - Jul 20 2008
1 4 4

Jul 18 2008 - Jul 25 2008
2 6 8

Jul 19 2008 - Jul 26 2008
1 4 4

Jul 19 2008 - Jul 26 2008
2 6 8

Jul 20 2008 - Jul 27 2008
1 4 4


Jul 25 2008 - Aug 01 2008
2 6 8


Jul 26 2008 - Aug 02 2008
1 4 4


Jul 26 2008 - Aug 02 2008
2 6 8


Jul 27 2008 - Aug 03 2008
1 4 4

Thanks for the insight into II! With the advise from you and Lawren2, I've ruled out RCI completely. How does the non-marriott week that you used to search stack up against my week? I would definately be interested in the Vistana Villages, as we were happy with Vistana. I will be contacting II tomorrow in regards to the potential "regional blackout" policy. Thanks, again!

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

I'm mixed on the RCI for this summer with a late deposit issue.

OLCC and Vistana are the two resorts that make the most deposits to RCI, so you also have that going against you.

OTOH, it is Orlando and there is almost always plenty of stuff available.

Searching for 10 weeks starting 6/15/08 I see:

A Total of 49 Resorts were found for FLORIDA/FLORIDA: ORLANDO AREA

All the good stuff is there.

I just don't see RCI cutting themselves out of income by not letting you have one of them.

A minor correction--It's been a long time since I did an ongoing search, but I believe you have to pay the exchange fee to start the search, not when you confirm an exchange.

OTOH, I highly recommend that if you go with RCI that you register at rci.com and do all your business online, including doing your own searches. Do not trust a Guide.

If you deposit with RCI and don't like what you see when you search, you can get your week back, withdraw it from the Spacebank. Or, you can leave it there and have two years to use it. If you decide to quit RCI after testing your week with them, you can get a prorated refund of your membership fee. Askthem about the details.

I appreciate the feedback! I checked with a 2 yr out banked week in RCI and Vistana was the only resort that showed up. Although, I would be more than happy to stay here again, I'm a bit leary to see what my value would be, given the late deposit. I will take your advice and contact them about the prorated membership fees.

Thanks, again!

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

I'm skeptical that any deposit from any resort made at any length of time before use date would see just one resort when I am seeing 49 for the same timeframe. I would have to do that search myself to believe it. So, I suspect something is up with it.

OTOH, all that is needed is one resort.

Not I'm trying to sell anyone on the idea of join RCI; I'm just saying what I feel to be true, or not.

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

I'll try again tonight...maybe I did something funky in the search. Thanks, again!

[gravityrules Member Find all posts View Profile Close gravityrules]

Have you thought about the independent exchange companies? It looks like Platinum Interchange has Orlando weeks in your timeframe and they don't have a membership fee and the exchange fee is lower than RCI or II.

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

My worst trader sees 33 resorts in the Orlando area, with a 10 week search starting 15-jun-08, including some GC and SC and some 2BRs.

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

Is this through RCI or II? I spoke with someone from II and they said that Sheraton has a geographic restriction in the Orlando area. Basically, they won't let me exchange for anyone they deem as a competitor in the area, which would basically limit me to my home resort and possibly Vistana Villages. There is also a possibility that I could exchange for a "lesser known" resort that Sheraton doesn't consider a competitor in the area. Since I'm happy with staying at my home resort, I'm probably going to go with II. Thanks for everyone's input!

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Thanks for the insight into II! With the advise from you and Lawren2, I've ruled out RCI completely. How does the non-marriott week that you used to search stack up against my week? I would definately be interested in the Vistana Villages, as we were happy with Vistana. I will be contacting II tomorrow in regards to the potential "regional blackout" policy. Thanks, again!

I think it should be comparable. I used a 1 bedroom 5* Las Vegas week. Vegas not quite as overbuilt as Orlando, but it's up there. And your Vistana deposit should see Vistana in II if you're not blocked from trading back in. You aren't trying to trade off-season into high season, it's a comparable trade, and II won't penalize you on the timeframe of your deposit if you get it in quick, but don't dally....

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

Thanks, buddy. I'll keep you guys posted on how it pans out for me. I plan on getting my information out to them first thing on Monday.