RCI/II Exchange - How does it work??

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

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!

In general, I'd be more inclined to use a Vistana week in II, rather than in the RCI Weeks program, even if there wasn't an issue of being close to check-in. II has lower fees and better customer satisfaction, plus I believe that you get a trading prteference into other Starwood properties via II.

What you were told about the geographical restrictions in II sounds right. I'd expect that you'd be able to trade for Vistana and Vistana Villages plus some of the "non-branded" resorts, but not the Orlando Marriotts or DVCs. If you plan to do a lot of trading, especially back to Orlando, I'd consider buying another week for that (and maybe renting out your Vistana.) Orlando weeks are generally too expensive in annual fees to be cost-effective traders.

Vistana has some older sections that some people consider run-down. Vistana Villages is more consistently high quality, as it is newer.

I believe Vistana is one of the resorts that allows low-cost "conversions" to RCI Points. So, that is another option for your Vistana week. However, it can take RCI a long time to do the points conversion, so I wouldn't use your 2008 week for this -- too likely RCI wouldn't get it done in time for you to get your full points. Also, once a week is in the RCI Points program, you generally can't use it for any other trading program.

Assuming you didn't pay too much to buy this week, you did very well for a first purchase. II with Starwood trade preference, RCI Points, or renting out -- this week offers you a lot of options.