SLB Recommendations Please

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

I would like to spend some time on California's Central Coast and like the San Luis Bay Inn at Avila. There are several ways to buy into this resort and although I have been reading the posts and taking notes, I'm still not sure which is the best way to go other than to be sure to buy resale.

Option 1 - Purchase a deeded, floating week with RCI heritage. This would give me a week at SLB and the option to exchange with RCI or SFX. Cost is variable but let's say $5K with MF about $550/yr. As I understand it, no other fees involved unless exchanging.

Option 2 - Purchase points in CSV-1 Trust. For one week I would need about 6,000 points. Cost on EBay also variable but estimated at $1200. Annual cost would be $438 MF plus $179 trust fee (I think that's all) assuming I do not join Club Sunterra.

Option 3 - Purchase Club Sunterra points with this resort as the underlying deeded property. Points could only be used at this resort unless converted. Costs unknown at this time.

Is there any definite advantage to any of these options? This would be my first TS and I envision spending the majority of my weeks right there and not exchanging. I've read posts that say deeded properties are the way to go while others say having points allows them to stay at any of the 19 resorts in the Trust? It has me confused. Any help would be appreciated.

[madmitch Member Find all posts View Profile Close madmitch]

I own San Luis Bay Inn 1 bedroom Imperial through RCI/Wyndham whatever they are now.
I also own SunOptions SCV-1, but not deeded at SLBI.
I have far more luck booking there through RCIM than I do with Sunterra, which is now Diamond.
My experience has never included any kind of trade with my San Luis Bay Inn ownership as I split the weeks and use owner time on top as my family is nearby and I make several visits per year.
Someone I met at the NorCal TS users luncheon purchased a resale mini-suite (non-Sunterra) and has had great luck with trades.
It's my understanding that owning through Sunterra will allow you to trade with the 19 resorts, and with the SLB deed, you do have other advantages.
At one time I planned to buy SunTerra Deeded time/Options at both SLBI and Lake Tahoe, but so far that hasn't happened.
I know that doesn't answer everything, and it's now 4 months past your original post, but I don't get into this forum too often (and I should)
Anything I can do to help you further, send me a reply!

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

Slb

There are two wings to SLB. The original, main building was built as a Glen Ivy resort. When Glen Ivy went under the resort, along with about 12 others came under RCIManagement, now FF/Wyn.

The newer wing contains the Sunterra units. They are smaller, only one bath, but quite nice. Good views.

If I had to guess the resort is probably a 50/50 mix or quite close to that.

I have traded into SLB with a sister resort which goes under the guise of Preferred Status Exchange, Wyndham now, and had no trouble doing so, but that was probably 4 years ago.

I also know people that own there. One has owned since it was built. The deeded weeks are 1-52 floats. He has always gotten fourth of July at 13 months out and gotten excellent trades with SFX; until now...he has since sold the unit because of difficulties booking the time thru Wyndham.

If you are buying for use the resort is very nice and I think I would lean towards the Imperial one Bdrm on the Wyndham side as it is quite large with 2 baths and is more convenient to the resort amenities. It is a lovely place BTW, we quite enjoyed our stay.
As to the Sunterra options we will wait for someone with more knowledge about that.