Rookie learning the ropes; Own 5500 Sunoptions via CSV-1 - MF & Res Questions

[jamrafi_CSV1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jamrafi_CSV1]

We own 5500 sunoptions in the CSV-1 as of last year. I'm just wondering how I can get the most of these pts. I've been in school like a mad man over the past year so travel has been difficult; I've only recently had time to check out DRI's site. Also, I just got 'THE bill'. MF rose ~$80 for me to $745 , which is a hefty 10% hike.

I have two questions about DRI and the CSV-1. First of all, is an annual 10% hike typical? I was a little surprise to see it that high. I understand the new management is making improvements, but was curious to see if this was a regular practice in the past. I'm happy so far with our timeshare, but am currently in the military, so 5500 is hard enough to use as it is. The biggest obstacle so far has been availability.

Secondly, through what systems can I make reservations? From what I understand, I can use DRI or II (for the exchange fee). Is there something I'm missing? We've took three trips since joining Sunterra.... I and the kids have had a GREAT time... the wife.... not so much; . To make a long story short, what's the best play on making reservations with sunoptions? We are moving to Florida for a year in the next month and I want to make reservations soon as there are lots of resorts out that way.

One more thing; do I need to be a member of DRI's THE club in order to use II? I know I'm asking basic questions here, but that's how far in left field I am at the minute in regard to the changeover to DRI. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Any recommedations for Florida stays?

One FINAL LAST THING... I promise; the old Sunterra site had a 'Sunterra Select' link from the homepage that allowed you purchase stays with your pts for no fees. Does this option still exist with DRI?

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

We own 5500 sunoptions in the CSV-1 as of last year. I'm just wondering how I can get the most of these pts. I've been in school like a mad man over the past year so travel has been difficult; I've only recently had time to check out DRI's site. Also, I just got 'THE bill'. MF rose ~$80 for me to $745 , which is a hefty 10% hike.

I have two questions about DRI and the CSV-1. First of all, is an annual 10% hike typical? I was a little surprise to see it that high. I understand the new management is making improvements, but was curious to see if this was a regular practice in the past. I'm happy so far with our timeshare, but am currently in the military, so 5500 is hard enough to use as it is. The biggest obstacle so far has been availability.

Secondly, through what systems can I make reservations? From what I understand, I can use DRI or II (for the exchange fee). Is there something I'm missing? We've took three trips since joining Sunterra.... I and the kids have had a GREAT time... the wife.... not so much; . To make a long story short, what's the best play on making reservations with sunoptions? We are moving to Florida for a year in the next month and I want to make reservations soon as there are lots of resorts out that way.

One more thing; do I need to be a member of DRI's THE club in order to use II? I know I'm asking basic questions here, but that's how far in left field I am at the minute in regard to the changeover to DRI. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Any recommedations for Florida stays?

One FINAL LAST THING... I promise; the old Sunterra site had a 'Sunterra Select' link from the homepage that allowed you purchase stays with your pts for no fees. Does this option still exist with DRI?

You need to read all threads/posts on this forum, most of what you ask has already been answered in one form or another. You can probably expect MFs to rise by like amounts to this year in the years to come. You probably won't see major changes with the buyout of Sunterra by DRI, but DRI seems to be more aggressive in branding and quality so far; and more expansion as well. CSV-1 is now called Diamond Resorts U.S. Collection. From your post it would seem that you weren't a member of Club Sunterra therefore you're not a member of THE Club. Call DRI 877DRICLUB for a definitive answer on your use of I.I. and let us know what they say.