What do you like about DRI?

[Aashlee Member Find all posts View Profile Close Aashlee]

Hi! I'm one of the Bluegreen owners who may be joining the DRI family if the proposed sale goes through. My questions to you all are:

What do you like about DRI?
Overall, do you think it's a good program?
Have you enjoyed using it?
Does it meet your expectations?
Do you like the resorts?
How flexible is your program?
Are the maintenance fees fair?
How confident are you in DRI?

Give me the good and the bad. I want to know what I might expect with this timeshare organization. I appreciate your answers. Thanks for helping me.

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

There is a fairly active board for European DRI members at Timesharetalk Forum . You might want to watch that one, too.

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

There is a fairly active board for European DRI members at Timesharetalk Forum . You might want to watch that one, too.

Actually, even with their pledge of ONE CLUB, there are still many differences between US and Europe and US boards and blogs are a much better source for what any BG owner could expect.

[Xolodno Member Find all posts View Profile Close Xolodno]

What do you like about DRI? Vacation in a lot of places I want to go, most of the time.

Overall, do you think it's a good program? Yes, has some flaws, such as affiliations with limited inventory or ownership with limited inventory. But it sure does beat Motel 6.

Have you enjoyed using it? Every year.

Does it meet your expectations? Majority of the time...just that limited inventory thing in certail places....that not everyone wants to go to, but still seems to fill up.

Do you like the resorts? Yes! I've seen some of the "lower cost alternatives"

How flexible is your program? Thats a bit open ended. I plan well ahead for my vacations (its very important to me) and its flexible for places I want to go. But as for last minute stuff...I did book into Desert Paradise within the 59 day window once. It worked then for me.

Are the maintenance fees fair? There still doing a lot of improvements. So, I'm reserving judgement for a little while...but I still gripe about them.

How confident are you in DRI? Its a private comany and they don't post much in the way of public financials...they've been going on a bit of a executive hiring spree, Bluegreen may be the first of the fruits of this...heh, otherwise there would have been some dismissals in the near future. Hiring a bunch of honcho's and not doing anything isn't a very good business model.

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

What do you like about DRI?

Europe and the corporate II account (lower points required and good availability.

The 59 day window for 50% discount.

Overall, do you think it's a good program?

Yes, but too many resorts at some locations, e.g. Sedona, Orlando, Spain.

Have you enjoyed using it?

So far, yes.

Does it meet your expectations?

Yes, but the quality is not as good as the brand names.

Do you like the resorts?

Yes, particularly the European destinations.

How flexible is your program?

It is more flexible than RHC, another point program I own. You can save for or borrow from the next year. You can book days (2 days minimum and not in Europe) or weeks or combination of both.
Are the maintenance fees fair?

MF not low but not too high either. Comparable with quality DRI offers.
How confident are you in DRI?

Don't know. I survived 2 major changes in past 11 years, but didn't notice any impact on me at all. Since I am a deed owner converted to the Club, the worst scenario is I still have my two bedroom in Sedona.

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

Hi! I'm one of the Bluegreen owners who may be joining the DRI family if the proposed sale goes through. My questions to you all are:

What do you like about DRI?
Overall, do you think it's a good program?
Have you enjoyed using it?
Does it meet your expectations?
Do you like the resorts?
How flexible is your program?
Are the maintenance fees fair?
How confident are you in DRI?

Give me the good and the bad. I want to know what I might expect with this timeshare organization. I appreciate your answers. Thanks for helping me.

We have answered your questions. To be fair, would you please tell us what you think about Bluegreen resorts:

Do you like the resorts? Especially those in NE and mid West.
How is the availability?
How do you compare the resorts quality wise with DRI and other brand names, e.g. Marriott and Sheraton?
Where are these resorts? Any international destinations?

I have started reading the Bluegreen forum and web site but your input is appreciated.

Thanks.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

Mostly, what I like about DRI at this point is how flexible their points are to exchange through I.I. and the value of those points.

The units I own with DRI had become exchangers only. They didn't start out that way but, I found I liked a little more luxury than what DRI provided and we purchased HGVC and Marriott in Vegas (our original DRI units are at Polo Towers in Vegas). Since we don't go to Vegas 4 times per year, Polo Towers became exchangers.

Weeks exchange for weeks and then the value is gone. With THE Club points, we were given 26,500 points for both units. If we exchange into 1 bedroom units using our points, I then 15,500 points left over. If we book two 2 bedroom units I have 13,500 points left over. I can then use the remaining points to pay down our MF's, for FF miles, rent cars, buy AA flight certificates et..... at a value of 5 cents/point.

Now this really isn't a great use of points but, when I was exchanging week for week, I wasn't getting that value at all. Now I can get my exchanges and reduce my MF's with unused points by up to $775. Even when you add in the $225 club fee's that we didn't have before, I'm still getting my exchanges AND reducing my MF's by $500.

To me that is the BEST thing about converting my weeks into THE Club (not the DRI Trust).

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

We have answered your questions. To be fair, would you please tell us what you think about Bluegreen resorts:

Do you like the resorts? Especially those in NE and mid West.
How is the availability?
How do you compare the resorts quality wise with DRI and other brand names, e.g. Marriott and Sheraton?
Where are these resorts? Any international destinations?

I have started reading the Bluegreen forum and web site but your input is appreciated.

Thanks.

I have used the BG resorts in Branson (Big Cedar), Pigeon Forge Tn (Laurel Crest), Myrtle Beach (Shorecrest 1), Orlando (The Fountains), St. Augustine Fl (GRANDE VILLAS AT WORLD GOLF VILLAGE-GVWGV), Wis. Dells (Christmas Moutain Village-CMV) and Lake Condominiums in Big Sky which is not a BG resort, just has weeks avail at that resort.

I have liked them all, some better than others. Actually, Lake Condo. was the lowest rated of the group and Fountains or GVWGV would be in the top (Big Cedar for many others). All have been good units, roomy, clean, bright and some of the resorts I have been to multiple times.

The only one that I have had difficulty getting into was Lake Condo. because it has limited BG access.

I can not compare to other brand resorts as I have not used those resort.

Bluegreen is USA only, primarily on East Coast. Their partnership with Shell Vac. Club has opened up west coast. I was planning on using one of those next Aug, but not sure what will happen at this time.

What I believe I will loose, and will miss, are some of the perks. I use Traveler Plus, which acts as my travel agent. Little better prices on airlines, hotel discounts, local pizza place honors the discounts.

I expect this will go through, but it is sad for me. Maybe when I know more, I will be happier.

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

We have answered your questions. To be fair, would you please tell us what you think about Bluegreen resorts:

Do you like the resorts? Especially those in NE and mid West.
How is the availability?
How do you compare the resorts quality wise with DRI and other brand names, e.g. Marriott and Sheraton?
Where are these resorts? Any international destinations?

I have started reading the Bluegreen forum and web site but your input is appreciated.

Thanks.

I don't mean any disrespect at all but for me this is not about becoming stepsiblings. Obviously, DRI members would have a right to know about resorts being added to their system. I have greatly enjoyed every BG resort I have stayed at. I realize BG is not of the level of some of the bigger hotel chains but that is fine with me. It beats any motel I’ve stayed at. My current budget wouldn't allow ownership in one of those chains. I was attracted to the location of the BG resorts because most are within an 8 to 10 hour drive for me. West coast resorts don't attract me at this time.

My biggest concern is thinking that I am about to be jacked on club dues, maintenance fees, and special assessments. I remember reading some of the posts when DRI bought Sunterra and about the large increase in fees. I felt bad for the owners that were affected. Now I feel like I am about to live that nightmare!

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

I don't mean any disrespect at all but for me this is not about becoming stepsiblings. Obviously, DRI members would have a right to know about resorts being added to their system. I have greatly enjoyed every BG resort I have stayed at. I realize BG is not of the level of some of the bigger hotel chains but that is fine with me. It beats any motel I’ve stayed at. My current budget wouldn't allow ownership in one of those chains. I was attracted to the location of the BG resorts because most are within an 8 to 10 hour drive for me. West coast resorts don't attract me at this time.

My biggest concern is thinking that I am about to be jacked on club dues, maintenance fees, and special assessments. I remember reading some of the posts when DRI bought Sunterra and about the large increase in fees. I felt bad for the owners that were affected. Now I feel like I am about to live that nightmare!

Keep in mind that Sunterra was, IMO, a distressed company that had allowed maintenance at some of their resorts to fall. I remember reading about pools being closed or units badly in need of refurbishment. There was, IMHO, a lot of work to be done with the Sunterra resorts just to update and repair things that needed to be done.

Bluegreen, on the other hand, appears to be a well run company that has maintained their resorts. I feel like they've been more fiscally responsible than Sunterra. Sunterra seemed to do everything as inexpensively as possible. I don't get that impression with Bluegreen. I'm not sure I'd be as worried about fee's being jacked if this goes through as I don't see as much that will need to be improved upon in short order like I did with Sunterra.

DRI seems to have done quite a bit with some of the old Sunterra resorts as far as maintenance and refurbishment is concerned. The Deluxe unit we had at Fall Creek in Branson was one of the nicer units we've had at any resort. Of course those upgrades come at a price and it's the owners that pay for it. Sunterra allowed resorts to fall behind, DRI has attempted to bring them up to standards and owners, who bragged about the low MF's of Sunterra and the good trading power felt the brunt of the expence. If Bluegreen has been better run and better maintained than Sunterra, Bluegreen owners shouldn't see huge increases in fee's IMO.

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

Keep in mind that Sunterra was, IMO, a distressed company that had allowed maintenance at some of their resorts to fall. I remember reading about pools being closed or units badly in need of refurbishment. There was, IMHO, a lot of work to be done with the Sunterra resorts just to update and repair things that needed to be done.

Bluegreen, on the other hand, appears to be a well run company that has maintained their resorts. I feel like they've been more fiscally responsible than Sunterra. Sunterra seemed to do everything as inexpensively as possible. I don't get that impression with Bluegreen. I'm not sure I'd be as worried about fee's being jacked if this goes through as I don't see as much that will need to be improved upon in short order like I did with Sunterra.

DRI seems to have done quite a bit with some of the old Sunterra resorts as far as maintenance and refurbishment is concerned. The Deluxe unit we had at Fall Creek in Branson was one of the nicer units we've had at any resort. Of course those upgrades come at a price and it's the owners that pay for it. Sunterra allowed resorts to fall behind, DRI has attempted to bring them up to standards and owners, who bragged about the low MF's of Sunterra and the good trading power felt the brunt of the expence. If Bluegreen has been better run and better maintained than Sunterra, Bluegreen owners shouldn't see huge increases in fee's IMO.

I guess this would be true if the increases to Sunterra owners were used to bring those resorts up to par.

Although BG may do a fairly good job at maintaining their resorts, I would have to say that a couple of the units I've stayed in needed some facelifts. This however does not mean that I would expect to be vaulted to the level of Mariott ownership. I really wouldn't want that. I like "clean, dry, and servicable" but I don't require 5 star quality. This is what is attractive to me about Bluegreen. We spend most of our time outside of the unit so as long as it is roomy and comfortable we are happy. I'm content with maintaining rather than being forced to upgrade.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

I guess this would be true if the increases to Sunterra owners were used to bring those resorts up to par.

Although BG may do a fairly good job at maintaining their resorts, I would have to say that a couple of the units I've stayed in needed some facelifts. This however does not mean that I would expect to be vaulted to the level of Mariott ownership. I really wouldn't want that. I like "clean, dry, and servicable" but I don't require 5 star quality. This is what is attractive to me about Bluegreen. We spend most of our time outside of the unit so as long as it is roomy and comfortable we are happy. I'm content with maintaining rather than being forced to upgrade.

The last posts I've seen have indicated that some resorts are being brought up to par. There is one in Arizona (sedona I believe) where the pool had not been put in correctly and was beyond repair. DRI has torn it out and replaced it correctly. The pools/hot tubs at Powhatan and Greensprings have been repaired and are working correctly if I understand right. All bedding and linen is being replaced. The last report I read about refurbishing of units at Powhatan had a definate WOW factor. Curtains are being added replacing the elcheapo blinds that Sunterra loved.

There are changes taking place but, one has to put a log in the fireplace before it puts out heat. In this case I believe DRI started the process before owners had to toss in the logs (increased fee's) but, DRI had probably already done the calculations and was reasonably assured they'd be recieving that $$.

Now the trick will be in maintaining what they've started. Through last year Polo Towers was still only collecting $48 or so for the reserve fund on a 2 bedroom unit. IMO that is far to low and was reflected in that big SA owners had to pay a couple of years ago. I would like to see better future planning from DRI. Planning that includes unit refurbishment on a 10 year cycle. Plan now, save now so we don't have to pay big bucks laters is what I hope to see started with next years MF's. Unfortunately, that would mean a 10% increase in MF's just for the reserve alone with Polo Towers. If they start putting serious money into the reserve AND maintain the property on a schedule without allowing it to decline and then hitting owners with another SA, I can live with the increase. If they don't start collecting a reasonable amount for the SA, then I'll remain somewhat doubtful about the future.

[Bill927 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bill927]

We have answered your questions. To be fair, would you please tell us what you think about Bluegreen resorts:

Do you like the resorts? Especially those in NE and mid West.
How is the availability?
How do you compare the resorts quality wise with DRI and other brand names, e.g. Marriott and Sheraton?
Where are these resorts? Any international destinations?

I have started reading the Bluegreen forum and web site but your input is appreciated.

Thanks.

The Bluegreen Resorts vary from converted motels that are not particularly impressive to VERY nice resorts. The only resort from either DRI or BG that made the TUG list for the top 30 T/S resorts in the world was Big Cedar Wilderness Club (currently #18). World Golf Village, the Fountains, and Solara are very nice as well. Getting into the resorts that BG developed and manages is fairly easy because there is a large inventory. The resorts that they own limited inventory in can be more challenging (Big Sky and Pona Kai for example).

[Aashlee Member Find all posts View Profile Close Aashlee]

Do you like the resorts? Especially those in NE and mid West.

I have been to three BG resorts: The Hammocks at Marathon (Marathon Key, Florida), The Suites at Hershey (Hershey, Pennsylvania), and Christmas Mountain Village (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin). I love them all. They are not five-star resorts, by any means, but they are all very, very nice. The units are in good condition, the resorts are well-maintained, and the resort staff has been very accommodating and friendly at all of them. If there's a problem, they're right there to fix it and make it right. When we vacation, we like to go to places that have attractions, both man-made and natural wonders, and the BG resorts fill that ticket. I love the range of room selections at each resort. Hershey is all two-bedroom suites, and that may be the exception. But The Hammocks and Christmas Mountain Village had everything to one-bedroom suites to full cabins that would sleep 8 or more.

I have used BG to access Shell Vacation Club's Hawaiian resorts, as there's a partnership. The Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai was on par with BG resorts, and the staff was just as friendly and helpful. I am hoping that we continue to have access to this program if the sale goes through.

How is the availability?

I have never had a problem getting accommodations. For Hershey, we booked 9 months beforehand for Christmas week, which is a "high red" season. We booked three months ahead for our stay at The Hammocks in January, and we even got some of our nights on "bonus time," which meant we paid a low, low rate instead of using points. We booked about six weeks ahead for our July mid-week stay at Christmas Mountain Village, which was a minor miracle as we were there during the resort's busiest week. But we got in.

How do you compare the resorts quality wise with DRI and other brand names, e.g. Marriott and Sheraton?

We have a high-end Marriott timeshare at the Kauai Beach Club. The resort is ranked #21 of Hawaiian resorts in "Travel & Leisure's" recent reader poll, so few things are going to compare to that. But comparing what we paid between our Marriott experience and our BG experience, we feel that we have a good value.

Where are these resorts? Any international destinations?

Vintner answered that one. No international destinations. Resorts are mostly east of the Mississippi in Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Florida, with a few more scattered about.

I hope that I've provided you some insight from my limited experience.