Mark and others......need some opinions

[Picker57 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Picker57]

Greetings all,

Our current SFX membership is the 'Diamond' level, thanks to a promotion in effect at the time. We're due to renew in the next few weeks, and am inclined to do so at the 'Platinum' level. We have ZERO interest in cruises, which seems to be the main strength of "Diamond" level. However I'm curious about the "concierge, full service travel agency" thingy. Does this provide anything that can't be obtained online anyway? Do they really have access to better airline fares? Are there any property search advantages? Can anyone relate advantages they've experienced with 'Diamond'?

Thanks for any insights you can provide.

-----Zach

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Greetings all,

Our current SFX membership is the 'Diamond' level, thanks to a promotion in effect at the time. We're due to renew in the next few weeks, and am inclined to do so at the 'Platinum' level. We have ZERO interest in cruises, which seems to be the main strength of "Diamond" level. However I'm curious about the "concierge, full service travel agency" thingy. Does this provide anything that can't be obtained online anyway? Do they really have access to better airline fares? Are there any property search advantages? Can anyone relate advantages they've experienced with 'Diamond'?

Thanks for any insights you can provide.

-----Zach

Zach - Thank you for your post. Go Platinum

Not into cruising frequently?? There is no trading power advantage, and technically no discounted airfares. There are some "special packaged deals" from time to time, which may equate to a reduced airfare as a result of the bundling.

The concierge service is great for the well seasoned traveler, where major travel is constant several times a year, where they can also access incredible negotiated hotel rates at hotles like the Westin in Scottsdale and many others around the country. A concierge service is there to make it happen and make it easy for that profile of traveler.

If you are into constant cruising (as well as exchanging your week), travel very frequently where hotel stays are part of the trip, then along with the discounted rates on those features, you save a lot of money on your ongoing SFX membership fees and exchange fees. If your travel needs are met by getting away 1-4 weeks per year in land-based quality timeshare resorts, Platinum is the way for you to go.

Hope this helps,

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[PortableTech Member Find all posts View Profile Close PortableTech]

I just posted about this in another thread, need to get another promotion for free Diamond time with deposit. I keep hoping you will put one out, but alas...

To clarify too, I think I accidentally put Platinum in my other post, but can not look as it is pending moderation. I did in fact mean Diamond.

--PortableTech

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

I have been a Platinum member for 15 years. I was offered the same promotion but decided that for the cost it didn't add any significant advantage. We don't do cruises but we do a lot of non-timeshare vacations spending about 50 nights a year in upscale hotels.

The concierge service is of no use to us as I am very good at getting the best deals on my own through research and negotiation.

I think that the Diamond membership is only of value to people doing cruises and even then I am not so sure. You can negotiate some pretty good cruise deals on your own.

[Picker57 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Picker57]

Thanks guys......that validates the gut feeling I had, and I'll renew as Platinum when the time comes. That seems to provide a nice balance of benefits (reasonable cost, good search windows, etc).

Happy trails,
------------------Zach