Can you get DRI European Collection inventory?

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

Can SFX get inventory from the DRI European Collection, and specifically those resorts like Wychnor Park which are totally in their points club (at least since DRI strongarmed the individual fixed week owners out)?

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

Replied with private message

[Picker57 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Picker57]

Interesting question - are there other threads addressing SFX and European inventory? We're interested in Paris (France, not Texas), and I've had the impression that there are precious few Paris deposits coming across the SFX desk. Any strategies to employ here?

Thanks,
Zach

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

Interesting question - are there other threads addressing SFX and European inventory? We're interested in Paris (France, not Texas), and I've had the impression that there are precious few Paris deposits coming across the SFX desk. Any strategies to employ here?

Thanks,
Zach

Hi Zach - Thank you for your post. There are a couple of small low quality timeshare properties in the outskirts of Paris. We do not recommend either the properties or the location. When you spend all that money and time to travel to Paris, which for most people is a once in a lifetime vacation, you would be much better off finding a reasonably priced hotel in a decent location, and save your timeshare for an exchange into a location where quality can be assured.

BTW....I was recently in Paris. The last time I was there was around 5 years ago. I must say we were very disappointed. In my opinion the place has really gone downhill compared to what it used to be.

Thanks,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications

[Picker57 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Picker57]

Mark - Thanks for the tip about the timeshare shortcomings in that area. I guess we sometimes drift into the 'timeshares only' mindset, and forget there are great opportunities elsewhere, such as VRBO, home exchanges, etc.

Bummer about Paris going downhill. We were there in 2001 (a Rick Steves tour -we highly recommend) and it was wonderful. Of course it was shortly after 9/11 and the attitude toward Americans was great (we sure blew that one, didn't we?). Also, it was November and the weather was pleasantly cool. I understand the summers can be miserable - LITERALLY the pits.

......................Zach

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

Hi Mark,
Can you please tell me what properties you are refering too?
Thank you for your input.

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

Hi Carolinian,
II has Wychnor Park available as a getaway, and it is reasonably priced. I have stayed there and the unit we has was huge and nice.

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

Hi Mark,
Can you please tell me what properties you are refering too?
Thank you for your input.

Hi Mav - thank you for your post. I would rather be a little diplomatic and not mention them by name. They are viewable in other exchange company's directories.

Thanks,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications

[Ryne08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryne08]

How can an American timeshare owner dtermine a good timeshare to stay in Europe ?

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

How can an American timeshare owner dtermine a good timeshare to stay in Europe ?

Ryne - thank you for your post. That is a very good question, and one we wrestle with on an ongoing basis.

We feel the better quality timeshare resorts are in the United Kingdom and Spain. That doesn't mean to say you wouldn't find a "quaint" timeshare property in the other countries. It really comes down to what your expectations are. Because our timeshare standards are generally much higher in the US, Canada and Mexico, many people feel that is what they want or will get when they exchange to Europe, and for the most part it doesn't exist. Our timeshares our built to the US consumer's standards and expectations and accordingly European standards and expectations are "different". When exchanging to Europe, we recommend doing a little extra due-diligence about the properties in the area you wish to go, and come to terms with it probably not being to the US standard.

There are members who are comfortable with this. There are others who say, traveling to Europe will be an expensive vacation, and its not just about the high price, its also that it takes a long time to get there and back, and if we investing that much time and money, let's stay at a reasonable hotel in a great location, and not be locked into one place for a whole week, and use our timeshare either next year or later on in this year at a place where we know the standard will meet our expectations and needs.

To specifically answer your question... review the resorts in various resort directories and review the resort's websites. Take into account both the quality of the property and the quality of the location. You can also email me at accounts@sfx-resorts.com or call Member services at 800.739.9969 who will be glad to help you.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications