New Directory ???

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

Mark-

Welcome back, hope you had a great trip.

Any information on the new directory? I am still sitting on my two weeks waiting to see the new offerings list for the Caribbean before I deposit the weeks. Sorry, but the old list just doesn't give one much confidence that my needs can be met.

Thanks,

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

Mark-

Welcome back, hope you had a great trip.

Any information on the new directory? I am still sitting on my two weeks waiting to see the new offerings list for the Caribbean before I deposit the weeks. Sorry, but the old list just doesn't give one much confidence that my needs can be met.

Thanks,

Hi Patty - we understand. We have been advised the new directory will be launched by the middle of September (the latest).

What islands in the Caribbean are of interest to you? Also, what are your expecations with regards to your needs? Perhaps I can give some insight.

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

We have been advised the new directory will be launched by the middle of September (the latest).

Mark, I'm trying not to be a skeptic based on past notices of when the website will be ready so how firm is this prediction?

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

Mark, I'm trying not to be a skeptic based on past notices of when the website will be ready so how firm is this prediction?

A brand new website was created over one year ago. However a directive from the President of the company was given not to execute the new web. Instead, a decision was made to invest over $400,000 in cash to create a new infrastructure of all our technology platforms, essentially a state of the art exchange software and a much more robust and dynamic website.

This was part of a new 10 year expansion directive. A further $3,000,000 has been budgeted for the acquisition of a purpose built 16,000 square foot small office building. Occupancy of our new headquarters is anticipated around June 2007.

As everyone knows, things don't always go as planned. We planned on taking a few small steps, then changed our minds and decided to build a ship instead of a row boat. After being in business for nearly 15 years, and being successful at what we do, market conditions are primed for a more aggressive approach towards Market-Share. This is both consumer and industry driven.

Notwithstanding any unforeseen circumstances, we anticipate around the middle of September to a be reasonable expectation for the directory renovation.

[Anne1125 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Anne1125]

Mark, is the Caribbean a good possibility with SFX? Most of the trades we hear about are on the West coast.

How about Florida coast resorts? Will they be a good possibility?

Thanks.

Anne

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

Does changing the location request bump me down the list?

Hi Mark -

As a new member in December, 2005 I deposited 2 Grand Summit /Canyons weeks and requested Caribbean after first trying to get Las Vegas on short notice for a quick business trip.

By April 2006, didn't get any Caribbrean matches so I changed the requests to southern California for Winter 2007 and 2008.

It appears that each time I add a new location and cancel the prior that it is shows up as a new request, rather than just a change in location.

So does changing the location bump me down the list?

I would also like to have my California weeks back to back in the same year, but I don't see how to indicate that on the request.

Thanks,
Hudson

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

Mark, is the Caribbean a good possibility with SFX? Most of the trades we hear about are on the West coast.

How about Florida coast resorts? Will they be a good possibility?

Thanks.

Anne

Anne - thank you for your post. For some reason there are a number of people that think SFX only specializes in Hawaii and the West Coast. This could not be further from the truth. We book thousands of people to many other locations around the US and the World. You can even request Beijing China with us... and certainly Florida and the Caribbean.

Hope this helps...

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

Hi Mark -

As a new member in December, 2005 I deposited 2 Grand Summit /Canyons weeks and requested Caribbean after first trying to get Las Vegas on short notice for a quick business trip.

By April 2006, didn't get any Caribbrean matches so I changed the requests to southern California for Winter 2007 and 2008.

It appears that each time I add a new location and cancel the prior that it is shows up as a new request, rather than just a change in location.

So does changing the location bump me down the list?

I would also like to have my California weeks back to back in the same year, but I don't see how to indicate that on the request.

Thanks,
Hudson

Hudson - thank you for your post. I will be glad to give you some advice with these matters.

Premium Demanded time in the Caribbean is Jan - Easter week, and is typically booked 9-12 months in advance. Not to say you cannot get in with less notice, but that would come down to late deposits and/or cancellations of weeks. By requesting so late, with about a month prior to the premium season, unfortunately all quality resorts were booked.

By changing either the travel dates of your request or the location of your request... that is not the same request anymore. It has now become a "new request", and is effective as of the date and time of your transaction.

For example; If on Sept. 10, 2006 you had a request placed for Hawaii to arrive Jan 1-7 ... and another Member who placed a request for San Diego on Sept. 2, 2006 changed their mind, canceled their San Diego request and replaced it with a request for Hawaii Jan. 1-7 (the same requested dates and location as you).

Would it be "fair and reasonable" for us to put that member ahead of you just because they placed their request earlier than you for another location and changed their minds?

It's a loaded question, but the answer is No, it wouldn't be fair or reasonable for us to put them ahead of you. You had placed your request for that specific date and location ahead of them. Theirs came in as a new request, completely different from what they originally requested.

It is structured this way to try and keep the system as Fair and Reasonable as possible.

However, there are circumstances where you position wouldn't change when modifying requests. For example;

1. Keeping the same dates and locations, but changing the number of people in your party.

2. Keeping your existing request and adding multiple alternative choices. The original request keeps in place in queue. The newly added alternatives are effective of the date you placed them.

Hope this helps...

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

Mark-

Thanks for the response. I anxiously await the new directory.

OK you may be sorry that you asked. But here goes. I am listing actual resorts that I find acceptable, but would be open to others in the same locations provided I have a day to check them out and decide. No AI. We travel after tax season ( April 15 – June 15 ) and in the fall from October 1 – 3rd week in November, by choice. Low season when the crowds are less and few kids. We want two weeks at a time, back to back. Mostly 1BR for just the two of us. OK to change units within a resort or between resorts on the same island. Maybe sometimes go to 2 weeks on 2 different islands. We did that this spring with Crane & ST Croix and it was fun. Going to ST Martin and Tortola in October so don’t want to go there again for awhile. Aruba and Curacao is absolutely out. Been to Residences of Crane 2 times in last 3 years and due back there next spring. My favorite resort, but can get that through RCI Points. We prefer to book way ahead and can easily make a request as much as 18 months in advance. Hubby has to let his work know his vacation dates way in advance. Looking for other options through you.

I have basically been cautious because I want off season as well as the fact that I specifically want Caribbean and that doesn’t appear to be well represented in your inventory, at lease not on the old directory. Main reason I have been waiting to see the new list. Started to e-mail you this, but decided maybe others would like to see the answer as well. I am probably not the only idiot that wants to travel to the Caribbean in low season. Hey, maybe this will become your new strong point??

First Choice
Provo, Turks & Caicos
The Alexandra Resort and Spa (#6055) – 2BR only, don’t like the 1BR but maybe my arm can be twisted.
Coral Gardens Resort • CGS
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

We loved Provo and could go back there just about every year and I would be happy. We were married on the beach there. You get me 2 weeks there every year and I will book the best RHC weeks I can get you and sing your praises.

Second Choices
ST Thomas - St John
Virgin Grand Villas (#1853)
Westin St. John Resort Villas • WEJ & WSJ
Marriott's Frenchman's Cove • MFC
Flagship Club at Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina • SBE
Paradise Found Vacation Club at Sapphire Beach Resort (#6986)
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

And

Third Choices
Bahamas - Grand Cayman - Puerto Rico - Turks & Caicos - Jamaica - Antigua
Castaways Cove • CTY
The Royal Reef Resort • RYG
Plantation Beach Resort • PLV
Morritt's Grand Resort (#5930) – 2BR only
Sandyport Beaches Resort (#2886)
Paradise Island Beach Club (#0983)
Paradise Harbour Club & Marina (#2510)
Sunrise Beach Club & Villas (#1152)
South Ocean Golf & Beach Resort (#5122)
Turquoise Cove Beach Club (#5365)
Hyatt Hacienda del Mar • HYP
Aquarius Vacation Club® at Embassy Suites Hotel® Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort • AQV
Aquarius Vacation Club® at Boquerón Beach / Caba Rojo • AQB
Village at ST James Club • VGS
Jolly Harbour Marina & Golf Resort (#4862) • JHR
Great House Villas at the Half Moon Club ( #0914 )
Antigua Village Beach Club ( # 0635 )
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

OK so which of these may be doable?

Thanks,

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

Mark-

Thanks for the response. I anxiously await the new directory.

OK you may be sorry that you asked. But here goes. I am listing actual resorts that I find acceptable, but would be open to others in the same locations provided I have a day to check them out and decide. No AI. We travel after tax season ( April 15 – June 15 ) and in the fall from October 1 – 3rd week in November, by choice. Low season when the crowds are less and few kids. We want two weeks at a time, back to back. Mostly 1BR for just the two of us. OK to change units within a resort or between resorts on the same island. Maybe sometimes go to 2 weeks on 2 different islands. We did that this spring with Crane & ST Croix and it was fun. Going to ST Martin and Tortola in October so don’t want to go there again for awhile. Aruba and Curacao is absolutely out. Been to Residences of Crane 2 times in last 3 years and due back there next spring. My favorite resort, but can get that through RCI Points. We prefer to book way ahead and can easily make a request as much as 18 months in advance. Hubby has to let his work know his vacation dates way in advance. Looking for other options through you.

I have basically been cautious because I want off season as well as the fact that I specifically want Caribbean and that doesn’t appear to be well represented in your inventory, at lease not on the old directory. Main reason I have been waiting to see the new list. Started to e-mail you this, but decided maybe others would like to see the answer as well. I am probably not the only idiot that wants to travel to the Caribbean in low season. Hey, maybe this will become your new strong point??

First Choice
Provo, Turks & Caicos
The Alexandra Resort and Spa (#6055) – 2BR only, don’t like the 1BR but maybe my arm can be twisted.
Coral Gardens Resort • CGS
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

We loved Provo and could go back there just about every year and I would be happy. We were married on the beach there. You get me 2 weeks there every year and I will book the best RHC weeks I can get you and sing your praises.

Second Choices
ST Thomas - St John
Virgin Grand Villas (#1853)
Westin St. John Resort Villas • WEJ & WSJ
Marriott's Frenchman's Cove • MFC
Flagship Club at Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina • SBE
Paradise Found Vacation Club at Sapphire Beach Resort (#6986)
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

And

Third Choices
Bahamas - Grand Cayman - Puerto Rico - Turks & Caicos - Jamaica - Antigua
Castaways Cove • CTY
The Royal Reef Resort • RYG
Plantation Beach Resort • PLV
Morritt's Grand Resort (#5930) – 2BR only
Sandyport Beaches Resort (#2886)
Paradise Island Beach Club (#0983)
Paradise Harbour Club & Marina (#2510)
Sunrise Beach Club & Villas (#1152)
South Ocean Golf & Beach Resort (#5122)
Turquoise Cove Beach Club (#5365)
Hyatt Hacienda del Mar • HYP
Aquarius Vacation Club® at Embassy Suites Hotel® Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort • AQV
Aquarius Vacation Club® at Boquerón Beach / Caba Rojo • AQB
Village at ST James Club • VGS
Jolly Harbour Marina & Golf Resort (#4862) • JHR
Great House Villas at the Half Moon Club ( #0914 )
Antigua Village Beach Club ( # 0635 )
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

OK so which of these may be doable?

Thanks,

Patty - Sorry, you are not being Flexible enough with your requests !!

Just kidding

I noticed a number of these are in our old directory. I will take a closer look at your list tomorrow and give advisement then. Are you needing the 2 weeks for 2007? Thanks for all the time taken for your post.

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

Mark-

Hey, you mean you can't just whip off an answer to my manuscript on a moments notice? Seriously, I already had prepared the list in anticipation of making my first request with SFX. So I was a step ahead. Plans are to deposit my 2 weeks along with the one already in the bank. Then will start a search for spring 2008.

Fall 2007 is still up in the air right now as to if we will be able to vacation at all. We may well have to wait till much closer to the actual dates and then just see what you happen to have available using the bonus weeks at the time. Probably something east coast or FL, within driving distance.

Now that you probably have a feel for my likes, would be interested in hearing other possibilities that you may have so I can mull them over. As you can probably see, we usually like exploring new places. There are so many islands we haven't seen as yet. But will go back to Provo or Res. Crane repeatedly !!

Now when the time comes to put in my request, you will most likely just get an e-mail, much like the above. No way I can figure out how to make that work on your request form. :-)

Just thought of another ?? Would spring or fall be easier for you to get? or does it make a difference?

Many thanks,

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

Mark-

Thanks for the response. I anxiously await the new directory.

OK you may be sorry that you asked. But here goes. I am listing actual resorts that I find acceptable, but would be open to others in the same locations provided I have a day to check them out and decide. No AI. We travel after tax season ( April 15 – June 15 ) and in the fall from October 1 – 3rd week in November, by choice. Low season when the crowds are less and few kids. We want two weeks at a time, back to back. Mostly 1BR for just the two of us. OK to change units within a resort or between resorts on the same island. Maybe sometimes go to 2 weeks on 2 different islands. We did that this spring with Crane & ST Croix and it was fun. Going to ST Martin and Tortola in October so don’t want to go there again for awhile. Aruba and Curacao is absolutely out. Been to Residences of Crane 2 times in last 3 years and due back there next spring. My favorite resort, but can get that through RCI Points. We prefer to book way ahead and can easily make a request as much as 18 months in advance. Hubby has to let his work know his vacation dates way in advance. Looking for other options through you.

I have basically been cautious because I want off season as well as the fact that I specifically want Caribbean and that doesn’t appear to be well represented in your inventory, at lease not on the old directory. Main reason I have been waiting to see the new list. Started to e-mail you this, but decided maybe others would like to see the answer as well. I am probably not the only idiot that wants to travel to the Caribbean in low season. Hey, maybe this will become your new strong point??

First Choice
Provo, Turks & Caicos
The Alexandra Resort and Spa (#6055) – 2BR only, don’t like the 1BR but maybe my arm can be twisted.
Coral Gardens Resort • CGS
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

We loved Provo and could go back there just about every year and I would be happy. We were married on the beach there. You get me 2 weeks there every year and I will book the best RHC weeks I can get you and sing your praises.

Second Choices
ST Thomas - St John
Virgin Grand Villas (#1853)
Westin St. John Resort Villas • WEJ & WSJ
Marriott's Frenchman's Cove • MFC
Flagship Club at Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina • SBE
Paradise Found Vacation Club at Sapphire Beach Resort (#6986)
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

And

Third Choices
Bahamas - Grand Cayman - Puerto Rico - Turks & Caicos - Jamaica - Antigua
Castaways Cove • CTY
The Royal Reef Resort • RYG
Plantation Beach Resort • PLV
Morritt's Grand Resort (#5930) – 2BR only
Sandyport Beaches Resort (#2886)
Paradise Island Beach Club (#0983)
Paradise Harbour Club & Marina (#2510)
Sunrise Beach Club & Villas (#1152)
South Ocean Golf & Beach Resort (#5122)
Turquoise Cove Beach Club (#5365)
Hyatt Hacienda del Mar • HYP
Aquarius Vacation Club® at Embassy Suites Hotel® Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort • AQV
Aquarius Vacation Club® at Boquerón Beach / Caba Rojo • AQB
Village at ST James Club • VGS
Jolly Harbour Marina & Golf Resort (#4862) • JHR
Great House Villas at the Half Moon Club ( #0914 )
Antigua Village Beach Club ( # 0635 )
Possibly other private 1BR condos on the beach

OK so which of these may be doable?

Thanks,

Hi Patty - again thank you for the time taken to submit this post.

There are a couple of reasons you do not see many Caribbean resorts in our current directory.

1. The current directory is out of date and is being replaced with a new one this September.

2. There are very few high quality resorts in the Caribbean that are Crown and 5 star rated. Most of the resorts in that region are not that level of quality. There has not been much growth with new resorts in the Caribbean for a number of years.

Although a number of resorts in your request list also are not Crown or 5 star rated, certainly does not mean they would not provide a good vacation.

Although we cannot guarantee space until such time it becomes available after a search, we can say there is an extremely high reasonable chance for fullfillment of your requests as stated above, and would certainly encourage you to move forward with submittal.

If this is of interest to you and you need further advice or assistance, you may p.m. me or email at accounts@sfx-resorts.com.

[Bill4728 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bill4728]

Mark it is Sept 11th. Not yet mid-Sept but close.

Are we still looking like a new direstory soon?

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

Mark it is Sept 11th. Not yet mid-Sept but close.

Are we still looking like a new direstory soon?

Yes

[Anne1125 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Anne1125]

How soon?

Anne