RCI's history of cancelling GM, has it happened with SFX?

[jillchang Member Find all posts View Profile Close jillchang]

Hi Mari,

I was reading the TUG form and noticed many complaints of RCI cancelling Grand Mayan reservations last minute, and downgrading to Mayan Palace. It is not clear whether the problem lies with GM or MP.

Has the same thing ever happen with SFX exchange? And if it does, what will SFX do about the situation?

Tickets from Toronto to Acapulco is expensive, and I requested this exchange specifically to experience Grand Mayan, I will not accept a downgrade or cancellation.

Also, does SFX also have the 1 in 4 rule?

Thanks

Jill

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

Hi Mari,

I was reading the TUG form and noticed many complaints of RCI cancelling Grand Mayan reservations last minute, and downgrading to Mayan Palace. It is not clear whether the problem lies with GM or MP.

Has the same thing ever happen with SFX exchange? And if it does, what will SFX do about the situation?

Tickets from Toronto to Acapulco is expensive, and I requested this exchange specifically to experience Grand Mayan, I will not accept a downgrade or cancellation.

Also, does SFX also have the 1 in 4 rule?

Thanks

Jill

Hi Jill - to my knowledge this has not happened with SFX Members, and I do not know what the problem was with this issue. As with any business unforeseen events do happen, and a company does it's best to remedy the situation.

If this situation happened with SFX... our first steps would be to communicate with the resort and find out what happened and why. If the resort is fully booked, and cannot place a Member into the space originally allocated, then we have no choice but to relocate a Member into another property... hopefully at least as nice as the one booked.

[jillchang Member Find all posts View Profile Close jillchang]

Hi Jill - to my knowledge this has not happened with SFX Members, and I do not know what the problem was with this issue. As with any business unforeseen events do happen, and a company does it's best to remedy the situation.

If this situation happened with SFX... our first steps would be to communicate with the resort and find out what happened and why. If the resort is fully booked, and cannot place a Member into the space originally allocated, then we have no choice but to relocate a Member into another property... hopefully at least as nice as the one booked.

I don't understand how a resort can overbook, and is there a way to make the resort guarantee the booking? Because my air fare from Toronto is $1000 each x 4 = $4000, and more if I end up booking business class. It is just a lot of money to spend to get disappointed.

And I understand that SFX will do what it can to find alternative accomodation, but I just don't see how you can find one as nice. I am about to book my air, and this issue really concerns me.

So I guess what I am really trying to ask is:

Does SFX have any clouts with Grand Mayan resorts to make them guarantee they don't cancel "confirmed" SFX exchange? and I mean if they do that to SFX exchanges, what recourse do you have with GM?

Jill

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

I don't understand how a resort can overbook, and is there a way to make the resort guarantee the booking? Because my air fare from Toronto is $1000 each x 4 = $4000, and more if I end up booking business class. It is just a lot of money to spend to get disappointed.

And I understand that SFX will do what it can to find alternative accomodation, but I just don't see how you can find one as nice. I am about to book my air, and this issue really concerns me.

So I guess what I am really trying to ask is:

Does SFX have any clouts with Grand Mayan resorts to make them guarantee they don't cancel "confirmed" SFX exchange? and I mean if they do that to SFX exchanges, what recourse do you have with GM?

Jill

Jill - first of all how do you know the Grand Mayan did actually overbook the resort? It may possibly have been an Exchange Company internal issue. The fact is we don't know, and it's speculative.

Regardless of who caused the overbooking issue, the fact is... "overbooking" historically has been a part of the whole travel industry... hotels, airlines, cruises etc. There are no exceptions. It is unfortunate, but a reality.

In the past, we have not had such issues with Grand Mayan. We have no reason to anticipate any in the future. However, as with all exchanges to any resort, airline tickets and hotel rooms.... there is "No Guarantee" unforeseen events will not happen.

Again, historically this hasn't been an issue and you should positively look forward to a great vacation at this great resort

[jillchang Member Find all posts View Profile Close jillchang]

OK, I understand, thanks, I will enjoy.

[zdxlc9p6 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zdxlc9p6]

Hi Mari,


Also, does SFX also have the 1 in 4 rule?

Thanks

Jill

Mark,
I'm interested in knowing if SFX has a similar rule. We were at the GM Playa Del Carmen In Jan. 2007, and considering submitting requests for 2 weeks back to back for Jan. 2008. Will that work (assuming availability), or will GM not allow this?
Thanks

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

Mark,
I'm interested in knowing if SFX has a similar rule. We were at the GM Playa Del Carmen In Jan. 2007, and considering submitting requests for 2 weeks back to back for Jan. 2008. Will that work (assuming availability), or will GM not allow this?
Thanks

I am not speaking for Mark but SFX does NOT have any 4 in 1 rules nor similar restrictions. We had no trouble getting back to back weeks at the Grand Mayan - Nuevo Vallarta last April and that was a very busy time because it was La Semana Santa ( Holy Week ) and the week after. We also stayed at the Grand Mayan - Riviera Maya ( the one you are referring to ). We could have done back to back weeks there but instead chose to do one week at the Grand Mayan and the following week at the Royal Mayan to compare the 2. In retrospect, I wish we had just booked the 2 weeks at the Grand Mayan and skipped the Royal Mayan. The Royal Mayan was a big disappointment after spending a week at the Grand Mayan.

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

Jill, as far as I know, JWC is correct in that SFX does not have a 1 for 4 rule. After watching this board for about a year now with particular attention to the Grand Mayan resorts as we are going for Easter week this year the only exchange company that has had problems is RCI. Unfortunately, our week was exchanged through RCI so you can understand why I have been paying attention to this issue. I probably check my confirmed reservation on RCI every day to make sure nothing has changed on it. Yes, I am worried, but Madge -- the RCI rep -- continues to ensure folks on this forum that the problem has been fixed. I guess I will still worry about it until I check in and get the Grand Mayan 2 bedroom I reserved.

[zdxlc9p6 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zdxlc9p6]

Thanks John
I didn't think SFX had the 1 in 4 policy, but wanted to be sure. Good to here it from one who has actually been successful.