Club Velas Vallarta - AI Mandatory or Optional?

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

Hello,

I am new to the forum and actually am in the process of setting up a weeks' rental from a Club Velas Vallarta owner for our PV trip in February. My question is whether Club Velas Vallarta is mandatory AI or is it optional depending on the particular owner's plan? I have read some reviews that discuss the AI and that it's expensive, however the owner insists that her plan doesn't require AI, that it is optional. Anyone know about this? She did tell me that she does NOT own with RCI but with the resort itself. The asking amount for the rental is in line with others on Redweek, etc.

I am not getting any bad vibes from the owner, she seems pretty forthcoming with information. I am just trying to check out the facts before I commit to the week and potentially to a lot of expensive AI fees! I want to save that $ to enjoy all the fabulous activities that are available in PV.

There is a wealth of information on these forums. I'm not an owner, however with all the great resale deals it's certainly something I am considering. We take a trip every year mid-winter to a warm locale and I think that a TS could in fact be a great deal for our family of four.

[aliikai2 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close aliikai2]

The owner is right

The Velas is AI through RCI, and some of the newer sales plans, the original plans were AI optional, so you don't have to take the AI renting from an earlier owner,

Greg

Hello,

I am new to the forum and actually am in the process of setting up a weeks' rental from a Club Velas Vallarta owner for our PV trip in February. My question is whether Club Velas Vallarta is mandatory AI or is it optional depending on the particular owner's plan? I have read some reviews that discuss the AI and that it's expensive, however the owner insists that her plan doesn't require AI, that it is optional. Anyone know about this? She did tell me that she does NOT own with RCI but with the resort itself. The asking amount for the rental is in line with others on Redweek, etc.

I am not getting any bad vibes from the owner, she seems pretty forthcoming with information. I am just trying to check out the facts before I commit to the week and potentially to a lot of expensive AI fees! I want to save that $ to enjoy all the fabulous activities that are available in PV.

There is a wealth of information on these forums. I'm not an owner, however with all the great resale deals it's certainly something I am considering. We take a trip every year mid-winter to a warm locale and I think that a TS could in fact be a great deal for our family of four.

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

Greg is right....Velas Vallarta is mandantory AI thru RCI and newer owner contracts, but it is Optional AI for older owners contracts. The AI is substantially cheaper and well worth the money for owners esp. those that are Ambassadors, maybe all are...not sure on that.

I love it at Velas, great resort and we do the AI even though it is optional as it is well worth the price even if we go out at times..

I own 3 units there so anytime feel free to contact me if you need a unit there, also I am going to be there in feb also, when are you going?

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

Velas Vallarta AI or Not?

Hey - thanks for the info - I have since gotten the reservation confirmation and confirmed that the AI is optional. The transaction with the owner was great - good communication but I always like to ask around and get other input when choosing a place to stay. I assumed that the AI would be overly expensive and wasn't considering it. We like to grab breakfast and other grocery items and do at least one meal a day in, rather than going out for three meals a day. We will have our two boys with us and be offsite quite a bit having adventures. I appreciate your info and now am going to at least inquire for the AI rates to see if it might make sense to go that route.

We are there (one bedroom) from Feb 11-18th. Do you have any recommendations for room location or just ask for a higher floor for view? I just booked Hotel Catedral for the last two nights we are in PV (leave 20th). We wanted to stay a couple nights somewhere totally different and I think the location and everything will be a fun change, from quiet, relaxing to busy "in the middle of it all" - hope my family agrees.

Let me know what dates you are at the Velas- maybe we can meet up!

Later,
Lori

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

Hi Lori, Room location will depend on if you have a one bedroom Villa or Villa Plus...we own Villa PLus two of them plus a studio ( can rent to you another time). Higher floor yes better room though second floor has larger balconies and Villa Plus units are better. Bigger and brighter.

The AI for members is $85/p/d, not sure on kids rates, also I think they may have a special AI rate for some this year, ( Ambassadors) but not sure if it is just for certain owners etc...so yes inquire. The AI includes a Mexican fiesta night/show, stocked frig, sodas, beer, chips, cereals butter etc, juice ,milk...apples.

We arrive on the 18th, so think we will miss you...another time maybe...unless we decide to head into town but unlikely in our first few days there...

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

Velas Vallarta AI or Not?

Hi Bezerk (love that screen name by the way!)

Thanks again for the info. So it sounds like you'll be checking out the day we head to Hotel Catedral for our last couple of days... bummer.

I looked at my reservation confirmation and it says Villa Plus, so I might find out about getting a 2nd floor unit - would love a larger balcony!

Still going to ask about the AI and will ask about the specials - never know, it might be while we're there.

Adios!

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

Yes we will be checking in the day you check out of Velas...

Villa Plus unit great, I like them so much better. The second floor units do have the better sized balconies but keep in mind not as good a view, so depends on what you want...view or larger balcony.

The Ambassador program AI is off top of my head like $59. per person per day, well well worth it...just not sure who qualifies as an Ambassador. I am an Ambassador but not sure who else or what contracts etc...

Enjoy your time...hope you love it...Happy Vacations!