RCI

As one of the 3.8 million timeshare members, with 35K exchange options in 108 countries I recently contacted their corporate office with a few questions about our RCI coupon credit due to a cancellation the first weekend in September. 

This was our second attempt to visit Edisto, South Carolina. Last year it was Hurricane Matthew and this time Hurricane Irma blew away hopes of seeing the natural environment after the governor of South Carolina declared a mandatory evacuation the night before our September 9th arrival.

In 2006 we purchased a two bedroom lock-off on eBay for $26. The seller had paid the $900 annual fee and we were responsible for $350 in transaction / closing fees. I understood very little about RCI, Resorts Condominium International, now owned by Wyndham Resorts Worldwide with an annual $99 fee available only to timeshare owners.

One ponders how RCI decides the trading value of the week like we own at Vacation Villages. Some years it's 39 points, the following year could be 37. With questions about my coupon credit the customer service rep passed me on to a supervisor.

She told me point values are reviewed every year or two based on amenities, unit size, access, membership ratings/reviews and returning owners contribute to the resorts supply and demand. Each resort has a point system based the time of year and an exchange fee of $239. This has gone up from the $169 we paid in 2006.

RCI offers a Hold service for a unit, about 24 hours. If one has not confirmed / paid for the unit, your points are refunded and the week returned to inventory. Our preference is a 1 or 2 bedroom unit with a full kitchen and a balcony. This photo was taken on Fairfield Lake at the Wyndham Resort in Sapphire Valley, NC.   

We haven't attempted to use RCI's services to book a cruise, car rental, special hotel deals, guided vacations, theme park and attractions. I am curious about the destination activities & Last-Minute Vacations starting at $199 per week (no points required).

Out of curiosity I looked up prepay full size auto rental on a pending trip next spring. I found RCI was $50+ per week less than other quotes like Expedia. While not a huge savings, it still adds up.

Other timeshare companies include Hilton, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Wyndham, Interval International, and Diamond Resorts. While we have enjoyed quite the variety of 2.5 - 5.0 star resorts each is a new adventure that keeps planning another journey using our RCI membership.