What do you like about DRI?

[RedMan]

Originally Posted by dougp26364

Keep in mind that Sunterra was, IMO, a distressed company that had allowed maintenance at some of their resorts to fall. I remember reading about pools being closed or units badly in need of refurbishment. There was, IMHO, a lot of work to be done with the Sunterra resorts just to update and repair things that needed to be done.

Bluegreen, on the other hand, appears to be a well run company that has maintained their resorts. I feel like they've been more fiscally responsible than Sunterra. Sunterra seemed to do everything as inexpensively as possible. I don't get that impression with Bluegreen. I'm not sure I'd be as worried about fee's being jacked if this goes through as I don't see as much that will need to be improved upon in short order like I did with Sunterra.

DRI seems to have done quite a bit with some of the old Sunterra resorts as far as maintenance and refurbishment is concerned. The Deluxe unit we had at Fall Creek in Branson was one of the nicer units we've had at any resort. Of course those upgrades come at a price and it's the owners that pay for it. Sunterra allowed resorts to fall behind, DRI has attempted to bring them up to standards and owners, who bragged about the low MF's of Sunterra and the good trading power felt the brunt of the expence. If Bluegreen has been better run and better maintained than Sunterra, Bluegreen owners shouldn't see huge increases in fee's IMO.

I guess this would be true if the increases to Sunterra owners were used to bring those resorts up to par.

Although BG may do a fairly good job at maintaining their resorts, I would have to say that a couple of the units I've stayed in needed some facelifts. This however does not mean that I would expect to be vaulted to the level of Mariott ownership. I really wouldn't want that. I like "clean, dry, and servicable" but I don't require 5 star quality. This is what is attractive to me about Bluegreen. We spend most of our time outside of the unit so as long as it is roomy and comfortable we are happy. I'm content with maintaining rather than being forced to upgrade.

[dougp26364]

Originally Posted by RedMan

I guess this would be true if the increases to Sunterra owners were used to bring those resorts up to par.

Although BG may do a fairly good job at maintaining their resorts, I would have to say that a couple of the units I've stayed in needed some facelifts. This however does not mean that I would expect to be vaulted to the level of Mariott ownership. I really wouldn't want that. I like "clean, dry, and servicable" but I don't require 5 star quality. This is what is attractive to me about Bluegreen. We spend most of our time outside of the unit so as long as it is roomy and comfortable we are happy. I'm content with maintaining rather than being forced to upgrade.

The last posts I've seen have indicated that some resorts are being brought up to par. There is one in Arizona (sedona I believe) where the pool had not been put in correctly and was beyond repair. DRI has torn it out and replaced it correctly. The pools/hot tubs at Powhatan and Greensprings have been repaired and are working correctly if I understand right. All bedding and linen is being replaced. The last report I read about refurbishing of units at Powhatan had a definate WOW factor. Curtains are being added replacing the elcheapo blinds that Sunterra loved.

There are changes taking place but, one has to put a log in the fireplace before it puts out heat. In this case I believe DRI started the process before owners had to toss in the logs (increased fee's) but, DRI had probably already done the calculations and was reasonably assured they'd be recieving that $$.

Now the trick will be in maintaining what they've started. Through last year Polo Towers was still only collecting $48 or so for the reserve fund on a 2 bedroom unit. IMO that is far to low and was reflected in that big SA owners had to pay a couple of years ago. I would like to see better future planning from DRI. Planning that includes unit refurbishment on a 10 year cycle. Plan now, save now so we don't have to pay big bucks laters is what I hope to see started with next years MF's. Unfortunately, that would mean a 10% increase in MF's just for the reserve alone with Polo Towers. If they start putting serious money into the reserve AND maintain the property on a schedule without allowing it to decline and then hitting owners with another SA, I can live with the increase. If they don't start collecting a reasonable amount for the SA, then I'll remain somewhat doubtful about the future.

[Bill927]

Originally Posted by PeelBoy

We have answered your questions. To be fair, would you please tell us what you think about Bluegreen resorts:

Do you like the resorts? Especially those in NE and mid West.
How is the availability?
How do you compare the resorts quality wise with DRI and other brand names, e.g. Marriott and Sheraton?
Where are these resorts? Any international destinations?

I have started reading the Bluegreen forum and web site but your input is appreciated.

Thanks.

The Bluegreen Resorts vary from converted motels that are not particularly impressive to VERY nice resorts. The only resort from either DRI or BG that made the TUG list for the top 30 T/S resorts in the world was Big Cedar Wilderness Club (currently #18). World Golf Village, the Fountains, and Solara are very nice as well. Getting into the resorts that BG developed and manages is fairly easy because there is a large inventory. The resorts that they own limited inventory in can be more challenging (Big Sky and Pona Kai for example).

[Aashlee]

Do you like the resorts? Especially those in NE and mid West.

I have been to three BG resorts: The Hammocks at Marathon (Marathon Key, Florida), The Suites at Hershey (Hershey, Pennsylvania), and Christmas Mountain Village (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin). I love them all. They are not five-star resorts, by any means, but they are all very, very nice. The units are in good condition, the resorts are well-maintained, and the resort staff has been very accommodating and friendly at all of them. If there's a problem, they're right there to fix it and make it right. When we vacation, we like to go to places that have attractions, both man-made and natural wonders, and the BG resorts fill that ticket. I love the range of room selections at each resort. Hershey is all two-bedroom suites, and that may be the exception. But The Hammocks and Christmas Mountain Village had everything to one-bedroom suites to full cabins that would sleep 8 or more.

I have used BG to access Shell Vacation Club's Hawaiian resorts, as there's a partnership. The Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai was on par with BG resorts, and the staff was just as friendly and helpful. I am hoping that we continue to have access to this program if the sale goes through.

How is the availability?

I have never had a problem getting accommodations. For Hershey, we booked 9 months beforehand for Christmas week, which is a "high red" season. We booked three months ahead for our stay at The Hammocks in January, and we even got some of our nights on "bonus time," which meant we paid a low, low rate instead of using points. We booked about six weeks ahead for our July mid-week stay at Christmas Mountain Village, which was a minor miracle as we were there during the resort's busiest week. But we got in.

How do you compare the resorts quality wise with DRI and other brand names, e.g. Marriott and Sheraton?

We have a high-end Marriott timeshare at the Kauai Beach Club. The resort is ranked #21 of Hawaiian resorts in "Travel & Leisure's" recent reader poll, so few things are going to compare to that. But comparing what we paid between our Marriott experience and our BG experience, we feel that we have a good value.

Where are these resorts? Any international destinations?

Vintner answered that one. No international destinations. Resorts are mostly east of the Mississippi in Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Florida, with a few more scattered about.

I hope that I've provided you some insight from my limited experience.