Thinking of buying Grand Velas resell, need advise

[normajean999]

Hello I am a newbie. I don't have a timeshare. I am thinking of picking up a bi-annual RTU at the Grand Velas which would have 10 weeks to use through 2026. The purchase price seems dirt cheap just over a thousand $, which is about equal to the first yr maint, which we have to pay this year, at $1098. So here are my questions: I have read that the AI rate here is reduced for owners (80-90 per day I thought) and I imagine it varies by season. But just how much is it now and what time of year is it lower? The resell ad says it is $150-220 a day. I thought that is how much RCI exchangers were being charged. Is it mandatory for owners? And is it possible they charge owners more/less depending on their contract date?

I see you can rent weeks sometimes for less than this maint rate but if I can figure out how much the member AI costs (vs RCI) I can determine if it is a better deal to be a member or buy somewhere else and exchange, or just rent there. But if you rent someone's week at this resort do you get their member rate on AI? I suppose it would take a lot of research on rental ads to find out who actually was renting as an owner vs renting an exchange. Do you suppose it is rare that members actually rent their weeks?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Bill4728]

Many people find that owning a all-inslusive TS is not the best idea. Most exchangers don't seem to like them, so they don't generally get good trading power. On the other hand, finding one to trade into, generally isn't that hard. Also, renting one make make more sense than buying one.

Hope that helps

[flexible]

Originally Posted by normajean999

Hello I am a newbie. 1) I have read that the AI rate here is reduced for owners (80-90 per day I thought) and I imagine it varies by season.

A) Yes it is lower and it varies by season.

2) But just how much is it now and what time of year is it lower? The resell ad says it is $150-220 a day. I thought that is how much RCI exchangers were being charged.

A) I was told it is highest at Christmas/New Years weeks.

3) Is it mandatory for owners?

A)It is NOT mandatory for our contract.

4) if you rent someone's week at this resort do you get their member rate on AI? I suppose it would take a lot of research on rental ads to find out who actually was renting as an owner vs renting an exchange.

A) If we rent our weeks directly, the renter can choose to decline AI or pay at the member's rate.

5) Do you suppose it is rare that members actually rent their weeks?

A) We advertise & rent our weeks. It is probably common. We have Jan 3 - Feb 28 confirmed.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Answers inserted after your questions. Hope this helps.

[normajean999]

Flexible,

It is not mandatory at Grand Velas? I know it is not at Club Velas, but I haven't seen any Grand Velas owners confirm it is not mandatory. The company selling said they confirmed with the resort that we can carry over the 35% discount off the $150 (approx) daily rate, and 50% for children but he can't give us that in writing. So I think I will tell him that unless I see something from the resort confirming that then I will pass.... Thanks for you response.

[flexible]

Originally Posted by normajean999

Flexible,

It is not mandatory at Grand Velas? I know it is not at Club Velas, but I haven't seen any Grand Velas owners confirm it is not mandatory. The company selling said they confirmed with the resort that we can carry over the 35% discount off the $150 (approx) daily rate, and 50% for children but he can't give us that in writing. So I think I will tell him that unless I see something from the resort confirming that then I will pass.... Thanks for you response.

I think our contract might be Club Velas Vallarta. Sorry for any confusion.