Destination Club Forums http://www.destinationclubforums.com Destination Club Forums is a free online discussion forum for the destination club industry and offers the latest information, news, and opinions on every major destination club. en Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:42:29 GMT vBulletin 1440 http://www.destinationclubforums.com/images/styles/club/misc/rss.jpg Destination Club Forums http://www.destinationclubforums.com Membership fees and real estate costs http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f2/membership-fees-real-estate-costs-1125.html Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:49:31 GMT I'm curious to understand why the membership fees of DC's are trending upwards, when the price of acquiring real estate in some markets is down by double digits. Are you utilizing the market fluctuations to buy additional properties not in your original growth plans; does this skew your member to property ratio?

Appreciate your insights! :) ]]> Main Destination Club Forums VHDestinations http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f2/membership-fees-real-estate-costs-1125.html Ritz Carlton DC and other Halogen predictions http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f28/ritz-carlton-dc-other-halogen-predictions-1123.html Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:37:28 GMT Halogen Guides | Halogen Guides Predicts Six Big Stories That Will Have The Destination Club Industry Buzzing

Interesting prediction on Ritz-Carlton. Anyone have thoughts on that? Do you think their properties are generally comparable to higher-end DC properties? Is their name big enough to win people over despite a fairly limited portfolio of destinations?

It is also interesting that they've got a comparison to non-equity DCs on their website:
The Ritz-Carlton Club® - Types of Ownership

I don't know that I agree with all of the characterizations. Shouldn't family legacy say "varies" instead of "no" and isn't one of the main points of DCs "worry-free maintenance?" Last I checked, I don't think any of the DCs expect the members to maintain the properties. ]]> Halogen Guides Real Estate TarheelTraveler http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f28/ritz-carlton-dc-other-halogen-predictions-1123.html Ultimate Escapes - Marketing Coordinator job listing http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f14/ultimate-escapes-marketing-coordinator-job-listing-1122.html Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:37:35 GMT Here is a job listing on Careerbuilder.com for Ultimate Escapes.

Find Jobs - Marketing Coordinator Jobs in Kissimmee, FL - Ultimate Escapes

Marketing Coordinator Company: Ultimate Escapes

Description

Created for the discerning traveler who demands the best, Ultimate Escapesoffers our clients a lifetime of exciting and carefree vacation experiences. Ultimate Escapes is a private club offering access to spectacular multi-million dollar residences in resort and metropolitan locations throughout the U.S., Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean. We are currently seeking a Marketing Coordinator to join our rapidly expanding team!

Marketing Coordinator
As the Marketing Coordinator, you will assist with all aspects of Ultimate Escapes marketing programs and processes, as well as coordinate marketing programs including, advertising and promotions, collateral development, sales tools, competitive analysis, customer research, partner marketing, direct marketing, website, media and public relations, event planning and employee and member communications.

Responsibilities:
  • Assist internal marketing team and outside vendors including advertising agencies, magazine publishers, printers and Public Relations agency
  • Create and deliver marketing reports
  • Coordinate partner communications and marketing programs
  • Assist with the updates of all Ultimate Escapes and partner web properties including: public site, member and partner sites and Intranet
  • Create, update and maintain marketing schedules and plans
  • Assist in developing processes to create efficiencies with other departments including sales, member services, finance, field operations and administrative services
  • Coordinate successful participation in industry events and trade shows
  • Coordinate internal company meetings, outside appointments and Marketing Team travel
  • Maintain/monitor strict adherence to brand and corporate identity standards
  • Provide administrative support to Senior Vice President, Marketing including travel, taking messages, returning calls, expense reports and filing

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred not required along with 5 years marketing experience. Hospitality, travel or related luxury brand experience preferred. 3-5 years experience with Microsoft Office products with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint essential.

Benefits: We offer unprecedented benefits to our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary compensation plan for all of our positions, we offer an excellent career path. As part of our partnership with Administaff, we offer one of the best available benefit programs for small businesses, including healthcare plan, 401(k), long-term and short-term disability, holidays and life insurance.

We work to maintain the best possible environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning and culture.

To Apply:
To respond to this opportunity, please go to: Role Discovery Center - Marketing Coordinator - Opportunity ]]> Ultimate Escapes DC4MS http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f14/ultimate-escapes-marketing-coordinator-job-listing-1122.html La Costa Resort at New Years? http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f4/la-costa-resort-new-years-1121.html Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:11:12 GMT I am scheduled to go to La Costa Resort and Spa through HCC over New Years. I was wondering if anyone has been to that unit and around that time of year. Any information about the resort, the weather, and the area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Brian I am scheduled to go to La Costa Resort and Spa through HCC over New Years. I was wondering if anyone has been to that unit and around that time of year.

Any information about the resort, the weather, and the area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Brian ]]> High Country Club Brian222golf http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f4/la-costa-resort-new-years-1121.html Best Premiere Locations http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f14/best-premiere-locations-1120.html Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:14:48 GMT Group, I may be taking a quick 3 day trip using my reciprocity days to a Premiere level home and wanted to get some advice to what are members favorite homes at this level. Caveat is I would rather stay domestic if possible....all thoughts and suggestions appreciated. Availability is currently the following for an FYI... Beaver Creek Jackson Hole Steamboat Springs Fox Acres Belize Costa Rica La Quinta Cabo Punta Cana Punta Mita Turks Group,

I may be taking a quick 3 day trip using my reciprocity days to a Premiere level home and wanted to get some advice to what are members favorite homes at this level. Caveat is I would rather stay domestic if possible....all thoughts and suggestions appreciated. Availability is currently the following for an FYI...

Beaver Creek
Jackson Hole
Steamboat Springs
Fox Acres
Belize
Costa Rica
La Quinta
Cabo
Punta Cana
Punta Mita
Turks ]]> Ultimate Escapes DestiFan http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f14/best-premiere-locations-1120.html Halogen Guide cost per night update http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f28/halogen-guide-cost-per-night-update-1119.html Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:46:15 GMT Halogen Guides has updated their cost-per-night analysis.

Cost-Per-Night Analysis Update: Price of a Destination Club Membership is on the Rise | Halogen Guides Real Estate - Luxury 2.0 Guides and Reviews

One interesting post note - I noticed an error on their website calculation where they published the "old" Exclusive Resorts peak and select holiday prices, so I posted a correction in the comments section. Then they "corrected" their original error without noting the edit, thus my comment looks silly. Don't most online news sources post a "corrected note" at the bottom of any updated articles?

At least, the writer could have posted a thank-you message after my comment or post a nother comment that they agree or disagree with my error comment. ]]> Halogen Guides Real Estate DC4MS http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f28/halogen-guide-cost-per-night-update-1119.html DVD In Robb Report http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f5/dvd-robb-report-1117.html Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:34:57 GMT I received my new Robb Report today. Glued to the back inside cover was an ER dvd... that cost them a pretty penny.. I received my new Robb Report today.

Glued to the back inside cover was an ER dvd... that cost them a pretty penny.. ]]> Exclusive Resorts NeilGoBlue http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f5/dvd-robb-report-1117.html Lake Las Vegas Bankruptcy http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f28/lake-las-vegas-bankruptcy-1116.html Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:57:02 GMT Info. on the Lake Las Vegas bankruptcy. Sales Dry Up in the Desert as Bankruptcy Hits Lake Las Vegas | Halogen Guides Real Estate - Luxury 2.0 Guides and Reviews (http://realestate.halogenguides.com/archives/1347-sales-dry-up-in-the-desert-as-bankruptcy-hits-lake-las-vegas) So the Ritz-Carlton there is also in bankruptcy. Any DC besides The Markers with a home there? Anyone on the board ever been to the resort? Info. on the Lake Las Vegas bankruptcy.

Sales Dry Up in the Desert as Bankruptcy Hits Lake Las Vegas | Halogen Guides Real Estate - Luxury 2.0 Guides and Reviews

So the Ritz-Carlton there is also in bankruptcy. Any DC besides The Markers with a home there?

Anyone on the board ever been to the resort? ]]> Halogen Guides Real Estate TarheelTraveler http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f28/lake-las-vegas-bankruptcy-1116.html Trip Insurance http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f33/trip-insurance-1115.html Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:04:33 GMT I think we all have easy access to general trip insurance, whether it is specific to flights, hotel rentals etc. However, has anyone found a policy that would cover you for lost usage of your "locked-in" days for a trip using your DC?

I'm sure that upon occasion, a management team of a DC may give consideration to a member who has had someone in their party fall seriously ill and then have to cancel a trip on short notice. Yet, nothing in life is certain or guaranteed. With a one-two weak trip using some of our DC's, the costs could easily go into the 5 figures for the forfeiture of the days.

Before I begin calling around, I was curious if anyone has investigated this possibilty of coverage.

Regards, ]]> Friend of Sandman http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f33/trip-insurance-1115.html Engineer vs Verizon... http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f31/engineer-vs-verizon-1113.html Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:43:38 GMT This is how you tell if you have ticked off an Engineer! (I wish I had done this, as it is priceless! I only wonder how long it took the bank to figure it out! ;)) This is how you tell if you have ticked off an Engineer!

(I wish I had done this, as it is priceless! I only wonder how long it took the bank to figure it out! ;))
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]]> Public Lounge 3DH http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f31/engineer-vs-verizon-1113.html What Constitutes Adequate DC Due Diligence? http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f2/what-constitutes-adequate-dc-due-diligence-1112.html Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:45:30 GMT What in the opinion of this board is adequate DC due diligence prior to joining?

My Rx would be as follows and in no particular order:

1.) Viewing financial statements in person & signing an NDA to do so-this presupposes that one knows how to read financial statements.
2.) Viewing multiple DC properties in person.
3.) Speaking with multiple members (at least 6) of some tenure in the clubs-no newbies!
4.) Making a thorough assessment of ones own vacation needs-ala Quintess Michael's questions on another post.
5.) Comparing & contrasting multiple clubs to make an informed decision.
6.) Preview Membership to kick their tires and sample their ability to deliver travel & service
7.) Website tours & temporary password to get a feel of the ease of use.
8.) Lexis/Nexis search on litigation on the club, and the principal executives. Pull copies of all litigation & read.
9.) Figure out what your real budget is-If you can't afford to write a check, (you should not borrow to do this,) or if you'll lose sleep over the money being at risk-this isn't for you.
10.) Get your spouse on board-even if you're writing the check, he/she needs to be on board. Consequences of them not embracing the concept are just too high.

Thoughts? ]]> Main Destination Club Forums ChicagoMark http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f2/what-constitutes-adequate-dc-due-diligence-1112.html “Behind the Ropes” with David Feherty http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f14/behind-ropes-david-feherty-1111.html Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:08:33 GMT

Dear DC4MS,

 As you may know, popular CBS Sports personality and former European Ryder Cup player David Feherty is an active member of Ultimate Escapes℠ Destination Clubs. If you are a golf enthusiast, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity for you.

Anyone who joins Ultimate Escapes℠ by July 31st will be eligible to win a day “Behind the Ropes” with David Feherty on Sunday, August 10th at the 2008 PGA Championship at Oakland Hills CC in Brookfield Hills, Michigan. You will walk side by side with David for 4.5 hours on Sunday where you will chat with PGA players as they warm up on the range and then security ropes will part for you and David as he provides CBS commentary on the final pairings for Sunday’s round.

Ultimate Escapes Co-CEO Rich Keith so enjoyed his “Day Behind the Ropes” experience at the 2007 PGA Championship that he wanted to offer it this year to new members joining the club. Click Here and read this humorous recap.

On July 31st we will draw the name from a small group of members who were able to take advantage of this unique opportunity. If you are interested and would like to be included, please reply as soon as possible and I will contact you immediately.


Warm regards,

Steve Healy
SVP, Sales
(407) 483-1903
steve.healy@ultimateescapes.com
www.ultimateescapes.com
 ]]> Ultimate Escapes DC4MS http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f14/behind-ropes-david-feherty-1111.html Record sale in Summit County, Colorado... http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f31/record-sale-summit-county-colorado-1110.html Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:40:24 GMT Record $5.5 million home sells in Breckenridge, Colorado this week... any speculations on whether a DC was involved? ;)

Article from Summit Daily News here

]]> Public Lounge 3DH http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f31/record-sale-summit-county-colorado-1110.html tracking membership numbers http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f2/tracking-membership-numbers-1114.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:55:46 GMT Hello,

Perhaps the information is somewhere on this board, but it would be great to have a spreadsheet that updated member count for each of the clubs by month. This way, members in each respective club, can have a sense of when to expect future properties to come on line. Plus, people considering different clubs can gain a sense of how much "traction" each of the potential clubs are having any given period of time.

I would think it would be a easy spreadsheet to maintain, as each of the club representatives should want to provide that information to promote their clubs. I'm also sure that they have the data back to inception of each of their clubs - so people can get a full picture of the member subscription rate.

Having it in a spreadsheet form will also alow people the ability to perform analysis on the data as well - it would be very easy to deduce trends in membership.

Let me know your thoughts.

Regards, ]]> Main Destination Club Forums Friend of Sandman http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f2/tracking-membership-numbers-1114.html What is proper compensation for broken home http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f33/what-proper-compensation-broken-home-1109.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:07:32 GMT If traveling with friends and family on a long trip say, 13-17 hour trip for your vacation around the world and the club blows it--because the house is not liveable. what should be the compensation.

Just wondering what people feel is the proper compensation from the club where the house is not working (no water)--they put you up in 2 bedroom hotel about 10 minutes away by taxi vs a 2 bedroom city home and then return original number of nights used + taxi expenses + laundry expenses ( since no washing machines at hotel)

Is that fair compensation?


I think one of the weaknesses of the destination club model is facilities management. Since the houses are not large multi-unit buildings like hotels--instead of a permanent facilities manager and employees who probably know the strengths and weaknesses of the facilities inside and out, there is typically with destination clubs a service organization that comes in to fix problems ( on a need to basis).

With a villa rental--you are in big trouble because owners are going to have a tough time putting you in another home. But with a 5 star hotel, on the other hand, they can usually move you to another room or upgrade you to suite, etc;--in worst case-they would also move you out.

The problem with moving to a 5 star hotel is that the "wow" factor is gone-- because a hotel is just a hotel----and there is certainly inconviences with breaking apart friends and the children not having the other families children to play with.

I think everybody should consider asking their club what is the standard policy, if the house is not available and what is the compensation scheme ]]> ASIADCMEMBER http://www.destinationclubforums.com/f33/what-proper-compensation-broken-home-1109.html