Desties

Good news for PE Premiere members who felt that they weren't getting anything new out of the merger (outside of the reciprocity).

As I, and others, have speculated, the Trump in Sunny Isles condo -- where DC4MS and the rest of the industry is meeting as we speak -- is going from Platinum to Premiere. Platinum is inheriting the 3 bedroom Aqualina property next door.

Premiere will also be getting some of the UR homes. Two in Lake Tahoe, one in Naples, one in Scottsdale, and one in Arrowhead (Colorado).

And a new property announcement, in the same Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica where HCC is getting a home, UE is having a new place built. In the meantime, members will have access to a 3 bedroom, 2,515 sq feet ocean view (not oceanfront) residence on the 10th hole of the golf course until the new home is ready.

Bottom line, Premiere is going from 28 properties to 35 properties.

Kagehitokiri

good news, thanks for the details Desties.

vineyarder

Plus the property in Cap Cana which is under construction.

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pwrshift

Don't know if this is old news, but I got an email today re: Legacy Plan: Premiere - $105,000 plus $7,700 dues and $86 a night. Platinum - $200,000 plus $11,500 dues and $145 a night. Pinnacle- $325,000 plus $22,000 dues and $194 per night. Expires June 6, 2008. Grandfathered for prices and unlimited use for life (theirs?)

http://www.ultimateescape.com/pdf/eliterezguide.pdf

http://www.ultimateescape.com/pdf/sigrezguide.pdf

http://www.ultimateescapes.com/pdf/prerezguide.pdf

Sandman

Pwr --

Are you currently a member of a DC or just considering UE new? I am sweating the decision and now have the big deadline approaching. Everyone in seems to love it but things can change and the merge scares me (though looking at Premiere - the 6 additions are nice).

Who did the e-mail come from? My membership coordinator has been in contact but I didn't get that specific warning e-mail.

Sand

pwrshift

Dave Gustafson is my contact at UE. The 'unlimited use' idea and pricing (above) comes to an end June 6 so I assume that's the deadline you're looking at. I belong to two now but not saying which on this forum. It's a big decision and confusing as they're all different -- just make sure you are guaranteed the 100% refund within a year if you quit which makes it an inexpensive way to test some out...but even then read your contract closely as the 'getting out' rules vary too.

Kagehitokiri

Sandman, DC4MS first mentioned the june 6 deadline for grandfathered PE plans here > Ultimate Escapes - e-mail membership offer

TarheelTraveler

So pwrshift takes the plunge. I guess he'll be drinking the koolaid soon as well.

Desties

I can vouch for Gustafson. Great guy, responsive, thorough, and definitely not the "hard sell" kind of membership director.

I don't know the exact terms of the new plans, but another way to dip your feet in is with the Preview Membership if it's available. It is half the price, 100% refundable, and it locks you into the terms when you sign if you upgrade to full membership within a year. It is restrictive (just 14 nights, no reciprocity, etc.), but it's a great way to get a taste. The old PE site is obviously down now, and with it details of that particular plan so maybe it is no longer available.

Sandman

Yes - I was considering Preview with the option to roll up within a year but am being told it is not available now. Kinda weak since there is definite uncertainty with the merger...

vineyarder

Though it is surprising that they are offering PE 'legacy' memberships at all after the merger has finally been announced...

__________________
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Living in a vacuum sucks!

Desties

Thankfully there is a lot more that is certain than uncertain as it pertains to the merger.

For starters, it happened. The deal is done. The "unlimited nights" perk has been grandfathered in. If you're looking at Premiere, you're getting an infusion of new homes with the same member base, so availability will only improve. The new company should be financially stronger than either standalone company.

The only real uncertainties rest in any changes to reservation policies, and members are supposed to be getting Rich's email communicating those changes this week, before the booking system opens up on Monday for the combined properties.

Kagehitokiri

shouldnt someone who is looking now be able to get an updated packet of information?

or is it just a 2nd chance to get the unlimited use?