Desties

It's been quiet in the PE board, so I figured I would kick off an invitation for fellow PE members to rank the homes that they have stayed at.

Don't worry. I'll go first. I've only stayed at five of the PE Platinum properties, so my top five is as easy by default.

1. Turks & Caicos - The ground floor, beachfront Somerset property is paradise. Provo itself is not much of a town, but Grace Bay Beach is one of the best Caribbean beaches with crystal clear water. When I show friends snapshots of our trip, they can't believe that the beach shots aren't in a swimming pool. The ability to head out of the covered backyard patio and be on the beach or at one of the Somerset pools within a few paces is the ultimate watery thrill. The three bedrooms are all masterfully appointed, but nothing beats hanging out in the living room or the patio, overlooking the water.

2. Copper Mountain, CO - Amazing home. Amazing location. You're literally at the end of the tubing hill and just a few steps further from one of the speed lifts. Five huge rooms. The master bath and closet is probably larger than some hotel suites. The garage had five sleds that you can use to sled off the back of the house (and bikes in the basement, for when the snow moves on). Sometimes I wish that it would be closer to the central village where there are more dining and activity options, but that's a minor quibble.

3. Abaco, Bahamas - This was actually the one home that I was looking forward to the most. I figured that if this was where Rich Keith interviews fellow PE member Steve Young, that it must be the crowning jewel of beach properties. It's an amazing home A-frame house on the water, though not the beach. Getting around on the golf carts is a lot of fun. We had the place practically to ourselves, which was nice, especially since we didn't have to embarrass ourselves on the red clay tennis courts. However, there was still a bit of construction going on.

4. Trump, NYC - Spectacular view of Central Park and Columbus Circle, from the 3rd floor perspective where you feel you are literally on top of all of the action. Small, of course, but it's awesome to be just steps away from a subway entrance and right next to the Time Warner shopping center.

5. Trump Sonesta, Miami - 18th floor. Great view of the Altantic beachfront. Two great pools to cool off between beach dips. Similar in size to the Trump in NYC (just one bedroom, with an ample living area). The fact that I love it and it's still #5 is more an endorsement of the higher-ranked properties than a diss of this one. This hotel is the home to the destination club symposium next month.

LTTravel

I am not a member of PE but have been to these destinations. I would have to agree with your assessments. I agree that the beach at Turks is fantastic. I have seen the Somerset from the outside and it looks very nice. I think that Abaco would be great if there was more to do there. It is too quiet for us. There is no place to eat. Ritz is supposed to build a fractional there which would bring a couple of more restaurants and activities, but with todays economy, I am sure that is on hold. The Trump is small but the location and views are great. I much prefer it to the 1600 Broadway location that many DC's have a property. I was a little disappointed to see that the Miami property has only one bedroom. I think that prices have probably dropped so that today, they could have purchased a two bedroom in Miami.

vineyarder

Here's my top five, but I haven't been to all the properties yet...

1. Turks & Caicos: While far from the largest, this has to be considered the 'flagship' property of the Platinum Club - a comparable unit with an inferior view was on the market for $3.8M a few months ago.

2. Abaco Club: Also one of the smaller homes, but absolutely amazing views, and nothing beats fishing off your own deck and having the chef at the restaurant cook them up for you (my 12 y/o daughter caught 12 snapper and a grouper in about 90 minutes one morning)!

3. Chicago - Heritage at Millenium Park: Simply spectacular; a 2200 sq ft condo on the 46th floor of a new building in a perfect location, with 270 degree views over Millenium Park, Lake Michigan, and the city skyline. Last I heard, this property had the overall highest member satisfaction rating of all the Platinum properties.

4. Punta Cana, DR: A magnificent 3800 sq ft fully staffed 4 bedroom 4.5 bath plantation-style home with private pool, overlooking the golf course and the caribbean, in a huge (20,000 acre) resort with miles and miles of uncrowded beaches. Add in the ease of getting in and out via PUJ, the VIP airport service, and the maid's homemade pina coladas and it is the perfect home for a large group vacation!

5. NYC, Trump Tower: Great location, great views, understated luxury, and fabulous service from the Trump staff.

vineyarder

Yes, I agree. With the real estate market in FL, this 1 BR property definately fits in the Premiere Club price range now, so I am surprised that they didn't transfer this property down to the Premiere Club and buy a 2 BR or larger unit in the same building for Platinum, or get another 3 BR unit in Acqualina (like the one in UR); these units are now definately within the price range for Platinum. I also wouldn't be at all surprised if HCC buys a 2 bedroom at Trump Sunny Isles, as there are 2 BR units within HCC's price range available (and HCC is looking in FL this week)...

LTTravel

I was in Turks last September and there was a 3 bedroom unit at the Regent Palms available for $1.8 million. Prices are down and there is alot of unsold inventory at the new developments. I don't think they can get anywhere near that much.

Desties

Post-merger, I can definitely see the Acqualina home as the Platinum property (or I guess I should get used to calling it Signature instead of Platinum) with the Trump room going to Premiere. The two properties are literally a 3-minute walk from one another, and I can't see folks booking the Trump over the Acqualina UNLESS it's just a couple on a romantic getaway since Trump's concierge service is outstanding there. Trump's day guest rates for a similar 1 bedroom suite are in the $500-$900 range, which would make it more in line with Premiere's pricing (and a tough economic sell for UR members who pay more per night for their alloted nights).

In an ideal scenario, the merged club also follows Lusso's lead in getting one of the dual-level 3-bedroom Trump penthouses (complete with rooftop jacuzzis) for Pinnacle, so they could have all three clubs with Sunny Isles properties.

I agree that NOW is the time for the clubs to be snapping up the Florida coastal properties, and it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of the club CEOs coming down for the symposium next month aren't also visiting area properties while down there.

smtravelor

We have been to more Premiere homes since we recently upgraded to Platinum and my ratings are:

1. Charleston - This is a Pinnacle house and is fantastic. It satisfies all one's fantasies of living in an ante-bellum mansion.

2. Cabo, Casa Oceano - For a Premiere house, this is very large, 4 bedrooms, and has its own pool and a lovely setting. It is the nicest of the Premiere houses we have been to.

3. The Link, NYC, Platinum - This is a gorgeous apartment with floor to ceiling wrap around views of the city all the way to the Hudson River.

Desties

That's the one that really caught my eye when eyeing the six Pinnacle properties. I hope it sticks around long enough for me to use it for some reciprocity nights.

And since there are obviously more PE properties that I have been to than I haven't been to, here are the top two properties in each of the three clubs that I would love to check out the most.

Pinnacle
1. Charleston - Class. 'nuff said.
2. Abaco - I've admired the breadth and location of this one when I stayed at the Platinum Abaco property. What an amazing location, and I love how the porch stretches across the four bedrooms. Definitely a lot of Wow factor there.

Platinum
1. Lake George - I've only been to Lake George once, but would go back to stay at this place. The wine cellar. The theater room. I could probably just go in without ever having to leave.
2. Reynolds Plantation - I guess I'm a sucker for big properties, and this one is huge, majestic, and a great location near what seems to be a lively activity center.

Premiere
1. Belize - If only getting there wasn't such a hassle. There's something special about standalone beachfront properties.
2. Punta Mita - Another of these "so remote" properties that seem like they are truly worth the journey to get away from it all. The patio view shot is one of my favorite of all PE shots, with the thatched roof balcony overlooking the beach. And my curiosity is piqued by the open air shower tucked within the confines of the home.

vineyarder

Better make a reservation ASAP; my understanding is that it goes off-line in June due to the zoning issue.

smtravelor

When we were in Charleston, the local host seemed to think that the problem would be resolved.

vineyarder

According to the online availability calendar, the property appears to be going offline on June 2nd, 2008; requests after that get the error message "date occurs after the property's de-activation date"...

DC4MS

Perhaps some of the Ultimate Escapes members can start a new thread for the "Signature Homes" collection now that UR and PE have merged.

Desties

Yes, the new homes certainly open up the possibilities, though I guess it'll be awhile before any of us hit enough of them. I have the Orlando and Acqualina properties to hit over the next couple of months.

I just stayed at the La Costa Signature (the original PE one) and it would probably rank #4 on my list (below Abaco, above NYC Trump). It's a very tony resort with amazing amenities, though the actual layout (it is four rooms in La Costa, with three of them connecting) isn't ideal if you're bringing young children (since the third master suite is actually across the public hall, with key access required). However, while the setup is a liability, it is probably perfect for either three couples or a family with teens who want privacy, because each bedroom is an amazing master suite with bathrooms bigger than some hotel rooms.

willmyclubmakeit

how would someone rank the ski properties from the PE side? I can speak to many of the UR signature ski properties if that helps. Are the locations and amenties at Copper and Breck worth balancing these ski resorts which I consider 2nd tier locations to Deer Valley, Vail, Beaver Creek, Jackson Hole, etc? Is it reasonable to visit other ski areas while staying at Copper or Breck houses? What do people think are the best Signature properties for a golf weekend with the guys (no wives)?

Desties

I can't speak for Breck (it came online this past ski season) or Telluride (I'll be there come January). I can talk Copper Mountain, though. Yes, as far as ski resorts go, Copper Mountain is a small fry. However, the home is great, especially if you're in a group of experienced skiers since the Superbee speed lift is just a few paces from your backyard. The central village and the ski school are much further away (as in drive over or hop on a shuttle), but the standalone home is big (5 bedrooms), cozy, and even sledding off the side of the house can be a lot of fun for the kids (and kids at heart).

As for golf weekends, I trust someone else will have a better opinion (since I'm not an avid golfer), but because Rich Keith IS an avid golfer, you'll find that many of the homes are on amazing ranges and usually overlooking scenice holes not far removed from the golf clubhouse.