TravelGuy

When comparing the reciprocity option with PE, keep in mind two issues that have been discussed in detail on other threads:

1) The amount of time a PE Premiere member can book a "Pinnacle" type property is limited to 7 days per year.

2) The Pinnacle properties themselves have very limited days that a PE Premiere member can book them. I don't know how this is determined for time-period (off-season, etc.)

The combination of these two restrictions would seem to limit access to these flagship properties far more than the access to High Country Clubs similar flagship properties. See my example in another thread about the THREE weeks of Pinnacle type properties that I've booked.

Each club certainly has it's advantages. I'm just not of the opinion the the PE reciprocity plan is any better than the straight HCC membership plan. IMHO, the HCC plan works better for me.

(maybe a PE member can correct points #1 & #2 if this is not current data or if it's been published that it will change after the merger)

TravelGuy

I agree with Bourne that the HCC membership variations shouldn't create less availability than the different membership options that any of the other DCs provide. HCC has just decided to personalize their plans to the member. They do get additional capital from each membership adjustment so that actually strengthens the club financially and allows them to purchase additional properties.

Another positive to remember when we discuss HCC and their property equity and general fiscal soundness is the ability they've had to bring in additional capital. There is something to be said for a biz plan and the execution of that plan if capital is easily available to a DC during the current credit market situation.

Kagehitokiri

you cannot compare HCC's flagship properties to PE's (Pinnacle etc) flagship properties. that was my point.

Sandman

Vineyarder --

I didn't realize the clubs were separated and had different assets. It does bring up an interesting situation as you mention and not sure how it will be handled but I believe they will make it happen somehow. I don't think they'd have a bigger Trump property at Premiere though I wouldn't mind it!

-- Sandman

Bourne

Do not underestimate HCC...

HCC - Pinnacle - 3 Mil ++
Kula Estate, Maui
Steamboat Lodge - After extensive refurbishment...

HCC - Too good to be Platinum, too cheap to be Pinnacle
Beaver Creek (2.0 M+)

HCC - Platinum 1.5M +
Breckenridge (1.75 M+)
Outer Banks (1.5 M+)
Cabo San Lucas (1.3M +)

Kagehitokiri

IMHO >
3 "platinum" (outer banks, breckenridge, beaver creek)
1 "pinnacle" (maui)

my previous statement stands. im talking about overall comparison only.

vineyarder

Do you all think that we could possibly, maybe, perhaps consider at least pretending to have a modicum of objectivity when it comes to discussing HCC? Yes, I’ve drunk the Kool-Aid and joined HCC, but really, based on the recent comments in this forum, a new reader would be led to believe that:

A) HCC now offers homes comparable to PE Pinnacle, Lusso, Exclusive Resorts, and Quintess at a buy-in that is less than a ‘flea-infested, shag-carpeted Marriott timeshare in Ft. Lauderdale’, i.e. 1/20th of some competitors and a per-night rate that is 1/5th to 1/10th that of other companies in the DC business.

B) However, despite this, HCC’s business model is sound and proven, whereas others in the same industry that charge more for inferior products are on the brink of bankruptcy because they aren’t charging enough to cover their costs…

C) PE executives were crazy to buy such undesirable properties as Reynold’s Plantation (home of a 5 diamond Ritz Carlton) and Charleston, yet HCC executives were brilliant to manage to scoop up a beach house in Maui that is 45 minutes drive to the beach, and a ski property in Steamboat Lake that is 45 minutes to the slopes (neither of which were on the ‘planned destinations’ list)…

D) HCC’s reservation policy, which is much more restrictive than many other clubs, is actually ‘far superior’, because they know what is better for you, and if it was more flexible, ‘other people’ would get the really good reservations!?

E) It's terrible for ER to charge extra for the right to reserve holidays, but it is a great idea for HCC to do so, as that demonstrates that they are flexible and able to tailor the plan to each member's needs...

I mean really, I think HCC is fabulous, but let’s not pretend that HCC is Solstice for the price of a Marriott Timeshare. HCC offers a fabulous product, but it is able to do so by having higher occupancy rates, less flexible reservations, no daily housekeeping, no local host or on-site concierge, charging extra to do the grocery shopping, no complimentary wine and basic food supplies, etc. If we’re not willing to at least pretend to be objective, then at maybe we should rename the site www.mydestinationclubisbetterthanyours.com or www.HCC istheonlyDCthatmakessense.com.

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Living in a vacuum sucks!

DestiFan

That made me laugh Vineyarder...

I don't think HCC and UE are comparable excpet aat Premiere level - where I think there is a very good case to be made for either club. I am sure HCC has some very nice homes that are not "Premiere" level - but so does UE in the Premiere level - Belize, Trump, Punta Cana come to mind. THe Platinum level homes at UE are truly fabulous. I have been to many of them and can tell you that it is very hard to distinguish between a Pinnacle and a Platinum home. The major difference is not location - rather - it is size.

Regarding reciprocity, you will rarely, if ever, want to book at Pinnacle level home as a Premiere member b/c of the nightly fee. For me, as a Platinum member, Pinnacle reciprocity is $525 a night. I do believe that it is significantly higher for Premiere members. The availability is tight at Pinnacle level for reciprocity b/c we only have 6 homes currently - but I will be at Pinnacle home for vacation soon, so it isn't that hard to do if you are diligent. My only advice on reciprocity is choose your club on the level you will join - not reciprocity. At the end of the day, you spend so little time in the other level homes, it doesn't make sense to overweight their impact.

Rumors of UE announcment coming today....

Kagehitokiri

my point was only that reciprocity and the 80% current refund are 2 things offered by PE (/UE) that are not offered by HCC.