The Best Destination Club Perk?

vineyarder · 04-08-2008, 07:57 AM

Just returned from 8 nights at the Private Escapes Platinum home in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (will post a longer review soon) but I wanted to nominate the VIP service at the Punta Cana airport as the best DC perk I've come across yet...

We arrived on a 757 from Miami, wife and I upgraded to first (thanks, AA!) and four teenage girls in coach. Upon landing on a Saturday afternoon of Spring Break at 2:30pm, we were amazed at how many commercial jets were parked all over the tarmac. As the airport was so busy, our aircraft had to park in a remote area of the tarmac, where buses were waiting to shuttle passengers to the immigration lines. As we deplaned, our group of 6 was met by a VIP representative who steered us away from the buses to a large golf cart, which proceeded to zip us across the tarmac, into the open-air airport. Another VIP rep met us there, took our passports, and escorted us past the entire immigration line. We waited all of 45 seconds while she cleared us through immigrations, then she brought us over to baggage claim, where a porter was waiting for us with a cart. After just a few minutes the baggage started arriving, and was quickly scooped up by the porter; we were escorted past customs, and into a waiting mini-van, which already knew exactly where we were going. Exactly 35 minutes after the wheels touched down, we were in our 3850 sq. ft. villa enjoying fresh pina coladas the maid had prepared, while the girls tried out the private pool! If we didn't have checked luggage, it would probably have been only 20 minutes... On the return, we were picked up at the villa 1h40m before departure time by a VIP van. On arrival at the airport, the van parked in a special VIP unloading zone, and another rep met us. He took our passports, and escorted us to the very front of the AA check-in counter, past even the folks waiting in the FC check-in line, and checked us in and filled out the immigration cards for us. We were then led past the entire immigration line, to a vacant booth where our passports were stamped. We were then escorted past the long security lines, straight through to a 'crew' scanner, and then directly to the luxurious VIP lounge. Literally 20 minutes after being picked up at the villa we were enjoying a glass of wine and some snacks in a beautiful lounge, while the teenagers were checking their myspace accounts on the lounges computers. An amazing perk! I just wish this were available in other destinations! I am guessing that Crescendo also offers this service, as they have a home in Punta Cana just around the corner from the PE homes...

TarheelTraveler · 04-08-2008, 08:17 AM

Crescendo does have this perk as well, and we've been able to experience it. It is truly amazing, as I've also spent hours in customs lines before. We got lucky, and our luggage was there as we got to baggage claim, so it was only 20-30 minutes total for us from tarmac to the house with a pina colada in hand.

It is my understanding that this is possible, because the airport is one of the few (if not only) privately owned large international airport. It's owned by the Punta Cana resort.

pwrshift · 04-08-2008, 08:39 AM

vineyarder -- how would you compare PE to HCC, or is that a fair question?

Do you have any idea as to whether PE bought out UR or was it the other way around?

vineyarder · 04-08-2008, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwrshift

vineyarder -- how would you compare PE to HCC, or is that a fair question?

It is a fair question, but one that I cannot answer yet, as my first trip with HCC is still 6 weeks away...

Quote:

Do you have any idea as to whether PE bought out UR or was it the other way around?

It is being billed as a merger of equals, and the CEO of PE will become COB of the combined entity, while the CEO of UR will become CEO of UE. As I understand it, the largest shareholders will be the founders of PE, and the club's policies and procedures will more closely resemble PE, but the pricing structure (variety of plans based on number of nights) will more closely resemble UR.

NeilGoBlue · 04-08-2008, 06:02 PM

Does anybody know if that awesome perk is available in Cabo San Lucas?

Tarheel?

I'm going in May..

TarheelTraveler · 04-08-2008, 06:23 PM

To my knowledge, Punta Cana is the only place that has this special perk.

Although I do know that a few airports will do something similar for celebrities under the guise of security.

Kagehitokiri · 04-08-2008, 06:30 PM

ive seen this sort of thing offered by hotels/resorts, or if youre flying J/F on certain airlines to certain airports..

domestically, just learned of a few options as well >
- AA's "5 Star" service - 877-578-2702
- Airport Assistance Worldwide
- LJR & Associates
they offer curb to gate escort for ~$100, not sure about arrival services.

i also know of arrival service companies @ BKK and DXB.

3DH · 04-08-2008, 08:08 PM

With regard to "perks", LUSSO does provide transportation (limousine service, Suburban or Mercedes, as we have experienced) between the airport and properties (and in return, of course). While the rules are obviously different in foreign countries, in the US, you are met by the driver in baggage claim where you will have your luggage retrieved and taken to the waiting vehicle.

Our experience in Cabo was a bit different, as they couldn't proceed through customs to assist us with luggage... the driver was waiting just past the "timeshare" sharks (you will see what I mean by that term when/if you travel there!)

Bourne · 04-08-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

It is a fair question, but one that I cannot answer yet, as my first trip with HCC is still 6 weeks away...

I am also looking forward to the comparison as I have shortlisted PE/UE combo or HCC upgrade to Private membership as an option to add more days this year.

Which HCC location are you travelling to?

TarheelTraveler · 04-08-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kagehitokiri

ive seen this sort of thing offered by hotels/resorts, or if youre flying J/F on certain airlines to certain airports..

domestically, just learned of a few options as well >

- AA's "5 Star" service - 877-578-2702
- Airport Assistance Worldwide
- LJR & Associates

they offer curb to gate escort for ~$100, not sure about arrival services.

Kag - I assume these services don't get you first in line status through customs, check in, etc. right?

Kagehitokiri · 04-08-2008, 09:10 PM

as i said, i have no idea what arrival services they provide, sorry.

maybe ill check them out this summer.

(WSJ article)
The Star Treatment: Flying Like Jennifer Aniston: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Quote:

American Airlines has special concierge handling called "Five Star" service available at LAX and New York's Kennedy International Airport where an airline representative meets you, shuttles you quickly through check-in and security screening and on to a gate or airport club...

Amy Goldsmith, a public-relations executive, received a certificate for use of LJR's service as a gift from a friend and used it for a trip with her husband, baby and nanny. The family was met at the curb by a man who bypassed baggage check-in lines, security lines and then, once inside security, watched their belongings while they slipped into Starbucks. "It was amazing," she said, and has since used LJR for a second trip with her infant. The service cost about $110, including tips...

Private services said they can't guarantee clients will be able to bypass lines -- that's up to Transportation Security Administration officials and airline workers. "Our reps are pretty aggressive when they need to be," said of Airport Assistance, whose prices at LAX start at $95...

Tedpilot · 04-08-2008, 11:05 PM

Airports still get under my skin...I hate them yet they are my livelyhood. A perk to zip through domestic security in my book is a foul, but obviously very convenient. Last I knew TSA is paid for by the Feds, not individual ticket holders. However, aircrew (myself included), FC, staff & perks purchasers get the short line.

The best perk AT ANY AIRPORT is simply walking out of an FBO (fixed base operation, i.e. upscale gas station for private aircraft) straight to your aircraft. No metal detectors, taking off my shoes, and I carry the beverage of my choice and rarely does anyone even check my ID. Then, viola, I am inside the protected side of the TSA net. No hassles, no questions.

Now, in terms of air travel that is certainly the best perk...just need to get a fractional card so I could enjoy it while on vacation.

Back on track...I do believe that some special perks by various DCs are very nice. I sincerely appreciate the whole package deal however. It makes traveling soo much better, easier, quicker and simplified. No checking-in, credit cards, parking hassles, worrying about quality, etc... It's all done and has not failed me yet. DCs have figured out how to put it all together nicely and conveniently for our enjoyment. I'll be curious to see what the different clubs offer/include over the coming years as the market becomes more competetive.

LTTravel · 04-09-2008, 06:01 AM

Though not as good as these VIP treatments. ER has membership in Avis Chairman's club, which has been the best such club membership that I have ever had. Book a midsize and they upgrade you to a luxury or many times SUV vehicle. No lines. Just show them your drivers's license and you are escorted quickly to your vehicle (even helped with the luggage). Same on the way back. In some locations, they drive you back to the terminal in your own vehicle. They even call you "Chairman" when you go pick up your car. A great perk. I was recenlty upgraded from a mid-size to a Ford Expedition in Deer Valley. Once in San Diego the Van wisked us away once we got on and the driver knew we were "Chairman". Three men at the car rental area helped us and our bags into the car. Handed us some bottled water and a newspaper, as we saw a large line within the rental area. Just a couple of the great experiences. My 14 year old now calls me "The Chairman".

vineyarder · 04-09-2008, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bourne

I am also looking forward to the comparison as I have shortlisted PE/UE combo or HCC upgrade to Private membership as an option to add more days this year.

Which HCC location are you travelling to?

The Playa Del Carmen Penthouse...

3DH · 04-09-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTTravel

No lines. Just show them your drivers's license and you are escorted quickly to your vehicle (even helped with the luggage). Same on the way back. In some locations, they drive you back to the terminal in your own vehicle.

...don't expect this at the Eagle airport in Colorado! They point you toward the car that is waiting in the lot -- somewhere, give you a car with a broken back windshield wiper (doesn't even HAVE a wiper blade), and when you return, you have to do it about a "par 4" away and walk in the snow back to the terminal after hopefully being smart enough to drop off your crew and baggage at the terminal.

Elsewhere, I agree, a great perk!

Steamboat Bill · 04-10-2008, 02:34 PM

I think the BEST perk is the same for all Destination Clubs.

That is the ability to throw a dart at any destination club property on a map and know that you will enjoy that vacation.

Hassle-free travel to incredible properties at wonderful locations is what it all is about.

That is why I joined a DC.

04-08-2008, 07:57 AM	#1
vineyarder Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 284 Club: UE Signature, HCC, Freedom Yacht Club	The Best Destination Club Perk? Just returned from 8 nights at the Private Escapes Platinum home in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (will post a longer review soon) but I wanted to nominate the VIP service at the Punta Cana airport as the best DC perk I've come across yet... We arrived on a 757 from Miami, wife and I upgraded to first (thanks, AA!) and four teenage girls in coach. Upon landing on a Saturday afternoon of Spring Break at 2:30pm, we were amazed at how many commercial jets were parked all over the tarmac. As the airport was so busy, our aircraft had to park in a remote area of the tarmac, where buses were waiting to shuttle passengers to the immigration lines. As we deplaned, our group of 6 was met by a VIP representative who steered us away from the buses to a large golf cart, which proceeded to zip us across the tarmac, into the open-air airport. Another VIP rep met us there, took our passports, and escorted us past the entire immigration line. We waited all of 45 seconds while she cleared us through immigrations, then she brought us over to baggage claim, where a porter was waiting for us with a cart. After just a few minutes the baggage started arriving, and was quickly scooped up by the porter; we were escorted past customs, and into a waiting mini-van, which already knew exactly where we were going. Exactly 35 minutes after the wheels touched down, we were in our 3850 sq. ft. villa enjoying fresh pina coladas the maid had prepared, while the girls tried out the private pool! If we didn't have checked luggage, it would probably have been only 20 minutes... On the return, we were picked up at the villa 1h40m before departure time by a VIP van. On arrival at the airport, the van parked in a special VIP unloading zone, and another rep met us. He took our passports, and escorted us to the very front of the AA check-in counter, past even the folks waiting in the FC check-in line, and checked us in and filled out the immigration cards for us. We were then led past the entire immigration line, to a vacant booth where our passports were stamped. We were then escorted past the long security lines, straight through to a 'crew' scanner, and then directly to the luxurious VIP lounge. Literally 20 minutes after being picked up at the villa we were enjoying a glass of wine and some snacks in a beautiful lounge, while the teenagers were checking their myspace accounts on the lounges computers. An amazing perk! I just wish this were available in other destinations! I am guessing that Crescendo also offers this service, as they have a home in Punta Cana just around the corner from the PE homes...

04-08-2008, 08:17 AM	#2
TarheelTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 329 Club: A&K Residence Club	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? Crescendo does have this perk as well, and we've been able to experience it. It is truly amazing, as I've also spent hours in customs lines before. We got lucky, and our luggage was there as we got to baggage claim, so it was only 20-30 minutes total for us from tarmac to the house with a pina colada in hand. It is my understanding that this is possible, because the airport is one of the few (if not only) privately owned large international airport. It's owned by the Punta Cana resort.

04-08-2008, 08:39 AM	#3
pwrshift Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 262	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? vineyarder -- how would you compare PE to HCC, or is that a fair question? Do you have any idea as to whether PE bought out UR or was it the other way around?

04-08-2008, 06:02 PM	#5
NeilGoBlue Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 152 Club: Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? Does anybody know if that awesome perk is available in Cabo San Lucas? Tarheel? I'm going in May..

04-08-2008, 06:23 PM	#6
TarheelTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 329 Club: A&K Residence Club	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? To my knowledge, Punta Cana is the only place that has this special perk. Although I do know that a few airports will do something similar for celebrities under the guise of security.

04-08-2008, 06:30 PM	#7
Kagehitokiri Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,276	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? ive seen this sort of thing offered by hotels/resorts, or if youre flying J/F on certain airlines to certain airports.. domestically, just learned of a few options as well > - AA's "5 Star" service - 877-578-2702 - Airport Assistance Worldwide - LJR & Associates they offer curb to gate escort for ~$100, not sure about arrival services. i also know of arrival service companies @ BKK and DXB. Last edited by Kagehitokiri; 04-08-2008 at 10:09 PM.

04-08-2008, 08:08 PM	#8
3DH Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 602 Club: LUSSO Collection	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? With regard to "perks", LUSSO does provide transportation (limousine service, Suburban or Mercedes, as we have experienced) between the airport and properties (and in return, of course). While the rules are obviously different in foreign countries, in the US, you are met by the driver in baggage claim where you will have your luggage retrieved and taken to the waiting vehicle. Our experience in Cabo was a bit different, as they couldn't proceed through customs to assist us with luggage... the driver was waiting just past the "timeshare" sharks (you will see what I mean by that term when/if you travel there!) __________________ "Boutique" is better! Another extremely satisfied LUSSO member!

04-08-2008, 11:05 PM	#12
Tedpilot Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 232 Club: HCC	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? Airports still get under my skin...I hate them yet they are my livelyhood. A perk to zip through domestic security in my book is a foul, but obviously very convenient. Last I knew TSA is paid for by the Feds, not individual ticket holders. However, aircrew (myself included), FC, staff & perks purchasers get the short line. The best perk AT ANY AIRPORT is simply walking out of an FBO (fixed base operation, i.e. upscale gas station for private aircraft) straight to your aircraft. No metal detectors, taking off my shoes, and I carry the beverage of my choice and rarely does anyone even check my ID. Then, viola, I am inside the protected side of the TSA net. No hassles, no questions. Now, in terms of air travel that is certainly the best perk...just need to get a fractional card so I could enjoy it while on vacation. Back on track...I do believe that some special perks by various DCs are very nice. I sincerely appreciate the whole package deal however. It makes traveling soo much better, easier, quicker and simplified. No checking-in, credit cards, parking hassles, worrying about quality, etc... It's all done and has not failed me yet. DCs have figured out how to put it all together nicely and conveniently for our enjoyment. I'll be curious to see what the different clubs offer/include over the coming years as the market becomes more competetive.

04-09-2008, 06:01 AM	#13
LTTravel Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 646 Club: ER, HCC Corporate, DHH Lite, Bud Lite (A few too many)	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? Though not as good as these VIP treatments. ER has membership in Avis Chairman's club, which has been the best such club membership that I have ever had. Book a midsize and they upgrade you to a luxury or many times SUV vehicle. No lines. Just show them your drivers's license and you are escorted quickly to your vehicle (even helped with the luggage). Same on the way back. In some locations, they drive you back to the terminal in your own vehicle. They even call you "Chairman" when you go pick up your car. A great perk. I was recenlty upgraded from a mid-size to a Ford Expedition in Deer Valley. Once in San Diego the Van wisked us away once we got on and the driver knew we were "Chairman". Three men at the car rental area helped us and our bags into the car. Handed us some bottled water and a newspaper, as we saw a large line within the rental area. Just a couple of the great experiences. My 14 year old now calls me "The Chairman".

04-10-2008, 02:34 PM	#16
Steamboat Bill Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 314 Club: High Country Club	Re: The Best Destination Club Perk? I think the BEST perk is the same for all Destination Clubs. That is the ability to throw a dart at any destination club property on a map and know that you will enjoy that vacation. Hassle-free travel to incredible properties at wonderful locations is what it all is about. That is why I joined a DC.