In each forthcoming edition of Royal Reporter, we'll be addressing many of the questions that we hear from clients with a view to helping you get the most out of your membership. We also welcome your input - if there's something that you've been wondering about, drop us a line and we'll do our best to address it right here in Royal Reporter. This month, maximising exchange opportunities, Bonus Weeks and the difference between Weeks and Points

How can I maximise my Exchange opportunities?

Although different exchange rules apply to different companies, there are some basic rules, which we generally recommend to maximize your exchange opportunities:

Think “what” before “where.” Try to think about activities and experiences you would enjoy during your holiday rather than focusing only on a specific resort or destination.

Don’t be afraid of asking your Royal Exchange executive questions about destinations if you’re not sure.

Place your request as far as possible in advance of the dates you want to travel to maximize your chances of securing the holiday of your dreams.

Be as flexible as possible when requesting travel dates and resort locations. Listing several options enhances your chance for a timely confirmation.

Consider a trip in the off-season or visit a lesser-known destination that offers a similar holiday experience.

What is the difference between Weeks and Points?

To briefly summarize, both systems relate to holiday ownership and so the member has no accommodation charges to pay. The difference is really the flexibility of usage that Points have over Weeks. A Points member for example is allocated Points, which he or she can spend on whichever accommodation is suitable for a particular holiday.

In effect, the Points member has total flexibility and also access to the GAP of affiliated resorts. It is worth mentioning however that HO like mobile telephones for example, keeps advancing and evolving. The Weeks member still continues to get all the benefits of fixed week membership and Points are just a new option variation appealing to some members.

What are Bonus Weeks and why are they not always available?

HO Resorts like normal hotels run at different occupancy levels throughout the year. At times of lower occupancy, developers and RCI allow members to have bonus time. It’s better for the developer that there are guests in an apartment than for the unit to remain vacant.

By very definition however, Bonus week space is likely to be available when the resort is not likely to be full. This is why Bonus weeks are available only "subject to availability".

It is also a fact that the availability of bonus weeks is inversely proportional to the popularity of the Resort.

 

At Royal Resorts, we aim to achieve the highest standards of customer service. But for us to be able to do this effectively, we need to hear from you. It is your feedback that drives change and improvement, ensuring that your holiday experience is always optimal. To make things simpler, we have created a simple REX Customer Feedback form that can be completed within about five minutes. We'd be really grateful to hear from you

Click here to take the survey