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Re: Are all RCI points equal? (by Mike N.):

markt139 wrote:

Hi, I've read that all RCI Points are equal, so I'm wondering if anyone can explain why some points resort are more expensive than others. I was at a presentation for the Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, and they were selling their 20,000 points package for roughly around the $15,000, while when I do online comparison, I found a 30,000 point resale list for $4,000, at the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, and many others with quite high annual points for significantly much less.

At the presentation, they pushed a VIP package that from what I recalled, offered certain benefits like purchasing flex points at a penny per point, the ability to borrow points from the next year, and carry forward points that are unused. Are these exclusive to Banff Gate, or does everyone who has a RCI points account have this ability.

Also, does owning a membership with a points resort give you access to the RCI website?

----------- First, as you've probably read in this (and other) forums, buying directly from the resort is the most expensive way to buy a timeshare so there is no comparison between buying from a developer and a resale...go with the resale. Regarding RCI points. All RCI points are equal as it pertains to exchanges. Every points resort has a value assigned based on several factors, size, location, quality, season, etc. In my opinion, purchase price has little to do with the amount of points assigned by RCI. Also factor in the maintenance fees as part of the overall cost. Go to rci.com and select the Resort Directory tab (you don't need to be a member) and look at some of the RCI points resorts for comparison. For example, Paradise Canyon Golf Resort has a points range from 6,500 to 79,000 based on unit size and season. I did not see any reference to Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, though I did see a report on ripoffreport.com about this place. I don't know the details about the VIP package, but as part of an RCI membership (any resort, points or weeks), you can buy points at .02 per point. You can borrow against next year's and carry over one year's worth of points. Be advised RCI charges fees for all transactions, though I've found fees for points resorts a bit cheaper than for weeks resort transactions. Again go to rci.com, The Answer Place tab and search for "rental points" as well as "transaction fees" I recently bought at a points resort, and I tried to find the most points for the lowest maintenance fees (61000 pts, < $300/yr MF). Be sure to either purchase a package that has enough points to use at the time and place of your chosing. Two or three bedroom units in prime locations and prime seasons can be upwards of 70,000 to 100,000 points for exhange. Developers will also tout the virtues of Last Call vacations and 9000 point exchanges. These can be good deals, but you will probably be VERY limited in availabilities. Exchanges into other points resorts can only be made 10 months in advance. A points resort owner can also exchange into a weeks resort 2 years in advance, but he would need to have the correct amount of points in his account at the time of exchange. Sorry this got a bit lengthy, but the RCI points program can be confusing at first glance, but it's pretty basic after you get used to the system. While I'm not an expert, I believe I can give you the ins & outs of RCI points. Feel free to contact me at mgnacn1@yahoo.com if you have any other questions. I'd be glad to elaborate on this topic. Good Luck, Mike