My travel club story: Last year, my family took a "free" vacation with the obligation to attend a 90 minute Vacation Club Sales Presentation. We told ourselves before the meeting that "there is no way we are buying". We planned to listen to what they had to say and then politely decline. At that time, taking a "freebie" vacation was about all we could manage. My husband and I are self-employed and the economy had hit us hard. So, when I received a call offering free beachfront accommodations, in exchange for 90 minutes of our time, I accepted.
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The Meeting: When we arrived at the meeting (Florida Destinations) in Daytona Beach, we were served coffee and doughnuts. Each couple was assigned a sales rep and brought into a larger room to watch a video presentation of the benefits of Vacation Club Membership. By the end of the video, and the sales pitch that followed, my husband and I were wavering on our decision to "just say NO". However, when they disclosed the price of $7995, we had to decline, because it simply wasn't in our budget. We were then passed off from one high pressure salesperson to another where the price dropped from $7995 to $1595.
But what about all those people in the large room that had paid the full price? It didn't seem fair to me that simply by saying "no" a few times, the price declined by 80%. When the sales manager left the room for a moment, I turned his computer around and did some quick research on the BBB. He had told me they had a "B+" rating, but when I checked, it was an "F". That made a "no" much easier! When he came back in the room, he was embarrassed and released us to go, but if we changed our minds, his offer would hold until the following morning. At this point, he just wanted us to leave.
I made the decision that IF there were a Travel Club out there that was reputable and economical, I would consider joining. We loved the idea of vacationing for less but weren't sure if there was a better alternative to what we had just witnessed.
So, when we got home the following week, I began to research. I found 3 legitimate travel clubs, and for two days I read reviews and found as much information as I could on each one. Although all three companies held high standards, had a large club membership and quality properties, there was one club that seemed better than the rest. This particular travel club had an enrollment fee that was a fraction of the other two, and when I learned that it had more resorts, condos, villas and hotels than all other clubs combined, it became my favorite.
Can a Travel Club Save You Money?
Absolutely, but the wrong travel club could charge you too much and have little to offer after enrollment. Before considering a travel club, consider the following:
Benefits of a High Quality Private Travel Club:
The word "luxury" goes hand in hand with 5 star hotels and this word is often tossed and used freely when describing or classifying luxury hotels. A luxury hotel is more than gold adornments, crystal chandeliers, luxurious furnishings, and dressed staff. It provides feature services that give personal attention that is unparalleled. Such top hotels exude ultimate quality, hospitality, and cater to every need of their client so that they get the best possible hotel experience.
Some hotels give concierge services that assist the guest in gaining access to any exclusive restaurant, concert, or Broadway show, while planning for them and even assist them in the execution of any event. There are exemplary 5 star hotels that have services that are step above the crowd and their services include on-site medical assistance, butler service, and babysitter service, unique room details like top-of-the-line bathroom amenities, or menus for your choice in pillows or essentials for a bubble bath.
Does your luxury hotel guarantee luxury?
Very often luxury hotels are classified as being 5 star hotels; but they are in fact just the opposite. There are many five and four-and-a-half star rated hotels that do have all the hotel services that can be well classified, but they do not pay attention to the intricate details of the true luxury.
Just glance at the luxury services 5 star hotels generally offer.
• Room service 24 hours a day.
• Recreational amenities like indoor pool, health club, spa tub, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, Gym exercise studio, massage services or beauty treatment-room services.
• To and fro services in luxury cars.
• Valet parking service.
• Multilingual staff service.
• Some hotels offer a three-course dinner and breakfast and also a pre-dinner glass of Champagne.
• The room facilities may include Plasma TV, DVD player, satellite channels, PC's with internet access, toiletries, iron & board, trouser press, bathrobes, tea & coffee-making facilities, mineral water, Safe, hairdryer, etc.
• Indoor activities like board games, DVD library, pool games, table tennis etc.
• Outdoor activities may include golf, walking, trekking, archery, shooting, Highland games etc.
Generally 5 star luxury hotels provide special facilities for children and quite a few also permit pets which you need to check online. They usually have wheelchair accessibility in case you have a disabled or older person in your family.
Basically such hotels are located amidst beautiful surroundings where you can admire nature to its fullest. Even if you do not want to venture out, you can still enjoy the panoramic view from the Glass Lounge Hotels on Ocean Drive South Beach Miami sipping coffee. You can enjoy the breath-taking views of the tended garden lawns and the rising sun or the setting sun's glow.
A 5 star hotel stands for everything that is par excellence. They have excellent facilities, amenities, services and friendly staff which is always ready to serve you.