Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014!

As this year winds down, we hope that you are able to find some joy in the past year and have something to look forward to in 2014.  An exciting vacation is always something to look forward to!

At the end of 2013, your 2012 Accrued Points (if you have any still remaining in your account) will expire if you do not book them.  If you want to use them at an InnSeason Vacation Club or DestINNation resort, the reservation must be made for travel prior to December 31st.

If that is not possible then you might want to consider book an exchange through RCI with your RCI membership.  Using your Vacation Club Accrued Points through RCI gives you the ability to book and travel past the December 31st Accrued Points expiration date. To explore the option of an RCI exchange, log on to the Owner’s Inn and click on the RCI portal to check availability.

In the center of the page, there is a link to your RCI account.

While you cannot deposit your Points with RCI, this option does allow you to make sure that those Accrued Points are not lost when the year ends.

There are some great vacations available.  You may discover a new favorite place to vacation!

 

Points or Bonus Week? What’s the Difference?

The Bonus Week List is the place where you can find some great vacations available at either DestINNation Resorts or Adventure Club resorts.  The resorts on this list are very exceptional resorts that have met a strict guideline held by the InnSeason Vacation Club before either becoming a DestINNation resort or a resort accepted into the Adventure Club.

To access the Bonus Week list, simply log in to your Owner’s Inn account and click on your contract number to get into your dashboard (the main screen with all of your contract information).  When you get into your contract, you will see a menu on the left hand side of the screen.

Bonus Week List (fourth from the top) is where we keep the current list of available weeks.

After you click on the Bonus Weeks List option, you will see a page that looks like this:

Bonus Week List

This page will show the current and complete list of what is available.

To get more information on a week you see, simply click on the little red circle to expand the block.

Click on the little red circle to the right of the available week to expand and get more information.

Once you have taken a look at the week and unit information, you will notice that there are two prices listed.  One is a Points value and the second is a dollar amount.  Why do we list both?

This list is available for both.

If you are a Vacation Club member and looking to spend your Points on an exchange to somewhere outside of the InnSeason Vacation Club resorts, this list is a great starting point for that vacation search.

Each week listed is available for the Points Value listed and the closer we get to the arrival date, the Points value will drop because it is considered a last minute booking.  The Points Values are your only cost when booking with points so when you book off of this list with your Points, you do not have to pay an exchange fee.

The dollar amount that is listed is associated with the Bonus Week.  Vacation Club members are able to purchase weeks of vacation in addition to their annual Points allocation every year.  These weeks are reserved for the one vacation, meaning you do not get that week every year in your account (just to be clear).

This is a great option if you are planning to use all of your Points through the Vacation Club but still have time to travel and want an affordable option.  These are also great ideas for gifts for family and friends.

So, the next time you are thinking about making an exchange or at a loss of what you get your adult children for Christmas, log on and see what’s available.  It could be the vacation you’ve always dreamed of!

More Adventures for You to Enjoy this Fall!

We have some more great locations on the Bonus Week list.  Whether you enjoy them yourself or if you decide to give them as a gift (they do make wonderful birthday and anniversary gifts for friends and family!), these deals are so good, they are hard to pass up!

WILLIAMSBURG PLANTATION

Williamsburg Plantation

Enjoy a week in historic Williamsburg, VA starting on Saturday, September 1 through Saturday September 8th.  Explore this colonial town and experience one of America’s most historic places!  There are lots of great golf courses in the area and September is still perfect golf weather! Or enjoy the many great shops and unique boutiques that are in the area!  Don’t forget, Busch Gardens is another great idea for a fun day!

Enjoy a 2 bedroom unit at this beautiful resort for only 110,000 Points or for the Bonus Week Price of $699!

EDGEWATER BEACH RESORT

Early October is arguably one of the best times to visit Cape Cod.  The cool nights and the warm days, the quiet beaches, and the turning leaves.  Edgewater Resort is located in Dennisport, part of the Mid-Cape area and is the perfect spot to come and relax.  The resort is directly on the water with its own private beach and is central to many of the Cape’s great attractions that are still open for this last week of the vacation season.

Reserve this studio unit that is available starting on Saturday, October 6 and ending on Saturday October, 13.  Use 65,000 Points or purchase it as a Bonus Week for $499.  There is also a second week available for arrival on October 27 and departing on November 3.  This unit is a 1 bedroom unit available for $499 or for 50,000 Points!

SHANTY CREEK VACATION CLUB

Michigan is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery!   Shanty Creek Vacation Club is located not far from the shores of Lake Michigan in Bellaire and in mid-October, you may just get to see some of their foliage as well!

Book this 2 bedroom unit arriving on October 19 and departing on October 26 for $699 or for 90,000 Points.
PLAYA del SOL GRAND

Mexico is a beautiful country and the west coast offers some of the world’s best beaches!  Located in Nuevo Vallarta, the Playa del Sol Grand is a gorgeous resort located right on the Banderas Bay.  A full service resort with spa treatments and restaurants located right on the property, you will enjoy relaxing at this amazing resort!

Book a 2 bedroom unit arriving on October 19 and departing on October 26 for $699 or for 110,000 Points.

VELAS VALLARTA

Also located on the west coast of Mexico, the Velas Vallarta is in the heart of Puerto Vallarta – a well-known vacation destination.  Beautiful beaches, warm sun, and the best that Mexico can offer are available to you when you stay here.  A full service resort located right on the water, this resort has spa treatments, restaurants, and a private beach all available to you when you stay here!
Book a 1 bedroom unit arriving on October 20 and departing on October 27 for only $599 or 90,000 Points.  This is steal!

OCEAN REEF RESORT

The Bahamas are the perfect Caribbean escape!  The Ocean Reef Resort is the perfect spot to enjoy all that Grand Bahama Island has to offer!  Bring the golf clubs along and enjoy one of the many courses available.  Take some diving lessons from the professionals at the Dive shop.  Not looking for adventure?  Pack some good books and just relax by the pool!  There’s something for everyone at this island resort!

Book a 3 Bedroom unit for arrival on October 27 and depart on November 3 for $799 or for 110,000 Points.

The Bonus Week list is always changing so be sure to log on to the Owner’s Inn on a regular basis to see what is new.  There are some great deals that appear from time to time, including destinations like Hawaii so check back!  The other benefit of the Bonus Week List is that you do not have to pay an exchange fee if you book with your Points!

If you see something today on the Bonus Week List, call Owner Services at 800-228-2968 to book!  Reservations are first come first serve and sometimes, weeks can go very quickly!

Adventure Club and Bonus Weeks Available for You!

As you know, the Adventure Club is a program that provides Vacation Club members with additional inventory to reserve using your Points.  If you don’t want to use your Points because you are planning some travel later this year, don’t worry!  You can purchase the week as a Bonus Week!

Here’s what’s available as of right now!  To book any of these great weeks, call Owner Services at 800-228-2968 today!

WILLIAMSBURG PLANTATION

Williamsburg Plantation

Enjoy a week in historic Williamsburg, VA starting on Saturday, September 1 through Saturday September 8th.  Explore this colonial town and experience one of America’s most historic places!  There are lots of great golf courses in the area and September is still perfect golf weather! Or enjoy the many great shops and unique boutiques that are in the area!  Don’t forget, Busch Gardens is another great idea for a fun day!

Enjoy a 2 bedroom unit at this beautiful resort for only 110,000 Points or for the Bonus Week Price of $699!

SEA MIST RESORT

Explore Cape Cod after the Summer Rush has gone home!  September is one of the best months on Cape Cod.  The weather is still warm, the beaches are pristine, and bridge traffic is next to nothing!  Enjoy shopping at the Mashpee Commons, take a trip to Falmouth, or drive up to Provincetown for the day!

Enjoy a 2 bedroom unit arriving on Sunday, September 16 and departing on Sunday, September 23rd for only 135,.000 Points or for the Bonus Week price of $799.

NEPTUNE VACATION CLUB

Block Island, Rhode Island is a small island located 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island.  Take the Block Island Ferry and enjoy a relaxing trip to the island.  Once ashore, there’s plenty to discover.  Rent a bike or moped and explore the streets of this picturesque island. Enjoy one of the many wonderful restaurants offering some of the freshest seafood available!  Or spend a nice day at the beach soaking up the sun!

This one bedroom unit is available starting on Saturday, September 22 and ends on Saturday September 29.   Book this week for 90,000 Points or as a Bonus Week for $499!

EDGEWATER BEACH RESORT

Early October is arguably one of the best times to visit Cape Cod.  The cool nights and the warm days, the quiet beaches, and the turning leaves.  Edgewater Resort is located in Dennisport, part of the Mid-Cape area and is the perfect spot to come and relax.  The resort is directly on the water with its own private beach and is central to many of the Cape’s great attractions that are still open for this last week of the vacation season.

Reserve this studio unit that is available starting on Saturday, October 6 and ending on Saturday October, 13.  Use 65,000 Points or purchase it as a Bonus Week for $499.

There are many more weeks available into October, November and December.  To check the available weeks, log on to the Owner’s Inn and after clicking on your contract, select “Bonus Week List” from the left hand menu.   To book any week that you see either here or at the Owner’s Inn, call Owner Services at 800-228-2968.  Remember, it’s first come first serve so if you see something you like, better to call and book it!

Don’t Forget to Use your 2011 Acrrued Points!

You didn’t use all of your 2011 Points last year so you accrued them.  Smart move!  By accruing those points, you gave yourself one additional year to use those Points.

As a reminder, your 2011 Accrued Points will expire on December 31, 2012.  That means you have six months left to use them!

Use them to book a vacation at an InnSeason Resort before December 31, 2012.  There is a four-month booking window applied to the accrued Points so be aware of how far in advance you book your travel. Use the new Points Usage Calculator (found under the new “How To/Reference Guides” menu option) to determine how many Points will be used for your vacation and if your Accrued Points are eligible.

If you are an Interval International member, you may also use your Points to book a reservation for travel by December 31, 2012.  Remember that when booking with your Accrued Points through Interval International, you are subject to the four-month booking window so be aware of that when you call to check availability on an exchange.

Another option for using these Accrued Points is to go online and book an exchange through RCI.  There are no booking windows applied to your accrued Points when booking an exchange through RCI.  To access RCI and search for availability, log in to the Owner’s Inn, click on your contract number, and then click on the link for RCI.

In the center of the page, there is a link to your RCI account.

Whichever option you choose to do, just make sure you use those Points.  You work hard for your vacations.  We want to make sure that you are able to enjoy them.  If you have any questions regarding your account, please log on to the Owner’s Inn and review your account or call Owner Services at 800-228-2968 and discuss your account with an Owner Services representative.

Tanglwood Resort – Paradise in the Poconos

The Poconos are famous for being a family friendly vacation location, however, there is really something for everyone!  Our newest DestINNation resort, Tanglwood Resort (no ‘e’ like the Tanglewood we are all familiar with here in New England), is located in the heart of this beautiful vacation destination!

The resort sits on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, PA.  An 18-hole golf course is a major part of the resort and some of the units even feature views of the greens.  Other units will provide breathtaking views of  “the Big Lake,” as it’s known to locals.  Spread out over a few hundred acres, this resort gives you the rest and relaxation you are searching for!

The resort boasts 40 one bedroom units and 34 two bedroom units, each with a full kitchen and living room with a queen-size pullout sofa.  There are three main sections of the resort, the Lake View Resort, the Lakeside Resort, and the Condos on the Golf Course.  Each area has a slightly different set up in terms of unit amenities.  However, they all offer the same level of quality when it comes to your comfort!   Most of the units offer a jacuzzi tub and some offer balconies with views of the majestic Poconos.  Washer and dryer units are found either in the building or in your unit (depending on where in the resort you are located).

The resort amenities at Tanglwood also provide a great chance at relaxation. All guests have free usage of the Paupack Hills Golf Club Health Club.  This includes usage of  the fitness center and indoor pool.  Just a short drive from two of the three resort locations, and within walking distance of one, this is a great option for a swim on a rainy day!  The outdoor pool is located on the resort property by the recreation building and is open all summer long!

In addition to the pools, Tanglwood offers a wonderful Recreation Center that is home to the weekly resort activities including Ceramics, Poolside Bingo, making Sun Catchers, Jewelry Making and Movie nights (just to name a few of the recent activities hosted there).  So be sure to check out your welcome packet to see what activities will be offered during your visit to this resort that offers it all!

DestINNation: Dream Vacation!

Hopefully by now you’ve seen the email – we have DestINNation resorts that you can use your Points at!  What, exactly, does that mean?

DestINNation Resorts are resorts where InnSeason Vacation Club has acquired inventory with other properties so that we may offer Club Members the opportunity to use their Points at resorts outside of the InnSeason family of resorts.    That means that while the Club does not necessarily own inventory at these resorts (although in some cases it does own inventory), an arrangement has been made with the resort management company to allow the use of Points for a select amount of inventory.

These are similar to Adventure Club weeks except that the inventory is set for the year.  InnSeason Vacation Club receives an allotment of inventory at these DestINNation resorts and assigns Points values to the inventory.  The inventory is then listed and a Points grid is made available.  By inventory – we mean specific weeks and units throughout the year.  If you do not have this year’s current DestINNation Points grid, you can download it here.  Once we list what weeks are available (some are on a request basis only) they are booked on a first come first serve basis.  Once the allotment is used, there are no more weeks available.

Similar to the Adventure Club list, weeks at these locations are available using your Points and do not require an exchange fee.  You are able to book the weeks directly with Owner Services!  In addition to booking full weeks through the DestINNation resorts, you are also able to book shorter stays, with nightly minimums as outlined by the resorts. For example, if we have availability, you can book a long weekend in Florida!

Some owners have even used the DestINNation locations as a way to add-on to their vacations.  Let’s say Mr. Plum wants to book two weeks, back-to-back and his exchange company only has one week available.  Mr. Plum can put the week on hold for 24 hours with his exchange company, call InnSeason Vacation Club Owner Services and check availability for the second week.  If the second week is available, it’s best if Mr. Plum book the exchange company week first and then book the DestINNation week that way he is sure to have both weeks booked for the vacation he wants!  Even if he just wanted to stay a few days longer in the area and the exchange company didn’t have those few days available to book on exchange, Mr. Plum could book just the three extra days using a DestINNation resort!

For 2011, we have a great list of DestINNation resorts including: Cypress Point in Orlando, The Cove on Ormond Beach, The Charter Club Naples Bay, The Crescent Resort on South Beach, Chenay Bay Beach Resort on St. Croix, The Cove at Yarmouth on Cape Cod, and Tanglwood Resort in the Poconos.  All of these resorts have a selection of inventory available on a first come first serve basis.  If you are interested in booking one of these great locations for your ideal vacation, simply call Owner Services today and check availability!