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PALLADIUM TRAVEL CLUB

PALLADIUM TRAVEL CLUB

Like most visitors, I was a little apprehensive of being approached by the “dreaded time-share sharks” associated with the Palladium Travel Club. Memories of Cancun, Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Disney World prevailed. Here is my account and experience. TG (Bernie)

My wife and I recently stayed at the Palladium for three weeks. At no time were either of us approached or bothered by anyone from the Palladium Travel Club until I inquired about it. I had previously heard some vague information about the club and as a frequent visitor wanted to find out the details. My initial contact was a personal concierge for club members who I approached while on her rest break. She arranged an appointment for our sales presentation and even offered to make breakfast and dinner reservations at the Royal Suites El Jardin restaurant for us.

We were promptly picked-up at our room by a Travel Club representative the day of our appointment and driven to the White Sands sales office (next to the pontoon boat dock). We were slightly concerned when we were asked in advance to bring I.D. (driver’s license or Passport) and a major credit card with us to the presentation. Apparently they just wanted to make sure we had the necessary documents with us if we turned out to be impulsive buyers and didn‘t require any “think time“. Nobody bothered looking at our I.D. or CC’s, but if the last digits of any of our CC’s matched a pre-selected number we would win a couple of free sessions at the Spa. (None of ours matched)

We were told that the Travel Club presentation would take about 90 minutes. True to their word, it lasted 90 minutes. We were seated at a desk with a sales rep, one-on-one, who explained how the club worked and answered all our questions. We never felt the presentation to be high pressure or in any way uncomfortable. At any time we could get up and walk out if we desired — no questions asked. Understand that your presence indicates an interest in the Travel Club, and that the professional sales staff is only doing their job by trying to sell you their product. I should note that there is a full-service bar with top-shelf liquors and waiter service during the presentation. We were also offered a guided tour of the resort including the various room categories.

The following is a summary of our sales presentation and two follow-up consultations.

The Palladium Travel Club is NOT a timeshare offering. You are not locked into specific travel dates or unit sizes. There are no deeds, property taxes, annual fees or maintenance charges.

The PTC allows you to travel whenever, and as often as you desire, to ANY Palladium Resort in five countries. You also have use of thousands of Resorts Condominiums International (RCI) properties near your home and around the world. They have club plans that can be customized to fit your individual finances, family size and future vacation needs, paying only when you travel. You may even allow other family members and friends to use your membership privileges.

Some of the benefits for club members while staying at Palladium properties include:

*Free direct airport-hotel-airport transfers ($$$$)

*Significant discounts off rack-rates ($$$$)

*Unlimited ala carte restaurant reservations

*Concierge services before and during your stay

*Preferential room requests (when available)

*Private check-in

*Distinctive Travel Club Member wrist-bands (black for Royal – blue for GP)

*Spa discounts

*Fruit basket upon arrival

*Complimentary bottle of wine, tequila or rum

*Bathrobes and slippers

*Preference with non-motorized sports requests

*Nightly turndown service

*Birthday and anniversary dinner

*Welcome gift

*Free Palladium dollars to spend at resort

HOW DOES IT WORK AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST???

The Palladium Travel Club offers blocks of vacation weeks depending upon your future travel needs — 20 weeks, 30 weeks……… up to 120 weeks at Palladium Resorts. You’ll also receive an equal number of weeks that may be used at RCI properties during your membership. Included are a number of FREE vacation weeks. How many free weeks you receive depends upon which plan you select AND how good you are as a negotiator. During your non-free weeks at the Palladium, you still pay for your stay, but at deeply discounted rates — up to 40% off. Rates vary with the resort and room category you select (standard, junior, suite, cabana), season (high, low, holidays). Rates at RCI properties also vary.

Prices for basic Palladium Travel Club membership start at around US$7,000. Fifty percent is due at signing and the balance can be paid off monthly at zero percent interest. As I said earlier, everything is negotiable (sort of like buying a new car).

Considering the many benefits included (free vacation weeks, discount rates, private transfers, etc.), the Palladium Travel Club can pay for itself in a few years. It may not be for everyone, but DO attend their Travel Club sales presentation while you are at the resort and find out if its right for you. It will not be a waste of your time — they give out some nice gifts just for attending.

Travel Club membership benefits can also be used for your guests attending weddings, family gatherings and reunions. By purchasing one of the plans your guests can use your member privileges to book discounted rooms with first class amenities and private transfers. You will still have your free weeks, RCI privileges and a number of regular weeks left to use whenever you desire.

To arrange an appointment in advance of your visit, or for more info, you may contact the Palladium Travel Club at:

From USA: 1 877 296 9330

From Canada: 1 877 287 0724

From Mexico: 01 800 836 7256

From Europe: +52 984 873 4801

Fax: +52 984 877 2120

Send an email: email

Poste by: TG (Bernie)