Promises more than it can deliver (The Grand Vacation Club (GVC))

Member Name: jakjak

Product:	The Grand Vacation Club (GVC)
Date:	18/08/06 (791 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, flexible worldwide accommodation

Disadvantages: Very limited availability for families with school age children.

I have been a GVC/Sunterra member for about 10 years, having purchased my points from another member at a very good rate.

I have stayed at many Sunterra resorts over the years, all of which have been 3-4* rather than the 5* promised. It has become increasing more difficult to get accommodation during school holidays resulting in me losing valuable points this year. I even posted requests with Interval International but was offered nothing at all. Given that Sunterra's marketing seems to be primarily aimed at middle-class families this is a ridiculous situation.

I think this system works well if there are only two of you travelling and you can be flexible in when and where you travel because of the late availability option, but for families I would not recommend it. I will not be paying my annual management fees again until I am able to go on holiday in term time.

Summary: A good system for some but not for all.