General Discussion

Utility fees

Feb 12, 2008

Why do some resorts charge a utility fee when you do an exchange? I pay maintenance fees to my own resorts so why should I subsidise others who don't because it seems to me that this is what the charge is for.


Edna B.
Feb 12, 2008

In some resort areas, utilities (especially electricity) are very high in cost so a utility fee is charged to exchangers. In warmer climates such as the Caribbean and Mexico where air conditioning is needed, this is common practice.

Also, Disney resort exchangers are charged a $95 fee for whatever reason. Many exchangers are not happy with this fee, but if you want to exchange into a Disney owned resort then you have to pay the fee.


R P.
Feb 12, 2008

jayjay wrote:
In some resort areas, utilities (especially electricity) are very high in cost so a utility fee is charged to exchangers. In warmer climates such as the Caribbean and Mexico where air conditioning is needed, this is common practice.

Also, Disney resort exchangers are charged a $95 fee for whatever reason. Many exchangers are not happy with this fee, but if you want to exchange into a Disney owned resort then you have to pay the fee.

============ I was charged a "cleaning fee" of $59 by an RCI Points because I booked the unit for only 5 days and did not check out on a normal check-out day. As part of check-out procedures I had to make sure trash was emptied and the place was "clean". Except for changing the linens it seems like I did all their work anyway.


Mike N.
Feb 13, 2008

mike1536 wrote:
jayjay wrote:
In some resort areas, utilities (especially electricity) are very high in cost so a utility fee is charged to exchangers. In warmer climates such as the Caribbean and Mexico where air conditioning is needed, this is common practice.

Also, Disney resort exchangers are charged a $95 fee for whatever reason. Many exchangers are not happy with this fee, but if you want to exchange into a Disney owned resort then you have to pay the fee.

============ I was charged a "cleaning fee" of $59 by an RCI Points because I booked the unit for only 5 days and did not check out on a normal check-out day. As part of check-out procedures I had to make sure trash was emptied and the place was "clean". Except for changing the linens it seems like I did all their work anyway.

Yes it does seem a rip-off. I can't remember where I was looking but I think it was England or Europe anyway. Certainly not a very hot country.


Edna B.
Feb 13, 2008

shirley779 wrote: I think we all agree, maintenance fees are sky high, but what really throws me are the extra charges. We are owners at 2 resorts that are right next to each other on Paradise Island, Bahamas. We are using a week at both places at the same time. We and another couple will stay at one resort, while my brother and his wife will stay at the smaller, older resort next door. WOW, was I surprised when I received our statement for what my husband calls "the fun place". A fee of $65.00 for a confirmation fee?! At a place where we are owners? AND, a resort assessment fee of $23.00 per person per night due upon departure?! When I called them earlier today to question these charges, I was told as of Jan. 14, 2008, there are 2 more daily assessments. $18.00 per person per night "service assessment" that goes to personal that come to the unit such as, room service, laundry, housekeeping ect. and a "villa gratuities" charge of $6.50 per night for tips to the front desk girls! It's cheaper to exchange through RCI than go to our home resort. Is this unusual? Is anyone else experiencing these unreal charges? We don't have these fees at either of our other 2 properties.

It seems these types of extra charges are popping up all over the place now, another negative for owning a timeshare besides ever rising maintenance fees and possible special assessments, however I've never heard of this many extra charges.

You must own at Harborside @ Atlantis. Evidently resort management thinks all owers are rich and can afford the dollaring, nickel and diming.


R P.

Note: Please do not post ads in the timeshare forums. If you want to add a timeshare posting, go here.