Holiday Inn Club Vacations: Family Resorts & Timeshare Guide
Introduction: Your Gateway to Memorable Family Getaways
Holiday Inn Club Vacations offers amazing family vacations. They have resorts across the United States. These resorts provide comfortable stays for families. Many people love their timeshare program. It gives you vacation points each year. You can use these points at different resorts.
The company is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family. IHG is a big hotel company worldwide. Holiday Inn Club Vacations focuses on family fun. Their resorts have pools, activities, and spacious rooms. Families can create lasting memories together.
This guide will help you understand everything about Holiday Inn Club Vacations. We will cover how their timeshare works. We will talk about the best resorts. You will learn how to save money on vacations. We will share tips from experienced owners.
Planning a family vacation can be stressful. Holiday Inn Club Vacations makes it easier. They take care of many details for you. Your family can just relax and enjoy the time together. Let's explore how this vacation club can benefit your family.
What is Holiday Inn Club Vacations?
Holiday Inn Club Vacations is a vacation ownership company. They operate resort properties across America. The company started in 2008. It is a joint venture between IHG and Orange Lake Resorts.
The Vacation Club Concept
The vacation club uses a points-based system. Members receive vacation points each year. These points can be used for stays at their resorts. You can also use points for other travel experiences.
The points system is flexible. You can choose when and where to vacation. Points can be used for different room types. You can stay longer in smaller rooms. Or stay shorter in larger suites.
Resort Locations and Amenities
Holiday Inn Club Vacations has resorts in popular destinations. They have properties in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and more. Each resort offers unique amenities and activities.
Common resort features include:
- Swimming pools and water features
- Fitness centers and sports courts
- Children's activities and clubs
- Restaurants and snack bars
- Game rooms and entertainment
Understanding the Timeshare Program
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations timeshare program is popular. It works differently from traditional timeshares. Instead of buying a specific week, you buy points.
How the Points System Works
Members purchase a certain number of points annually. These points are like vacation currency. You can use them at any Holiday Inn Club Vacations resort. Points determine how long you can stay and what room type you get.
Points have different values throughout the year. Peak seasons require more points. Off-peak seasons need fewer points. This system helps manage demand at popular times.
Membership Levels and Benefits
There are different membership levels. Higher levels offer more benefits. Benefits may include:
- Priority booking windows
- Discounts on additional points
- Special member events
- Travel partner benefits
Top Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resorts
Holiday Inn Club Vacations has many excellent resorts. Here are some of the most popular locations.
Orange Lake Resort in Orlando
Orange Lake Resort is in Kissimmee, Florida. It is near Walt Disney World. The resort has over 1,400 acres of vacation fun. It features four championship golf courses.
Water lovers will enjoy the resort's water park. It has multiple pools and a lazy river. There are also water slides for thrill-seekers. Families can rent bikes or play mini-golf.
Smoky Mountain Resort in Tennessee
This resort is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It sits in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. The resort offers stunning mountain views. It is close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools. There is a fitness center and game room. The resort has barbecue areas for family cookouts. It is perfect for nature lovers.
Scottsdale Resort in Arizona
The Scottsdale Resort offers desert beauty. It features Southwestern style architecture. The resort has multiple swimming pools. There is a children's splash pad for hot days.
Guests can enjoy the fitness center and sports courts. The resort is near Phoenix attractions. It offers easy access to golf courses and hiking trails.
Costs and Financial Considerations
Understanding the costs is important. Holiday Inn Club Vacations has upfront costs and ongoing fees.
Initial Purchase Costs
The initial purchase price varies. It depends on how many points you buy. Prices typically range from $10,000 to $30,000. Sometimes there are special promotions available.
You can also buy resale contracts. These are often cheaper than buying directly. But resale contracts may have fewer benefits. Always research before buying resale.
Annual Maintenance Fees
All owners pay annual maintenance fees. These fees cover resort upkeep. They include cleaning, repairs, and staff salaries. Fees typically range from $500 to $1,500 per year.
Fees can increase over time. It is important to budget for these increases. Some owners find fees become too expensive. This is why understanding all costs is crucial.
Practical Tips for Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Here are practical tips to get the most from your membership.
Booking Strategies
Book early for popular dates. Resorts fill up quickly during school holidays. Use online booking for convenience. Check cancellation policies carefully.
Consider traveling during off-peak seasons. You will need fewer points. Resorts are less crowded. You might get room upgrades more easily.
Maximizing Your Points
Learn how to stretch your points. Smaller rooms use fewer points. Weekday stays often cost less than weekends. Consider shorter stays in premium seasons.
You can borrow points from next year. Or save points from previous years. But there are rules about point usage. Understand these rules to avoid losing points.
Resale Market Considerations
The resale market can save you money. But be careful. Some resales don't include all benefits. Work with reputable resale companies.
Check if the resort allows resale transfers. Some resorts restrict resale buyer benefits. Get everything in writing before buying.
Real Family Experiences and Success Stories
Many families love their Holiday Inn Club Vacations membership. Here are some real examples.
The Johnson Family from Ohio
The Johnson family bought their membership in 2015. They visit Orange Lake Resort every year. Their children love the water park. They have created wonderful family memories.
"We use our points for two vacations each year," says Mrs. Johnson. "We visit Florida in winter and Tennessee in summer. The flexibility is great for our family."
The Martinez Family from Texas
The Martinez family enjoys the Smoky Mountain Resort. They go hiking in the national park. Their teenagers love the resort activities. They have made friends with other vacation club families.
"The staff always makes us feel welcome," says Mr. Martinez. "The resorts are clean and well-maintained. We feel our investment was worth it."
Industry Statistics and Market Trends
The timeshare industry continues to grow. Understanding trends helps make informed decisions.
Timeshare Industry Growth
The timeshare industry generates billions annually. According to ARVC, vacation ownership remains popular. Many families prefer timeshares over hotel stays.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association reports increased interest in vacation clubs. Families want consistent vacation experiences. They appreciate knowing what to expect each year.
Member Satisfaction Rates
A Consumer Reports survey shows mixed satisfaction. Some owners are very happy. Others wish they had researched more before buying.
The Better Business Bureau receives both compliments and complaints. Most complaints involve sales pressure or fee increases. Happy owners often cite family memories and vacation consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
Holiday Inn Club Vacations has a 10-day right to cancel. This applies to new purchases. After that, cancellation is difficult. Always read the contract carefully.
Can I rent out my points?
Yes, you can rent your points to others. But there are rules. You must follow the company's rental policy. Some owners offset costs by renting unused points.
What happens if I can't pay my fees?
If you stop paying fees, the company can foreclose. This hurts your credit score. Always budget for annual fees before buying.
Can I exchange points for other vacations?
Yes, through exchange programs. Holiday Inn Club Vacations partners with RCI. This lets you exchange points for other resorts worldwide. Exchange fees apply.
Are pets allowed at the resorts?
Some resorts allow pets. Others do not. Always check the pet policy before booking. Pet fees usually apply.
How do I sell my timeshare?
You can sell through resale companies. But resale values are often lower than purchase prices. Be wary of companies asking for large upfront fees.
What is the average maintenance fee increase?
Fees typically increase 3-5% annually. This covers inflation and rising costs. Budget for these increases when planning your vacation expenses.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying
Follow these steps if considering a purchase.
Step 1: Research Thoroughly
Learn everything about the program. Read reviews from current owners. Understand all costs involved. Compare with other vacation options.
Step 2: Attend a Presentation
Visit a resort for a sales presentation. Ask many questions. Take notes. Don't feel pressured to buy immediately.
Step 3: Review the Contract
Read the entire contract carefully. Understand all terms and conditions. Consider having a lawyer review it.
Step 4: Consider Resale Options
Check resale prices before buying direct. Resale can save thousands of dollars. But understand any benefit differences.
Step 5: Make Your Decision
Choose what works for your family and budget. Remember you have cancellation rights. Don't rush the decision.
Conclusion: Is Holiday Inn Club Vacations Right for You?
Holiday Inn Club Vacations offers wonderful family vacation experiences. The resorts are high quality. The staff is professional and friendly. Families can create lasting memories together.
However, timeshare ownership is a big commitment. The costs are significant. Annual fees continue forever. You must be sure it fits your vacation style and budget.
Consider how often your family vacations. Think about preferred destinations. Calculate all costs over 10-20 years. Compare with paying for vacations as you go.
Many families love their Holiday Inn Club Vacations membership. They enjoy consistent quality vacations. They appreciate the family-friendly amenities. The points system offers flexibility for changing vacation needs.
Other families prefer more vacation variety. They don't want annual fee commitments. They like trying different types of vacations each year.
Only you can decide what is best for your family. Do thorough research. Talk to current owners. Visit resorts before buying. Make an informed decision that brings your family joy for years to come.