posted 11-07-2003 06:34               

There is nothing I can do to change state law. It should be noted there are several states where sales taxes are required on getaway transactions.

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Originally posted by patjohn:
I have purchased Getaways from II and Bonus Vacations from RCI in the past. This month I was charged sales tax on my Gold Membership Getaway to Orlando. The rep said that is was because Florida directs II to charge this tax on Getaways in Florida. I have never paid tax on any other states when purchasing Getaways nor did RCI charge me tax on their Bonus Vacation to Orlando last year. Was I charged correctly? Can you address when tax is charged and when it is not. This is the first time I have questioned II policy. In general I am very happy with your services.
Thank you.

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posted 11-07-2003 21:29               

I feel II needs to be a little more upfront about "taxes and service charges" when booking a Getaway. These actual figures should be revealed prior to confirmation. We paid $599 for a Getaway to The Alexandra Resort in Turks and Caicos. We were charged almost $120 more when we checked out!!! We were told 10% tax and 10% service charge. And to add insult to injury, we had been generously tipping our maid all week and I am sure she also received part of that 10% service charge also. I feel this is very deceptive and should be revealed by II, especially when you're looking at another 20%.

posted 11-08-2003 15:58               

What if one would have rented from The Alexandra Resort instead of getting an II Getaway. Would not one have to pay these two 10% charges? What's the difference in a Getaway? Getaways are just that, rentals. They are typically at a lower cost because of left over inventory. However, they still are rentals subject to the same local rental taxes and service charges.

I'm surprised they did not add a daily garage fee for rented vehicles. My last stay in Québec city, we paid $15 per day for garaging our vehicle which we had no choice in the matter. If I am not wrong here, Canada is the only country I know of that charges a tax on a tax. The provinvial tax is levied and the the national tax is charged on top of that. I think I am correct here. I will ask this again in the canadian section.

posted 11-09-2003 00:29               

I think you are missing my point. I am saying that this tax and service charge should be revealed by II UPFRONT, prior to booking, especially when we are talking about 20%. If you go to the Alexandra's website and rent through them, it is clearly stated (prior to confirming)that there is a 10% tax and 10% service charge. As a matter of fact, when I go to other travel websites and check on hotel rates, tax is clearly spelled out before you give them your credit card information. I just don't like surprises at check out time. We are going to St. Maarten on a timeshare exchange in January. It is spelled out on the RCI website "A TIMESHARE GOVERNMENT TAX OF US$50.00 PER UNIT/WEEK IS DUE AT CHECK-IN."

posted 11-10-2003 07:51               

In situations where fees seem out of the ordinary, we do specify what to expect. This happens periodically in foreign destinations with energy surcharges. There are also other situations that warrant specific listings.

We add the language on the confirmation to check with the resort for specific fees imposed. You are able to call the resort directly, and we would encourage you to do so, to set your expectations. If you do so within the 24 hour grace period, you may cancel, without a penalty, for any reason.

posted 11-11-2003 07:02               

This is not currently in the directory as it is a test program. We expect to make a final decision by years end and will publish any permanent policy in future issues.

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Originally posted by patjohn:
Hi Craig,
You have been very helpful and clear in your explanation of taxes and fees. Thanks. I do have a question regarding your last comment. Can you please expand on the 24 hour cancellation policy. Do you mean to say 24 hours after making the reservation, receiving the confirmation or after checkin? If this is explained in our directory can you please note the page. Thanks again for your time. I am trying to become a well informed member of II.
Also, my daughter just yesterday took advantage of a $149 web-special to Atlantic City for this weekend. No extra charges were imposed. This is a geat deal. Keep up the good-work II.

[This message has been edited by patjohn (edited 11-11-2003).]

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