Is RCI Worth It? My Honest Review and How I Saved Over 50% on Luxury Vacations
If you’re considering joining a vacation exchange network, chances are you’ve stumbled upon RCI (Resort Condominiums International). But like many travelers, you might be asking: Is RCI worth it? Is RCI legit?
After personally using RCI across multiple countries and scoring luxury stays at a fraction of the cost, I can confidently say: Yes, RCI is legit and totally worth it—if you know how to use it smartly.
In this post, I’ll share my real experience, explain how RCI works, how I secured luxury stays for $350, and give you my top insider tips for making the most out of your membership.
What Is RCI and How Does It Work? My personal Experience.
RCI is the world’s largest vacation exchange network, allowing members to trade their timeshare weeks for stays in thousands of affiliated resorts worldwide.
Key Points:
✅ Exchange your timeshare for other resort stays globally.
✅ Access to exclusive deals, like Welcome Weeks and Last Calls.
✅ Resorts range from luxury all-inclusives to boutique hotels.
If you’re wondering how RCI works, here’s a clear breakdown based on my personal experience — and why I strongly recommend it for affordable luxury travelers.
Joining RCI Through a Vacation Club
In May 2022, I joined RCI through the Vacation Club of Bourbon Atibaia, a 4-star resort located in São Paulo, Brazil. The total cost of membership was R$ 33,000, which at the time converted to approximately $6,400 USD.
For that amount, I received the equivalent of 300,000 points, enough for 2 to 4 weeks of vacation per year for my family of 2 adults and 1 child. Importantly, buying into a vacation club outside the U.S. — especially in countries with a devalued currency like Brazil — offers significant savings compared to similar programs in North America.
How Point Transfers Work
Once affiliated, you must transfer part of your points or weeks from your vacation club into the RCI system to book stays worldwide. Each resort has its own conversion table. In my case, one week at my home resort converts into two weeks at Caribbean resorts. This effectively doubles the value of my membership.
Example 1: Hard Rock Punta Cana
I used 20,000 points to book two weeks at the Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana.
Total cost breakdown:
- Vacation Club points: 20,000
- Transfer cost: Included in membership
- All-inclusive fee: Approximately $1,600 USD
- Point cost equivalent: $440 USD
So, for a total of about $2,040 USD, my family enjoyed two weeks at a 5-star, all-inclusive resort.
Booking the same stay directly through the hotel’s website would have cost around $5,000 USD. In other words, we paid less than 50% of the regular price — a massive saving!
Example 2: The Grand Mayan, Riviera Maya
Another memorable experience was staying at The Grand Mayan Riviera Maya. Thanks to the Welcome Week Certificate offered when joining RCI through a vacation club, we paid just $350 USD for one week at this luxurious resort.
Again, the direct price on hotel booking sites was several times higher.
Why It’s Worth It
- Exclusive access: RCI offers access to hotels and resorts not available through standard platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.
- Cost-effective: Using points and Welcome Weeks reduces the total cost by 50% or more.
- Added perks: Complimentary upgrades, $150 bonus credits at some resorts, and other exclusive member benefits.
- Currency advantage: Buying into a program in a country like Brazil or parts of the Caribbean means your dollar goes much further. Avoid vacation clubs in Mexico for this purpose — prices there are often higher than even U.S.-based programs like Disney Vacation Club.
Important Tip
When joining a vacation club, always check:
- Maintenance fees and any hidden costs.
- The rules for point transfers to RCI.
- The conversion rates between your home resort and RCI properties.
For high season trips, book at least 10 months in advance to secure the best resorts.
The Best Benefits of Using RCI
✅ Luxury Hotels for Less: Stay at high-end resorts like The Grand Mayan at Vidanta for as low as $350/week.
✅ Exclusive Offers: Welcome Weeks, Last Calls, and member-only resorts.
✅ Currency Advantage: Joining through resorts outside the US often means better rates.
✅ Perks and Bonuses: $150 spending credit at each hotel I stayed.
✅ Free Upgrades: Complimentary room upgrades at several resorts.
How to Join RCI: My Pathway
- Affiliate via a Vacation Club: I joined through Bourbon Atibaia in Brazil—a 4-star resort.
- Leverage Currency Exchange: By paying in reais, I maximized the value against the US dollar.
- Enjoy Immediate Benefits: Right after joining, I got access to Welcome Weeks and exclusive deals.
Tip: Look for Vacation Clubs outside the US to benefit from favorable exchange rates.
How to Make the Most of Your RCI Membership
✅ Prioritize All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive packages are often the best value—especially for families.
✅ Book Early
The best resorts fill up quickly, especially for high season. I recommend booking at least 10 months in advance.
✅ Check for Welcome Weeks
This is how I stayed at The Grand Mayan for only $350. These weeks are often deeply discounted.
✅ Use Your Bonuses
RCI frequently offers spending credits (I got $150 at each stay!).
✅ Be Flexible
If you can travel during shoulder seasons, you’ll find even better availability and rates.
Practical Checklist: How to Use RCI for Affordable Luxury Stays
1. Join via a Vacation Club
🔹 Prefer resorts outside the U.S. for better exchange rates.
🔹 Consider Brazilian resorts like Bourbon Atibaia.
2. Understand RCI’s Key Offers
🔹 Welcome Weeks: Heavily discounted stays.
🔹 Last Calls: Last-minute deals.
🔹 Exchange Weeks: Trade your owned weeks for others globally.
3. Prioritize All-Inclusive Resorts
🔹 Best value, especially for families with kids.
🔹 Budget better since meals and activities are included.
4. Plan and Book in Advance
🔹 For high seasons, book at least 10 months ahead.
🔹 Flexibility increases your chance of scoring top resorts.
5. Use Your Perks
🔹 Claim spending bonuses like I did ($150 per hotel).
🔹 Watch for free upgrades and exclusive resort access.
6. Pack Smart
🔹 Confirm all-inclusive inclusions—some cover everything from childcare to excursions.
🔹 Bring essentials for your resort and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RCI worth it?
✅ Yes. If you enjoy staying at luxury resorts and are willing to plan ahead, RCI offers exceptional value.
Is RCI legit?
✅ Absolutely. With over 4,000 affiliated resorts worldwide and decades in the industry, RCI is a trusted and established network.
Final Thoughts
If you love traveling smart, enjoying luxury resorts for less, and can plan your trips in advance, RCI is absolutely worth it. My family’s experience—staying at top-tier resorts with exclusive perks—proved that this membership can transform your vacations.
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