In Reply to: the presentation posted by roxybon on Friday, 17. July 2009 at 08:10 Bali Time:
M is at work so I am butting in. The presentation at Seminyak Suites took 90 mins & it was low-key. Ronnie (an Englishman as they all seem to be) was very pleasant. It isn't timeshare (Ronnie said it is "beyond timeshare"). It is Asian Travel Club, based in Singapore.
I have sat through several high-pressure timeshare presentations in Bali & this time there was no pressure at all and, astoundingly, we were given copies of the Contract - very simple & straightforward.
Basically, you buy a membership for AUD$7,600 (if bought while staying at the hotel, otherwise more expensive) for 20 years - there is also a 30 year option. There are no exey annual maintenance costs - only US$50/year membership fee. A member can stay at any of the affiliated hotels worldwide for as many weeks as wanted, for a booking fee of US$50 and from US$99 per week up to max of US$599 p/w depending on the location & season.
Unlike timeshare, a member is not restricted to one week. Theoretically, you could spend 52 weeks/year at Club hotels & affiliates. A member can put up to 4 names on the membership. For an extra fee friends or rellies not on the membership card can use it.
Also unlike timeshare the Club doesn't actually own many hotels - instead it has, I forget the term used, but it seemed to mean shares in other hotels in the form of rooms.
The membership can be transferred & forms part of the estate on death. It seemed pretty good to me, especially as they have a place at Ulu Watu. After enduring previous timeshare presentations I was pleasantly pleased & surprised at the difference, both in approach & product. My only complaint is that I cannot see their hotels list without joining - sure, a thick folder was displayed at the time but I didn't absorb much.
Hope this helps.
Any questions email me:)