Q. How do I get started?
A. Here at the new Resort Sampler website, it all begins with your account. If you have already registered your 2009-2010 program award over the internet, we have created your new account for you. Just click here and you'll be taken to the Account Log-In area. Enter the email address you used when you registered your awards and we'll send you a temporary password we created for you (don't worry… you can change it as soon as you log into your account!). Once logged in, you can search available inventory and book a trip, check the status of your awards, or transfer your award to anyone you choose.
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Q. What if I registered my award through the mail and don't have an email address?
A. No problem. We can still help you arrange a trip if you call us at 800-790-8175.
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Q. What's included with my award?
A. For certificates numbered 10-0-XXXX, this certificate entitles you to seven (7) night's accommodations for up to two adults and two children (under age 18) in a studio resort suite. In some cases, studio accommodations in some resorts (including resorts in Mexico) can only accommodate two adults and no others, including children. Further, many resorts in Mexico and parts of the Caribbean are All-Inclusive Resorts only. Should you choose to redeem your accommodations in an all-inclusive resort, please note that you will be required to pay an all-inclusive resort fee directly to the resort upon check-in. These fees are generally an excellent value, and can range from $90 per person, per day.
For Certificates numbered 10-1-XXXX, this certificate entitles you to seven (7) night's accommodations for up to six adults in a 1-bedroom resort suite, plus a $250 Travel Allowance. In the event that a 1-bedroom unit is not available at the destination and resort on the dates you request, you may be offered a studio-sized unit or a 2-bedroom unit at the time of booking. If a studio unit is booked, no credit or compensation will be offered. If a 2-bedroom unit is the only unit available, your will be offered this unit for a discounted upgrade charge.
For Certificates numbered 10-2-XXXX, this certificate entitles you to seven (7) night's accommodations for up to six adults in a 1-or 2- bedroom resort suite, plus a $500 Travel Allowance. In the event that a 1-or 2- bedroom unit is not available at the destination and resort on the dates you request, you will be offered the largest unit available at time of booking. If a studio-sized unit is the largest available, no credit or compensation will be offered.
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Q. What's NOT included in my award?
A. This certificate is valid for up to 7 nights resort accommodations only. It does not include transportation, meals, all-inclusive fees, if applicable, tips, telephone charges, service charges, incidental expenses and other items of a personal nature. Also, some jurisdictions may impose a tax on the transient occupancy of resort accommodations and some resorts charge a weekly housekeeping fee (generally under $30 per week).
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Q. What's included in a Studio suite?
A. Most studio suite accommodations included small kitchenettes with sink, refrigerator and small appliances. Remember, most studio suites do not have separate living and sleeping rooms, but rather are oversized guest rooms with a queen size bed. Most can accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids under 18, but some studios in Branson, Williamsburg and Orlando are only designed for 2 adults.
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Q. Are larger accommodations available?
A. In most cases, yes. If you'd like to bring other guests or just prefer more room to relax, we can often offer you upgrades to 1- and 2-bedroom units for a deeply discounted rate.
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Q. How much does it cost to upgrade my award to larger accommodations?
A. Prices for upgraded accommodations are based upon the specific destination, resort, date and unit-types selected. Prices generally range from $199 - $699 for the week.
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Q. Is there any cost to use this certificate?
A. There is a $149 Reservations Deposit which won't be collected until your accommodations are confirmed. Payment must be made with a major credit card. You must submit a Reservations Deposit Refund Request within 6 months of completing your travel. You may request your deposit refund by completing the form at www.ResortSampler.com or by using the Reservations Deposit Refund Request Form included with your Resort Sampler certificate.
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Q. What day of the week is check-in day at the resort?
A. Most often, check-in days are limited to Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.
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Q. Do I have to stay all 7 nights?
A. No. You can make your stay shorter if you like. If you're going to arrive later than your scheduled check-in day, call the resort at the number provided on your confirmation and let them know. If you plan to leave early, please let us know at Resort Sampler Reservations so we can alert the resort.
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Q. Can I use my 7-night award for 3 nights in one destination and 4 nights in a different one?
A. No. Only one reservation can be made per award, and almost all of the inventory available in this program is one week long.
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Q. When will I receive confirmation?
A. Your refundable reservations deposit and any upgraded accommodations fees must be paid via credit card prior to confirmation of your reservation. Your reservations agent will confirm your resort stay and provide you with a verbal confirmation. Documents required for check-in along with resort location information will be mailed within 48 hours of confirmation. You have an option to receive electronic confirmation of your reservations by e-mail if desired.
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Q. How far in advance should I plan?
A. Please request a travel destination and date at least 45 days in advance. Remember, the sooner, the better! If you have firm plans, please let us know right away. This is especially important for travel during peak months (winter in Hawaii, summer in Myrtle Beach, etc.) The more time you allow us to make your plans, the more options we can offer you. However, once your accommodations are confirmed, they can't be changed, so plan accordingly.
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Q. If I have any questions, should I contact the resort directly?
A. Please call us at 1-800-790-8175 with any questions except directions to the resort when you're on your way.
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Q. Can we travel with another couple or a family group?
A. The best way to travel with another couple is to upgrade your reservation to a 2-bedroom unit that will sleep up to 6 adults. There is a possibility that we can find 2 separate units at the same resort with the same arrival date, but this can be very difficult. Further, if you have 2 awards and want to stay 2 consecutive weeks, please note that this is also very difficult to arrange. Please allow us extra time to make any special arrangements!
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Q. Will I have to pay anything to the resort directly?
A. In most cases, no, although some resorts require a credit card deposit at check-in to cover incidental charges such as long distance telephone calls. And some resorts are required to collect a transient occupancy tax or a small housekeeping fee from all travelers. If this is the case, it will be noted on your confirmation.
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Q. Can I transfer my award to another party?
A. Sure. Just log in to your account and select the award you would like to transfer. Remember, transfers are not allowed after January 15th, 2012.
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Q. Will I be required to attend a presentation at the resort?
A. No. You may receive offers to attend various presentations, however, you are under no obligation to attend any type of presentation.
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Q. When do I need to choose my travel date and destination?
A. Chosing the Resort Sampler award by your award selection deadline DOES NOT mean you have to chose your destination and travel date at the same time. When you chose the 2010-2011 Resort Sampler condo award, you'll receive a certificate that allows you to make your plans anytime prior to February 10th, 2013.
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