Festiva Complaints Resolution Offers Unique Solution to Online Timeshare Industry Complaints

Posted by admin on January 6, 2011 1 comment

Festiva Complaints Resolution Center, a new online presence by Festiva Resorts, offers members and guests at Festiva’s timeshare resorts a unique opportunity to interface with Festiva’s customer care team to resolve problems, submit complaints, and read frequently asked questions and resolved complaints from other guests.

The timeshare industry’s online reputation has been inundated in recent years with various “consumer scam” and complaint sites, claiming to help consumer solve their problems.  In reality, these scam sites are set up to produce ill-gotten advertising revenue for their owners and offer little value to the consumer trying to open a dialogue that ends in their complaint being resolved or to obtain more information about their issue.

“We’re trying to make a proactive effort to meet online complaints “head-on”.  We are able to resolve an overwhelming majority of the issues that our guests bring to our attention, and we constantly strive to improve our methodology and service as it applies to consumer complaints”, says Sara B. Little, Festiva’s Director of Corporate Communications.

Guests are able to read special announcements from Festiva; for instance, a recent letter to members regarding special assessment has been posted on the site, along with updated comments from members, in order to dispel confusion about the program.  Along with various resolved Festiva complaints, member-specific information specially suited to resolving common issues can be found throughout the site.

Festiva Hospitality Group and Festiva Adventure Club operate a chain of resorts located in destinations across the United States and Caribbean.  Offering a full range of resort locales from luxurious beaches to historic neighborhoods, Festiva’s timeshare resorts provide the utmost in comfort, service, and luxury, while maintaining a family-oriented environment.

Visit Festiva’s Complaints Resolution Center at http://www.festivacomplaints.com

Hitting the Slopes in Maine with Festiva Resorts

Posted by admin on December 6, 2010 1 comment

For all the snow bunnies who love to ski, snowboard or just frolic around in the cold white stuff, winter is just around the corner. Of course, the arrival of snow is a welcomed sight as it signifies the beginning of ski season. With a lower occupancy rate in the winter it is the perfect time for Festiva Adventure Club members to take advantage of the “late reservation” points break* and book an exciting excursion on the slopes to the Rangeley Lake Resort. Conveniently located in the Western Maine Mountains, Rangeley Lake Resort is only minutes away from 2 major ski resorts, Saddleback and Sugarloaf.

Saddleback

Less than 8 miles from the comforts of Rangeley Lake Resort, Saddleback Mountain is perfect for satisfying the snow bunny’s appetite for winter time adventure. With the highest base elevation of any ski resort in New England and a summit over 4,000 feet the area is blanketed each with over 200 inches of natural snow, creating near perfect conditions. The summit provides skiers and snowboarders with pristine vistas overlooking Rangeley Lake and the alpine forest covering the area. Sixty-six trails and multiple glades offer enough terrain to spend days exploring, while the ramps, rails and boxes of the Freerider Terrain Park keep the creative busy.

New for the 2010-11 season is the Kennebago Yurt located at the base of Casablanca Glade. The yurt provides riders a warm place to take a break and enjoy hot soup, sandwiches and beverages without having to return to the main lodge. With a 10 year plan to expand the skiable acres at the resort approved by the state, Saddleback will continue to offer new and exciting features each season, making return visits a must.

Sugarloaf

A brief 45 minute drive from Rangeley Lake Resort is the town of Carrabassett Valley, home to the largest ski resort in Maine, Sugarloaf. In addition to 921 skiable acres Sugarloaf offers snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, cross country skiing and snowmobiling, making the resort a snow lover’s haven and perfect for the family. Three unique terrain parks will have the freestyle riders flying while 146 trails stretching over 54 miles will keep traditionalists busy for days. Sugarloaf is also the only resort in the East to offer lift service above the tree line, providing visitors a unique opportunity to attack the mountain.

Relaxing after a long day on the slopes or in between runs is easy as both Saddleback and Sugarloaf have a multitude of restaurants and shops. In addition to all the winter activities each resort also host a variety of special events, concerts and festivals to further entertain.

With 2 of the East Coast best ski resorts in the backyard, Rangeley Lake Resort is ideal for a winter time adventure. Rustic cabins with fully equipped kitchens and fireplaces combined with the friendly and charming staff will have you coming back year after year. Contact Festiva Hospitality Group today and be sure to book your winter escape to Rangeley Lake Resort.

*must reserve within 29 days or less of check-in date and subject to availability.

Festiva Resorts Destination: Charleston, South Carolina

Posted by admin on December 1, 2010 0 comments

Steeped in Southern allure and charm, the city of Charleston, S.C., is one of the most sought after vacation destinations in America. With over 300 years of rich history, distinctive architecture, and abundance of flora, Historic Downtown Charleston offers a unique ambiance that is unmatched.The best way to experience Charleston’s history is aboard one of the horse-drawn carriages that have become a staple in the city’s landscape. Hop aboard a carriage, relax, and enjoy the ambiance of historic Charleston as your own personal guide takes you on an educational and entertaining trip through time.

All of the carriage companies are located in the Market area of Historic Downtown wherethe tours begin and end. Every day carriages line up around the corner of Anson Street and Market Street, rotating every 15 minutes with the carriage in front moving to the end of the line to ensure equal opportunity for each company to compete for business. Choosing a specific company can be difficult as the prices are all within the $20 range and can be negotiated. The suggested method for choosing the right tour is to interact with the guides by asking questions and finding the personality that most appeals to you. Each guide is required to be licensed by the city and undergoes a rigorous written and oral examination on Charleston’s history, architecture and botany.

Listed below are some of the most accredited carriage tours to choose from in Charleston.

●     Palmetto Carriage Works- Billed as the oldest carriage tour in the city, Palmetto Carriage Works is located in the famous Red Barn in the Market area and will pick up and drop off guests at their hotel.  

●     Old South Carriage Company- Features the only guides with Confederate uniforms. Also offers boat tours of Charleston Harbour and 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

●     Classic Carriage Works- All carriages are built and maintained by Classic Carriage Tours at their warehouse. Features award winning South Carolina State Grand Champion Percheron Draft Horses, considered to be the city’s best trained horses.

●     Olde Towne Carriage Rides- All carriages use solar powered lights. Customized tours for large school groups available.

All tours last about one hour and cover 25-30 blocks, passing through historic neighborhoods with antebellum mansions, churches, and flower filled gardens. After leaving the Market area carriages are required to stop at a city regulated station where they are randomly assigned 1 of 3 different routes to follow. This regulation keeps the traffic of carriages at a minimum in a certain area at one given time and helps ensure an overall better experience for all the carriage tours.

All 4 companies offer additional customized tours for special events such as school trips, family reunions and weddings. It is highly recommended to book ahead either by calling or going online as tours can often sell out weeks in advance, especially during the peak summer months. For lodging check out Festiva Resorts Church Street Inn, conveniently located in the Market area.

The Polar Express and Festiva Resorts

Posted by admin on November 30, 2010 0 comments

Ring in the holiday season and bring the classic children’s story The Polar Express to life with a festive ride aboard the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland. The Polar Express, running Nov. 25 through Dec. 25, will warm the heart and enchant the soul with holiday cheer as you take a ride on a fully decorated historic two-foot narrow gauge train.

The Polar Express, written by Chris Van Allsburg, tells the tale of a young boy questioning the validity of Santa Claus and a group of children aboard a train heading to the North Pole. Along the journey unexpected challenges attempt to derail the group, and the boys belief in Santa Claus. Eventually the group arrives at their destination and just as Santa Claus is heading out for another Christmas journey he hands the young boy a silver bell. On the passage home the boy loses the bell through a hole in his pocket, only to find the bell hanging from his tree the next morning.

Relive the exciting tale with the entire family and hop aboard The Polar Express for a journey to the “North Pole” to visit Santa Claus. The adventure begins at the Ocean Gateway Pier & Parking Garage in Portland. Each train car, specially decorated by the Maine Interior Design Association, will transport guests to the pages of the book while the conductor reads the classic tale over the intercom. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies as the train ebbs its way through multiple light displays and along the Eastern Promenade overlooking Casco Bay. Santa Claus will jump aboard at the “North Pole” for the return ride home, handing out a silver bell to all the children while listening to the whispers of Christmas wish lists.

Before or after the 45 minute ride visitors can enjoy shopping for memorabilia at the Ocean Gateway Pier gift shop or feast on a variety of fresh soups and sandwiches prepared by the Front Room Restaurant. With only 3 departure times, 4 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., tickets can sell out so be sure to visit www.porttix.com to reserve your Christmas memory now.

Located only 2 hours from Festiva Hospitality Group’s rustic Rangeley Lake Resort, Portland, Maine, is a vibrant coastal city that thrives on art, culture and cuisine. Whether for The Polar Express or the many other exciting attractions a day trip to Portland is ideal when staying at Rangeley Lake Resort.

Enjoy State Park Access with Festiva Resorts

Posted by admin on November 23, 2010 1 comment

South Carolina’s Huntington Beach State park is 2,500 acres of coastal preserve nestled just south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet. Comprised of beaches, marshland, Atalaya Castle and an Educational Center, Huntington Beach State Park is ideal for spending a day away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Named after Archer M. Huntington, the park is home to Atalaya Castle where the Huntingtons spent the winter months. Atalaya, meaning “watchtower” in Spanish, is named for the 40 foot tall brick water tower inside the courtyard that dominates the 30 room property. The castle, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built during the Great Depression using only local construction workers and is designed after Moorish architecture. Huntington, a noted scholar and philanthropist, donated the castle and land to the state after his death. Every September for the past 35 years Atalaya has been host to the prestigious Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival which boasts over 100 artists.

Nature lovers will enjoy the Educational Center, featuring a saltwater touch tank with loggerhead turtles, a baby alligator and many other aquatic species. The center was built to help educate visitors on the importance of human interaction with the critical ecosystems that are found along the coastal area. An array of programs are also available at the center such as Birding, a class that teaches beginners the basics of the hobby. With more than 300 recorded species the park is considered one of the top spots on the East Coast for birding. Another favorite program is Feeding Frenzy, which provides visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with a sting ray and other sea creatures.

Huntington Beach State Park also has 3 miles of private beach access that are perfect for sun bathing, swimming, fishing and a leisurely stroll. The beach is typically not as crowded as the public beaches north in Myrtle Beach giving visitors a chance to truly relax. In addition the the beach hikers can also enjoy a 2 mile trail around Sandpiper Pond where alligators are regularly spotted. Picnic tables and grills are also located on the grounds.

Huntington Beach State Park is open Saturday – Thursday 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Friday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. There are varying admission charges for the park, castle and different programs. For information call (843) 237-4440 or visit online. For lodging check out Festiva Hospitality’s resort, Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet. Guests staying at Ellington receive free passes to Huntington Beach State Park.

Festiva Resorts Travel Insurance

Posted by admin on November 19, 2010 1 comment

When planning a vacation, you don’t ever want to think about the worst thing that could happen, but sometimes even a seemingly minor delay or interruption in your trip can end up ruining your much-deserved vacation. At Festiva Resorts, we want all of our members and owners to enjoy their resort vacations to the fullest without worrying about the consequences of a natural disaster, delayed flight, lost luggage or family emergency taking away that precious vacation time and money.

Festiva has partnered with CSA Travel Protection to provide two levels of optional trip insurance for all of our members and owners to use on any of their Festiva timeshare vacations.  You can either purchase this when you pay your maintenance fees, or at any time until the day before you depart for your vacation.

You may have seen some forms of travel insurance offered by your credit card, AAA, or a site you’ve purchased an airline ticket from. All of these are legitimate and can work, but CSA Travel Protection is the only company that specifically covers timeshare vacations, and many of the benefits cannot be found through any other travel insurer.

The primary benefit of CSA travel insurance that you won’t find anywhere else is reimbursement for the amount of unused, prepaid, forfeited, nonrefundable maintenance and exchange fees if your vacation is canceled or delayed more than 12 hours due to a covered reason.

You may think that travel insurance is only necessary when you fly to your destination or travel internationally, but CSA’s coverage can help you whether you’re traveling two hours or two thousand miles from home. CSA’s policy will cover you and up to 10 people traveling with you before, during and after your trip.

To learn more about CSA Travel Protection, contact a Festiva Resorts Owner Services representative at 866-933-7848 or ownerservices@festiva.travel. We wish you many worry-free vacations with Festiva!

Christmas New Orleans Style With Festiva Resorts

Posted by admin on November 17, 2010 1 comment

During the month of December the magical mystique that draws visitors to the city of New Orleans is spiced up a notch with a little additional kick of holiday cheer. Courtyards, iron-clad balconies and mossy oaks are all adorned with festive lights as the sound of holiday music echoes through the historic streets of the French Quarter, Arts District, Garden District and downtown. Escape the mundane and quench your seasonal appetite by celebrating Christmas New Orleans Style.

Recognized as a culinary melting pot and foodie destination, New Orleans and her chefs’ seem to exceed expectations during the citywide Reveillon Feast. Renowned chefs at 34 restaurants   showcase traditional French and Creole techniques while preparing 4 and 5 course meals featuring masterpieces like Absinthe Oyster Soup, Fig Glazed Duck Breast and Eggnog Crème Brulee. Heighten your New Orleans culinary experience at the free cooking demonstrations being held daily at 1 p.m. in the French Quarter at Le Petit Theatre. Learn the secrets of the local cuisine and sample savory dishes as guest chefs perform their culinary magic.

Cooking up a feast for the ears, local musicians pound out their own blend of musical ingredients throughout the month long celebration. A melting pot of musical styles including jazz, rhythm & blues, gospel and Cajun can be heard at varies locations throughout the city. Step inside one of the country’s most recognizable churches for the Cathedral Concerts. Taking place in the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, the concert series features a wide range of musical styles and artist all performing for free. Only a few minutes’ walk from Jackson square, Hotel Monteleone will also be hosting a free concert series open to the public. The decadent Victorian style lobby is the stage for choirs from area schools performing classic and modern holiday favorites.

The 3rd Annual Treme Creole Gumbo Festival combines the best of both the music and food worlds and offers visitors to the area a more localized experience. The Treme neighborhood is legendary for the brass bands and musicians spawned from the jazz that permeates the air. The streets will be filled again on Dec. 11-12 from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with local musicians and a large selection of regional gumbo as the residents of Treme celebrate the holidays.

One of the main highlights during Christmas New Orleans Style is the Celebration in the Oaks at the New Orleans City Park. Running Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, 2011, the Celebration in the Oaks consist of multiple lights displays including a 20 minute state of the art musical laser show that illuminates the Botanical Gardens nightly. A variety of amusement park rides will keep the children happy while adult preview parties featuring live bands and alcohol will be available for the older crowd.

Come experience Christmas New Orleans Style this December and be enchanted by the twist the city adds to the holiday experience. For accommodations be sure to check out the fully equipped condominiums at Festiva Resorts Frenchmen Orleans.

Festiva Resorts Christmas in Branson

Posted by admin on November 16, 2010 1 comment

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s most popular attraction, hosts their biggest festival of the year, An Olde Time Christmas during the Ozark Mountain Christmas. Running Nov. 6 through Dec. 30, An Olde Time Christmas promises to inspire the holiday spirit with seasonal shows, food and millions of lights. Come visit Silver Dollar City and see why Good Morning America and CNN both named An Olde Time Christmas one of the top five holiday events in the country.

Silver Dollar City, an 1880’s western themed amusement park, is adorned with over 4 million dazzling lights during An Olde Time Christmas. Christmas on Main Street, the parks biggest light show ever, takes place in the Silver Dollar City Square which features over 1 millions lights alone. At the center of the square stands the impressive 5-story tall special effects Christmas Tree that twinkles and sparkles as the lights dance in unison with the sound of holiday favorites. Twice each night the Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade drifts through the park enchanting guest as they marvel at the many floats lighting up the night.

Guest to the park during An Olde Time Christmas can also enjoy a variety of live shows including Frosty, The Living Nativity, and A Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens’ classic is set to an original musical adaptation and features a live band, special effects and a talented cast all wearing period costumes. After catching a show visitors can enjoy a hearty seasonal meal like hickory-smoked prime rib or roasted turkey. Of course no meal would be complete without satisfying the sweet tooth with S’mores, gingerbread cookies or apple dumplings, all prepared fresh each day.

In addition to the exciting lights, shows and food, Silver Dollar City will also keep open their 30 fun-filled rides, including 5 roller coasters and variety of carnival favorites. Weather permitting, guest will be able to experience all the thrills of riding during the night time while overlooking the park set aglow. Favorites like Fire-In-The-Hole, Geyser Gulch and Riverblast are sure to keep hearts pounding throughout the night.

For an enchanting holiday experience be sure to visit An Olde Time Christmas at Bransons’ Silver Dollar City and make memories to last a lifetime. For accommodations in Branson be sure to check out Festiva Resorts New England style cottages at Stormy Point Village or the rustic Cabins at Green Mountain, both centrally located for convenience.

Festiva Resorts Destination: Choose & Cut Christmas Trees in Banner Elk

Posted by admin on November 15, 2010 1 comment

As a child growing up in South Florida I recall the excitement each year of waiting on that fresh Christmas tree to arrive from my uncle and aunts farm high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Avery County, N.C. Everyone we knew had the classic plastic tree, while sitting in our living room was 6 feet of sappy Fraser Fir, dark green and lush, emitting a distinct pine aroma that brings back memories in an instant. There was something about cutting open the box, sawing off some of the branches and screwing the tree into the stand, and after being drenched in sap, standing back and proudly admiring the real tree I had helped put up.

Years later I now find myself residing in the same mountains where our tree would come from each year, providing the opportunity to now choose and cut my own tree. As late November rolls around vehicles can be seen one after the other exiting the area with that prized tree strapped on the roof, and why not? North Carolina, after all, is second in the country for the number of Christmas trees harvested each year and the five county area that makes up the High Country has seen 11 of their trees end up as the Blue Room Christmas tree, the official tree of the President of the United States.

The High Country region sits at an average elevation of 3,300 feet, the ideal elevation and climate for growing Fraser Firs, what many consider the perfect Christmas tree due to its longevity, full and lush branches and sheer beauty. As you drive up into the mountains Fraser Firs can be seen lining the hillsides, creating a patchwork quilt of forest green dots. Signs for tree farms seem to be almost as abundant as the trees themselves, making it difficult to decide where to stop for the perfect tree. The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association has a great search engine that will allow you to select which county to search, the type of tree you’re looking for, and for additional amenities offered at the farms, such as hayrides, petting zoos, and refreshments like apple cider and hot apple pie.

After selecting a farm the hunt for the tree of your dreams will begin. Meander up and down the hills between rows of trees, surrounded by vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the crisp smell of pine. Once selecting the tree, only limited in size by your living room, the farm will either cut the tree or allow you to cut the tree prior to bailing and packing atop your vehicle for the ride home.

I can attest, nothing compares to a real Christmas tree and there is no better way to obtain one than by harvesting the tree yourself. Be sure to create lasting memories for you and your family this year with a visit to the North Carolina High Country and take home the perfect tree. For accommodations be sure to check out the rustic appeal of Festiva Resorts Blue Ridge Village, offering fully equipped condominiums in Banner Elk, situated in the heart of tree country.

Festiva Resorts Destination: Murrells Inlet, SC

Posted by admin on November 12, 2010 1 comment

Celebrating its twelfth year, Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles is one of South Carolina’s premier holiday festivals not to be missed. Thousands of candles and lights illuminate the garden paths and sculptures while carolers and bells echo in the distance. Come see why the Southeastern Tourism Society calls Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast.

Brookgreen Gardens, the first public sculpture garden in American, was founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington to help preserve the native flora and fauna while displaying art within that natural setting. Today, the gardens have over 1,200 pieces of figurative sculpture by 350 artists and an accredited zoo while being listed on the Register of National Historic Places as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark. In 1999 Brookgreen Gardens started Nights of a Thousand Candles and each of the past 11 years has hosted the festival over the first 3 weekends of December.

During the festival the 30 acres that are open to the public are adorned with over 5,000 hand-lit candles and countless lights, creating a magical wonderland that will leave visitors awe struck as the meander about the 10 unique garden areas. Candles aboard colorful floating bulbs drift softly in the fountains and ponds surrounding the sculptures as white lights gently cling to the limbs of mossy oaks, all illuminating the gardens with the magic of the holiday season. There are also two indoor exhibits than can be enjoyed during the festival. Signs of the Season in Flora and Fauna features evergreen trees, wreathes and plaques decorated with natural materials. Holiday sculpture, painting and decor dating from the late 19th century to the present will be on displayed during the Signs of the Season in Art and History exhibit.

Each night an extensive array of musical performances can be heard throughout the gardens as local choral ensembles, handbell choirs and jazz groups play classical and current holiday favorites. Bagpipes can also be heard as a bagpiper strolls the illuminated paths carelessly wandering about the grounds as visitors enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles will be held Dec. 3-4, 10-12 and 16-18 from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. just minutes south of Murrells Inlet. Gather friends, family and loved ones and come enjoy the beauty that is Nights of a Thousand Candles. For accommodations check out Festiva Resorts Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East located in Murrells Inlet.