Well, needless to say that didn't sit well with me. As steam rolls from my ears, I need clarification. Do I not already pay a premium to rent and/or live in Watercolor? As a homeowner, there is a substantial monthly fee.... on top of the million dollar price tag. What is going on?o.k., I have spoken to Watercolor Vacations on two separate occasions and got the same basic answer with some variation on details. I find it hard to believe at all, so I need everyone's help. Watercolor Vacations has initiated a "resort fee" for guests who book through them. This fee covers access to amenities that NOBODY else can have access to. These include: boat house.. being kayaking, canoeing, electric boat rides, and fishing; access to the golf course; use of Camp Watercolor; DVD Rentals; beach bonfires; fitness club usage without fees, etc.. I was informed I was still "allowed" to dine at Fish out of Water (gee, I feel lucky). I pursued more details because, as some of you know, we have considered purchasing in the community. They went on to inform me that ONLY those homes using Watercolor Vacations had access. In fact, that these homeowners paid an additional fee on top of the 40% management fee, for amenity access. Therefore, if I used another rental agency, or VRBO, my guests would not have access to these things. In addition I was told as a home owner, neither I nor my guests, could use these facilities (even as a full time ressie)! huh? Well, needless to say that didn't sit well with me. As steam rolls from my ears, I need clarification. Do I not already pay a premium to rent and/or live in Watercolor? As a homeowner, there is a substantial monthly fee.... on top of the million dollar price tag. What is going on?
Well, needless to say that didn't sit well with me. As steam rolls from my ears, I need clarification. Do I not already pay a premium to rent and/or live in Watercolor? As a homeowner, there is a substantial monthly fee.... on top of the million dollar price tag. What is going on?Edited
Replies
81
Admin
Repectfully Kurt, while the thread was about "clarification of ammenities", there were a few comments that caused me to wonder if it had not "strayed" from its original intent--as threads sometimes do.
You can fairly talk about clarification of the ammenities at WC, but a competeing rental company implying general, negative feelings about WC's overall program is unfair, in my opinion.
Hardly bashing. Also no reason to freak, in my opinion.
SoWal Expert
From what I hear, most everyone already on WC rental program, remained on the program. Having the option of less privileges at a lower cost will be a plus for those owners looking to save money on mgt, while helping maintain the value of their homes, by having 24-7 check-in and staff available for the potential headaches.
Beach FanaticAuthor
From what I hear, most everyone already on WC rental program, remained on the program. Having the option of less privileges at a lower cost will be a plus for those owners looking to save money on mgt, while helping maintain the value of their homes, by having 24-7 check-in and staff available for the potential headaches.
Just to clarify... as I am the one who started this thread. I really just needed clarification on what appear to be changes to the rental standards I have used and enjoyed in the past. The answers I had been getting were not entirely clear and so I put the question out there for some better information. I was also concerned that as a potential homebuyer in WC, maybe I wasn't going to be getting everything I thought. I find this website a wonderful tool for vetting, which is what this thread was intended for. I am a true blue Watercolor lover as well as all of 30-A. My concerns were less with quality of a particular management service than to what my dollar was buying as a renter and a potential homeowner. That being said, we live a capitalistic society... and competition comes with the territory. It's how we all make money, and it's how we continue to have exceptional quality of life in the U.S. If we're getting ripped off, we can, thankfully, express our concerns about it. Likewise, if a quality of service can be offered.... well it's all fair game.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
This may have been stated already but don't want to go back and reread. The adult pool and hot tub at the Inn was previously open to everyone over 21. Now it is open only to guests of the hotel and those staying through WC in rentals. Also, Sat. nite bonfire and boats. Wrist bands are issued at check-in for access to these amenities. Homeowners are not included.
SoWal Expert
That's correct, tsutcli. In addition, there are several privileges on the list, which are available only to WC renters and WC homeowners who are on the WC rental program. Personal guests of WaterColor owners on the WC rental program are eligible for priviledges, only if the WC owner checks them in for the priviledge (eg- kayak rental).
It seems to me that renting through WC rental program will score you some additional priviledges. Again, the WC HOA doesn't subsidize these priviledges. Noble House pays for them from their mgt fees of properties on the WC rental program.
Back to the usage of the WC Inn pool and hot tub, why oh why would anyone want to use that pool, when there are so many others from which to choose? I wouldn't worry about not being able to use the WC Inn pool. There is a larger pool with better views, located about 100 ft to the west, overlooking the Gulf and Grayton Beach State Park. Plus, you have the BaitHouse Pool overlooking Western Lake, plus the Frog Pond Pool (phase 3) and the heated Camp WaterColor Pool (ph 2), and the Dragon Fly Pool in Ph 4 (named after the design of the park next to the pool. Each has its on qualities, and would be far preferable over the WC Inn pool.
It seems to me that renting through WC rental program will score you some additional priviledges. Again, the WC HOA doesn't subsidize these priviledges. Noble House pays for them from their mgt fees of properties on the WC rental program.
Back to the usage of the WC Inn pool and hot tub, why oh why would anyone want to use that pool, when there are so many others from which to choose? I wouldn't worry about not being able to use the WC Inn pool. There is a larger pool with better views, located about 100 ft to the west, overlooking the Gulf and Grayton Beach State Park. Plus, you have the BaitHouse Pool overlooking Western Lake, plus the Frog Pond Pool (phase 3) and the heated Camp WaterColor Pool (ph 2), and the Dragon Fly Pool in Ph 4 (named after the design of the park next to the pool. Each has its on qualities, and would be far preferable over the WC Inn pool.
Beach Fanatic
That's correct, tsutcli. In addition, there are several privileges on the list, which are available only to WC renters and WC homeowners who are on the WC rental program. Personal guests of WaterColor owners on the WC rental program are eligible for priviledges, only if the WC owner checks them in for the priviledge (eg- kayak rental).
It seems to me that renting through WC rental program will score you some additional priviledges. Again, the WC HOA doesn't subsidize these priviledges. Noble House pays for them from their mgt fees of properties on the WC rental program.
Back to the usage of the WC Inn pool and hot tub, why oh why would anyone want to use that pool, when there are so many others from which to choose? I wouldn't worry about not being able to use the WC Inn pool. There is a larger pool with better views, located about 100 ft to the west, overlooking the Gulf and Grayton Beach State Park. Plus, you have the BaitHouse Pool overlooking Western Lake, plus the Frog Pond Pool (phase 3) and the heated Camp WaterColor Pool (ph 2), and the Dragon Fly Pool in Ph 4 (named after the design of the park next to the pool. Each has its on qualities, and would be far preferable over the WC Inn pool.
A couple of reasons I can think of for using the Inn pool;
1. Hot tub - only one on property
2. Adult only = No kids - a biggie for couples
3. Pool side service from lobby bar for food and drink. Yes the Beach Club pool does have this service also but wait times are long in season and will be longer this season with the deck extension and no increase in the size of the kitchen.
4. Easy access to the Inn if you are staying there ( library computers, concierge service, etc. )
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.