Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a timeshare?
Absolutely not. You'll find more details about the distinctions in the presentation listed on the "Find Out More" page. The crucial differences are that timeshare owners typically stay at the same place, once each year at their allotted time (unless they effect complicated trades); pay maintenance fees and taxes whether they use the property or not; and make large initial investments (and often take out loans for the balance and continue to make payments year after year). None of those are true of Renaissance Lifestyle Passport membership.
How does Renaissance differ from the above?
Our Club members choose from among over 5,000 glorious properties, travel whenever they want, and NEVER pay a monthly or annual fee or dues, maintenance, or taxes.
Are these really nice resorts?
Yes. Our members enjoy primarily 4- and 5-star properties. Occasionally, a 3-star property is offered, but only in excellent areas for the quaint type of accommodations desired in that location. These are always clearly marked in your back office. None of our accommodations are "facing-the-brick-wall." These are studio apartments, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites, with prime views. Larger units (including entire houses) are also available. Almost all units have kitchens, so you save even more because you have the option to avoid restaurants (except those you really want to visit). Many members find it fun to visit local markets and prepare some of their own meals. Families traveling with children already know how useful the kitchen is; it saves time and money and creates more "together time."
What are Hot Weeks?
While every vacation you book through Renaissance offers outstanding savings (50-90% less than you'd spend anywhere else), Hot Weeks are the very best-of-the-best deals. Hot Weeks let you take fantastic vacations for $398 or even less - for the whole week! Your membership level determines how many Premium Weeks you can use each year. Premium Weeks include Hot Weeks, as well as trips booked through the Search Resorts, Member to Member, Newsletter and Short Stays sections of your back office. There's a presentation in the Find Out More section of this website that takes you inside the back office to see exactly what you'll have access to in each of these sections.
Those great rates...are they per night, or per person?
No, the rates we talk about are for 7 night/8 day stays, for the accommodation you're booking, not per person. Weekly rates range from $298 - $799, even for larger units that sleep 6 or 8 people! Some members book multiple units at the same time to enjoy vacations with their extended family or groups of friends.
Can I share the gift of travel with others?
Yes! Members can buy unlimited Guest Weeks each year. Think what an amazing gift that would make for a family member, as a wedding gift/honeymoon trip, or for any really special event. The only restrictions are that guest weeks cannot be used on major holidays or during the summer months, to ensure that members always have a vast selection of properties. Do keep in mind that members are not allowed to "sell" their weeks on a commercial basis.
Are there hidden charges?
In rare events, some properties charge all guests (not just Club Members) additional fees like a government tax (not regular sales tax, which is always included in the stated rate) or utility surcharge. This is always clearly marked within your back office so you will never be surprised. Some properties will also offer additional services (like an all-inclusive option) that you are not required to purchase. Everything is clearly spelled out in your back office so you will know all the details in advance of booking.
What about airfare? Car rentals? Excursions and activities?
Not to worry! Your back office features incredible airfare and car rental deals and discounts and a state-of-the-art planning system so you can handle everything all in one place. Plan and book your vacations online, hassle-free and without spending hours searching for the best rates. Our travel center even includes a section with thousands of sight-seeing tours, activities and excursions that you can book in advance. Everything is right here for you.
What about shorter, longer, or "different" trips?
In addition to our standard 7 night/8 day bookings, the Club offers short stays, amazing cruises at unbelievable prices, and even apartment trades. You'll enjoy the flexibility this offers ~ you can even book back-to-back stays in the same place, or in several different resorts to create a custom extended holiday.
Does the Club have cruises, too?
Yes. We work with with several dozen of the best cruise lines (including Cunard, Disney, Carnival, Holland America, Norwegian, Silversea, Princess, Windstar and many more). Because all cruise lines set a base pricing structure below which no one can offer discounts, we also have an in-house "loyalty club" that pays you back for cruising through your membership. In addition to this exclusive perk, a unique benefit of booking your cruise through Renaissance is that we check the price of your stateroom weekly (until your final payment is made) to ensure you benefit from any fare reductions or upgrades that become available after your initial booking. You can even book cruises for guests, whether or not you're traveling with them. Cruises are a fabulous family vacation because many cruise lines offer supervised activities and clubs for kids of all ages.
But I already own a timeshare...
One of the many sections you will find in your Club's back office is a Member-to-Member area, where you can offer to rent your allotted timeshare week to other members. This service is completely free to Club members on both ends of the transaction.
What if something happens and I'm no longer able to travel?
Your Renaissance Lifestyle Passport Membership is willable, saleable and transferable for a small administrative fee. Just think, your children - or even your grandchildren - will continue to create lasting memories and take amazing vacations based on your wise decision today! Many members join Renaissance with the express purpose of creating a legacy for their family.
Is there someone to help me with my bookings?
Of course! Friendly, knowledgeable customer service representatives are available through our message center, by email, by phone or by fax. If you ever need help, we've got you covered.
Can I buy this membership directly from the travel provider?
No. This membership is not available directly to members of the public. All memberships must be purchased through an independent distributor like this one.
This sounds fabulous, but how much does it cost?
I was wondering when you'd ask that! Please go to the "Join Our Club" tab on this site to see just affordable your membership is, choose which membership level is right for you, and get yourself on vacation soon!
Absolutely not. You'll find more details about the distinctions in the presentation listed on the "Find Out More" page. The crucial differences are that timeshare owners typically stay at the same place, once each year at their allotted time (unless they effect complicated trades); pay maintenance fees and taxes whether they use the property or not; and make large initial investments (and often take out loans for the balance and continue to make payments year after year). None of those are true of Renaissance Lifestyle Passport membership.
How does Renaissance differ from the above?
Our Club members choose from among over 5,000 glorious properties, travel whenever they want, and NEVER pay a monthly or annual fee or dues, maintenance, or taxes.
Are these really nice resorts?
Yes. Our members enjoy primarily 4- and 5-star properties. Occasionally, a 3-star property is offered, but only in excellent areas for the quaint type of accommodations desired in that location. These are always clearly marked in your back office. None of our accommodations are "facing-the-brick-wall." These are studio apartments, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites, with prime views. Larger units (including entire houses) are also available. Almost all units have kitchens, so you save even more because you have the option to avoid restaurants (except those you really want to visit). Many members find it fun to visit local markets and prepare some of their own meals. Families traveling with children already know how useful the kitchen is; it saves time and money and creates more "together time."
What are Hot Weeks?
While every vacation you book through Renaissance offers outstanding savings (50-90% less than you'd spend anywhere else), Hot Weeks are the very best-of-the-best deals. Hot Weeks let you take fantastic vacations for $398 or even less - for the whole week! Your membership level determines how many Premium Weeks you can use each year. Premium Weeks include Hot Weeks, as well as trips booked through the Search Resorts, Member to Member, Newsletter and Short Stays sections of your back office. There's a presentation in the Find Out More section of this website that takes you inside the back office to see exactly what you'll have access to in each of these sections.
Those great rates...are they per night, or per person?
No, the rates we talk about are for 7 night/8 day stays, for the accommodation you're booking, not per person. Weekly rates range from $298 - $799, even for larger units that sleep 6 or 8 people! Some members book multiple units at the same time to enjoy vacations with their extended family or groups of friends.
Can I share the gift of travel with others?
Yes! Members can buy unlimited Guest Weeks each year. Think what an amazing gift that would make for a family member, as a wedding gift/honeymoon trip, or for any really special event. The only restrictions are that guest weeks cannot be used on major holidays or during the summer months, to ensure that members always have a vast selection of properties. Do keep in mind that members are not allowed to "sell" their weeks on a commercial basis.
Are there hidden charges?
In rare events, some properties charge all guests (not just Club Members) additional fees like a government tax (not regular sales tax, which is always included in the stated rate) or utility surcharge. This is always clearly marked within your back office so you will never be surprised. Some properties will also offer additional services (like an all-inclusive option) that you are not required to purchase. Everything is clearly spelled out in your back office so you will know all the details in advance of booking.
What about airfare? Car rentals? Excursions and activities?
Not to worry! Your back office features incredible airfare and car rental deals and discounts and a state-of-the-art planning system so you can handle everything all in one place. Plan and book your vacations online, hassle-free and without spending hours searching for the best rates. Our travel center even includes a section with thousands of sight-seeing tours, activities and excursions that you can book in advance. Everything is right here for you.
What about shorter, longer, or "different" trips?
In addition to our standard 7 night/8 day bookings, the Club offers short stays, amazing cruises at unbelievable prices, and even apartment trades. You'll enjoy the flexibility this offers ~ you can even book back-to-back stays in the same place, or in several different resorts to create a custom extended holiday.
Does the Club have cruises, too?
Yes. We work with with several dozen of the best cruise lines (including Cunard, Disney, Carnival, Holland America, Norwegian, Silversea, Princess, Windstar and many more). Because all cruise lines set a base pricing structure below which no one can offer discounts, we also have an in-house "loyalty club" that pays you back for cruising through your membership. In addition to this exclusive perk, a unique benefit of booking your cruise through Renaissance is that we check the price of your stateroom weekly (until your final payment is made) to ensure you benefit from any fare reductions or upgrades that become available after your initial booking. You can even book cruises for guests, whether or not you're traveling with them. Cruises are a fabulous family vacation because many cruise lines offer supervised activities and clubs for kids of all ages.
But I already own a timeshare...
One of the many sections you will find in your Club's back office is a Member-to-Member area, where you can offer to rent your allotted timeshare week to other members. This service is completely free to Club members on both ends of the transaction.
What if something happens and I'm no longer able to travel?
Your Renaissance Lifestyle Passport Membership is willable, saleable and transferable for a small administrative fee. Just think, your children - or even your grandchildren - will continue to create lasting memories and take amazing vacations based on your wise decision today! Many members join Renaissance with the express purpose of creating a legacy for their family.
Is there someone to help me with my bookings?
Of course! Friendly, knowledgeable customer service representatives are available through our message center, by email, by phone or by fax. If you ever need help, we've got you covered.
Can I buy this membership directly from the travel provider?
No. This membership is not available directly to members of the public. All memberships must be purchased through an independent distributor like this one.
This sounds fabulous, but how much does it cost?
I was wondering when you'd ask that! Please go to the "Join Our Club" tab on this site to see just affordable your membership is, choose which membership level is right for you, and get yourself on vacation soon!