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How Can You Tell If a ‘Travel Club’ Is a Scam?

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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The idea of a “travel club” covers a wide range of organizations and activities, from scam-like timeshares to legitimate memberships that can save you money. All are certainly not equal.

Many are legitimate low-risk operations, such as AARP , AAA , and other independent travel promoters. The most reliable ones are those you’ll recognize the names of. Some resort chains call themselves “clubs,” like Club Med’s all-inclusive resorts . Membership to these is mostly harmless marketing hype, but can offer real discounts: The more exclusive organizations may be exempt from agreements that prohibit third-party agencies from slashing their rates.

Membership fees, if any, are usually nominal—often under $50 a year—and you can easily opt out if the club doesn’t deliver real value. All you have to lose is the minimal initial fee. The discounts they claim may be no better than you could get through other sources, but they’re usually not worse, either. For well-known travel brands like these ones, the scam risk is minimal.

How to Spot a Travel Club That’s a Scam

Others, however, pose a big financial risk. Some require stiff membership fees up front—usually several hundred up to thousands of dollars—and they may commit you to big annual fees indefinitely. They can certainly be honest in that they deliver what they promise; many travelers are happy with their memberships despite the risks and limitations. Others, however, ask you to pay big up front for some promised future benefit. These may or may not be honest; some are clearly outright scams, and others simply inflate the benefits and disguise the drawbacks.

According to law enforcement officials, oftentimes the promised “discount” and “savings” never materialize: The promoters provide prices that are no better than travelers can buy openly, through a wide range of discount sources, and the promised “dream” vacations never seem to become available. They’re selling pie in the sky, and Marie Callender is better at making pies.

The big-dollar travel clubs are the ones should be subject to your scam scrutiny. Although no approach is foolproof, you can usually find out what you need by asking and fact-checking a few specific questions. Here’s what you need to consider:

The Timeshare-Based Travel Club

Many large travel “clubs” are nothing more than conventional timeshare operations, operating as clubs to avoid the unsavory reputation of timeshares. What they sell is guaranteed annual occupancy, in multiples of weeks, at a vacation area—typically a beach destination, maybe with rights to vacations in a string of different areas. And the questions you need to ask about them are the same as for a timeshare:

What Do I Actually Get?

Examine the offer in detail to find out exactly what it promises, in specific terms. Does it promise a guaranteed specific interval at a specific location? Does it promise enrollment in a recognized exchange system? Check the fine print on the exchange, especially for limitations on how you can use your exchange “points.”

Is There a Switch to the Bait?

Is the asking price the full price? Does the featured buy-in include everything you have to pay up front, or are you subject to additional fees and charges? Does the promotion say or hint that you’d be better off with a higher-level membership?

What Is My Ongoing Obligation?

In most property-based clubs, your buy-in is only the start. You’re also on the hook for various monthly/yearly “maintenance” payments and assessments. And the operator typically reserves the right to increase these payments without your approval or right of refusal.

Is There Any Asset Value?

Some very high-end vacation clubs actually own a string of vacation properties; members share in the ownership of these properties, and the club operator agrees to repurchase for a reasonable price. But most mass-market vacation clubs offer no asset value to back up your initial “investment.” At best, you own your “membership” and can sell it or pass it along to your heirs. However, some deals are for the term of your life only and revert to the owner on your death.

Is There an Escape Clause or Resell Limitation?

Club promoters may not accept a return, even for a reduced price, and some timeshare-based clubs may limit your ability to resell. The travel literature is full of horror stories of people who just want to get rid of ongoing payments, even if it means giving the interest back to the promoter with no return.

The “Big-Discount” Travel Club

Other clubs promise they have access to large discounts on airfares, hotels, cruises, rental cars, tours, and just about any other travel service you can name. The ones that charge minimal fees are no more than a nuisance; if they don’t work out, you won’t have to refinance your house. But some ask for big membership fees, and those can be a big risk. As with timeshare clones, you have to ask some questions before you buy into one of them:

What’s My Exposure to Risk?

As with a timeshare, you have to check what you actually get, your future ongoing obligations, and, perhaps most importantly, your cancellation options. Check the fine print to make sure that the discounts are guaranteed. “Subject to availability” doesn’t cut it.

Are the Claimed Discounts Real?

Challenge—and verify—all claimed “discount” deals. Don’t be gullible: Ask to see a list of currently-available deals, and check them through conventional search systems before you accept any broad claim that it will save you money.

Are the Posted Discount Prices Honest?

One hotel-discount membership organization I recently checked out posted some really attractive original prices. But when I went through to the final buy-it page, I found the initial prices did not include mandatory resort fees, taxes, and fees imposed by the travel club. The all-up total prices were about the same as I could get through Tripadvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) search links.

What Do Others Say?

The club’s promotional materials probably highlight gushing testimonials. Don’t take them at face value—promoters can easily satisfy enough travelers to elicit a few genuine rave reviews, which the company will then highlight. Instead, check with review and complaint sites like the Better Business Bureau , Yelp , Google reviews (which usually now appear simply by Googling a business), and any other online review source you like. Also, Google the club to see if it has generated any serious complaints—or, even worse, law enforcement actions.

Scam Rules to Know for Any Kind of Travel Club

Make sure any club you’re considering can pass an easy scam test. Often, you can answer the scam-or-not question before you even see the details of a club promotion. Initial claims often can offer some early scam clues:

Scam Clue 1: The promotion is claiming that you’re getting something “free.” No travel service of real value is ever free. The club promoter is making a profit somewhere along the process. Nothing is free. Repeat this to yourself as often as is necessary.

Scam Clue 2: A promotion claiming you’ve “won” something. If you didn’t knowingly sign up for a sweepstakes run by some outfit that had terms and conditions you agreed to, any out-of-the-blue “winner” notification is almost surely a scam.

Scam Clue 3 : A promotion claiming you’ve been “specially selected” for membership. A lot of robocalls are currently making this pitch. The only outcome you’ve been selected for is a fleecing.

Scam Clue 4 : A promotion demanding that you “act now” or lose the deal. If a deal is actually honest, it will still be there after you take a day or so to check it.

Scam Clue 5 : A promotion that poses as an investment. Some property-based clubs claim, or at least imply, that your membership is an investment. That’s just false for anything that’s not outright property ownership. Fractional ownership such as timeshare may be a good way to vacation to the same place every year—but it’s a lousy overall investment.

I can’t guarantee that following these guidelines can totally shield you from a scam (no one can). But they’re a good start to protecting yourself.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It had been updated to reflect the most current information. Prior reporting by Calvin Hennick contributed to this story.

More from SmarterTravel:

How to Avoid Counterfeit Money While Traveling
6 Cruise Scams You Should Never Fall For
Europe Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuse every day at SmarterTravel.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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That's Ridiculous! A $6,995 Club Membership for Travel Discounts

By Christopher Elliott

Cathy Evans doesn't fit the profile of a typical scam victim. She's an account manager for a technology company in Boston, and she likes to think of herself as a discerning customer. So when she got a voicemail on her cell phone offering her a "free" cruise, she did what most savvy consumers do: she deleted it. But Evans' boyfriend, who received the same phone call, thought the "exclusive, members-only" discounts offered through a travel club called Pacific Palm Destinations ( www.pacificpalmdestinations.com ) in Woburn, Mass., looked appealing. "He really wanted to go on the trip," she says. They attended one of its seminars and they both liked the pitch. "They claimed that they are the largest wholesale travel club and that you can buy any kind of vacation for a fraction of what you'd pay on Orbitz," she says. Also, the renewal rate was just $169 a month, or $2,028 a year -- a fraction of her initial $6,995 membership. She signed up with her credit card on the spot. "It didn't occur to me that none of what was promised actually even exists," she says. Evans asked about Pacific Palms' cancellation policy, and a representative said although it "didn't have one" he could give her 72 hours. After she researched Pacific Palms online, she asked for her money back. Others aren't so lucky. Most travel clubs offer a shorter cancellation window or none at all, even when state law requires it. They make big promises during high-pressure sales presentations held at malls or in rented office spaces. They usually target retirees with disposable income, although they'll take your money if you're on a fixed income, too. But most importantly, the "exclusive" discounts don't really exist. Any halfway competent bargain-hunter can find travel deals that are just as good or better online, no membership required. Stories like Evans have been a staple of my consumer advocacy practice from the beginning. Here's a virtually identical case from 2010 with a slightly different outcome . And here's a similar club in Massachusetts in which the state Attorney General took action. What did Evans' research reveal? Other complaints that suggested to her that the offer was bogus. Several other reviews seemed to concur with that assessment. The company insists its product is on the up-and-up. "We have done nothing as a company that is unethical or against what we represent," it wrote in a rebuttal to one online complaint . "The unfortunate thing is that people such as yourselves join our program go home and try to find a reason as to why they shouldn't have and believe anything they read online instead of contacting us and even attempting to book travel and seeing the type of savings we can provide." Evans dug deeper, and says her research unearthed lawsuits and a shady network of travel clubs across the country. According to an investigator for the New Jersey state Attorney General, there's even a course you can take in Las Vegas on how to pull off a vacation club scam. It covers everything the aspiring travel club startup needs to know, from crafting bogus sales pitches to renting an office with a short-term lease, to dealing with pesky customer credit-card disputes. "It really bugs me that no one is taking action and innocent people are getting ripped off," she says. Evans is brave to come forward with her complaint, for two reasons. Most people who participate in travel clubs and who have buyer's remorse don't talk about it publicly. "Most people are too embarrassed to admit they fell for such a scam and they don't report it," she told me. "Probably even more people have not attempted to book their free trip or use the travel services yet -- so they don't even know they've been taken." And second, like other travel clubs, the one she's dealing turns aggressive when its legitimacy is questioned. "I'm concerned about this group seeking revenge against me," she says. Evans probably isn't travel club material, which is yet another reason she's so outspoken. Most of the victims I've met are barely computer literate. Anyone who can fire up a smartphone and type the words "Pacific Palms" and "scam" into Google is unlikely to shell out $6,995 for a club membership, regardless of how good the offer sounds. Scam artists usually look for retired Baby Boomers who are uncomfortable using the Internet and -- above all, trusting. People like my parents. I sent Pacific Palms several e-mails asking about its operation and Evans' case. A company representative responded in writing just after my deadline, saying Evans had entered into a contract with the company "of her own free will" on March 21. She asked for a refund within 24 hours and was immediately given one. "She never attempted to use our services our got the opportunity to see what we could offer for her," the representative said. "Although we were sorry that we didn't have the opportunity to work with her, Mrs. Evans had every right to cancel her contract. She exercised that right and we obliged accordingly," it said, adding, "For her to say we scammed her in any way or that we did not do as we were supposed to is totally false." "On that note, please understand that you if choose to pursue any kind of slander [sic] against our company, based on these false allegations, we will seek legal counsel to stop you," the representative cautioned. So noted. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: In two decades of consumer advocacy, I've never come across a legitimate travel club. Ever. Is it possible that Pacific Palms is a legitimate company, and that Evans is just a disgruntled former customer? Sure, anything is possible. By the way, if you've lost thousands of dollars to a travel club that you believe is fraudulent, don't wait. Contact local law enforcement, your state's Attorney General, and the Federal Trade Commission, as soon as possible. The more complaints these agencies receive about travel club scams, the faster they can shut 'em down. And don't skip the feds; these operators like to jump across state lines and start over. An FTC consent order will make that really difficult. In the end, travel club scams exist because we let them. We want to believe we can pay a few thousand dollars and get a "free" trip and deeply discounted travel. We're trusting and we take people at their word. And as long as we do, these scams will continue. Christopher Elliott is the author of the book "Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals" (Wiley). He's also the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the co-founder of the Consumer Travel Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for travelers. You can read more tips on his blog, elliott.org or e-mail him at [email protected] . Christopher Elliott receives a great deal of reader mail, and though he answers them as quickly as possible, your story may not be published for several months because of a backlog of cases.

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Friends on the Road: The 11 Best RV Clubs for Socialization

Published on September 26th, 2023 by Chelsea Gonzales (Full-Time RVer and Freelance Writer)

Into RV travel and keen on expanding your social circle? Look no further than RV clubs. Picking the ideal one can be daunting, especially if you’re budget-conscious. No sweat, though. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, diving deep into the world of RV clubs to identify the cream of the crop—and who they’re most suited for. Scroll down for the deets!

RV Clubs: Something for Everyone

We’ve got the scoop on clubs that cater to RV travelers across the board, offering a plethora of options that meet diverse needs. These inclusive communities are excellent for those wanting a well-rounded RV experience. Fair warning: With such a wide membership, finding your niche within the RV community might take some time.

RV Life Communities

First on our radar is RV LIFE Communities . With some of the most bustling online forums in the RV world, you’re practically guaranteed to find the answers and connections you’re after.

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These forums are organized by rig types and special interests, making it easy to connect and spark up friendships.

Best part? The RV LIFE forums won’t cost you a dime, leaving you with extra cash to splurge on a couple of the premium RV clubs below.

Escapees: A Comprehensive RV Community

Escapees is an RV community that aims to support various aspects of the RV lifestyle. With a range of discounts and support services, it also caters to different types of RVers through sub-groups like Xscapers, which is tailored for those who work while traveling.

Escapees offers educational resources for RVers at all experience levels. This includes in-person training sessions, online courses, and a variety of webinars and blogs. The aim is to help RVers operate their vehicles safely and efficiently.

The community aspect is a significant part of Escapees. Members often describe a sense of belonging and camaraderie that comes from participating in the club’s various events, which range from local gatherings to larger annual events like the Escapade.

On the practical side, members have access to a network of Club-owned and member-operated parks. Additional benefits include discounts at various RV parks and an extensive mail forwarding service. The club also offers roadside assistance and has partnerships for discounted RV tires.

Family Motorcoach Association: A Hub for RV Enthusiasts

The Family Motorcoach Association (FMCA) serves as a vital resource for RV owners. Known for its strong sense of community, FMCA facilitates networking and the exchange of ideas among its members.

One unique feature of FMCA is its “Stoppin’ Spots” program. These are emergency safe havens offered by members for members. Whether you’re in need of a temporary parking spot or require mechanical assistance, this initiative aims to provide a safety net for travelers.

FMCA also organizes RV rallies, which serve as in-person platforms for members to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. These events often feature workshops, seminars, and social gatherings.

Membership benefits extend beyond community engagement. FMCA provides a range of educational materials on RV living, including a dedicated magazine. Additionally, they offer specialized cell phone plans to ensure you stay connected while on the road.

Specialty RV Clubs: Where Everybody Knows Your Name

If you’re seeking something a bit more “tailor-made,” specialty RV clubs are your go-to. These niche communities have a smaller, cozier member base, which is great for building meaningful connections. However, they might not be as generous on the perks and benefits, unlike their larger counterparts.

Fulltime Families: Your Home on the Open Road

Ever dream of turning the open road into a family affair? Fulltime Families is your jam. It’s not just a social circle; it’s a lifeline for parents and kids who’ve traded suburbia for highways and byways.

One of the highlights is their focus on education. Whether you’re into traditional homeschooling or the more adventurous “roadschooling,” they’ve got your back with resources and tips.

And let’s not forget the community aspect. With a calendar chock-full of family events and specialized groups, you’ll find your tribe in no time.

But it’s not all fun and games; there are practical perks too. Think exclusive discounts on RV essentials, making your nomadic lifestyle a bit easier on the wallet.

Republic of Nomads: Adventure Without the Price Tag

On the rise and easy on the pocket, Republic of Nomads is all about affordable family fun. Centralized Facebook group? Check. Wallet-friendly events? Double-check. And the kicker? Zero membership fees.

Handicapped Travel Club: Making the Road Accessible

If you’re juggling the RV lifestyle with a disability, Handicapped Travel Club is your sanctuary. It’s a tight-knit community offering resources and connections that make the road less daunting.

National African American RVers Association: A Community on Wheels

Looking to connect with fellow African American RV enthusiasts? NAARVA is where it’s at. They’re not just building a community; they’re building a movement.

Rainbow RV Club: Your Road, Your Rules

For LGBTQ RVers, Rainbow RV Club is more than just a club—it’s a celebration. Be yourself, and find others who are doing the same, all while exploring the open road.

RVing Women: Hit the Road, Ladies

For the solo female travelers out there, RVing Women is your ticket to freedom and fun. Think of it as your sisterhood on wheels.

So, there you have it—the lowdown on specialty RV clubs. Whether you’re after something niche or just a place that feels like home, there’s a club out there with your name on it. Do you have a favorite RV club we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments.

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About the author:.

Chelsea Gonzales, a seasoned full-time RVer and roadschooling expert, shares her extensive experience and insights on Wonder Wherever We Wander and across notable RV platforms. As the founder of the Aistear Mobile Irish Dance Academy , she combines her passion for travel, education, and the arts, offering a unique perspective to the RV community.

Chelsea Gonzales: Full-Time RVer, Experienced Roadschooling Educator, and Renowned Freelance Writer

With over 6 years of experience in the full-time RV lifestyle, Chelsea Gonzales expertly blends adventure with education. As a seasoned roadschooling mom, she's adept at transforming the unique challenges of educating children on the road into practical, engaging content.

Professional Highlights:

Founder and Artistic Director of the Aistear Mobile Irish Dance Academy .
A prolific writer, her informative articles on RV living, parenting on the go, and travel destinations are featured on her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander , as well as across the RV LIFE network , Outdoorsy , Coach-Net , and RV Share .

Personal Insight: "Embracing the RV lifestyle was a decision to live boundlessly and educate uniquely. My journey is about more than travel; it's about imparting life lessons and a love for learning in my children. Writing about these experiences allows me to connect with and inspire others in the RV community."

Chelsea continues to share her wealth of knowledge on full-time RVing, raising children on the road, and exploring new destinations, providing invaluable insights for fellow RV enthusiasts and families.

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It’s a total scam don’t wast your…

It’s a total scam don’t wast your time!!! The dude threatened to fight me in his office!! Just stay away

Date of experience : October 22, 2023

It seems like I'm using this site for 4…

It seems like I'm using this site for 4 years now and it is still maintains its reputation: it consistently helps me deciding where to go and, essentially, WHEN. As a result, my trip to Malta last year went absolutely fabulous and we didn't miss the carnival I've always dreamt of. Moreover, the weather during our visit was fantastic as it was mentioned on rove.me. So you guys do great job, many thanks!

Date of experience : April 22, 2020

This website helped me find the right place to visit

Last autumn I was planning a vacation for April 2020, and I was looking for the right place to visit at this time of year. I had a few countries and islands in mind, so I looked them up on the Rove website. Some of the places such as Iceland and Madeira were featured there, and I found some truly inspiring details on the site. However, I was disappointed not to find any coverage on the Azores as I think it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. All in all, I booked my spring vacation in Madeira based on their suggestions, but now I cannot tell you whether they were right as my trip has been cancelled.

Date of experience : April 21, 2020

Nice vacation planner

I have a wedding anniversary coming up and wanted to plan a vacation. I found tons of ideas on rove.me for fantastic beach getaways. I love the feature where you can choose the best weather and fun things to do, like diving or whalewatching. Also, it kind of helps you to come up with a plan what to see and what to do. I wish they could also show hours of operations for these places. Anyways, I can now preview my whole vacation. Can't wait to start booking the tickets and hotels!

Date of experience : April 17, 2020

A valuable tool for modern travelers

I discovered this website some 2 years ago, and it keeps growing and getting better. None of my trips is planned without consulting Rove.me. It provides all essentials like when is the best time to visit your destination or where to go during a particular time. I found tons of inspiration on seasonal things to do on this website. Hotels and packages are also there. Some experiences even have a tour option. However, they aren't always 100% related to the subject, which is why I was a bit confused at first. At least, the tours always run in the area in question. In total, Rove.me saves my precious time, as I have everything collected in one place and don't have to investigate on my own. Many thanks to the team for their great job. Take care and good luck.

Date of experience : April 27, 2020

Reply from Rove.me

Hayley, thank you for feedback. Kind regards, Rove.me Customer Relations Team

Great Travel Ideas

Before the COVID-19 crisis, I often used this site to find interesting travel ideas. A good selection of cool seasonal experiences. Recommend.

Date of experience : April 28, 2020

Excellent product!

Helpful hints for short term rental hosting success

Meet Rove Travel – A Property Management Company Revolutionizing Luxury Rentals

Introducing Rove Travel , a luxury property management company born out of founder Jonah's quest to redefine the monthly rental experience. Launched in late 2021, Rove swiftly evolved to address the challenges faced by both renters and hosts, particularly in luxury markets like South Florida, Aspen, NYC, The Hamptons, and Scottsdale.

In this candid Q&A, Jonah shares insights on the evolution of luxury vacation rentals, the furnished rental landscape, and Rove's commitment to offering an authentic 'home away from home' experience. Explore how their collaboration with Minoan has elevated guest satisfaction and learn about Rove's nuanced approach to striking a balance between a consistent brand experience and tailoring each property to its unique location.

Q: Can you share the story of how Rove Travel came to be? A: Rove was born out of my personal experiences and those of my team. Frustrated by inconsistent renting experiences and challenges as an Airbnb host, I embarked on creating a business centered on improved services. Drawing on my background in founding a venture-backed software business, Rove took off in late 2021. Our mission is clear: to establish a superior and trustworthy experience for monthly rentals.

Q: In your experience, how has the vacation rental landscape evolved, especially in luxury markets like Florida, Aspen, NYC, The Hamptons, and Scottsdale? A: The luxury vacation rental market has evolved significantly, with increased demand for unique, high-quality properties in these locations as some of these have become very saturated markets. There's a growing trend towards properties that offer a blend of luxury and local flavor.

Q: In your experience, how has the furnished rental landscape evolved in NYC, especially in the luxury segment? A: Medium and long-term furnished rentals historically were a very fragmented market with high fees, long application processes, and frustrating service.

Before Rove, finding a luxury month rental in New York City often required three months upfront payments for a two-month rental (one-month broker fee, one-month payment upfront, and one-month security deposit), along with extensive applications (background check, credit check, references, referrals etc.)

Changing demographic trends promoted by COVID, remote work, and the vibrancy of New York City have made the need for 1-12+ month luxury rentals more important than ever. Individuals and families need flexible rentals more than ever, whether meeting with co-workers for a month, temporary housing during a renovation or pipe burst, or splitting time between cities; Rove enables renting a luxury residence without friction.

Q: How does Rove Travel prioritize guest experience, and what steps do you take to ensure a memorable stay for your guests? A: 24/7 concierge support, bespoke itineraries, and unique home amenities. Ensuring a memorable stay involves attention to detail in every aspect of the guest's experience.

Q: What is the #1 most important thing for vacation rental or furnished monthly rental properties to get right, in your opinion? A: We believe the most important focus for any vacation or furnished monthly rental property is creating an authentic 'home away from home' experience. Every detail matters, from the intuitive layout of the space to the quality of linens. We believe that a guest's comfort, security, and the feeling of being cared for are central to their overall experience and our success.

Q: What products do your guests love the most? A: Our guests frequently express their love for bespoke amenities, particularly workstations and premium toiletries. These items, often overlooked, significantly contribute to their comfort and the ability to use the space for work. It's these thoughtful touches that guests remember and share with others.

Q: What are your favorite Minoan brands? A: OXO - the Rove team loves quality kitchen goods, and this is a fantastic brand to have in our homes! MOMA Design store - finding unique pieces that add comfort.

Q: In managing properties across diverse locations, what challenges and opportunities have you encountered, and how do you adapt to the unique demands of each market? A: The primary challenge is often adapting to the unique cultural and market demands of each location while maintaining consistent quality and brand identity. This requires local knowledge and a flexible approach to property management.

Q: How do you strike a balance between offering a consistent brand experience and tailoring each property to its specific location and audience? A: Rove's design-centric approach begins pre-property acquisition. We assess brand compatibility, required investments, and their alignment with underwriting as soon as a property enters our pipeline. This meticulous process filters out incompatible properties. We try to curate each specific property's decor and furniture to blend with the architecture and overall feel of the space. We bring consistency through color schemes, furniture styles, photography, and of course, the items and supplies that we offer our guests to use. (e.g. Nespresso coffee makers, comfortable workstations, and fully stocked kitchens)

Q: What trends or innovations do you see shaping the future of luxury vacation and monthly furnished rentals? A: Higher interest rates have made the math behind purchasing a home at all price points more challenging. More people than ever want to experience or work in New York City without committing to a full-time residence and locking up their life savings. Over the next decade, more people will rent furnished rentals as it becomes as easy to find a 12-month furnished residence as booking an Uber.

Q: Can you share a specific success story or memorable experience related to a guest's stay at one of your properties? A: Recently, a discerning guest stayed at one of our properties and fell in love with the mattress – so much so that they wanted to buy it for their own home. They reached out to ask about the mattress, and our collaboration with Minoan allowed us to easily provide details. Using our Minoan shoppable site, the guest was able to effortlessly find the exact mattress and make a purchase. We love being able to offer a seamless way for guests to bring the comfort of their stay into their own homes.

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