Thursday, April 16, 2009

Club Mahindra Review - Is it worth it?

This question has been haunting many people over many moments over many years and it will continue to do so. My take on this is it is worth every penny I have invested in it till now. It is a very debatable statement and controversial to say the least, as if you google and read peoples opinions, most would not agree to this. But everyone is entitled to an opinion, including me. My reasons for this opinion:

a) I have been guaranteed a certain level of service whenever I visit any of the resorts. I do not need to do any research on the kind of accomodation before I make my bookings. Quality assured :)
b) The value grows with time. I bought the membership 2 years back at 2,60,000 and now I am told it is worth around 3,10,000. As Club Mahindra grows in stature, so do our holiday value.
c) The mathematicians argue the amount of interest lost on 2,60,000 down-payment plus Annual Subscription Fee is much more than if you were to make the booking yourself every year whenever you want to visit any place. Maybe, maybe not. But there are some things which money can't buy and the experience you have along with your family when you visit any of the resorts is worth it.
d) For a person like me who is not fond of traveling, this ensures I would go at-least once a year to different place which is for sure required to relax.
e) The resorts are self-sufficient for you and your family to layback and relax. If you want you can make it hectic, but I love the idle pace at which things move in the resort and you just relax.
f) I know of people who made some initial payment, decided to drop the idea of taking the membership but a couple of years later made the full payment to take the membership. They are pretty happy and would have some reasons for being happy.
g) Even though Club Mahindra promises 7 days holiday every year, however if you go in a season below your membership, the number of days are increased. For ex. I am planning to go to Shimla and for two nights stay, I would be charged only 1. Some would argue that you are going in an off season and thats why you are being charged less, however my opinion is that with both me and my wife working, we can go only when we get time and not on peak / off season. So it suits us according to our requirements.