Capital Vacations and Capital Resorts are two different companies that offer vacation packages and timeshares. Though their names are similar, they are completely separate entities.
Overview of Capital Vacations
Capital Vacations is a company that offers discounted vacation packages to various destinations around the world. They market these packages as being high-end vacations at affordable prices. Capital Vacations does not actually own any resorts or hotels. Instead, they partner with various resorts and hotels to be able to offer rooms and packages at discounted rates.
Some key things to know about Capital Vacations:
- Founded in the 1990s and based in Washington D.C.
- Privately-owned company, not part of a larger parent company
- Specializes in discounted vacation packages at luxury hotels and resorts
- Packages include airfare, hotel, some meals and activities
- Destinations include the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Orlando, and more
- Packages typically range from 3-7 nights in length
Capital Vacations markets directly to consumers through TV ads, online ads, direct mail, and telemarketing. They sell vacation packages year round and encourage people to book far in advance to get the best rates.
Overview of Capital Resorts Group
Capital Resorts Group is a different company that specializes in timeshares and vacation ownership properties. They are based in Washington D.C. and own a portfolio of timeshare resorts, hotels, and other properties.
Some key facts about Capital Resorts Group:
- Parent company is Capital Resorts Group Holdings
- Founded in 2005 to acquire and manage timeshare and hotel properties
- Privately-owned company, backed by various investment firms
- Owns over 20 resort properties across the U.S., Caribbean, and Mexico
- Resorts operate as timeshares where owners purchase intervals of usage
- Also owns hotels in Cancun, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and other destinations
- Sells timeshare intervals and vacation packages direct to consumers
As opposed to Capital Vacations, Capital Resorts Group actually owns the properties they market. The company makes money by selling timeshare intervals at their resorts to consumers. Owners can use their timeshare for vacations, exchange time with other resorts, or rent out their usage. Capital Resorts Group manages all of the properties in their portfolio.
Differences Between the Companies
While Capital Vacations and Capital Resorts Group have similar names, they are completely different companies with different business models:
Capital Vacations | Capital Resorts Group |
---|---|
Sells discounted vacation packages | Sells timeshare intervals and vacation packages at their owned resorts |
Does not own any resorts or hotels | Owns and manages a portfolio of over 20 resort properties |
Packages can be booked by anyone | Timeshares only available to owners and members |
In business since the 1990s | Founded in 2005 |
Privately owned with no parent company | Subsidiary of Capital Resorts Group Holdings |
In summary, while their names are similar, Capital Vacations and Capital Resorts Group operate very differently. Capital Vacations acts as a vacation package broker, while Capital Resorts Group actually develops and manages resort properties. The only major similarity is that both are privately-held companies based in Washington D.C. that market vacation experiences to consumers.
Capital Vacations Packages
Capital Vacations is focused on selling deeply discounted vacation packages. They offer packages to destinations across the United States, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and Europe. Some sample destinations include:
- Cancun
- Riviera Maya
- Jamaica
- Bahamas
- Punta Cana
- Costa Rica
- Hawaii
- California
- Florida
- Las Vegas
- Orlando
Packages can range from quick 3-night getaways to longer 7-night vacations. The packages typically bundle together airfare, hotel transfers, 5-star resort accommodations, and some food/drinks/activities. Not all meals are included, but packages aim to provide an affordable luxury experience.
Capital Vacations has relationships with major airlines to get discounted airfare rates. At the destinations, they partner with beach resorts, all-inclusive resorts, hotels, casinos, and more to get rooms at wholesale prices. By packaging airfare, hotel, and some inclusions together, they can offer significant savings versus booking individually.
Sample package prices can range from $499 for a 3-night Cancun trip to $2,499 for a 7-night Hawaii vacation. Prices fluctuate frequently based on demand. Capital Vacations encourages customers to book 9-12 months in advance for the lowest pricing. They also run frequent sales promotions advertised across different marketing channels.
Booking Process
To book a Capital Vacations package, customers can either inquire online or speak to a vacation package sales agent. Packages require a down payment at the time of booking and full balance due a month before travel. Customers also have a right to cancel with a full refund within a short window after booking.
Some keys steps for booking Capital Vacations packages:
- Browse destinations and package options online
- Call a sales agent or fill out online inquiry form
- Select desired dates and package
- Provide traveler information and make down payment
- Receive vacation package voucher to take on trip
- Pay final balance 30 days prior to travel
- Receive flight e-ticket and final details 2 weeks before departure
Capital Vacations agents can customize packages with different room types, travel dates, and add-on features. However, the discounted rates are only applicable when booking one of their preset vacation packages bundled with airfare.
Capital Resorts Group Timeshares
Unlike Capital Vacations, Capital Resorts Group owns and manages a portfolio of timeshare resort properties. The company sells timeshare intervals at these resorts to consumers as an alternative form of vacation ownership.
Capital Resorts Group currently owns over 20 different resort properties including:
- The Point at Poipu, Kauai
- Casa del Mar Beach Resort, Aruba
- Harborside Resort at Atlantis, Bahamas
- Celebration World Resort, Orlando
- Mountain Loft Resort, Gatlinburg
- Capital Resorts Mexico, Riviera Maya
- Tahoe Beach & Ski Club, Lake Tahoe
These resorts operate as timeshare properties. When someone purchases a timeshare interval, they buy the rights to use that resort for a specific number of nights each year. The timeshare intervals usually span one or two weeks. Capital Resorts Group sells intervals in increments ranging from 10 nights to 60 nights per year depending on the property.
Timeshare owners pay an upfront purchase price and annual dues. In exchange, they can use their timeshare interval, rent it out, or exchange it with other resorts around the world. Owners can return to their home resort or travel to different properties each year.
Timeshare Purchase Process
To purchase a timeshare with Capital Resorts Group, the process includes:
- Browse available inventory online and select desired resort
- Speak with a timeshare sales representative
- Choose interval size and usage season
- Make down payment on purchase price
- Complete purchase contract and paperwork
- Pay remaining balance on interval purchase
- Start using yearly interval or exchange for other resorts
Capital Resorts Group sells most intervals directly to consumers. Pricing varies based on resort, unit size, season, and interval length. Purchase prices can range from $10,000 to over $50,000 plus annual dues. Financing may be available.
Comparing the Vacation Experiences
From a consumer’s perspective, the vacation experiences with Capital Vacations versus Capital Resorts Group have some notable differences:
Capital Vacations | Capital Resorts Group |
---|---|
Pay only for the vacation packages you want | Must buy a timeshare interest to access resorts |
Book different destinations each vacation | Return to your home resort each year |
Shorter 3-7 night vacations | Typically 1-2 week timeshare intervals |
All-inclusive packages | Timeshares are condo-style with some meals |
Price depends on current rates | Pay same annual dues regardless of inflation |
The main advantage of Capital Vacations is the ability to take shorter, discounted vacations at different destinations every year. You only pay for the specific packages you want. However, the properties change each trip.
With Capital Resorts Group timeshares, you visit the same resort community annually where you own. But you have access to larger accommodations for 1-2 week periods. Timeshares allow for a more consistent, condo-like vacation experience each year.
Conclusion
In summary, Capital Vacations and Capital Resorts Group are completely separate vacation companies:
- Capital Vacations sells discounted vacation packages but does not own properties.
- Capital Resorts Group owns and manages timeshare resorts and sells intervals to consumers.
- The two companies have similar names but totally different business models.
- Capital Vacations offers shorter, flexible vacations priced per package.
- Capital Resorts Group sells timeshare intervals for repeated vacations at owned resorts.
So while their names are very similar, Capital Vacations and Capital Resorts Group offer completely different vacation experiences. Capital Vacations provides discount packages at changing destinations. Capital Resorts Group gives timeshare ownership for repeat vacations at consistent resort communities. They appeal to different types of travelers and budgets.