Frax Blogs

Members may now exchange nights for stays at hotels in London, Paris, and Rome

The Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club, the largest equity-based destination club in the United States, has introduced new European boutique hotel options for members traveling to London, Paris, and Rome. “We are committed to growing the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club by providing luxury vacation experiences in some of the world’s most exciting cities,” explains Abercrombie & Kent founder, chairman and CEO Geoffrey Kent. “As innovators in the destination club industry, we know our members will appreciate the opportunity to stay at extraordinary boutique hotels that offer a distinctive sense of place in locations that are not part of the Club’s current portfolio.”

The new properties available to Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club members in 2010 are:

The Goring Hotel – London
Edwardian-Baroque elegance one block from Buckingham Palace. Recommended by Travel + Leisure as the #1 hotel in England and one of the World’s Best Hotels.

The Milestone – London
Turreted Victorian townhouse hotel with uninterrupted views of Kensington Gardens, within walking distance of the Royal Albert Hall and Natural History Museum. Conde Nast Traveler Gold List.

Relais Christine – Paris
A peaceful haven on the Left Bank, just steps from Notre-Dame and the Louvre. 16th century mansion surrounds a flower-filled cobblestone courtyard. Stylish and comfortable.

The Rose Garden Palace – Rome
An elegant hotel in the center of Rome, in the most exclusive area of the Via Veneto, within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club members may exchange their nights on a one-for-one basis for stays that include a full breakfast daily.

The Club’s portfolio includes multi-million-dollar residences in the finest beach, mountain and golf destinations worldwide. Members can also exchange nights towards Abercrombie & Kent travel, such as adventure cruising in the Galapagos Islands, African safaris or European holidays.

Membership Momentum

Equity clubs like the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club offer a conservative, debt-free model for value-conscious families as an alternative to the purchase of a vacation home. Membership is a smart alternative to owning and maintaining a private residence used only a few weeks each year. In a recent member survey, 97% of the membership base reported complete satisfaction with the Club offering and its services, including their personal Global Experience Manager and on-site Destination Hosts.

New equity membership pricing is better aligned with the current real estate market, offering a 40% discount on equity membership through March 31, 2010.

Limited-time Equity Membership Pricing

.       One-Time Capital Contribution   Annual Dues    
15-Night Annual Plan    Was $225,000    Now $135,000    $17,000
30-Night Annual Plan    Was $390,000    Now $234,000    $29,000
45-Night Annual Plan    Was $495,000    Now $297,000    $42,000

A Two-Year Trial Membership in the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is also available for those who want an extended opportunity to experience Club life before making a long-term commitment.  Families can enjoy the privacy of spacious homes in popular resort destinations for much less than the cost of comparable hotel suites. Two-year trial members pay normal Club dues plus a 10% premium that will be credited to their capital contribution if they later join as a permanent equity member.