Changes at Luxury Link

[tomdav]

Mountie, one destination we visit at least once a year is Puerto Vallarta. As of Jan 1 we lost Villa La Estancia, Garza Blanca, and Dreams on LL. Marival came back with some reasonalble prices (sort of). Very slim pickings now for anything else:

Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa - lower end / not all inclusive
Tahemia - not on ocean
Casa Velas - not on ocean
The rest are private residences which do not interest us for safety reasons in Mexico (I'm ok with it but my partner would never be able to sleep).

[Mountie]

Anyone noticing any changes here at Luxury Link since the new CEO arrived on scene?

I noticed he has a Twitter account @LuxuryLinkCEO

[innocentsabroadisus]

Anyone noticing any changes here at Luxury Link since the new CEO arrived on scene?

I noticed he has a Twitter account @LuxuryLinkCEO

Mountie,
When did Luxury link get a new CEO? Have you noticed any changes?

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The only things I have noticed is sometimes auctions do not have as many perks as they used to have or the price is much higher each time it is listed. Not as many choices as there used to be, especially in Latin America - choices in LA & Mexico tend to be the heavily touristed areas like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and the like. Could be a sign of the economy. I still can usually find a place to go when I want to travel but I feel like I don't have as many interesting choices as I used to have.

[kyshel]

Prices are stable for some places and others are not so "attractive" any more. I'm surprised that Secrets Resorts only offers 10% or less discount. Not that I'd go to most of their properties due to size and demographics. I've seen more than one LL offer with NO discount at all! Also, the Preferred Hotels have no perks--not even breakfast! Just taxes, but sometimes there are additional fees payable at a property.
While we're all grateful to find some good deals, I sense economic issues are in play more than management. Maybe that means more hard work to sign properties with LL? So, get crackin'! We love our LL candy store and need our travel fixes! More fresh goodies, please!
I am very happy to see that the CEO is pictured in Botswana--maybe more exotic offerings in the future?

[LL_Travelfan]

It seems like there are fewer perks and interesting new offers on LL these days. The Preferred Hotels have had no perks/extras for a while now. I don't think the new CEO has anything to do with that. The travel industry is picking up and so maybe there are fewer hotels these days that are willing to give deep discounts to Luxury Link.

[Mountie]

From my perspective, Luxury Link appears to be 'foundering' a bit. No real supply of new and exciting properties are appearing. There seems to be a shift toward offering an increasing number of very high priced packages. Must be a new direction being given by management. Guess we need to stick around and see what is really going on at headquarters. I'm still a big fan of the luxury auction concept in general, but I'm uncertain what is happening at Luxury Link.

Anyone else confused?

[kyshel]

I'm with you, Mountie--I prefer the auctions. I like the excitement over Buy Now option which I have used rarely. I feel new offers have been stunted in recent months. I need to be excited by a travel site. LL has always been able to titillate my travel senses. If they're planning marketing changes, I only hope they will not be disappointing!
Of course, the Lounge keeps me stimulated and encourages me to return often.

[LL_Travelfan]

I like the auctions because of the added price savings.

[[email protected]]

I think I have only ever done 1 buy it now package from LL, like the auction format, of course, as long as there are not lots of bidders bringing the price up!
I do agree that we need more varied offerings - getting to be many of the same places over and over again. Or a place that I really liked and want to do again never shows up on LL again.
There are still opportunities for some good deals at wonderful prices but just not as many ;-(