Timeshares, Condos, Etc.

[Chadman]

Wondering how many of you own timeshares, where they are, if you like the program you are a part of, etc. If you do, maybe you could make a suggestion or two.

If you don't, and travel a lot renting condos, etc., maybe relate some nice spots and opportunities for that idea.

The reason for these questions is that the wife and I just got back from an All-inclusive in Mexico and were questioning the value of it. I don't think we probably get our moneys worth in the long run, and would like to do more of our own cooking, drinking, etc., - I think - when on vacation. We have done several cruises, too. Financially, we are getting to the point where we could/should consider investing/timeshares/condos, etc., when thinking of places to go. I don't think we probably want to buy something in one place - we like to go to new places.

That's enough babbling...any thoughts from the Jackers?

 

[The Boys]

If you like going to different places, try this. I did it once and it really was great:

http://www.villasofdistinction.com/?gclid=CMG-6_nAi4oCFShEUAodU3a0gA

 

[Phenom]

My wife and I own a timeshare through Starwood which owns Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, 4 Seasons and some other smaller hotels. Our home resort is in Maui and we bought it a few years ago on our honeymoon becuase we both love to travel and when you added up how much we were going to spend over the next 10-15 years on travel (resorts + hotels) it was way cheaper.

Plus with Starwood you can use the points, if you don't go back to your home resort for a year, for Hotel rooms, or even airline tickets. Our 1 week in Maui equates to 2 weeks almost anywhere else in the world; Australia, Japan, Italy, just a few of the thousands of options. I have stayed at the Aladdin in Vegas, the Westin in Vegas, a 5 star Westin in Charlotte, a 4 star in Denver, just to name a few. You get priority check in and late check out (4pm). They upgrade your room each time you arrive, and give you many more ammenities.

We also checked out Embassy Suites program, but the options were more limited, the resorts were crappier, and you couldn't trade out any points for Embassy suites hotels around the world, I was shocked by this revelation, and it made Starwood the easy choice.

Starwood has deals with many cruiselines, where they will give you a discount, or you can trade out points for. If there is another resort not owned by Starwood, you can trade out your points at the beginning of the year through Interval for like $100, and stay at any resort in the world. If you don't want to use a lot of points on a small vacation, you can even use cash + points, where you pay like $100 for a $300 room and give up 2500 points (we get 80000 a year).

The downsides are we have to pay on it for the next 10 years like a second mortgage, but then it is ours for life, can be willed, gifted, sold, etc... and we have to pay an annual homeowner's fee.

Let me know if you have any more questions, I am completely satisfied with ours right now.

 

[Flipper317]

Make sure when you buy your timeshare it's for the LIFE of the timeshare, not 99 years. I know it sounds weird but someone you never met will thank you a long time from now. Starwood is an excellent company and if you can afford the higher package I would advise you do it. Prime weeks are the way to go. If not, get the middle tier.

 

[Trizzle]

Timeshare is a great thing if you use it. I sold timeshare for many years. If you want to buy one, go to the resale agencies. You can buy one for about 1/10th of the retail price. There are thousands of people who dont use theirs who are trying to unload. Buy from a reputable company -- Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, Fairfield, etc and you will get quality resorts and trade ability. You can find a good week for sale for around 2500 or less if you look hard. I agree with what the other posters said about getting a "deeded" week. Dont buy "points" !!

 

[Chadman]

Thanks a lot for the quality info. Knowing nothing about this, I will have to study it a lot more before getting started, but this helps a lot. A couple of quick novice questions:

Trizzle: What is the specific difference between "Deeded Weeks" and "Buying Points?" Also, you mention resale agencies, and then list a few good companies - are these companies resale agencies, and what is the difference or other option(s).

Thanks very much for the info, everyone.

 

[1837]

Chadman, you knock off at the right place! I am owning 2 TS right now and will buy a third shortly. One of them is a Marriott at Manor's Club Va. My first advise to you (and the best one) is BUY RESALE!!!! Regardless of what you have been saying by Developpers!!! Second, go at www.tug2.net and take a look. It is the best timeshare forum right now! Plenty of info, you might see me posting once a while (kept my username from here so...).

Deed weeks and points are 2 different things, like apple and orange. You can have Fixed deed weeks, Floating deed weeks, Gold season, Platinum season, Red week, White week, Blue week... Points from exchange compagny like RCI or Points from Resorts are different too... Deeds might be forever or 99 years. It is something you own. It is different from a RTU (Right to use) as most of the TS in Mexico are where you just "own" a Right to use for 20-30 or 50 years.... No property title.... DVC (Disney Vacation Club) is like this, they dont sell a deed but a RTU....

As you see, It might be WAY too long to explain everything but to get well informed, please take a look at TUG. You wont regret it!

You can email me if you want any more details! Good luck in your search!