lovescoffee
newbie
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2017
- Messages
- 14
- Reaction score
- 4
- Resorts Owned
- Several Marriott timeshare properties
My guess is that the in-laws bought the 3500 points to bring them up to Chairman's Club. The question is whether OP understands timeshare, and in particular Marriott's program and can use all the points associated with this bundle. It is certainly a somewhat inexpensive way to get to Chairman's Club if OP can assume the loan and transfer the entire package out to OP and spouse and retain its status as it is an immediate family transfer. Thereafter my suggestion would be to get rid of the bronze week and drop to Presidential status as the MF per point is high on the bronze week. Just another option on the table.
I cannot begin to thank all of you enough for all this incredible perspective. To answer a few of the thoughts starting with the post I replied to here.... I know a little bit about timeshares as we personally have 1 week at Shadow Ridge. We purchased it at pre construction rates way back when...so we have had it for about 10-15 years or so. To be completely honest, I think it encouraged us as a family of 5 to take vacations utilizing more comfortable accommodations vs being jammed into hotel rooms. However, I personally have been frustrated by the "game" of it. It is not a straightforward vacation reservation process. Therefore, for the cost of the maintenance fees and needing to "relearn" the timeshare system each time I want to use the points...I think I would rather just book on my own. We are big users of VRBO too. I don't really understand all the other options of point use either. I'm not at all interested in taking a cruise. Am I missing other really valuable methods of destination points other than traveling to places that have Marriott Timeshares? I'm not interested in trading in Interval International.
To the post above, you are correct that the 3500 brought them to Chairman's Club.....what in the world does that mean or do for them?
Steven, as far as the rental idea....I appreciate the suggestion and will certainly add it as an option as I weigh everything out. However, I had rental property as an investment many years ago and it became a huge time sponge and source of frustration. I would probably only consider doing this if we took the time to reserve valuable weeks (say Coachella concert for Desert Springs) and let Marriott manage the rental. I am not at all interested in assuming the risk of damage to a unit by renting the week to a complete stranger.
As far as assets.....another very unfortunate situation occurred in addition to the medical issues and they do not have the major asset they originally had. They are drowning in debt on top of everything. We spoke with a couple of bankruptcy attorneys yesterday in their area (of course we live a 4 hour flight away from them). The only possible route for them is Chapter 13 and that is not apparently even a given.
If any of you have more thoughts...keep them coming!! I could NEVER have learned this much related to our current options in 24 hours without your willingness to share your knowledge and perspective. I'm so grateful to have found this site.