What timeshare is best?

[TampaGT]

Hi all,

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. A bit of an odd post, but looking for help. Knowledgeable about timeshare basics, but do not own. However, feel the time is right to purchase on the resale market. We’ve attended a few HGVC presentations, and like the idea of timeshares, and the amenities provided. In a few years will be retiring from the military. My wife will continue work, but is fully remote. We have a young family, and being avid travelers are looking to travel often. We typically take an an extended family vacation yearly, and like the flexibility of points to choose which size best suits are needs when we want to go to a “resort”. We plan to purchase a smaller timeshare to begin with, but if it works we’ll plan to increase the number of points (perhaps across multiple programs or just one). We have been planning for years to travel frequently, and currently take full advantage of leave travel. Our lofty goal upon retirement is to travel 3-6 months out of the year (mixture of RVing, timeshare?, visiting friends and family, airB&B). More details below, and thanks for any insight on whether time sharing is a) a good fit for us and b) which program might be best;


1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
No, we like going to new places. However, we will likely go on one vacation in the Southeast US once every two years (extended family trip).

2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?
Trade likely 90% of the time. Ideally we would like low MF to help us travel more.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Europe
South America
Hawaii
Off beaten path US destinations
Typical timeshare spots (Orlando, Vegas, NYC)

4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?
Mainly 3, but 1-2 trips a year would like ability to get a 3BR for larger family trips.

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
Anytime, and would prefer off season to avoid crowds. We have an infant and plan to homeschool until High School.

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
Yes, but like freedom of last minute trips.

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes, this is preferable. But, like ability for short getaways. We typically go on long weekend date trips, Vegas etc (we really liked our stay at Elara).

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
We prefer a mixture of 2-4 stars.

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
Ideally, would like to start small ($5k initial purchase and under) and see if we like it. Worst case, we always end up with one-two trips a year to a major US travel destination with timeshares. However, comfortable with increasing if large number of points appears on resale market that fit our plans.

10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
For initial purchase, less than $2k. But, comfortable increasing for more time in the future if this enables us to travel more. We’ve budgeted for RVing, AB&B trips, and feel this would be comparable but do not know.

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
Yes

12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?
Yes, and unsure of implications of this. Is it easier to buy and sale a larger number of points in one program or multiple weeks spread out? What is best for both reselling if we decide, and/or MF while we own?

 

[TampaGT]

Any thoughts?

We are thinking of HGVC, 8-14k platinum points in Elara to start? But, also debating Wyndham?

 

[bnoble]

Sounds like Wyndham might be a better fit for your budget.

Neither will be particularly helpful for Europe or S. America without exchange, and even then Europe is going to be out-of-the-way places.

 

[kanerf]

Do not buy a timeshare for exchanges as your main goal. You can pick up a cheap RCI week for that purpose and have access to RCI exchanges and low cost weeks. Exchanges are often not much of a deal and you might do better through one of the rental outfits. Buy a timeshare because you want to stay at that property.

 

[DRH90277]

Just a thought - I may stand alone but I view timeshare as having two paths for different needs. The first path is for intended repeated uses of the same timeshare(s). The second path is for exploring or visiting many locations, likely some distance away, at various times during the year. Different timeshare products may be more cost efficient for these paths. For example, we have purchased resale weeks for the first path and are very happy with the cost and the ease of securing these reservations. Our needs are not met as well using the points program as it is too expensive and it's too hard to secure the reservations we want.

If you decide to buy resale, consider the "standout" properties that are hard to get. Our standouts include Custom House, Newport Coast, OceanWatch, and several in Hilton Head.

 

[Mongoose]

Any thoughts?

We are thinking of HGVC, 8-14k platinum points in Elara to start? But, also debating Wyndham?

A lot of owners are not happy with Wyndham and their tactics. Best advice is to buy where you want to go so you have priority there. If you don't you might have issues with availability. Hilton is a higher quality product.

 

[SmithOp]

If I had a do over, knowing what I do after owning HGVC for 22 years, I would get a Grandview Vegas with RCI points.

 

[ScoopKona]

I bought my timeshare to trade into Europe. I've traded it for anywhere between 2-4 weeks each year through Interval International. While I'm quite happy with how it has worked, trades are becoming more difficult. If I was trading for a 3bdrm, I'd only get one week out of it, though.

It's been my experience that "how easy is it to trade for what you want" is directly proportional to "how desirable is your unit?" People who own ski weeks, Christmas in warm, sunny climates and similar have an easier time.

But the associated costs go up.

I suggest you do deep dives into the name-brand systems, and see if any of them stand out for you. They're all sufficiently different from each other that some might have deal-breaker rules/fees/trading-procedures while others have rules/fees/procedures you can live with.

I wish the new user questions included "peak season/shoulder season/low season" in addition to "1-5 stars." What you're going to get in Europe increases greatly if you don't want to be there when all the rest of the Americans are there. Personally, I can't stand fighting with crowds to get into museums, so I avoid high season entirely. I'd much rather have the city to myself.

And finally, how flexible are you? Every year, my wife and I have the "do we want to go to Malta, Spain or Norway" discussion. If you have to have Paris in mid-July, I wouldn't bother with timeshare at all. If you are OK with going "somewhere" in mid-July, things will work out better. And if you're OK with "Anywhere in Europe in during this five-month period" it will work out fine.

 

[TampaGT]

If I had a do over, knowing what I do after owning HGVC for 22 years, I would get a Grandview Vegas with RCI points.

Thanks Smith, I’ve only looked at the big programs and not buying to get RCI trades. I’ll look into this more, seems that might be good for international travel. Is it fairly easy to trade for these spots in your opinion?

 

[easyrider]

Many people just join a facebook resort buy sell and rent page. I'm in several and often times there are weeks available for the mf value.

Bill

 

[Passepartout]

Thanks Smith, I’ve only looked at the big programs and not buying to get RCI trades. I’ll look into this more, seems that might be good for international travel. Is it fairly easy to trade for these spots in your opinion?

Generally, International travel using timeshares is spotty. For the most part, resorts are in the countryside, not in European cities where Americans want to travel. Europeans LIVE in cities and that isn't where they want to holiday. Use timeshares in US, Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii, and use hotels and VRBO in Europe/Asia.

My usual $.02 worth. And for free, too.

Jim

 

[TampaGT]

I bought my timeshare to trade into Europe. I've traded it for anywhere between 2-4 weeks each year through Interval International. While I'm quite happy with how it has worked, trades are becoming more difficult. If I was trading for a 3bdrm, I'd only get one week out of it, though.

It's been my experience that "how easy is it to trade for what you want" is directly proportional to "how desirable is your unit?" People who own ski weeks, Christmas in warm, sunny climates and similar have an easier time.

But the associated costs go up.

I suggest you do deep dives into the name-brand systems, and see if any of them stand out for you. They're all sufficiently different from each other that some might have deal-breaker rules/fees/trading-procedures while others have rules/fees/procedures you can live with.

I wish the new user questions included "peak season/shoulder season/low season" in addition to "1-5 stars." What you're going to get in Europe increases greatly if you don't want to be there when all the rest of the Americans are there. Personally, I can't stand fighting with crowds to get into museums, so I avoid high season entirely. I'd much rather have the city to myself.

And finally, how flexible are you? Every year, my wife and I have the "do we want to go to Malta, Spain or Norway" discussion. If you have to have Paris in mid-July, I wouldn't bother with timeshare at all. If you are OK with going "somewhere" in mid-July, things will work out better. And if you're OK with "Anywhere in Europe in during this five-month period" it will work out fine.

Thanks Scoop, very helpful. We like the big systems, because at some point we always travel to a big city once a year. However, a big part we are looking at the system is to travel globally in about four years. At that point, our flexibility is wide open. I share your feelings on fighting crowds, and we will likely look for off season the vast majority of time. Plus, not looking for France/Italy, but places like Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia etc. Will that make a difference? You mentioned associated fees, assuming off season travel and happy with 1 bedrooms… what type of associated fees are typical exchanging into Europe based on your experience? Thanks for the help!

 

[TampaGT]

Many people just join a facebook resort buy sell and rent page. I'm in several and often times there are weeks available for the mf value.

Bill

Thanks Bill, I’ll look into some and do some price comparisons. That’s a great point. We’ve had some great success with Facebook groups relating to real estate when dealing with military moves. I hadn’t thought to look for those with time sharing

 

[TampaGT]

Generally, International travel using timeshares is spotty. For the most part, resorts are in the countryside, not in European cities where Americans want to travel. Europeans LIVE in cities and that isn't where they want to holiday. Use timeshares in US, Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii, and use hotels and VRBO in Europe/Asia.

My usual $.02 worth. And for free, too.

Jim

Thanks Jim. I’m going to take a look at location of the timeshares based on your comment. Great points. We’ve been using AirB&B with great success traveling Europe (lots offer weekly discounts etc). And, right in the heart of some cool cities (we had a great trip to Prague this way). But, noticed these were starting to increase and didn’t know if timeshares could offer a value once retired over this option. Location wise could be an issue though, and I’ll take a look. Appreciate the help!

 

[BJRSanDiego]

If you decide to buy resale, consider the "standout" properties that are hard to get. Our standouts include Custom House, Newport Coast, OceanWatch, and several in Hilton Head.

I have exchanged into Newport Coast once a year for the past 12 years. My favorite time is mid Sept. when the kids are back in school but I have also gone in Oct, Nov and December. I find it a moderately easy trade. But that is because I deposited a Marriott and am requesting a Marriott. Marriott has a 22 day preference period on exchanging into other Marriotts. That can be a huge difference is you are trying to get into a Marriott with an out-of-network deposit.

I noted that Custom House, Newport Coast, Oceanwatch and four of the Hilton Head units are all Marriotts. So, it might make sense for the OP to consider whether or not they want to exchange into a Marriott or not.

 

[ScoopKona]

Thanks Scoop, very helpful. We like the big systems, because at some point we always travel to a big city once a year. However, a big part we are looking at the system is to travel globally in about four years. At that point, our flexibility is wide open. I share your feelings on fighting crowds, and we will likely look for off season the vast majority of time. Plus, not looking for France/Italy, but places like Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia etc. Will that make a difference? You mentioned associated fees, assuming off season travel and happy with 1 bedrooms… what type of associated fees are typical exchanging into Europe based on your experience? Thanks for the help!

First of all, European timeshares (with some exceptions) are out in the country -- because that's what Europeans escaping the city want.
When I travel there, it is rail all the way. So the first thing I look at when I see a resort available is "where is the closest train station." Ideally, walking distance. But cabs/uber are ok. (Let me add to that -- staying in the outskirts of a city and then taking a train into the city is often a great alternative to saying in the city itself. But there are only a handful of timeshares with easy rail access to a popular tourist city.)

If you want to drive in Europe, that makes things far easier -- except the driving in Europe part. I can't stand driving there and will never do so again. But many people love it. I'd rather be a slave to rail than sit in traffic jams on the Autostrada or find myself in a city when every street is one-way in the wrong direction and some streets are too narrow to fit a Fiat Panda.

For fees, there will be your maintenance fee, the exchange company membership fee. And then exchange fees.

As for "how hard is it to exchange to this place" -- that's impossible to answer honestly. I've traded to Venice (which is a hard one). But I've never managed a week in Paris. (I've purchased Getaways at an attractive per-night cost, for Paris.) I've stayed in Castles, Abbeys, condos, and old resorts built just after the war. Easily 20 different countries over the years. And I've been happy with all of them -- some more than others, of course.

But I don't travel like most people. We've tried a few times. And my wife and I have decided never to do so again -- nobody travels like we do. So any advice I give has to be filtered through that lens.

Timesharing can work. But whether it will work is mostly dependent on the traveler.

 

[Passepartout]

Thanks Jim. I’m going to take a look at location of the timeshares based on your comment. Great points. We’ve been using AirB&B with great success traveling Europe (lots offer weekly discounts etc). And, right in the heart of some cool cities (we had a great trip to Prague this way). But, noticed these were starting to increase and didn’t know if timeshares could offer a value once retired over this option. Location wise could be an issue though, and I’ll take a look. Appreciate the help!

IMO, too many people focus on the 'tradeability' of timeshares. That started as a side benefit. You own a 'second' vacation home somewhere, and if the stars align you can exchange it for somewhere else enjoyable. Sometimes it works, sometimes, not so much.

 

[TampaGT]

Do not buy a timeshare for exchanges as your main goal. You can pick up a cheap RCI week for that purpose and have access to RCI exchanges and low cost weeks. Exchanges are often not much of a deal and you might do better through one of the rental outfits. Buy a timeshare because you want to stay at that property.

Thanks, will look into this more

 

[TampaGT]

Just a thought - I may stand alone but I view timeshare as having two paths for different needs. The first path is for intended repeated uses of the same timeshare(s). The second path is for exploring or visiting many locations, likely some distance away, at various times during the year. Different timeshare products may be more cost efficient for these paths. For example, we have purchased resale weeks for the first path and are very happy with the cost and the ease of securing these reservations. Our needs are not met as well using the points program as it is too expensive and it's too hard to secure the reservations we want.

If you decide to buy resale, consider the "standout" properties that are hard to get. Our standouts include Custom House, Newport Coast, OceanWatch, and several in Hilton Head.

Thanks, based on this and other replies looking for some options for the second pathway. We will be off season a lot, and have ability to do last minute getaways.

 

[TampaGT]

IMO, too many people focus on the 'tradeability' of timeshares. That started as a side benefit. You own a 'second' vacation home somewhere, and if the stars align you can exchange it for somewhere else enjoyable. Sometimes it works, sometimes, not so much.

Thanks, I’ve definitely pursued this focusing on trading. And, seems there might be some better ways. How do you feel about last minute getaways and discounts via RCI and II, are these worthwhile over just renting or VRBO type options?

 

[ScoopKona]

Thanks, will look into this more

I 100% disagree with "don't buy one to exchange."

I bought a timeshare in my hometown. I will never, ever, ever stay there. If I go home, I have better places to stay. I bought it because Key West trades like a monster and I was working for the timeshare company.

I can't say that I've made every trade I want -- I haven't. But I've made so many of them (and some happy accidents of "let's give this place a try. What's the worst that can happen?")

I CAN say that I wring every last dollar out of that single week, and it is far and away the best thing I have ever purchased. Nothing I own brings that much joy to my life.

That being said, I'm probably going to sell the thing soon. I've moved too far away from Europe for "let's drop everything and fly to London" trips. And now I'm heading to Asia instead, where timesharing isn't nearly as robust. But if I simply walked away from my week, I feel it owes me absolutely nothing. I got far more from it than I ever spent.

If there's a poster boy for "buy a timeshare just to exchange it," that's me.

 

[TampaGT]

I have exchanged into Newport Coast once a year for the past 12 years. My favorite time is mid Sept. when the kids are back in school but I have also gone in Oct, Nov and December. I find it a moderately easy trade. But that is because I deposited a Marriott and am requesting a Marriott. Marriott has a 22 day preference period on exchanging into other Marriotts. That can be a huge difference is you are trying to get into a Marriott with an out-of-network deposit.

I noted that Custom House, Newport Coast, Oceanwatch and four of the Hilton Head units are all Marriotts. So, it might make sense for the OP to consider whether or not they want to exchange into a Marriott or not.

I like Marriott, and stay frequently in the hotels. But, was mindful of the additional costs of Marriott points on the resale market. Does that apply to all Marriott resales, or is the extra cost worthwhile in your opinion over other resale options?

 

[TampaGT]

I 100% disagree with "don't buy one to exchange."

I bought a timeshare in my hometown. I will never, ever, ever stay there. If I go home, I have better places to stay. I bought it because Key West trades like a monster and I was working for the timeshare company.

I can't say that I've made every trade I want -- I haven't. But I've made so many of them (and some happy accidents of "let's give this place a try. What's the worst that can happen?")

I CAN say that I wring every last dollar out of that single week, and it is far and away the best thing I have ever purchased. Nothing I own brings that much joy to my life.

That being said, I'm probably going to sell the thing soon. I've moved too far away from Europe for "let's drop everything and fly to London" trips. And now I'm heading to Asia instead, where timesharing isn't nearly as robust. But if I simply walked away from my week, I feel it owes me absolutely nothing. I got far more from it than I ever spent.

If there's a poster boy for "buy a timeshare just to exchange it," that's me.

Thanks Scoop, really appreciate the breakdown. And, in reference to your earlier comment share the sentiment about driving in Europe! We love to travel by train, and avoid driving there whenever possible. I’m going to research more on the options, but can see where an exchange membership would really help us maximize our travel budget. I'm drawn to the idea of finding last minute deals and maximizing exchange opportunities. Knowing what you know now, do you have any recommendations for resales that would trade well with all this in mind?

 

[TampaGT]

First of all, European timeshares (with some exceptions) are out in the country -- because that's what Europeans escaping the city want.
When I travel there, it is rail all the way. So the first thing I look at when I see a resort available is "where is the closest train station." Ideally, walking distance. But cabs/uber are ok. (Let me add to that -- staying in the outskirts of a city and then taking a train into the city is often a great alternative to saying in the city itself. But there are only a handful of timeshares with easy rail access to a popular tourist city.)

If you want to drive in Europe, that makes things far easier -- except the driving in Europe part. I can't stand driving there and will never do so again. But many people love it. I'd rather be a slave to rail than sit in traffic jams on the Autostrada or find myself in a city when every street is one-way in the wrong direction and some streets are too narrow to fit a Fiat Panda.

For fees, there will be your maintenance fee, the exchange company membership fee. And then exchange fees.

As for "how hard is it to exchange to this place" -- that's impossible to answer honestly. I've traded to Venice (which is a hard one). But I've never managed a week in Paris. (I've purchased Getaways at an attractive per-night cost, for Paris.) I've stayed in Castles, Abbeys, condos, and old resorts built just after the war. Easily 20 different countries over the years. And I've been happy with all of them -- some more than others, of course.

But I don't travel like most people. We've tried a few times. And my wife and I have decided never to do so again -- nobody travels like we do. So any advice I give has to be filtered through that lens.

Timesharing can work. But whether it will work is mostly dependent on the traveler.

This is one of the reasons we are drawn to timeshares, love the idea of traveling to multiple places and staying at a range of places. We’ve stayed in a variety of 1-5 star places, and typically always have a good trip. We plan to the extent of maximizing our budget (big trip, big plan), but are perfectly comfortable jumping on a last minute trip if price is right. And, we really enjoy going to unique places. Thanks again for sharing Scoop! Sounds like y’all have had some great adventures!

 

[ScoopKona]

. Knowing what you know now, do you have any recommendations for resales that would trade well with all this in mind?

I only know ONE timeshare system. And I won't fall for the "just answer with what I bought" trap. That isn't advice. It's validation. It does you no good whatsoever. I can only point you towards an operational strategy and hope you find something which you like.

The absolute first thing I'd do is look for a suitable RCI resort and rent it. (Interval, too. But they don't let the public look at their resort directory.) Rent some timeshares before you buy anything. See how you like it. "Would I be OK with this if I spent $1-2K per year for it?"

In addition to all the other advice, I would look into finding a resort which is a member of both RCI and II -- now you have the maximum trade opportunities. This will very likely be a non-name-brand. So you're stuck with "buy a week, own a week, trade for a week." That could be a deal breaker. I like "own a week, trade it for three or four weeks."

In addition, there is a Europe-Only system called Hapimag. Look into that, too. (Won't help you anywhere which isn't Europe. So S America and the US are out with that system.)