How does a timeshare save me money?

[shifty1981]

Bxian,

Thanks for taking this topic back. I would definitely consider Florida. I think we just have to commit to the funds if that's the case. Plain and simple, flying costs significantly more than driving. Example:

Round trip one way from Boston to Richmond would cost around $200 per person. That's around $450 when you count taxes, fees, extra luggage. Then to rent a car for a week at $40/day you're adding another $280. And that's if you can get a good deal on a sedan. If you need an SUV, easily add $100. So now we're talking about $830 for flying and driving. If you subtract $50 for the extra you'd spend on gas for a significant amount of extra driving then you're at $780 extra for going somewhere you can't drive. It's not like that amount might not be worth it, it's just something you have to budget for if you're going to commit to that. I've seen Jet Blue round trip tickets for $150 before so that's not impossible. It's all about timing though.

Getting back to the original topic.......

Shifty, would you consider Florida? Boston will soon be a Southwest Air city. We have consistently been able to grab fares f0r $200 or less r/t to Florida from Philadelphia or Atlantic City.

We bought at the Charter Club of Marco Beach and love it there. We stayed at a hotel near the resort on vaction a few years ago. At the time, I was still learning about timeshares (resale, via TUG of course). We walked down and took a tour. We bought a resale through the resort for a pretty reasonable price-and with no sales pressure at all. The Charter Club is part of HGVC as an affliliate. We have owned a 2 bedroom float week for 3 years. In that time, we have stayed at our home resort twice and traded into HGVC South Beach, HGVC Tuscany (Orlando) and Grand Pacific Palisades near San Diego. We are going to one of HGVC's Scotland resorts in September. I think that being able to make lunch and breakfast in the unit and grill a couple of nights has saved us money, even when you take our maintenance fees into account. We love the flexibility of HGVC. We have not booked via RCI as of yet.

I am thinking that when I retire (if that day ever comes) that we will travel off season using a combination of timeshare, Hilton hotel points and cruses. All have their positive and negative points. Right now, I have too long a vacation wish list and too little time

 

[shifty1981]

Hey Shifty:

How about this place?

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-BR-Lockoff-VE...md=ViewItem&pt=Timeshares&hash=item3cad7bf188

2 Bedroom Lock off (great idea, you can get 2-4 weeks in exchange per year from one Maintenance Fee). MF of only $750. It is in Vermont, in Summer so it can probably be rented if you cannot use it. You can drive to it.

I don't live on the East Coast, but I like the looks of it.

Idea looks right. But if you look at the reviews it leaves a lot to be desired. Thanks for the idea though.

 

[bankr63]

We're all learning...

And I for one am glad to see it back on topic. Personally I would like to apologize for some of the other Tuggers here who seem to be intent on taking you to the woodshed. I certainly see the lightbulbs coming on for you, and am impressed by your ability to absorb alot of the information provided here.

I vote also for "own where you want to go" not "own where you live". We spend our summers here in Ontario camping in many of our great provincial parks. In the winter, we rent chalets at Mt Tremblant Quebec for skiing for much less than a TS (skiing weekends for a group of 40 somethings, about $35 per person in a 4 bedroom chalet). I don't want to own around here - it's too easy to get stuff here easily for cheap. But Tremblant (GREAT skiing) might be a consideration for you - just beware of the Intrawest troubles.

The thought of the drive to Orlando (24 hrs from here) has never bothered me if I can't afford the $3K in airfare to get my whole crew there (plus a few hundred for car rental - but watch National, they occasionally offer their SUVs at midsize price - already have mine reserved for 2011). I haven't actually done the drive YET, but know many who have, and since I love driving, I figure it's an option if I can't afford air. Driving is MUCH cheaper, even factoring in a hotel stay halfway. The only downside would be loss of time at destination. Personally, I can get to Florida easily and affordably, I LOVE vacationing there, and my trade value for the years I don't want to be in FL so far seem to be good (based on a whopping 3 trades so far...)

To all of you who have offered advice, thanks. As a not so neophyte, but still relatively new, I am learning much as well from this thread, both about timesharing, and about the character of some of the people on this BBS. Let's hope that some here can learn about offering the benefit of the doubt to those who are new...

M Ross

Bxian,

Thanks for taking this topic back. I would definitely consider Florida. I think we just have to commit to the funds if that's the case. Plain and simple, flying costs significantly more than driving. Example:

Round trip one way from Boston to Richmond would cost around $200 per person. That's around $450 when you count taxes, fees, extra luggage. Then to rent a car for a week at $40/day you're adding another $280. And that's if you can get a good deal on a sedan. If you need an SUV, easily add $100. So now we're talking about $830 for flying and driving. If you subtract $50 for the extra you'd spend on gas for a significant amount of extra driving then you're at $780 extra for going somewhere you can't drive. It's not like that amount might not be worth it, it's just something you have to budget for if you're going to commit to that. I've seen Jet Blue round trip tickets for $150 before so that's not impossible. It's all about timing though.

 

[shifty1981]

FWIW the von trapp family lodge villa looks stunning. I would love to rent there. But I don't know if I would buy it. We don't ski as of yet and it's early december. in any case I'd want to rent first. Maybe if we stay at Smuggs we'll make a trip there to visit.

 

[shifty1981]

Know of any good canadian places within 7 hours of Boston that you'd recommend for a couple with an infant? We're looking for a luxurious room and fun stuff to do with an infant (hikes, tours, pool, sight seeing, golf, etc).

And I for one am glad to see it back on topic. Personally I would like to apologize for some of the other Tuggers here who seem to be intent on taking you to the woodshed. I certainly see the lightbulbs coming on for you, and am impressed by your ability to absorb alot of the information provided here.

I vote also for "own where you want to go" not "own where you live". We spend our summers here in Ontario camping in many of our great provincial parks. In the winter, we rent chalets at Mt Tremblant Quebec for skiing for much less than a TS (skiing weekends for a group of 40 somethings, about $35 per person in a 4 bedroom chalet). I don't want to own around here - it's too easy to get stuff here easily for cheap. But Tremblant (GREAT skiing) might be a consideration for you - just beware of the Intrawest troubles.

The thought of the drive to Orlando (24 hrs from here) has never bothered me if I can't afford the $3K in airfare to get my whole crew there (plus a few hundred for car rental - but watch National, they occasionally offer their SUVs at midsize price - already have mine reserved for 2011). I haven't actually done the drive YET, but know many who have, and since I love driving, I figure it's an option if I can't afford air. Driving is MUCH cheaper, even factoring in a hotel stay halfway. The only downside would be loss of time at destination. Personally, I can get to Florida easily and affordably, I LOVE vacationing there, and my trade value for the years I don't want to be in FL so far seem to be good (based on a whopping 3 trades so far...)

To all of you who have offered advice, thanks. As a not so neophyte, but still relatively new, I am learning much as well from this thread, both about timesharing, and about the character of some of the people on this BBS. Let's hope that some here can learn about offering the benefit of the doubt to those who are new...

M Ross

 

[bankr63]

Only one I know...

For Eastern Canada, the only top-flight four season resort I know is Mont-Tremblant Quebec. There are other resorts around here, but none offer the amenities of Tremblant. Google maps puts it at 7 hours 1 minute drive from Boston, MA. I don't know the resorts in the Maritime Provinces area, there should be some good ones there too within 7 hrs of Boston.

Upside of Tremblant is a vibrant life in winter (Alpine and X-Country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding) and summer (golf, cycling, hiking, swimming, festivals), and great fall colour in the shoulder season.

Downside is that Club Intrawest, the main developer of the resort area, has faced some financial difficulty this year. Not sure how bad the situation is as I haven't followed closely, but certainly needs research before considering in the area. But with the try before you buy policy, things should settle out before you ever ink a deed.

M Ross

Know of any good canadian places within 7 hours of Boston that you'd recommend for a couple with an infant? We're looking for a luxurious room and fun stuff to do with an infant (hikes, tours, pool, sight seeing, golf, etc).

 

[rickandcindy23]

Shux, I just always figured Lifetime Membership was an honorary designation awarded by the Grand Pro for various forms of service judged to be above & beyond the call of duty.

Are the same people keeping track of your progress toward coveted Lifetime Member status as the ones counting up your Referral Awards, which are good for temporary membership extensions ?

Just wondering.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

I am pretty sure Brian or Makai Guy keeps track of the awards, and when y ou get 10 new members, you are lifetime. I want that.

 

[falmouth3]

Know of any good canadian places within 7 hours of Boston that you'd recommend for a couple with an infant? We're looking for a luxurious room and fun stuff to do with an infant (hikes, tours, pool, sight seeing, golf, etc).

Just sent you an email about a great rental opportunity at Smuggler's in Vermont. I am not the owner, it's through SFX.

 

[shifty1981]

Just sent you an email about a great rental opportunity at Smuggler's in Vermont. I am not the owner, it's through SFX.

What is their policy on renting exchanges through sfx? I read on another forum it's ok to pay the exchange and guest fee, so long as you're not profitting but can't find the rules written anywhere. I don't know what those fees are though.

 

[rickandcindy23]

What is their policy on renting exchanges through sfx? I read on another forum it's ok to pay the exchange and guest fee, so long as you're not profitting but can't find the rules written anywhere. I don't know what those fees are though.

SFX is renting it, not the poster.

OMG the deals on SFX's sell-off list are fabulous right now, but very last-minute. The deal for Smugg's is $99 (Platinum) for check-in Sunday into a 3 bed!!

 

[shifty1981]

Wait, what do I do? I'm so confused. I want to go!!!!!

SFX is renting it, not the poster.

OMG the deals on SFX's sell-off list are fabulous right now, but very last-minute. The deal for Smugg's is $99 (Platinum) for check-in Sunday into a 3 bed!!

 

[rickandcindy23]

I would call SFX and tell them you would like to join, even though you don't yet own a timeshare. 866-855-1214 http://www.sfx-resorts.com/membership.html

 

[shifty1981]

Actually I checked and they can give it a guest, just not for commercial (profit). This might be a huge blessing. $200 for a 3 bedroom! Just gotta wait till they open. They did say I can't be a member unless I own a resort they would want me to add to the exchange pool.

Blake

SFX is renting it, not the poster.

OMG the deals on SFX's sell-off list are fabulous right now, but very last-minute. The deal for Smugg's is $99 (Platinum) for check-in Sunday into a 3 bed!!

 

[ace2000]

I would call SFX and tell them you would like to join, even though you don't yet own a timeshare. 866-855-1214 http://www.sfx-resorts.com/membership.html

Does SFX have a lot of Branson inventory??? Just curious.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Does SFX have a lot of Branson inventory??? Just curious.

SFX is a conundrum. They supposedly have prime inventory, great stuff, but they have no online system, so you pretty much put in a request and hope they can match it. I have no idea if they have Branson, because I have never requested that area.

I would say their Hawaii inventory is very limited, because they can never do a thing for me. I have deposited two Wyn Kona Hawaiian Village weeks and haven't had any luck in getting anything on Maui or Kauai, even when I have asked for a wide range of dates. I require a 2 bedroom, and I deposited a 2 bedroom, but they act like that's impossible to get for me. It's frustrating.

We finally used our one week we deposited three years ago to go to San Francisco and had a wonderful time. It was truly an outstanding experience, but I think that online searching would help their business. I am pretty much sick of the hassle.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Actually I checked and they can give it a guest, just not for commercial (profit). This might be a huge blessing. $200 for a 3 bedroom! Just gotta wait till they open. They did say I can't be a member unless I own a resort they would want me to add to the exchange pool.

Blake

They didn't know what I owned when I joined. I just joined, then I deposited within about a year. We own a large number of weeks, but only a few of our resorts qualify for deposit with SFX.

 

[falmouth3]

Does SFX have a lot of Branson inventory??? Just curious.

They told me that they didn't accept Branson because they had little to no requests for it. But I saw a unit a few months back on their sell-off list. They may have gotten access to that through another company. Their methods of getting inventory is a company secret.

Mark from SFX has stated that there are very few units available on Maui that are larger than a 1 BR, so if you must have a 2 BR, then it's a difficult trade.

Sue

 

[shifty1981]

This is amazing. So check it out:

First the sfx lady was super friendly. However she gave me a heart attack. When I went online to reserve the smugglers notch week it was gone! I couldn't believe it. Almost puked. I called her and up and sure enough she pulled it from the sight for me just in case. I was sooooo relieved.

Then she explained that if I was thinking of buying I could sign up for free gold membership and when I bought I could start depositing it and getting bonus weeks. However in the mean time I could still buy the sell-offs! The best part about this (besides the price) is that now I'm "renting" from SFX, not a private person which carries more risks.

Well I did this and sure enough it worked perfectly. Now on Sunday we're heading up to Smuggs for a week, in a 3 bedroom unit for $199!!!! We're so stoked.

Even though most of the activities don't end up opening until June 11th, we're ok with this because our 6 month old is too young to participate and we plan on doing a lot of area day trips.

3 weeks ago someone booked 2 rentals in 3 bedroom units for $200 on ebay. We thought we were going to have to pay upwards of $800+ Now we're going for $28.57/night! No way Priceline can beat that rate. I guess Timesharing can save me money after all!

* just kidding, I knew it could save money. we are still going to cook food, do laundry, etc.

Thank you Sue for sending me the PM about this deal. I'm so grateful. Wish I lived in California so I could do some of the other sell-offs they have.

 

[RedDogSD]

I live in California but was not thrilled with the other Sell offs. Their Palm Desert rates are a tad high. The SF prices are pretty good. Maybe I will see if my parents want to go.

 

[RedDogSD]

By the way, what is the cost of the Platinum membership? Their website does not say.

 

[shifty1981]

I don't know. I think someone told me it's like $300 for 5 years. Maybe higher now.

By the way, what is the cost of the Platinum membership? Their website does not say.

 

[shifty1981]

What about them didn't thrill you? You're saying their low rates are typical values you can rent for?

I live in California but was not thrilled with the other Sell offs. Their Palm Desert rates are a tad high. The SF prices are pretty good. Maybe I will see if my parents want to go.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I love Branson and don't understand why SFX wouldn't accept weeks there. They have several in their directory.

Yes, shifty, you are sure already saving money with timeshare. What a deal! I have a Platinum membership and couldn't believe the $99 price. I never take advantage of those deals. I should be more flexible.

 

[shifty1981]

I just called Smuggs and they confirmed what building I'd be in. It's Sycamore which looks pretty decent based on pictures and layout online. Looking forward!

I love Branson and don't understand why SFX wouldn't accept weeks there. They have several in their directory.

Yes, shifty, you are sure already saving money with timeshare. What a deal! I have a Platinum membership and couldn't believe the $99 price. I never take advantage of those deals. I should be more flexible.

 

[RedDogSD]

What about them didn't thrill you? You're saying their low rates are typical values you can rent for?

Interval has much better deals on much nicer properties.

Marriott Desert Springs: $227 for Studio or $297 for a 1 bedroom. Only reason to book the $599 one with SFX is that you HAVE to have a 2 bedroom, but I would still book a Studio and a 1 bedroom with the Marriott and ask them to join them into the 2 bedroom for less money.