best timeshare for specials, cash buys, last minute deals

[chosshaul]

hello I have been reading this forum on and off for years now. I still haven’t pulled the trigger on any timeshare yet, but I have learned about some of the programs and been tempted for a resale.

If one bought a low MF timeshare, which program has the best last minute deals, short stay options, special offers for cash, etc? I’m in the NW, but feel free to expound on anywhere in the US.

Also if anyone knows any other websites that give any of these perks without ownership, please let us know!

1. worldmark really stood out for having inventory specials and Monday madness.. this seemed like a great way to get some very reasonable trips without too much commitment. A low MF points membership can really be a great value if they use these options

2. Interval international— has getaway sales, extra vacations, and last minute deals. Any thoughts of these are worth it or best way to get into it? From what I know Marriott, Disney, Westgate, Hyat use this option. These are more upscale options than RCI generally. Apparently the HVC (Old diamond resort properties) trade in interval though.


3. RCI has getaways, extra vacations, and last calls. Partners include Hilton grand vacation company, Wyndham, Westgate, and several others

4. GPX- don’t know much about this other than it is mentioned sometimes.


In addition each timeshare company seems to have their own deals like Hilton short stays, Diamond resort deals, Marriott deals, etc.

 

[kanerf]

As always, buy where you want to stay and worry about the trading later.

 

[HudsHut]

Since you're in the NorthWest, WM is a given. It has 90 resorts you may reserve DIRECTLY - without using an Exchange Company. (In other words, you would not have to join an exchange company unless you wanted to.)

The other things you mention are Exchange Companies -- you must own a timeshare which is affiliated with each of them. WM owners may join both II and RCI.

As you noted, in additional to exchanging a "week for a week", the Exchange Companies offer "cash rentals". You just pay cash, you don't need to Exchange your home resort week. II calls them "Getaways". RCI calls them "Extra Vacations" and "Last Call".

 

[chosshaul]

Since you're in the NorthWest, WM is a given. It has 90 resorts you may reserve DIRECTLY - without using an Exchange Company. (In other words, you would not have to join an exchange company unless you wanted to.)

The other things you mention are Exchange Companies -- you must own a timeshare which is affiliated with each of them. WM owners may join both II and RCI.

As you noted, in additional to exchanging a "week for a week", the Exchange Companies offer "cash rentals". You just pay cash, you don't need to Exchange your home resort week. II calls them "Getaways". RCI calls them "Extra Vacations" and "Last Call".

That’s pretty good to know that wm trades in both exchanges. Sounds like I might have to start looking for some wm points to test it out. I wonder if worldmark trades well enough to get more premium properties in interval.

 

[sue1947]

As always, buy where you want to stay and worry about the trading later.

This. I also live in the NW and have had both RCI and II over the years. The last minute deals aren't a reason to buy. Most are in places with lots of timeshares which isn't the NW. So yes to last minute deals in Orlando or Palm Springs, but that also means last minute air fare. The last minute deals within a day's drive are few and far between. Add in a place and time I want to visit there and it's even more rare (and I like off season and lesser known spots). They do exist, but don't count on it. Buy who has what you want and where you want.

 

[bizaro86]

If you are interested in the off-season in the NW then Worldmark is a great choice for cash deals