Best timeshares outside Starwood Network

[Bob808]

Where are the best timeshares to trade for outside SVN?

 

[optimist]

Hyatt has always been a great trader if you want access to Interval inventory and Hilton is very good for RCI.

Hyatt was recently bought out by interval's parent company so it remains to be seen what changes if any, are in the works.

 

[DeniseM]

If you are asking about trading a Starwood timeshare for a non-Starwood timeshare with Interval International, there are several things to take into consideration:

-Marriott is one of the top systems, and it is in Interval, like Starwood, but Marriott owners have first priority for Marriott deposits, so it's harder to get Marriott exchanges.

-Some top systems like DVC and Hilton are only affiliated with RCI.

-The Starwood resorts you own are expensive - I think you will find it difficult to get an equal value in a trade. It's like depositing a Mercedes in a pool of Chevys.

-With an expensive resort, it's often better to rent your timeshare, and use the funds to rent exactly what you want from another owner. That way you can also get the view you desire. With an exchange company exchange, you are unlikely to get a good view.

 

[Steve]

The Four Seasons resorts...Aviara and Scottsdale...are the cream of the crop in timeshares. They are certainly worthy of your consideration as they are true luxury resorts.

Steve

 

[lizap]

You are likely going to have to be flexible as to travel dates to get an exchange into one of these..

The Four Seasons resorts...Aviara and Scottsdale...are the cream of the crop in timeshares. They are certainly worthy of your consideration as they are true luxury resorts.

Steve

 

[lizap]

Marriott, Hyatt, and Four Seasons would be my top choices. Using my Hyatt, I have gotten some excellent Marriott trades, so I think a Starwood trade is doable, especially if you can travel in shoulder or off-peak times..

Where are the best timeshares to trade for outside SVN?

 

[margalita4]

We own Starwood in Orlando. I've traded to a Marriott in Williamsburg, Virginia, many many years ago. It was beautiful and we were very happy with the trade. Week was Labor Day week so it was the start of off-season. This year, I traded it to another Marriott. The Marriott Villas in Miami, Florida. We will go in mid-month in July. Yes, I would definitely stick with the big names.

 

[PamMo]

If Cabo San Lucas is of any interest to you, Grand Solmar at Land's End ( www.grandsolmarresort.com ) is a great trade in II (II code is GSE) - especially the 1BR's and larger. The studios are very nice, but the larger units are downright luxurious. The service and amenities are excellent, and the setting at Land's End is absolutely spectacular!

 

[deemarket]

If Cabo San Lucas is of any interest to you, Grand Solmar at Land's End ( www.grandsolmarresort.com ) is a great trade in II (II code is GSE) - especially the 1BR's and larger. The studios are very nice, but the larger units are downright luxurious. The service and amenities are excellent, and the setting at Land's End is absolutely spectacular!

Does the beach there have calm waters?

 

[PamMo]

No, you shouldn't swim in the ocean there because of the high waves and rip current (you're right on the tip of Baja where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, so the ocean is roiling big time). Some people DO swim and skimboard on Solmar Beach, but they are extremely experienced, strong swimmers - or loco. Even though the beach is marked with flags, and staff patrol the beach asking you to stay out of the water, some poor tourist gets caught by a wave every year and gets in BIG trouble.

I thought I'd miss swimming in the ocean, but I don't miss it there. We love watching the massive waves roll up the beach, and seeing whales breach offshore. Swimming in one of several gorgeous infinity pools, or taking a short water taxi ride to Medano Beach, works for our family.

We own several studios at Grand Solmar and use them every year for family get togethers. Most of our brothers and sisters never had a desire to vacation in Mexico, and couldn't figure out why we went to Cabo every year. After one trip, they couldn't wait to go back. We'd be disowned by our families if we didn't bring them down with us! (We alternate years with DH's family and mine now.)