Does [timesharing] still make sense?? [MERGED]

[raffal]

Maybe that's silly question,- but in 2024 ppl still buying a timeshare ??-- in the world of Airbnbs,- discounted travel sites, VRBOs etc,- do you believe owning a timeshare makes sense ??- wonder what's your opinions are tx , Raf

 

[jp10558]

You should probably search the forum a bit, but I do think resale purchases of good timeshares when you match to your likely use make sense. I regularly see people make the case that Aribnb and VRBO etc obviate Timeshares, but as far as I can tell in my actual attempted trip planning, you'll pay a lot more than MFs (except perhaps the most expensive timeshare systems) for equivalent 2BR condos in VRBO or AirBnB. Hotels, even discount search ones, tend to be similar in cost for 1 hotel room vs a 2BR "full MF price" timeshare unit.

All this of course only matters if you're going where there are timeshares and you can get availability. So if you're going to say Lake George, NY - you're looking at hotels or vacasa or airbnb. But if you're going to say Orlando or Vegas or much of Florida in general - I have not seen week long 2BR prices anywhere near the Getaway or Extra Vacation price of $800 or less, forget about last calls at ~ $500 after tax and fees...

The only other reason I can see to use Airbnb or VRBO or vacasa etc is if your group is quite big and you would need 5+ bedrooms and want to all be in the same place. Then renting one of the big 8BR vacation houses can make sense, but it's still likely similar price to even paying $2k per 2BR unit, which is on the high side in a lot of locations.

The places where it doesn't make sense is if you can't plan, don't like figuring out the system to get the best deals, or rarely want to go to any of the locations with timeshares.

 

[jackio]

My son-in-law, late last year, bought VV Williamsburg (resale) in order to trade. They have been enjoying our exchanges for years, and he wanted to get in. He has joined TUG, and has already exchanged to OKW at Spring break, and Boston Custom House during winter break.
He feels he saves a lot vs. hotels or VBRO’s.

 

[dioxide45]

Maybe that's silly question,- but in 2024 ppl still buying a timeshare ??-- in the world of Airbnbs,- discounted travel sites, VRBOs etc,- do you believe owning a timeshare makes sense ??- wonder what's your opinions are tx , Raf

Given that the timeshare companies seem to have record sales year over year, I would say people are still buying.

 

[jwalk03]

My timeshares allow me to travel to fabulous resorts for far less than the cost of any other accommodations. Why pay more to stay in a crappy AirBnB instead of a 4-star resort property?

Just have to be an informed buyer and learn the timeshare system to maximize the benefits! And only buy resale!!

 

[AJCts411]

Does it male sense? Depends on the reasons why you are considering buying a timeshare. It either fits or not with those reasons. I bought in Key West, because 1) Desirability - I wanted to return at least once a year. 2) Cost - The affordability of renting was creeping up and up, and it was easy to predict that if I did not buy a week or two, I would not be able to afford to visit KW in retirement. Maintenance fees are easily 65% LESS than comparable rentals. 3) Exit strategy - I found that I could reasonably expect to recover my initial costs or even get a return on the initial purchase cost. 4) Renting - a desirable, in demand location, rents well. 4) trading - Personally never traded but there are locations that do appeal to me.

 

[e.bram]

With the creation of points and vacation clubs timeshares do not exist anymore except for a few deeded units available resale.

 

[raffal]

Question: out of many timeshare " systems " out there , vacation clubs etc.- in your opinion which one is closest to perfection -) i understand what works for one doesnt necessarily works for the other one,- but I guess what im aiming here is to find " sweet spot ",- ) I know many ppl own mulitiple timeshares , diff companies - so they must like one over the other : availability, ease of exchanges , reasonable maintenance fees etc ,- curious what's your take on that , tx Raf

 

[chapjim]

Good Luck!

 

[vacationtime1]

No system is perfect -- or even close.

But I think you are asking the wrong questions. I would start with where do you live, where do you want to vacation, what kinds of vacations do you seek, what is your budget, and similar.

Because the "perfect" timeshare system for some may be totally unworkable for others.

 

[e.bram]

Not Timeshare just Systems Timeshares no longer exist!

 

[claraj]

My experience with Airbnb haven't all been great. The pictures are deceiving, didn't have internet in Copenhagen, charged for broken furniture I didn't break ... While I'll still use Airbnb when it's the only option, timeshare and hotels are still my first choice.

 

[Hindsite]

I've not found an Airbnb that as as many pools, spas, restaurants and activities on site as my fav timeshares for a similar cost.
I'm sure they have a place and you can pay what you want to get what you want, but not so far for us.

 

[alexinorlando]

I would say one of the “big 3” Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham.

Marriott - Overall quality of resorts and service best of the 3, but also the most expensive (get what you pay for). Has some complexities regarding old weeks system vs. new points system. I personally am a fan of the points system due to more flexibility and availability. Many on here will have different opinions as to why weeks are better.

Hilton- most of the original HGVC resorts are nice and higher quality, some real good values in purchases and maintenance fees, some complexities with new Max program and resorts.

Wyndham- Quality of resorts mixed. The newer bigger ones are really nice, however have lots of older / smaller properties that are not as nice. However the amount of locations and ease of use make up for lack of quality. Also Wyndham tends to have more availability last minute than the others.

So in conclusion if you want the best resorts, with lots of flexibility and locations and you mind paying for it buy Marriott points. Next best Hilton, but Wyndham points are one of the best values with some of the most locations.

Or be like myself and some other tuggers and get all 3 .

 

[dazzlingheart]

We bought our timeshare this last April. I won't stay in anything like an Airbnb again. I like the service (especially the concierge) and amenities of our timeshare. Plus, in the long run, it is cheaper than booking hotels and buying a second vacation home.

 

[dazzlingheart]

I am partial to Hilton Grand Vacations I like the number of properties they have available. I like being able to book those properties without a booking fee through HGV Max. I like that you can book locations for relatively few points if you are flexible. For example, we booked a studio for 5 nights at Elara Las Vegas for 1280 points and a studio for 7 nights at The Cove Ormond Beach (Daytona) for 1800 points. And, I like the Hilton brand in general. If we had the money, we might have gone with Marriott Vacation Club. Their location in Palm Springs looks amazing. Other than that, I do not know much about how their system works...we went with HGV anyway.

 

[RX8]

@raffal The answer is simple in theory. The "perfect" timeshare is one that you find value in your stays in relation to what you pay in fees (maintenance fees, exchange fees, reservation fees, banking fees, etc...), have locations where you like to visit and the ability to make the reservations you want, when you want.

I say simple in theory because there are so many other variables. Having a very low maintenance fee, while giving a good value short term, will likely cost you in the long term with special assessments to cover deferred maintenance. Assessments tend to make people angry about their perfect timeshare. These timeshares are also especially difficult to give away free. Also, if you can't plan many months in advance then even the perfect timeshare will be a frustration when you can't find something to book.

 

[DeniseM]

I recommend that you answer these questions to see if it makes sense for YOU: https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/what-to-buy-questions-for-new-timeshare-owners.208742/

 

[WaikikiFirst]

????????? If there were ever a "it depends" olympics, that question would make the podium. 3 big depends of many:
Where do you want to go? and this dwarfs all the others
Do you crave a pool? which seems to be a BIG thing at most TSs, even some in urban-esgue areas
Do you want a kitchen or do you want to eat out? subsidiary to this Do you want to actually COOK in said kitchen?

My "next TS" purchase has been delayed because we have been going to Asia in the summer and in the winter, well, it is under discussion.
Depends where you want to go

 

[raffal]

I recommend that you answer these questions to see if it makes sense for YOU: https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/what-to-buy-questions-for-new-timeshare-owners.208742/

Im pretty sure those older answers

 

[raffal]

No system is perfect -- or even close.

But I think you are asking the wrong questions. I would start with where do you live, where do you want to vacation, what kinds of vacations do you seek, what is your budget, and similar.

Because the "perfect" timeshare system for some may be totally unworkable for others.

There is not wrong questions- u just don't know

 

[raffal]

Hey guys question is a question- if u don't know - don't answer - it is simple - I don't need " philosophers here ,-) straight to the point

 

[DeniseM]

We offer these questions to newbies, so we can make more accurate recommendations about whether timesharing will work for you. If you don't want to, that's fine, but we have no idea how to answer your question, because we don't know YOU.

1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?

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?

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?

4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?

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?

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?

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?

 

[raffal]

I would say one of the “big 3” Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham.

Marriott - Overall quality of resorts and service best of the 3, but also the most expensive (get what you pay for). Has some complexities regarding old weeks system vs. new points system. I personally am a fan of the points system due to more flexibility and availability. Many on here will have different opinions as to why weeks are better.

Hilton- most of the original HGVC resorts are nice and higher quality, some real good values in purchases and maintenance fees, some complexities with new Max program and resorts.

Wyndham- Quality of resorts mixed. The newer bigger ones are really nice, however have lots of older / smaller properties that are not as nice. However the amount of locations and ease of use make up for lack of quality. Also Wyndham tends to have more availability last minute than the others.

So in conclusion if you want the best resorts, with lots of flexibility and locations and you mind paying for it buy Marriott points. Next best Hilton, but Wyndham points are one of the best values with some of the most locations.

Or be like myself and some other tuggers and get all 3 .

Thank you !- that's what I was looking for : straight to the point!

 

[DeniseM]

Your question is like asking: What is the best flavor of ice cream? Because there are a lot of good timeshare systems, and one size doesn't fit all. It has a lot to do with your travel style and budget, and we don't know what yours is.