- Joined
- Apr 30, 2016
- Messages
- 2,851
- Reaction score
- 2,618
- Resorts Owned
- SVR, SDO, WKORV-N, Westin Flex, HGVC (BLVD)
Interesting point about MF. I never thought of it that way. I just could never get around the idea that a 600 sf plus condo costs 1 k or more a week to maintain. Even factoring in your share of the common areas (1/52 of 1 unit/all units). I know resorts cost money to maintain the pool and front of house but still can’t believe it’s 1K a week or more.
I suppose I can’t get around the term “maintenance” fee. When I think maintenance, I think painting, cleaning, repairing and sometimes replacing. I don’t think profits. Whenever I go to a timeshare, I just don’t see 50 k a year plus per unit in work.
The MF that really has my head spinning are some resorts in Maui charging 3 k a week “maintenance”. Some argue that’s cheap compared to what the cost would be renting. I’m thinking, why the hell would I pay more than 200 bucks a night? And I can get a nice condo in Maui for that with no problem.
I suppose as long as my head spins on MF, I will probably stay renting. Those nightly numbers just make sense to me I suppose.
Renting and exchanging can work for a subset of timeshare users - especially those that have the luxury of not being tied to school schedules, work commitments and don't mind the quality/space of accommodations. For those of us not lucky enough to meet those criteria, TS ownership is a more cost effective model.
I've just tried a search for an upcoming vacation on AirBnB using the exact same dates as I currently have booked at WKORV-N in late-June/Early July (14 days total). The cheapest AirBnB comes in at $246/night and then you have to add on service fees, cleaning fees, occupancy taxes etc. This rental is listed as being able to accommodate 6 people; however, it is only 600+ square feet and isn't an oceanfront resort. Just about everything else that is even remotely comparable to what we have booked is around $650+/night minimum.
In contrast if we were using our ownership week our cost would be around $2800/week or around $400/night (our upcoming stay is actually via StarOptions for which we are paying around $283/night). With this we get a 2BR lock-off unit with over 1200 square feet of space, a well maintained pool, professional housekeeping, security, fitness facilities, free transportation shuttle into town, valet parking (first night free, additional charge thereafter), concierge service etc. Best of all we can be in the ocean three minutes after leaving our unit. Keep in mind that if Maui didn't tax the hell out of TS owners relative to residential properties the costs would be greatly lower (we will end up paying $480 in a variety of taxes for that week, not including the TAT paid at the end of stay).
The other thing is that comparing a commercial quality resort to what are sometimes residential quality accommodations is not even close. The standards I feel are much higher in terms of fixtures, HVAC and power systems, landscaping and the replacement frequency of items is much higher (beds, kitchenware etc.). Does it all add up to $2800 to maintain in a week? Probably not - but the experience dollar-to-dollar is superior to renting IMO.