Inspirato / Vacation Clubs vs. Timeshares

[CalGalTraveler]

We just received an invitation in the mail for a free vacation rental to try Inspirato. Before we respond and have sales people pressing us, I would appreciate your perspectives.

1) Has anyone used one of these free offers? If so, were sales people boxing your ears the entire trip? Was the trip valuable? Should I take this offer?

2) What are pros/cons to vacation clubs vs. 4 - 5 star timeshares + II or RCI?

3) Do all vacation clubs operate the same? How do they compare?

4) Is there value in a club like this for 2 - 3 people?

 

[VacationForever]

I had looked at Inspirato about 2 to 3 years ago. Very high membership fees and large homes. Once they got my name, they hounded me for several days even though I had said no and please do not call me. Just 2 of us travelling and it is just not the right model for us.

 

[DeniseM]

I have never seen a Vacation Club that could produce what they promised, and they go in and out of business at an alarming rate.

Like other upfront fee companies, their primary goal is to get your membership fee - that is how they make their money.

In general, they promise fabulous properties - but have very limited inventory.

If/when they go out of business, you get nothing, because you bought a club membership - not real property.

Bottom line: Why join a club when you can rent vacation properties and timeshares with no on-going obligation or membership fees, from many other sources.

 

[WalnutBaron]

I'd stay away from it. As the old saying goes, "there's no such thing as a free lunch". Your "free" vacation will be loaded with high pressure sales tactics and little time for relaxation. Regarding your specific questions:

1. I have not done a free offer for a vacation club, but I have taken advantage of reduced pricing in exchange for a timeshare pitch. I prefer to pay my own way and have a completely relaxing vacation.
2. Vacation clubs pick up the distressed inventory of hotels and timeshares, at least typically. They may also have block reservations for lower season periods at certain resorts. You are far safer owning a deeded timeshare with specific stipulations of what you own, where, when, and how often.
3. They vary significantly, so be sure to read the fine print and scour any contract thoroughly before you sign. You may even want to have an attorney review the contract for you before you sign.
4. I think it depends on the club, but I think you'll generally have much better value if you buy a timeshare at a location you love on the resale market.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I had looked at Inspirato about 2 to 3 years ago. Very high membership fees and large homes. Once they got my name, they hounded me for several days even though I had said no and please do not call me. Just 2 of us travelling and it is just not the right model for us.

I also looked at Inspirato, a few years back and came to similar conclusions.. The accommodations looked really nice, but it had high buy in costs, plus ongoing fees.. and i think you pay for the rentals, so it pricey for sure... I have seen a number or their locations available from other sources. I think your really paying for the fact they validate the properties, so you avoid a crappy AirBNB or VRBO....

was not for us.

 

[dagger1]

We were members of Inspirato. It is not cheap, but the properties are fantastic. You pay a $300//month (plus or minus) membership fee, plus a rental fee when you book a unit. But these are extremely upscale properties. Way, and I mean way beyond the quality of Westin, Marriot, Hyatt etc properties. Inspirato aims at a very upscale clientele.