Is there any benefit for me to ever buy a timeshare?

[DesireMore]

Single man, no kids. Not picky about accommodations, whether it's camping, Motel 6, etc. I do enjoy getting resorts if I can get them for about the same price or just barely above what a basic hotel room. So far, I've had a lot of luck taking advantage of timeshare incentives for some cheap vacations ($49 for four days/three nights with the obligation of attending a presentation). I've been on several of these presentations, and the math never adds up. Why should I pay $10,000+ and $1,000+ a year in maintenance fees when I've been able to get by for less than $500 a year for all of my accommodations? I usually travel alone or with whichever girl I'm dating at the time. I've discovered the resale market where many people are giving away the same packages that I've seen sold by developers for thousands of dollars. But given all the tricks/hoops you have to jump through, I'm hesitant to even get involved in something like this. Is there any real benefit for someone like me who doesn't have a family and doesn't plan to ever have one?

 

[Passepartout]

Nope. Rent.

 

[vacationtime1]

If it's not broken, don't fix it.

You already have methods to get vacations cheaply. No need to change it. Owning timeshares can be a great way to vacation, but timesharing requires advance planning, very structured schedules (exactly seven day vacations, exactly once per year), a capital investment that is essentially non-refundable, and an ongoing commitment to annual maintenance fees.

If I were you, I wouldn't buy a timeshare, but I would look into renting them from owners. You would get most of the benefits without many of the downsides. Check out the TUG Marketplace and www.redweek.com for rental inventory.

 

[Shankilicious]

Not really. If you don't care about accomodations then you can get a basic hotel room wherever you want during peak seasons.
Especially if you book that hotel room several months in advance whereas most people booking hotels don't go very far out it seems.

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[Hobokie]

Agree with @Passepartout & @vacationtime1, you seem to prefer less commitment and a timeshare is definitely a commitment (one that works for many!). You commit to paying yearly maintenance fees and you commit to planning ahead for vacations. It sounds like what you have been doing works for you so keep doing that!
Timeshares are valuable to people who prefer more space and "more complete" accommodations with kitchens, washer/dryer, etc. if you are happy at a motel 6 and do not have a need for more space (i.e. for kids or family) you won't see the value...

 

[needvaca]

Nope.
I love my timeshares, but it's not for you- at this stage of your life

 

[Panina]

Since you are ok with any type of accommodations with lower price point, timesharing is not for you.

If you ever want higher end, larger units or a specific area that prices for hotels or renting is high then you can look into timesharing again.

 

[LannyPC]

I wonder how a TS sales person would try to sell the OP a retail TS in such a situation.

 

[Iggyearl]

You've pretty much figured it out, pal. If you can continue to keep a straight face at the 2 hour timeshare previews, I would say, "Keep up the good work." Depending on what you are looking for in a girlfriend, I would consider setting your sites a little higher than Motel 6.

 

[DesireMore]

Thanks for the insight. This whole industry is a fascination to me. Attending these presentations feels like a used car lot, and reading forums like this feels like an underground community. I see some of you folks using timeshare left and right, but I guess every situation is different, and I'll keep doing what I'm doing for now. Despite many people hating attending these presentations, I find them entertaining. And the freebies/discounted stays are a bargain. Thanks for the suggestion about renting from someone on here. When I'm ready to hit up Las Vegas with the girlfriend in a couple months, I'll post in the timeshare rental wanted subforum.

And in reply to someone suggesting something better than the Motel 6, my current girlfriend is cheaper than me. We're heading to Orlando for a week in a couple weeks, and she wants to do as many of these presentations as we can to pay for Universal and all of the stuff we want to do

 

[easyrider]

I say yes, there is a benefit to owning a resale timeshare. Owning a small points system would give the owner the flexibility to go to different resorts in the system bought and the ability to join RCI, II , SFX and others trading platforms to pick up deeply discounted inventory.

Imo, a person that has been eating mac and cheese might like lobster at mac and cheese prices.

Bill

 

[cman]

Single man, no kids. Not picky about accommodations, whether it's camping, Motel 6, etc. I do enjoy getting resorts if I can get them for about the same price or just barely above what a basic hotel room. So far, I've had a lot of luck taking advantage of timeshare incentives for some cheap vacations ($49 for four days/three nights with the obligation of attending a presentation). I've been on several of these presentations, and the math never adds up. Why should I pay $10,000+ and $1,000+ a year in maintenance fees when I've been able to get by for less than $500 a year for all of my accommodations? I usually travel alone or with whichever girl I'm dating at the time. I've discovered the resale market where many people are giving away the same packages that I've seen sold by developers for thousands of dollars. But given all the tricks/hoops you have to jump through, I'm hesitant to even get involved in something like this. Is there any real benefit for someone like me who doesn't have a family and doesn't plan to ever have one?

As others have stated, you've already figured it out. There is absolutely no reason you should buy a timeshare from a developer or on the resale market. You'd just burden yourself with an unwanted financial obligation. Just rent. You can get the same experience without taking on the financial hit.

 

[dgalati]

Single man, no kids. Not picky about accommodations, whether it's camping, Motel 6, etc. I do enjoy getting resorts if I can get them for about the same price or just barely above what a basic hotel room. So far, I've had a lot of luck taking advantage of timeshare incentives for some cheap vacations ($49 for four days/three nights with the obligation of attending a presentation). I've been on several of these presentations, and the math never adds up. Why should I pay $10,000+ and $1,000+ a year in maintenance fees when I've been able to get by for less than $500 a year for all of my accommodations? I usually travel alone or with whichever girl I'm dating at the time. I've discovered the resale market where many people are giving away the same packages that I've seen sold by developers for thousands of dollars. But given all the tricks/hoops you have to jump through, I'm hesitant to even get involved in something like this. Is there any real benefit for someone like me who doesn't have a family and doesn't plan to ever have one?

I would say no also. I have owned and found out I can rent at 1/2 my cost of paying the maintenance fees. I travel and book in the 60 day 50% discount window. It is also nice not having the commitment of paying maintenance fees. If there is no availability at a timeshare resort and you don't mind staying in a hotel room why buy and be locked in to one timeshare system?

 

[DesireMore]

The big reason I wrote this thread was more to see why you guys choose to timeshare. Like are there hidden tricks of the trade I'm not seeing? My mom owned a timeshare that was given to her while I was growing up, and we stayed in some nice places (mostly Marriott Vacation Club resorts). I should probably also mention that, because my mom was never tech savvy with a computer, I set up an account on Interval International years ago and helped her book exchanges and getaways. She recently was able to get rid of her timeshare, but low and behold I'm still able to log into II! I'm tempted to renew the membership just so I can book getaways despite no one in my family owning a timeshare anymore.

 

[DesireMore]

And in case anyone asked why I didn't just take it from my mom, I asked her earlier this year about it, and she told me she quit paying the maintenance fees on it five years ago lol. The resort ended up sending her a letter telling her they would forgive everything and not ruin her credit if she just got some documents notarized and deeded it back to them. Exploria resorts to be specific.

 

[cman]

The big reason I wrote this thread was more to see why you guys choose to timeshare. Like are there hidden tricks of the trade I'm not seeing? My mom owned a timeshare that was given to her while I was growing up, and we stayed in some nice places (mostly Marriott Vacation Club resorts). I should probably also mention that, because my mom was never tech savvy with a computer, I set up an account on Interval International years ago and helped her book exchanges and getaways. She recently was able to get rid of her timeshare, but low and behold I'm still able to log into II! I'm tempted to renew the membership just so I can book getaways despite no one in my family owning a timeshare anymore.

My guess is that the majority of the people on this board got into timesharing after a high pressure sales presentation and/or without knowing that the product they were purchasing had little to no resale value. Once in, you get used to the level of accommodations that a hotel room just can't compete with. Most owners didn't run the numbers or do any type of financial analysis that would show them the true cost of their purchase. If they did, they would have run like hell. However, there are still countless owners that have years of pleasant memories and really don't regret their purchase. However, if they do it again, it'll be resale. Live and learn. lol

 

[Fredflintstone]

I wonder how a TS sales person would try to sell the OP a retail TS in such a situation.

Lies?


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[Shankilicious]

The big reason I wrote this thread was more to see why you guys choose to timeshare. Like are there hidden tricks of the trade I'm not seeing? My mom owned a timeshare that was given to her while I was growing up, and we stayed in some nice places (mostly Marriott Vacation Club resorts). I should probably also mention that, because my mom was never tech savvy with a computer, I set up an account on Interval International years ago and helped her book exchanges and getaways. She recently was able to get rid of her timeshare, but low and behold I'm still able to log into II! I'm tempted to renew the membership just so I can book getaways despite no one in my family owning a timeshare anymore.

That's one of the perks I use a lot. Getting a week in Branson or Orlando at a Marriott, Westin etc for around $300 using a bonus cert or getaway. And other places too But not as regularly

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[DesireMore]

My guess is that the majority of the people on this board got into timesharing after a high pressure sales presentation and/or without knowing that the product they were purchasing had little to no resale value. Once in, you get used to the level of accommodations that a hotel room just can't compete with. Most owners didn't run the numbers or do any type of financial analysis that would show them the true cost of their purchase. If they did, they would have run like hell. However, there are still countless owners that have years of pleasant memories and really don't regret their purchase. However, if they do it again, it'll be resale. Live and learn. lol

Right, I've grown to really like the accommodations. I guess there are worse things out there you could overpay for. I'd probably have the same mentality if it happened to me. "In for a penny, in for a pound" as the old saying goes.

On another note, I notice that a lot of resorts hold back a lot of perks if you buy resale. Are there any resorts that are more "resale friendly" if you did buy resale? I notice that with Wyndham you can still book rooms at any of their Club Wyndham Access resorts if you buy access points resale. Are there any specific resorts to steer clear of that make it extremely difficult to do anything with if you're going to buy resale?

 

[Panina]

I saved lots of money owning timeshares. I like nice accommodations with a living area and kitchen. I prefer mostly waterfront resorts in areas where renting cost much more then owning.

For example, I love going to old Key West in the winter. Check the rates, hundreds a night. I have a guaranteed nice one bedroom timeshare in the middle of town at a nice smaller resort for about $800 a week. It might be more then your yearly budget but it is still a bargain for those of us that own there. Yes I paid to buy it, but after a few years it more then paid for itself.

FYI I have acquired high end timeshare for zero buy in cost. There are wonderful finds out there once you learn what is a gem.

 

[cman]

Right, I've grown to really like the accommodations. I guess there are worse things out there you could overpay for. I'd probably have the same mentality if it happened to me. "In for a penny, in for a pound" as the old saying goes.

On another note, I notice that a lot of resorts hold back a lot of perks if you buy resale. Are there any resorts that are more "resale friendly" if you did buy resale? I notice that with Wyndham you can still book rooms at any of their Club Wyndham Access resorts if you buy access points resale. Are there any specific resorts to steer clear of that make it extremely difficult to do anything with if you're going to buy resale?

Hyatt would be one example. However, you can just rent and not have to deal with any hassles.

 

[Passepartout]

On another note, I notice that a lot of resorts hold back a lot of perks if you buy resale. Are there any resorts that are more "resale friendly" if you did buy resale? I notice that with Wyndham you can still book rooms at any of their Club Wyndham Access resorts if you buy access points resale. Are there any specific resorts to steer clear of that make it extremely difficult to do anything with if you're going to buy resale?

Anything with 'Westgate' in the name. In General- Mexican resorts don't treat resale buyers as well as those who buy from the developer either- but one can ALWAYS rent into Mexico.

 

[Synergy]

We traveled much like yourself for many years. For us, timeshares are just another option. I know the exact cost associated with our ownerships, just like I always account for the cost of hotel loyalty points and airline miles. We still have certain destinations where we always book cheap hotels. For other trips, a kitchen is pretty important to us, so a timeshare or AirBnB is the way to go. Sometimes location is particularly important to us.

Every time we plan a trip, I look at all the options that meet our needs, and book the best value. Occasionally, I'll see an RCI last minute deal that is so good, we take an unplanned trip. All in all, we probably spend about half of our ~60 nights away each year in timeshares. We spend a LOT more than $500 a year on lodging, but we spend less than we would without timeshare ownerships. I think we get more, as well.

 

[DesireMore]

I saved lots of money owning timeshares. I like nice accommodations with a living area and kitchen. I prefer mostly waterfront resorts in areas where renting cost much more then owning.

For example, I love going to old Key West in the winter. Check the rates, hundreds a night. I have a guaranteed nice one bedroom timeshare in the middle of town at a nice smaller resort for about $800 a week. It might be more then your yearly budget but it is still a bargain for those of us that own there. Yes I paid to buy it, but after a few years it more then paid for itself.

FYI I have acquired high end timeshare for zero buy in cost. There are wonderful finds out there once you learn what is a gem.

Is that a fixed week? I'm definitely aware that the Keys are pricey no matter where you rent from, especially during high season. On a funny note, the one time I stayed in Key West was at a gay friendly hostel lol. It was an experience, but I definitely see that as not being everyone's cup of tea. Good find on that one.

 

[DesireMore]

Anything with 'Westgate' in the name. In General- Mexican resorts don't treat resale buyers as well as those who buy from the developer either- but one can ALWAYS rent into Mexico.

I've Westgate treats their owners like crap. Doesn't surprise me one bit. They've been the defendant of more lawsuits that any other timeshare brand.