Marriott Crystal Shores via Redweek

[ray3127]

New to TUG, but we've been DVC owners for 5+ years so we are familiar with timeshares.

I am looking at a week at Crystal Shores through Redweek which is "Verified & Protected". $3,500 including taxes/fees for 7 nights in a Gulfside 2-bedroom next summer. It seems like a pretty good deal, but wanted to ask around before booking. I've rented condos before through an agency in other locations (Destin, Hilton Head) but never a timeshare through Redweek.

Any concerns using Redweek "Verified & Protected"?

Does $500/night sound reasonable? Based on other Crystal Shores weeks/options on Redweek, it looks like a good deal. But I have no frame of reference other than what is currently available.

We'd be traveling with Marriott Vacation Club owners who already have the same week booked. We've talked with them about it and have some interest in purchasing, so we'd like to give the resort a shot if possible.

 

[rickandcindy23]

That is a good deal.

If you choose to buy Marriott, buy resale. Don't go to the presentation and believe what they say. It is not cheap to buy Marriott Abound resale, but it's still 30% of the retail price. Someone may come along and correct me on that.

There are point charts here on TUG you can peruse. You can check Abound point maintenance fees as well. There is no easy way to get Marriott, but it looks like you purchased Disney, so you know more than most newbies.

Welcome to TUG.

 

[jwalk03]

Redweek is generally a very safe place to do rentals. It requires a membership fee and most scammers won't spend it when they can scam other places for free.

I don't like verified & protected because of the extra fees that Redweek tacks on, but to each their own.

 

[ray3127]

Super, thank you both.

Regarding Crystal Shores ... On previous beach trips we've driven and taken plenty of stuff. Some beach chairs, an umbrella, beach toys, cooler, etc., all transported in a collapsible cart. Do people do this at a resort like Crystal Shores? Are there any rules prohibiting such carts on the property? Or stairs/etc. that would make this difficult?

 

[rickandcindy23]

Super, thank you both.

Regarding Crystal Shores ... On previous beach trips we've driven and taken plenty of stuff. Some beach chairs, an umbrella, beach toys, cooler, etc., all transported in a collapsible cart. Do people do this at a resort like Crystal Shores? Are there any rules prohibiting such carts on the property? Or stairs/etc. that would make this difficult?

I saw a lot of "stuff" people were bringing to the beach. I am sure it's fine.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I live on Marco Island. Everyone uses beach carts to haul their stuff to the beach. Crystal Shores is nice, but it's not snooty. We have eaten at Stilts often in the past. Haven't been there lately though. Be aware that no glass, fires, bikes, motorized vehicles, overnight tents or pets are permitted. If the kids dig holes, fill them up when you leave the beach for the day from May 1 to Oct 31 is turtle nesting season. They haven't been doing so well this year. False crawls (female turtle heads to the beach but leave without nesting) and lights on the beach confusing the newly hatched turtles and they go the wrong way.

When you are renting a villa at Crystal Shores, some of them do not have direct views of the beach, some side views, some blocked views. If the reservation you are looking at is late August, beware of hurricane season. Sept 10 is the peak day for hurricanes in SW Florida.