My Survey - What Should I buy?

[jen.in.hi]

1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?
West Coast but generally enjoy the adventure of traveling.

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?

Trade

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations? California, Utah, Arizona, New York, Hawaii

4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself? 5

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

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

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

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars? 3-5

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing? <$10,000

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? $2,000

11) Are you a detail oriented planner? Yes.

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? Yes.

 

[CPNY]

I’d look into HGVC or MVC points. Another option is Wyndham. Learn as much as you can about each system and enjoy the ride.

 

[jen.in.hi]

I’d look into HGVC or MVC points. Another option is Wyndham. Learn as much as you can about each system and enjoy the ride.

MVC Seems to have a steep fixed MF per point value. Is HGVC or Wyndham more affordable?

 

[Passepartout]

With your admission of a desire to trade (we say 'exchange') would make a point system more practical than one where you own a deeded week. It's up to you to decide the level of service and luxury you are willing to pay for.

I usually advise people to rent for a while. Try different systems. Check out their resorts. Are they where you want to go? How important is a cocktail hour late in the day? A newspaper under the door? Exercise classes? Or are you the DIY type who heads out hiking at the crack of dawn and comes back to fall into bed?

It's advisable to buy into a system with enough resorts that you don't have to use the big exchange companies. (II and RCI) Those can easily add $300-$500 in additional cost to each exchange compared to keeping your trades 'in-house'.

I think you have a pretty good grasp of the costs involved. Timeshare can save some money, but should ALWAYS be paid with 'extra' money. NEVER borrow the money to buy or use them.

Good Luck. Welcome to TUG!

Jim

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Wyndham tends to be East Coast oriented. Check out Worldmark which is a points system owned by Wyndham. Also HGVC. As @Passepartout stated, you should rent both systems and check out the list of locations each provides to see what fits your travel plans. Worldmark tends to be 3.5 - 4; HGVC 4 - 4.5 star quality.

 

[jen.in.hi]

Wyndham tends to be East Coast oriented. Check out Worldmark which is a points system owned by Wyndham. Also HGVC. As @Passepartout stated, you should rent both systems and check out the list of locations each provides to see what fits your travel plans. Worldmark tends to be 3.5 - 4; HGVC 4 - 4.5 star quality.

Thank you for your kind help! Can I ask what you mean by rent? Where would be the best place to look for timeshare rentals in the Hilton, Wyndham and Marriott brands?

 

[jen.in.hi]

With your admission of a desire to trade (we say 'exchange') would make a point system more practical than one where you own a deeded week. It's up to you to decide the level of service and luxury you are willing to pay for.

I usually advise people to rent for a while. Try different systems. Check out their resorts. Are they where you want to go? How important is a cocktail hour late in the day? A newspaper under the door? Exercise classes? Or are you the DIY type who heads out hiking at the crack of dawn and comes back to fall into bed?

It's advisable to buy into a system with enough resorts that you don't have to use the big exchange companies. (II and RCI) Those can easily add $300-$500 in additional cost to each exchange compared to keeping your trades 'in-house'.

I think you have a pretty good grasp of the costs involved. Timeshare can save some money, but should ALWAYS be paid with 'extra' money. NEVER borrow the money to buy or use them.

Good Luck. Welcome to TUG!

Jim

Thank you, Jim. All very good questions. I guess I am a bit of both. Some days/trips I may want the exercise classes and cocktails. Other trips I am the hike and fall into bed kind of gal.

I appreciate the wisdom on the costs of the II and RCI routes. I would like access to the getaways but am not sure how often I’ll be exchanging through them.

It seems that many deeded weeks can be converted to points in different brands. Is that consistent even-if weeks are acquired on the resell market?

 

[Passepartout]

Thank you for your kind help! Can I ask what you mean by rent? Where would be the best place to look for timeshare rentals in the Hilton, Wyndham and Marriott brands?

Check the TUG Marketplace in the blue stripe above. Also Redweek.com.

 

[Passepartout]

Since it appears you own in the Hyatt system, work it. They are associated with Sheraton others. Whatever system you own, learn to use it. There is no be-all, do-all, 'best' under all circumstances.

 

[CPNY]

It seems that many deeded weeks can be converted to points in different brands. Is that consistent even-if weeks are acquired on the resell market?

Depends on the system. HGVC yes, Vistana yes (only certain resorts/phases), Marriott No, Wyndham yes. Different systems have certain booking periods when using associated points at other resorts within the system.

 

[needvaca]

Buy a resale 2BR Westin Kierland in Scottsdale AZ. It’s about $10,000 (one for $9000 on Redweek now). Annual fees are $1800. You can split it into a 1BR for 2 weeks. It’s also a “mandatory” property in the Vistana network (Westin and Sheraton), Meaning you can trade in the network for 18 other properties, including Maui, Kauai, and Palm Springs.
I’ve owned there for 15 years and love it

 

[jen.in.hi]

Buy a resale 2BR Westin Kierland in Scottsdale AZ. It’s about $10,000 (one for $9000 on Redweek now). Annual fees are $1800. You can split it into a 1BR for 2 weeks. It’s also a “mandatory” property in the Vistana network (Westin and Sheraton), Meaning you can trade in the network for 18 other properties, including Maui, Kauai, and Palm Springs.
I’ve owned there for 15 years and love it

Does it convert to points in the Vistana network?

 

[needvaca]

Does it convert to points in the Vistana network?

Yes it does. A 2BR Platinum season Kierland gets you 148,100 staroptions, which is also enough for a 2BR in Maui or Kauai

 

[CPNY]

Does it convert to points in the Vistana network?

You can only book 8 months out with vistana. If you want to stay on the west coast, check a different system. I hear world Mark has really nice resorts out west.

 

[geist1223]

Wyndham tends to be East Coast oriented. Check out Worldmark which is a points system owned by Wyndham. Also HGVC. As @Passepartout stated, you should rent both systems and check out the list of locations each provides to see what fits your travel plans. Worldmark tends to be 3.5 - 4; HGVC 4 - 4.5 star quality.

I feel it necessary to once again correct that Wyndham does not "own" Worldmark." Though Wyndham likes to pretend they do or create the impressikn that they do. Wyndham is the Developer. Which means that they buy established Timeshares and upgrade them and/or build new Resorts. Whichever they then turn over the Deeds to Worldmark. Wyndham then has the right to sell the Credits for the Resorts turned over to Worldmark. Worldmark has a separate and Independent (LOL) Worldmark BOD. As a separate matter the Worldmark BOD has retained Wyndham to provide the day to day management of the Worldmark Resorts. This is can be terminated (HA HA) by the Worldmark BOD with proper notice.

Thst said with the areas that interest the OP Worldmark is an option at which the OP should look closely.

 

[rboesl]

I see most people here have been recommending particular systems. And, systems can provide you with very good value. But, that value comes at a price. That price is to get that value you need to work within that system. If you want to go to some place where your system isn't located the value drops because you have to go outside that system which usually adds cost to work with the outside exchanges.

I agree with the axiom of rent before you buy. However, I would add that you should keep in mind there are ways to go anywhere those systems are located without committing to a specific system. There are some independent of semi-independent resorts that can provide you with excellent price per point value giving you maximum flexibility.

Personally, I own at, what I call, semi-independent resorts (Grandview & Vacation Village @ Bonaventure), that gives me maximum flexibility at a reasonable cost. And, I also own in a system, Diamond, that I use on the rare occasion I can't find what I want using an exchange company (RCI).

This may be a model you want to consider. It works for me. But, it doesn't work for everyone.

 

[CPNY]

RCI points can be a great way to timeshare. Of course you want to make sure you get the right point account. A red week regal vista massanutten or Grandview. For weeks, another excellent options is a 4 bedroom lockout at the colonies. It’s dual affiliated in both RCI And Interval. You can get great trades and access to last minute vacations and getaways in both exchange companies.

Bottom line is there are many options and you need to start taking a look at locations and resorts. Figure out which resorts and locations you want before buying into a system. For me, I go to orlando and the Caribbean. The system I own in gets me there without issues (right now). Things like availability and rules can change on a dime. This is why we say, buy where you want to go. Because in the end, what you own is where you’re guaranteed to book.

 

[jen.in.hi]

I see most people here have been recommending particular systems. And, systems can provide you with very good value. But, that value comes at a price. That price is to get that value you need to work within that system. If you want to go to some place where your system isn't located the value drops because you have to go outside that system which usually adds cost to work with the outside exchanges.

I agree with the axiom of rent before you buy. However, I would add that you should keep in mind there are ways to go anywhere those systems are located without committing to a specific system. There are some independent of semi-independent resorts that can provide you with excellent price per point value giving you maximum flexibility.

Personally, I own at, what I call, semi-independent resorts (Grandview & Vacation Village @ Bonaventure), that gives me maximum flexibility at a reasonable cost. And, I also own in a system, Diamond, that I use on the rare occasion I can't find what I want using an exchange company (RCI).

This may be a model you want to consider. It works for me. But, it doesn't work for everyone.

I have an II membership with my HRC unit at Piñon Point. I have not used it yet, but am thinking I will transfer my HRC points for 2021 to give it a try. I don’t see myself traveling in the next few months so the EEE 24 month extension looks appealing. I lost my 2020 HRC points due to COVID and not planning ahead to transfer them to EEE. I have only owned HRC since 12/19 and used it once. So I still have a lot to learn.

 

[jen.in.hi]

RCI points can be a great way to timeshare. Of course you want to make sure you get the right point account. A red week regal vista massanutten or Grandview. For weeks, another excellent options is a 4 bedroom lockout at the colonies. It’s dual affiliated in both RCI And Interval. You can get great trades and access to last minute vacations and getaways in both exchange companies.

Bottom line is there are many options and you need to start taking a look at locations and resorts. Figure out which resorts and locations you want before buying into a system. For me, I go to orlando and the Caribbean. The system I own in gets me there without issues (right now). Things like availability and rules can change on a dime. This is why we say, buy where you want to go. Because in the end, what you own is where you’re guaranteed to book.

I looked up the three properties you mentioned. Not having any experience with exchanging in either II or RCI my guess is you get good value due to the low cost of MF for the value of the trade?

 

[rboesl]

I have an II membership with my HRC unit at Piñon Point. I have not used it yet, but am thinking I will transfer my HRC points for 2021 to give it a try. I don’t see myself traveling in the next few months so the EEE 24 month extension looks appealing. I lost my 2020 HRC points due to COVID and not planning ahead to transfer them to EEE. I have only owned HRC since 12/19 and used it once. So I still have a lot to learn.

Using timeshare to their best advantage takes planning. That's one of the reasons one of the questions in the initial survey is about planning ahead. You, unfortunately, learned that valuable lesson the hard way. It cost you 1 year's maintenance fee.

Hyatt has an excellent product. But, their internal system has its challenges. I used to own at Pinion Point. I found Hyatt's locations weren't a good fit for my wife and I.

Your challenge is to learn Hyatt's system AND learn Interval International's system. Hyatt didn't charge to deposit with II when we owned. Hopefully, for you, that hasn't changed.

 

[rboesl]

I looked up the three properties you mentioned. Not having any experience with exchanging in either II or RCI my guess is you get good value due to the low cost of MF for the value of the trade?

My Grandview 2br gives me 122k points for a maintenance fee & taxes of $1035. That's about .8 cents per point. A typical 1br, which we use now, runs about 35,000 points plus $249 exchange fee (sometimes less). So, a typical full week stay costs about $599. And, I usually get 3 weeks out of that 122k in points.

 

[CPNY]

I looked up the three properties you mentioned. Not having any experience with exchanging in either II or RCI my guess is you get good value due to the low cost of MF for the value of the trade?

I own a 2 bedroom regal vista that comes with 89K points. The MF is around 550.

 

[jen.in.hi]

With Wyndham Fairfield Bay closing and Hyatt Vacation Club points becoming more difficult & expensive to use, I’m back to the drawing board to figure out the most beneficial portfolio of timeshares for our family.

Hyatt’s MF have become increasingly more expensive year over year (since the acquisition by Marriott) and I’ve been toying around with the idea of possibly selling our silver week at HVC Pinon Pointe.

Between the two weeks my budget has been $3k annually. I’m struggling to use the Hyatt points in the last couple of years with the limited availability. I’ve owned the Hyatt since 2019 and Wyndham since 2022.

I’ve done getaways and bonus week stays through RCI and Interval and I like having those options. I’d like to try to lessen the minimum required MF budget.

I don’t like Marriott and have no experience with owning outside of Hyatt & Wyndham. I like Wyndham and find it easy to use but don’t like the high MF for CWA points. Probably will be trading (internally or externally) whatever I own to visit a new location each year.

Would any expert like to give recommendations of what I should look to buy with the goal of minimizing our MF per point?