PaperBoat456
newbie
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- Mar 14, 2018
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So, I'm new to timeshare. I've never owned one, but I do know about some timeshare systems. I got persuaded into a timeshare presentation at Sheraton Vistana Resort. (On the plus side, everyone was very polite and patient. I didn't feel super rushed to decide...even though the offer was for "today only.") Initially, I planned to turn it down...but some of the options sounded attractive. However, I have read here and other places that it's more worth your money to buy resale, and that you'll do way better.
Now, I was presented with the Sheraton Flex Program. I would be buying 51,700 StarOptions for $10,340 that could be used bi-annually, and I would essentially be deeded at 6 resorts (Scottsdale, Colorado, Myrtle Beach, Orlando x 2, and Jensen Beach.) No blackout dates.
Furthermore, my maintenance fees would be $539 for the year (which I can pay annually, quarterly, or monthly.) I probably should go back and ask again, but I think I have to pay this every year despite having a bi-annual plan. Furthermore, I would have to pay $85 closing costs and put a downpayment of $1,034. On top of this, I would be able to transfer my StarOptions to StarPoints which can be used in the External Exchange (Interval International) and Starwood Preferred Guest Program. I would be a Gold Member under the Starwood Preferred Guest Program, get unlimited week getaways for around 299, no blackout dates, and +50,000 StarOptions to use in my first year.
I understand that my full StarOptions (51,700) could transfer to 26,884 StarPoints. Is this enough to do much of anything with? Would it cover airfare costs?
If I want to book with Marriott via Sheraton Flex Program, can I transfer my StarOptions to StarPoints and then, use them at any Marriott hotel...or do I have to transfer my StarPoints to Marriott Rewards? Can I always transfer StarPoints, etc. back into StarOptions?
Last, I was given the option to think about the plan overnight AND buy a "try before you buy" sampler package. I can do either 5 days 4 nights in a 2-bedroom villa + 40,000 Starpoints and "freeze" the deal I received today along with the First Day Incentives, with my package costing $1,875 plus $195 processing fee...or I can do a 5 days 4 nights in a 1-bedroom villa + 20,000 Starpoints , freeze today's deal, $995 package cost plus $99 processing fee. The package price would be cover my downpayment cost if I decided to purchase the Flex Program 51,700 points bi-annually. Even if I don't buy into the timeshare, is either "vacation package" a good deal?
Thanks for the help!
Now, I was presented with the Sheraton Flex Program. I would be buying 51,700 StarOptions for $10,340 that could be used bi-annually, and I would essentially be deeded at 6 resorts (Scottsdale, Colorado, Myrtle Beach, Orlando x 2, and Jensen Beach.) No blackout dates.
Furthermore, my maintenance fees would be $539 for the year (which I can pay annually, quarterly, or monthly.) I probably should go back and ask again, but I think I have to pay this every year despite having a bi-annual plan. Furthermore, I would have to pay $85 closing costs and put a downpayment of $1,034. On top of this, I would be able to transfer my StarOptions to StarPoints which can be used in the External Exchange (Interval International) and Starwood Preferred Guest Program. I would be a Gold Member under the Starwood Preferred Guest Program, get unlimited week getaways for around 299, no blackout dates, and +50,000 StarOptions to use in my first year.
I understand that my full StarOptions (51,700) could transfer to 26,884 StarPoints. Is this enough to do much of anything with? Would it cover airfare costs?
If I want to book with Marriott via Sheraton Flex Program, can I transfer my StarOptions to StarPoints and then, use them at any Marriott hotel...or do I have to transfer my StarPoints to Marriott Rewards? Can I always transfer StarPoints, etc. back into StarOptions?
Last, I was given the option to think about the plan overnight AND buy a "try before you buy" sampler package. I can do either 5 days 4 nights in a 2-bedroom villa + 40,000 Starpoints and "freeze" the deal I received today along with the First Day Incentives, with my package costing $1,875 plus $195 processing fee...or I can do a 5 days 4 nights in a 1-bedroom villa + 20,000 Starpoints , freeze today's deal, $995 package cost plus $99 processing fee. The package price would be cover my downpayment cost if I decided to purchase the Flex Program 51,700 points bi-annually. Even if I don't buy into the timeshare, is either "vacation package" a good deal?
Thanks for the help!