Pre-construction Marriott Crystal Shores, Marco Island

[ral]

Looks like pre-construction sales (exclusively for current Marriott owners for the first 60 days) for the Marco Island property, Marriott Crystal Shores begin Tuesday, June 5, 2007. If you wish to purchase developer inventory, as I have on occasion, I can recommend [deleted], a sales executive at Marriott Vacation Club (General # = 1-800-332-1333). She was my sales rep when I purchased pre-construction at Marriott's Grand Chateau in Las Vegas. Pricing ranges from $18,100 to $127,000+. It seems that Crystal Shores will have various pricing depending on fixed or floating weeks, Gulffront, Gulfside, Gulfview, as well as the usual Platinum Plus, Platinum, Gold, and Silver seasons. All units are dedicated (no lockoffs) 2 or 3 bedroom villas.

 

[GinaB]

Thanks for the 411 on this! We love Marco Island and are interested in hearing the incentives they will be offering. We have only purchased re-sale and believe that is the best way to go, but I was wondering what amount of points would truly make a developer pre-construction purchase like this worth considering.

I did see that Dave M and a few others have purchased pre-construction at times. I would love to hear opinions and thoughts on this.

 

[Docklander]

Recent personal experience tells me that Marriott don't like negotiating the number of points they give out per week purchased. To give you an indication of what you can expect I was recently given 325,000 points for buying 2 weeks in Maui (Ocean Front) + 80,000 points for referring myself (40,000 per week) which you should also get as you're already a Marriott owner. I tried absolutely everything I could think of to get more but they didn't budge (this was corporate in Orlando by the way not Maui Local). I'd love to hear if anyone has had better luck.

 

[MOXJO7282]

Recent personal experience tells me that Marriott don't like negotiating the number of points they give out per week purchased. To give you an indication of what you can expect I was recently given 325,000 points for buying 2 weeks in Maui (Ocean Front) + 80,000 points for referring myself (40,000 per week) which you should also get as you're already a Marriott owner. I tried absolutely everything I could think of to get more but they didn't budge (this was corporate in Orlando by the way not Maui Local). I'd love to hear if anyone has had better luck.

They just don't need to give incentives anymore. When I bought my two Mauis, I got over 550k on one, and 450k on the other. The first one was actually an equity upgrade of a GV gold week to a 2BDRM OV unit in 2001. They actually gave me big points on both purchases, and 2 coach tickets to Maui.

Now you're lucky to get anything. Especially the prime resorts that they can sell ten times over.

Regards.
Joe

 

[GaryDouglas]

If we wait long enough, opportunity will strike again. Right now, it's a developers(sellers) market, as far as Marriott is concerned. A major economic downturn and/or 911 would put things in the other direction.

 

[GinaB]

Has anyone called to find out about the pricing and special incentives for purchasing at Crystal Shores?

 

[tlwmkw]

They sent out an e-mail with info

I'm afraid I deleted it because wasn't interested and the way they put it together was somewhat confusing. I'm sure you can get it from the sales people at Marriott.

 

[sandytoes]

Here are the prices. The info includes week, price and then points on an EOY trade back basis. No incentives. Some week are all ready sold out.

PRECONSTRUCTION PRICE LIST -
Marriott Crystal Shores on Marco Island, Florida​

2 BEDROOM GULF FRONT​

Plat Fixed 1-4 $71,300 110,000
5-6 $76,300 110,000
7 $88,100 110,000
8-10, 14-17 $81,300 110,000
11-13 $86,300 110,000
Plat Plus President’s Day $89,400 125,000
Christmas (51) $89,400 125,000
New Years (52) $98,700 125,000
Platinum Float $79,200 110,000
Gold Float $42,600 90,000
Silver Float $24,200 75,000​

2 BEDROOM GULF SIDE​

Plat Fixed 1-4 $59,300 110,000
5-6 $63,400 110,000
7 $73,300 110,000
8-10, 14-17 $67,700 110,000
11-13 $71,800 110,000
Plat Plus President’s Day $74,400 125,000
Christmas (51) $74,400 125,000
New Years (52) $82,200 125,000
Platinum Float $65,900 110,000
Gold Float $35,400 90,000
Silver Float $20,100 75,000​

​

2 BEDROOM GULF VIEW​

Plat Fixed 1-4 $53,600 110,000
5-6 $57,300 110,000
7 $66,200 110,000
8-10, 14-17 $61,100 110,000
11-13 $64,900 110,000
Plat Plus President’s Day $67,200 125,000
Christmas (51) $67,200 125,000
New Years (52) $74,200 125,000
Platinum Float $59,600 110,000
Gold Float $32,100 90,000
Silver Float $18,100 75,000​

3 BEDROOM GULF FRONT PENTHOUSE​

Plat Fixed 1-4 $99,200 125,000
5-6 $106,200 125,000
7 $122,600 125,000
8-10, 14-17 $113,100 125,000
11-13 $120,100 125,000
Plat Plus Christmas (51) $124,400 135,000
New Years (52) $137,300 135,000
Gold Fixed 18-33, 44-50 $59,400 110,000
Silver Fixed 34-43 $33,800 90,000​

 

[Swice]

seasons

I was actually planning on buying, until I saw the price list.

Sales rep sent me the season calendar.

Basically: Plat - late fall, winter and early spring
Gold - late spring and summer (until 3rd week in August)
Silver - Last week in August through until late fall

Obviously Marriott thinks they can get those prices. Good for them (and my stock)... but too rich for me since I would not be going to that location every year.

Also, Sales Rep sent computer rendering of interior. I can't figure out how to post the photo. But interior looked very "urban" ... I liked the wall of windows, but furnishings looked more urban condo as opposed to luxury apartment.

 

[luckydude]

Could somebody please explain to me what makes Crystal Shores and Marco so special that Marriott feels that people will pay these rediculous prices? Some people just have too much money.

 

[Dave M]

There have been several threads about the pricing and whether the prices are justified. The bottom line is that (1) waterfront properties - almost anywhere - command a huge premium, (2) Marco Island is an upscale location, (3) there are many, many people who have the money to buy such weeks and (4) you can bet Marriott has done a lot of research to determine that it will be successful in selling at the indicated prices.

Thus, as I said in an earlier thread, Marriott is crazy to be asking these prices - crazy like a fox!

 

[sandytoes]

A correction to my post above . . . some of the weeks offer bonus points for financing . . . the penthouse units do not.

 

[m61376]

Could somebody please explain to me what makes Crystal Shores and Marco so special that Marriott feels that people will pay these rediculous prices? Some people just have too much money.

I don't get it either...but I guess that's why they're making the big bucks and we're here trying to maximize our ownerships.

 

[stevens397]

Two years ago we traded from one Starwood property into a 3 bedroom at the Westin St. John. It was incredible. I stopped by the sales office to inquire about the 3 bedroom for week 7. There were two left - $122,000! I was astounded.

Now two years later, it's official - the world has gone made. As others have said, they obviously feel they can sell them. We here are all Marriot owners. There are plenty of timesharers who think we're crazy because Marriotts were so much more expensive than other, non-branded timeshares.

It still amazes me. I'm a pretty successful guy but the thought of paying $100,000 for one week is beyond my comprehension. And this is for preconstruction. If the usual inflation on a great property takes place here, we're talking $150,000+ for a week!

 

[Eric]

Funny you should say that. I was planning on buying a Corvette but I saw the price.

I was actually planning on buying, until I saw the price list.

 

[pcgirl54]

Ok I just got back from Marco/Charter Club Marco Beach next to the future Marriott. Stayed on the top floor. Beautiful island indeed.
I can buy a CC flex week OF weeks 17-51 for under $8500 and on ebay they sell for $4-5k. Or 2-3 resorts down Eagle's Nest same pricing. Same weeks in winter are $16-22k. Those are some fixed winter weeks. All balcony views are oceanfront gulf. No interiors will not be as fancy but neither is the price. The view is the same.

I am a Marriott owner now but those prices are crazy because I can buy 4 weeks for less than 1 Marriott and I love Marriott. One CC owner has 18 weeks per the staff.

 

[abouna]

Those prices are crazy for Marco Island. It is a beautiful place, but unlike Hawaii, the weather is very unpredictable. I have been there many times, most recently last February around President's Week. It was so cold, I couldn't even swim. We were walking on the beach and commenting how bad the people who were paying hundreds of dollars a night to escape the cold had to feel. They couldn't even swim!

At least in Hawaii or Aruba, you are pretty much guaranteed nice weather.

 

[stevens397]

So what does Marriott know that we don't?

Will these prices also double before the project is sold out???!!!

 

[m61376]

Any info. on how/if they are selling at these prices? Not that I'm interested in buiying, but I am awfully curious because, like many others, the prices just amaze me, esp. given the variability of Florida weather.

 

[Dave M]

Will these prices also double before the project is sold out???!!!

History is probably a reasonable guide. Some other resorts with initial preconstruction and recent - not necessarily current - 2BR Platinum Marriott selling prices:

• Aruba Ocean $16,900 $31,400
• Barony $16,900 $25,900
• Beach Place $15,900 $24,500
• Grande Ocean $16,900 $35,500
• Kauai Beach $18,900 $40,500
• Maui Ocean Club $31,700 $46,800
• Ocean Pointe $17,900 $33,900
• Summit Watch $17,900 $36,900

Some others, such as Cypress Harbour, Grande Vista, Fairway Villas, Timber Lodge and Shadow Ridge, haven't done as well, but Marriott selling prices for all of them have increased.

 

[gatorray]

Astronomic prices at Marco Island Crystal Shores

Yes folks there are many who are mesmerized by the sight of white beaches, warm air, and a nice tan in the winter so Marriott most assuredly will sell CS over time. My sales contact in Orlando offers 240k points and a 4 course dinner for 2 if we buy now. Only one small catch - you have to finance via Marriott for at least 3 mos. So you put down your 134,000 for your 3 bedroom GF penthouse New Years week and finance the other 3.3k with Marriott and you earn the points that equate to about 2 roundtrip tickets to Hawaii and a week in a Level 6 resort hotel. I've also asked myself if it would pay us to purchase a lesser priced unit at CS in a GOLD season (ends Dec 17th) in a Gulf View for additional trading power for places like Spain, Hawaii, etc. That runs about 32.1k. Then there is the option suggested by sales: trade-up/exchange a week from your current resort if you want the new location. Naturally that isn't an equal trade even if they both are OF. So I'd have to ante-up more dough for the new one at CS. Well, my GOLD OF at MOW is nice and so is the SILVER OF. Would I gain more trading power with a Marco Island Marriott purchase vs Myrtle Beach? Anyone have some words of wisdom here? Ray

 

[jimf41]

89,400 for a PP pres week? Assuming you are at least 50 when you buy it, that's $2980 a week + MF if you live to the ripe old age of 80. Folks I didn't even bother to figure the interest, if you're dumb enough to pay that then you must have had the money buried in a sock in the backyard anyway. I've been to Marco Island, it was a great place to retire when a lot of TWA pilots started going down there in the 60's and 70's. I think its just another overcrowded suburban sprawl with a mediocre beach. By the way I would de4finately suggest bottled water while you are there. Their water supply is one of the worst in Florida. I think Marriott went a bridge too far with this one.
Jim Freeman

 

[MOXJO7282]

Well, my GOLD OF at MOW is nice and so is the SILVER OF. Would I gain more trading power with a Marco Island Marriott purchase vs Myrtle Beach? Anyone have some words of wisdom here? Ray

I doubt it would be any better than MOW. I own one, and put it up for rent this year. If my rental opportunities are any indication, MOW must have very good trading power, because I've gotten probably 15 offers to rent.

Regards.
Joe

 

[pwrshift]

Maybe some of the Destination Clubs have something to consider after all, especially if Marriott continues to raise prices, lower points, and not guarantee selling prices:

http://www.highcountryclub.com/

These people apparently have a $20,000 TUG special and guarantee to return your entire amount if you ever resign from the 'club'. I assume the guarantee last only as long as they do. You don't own anything but a membership and the annual fees are more than Marriott per week, but some of the places have 3 & 4 bdrms! There's a forum on TUG in case you haven't seen it.

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47657

Timesharing is getting more complicated all the time ... as well a pricey.

Brian

 

[Steamboat Bill]

Maybe some of the Destination Clubs have something to consider after all, especially if Marriott continues to raise prices, lower points, and not guarantee selling prices:

http://www.highcountryclub.com/

These people apparently have a $20,000 TUG special and guarantee to return your entire amount if you ever resign from the 'club'. I assume the guarantee last only as long as they do. You don't own anything but a membership and the annual fees are more than Marriott per week, but some of the places have 3 & 4 bdrms! There's a forum on TUG in case you haven't seen it.

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47657

Yes, joining a High Country Club is MUCH cheaper than buying a Marco Marriott timeshare. The TUG special is for a one year trial membership only. After one year, you can get a 100% refund or upgrade to a 15 night or 25 night plan.

The 15 night plan costs $30,000 (or $15,000 per week) total and the 25 night plan costs $40,000 (or 13,000 per week).

I just got back from a beachfront unit at the Turks and Caicos and that blows away anything in Marco...trust me I live in South Florida.