RCI Trading Help - Downtown Locations

[corpkid]

I am new here, so forgive any mis-postings. I work for Marriott's timeshare division and own at Ko' Olina Beach Club. That is fantastic and I have no issues trading it (via II). However, I also own a "points" timeshare via RCI valued at 49,500 points per year. I have yet to use these points and they keep / will be expiring on me. That said - I have a lot of points to use and enjoy quality resorts.

I am looking for urban exchanges internationally (from the USA). I wanted to visit Scandinavia but the RCI resorts seem way out in the hills and my other doesn't ski. Looking for something in summer - Late May till early August. Just for 2 - higher end as we've had some bad experiences and are accustomed to the Marriotts. We are big foodies and enjoy cuisine a great deal as drink and nightlife. I appreciate your help in suggestions!

Thanks,
Dominic

 

[Passepartout]

The reality is that urban TSs are rare, and even more so in Europe. I have seen a couple listed in Venice. We exchanged into one about an hour by train from Barcelona- a haven for foodies (2 Michelin starred restaurants in the town) but the digs themselves were comfortable but far from luxurious. You are light on RCI points for London, NYC, might be able to combine multiple years for a nice week every other year. Scandinavia is very expensive whether you are paying with points or cash. You might have to look East. Maybe Athens, Istanbul could be possible, but cities are hard exchanges all the way around. When Europeans vacation, they get out of the cities and into the countryside. So that's where the resorts are.

Sorry, but from what you posted, I think that without a heapin' helpin' of luck your expectations are unreasonable.

Jim Ricks

 

[tschwa2]

For what you are looking for (marriott quality TS in Urban European locations in the summer), Your best bet would probably be to give away your RCI points TS. Take the money you save on 2 years worth or RCI membership and MF's and use any Marriott rewards point plus cash to stay in hotels in the cities you are interested in.

95%-99% or European TS were designed for European families looking for getaways to the beach, mountains, countryside, etc for a week. Not for people wanting to use TS as a base for tourist exploration in cities. There are a few like Allen House in London, Fitzpatrick Castle outside of Dublin and a few others but they aren't what you would consider Marriott quality and most owners use or rent out instead of exchanging. RCI has made searching and exchanging with points harder over the last 2 years and even when it was easier it meant searching weeks resorts 12-24 months in advance and points resorts at exactly 10 months in advance.

 

[corpkid]

Goodbye Timeshare.....

For what you are looking for (marriott quality TS in Urban European locations in the summer), Your best bet would probably be to give away your RCI points TS. Take the money you save on 2 years worth or RCI membership and MF's and use any Marriott rewards point plus cash to stay in hotels in the cities you are interested in.
.

Don't think for a second I am not considering this - my Marriott / II arrangement is wonderful. I bought this RCI deal locally and was buying into amenities that did not materialize (pool/ gym / etc)- I would have had access to them year round two miles from my house, mind you, but they havent materialized.. (2007 purchase date). RCI: 7549 Iknow - stupid me.

Anyways - I want to offload this thing I'm thinking. Where do I start?

Thanks!
Dominic

 

[Passepartout]

Here's a link to a sticky in the Buying/Selling/ Renting forum that pretty well outlines the basics. http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44

Best wishes

Jim