Thanks for saving us

[terratrax]

Hello new friends,
My wife and I had been to a few timeshare presentations and have always liked the idea but have always been frustrated by the fact that they don't allow you to look up any competing deals and require an immediate answer. This time around, I went in knowing we had 10 days to rescind so we let the salespeople do their thing and signed up so that at least we would have something to compare. Honestly we had a great experience with the team at the Marriott Resort Villas Kauai and we weren't lied to from what I can tell, it just was not a great deal. They were:

• Up front about inventory and the sales manager logged into the *real* site (not the mock up) and showed us inventory in places and dates we chose. Some of them were indeed not available, but overall we were satisfied with what we saw.
• Up front about cruises and Bonvoy exchanges that these are not a wise use of points
• Honest about the rollover period (1 year) and notice (6 months)

Walking out of the presentation, we knew I could get a better deal on resale but I were happy to pay a modest premium because of our stellar experience. What I didn't realize is that their price, even accounting for the bonus points was about double the price of resale. The deal they gave us was $24K for 2000 MVC points with 4000 thank you points. It seems like resale we can get 2000 points for $10K all-in, although the 4000 points certainly do have value.

So, we rescinded today by email and registered mail. We do feel bad, because we had a great experience and learned a lot but $10,000 extra is a lot to pay for that. Unfortunately, they told us up front that there is no haggling and the price is the price otherwise I would have called them up and tried to salvage the deal. Now they will get $0, and we'll buy resale.

Anyway thanks again to you all for the information, it was very helpful and I know we made the right decision.
On that note though, we travel a lot, like Marriott Properties (I'm Bonvoy platinum for life), and appreciate having a kitchen and washer and dryer. My wife and I are both remote workers and fairly flexible so it seems like we'd get a lot out of the program.

Terratrax

 

[jwalk03]

2000 points will likely be more like $12k- but yes otherwise. $3/pt to pass ROFR and $3/pt junk fee to Marriott so $6/pt all-in.

 

[Hindsite]

Take your time to look into all the different timeshare systems and which, if any, would suit you best, don't be surprised if it takes a couple of years to get to the right deal, or combination of deals.

MVC club points, even resale, can be a relatively expensive product to use as well as not having good access to all MVC, Sheraton and Westin inventory.

Being able to get use out of one, or both of the timeshare exchange systems, RCI and II, may suit your needs well, in addition to a resale MVC, Sheraton or Westin week.

 

[Pamplemousse]

Hello new friends,
My wife and I had been to a few timeshare presentations and have always liked the idea but have always been frustrated by the fact that they don't allow you to look up any competing deals and require an immediate answer. This time around, I went in knowing we had 10 days to rescind so we let the salespeople do their thing and signed up so that at least we would have something to compare. Honestly we had a great experience with the team at the Marriott Resort Villas Kauai and we weren't lied to from what I can tell, it just was not a great deal. They were:

• Up front about inventory and the sales manager logged into the *real* site (not the mock up) and showed us inventory in places and dates we chose. Some of them were indeed not available, but overall we were satisfied with what we saw.
• Up front about cruises and Bonvoy exchanges that these are not a wise use of points
• Honest about the rollover period (1 year) and notice (6 months)

Walking out of the presentation, we knew I could get a better deal on resale but I were happy to pay a modest premium because of our stellar experience. What I didn't realize is that their price, even accounting for the bonus points was about double the price of resale. The deal they gave us was $24K for 2000 MVC points with 4000 thank you points. It seems like resale we can get 2000 points for $10K all-in, although the 4000 points certainly do have value.

So, we rescinded today by email and registered mail. We do feel bad, because we had a great experience and learned a lot but $10,000 extra is a lot to pay for that. Unfortunately, they told us up front that there is no haggling and the price is the price otherwise I would have called them up and tried to salvage the deal. Now they will get $0, and we'll buy resale.

Anyway thanks again to you all for the information, it was very helpful and I know we made the right decision.
On that note though, we travel a lot, like Marriott Properties (I'm Bonvoy platinum for life), and appreciate having a kitchen and washer and dryer. My wife and I are both remote workers and fairly flexible so it seems like we'd get a lot out of the program.

Terratrax

Be sure to look read about the program in the pink section above and have a look at the points charts to determine if the points you buy will get you what want.
If you want to go to HI on specific dates you will need to book 13-12 months in advance- does that fit your life?

 

[terratrax]

Yeah we're now looking in the 5000-7000 point range. Our original plan was always to add on, but that what price prohibitively at retail.

My wife and I don't like travel during peak season / holidays anywhere and very much prefer the slower and less crowded shoulder season and we do tend to plan week+ trips a solid year in advance. At the same time we're flexible and like to get away (anywhere new) for long weekends here and there.

So MVC seems to be right up our alley. What do you think though?

 

[TUGBrian]

congrats on avoiding that 24k mistake! enjoy that savings when buying resale!

 

[vacationtime1]

Yeah we're now looking in the 5000-7000 point range. Our original plan was always to add on, but that what price prohibitively at retail.

My wife and I don't like travel during peak season / holidays anywhere and very much prefer the slower and less crowded shoulder season and we do tend to plan week+ trips a solid year in advance. At the same time we're flexible and like to get away (anywhere new) for long weekends here and there.

So MVC seems to be right up our alley. What do you think though?

What do I think?

I think points are absurdly expensive compared to prime* resale weeks. 5000-7000 resale points will cost you $30-$50K + $4000-$5500/year in maintenance fees + $300/year in club dues and will get you a week in a prime resort. By comparison, you can buy a prime week for 15%-50% of that amount with maintenance fees of about half as well.

* prime week = Hawaii or winter desert weeks; almost anything else is substantially cheaper

 

[m61376]

I think a good first question is whether you like a certain place and would like to use that at least half the time. If so, buying a week might be a better option and then trading in Interval. Especially if you have lots of flexibility and not looking to travel peak times, you ight find that is a way more economical option for you. For example, I've traded the lock-off portion of my 2BR Aruba week for 1 and 2 BR Marriott/Westin units in many popular destinations, including several Hawaii ones, much cheaper than buying the points or paying the MF's on the points otherwise needed for those reservations. So I've morphed a 2BR into 2 weeks of vacation for the single MF.
Another big question is whether you anticipate family dynamics to change. You mention it's you and your wife- will that likely change in the future? If so, scheduling and unit size needs can change over time.

You came to the right place to learn about timeshares, and most of us here are very happy with our purchases but we've learned what to buy and how best to use our ownership. Welcome to Tug!

 

[davidvel]

You are the perfect candidate for a few good resale weeks in prime seasons and good resorts. You may also add on a small minimum points purchase resale which will allow you to rent points whenever you need more. Given your off season needs, about $10,000 would probably get you 4-5 weeks a year in mostly 1- 2BRs in prime locations, where the points you rescinded for $24K wouldn't get you a week in a 2BR unless in very undesirable low seasons.

 

[terratrax]

Thanks all!

The weeks thing I hadn't really considered because we aren't interested in going to the same place for a week every year. Maybe every other or every three for a family trip or something.

The whole timeshare exchange thing sounded like a pain to me, but you guys are making it sound like it's maybe not so bad?

ALSO I really love the idea of a minimal purchase just to get me in the system so I can rent! Never really thought of that. How would the points and the weeks interact, if at all? Or would I just use them separately?

THANK YOU

 

[dayooper]

Thanks all!

The weeks thing I hadn't really considered because we aren't interested in going to the same place for a week every year. Maybe every other or every three for a family trip or something.

The whole timeshare exchange thing sounded like a pain to me, but you guys are making it sound like it's maybe not so bad?

ALSO I really love the idea of a minimal purchase just to get me in the system so I can rent! Never really thought of that. How would the points and the weeks interact, if at all? Or would I just use them separately?

THANK YOU

With MVC, you can purchase the resale weeks and trade them in Interval International. MVC owns II and MVC gets priority trading with other MVC family properties within that system. Another option, as @Hindsite says above, is to look at the other systems. I am a resale owner in HGVC and it's a very flexible system that, if bought properly has very low MF's. There are pros and cons to each system so take some time and see what else is out there.

 

[Dean]

Thanks all!

The weeks thing I hadn't really considered because we aren't interested in going to the same place for a week every year. Maybe every other or every three for a family trip or something.

The whole timeshare exchange thing sounded like a pain to me, but you guys are making it sound like it's maybe not so bad?

ALSO I really love the idea of a minimal purchase just to get me in the system so I can rent! Never really thought of that. How would the points and the weeks interact, if at all? Or would I just use them separately?

THANK YOU

Just spend more time (like 6 months) learning about the options. Points are more expensive in most cases and can be more flexible at times though less in other situations. Since you say you prefer traveling at non peak times exchanging will be even more likely to be successful. The one caveat I'd add is that peak times often aren't what people think they are for some locations. Better to pay $2K for a trader than $12K for points from the start. If it doesn't work out your loss is significantly less. Regardless you have to learn the system and play at the game which means reserving at 12-13 months out, getting a good week to deposit for weeks, depositing early, requesting early even 2 years out and being realistic.

 

[WorldT]

Thanks all!

The weeks thing I hadn't really considered because we aren't interested in going to the same place for a week every year. Maybe every other or every three for a family trip or something.

The whole timeshare exchange thing sounded like a pain to me, but you guys are making it sound like it's maybe not so bad?

ALSO I really love the idea of a minimal purchase just to get me in the system so I can rent! Never really thought of that. How would the points and the weeks interact, if at all? Or would I just use them separately?

THANK YOU

Many people still think that buying a week at say Marriott Newport Coast Villas means you have to stay at Newport Coast every year.
Thankfully that is not the case because of the exchange company Interval. If you don't care about prime season, and don't have to stay at specific resorts, then you may just buy a good trader. But if you have a preferred resort, then buy there and then trade out when you want to stay somewhere else.
See post #8 above as an example.

 

[goodbadugly]

Another option is just to rent using Redweek. You will pay a little more but you will get exactly what you want and have no upfront purchases and MF's. PLUS no hassle in trying to book a week through MVC.

 

[Pamplemousse]

Thanks all!

The weeks thing I hadn't really considered because we aren't interested in going to the same place for a week every year. Maybe every other or every three for a family trip or something.

The whole timeshare exchange thing sounded like a pain to me, but you guys are making it sound like it's maybe not so bad?

ALSO I really love the idea of a minimal purchase just to get me in the system so I can rent! Never really thought of that. How would the points and the weeks interact, if at all? Or would I just use them separately?

THANK YOU

I’ve stayed at my owned resort once in nearly 20 years- and I exchanged in via II, didn’t stay my ownership- locked off and upsized and got another week else where with the other piece of my unit.

Both booking with points and exchanging on a II require planning ahead and learning how to use the system.

 

[jp10558]

As the others said, you also should consider if you want a different system - MVC is basically the most expensive major system (Though there are some work-arounds but you wouldn't use points). You could likely stay in many of the same locations if different resorts via many systems. I suppose it depends on where you want to stay specifically. Many of those other systems would be cheaper.