Timber Lodge On The Cheap

[Lawlar]

I've been watching II for months to get a bargain at Timber Lodge. Last year I rented a one-bedroom at Timber Lodge from a friend for $500 for the week. I was happy until I talked with another Marriott guest who got the same thing for $299 (bummer).

So I've been reading TUG and learning more and now I've just seen II has a number of weeks in November and December for almost nothing (well, almost). I just rented a one-bedroom, with kitchen, for $299 ($42.71 a night!!). I'm going December 6th (I went last year in October which was too early - no snow and the Gondola was closed).

After my Oct/07 trip I saw a posting at Redweek asking $6,000 resale for a one-bedroom TS at Timber Lodge. I asked on TUG if that was a good deal (it sured seemed like it). TUG members told me to pass because I could rent it for less than the yearly maintenance fees (about $700). How right they were!

So I'm going to Timber Lodge for $299!!! I really enjoyed my stay there last October and I'm looking to go back.

We also traded our 2008 studio (MOC) for a one-week stay at Timber Lodge starting Aug 1st. I think that was a mistake and we may cancel it - but that is a topic for another thread.

 

[Robert D]

I don't think you'll find any cheap Timber Lodge rentals during early August. Tahoe is a seasonal area and you can get very cheap rent during the offseason. I agree there's no reason to buy an offseason week at TL but a prime summer week is another story.

 

[Lawlar]

August Rental

I don't think you'll find any cheap Timber Lodge rentals during early August. .

Actually, I can. I just checked Redweek and find one for $107 a night (August 16). That barely covers the owners mf.

 

[sjuhawk_jd]

Owner?

Actually, I can. I just checked Redweek and find one for $107 a night (August 16). That barely covers the owners mf.

Who is to the say that the person renting is an owner at TL? Maybe somebody is selling you their exchanged week.

 

[Lawlar]

MFs are too High

Who is to the say that the person renting is an owner at TL? Maybe somebody is selling you their exchanged week.

You are right.

Nonetheless, if it is possible to rent a TS for less than the MFs, that says something about how over priced the TS is and how the MFs are excessive. That is just my opinion.

I don't see the incentive to buy when you can rent for less - even at resale.

I will concede that Timber Lodge is a great resort. If I was in my 30s, with children, and money wasn't a concern, I could see it as a great yearly experience to take my family there. I get that. [But I would rent.]

 

[rubycat33]

I would grab a deal when you see it. With gas the way it is, local places like Lake Tahoe will get snaped up as people look for nearby vacations.

 

[dioxide45]

Or they are selling an AC week. Isn't $299 the fee for a 2BR AC.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

Actually, I can. I just checked Redweek and find one for $107 a night (August 16). That barely covers the owners mf.

While this is summer it isn't prime time summer in my eyes. When I think of summer prime time weeks I think of mid June to mid August. By Mid-August many schools are back into session. So this is a great time for DINKS and empty nesters to visit as the crowds will start dying down but not completely but better than a prime summer week.

I'm glad you got a great deal. I think, there are deals out there but you have to be flexible. You aren't going to find a 4th of July week for that cheap or a ski week. However, off season isn't the time I want to visit.

I've seen maintenance fee schedules as well and I don't think they are excessive. Most of the Marriotts I've visited are usually in great shape compared to the other timeshares I visited. For example, the Suites of Fisherman Wharf, that place was in need of replacement like 10 years before I checked in. So, MF are probably based on what the owners expect. I think, Marriott owners expect update furnishings. But that is just my opinion...

 

[Steel5Rings]

Sounds like he is talking about a $299.00 II Getaway....Not someones exchange.

 

[Lawlar]

Getaway rates

Or they are selling an AC week. Isn't $299 the fee for a 2BR AC.

I was able to rent a one-bedroom, with full Kitchen, for $299 - its not an exchange or AC. Its not a studio.

You can search the II site - use MML for the resort code - and look at the rentals offered for Novenber - December. There is a lot of availability. The only requirement is that you must have an II membership.

 

[Robert D]

I agree with Cisco. When I think of prime summer weeks I think of early July to mid August. Availabilty starts to open up after mid August as school starts again in many parts of the country. It's still a good time to visit Tahoe but the demand isn't as great because a lot of people can't travel then. The M&T tend to be high at most all Marriotts as they are at Starwoods, Hyatts, and other upscale national chains. I suspect Marriott makes a lot of money on managing these properties but they do a good job and take good care of you at Timber Lodge. I think TL is by far the best timeshare in South Tahoe and probably one of the two best, along with the Hyatt at Incline Village, anywhere at Tahoe.