Trying to get a handle on Marriott-Starwood-Vistana

[tlsbooks]

Hi -
My son and daughter-in-law are in the process of taking over her grandmother's (they thought) Marriott timeshare. What they are about to supposedly own used to be Starwood-Vistana (bought by Marriott) that allows them a one bedroom unit for 2 weeks or a two bedroom unit for a week in one of (I believe) the 10 resorts within that system. They scheduled an "explainer" call with Marriott which turned out to be with sales. They are being told that what they own *can* be converted to Marriot Club points for more flexibility and access to more resorts BUT the number of points assigned at the time of the buyout was just short the number needed to access the lowest benefit teir with Marriott. So they'd need to purchase 275 more points at $17 each.
I know sales personel are motivated by the sale...what is the truth here? What are their options? They're ready to tell grandma "thanks, but no thanks" and let her return the timeshare to Marriott.
TYA

Edited to add: who should they contact to get accurate info without sales pressure?

 

[DeniseM]

It’s still Vistana, which is a separate branch under the Marriott umbrella, and they don’t have to buy anything to use the Vistana system. What is critical is that before the transfer, they need to make sure that Vistana recognizes them as family members acquiring her timeshare so that all of her owner benefits transfer to them.

An experienced title transfer company can make sure that happens. This is who I use - they are Tuggers, they get high marks on TUG, and they are efficient and inexpensive - usually less than $300.

L.T. Transfers
www.lttransfers.com
readylegal@gmail.com
706.219.2709


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[5finny]

Second LT Transfers

 

[vacationtime1]

It sounds like Grandma owns an interest in either the Sheraton Flex Trust or the Westin Flex Trust. Your son and DIL need to know what it is they would be owning and whether it is something they want to own (are the ten destinations places they want to go, etc.). If they decide they want it, they should use it for a couple of years before considering spending more money on "improving" what they have.

btw -- The Sheraton Flex Trust is valueless and the Westin Flex Trust may be worth a few thousand. www.Redweek.com is a website that has sales listings for timeshares and will give you an idea of what they may be worth.

 

[tamu_bu]

I would suggest that they also gain a clear understanding of the maintenance and club fees. They need to know the current amount and clearly understand that the figure will increase each year. It's easy to get excited about the dream of annual travel but it's not free.

If they travel now, they should consider and compare their regular lodging costs to the maintenance fee. Of course the timeshare may offer enhanced accommodations but they should know the pros and cons. Is the timeshare cost-benefit worth it to them?

 

[tlsbooks]

Thank you SO much to everyone who has responded. I was able to reassure son and daughter-in-law that, yes, this something worth keeping and learning to use. My DIL posted a more detailed post including exactly what/where they have and is getting a bunch of helpful and encouraging info (perhaps from some of you who answered me )

We own with 3 timeshare developers but not Marriott so my advice was more general = learn the system before you buy more and don't believe what sales sharks tell you!

 

[CalGalTraveler]

They could offer to pay for Grandma's maintenance fee and use the system/account without ownership. This might cost a bit more in guest certificates but it would cost a heck of a lot less than fully buying in and realizing this is not for them.

This way if their life or job situation changes and Grandma eventually passes, they can make a decision at that time whether it is worthwhile to keep or reject the inheritance.

 

[DeniseM]

Vistana guest certificates are free...