Well, my aunt owns a Maui Marriott week and had no trouble reserving a summer week last year. In fact she only owns one week every other year and has never had trouble reserving her week. So I'm speaking from experience too. I'm just trying to say not ALL marriott owners have trouble reserving their week. You make it sound like if you own Marriott and you are a single week owner you'll never get your reservation during a high demand week. That is just not true. I'll remember this when you don't get your week at a Westin. Don't worry one day it will happen.... YOu can count on it.
I'm so sorry to continually dissagree with you, but I am VERY familiar with the Marriott system. When I was ready to buy Westin, I ran over to Marriott and grilled them for a couple of hours about the inner details of their system. I had managers come over, we got corporate on the phone, etc... I was already armed with the experience of my sister. She was, in fact, there on Maui with me when I bought Westin... and was advocating I purchase Marriott instead.
As for your aunt, a "summer week" is not enough info to determine if it's a high demand week. For instance, anyone can go just about anywhere in August. Half the country is back in school and l've personally taken advantage of some truly wonderful last minute vacation deals during these "summer weeks".
What I'm talking about are the universally accepted high demand weeks... Week's 51 and 52, President's week/February break, 4th of July week, etc... If you own only one week with Marriott, you will simply not be booking these weeks. If asked directly, even Marriott admits it is very difficult for single week owners to get the highest demand times.
I am not an anti-Marriott guy, although this particular discussion has me on the "knock Marriott" side. I like the hotel chain and, for the most part, their timeshare program. I used to be Platinum with Marriott before converting to Starwood. I can't count the times I've been approached by them for timeshare. I've taken many a promo with them over the years. I know their properties very, VERY well.
I don't think so... I bought from the developer so I'd be losing money. No thanks..
I'm sorry to say that I don't believe for one instant that we will ever see the resale value of our timeshares approach the price we paid for them. By the time that happens, inflation and the unrealized returns that money could have brought us will still keep us securely in red ink.
If you buy a stock for $10 and it's only worth $5 today, that's what you have... a $5 dollar stock. If you see another stock that is more attractive, you don't wait until the bad stock goes back to $10. You simply sell and move your investment into something more to your liking.
That's all I'm suggesting you do with your timeshare. I'm sorry to say it's worth what it is worth and no more. If you truly look upon Marriott as a more attractive place to be, my sincerest advice to you is make the move. Move on and enjoy your life to it's fullest.
I couldn't imagine making myself and my family stay in a place that I thought was second best, when what I beleived was "first best" could be had for less then second best could be sold for. Think about that. You will get what you really want AND have money in your pocket. Why on Earth would you not consider that?
Again, we only live this life one time. Don't stand around thinking what you could have done or what you will do next time. You already did it and there will be no next time.
and say that I hope this "low" offer doesn't get accepted by the seller, as it means my timeshare is worth SO much less than it really should be 
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