Best TS to supplement my DVC (170 points at BLT)

[iloveokw]

Just my 2 cents worth....don't buy another TS right now. At the ages of your children weekend trips might be better. You can go to Indy for their wonderful children's museum and Conner Prairie, Door Co Wisconsin and many other places in Wisconsin, lots of fun places in Michigan, Springfield, IL for the Lincoln Museum, etc. We love Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites for long weekend trips....your kids will be just happy to swim in the pool.

 

[myxdvz]

Just my 2 cents worth....don't buy another TS right now. At the ages of your children weekend trips might be better. You can go to Indy for their wonderful children's museum and Conner Prairie, Door Co Wisconsin and many other places in Wisconsin, lots of fun places in Michigan, Springfield, IL for the Lincoln Museum, etc. We love Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites for long weekend trips....your kids will be just happy to swim in the pool.

This is why I thought HGVC would be right for me, because of the ability to book into their normal hotels. The open season rates sounded great to me ($100 for a 2BR?!)

As far as Marriot, I thought they don't have much properties in the Midwest? Yes, my kids right now would just be happy with pools (slides/water fountains are preferred), but pools would be the minimum. We've done Sheboygan, Wisconsin Dells, Lake Geneva, Minneapolis (Waterpark of the Americas/MOA), Milwaukee the last few years. Pools, animals and characters (Nick Jr theme park in MOA was a blast for them!) makes them happy. Our extended family (which is normally who we vacation with) ranges from 8 to 12 so 5 is really just my immediate family. Renting out 2 BR to 4 BRs are expensive!

 

[JimMIA]

One aspect about BG (Like Hilton) is they have CLUB resorts and ASSOCIATE resorts. Concentrate on the CLUB resorts.

Wyndham has this as well---and the advice applies there. Think about the Club Wyndham Plus resorts as potential places you can stay, not the Affiliate or Associate ones.

This is good advice with ANY system, including DVC. Evaluate the system for its own resorts and ignore exchange options, whether through "affiliated" resorts or any exchange company.

With the other companies you are looking at, you will have much better RCI opportunities than DVC provides and you might get lucky and snag an "affiliated" resort -- but the real value of any system is their own resorts. If those aren't what you want, nothing additional will make it a good purchase for you.

 

[myxdvz]

Hi everyone! I am back and reviving this thread It looks like I revisit this thing every year when I'm planning our vacations. It's been over a year since I posted this question and I think I am very, very close! Although, in the process - snagged a DVC add-on via resale *sigh*

This is what my research has finally have me thinking:

Our requirements:
- Need to be flexible with days (can't do fixed week).
- We have about 4 vacation weeks a year + long weekends. 1 (or 2) of these weeks are Disney weeks (at least in the forseeable future while my kids are young)
- I don't really want to have the hassle of "trading" into RCI/II

What I've learned
- Always buy resale when possible!!!!
- Look into points based systems like DVC (Hilton, Marriott, Starwoods, Wyndham, WorldMark, Bluegreen)
- Hilton and Marriott have high quality resorts but have "fewer" locations near me. They are mostly in the overpopulated areas: Florida, Nevada, CA, Hawaii
- Wyndham, Worldmark, Blugreen are probably the most cost effective and ideal for my location
- Wyndham or Worldmark? Since I'm in the Midwest, Wyndham has better resorts and some of the Workdmark resorts are Split. However, it looks like Worldmark has better "policies"
- Bluegreen - don't even consider unless you have a high # of points

Here's where I am
- I'm down to Marriott or Wyndham/Worldmark
- Marriott because I like their properties and their CS
- Wyndham/WM because they have closer properties to me and are most likely cheaper

- Marriott points system is new and I was told will not have a resale market for their points. The weeks ownership are the ones available in resale. So I'd have to buy direct for Marriott

So I guess, I could defer Marriott since really, we're not going to Hawaii or other exotic places anytime soon. I have a Vegas trip planned for 2014 and really wanted to stay at the Marriott Grand Chateau, but I could rent that for now.

- I am thinking of going Wyndham for 164,000 points
> Enough points for 2BR 1 week in Galena, Branson at prime season - Wisconsin Dells at off season
> Enough points for 3-5 days peak season at Wisconsin Dells (summer)/Galena (winter)

Minimum points 55,000 (usage every 3 years); 82,000 EOY; 164,000 Annual

I'm researching what the MFs are on these.

Thoughts? I'll be posting these on TUG as well.

 

[Dean]

Hi everyone! I am back and reviving this thread It looks like I revisit this thing every year when I'm planning our vacations. It's been over a year since I posted this question and I think I am very, very close! Although, in the process - snagged a DVC add-on via resale *sigh*

This is what my research has finally have me thinking:

Our requirements:
- Need to be flexible with days (can't do fixed week).
- We have about 4 vacation weeks a year + long weekends. 1 (or 2) of these weeks are Disney weeks (at least in the forseeable future while my kids are young)
- I don't really want to have the hassle of "trading" into RCI/II

What I've learned
- Always buy resale when possible!!!!
- Look into points based systems like DVC (Hilton, Marriott, Starwoods, Wyndham, WorldMark, Bluegreen)
- Hilton and Marriott have high quality resorts but have "fewer" locations near me. They are mostly in the overpopulated areas: Florida, Nevada, CA, Hawaii
- Wyndham, Worldmark, Blugreen are probably the most cost effective and ideal for my location
- Wyndham or Worldmark? Since I'm in the Midwest, Wyndham has better resorts and some of the Workdmark resorts are Split. However, it looks like Worldmark has better "policies"
- Bluegreen - don't even consider unless you have a high # of points

Here's where I am
- I'm down to Marriott or Wyndham/Worldmark
- Marriott because I like their properties and their CS
- Wyndham/WM because they have closer properties to me and are most likely cheaper

- Marriott points system is new and I was told will not have a resale market for their points. The weeks ownership are the ones available in resale. So I'd have to buy direct for Marriott

So I guess, I could defer Marriott since really, we're not going to Hawaii or other exotic places anytime soon. I have a Vegas trip planned for 2014 and really wanted to stay at the Marriott Grand Chateau, but I could rent that for now.

- I am thinking of going Wyndham for 164,000 points
> Enough points for 2BR 1 week in Galena, Branson at prime season - Wisconsin Dells at off season
> Enough points for 3-5 days peak season at Wisconsin Dells (summer)/Galena (winter)

Minimum points 55,000 (usage every 3 years); 82,000 EOY; 164,000 Annual

I'm researching what the MFs are on these.

Thoughts? I'll be posting these on TUG as well.

You have a lot of vacation time. I agree Marriott is not a good choice with your stated expectations and it's hard to find the trust points resale. Wyndham is a good choice though you may want to consider more. I wouldn't dismiss BG because they've added resorts and have a more favorable trade situation for RCI plus the no home resort priority is an advantage in your situation. Wyndham is likely the best choice for you though, just be careful about the yearly maint fees which vary by resort.

 

[myxdvz]

You have a lot of vacation time.

Yes, I do! Which is good and bad I have 4 weeks of PTO and 25 holidays (16 company holidays + 9 floating holidays). It's great for vacation planning!

Wyndham is a good choice though you may want to consider more. I wouldn't dismiss BG because they've added resorts and have a more favorable trade situation for RCI plus the no home resort priority is an advantage in your situation. Wyndham is likely the best choice for you though, just be careful about the yearly maint fees which vary by resort.

Did you mean consider more Wyndham points? Or consider more than JUST Wyndham? I've considered Worldmark and BG as well, but narrowed it down to Wyndham. I think I dropped BG because of the recco here, but I'll check again!

The 164,000 Wyndham points will cost about $1,000 - $1,200 yearly in MF which I think is high (specially since I need to add our $800 DVC MFs). So I might cut that in half and use it EOY or something. Or start low and maybe add later?

I need to find what Wyndham property has the least MFs though researching the points chart seems to be tough since most data is only available to owners.

 

[bwvBound]

So for those who have DVC, what other TS do you have? Why did you get that? Should I stick with HGVC but buy from resale market? I've read Worldmark is good as well.

We have Worldmark (WM) and a local SoCal timeshare in addition to DVC. I think WM is an excellent program -- but our perspective may be different than yours. We use WM to stay, mostly, at WM resorts. Most of our WM reservations are short stays (2-4 nights), most include weekend nights and most are w/in driving distance of our home including locations in CA, southern OR, AZ, NV, UT, MX and southern CO. All told, we've completed about 100 stays at WM resorts over 12 years not including exchanges against WM through RCI and/or II. We've stayed at 40+ different WM properties and have found most to meet and exceed our needs/expectations.

 

[Dean]

Yes, I do! Which is good and bad I have 4 weeks of PTO and 25 holidays (16 company holidays + 9 floating holidays). It's great for vacation planning!




Did you mean consider more Wyndham points? Or consider more than JUST Wyndham? I've considered Worldmark and BG as well, but narrowed it down to Wyndham. I think I dropped BG because of the recco here, but I'll check again!

The 164,000 Wyndham points will cost about $1,000 - $1,200 yearly in MF which I think is high (specially since I need to add our $800 DVC MFs). So I might cut that in half and use it EOY or something. Or start low and maybe add later?

I need to find what Wyndham property has the least MFs though researching the points chart seems to be tough since most data is only available to owners.

I would consider more Wyndham points than you're looking at for the amount of time you own. Your up front and maint fee costs seem high to me. You should be able to get 150-200K points for less than $1K and for many locations the maint fees and club dues should be under $1K for 164K points. Wyndham certainly has more top resorts than BG but BG does have some nice resorts in areas that might be of interest to you (Branson, Dells, Michigan, NE, Manhattan club), cover some areas that no one else really does (Charleston, Savannah) and if you go bigger, will likely be cheaper with larger stays and to buy in. It also has a more favorable trade situation and the no home resort priority can be a blessing for some. If you want out west WM might be the best.

Be careful on the fees when looking at the Plus resorts esp. Resorts in active sales tend to have artificially low fees (PC, LV). Jim and Brian can likely give you better info on Wyndham, I'm just trying to get you to think about the options so that you'll make the best decision possible. If you do end up going with Wyndham, do spend more time comparing fees. make sure you know if taxes are included so you are comparing apples to apples. I think the nickel and dime fees may be more with Wyndham than BG as well.

 

[myxdvz]

We have Worldmark (WM) and a local SoCal timeshare in addition to DVC. I think WM is an excellent program -- but our perspective may be different than yours. We use WM to stay, mostly, at WM resorts. Most of our WM reservations are short stays (2-4 nights), most include weekend nights and most are w/in driving distance of our home including locations in CA, southern OR, AZ, NV, UT, MX and southern CO. All told, we've completed about 100 stays at WM resorts over 12 years not including exchanges against WM through RCI and/or II. We've stayed at 40+ different WM properties and have found most to meet and exceed our needs/expectations.

This is how I plan to use the points too. I read that if you're out west, WM is better than Wyndham. For East Coast, Wyndham is better than WM. Since I'm in the middle, there was no rule so I looked at the map and found more Wyndham properties. I will be using these to do our short stays within driving distance. I get a lot of 4 day long weekends, and the kids have those too - so those are my target.

Someday when the kids are bigger, I probably need another TS for the longer/week stay. By then maybe Marriott/HGVC can catch up For now, its DVC, a smaller micro TS for short stays.

Good to hear that you're happy with WM. Do you mind if I ask how many points you have? It looks like the points are lower. So if I compare to the Wyndham points, I would only need about 10,000 WM points? Too bad, the resort choices where I live are less.

 

[AllieV]

This is a helpful thread. I've been doing light research on various timeshares for the past year because I'd like one at a ski resort in VT. I know Okemo and Stratton built timeshare condos, I just haven't been able to find who owns/sells them. I have seen some for rent but none for resale. Anyone know?

 

[bwvBound]

Since I'm in the middle, there was no rule so I looked at the map and found more Wyndham properties.

Spot on! Drive-to destinations are big plus with point system timeshares!

Good to hear that you're happy with WM. Do you mind if I ask how many points you have? It looks like the points are lower. So if I compare to the Wyndham points, I would only need about 10,000 WM points? Too bad, the resort choices where I live are less.

We have 20k WM and they are grandfathered from the beginning of time so we get free-housekeeping and all the affiliate properties. We routinely use all our credits, live in a borrowed state, and book many reservations on cash each year using WM's Bonus Time, Inventory Specials, Monday Madness, Holiday Madness, etc.

Correct, WM credits and WVO points are on entirely different 'scales.' 10k WM credits will book a 2BR Red week at "most" WM properties.

Best wishes on your research!

 

[JimMIA]

Did you mean consider more Wyndham points? Or consider more than JUST Wyndham? I've considered Worldmark and BG as well, but narrowed it down to Wyndham. I think I dropped BG because of the recco here, but I'll check again!

Not sure what Dean meant, but there are economies of scale with Wyndham. The reason for that is Wyndham's MF's have two components -- a program fee everyone pays and the individual resort MFs. With larger contracts, the program fees are somewhat lower per 1K of points.

The 164,000 Wyndham points will cost about $1,000 - $1,200 yearly in MF which I think is high (specially since I need to add our $800 DVC MFs).

I agree with Dean, those costs both sound high to me...especially the annual MF's. The MF's are over $7 per K, compared to mine at Smoky Mountains which are well under $5.

So I might cut that in half and use it EOY or something. Or start low and maybe add later?

I would NOT buy a Wyndham EOY contract. If you do, you will pay a program fee every year, whether or not you receive points that year.

Also, be aware that Wyndham has a banking system called credit pooling. You have to pool your points prior to the start of your use year, but once you do, the points are valid for three years from the date you pool them. I pooled my 2013 Wyndham points in December, and they are now valid until Dec 2015. If you are not using your points every year, that's a way to really maximize your usage.

I need to find what Wyndham property has the least MFs though researching the points chart seems to be tough since most data is only available to owners.

On the Tug site, they have a spreadsheet - or link to one - which shows the MF's for all Wyndham properties. Be a little cautious about MF's though. It is not unusual for Wyndham to artificially keep MF's low while a resort is in active sales and then raise MF's significantly when the resort is sold out. I'd look for an established resort with low fees. When I was looking, either Dean or Brian recommended staying away from coastal resorts, especially in areas prone to hurricane impact, because you could get hit with a big special assessment if the property gets hit hard.

 

[myxdvz]

Not sure what Dean meant, but there are economies of scale with Wyndham. The reason for that is Wyndham's MF's have two components -- a program fee everyone pays and the individual resort MFs. With larger contracts, the program fees are somewhat lower per 1K of points.I agree with Dean, those costs both sound high to me...especially the annual MF's. The MF's are over $7 per K, compared to mine at Smoky Mountains which are well under $5.I would NOT buy a Wyndham EOY contract. If you do, you will pay a program fee every year, whether or not you receive points that year.

OK. I got this. OTOH, I shouldn't overbuy more than what we'd need right? Since I already have a DVC and might get a MVCI in the future, I was thinking a 1 wk in a 2BR should be enough points for us.

If I do add-on in the future - is that considered another contract and I will have to pay the program fee twice? I guess since it's not really purely points and I am buying a deed for a property that it is? I'm still confused on where Club Wyndham Access enters into the picture.

Also, be aware that Wyndham has a banking system called credit pooling. You have to pool your points prior to the start of your use year, but once you do, the points are valid for three years from the date you pool them. I pooled my 2013 Wyndham points in December, and they are now valid until Dec 2015. If you are not using your points every year, that's a way to really maximize your usage.

I read this and understood it to be similar to DVC banking except you extend the life of your points for 3 years. Don't you have to pay a fee to put your points in a credit pool though? Since it has to be done really early before your UY even starts - is there any disadvantage into doing it everytime except for the wasted fee?

On the Tug site, they have a spreadsheet - or link to one - which shows the MF's for all Wyndham properties. Be a little cautious about MF's though. It is not unusual for Wyndham to artificially keep MF's low while a resort is in active sales and then raise MF's significantly when the resort is sold out. I'd look for an established resort with low fees. When I was looking, either Dean or Brian recommended staying away from coastal resorts, especially in areas prone to hurricane impact, because you could get hit with a big special assessment if the property gets hit hard.

Yeah, I would not be looking at coastal resorts since it will require us to fly to get there. If I do get Wyndham, I would like to get into one of the properties within driving distance from us. WI, IL, MO, TN, OK, TN - or should I just find the non-coastal property with the cheapest MF even if we're never going there? MF spreadsheet is here

 

[Dean]

This is a helpful thread. I've been doing light research on various timeshares for the past year because I'd like one at a ski resort in VT. I know Okemo and Stratton built timeshare condos, I just haven't been able to find who owns/sells them. I have seen some for rent but none for resale. Anyone know?

Just do research and try to find something that fits your needs. For a ski week it's often best to buy the exact resort and week you need and for top weeks, these can be quite expensive such as Xmas (weeks 51 & 52). These type of options are also poor trade choices for much the same reasons DVC is. I don't know the area/resorts well enough to give specific advice, TUG is a great place for that.

OK. I got this. OTOH, I shouldn't overbuy more than what we'd need right? Since I already have a DVC and might get a MVCI in the future, I was thinking a 1 wk in a 2BR should be enough points for us.

Given the amount of time you have, I think you'd be better served with more rather than less. I would overbuy in the situation you're looking at, just not by too much. While I have done basically what you're talking about (DVC, Marriott, other points system); I'm not sure I'd plan on dabbling in each one. For Wyndham and BG you'll mostly be with RCI but Marriott is exclusively with II (few dually affiliated resorts but don't come into play in this situation). I wouldn't buy Marriott trust points simply far too expensive and no home resort priority. If you find a top Marriott you want to visit most of the time, that's reasonable. I'd rather not see you getting into a situation where you have to deal with II with one week and try to learn their system and do the same with RCI weeks/RCI points for another system. If you're looking at Marriott also I would again suggest you consider BG because you can deposit a week/resort of your choosing for II, it could change of course as can everything here. For the scale you're looking at I would simply do one or the other and not both. Either do a couple of Marriott's that can be reserved at 13 months out together or so something like Wyndham. You'll need to do this a bigger scale to make both a reasonable approach, IMO.

If I do add-on in the future - is that considered another contract and I will have to pay the program fee twice? I guess since it's not really purely points and I am buying a deed for a property that it is? I'm still confused on where Club Wyndham Access enters into the picture.

It has to be titled the same to be combined, just like DVC. You'd also include your member number on the paperwork.

I read this and understood it to be similar to DVC banking except you extend the life of your points for 3 years. Don't you have to pay a fee to put your points in a credit pool though? Since it has to be done really early before your UY even starts - is there any disadvantage into doing it everytime except for the wasted fee?

You lose your home resort priority.

Yeah, I would not be looking at coastal resorts since it will require us to fly to get there. If I do get Wyndham, I would like to get into one of the properties within driving distance from us. WI, IL, MO, TN, OK, TN - or should I just find the non-coastal property with the cheapest MF even if we're never going there? MF spreadsheet is here

I agree with the lowest fees and I think that's key. I wouldn't worry about home resort otherwise unless you want something very hard to get.

 

[JimMIA]

I read this and understood it to be similar to DVC banking except you extend the life of your points for 3 years. Don't you have to pay a fee to put your points in a credit pool though? Since it has to be done really early before your UY even starts - is there any disadvantage into doing it everytime except for the wasted fee?

The fee is nominal ($39). The only disadvantage is that you can only book 10 months in advance with pooled points (or as Dean put it, you lose your home resort 13-month booking advantage).

That is not as big a disadvantage as you'd have booking DVC 7 months ahead instead of 11. In fact, it's no big deal unless you have some incredibly important must-have. For most Wyndham resorts all of the time, and for a few resorts most of the time, 10 months ahead is plenty. Brian pretty well enumerated the places you would have trouble inside 10 months in his post on the first page.

There are some nuances regarding how the points are used, but again it's just a matter of understanding how it works and then adjusting. I won't get into the microscopic detail -- it's just a new system you have to learn.

 

[JimMIA]

I agree with the lowest fees and I think that's key. I wouldn't worry about home resort otherwise unless you want something very hard to get.

 

[myxdvz]

Great! Now time to find some properties on resale.

I am currently working with a broker though I am going to try and look at purchasing from eBay too. Though I'm wary about the latter.

 

[JimMIA]

If I do get Wyndham, I would like to get into one of the properties within driving distance from us. WI, IL, MO, TN, OK, TN - or should I just find the non-coastal property with the cheapest MF even if we're never going there?

Since you live in Chicago, I think the one exception to that general strategy might be one of the Wyndham Wisconsin Dells resorts. They are +/-190 miles from Chicago.

I know they draw rave reviews and are difficult to get into during the summer, but that's about all I know. If you wanted that as an option -- especially for several long weekend trips a year -- owning there might make sense for you.

I think Brian has stayed there, and may be able to give you better advice on that particular location.

 

[JimMIA]

I am currently working with a broker though I am going to try and look at purchasing from eBay too. Though I'm wary about the latter.

Depending on the broker, there may not be much difference from eBay.

But I would not be overly concerned with eBay. I bought my Wyndham contract on eBay. The broker had 100% positive feedback, and both the broker and closing agent they used were great.

eBay bidding, however, is a whole 'nuther animal. The only relevant bids are made in the last 15 seconds or so of contested auctions.

 

[Dean]

Depending on the broker, there may not be much difference from eBay.

But I would not be overly concerned with eBay. I bought my Wyndham contract on eBay. The broker had 100% positive feedback, and both the broker and closing agent they used were great.

eBay bidding, however, is a whole 'nuther animal. The only relevant bids are made in the last 15 seconds or so of contested auctions.

And some very good brokers sell reasonable properties for reduced or zero closing for Wyndham.