How to rent a timeshare week?

[JennCa]

I want to rent a week's timeshare in Orlando as well as 2 in Hawaii. I was thinking of renting from an owner since I don't want to sit through any tiemshare talks, but I am open to working with a company that sells excess weeks as long as I don't have to sit through a I want some info on which websites are the best for reviews and info. How do people go about renting a timeshare making sure that you are trully getting a reservation after you've given your money. Any info or advice for this? We just had a baby so just a hotel room isn't really convenient any longer I feel like I want a 1 bedroom suite or 2 bedroom and timeshare popped into my mind, but I've never done the renting. I've stayed with many timeshare that other people have gotten, but not me!

Jenn

 

[TotoToo]

Sites like TUG (Timeshare Users Group) tug2.net have many timeshares for rent as well as RedWeek and others. Also Craigs list tends to have offers either in a list for your area or the area you wish to rent in. You can really get some deals on rentals right now as owners are looking to recover at least some fees and many can't travel as much as in the past.

 

[iluvflorida]

www.skyauction.com will give you good deals on Orlando timeshares. I have booked many for myself and others on it. Not sure what they would have for Hawaii. Skyauction is very safe. You will get what they say and no presentations unless you want to. They will ask you at the resort to come but it is not required but will give you tickets or cash if you do. good luck

 

[Upatnoon]

The travel section of ebay is packed with timeshares for rent. That is a good place to also see what you should be paying.

 

[kathy884]

I've done about a dozen rentals from TUG2.net / Redweek.com. Here's how it usually works: 1) I contact the owner by email and tell them I am interested and what week I'm looking for (if that isn't already posted, give them my contact information, and ask for their address, phone number, etc. and propose a time when I can call them. 2) They typically send a friendly email back with what I requested and include rental terms -- usually pretty standard ones: I pay them 1/2 up front, they reserve the unit in our name, and I pay the remaining balance 30 days before visiting. 3) We talk on the phone (This is nice. Most owners I've rented from are terriffic people and talking to them in person helps me feel I'm dealing with someone who is legit, competent, friendly, helpful, etc.) 4) I send 1/2 of the payment 5) They secure the unit in my name, give me the unit number, contact information for the resort, etc. 6) I typically call the resort to make sure all is in order, they have my name on the reservation, etc. 7) I get a reminder email about paying the balance from the owner, 8) I send in a check for the balance, 9) I get an email about the balance being received, 9) just before flying out I call the resort just to make sure all is in order, 10) I have a terrific vacation, and 11) I email the owner telling them what a great time I had and offer to be a reference for other renters.

Often, owners will give you names of previous renters you can contact if you want to do that too.

I've usually gotten owner rentals in the $800 - $1200 dollar range based on season, unit size, and location. (Better deals in Orlando than other places usually). I've rented in the Disney area (about five times), Cancun, Puerto Vallarta (twice), Victoria B.C., and West Palm Beach, FL.

 

[kathy884]

Also, I am a member of TUG2.net for $15 a year that lets me read member reviews of timeshare resorts. This lets me read detailed reviews about different resorts that are available for rent and decide whether I'd like to try that resort for a rental. These reviews are considerably more detailed than reviews on sites like tripadvisor.com and give you a very good sense of whether or not the resort would be a good fit for you. Typically any resort rated a 8/10 or higher is one I'd usually be happy with. Reviewers supply ratings and reviews very commonly. You can access TUG2.net classified ads and contact owners without joining, but to read the detailed reviews you have to join.

 

[greenclan67]

Iluvflorida, I would love some more info on skyauction. We just returned today from Cypress Pointe and I see that it is on there for lodging, we are looking at going back to Fl from Dec 28th to Jan 7th. If you can give me any more info i would greatly appreciate it. I see they have certificates right now for $249. You can PM if you like! TIA

 

[Upatnoon]

There are tons of timeshare weeks for sale on Ebay travel. That should give you a good idea of what they rent for as well. There are lots of people who have made a business out of renting timeshares on there.

 

[Suzyq9241]

I REALLY LIKE EBAY.. I ALWAYS LUCK OUT ON THE TIMESHARE WEEKS AND THE PRICE...

BEFORE I GOT INTO RCI... ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO ... I GOT A TIMESHARE FOR THANKSGIVING WEEK FOR ONLY $200.00 AT LIKI TIKI... I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE A BUST ... BECAUSE $200.00 FOR THANKSGIVING WEEK... UNCALLED FOR.. WHO WOULD OF THOUGHT .. BUT IT WASNT...THE PLACE WAS NICE... A LITTLE FURTHER DOWN FROM DISNEY.. BUT NICE AND RELAXING. THAN THE SUMMER AFTER THAT I GOT SILVER LAKE... FOR $250.00 ... WOW... THAT IS WHEN WE SIGNED UP FOR RCI....

THERE IS SOMETIMES WHEN I STILL HAVE TO GO TO EBAY TO BID.. BUT LET ME TELL YOU ITS WORTH IT...