What other Timeshares do you own or recommend?

[nezy]

We have points and add-on points but are considering an investment in a more traditional timeshare. We would use DVC points for Disney, so an additional timeshare would be used for other locations -like SC or other beach areas of Fla. or even the carribean.

What experiences do people have? Any recommendations? Also, we would probably alternate years or else use the second timeshare in summer months. thanks for any info.

Noreen

 

[Cruelladeville]

I have a Marriott, and I like it really well, since every Marriott I've ever seen has been quite nice. I would NEVER buy from the developer, though, because it loses a lot of value very quickly. My timeshare sold 3 years before I bought it for $18,000, and I bought it for $10,000 resale. Dues are lower than Disney, but there are many hidden costs. For example, the only free stay is one week at your home resort, if I stay at a Marriott across the street from my home resort, it's about $225 extra. You must stay a week, not more or less, extra days can be gotten for cash, sometimes a lot of extra cash. An extra night this year would have cost me $350, and last year I got it for $180. Generally speaking, Disney is very liberal with their program in comparison to Marriott, but it's all about learning how each program works.

 

[Lisa P.]

For staying in the southeast during the summer, you'd probably do well with a Marriott week or Fairfield points. Both offer some nice SC & FL beach resorts.

I'd agree with the recommendation that you ought to look for a good resale. Preferebly, you'll find one at a SC beachfront home resort, that can be used every other year at your home resort in summertime and traded (or reserved) for your other FL beach vacations (not as hard to get FL summer beachfront as SC).

Marriott offers several nice beachfront resorts on Hilton Head Island, soon building one in Myrtle Beach. Summer resales for a HHI 2BR can be found between $7,000-$15,000.

Fairfield offers a couple nice beachfront resorts in N. Myrtle Beach, plus one on quiet Edisto Is., SC, and building another in Myrtle. A summer week (or points equivalent) can be found for about $8,000-10,000. If you buy 203,000 points at another FF home resort, you'd have to be very flexible about your summer, Myrtle Beach check-in dates and call at exactly 10 months ahead to reserve but could purchase a good resale for about $6,500. HTH.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Regarding both Marriott and Fairfield - do either of them work like DVC does where you buy points and don't get a set week? That is what I like about DVC and don't like about other Timeshares; I want the freedom to choose what week I want to travel. My wife is not a Disney person (gasp, horror!!) though she will go about every other year or so - but I love WDW and could go every year (plus she is a big UNC fan while I'm a big N.C. State fan - been married 31 years go figure). What my wife likes to do is to go to the beach and lay out in the sun 8 hours a day. I wish I could find a timeshare that gives me the freedom of DVC, has resorts close to WDW (for me) but also has some great beach choices (like Myrtle Beach) also (for my wife) and makes it easy to switch among the various resorts. I think DVC is still going to be my best bet, but I'm open for other possibilities if they do exist. BTW - I've tried to get this type of information from both the Marriott and Fairfield websites - but they don't seem to have a whole lot of specifics, they want you to call a salesperson of course.

 

[MiaSRN62]

You must stay a week, not more or less, extra days can be gotten for cash, sometimes a lot of extra cash.

I own at Vistana as well as the DVC. I know I am able to split up my 7 night week when I visit my home resort. Not sure I can do that if I traded via RCI or II though. In fact, last year I split my week 5 nights in July and 2 nights in November. Extra nights, should I choose to stay, are slightly discounted for owners. I don't believe this is true for exchanges---only home resort stays.

Regarding both Marriott and Fairfield - do either of them work like DVC does where you buy points and don't get a set week? That is what I like about DVC and don't like about other Timeshares; I want the freedom to choose what week I want to travel.

I have a friend that owns at Fairfield and she is on the points system, which she likes quite well. I know she has alot of flexibility but I can't give specifics on this. I can say she has traded to Orlando and Williamsburg most often and has gone in Aug, Oct and Dec. She is excited about this Fairfield resort being built by the Carribean Beach resort which I just recently read about here on these boards.

As a floating prime week owner at Vistana since '94, even though I am not on the points system, I have the freedom of just about any week I choose with the exception of about 10 weeks which are blocked out until 60 days prior. I'm excluded from the 12 month window for most of January, most of September and the week following Thanksgiving. Vistana does offer Star points for new purchasers. I had the option to convert my week into points but I felt it was too costly at this time.

 

[Lisa P.]

Regarding both Marriott and Fairfield - do either of them work like DVC does where you buy points and don't get a set week? ...wish I could find a timeshare that gives me the freedom of DVC, has resorts close to WDW (for me) but also has some great beach choices (like Myrtle Beach) also (for my wife) and makes it easy to switch among the various resorts.

DVC does have the options of VB & HHI for beach vacations.

But yes, Fairfield's points program is flexible like that. Not quite as flexible as DVC's but it is flexible. Especially for someone seeking full weeks at a wide variety of resorts, in different unit sizes and/or seasons, the points program is excellent.

There are generally no fees for booking full weeks at any of the Fairfield properties directly via Fairfield using points. For that kind of vacationing, it IS as flexible as DVC - just call FF for home resort reservations beginning at 13 months ahead of travel and for any other FF property beginning at 10 months ahead of travel. No other restrictions for full week stays (certain restrictions for shorter stays).

For each vacation, you may choose the time of year, resort and size unit, very simple. Then use up any remaining points with short stays or RCI exchange week deposits. Banking and borrowing is much more complex than DVC, but may be done for a longer period of time... up to 2-3 years forward or back. Trading via RCI is great - unit size upgrades are often available.

Here are some of the FF properties that fit the descriptions you've given:

FF Ocean City at Coconut Malorie
FF Myrtle Beach at SeaWatch Plantation
FF Myrtle Beach at Westwinds
FF Daytona Beach
FF Destin at Majestic Sun
FF Royal Vista Resort
FF Sea Gardens Beach & Tennis Resort
FF Orlando at Star Island
FF Orlando at Cypress Palms
...and the new, proposed FF Orlando at Bonnet Creek, mentioned above, as shown on the cover of Vacation Ownership Magazine - possibly opening in 2004.

FF's newest resorts are very, very nice. They are not as consistent as DVC, which has 6 exceptional resorts. But if you planned to trade around anyway, you would not likely get DVC-type rooms with every trade. With an internal reservation program like FF, you are able to learn about each resort and choose accordingly. There are quite a good number of nice ones.

Consider joining TUG ($15/first year) for more general timeshare info and plenty of timeshare reviews, as well as bulletin boards with owners from all over, who own at the whole range of timeshare resorts. You'll get plenty of suggestions there.

For details about Fairfield, look into joining Yahoo's Group, called Fairfield_Timeshare. It's free and only requires registration with the moderator. You don't need to be a FF owner to join. Many are only interested in learning more before making a purchase. Just opt to receive the digest verson of emails or no emails at all, reading online instead... otherwise, you'll be swamped with individual emails! LOL!

Remember, outside of DVC, it's usually very, very beneficial to look first for a good resale, not a developer purchase. HTH.

 

[spruce]

For the beach, we have Las Olas Beach club in Sattelite Beach. Las Olas also has a resort in Cocoa beach. They are both very nice 1 or 2 building complexes right on the beach. All Sattelite beach accomodations are 2 br ( and about the largest 2 br units anywhere, especially the corner units.) Cocoa Beach has 1, 2, or 3 br units although not all units are ocean front. My Mom owns 8 weeks in Cocoa so I can recommend both resorts as good RCI gold crown resorts since I have stayed at both.
We sometimes use our week, other times we trade it. Last year we were in Sat Beach for 3 weeks (since it had banked weeks when we bought it) then 6 nights at DVC. This year we traded to Orange Lake Country Club and will stay at OKW afterwards. We have enough points for a 2nd DVC trip each year.
Las Olas has joined the RCI Points program and our week is worth 76000 points. (I won't join RCI points though) With RCI points, you can stay for shorter stays or get a whole week for around 9000 points (trade) within (I think) 45 days. So for that price, we could get 8 weeks a year shoulder or low season though would be my guess.
At either resort you are no more then 1 hour and 20 minutes from WDW.
Cocoa beach has a few other timeshares but in my opinion, Resort on Cocoa Beach is the only other nice one in town. We did tour this resort but for us we like the smaller Las Olas resorts then the larger Resort on Cocoa. You see, Las Olas resorts were built by Tom Matey years ago and he is still chairman (or whatever) and his kids run them. It's a family operation. When you get a welcome home from them, it's because they know you and while we are there, we are part of the family. When my Dad passed away, they sent flowers.
The recommendation to join TUG is a good one. Then you can look at reviews at many resorts reviewed by members who have been there. Good luck.........spruce

 

[Cruelladeville]

Marriott is nowhere near as flexible as DVC, but it trades well, and every one of its resorts is well-kept, and really lovely. However, your week is a float week, and as a teacher, I had to buy a timeshare that offered vacation weeks I could use, in my case 1-17, 25-35, and 51-53. You must stay exactly a week, otherwise you forfeit a day if you were to stay 6, for example. As I posted above, most non-DVC timeshares have many hidden fees that Disney doesn't have, so be careful. Also, a note on Vistana: it's a lovely resort, with a dynamite pool area, but DO NOT BUY FROM THEM DIRECTLY!!!! My daughter paid $17,000 for her's, and they are going for $4000-$7500 on the resale board now. They also aren't quite as finicky as Disney about cleanliness. Their pool was growing algae, and the area around the pool served as a restaurant area that only got cleaned twice per day. We are spoiled by Disney, and have found that we notice cleanliness issues, and lazy guest services.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Originally posted by Cruelladeville
Also, a note on Vistana: it's a lovely resort, with a dynamite pool area, but DO NOT BUY FROM THEM DIRECTLY!!!! My daughter paid $17,000 for her's, and they are going for $4000-$7500 on the resale board now. They also aren't quite as finicky as Disney about cleanliness. Their pool was growing algae, and the area around the pool served as a restaurant area that only got cleaned twice per day. We are spoiled by Disney, and have found that we notice cleanliness issues, and lazy guest services.

Having been a Vistana owner since '94, I have never noticed the pools having algae. We stay there one week per year since owning. I'm thinking this was a rare exception rather than the rule at Vistana. My kids usually frequent all the pools on site and we've never noticed that the areas were dirty. Maintenance crews are constantly seen around the resort working on landscaping, buildings whatever. I'm not saying Vistana is 100% spotless by any means, but neither is Disney. We had issues with worn/tattered comforters on the beds at Dixie Landings, dirty bathrooms at the All Stars and worn sofas at OKW. Most recently, the bathrooms in Disney's theme parks have been gross. I think they've hit an all-time low with cleanliness in this area.
As far as buying resale on the boards, those prices are most likely not for the newest Lakes & Cascades ? If they were, I'd fall off my chair because those would be fantastic prices for those areas. I'm thinking those resale amounts are for the older sections ? I can't say for sure because I haven't seen the listing first-hand. At Vistana, you stay where you buy. If your daughter paid $17K, I'm thinking she got the Cascades and is also eligible for the Starpoints program. Alot of the weeks at Vistana that are listed for low amounts ($5K and under), are the older sections and not eligible for the Star points (which is a great perk) unless they opt to pay extra for that ?

 

[Cruelladeville]

You are correct, my daughter bought Cascades and got Star Points. However, she purchased because she wanted a week in the sun, which she could have done in the older sections of Vistana for far less money. Cascades is lovely, it really is, but if you just want the sunshine (we are from Michigan) then it doesn't make sense to pay $17,000 when the older area, which are still very nice, has the same sun, and the use of the same pools, if I'm not mistaken. While those star points are a great perk, it's a terrible idea to buy on first sight without checking out what's available on the Web, and getting the feel for the resort's history. I don't know how long the older sections have been open at Vistana, but I would think they can't be more than 8 years old, so they lost perhaps 1/3 of their value during that time. My Marriott has lost about the same amount since it was first purchased. But DVC has gained 1/3 in the same amount of time. I was using my daughter to illustrate that buying from the developer may not be in your pocketbook's best interest, especially in Orlando. Doing some research thru the TUG would, at the very least, allow a buyer to make an informed decision prior to laying down $17,000 for a timeshare that may not be worth nearly that much in a few years.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I don't know how long the older sections have been open at Vistana, but I would think they can't be more than 8 years old, so they lost perhaps 1/3 of their value during that time. My Marriott has lost about the same amount since it was first purchased. But DVC has gained 1/3 in the same amount of time. I was using my daughter to illustrate that buying from the developer may not be in your pocketbook's best interest, especially in Orlando. Doing some research thru the TUG would, at the very least, allow a buyer to make an informed decision prior to laying down $17,000 for a timeshare that may not be worth nearly that much in a few years.

Totally agree with the whole resale issue. IF all someone wants is some fun in the sun, sure, you can get weeks for $3K and under at Vistana. Yes, all have equal use of all 9 pools. BUT, keep in mind there is a huge difference in maintenance, decor, ambience between the newer sections and those going for $4K and under. I have toured the resort and done a walk-thru with every section. Some of the sections are much older than 8 years---like 22+. This is all I wanted to bring to people's attention. If you don't mind being in sometimes a more run-down unit, prefer to save the $$, not have the option to trade to some wonderful resorts such as Harborside in the Bahamas (which is included in the Starpoints program), then absolutely yes.....resale is the way to go. I have actually stayed in one of those older sections. One year we got placed in the Spas (at least 15 years old I believe) when we decided to add on a few night to our Fountains stay. Boy, were we disappointed. Not as clean, torn/worn carpets, musty smell, broken/wobbly ceiling fan ---to name a few drawbacks. My husband and I immediately said we were glad we owned in the Fountains/Fountains II. I felt it was a noticeable difference----the furniture was so 80'ish vs the colorful/tropical feel of the decor of the newer units.
So, yes, I agree that a villa that initially cost $17K will lose it's value---same as a new car once it's driven off the lot. But some people prefer/enjoy the look and smell of a new car and I think the same goes for a timeshare unit. On the other hand, if you want to be budget-conscience (and I can totally understand and respect other's decision on this), then yes, you can get an older unit on Vistana's property for alot less. Just know, that many of the older sections are 20+ years old depending on the section. I own in the Fountains (prime/floating week) and I believe they were built in early 90's). I have been very happy with the units here and have seen them for $6-$8K on average. I bought a "buy-back" thru Vistana for $10K. They were trying "real hard" to sell me the new Lakes (at that time) for anywhere from $16K-$18K in 1994.

 

[nezy]

WOW! I haven't been on-line a few days and opened up all of this info today. Thanks for all of the input.

Is Vistana-Sheraton Vistana?

We are due to tour a Fairfield resort in Williamsburg. Althugh I am not interested in that location I will look into other Fairfield re-sales. I think Marriott's structure may be a liitle too structured. I do know they have very nice locations.

Now that I think of it -Myrtle Beach might be a good option.

 

[madcoco]

Is Sheraton-Vistana Vistana?

Yes it is the Vistana Resort operated by Starwood.

We are due to tour a Fairfield resort in Williamsburg. Althugh I am not interested in that location I will look into other Fairfield re-sales.

This location may interest you. Fairfield Resort in the heart of WDW. Hard to believe Disney didn't get this land.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=324609&highlight=fairfield+resort+epcot

 

[Dean]

There are MANY choices and they are all different from each other and from DVC. What's best for you is not best for another. There are many others that work on points but most are not as flexible or easy to use as DVC though they may offer other advantages and be cheaper. In general Timeshare work on the full week principle. Even the ones with points will generally offer less options or a waiting period when booking other than a full week. I'd recommend spending about 6 months or more getting info and deciding what's best for YOU.

Marriott certainly complements DVC nicely but is used differently. FF, Hilton, Hyatt, Bluegreen, Starwood are some that work on points and come to mind but there are others like Shell, VRI, RCI points, Club Intrawest, and WorldMark. I'm sure I'll think of a couple more once I submit this thread. There are even some individual resorts that work on points like Paradise Village in MX. I'd suggest you not get hung up on points and just look at the entire picture then revisit the points issue if need be at the end of your decision making process. Go to www.tug2.net and get a timeshare education. Good luck.

 

[jilljill]

We own at Fairfield Williamsburg and Fairfield Daytona Beach. We love the points system and find that most resorts are very flexible with the number of days you can stay. Very few reosrts have times that require a full weeks reservation. Also, depending on the number of points you own there are discounts when you book reservations that are 60 days or under. A great way to get a much better value for your points.
We usually stay at Williamsburg or Orlando. The resorts are decorated for the areas they are located, not to be kept consistent with one another.
Also, RCI dues are included for as long as you are an owner.
Hopes this helps.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We bought three weeks at Orange Lake Country Club
2) We bought resales at a very good price.
3) They are the same week - last week of February.
4) We take the ENTIRE extended family of 19 each year.
5) If we wish, we can trade with any RCI resort.

6) OLCC benefits:
. . . about 5-miles from WDW
. . . see aerial WDW firewaorks from condo
. . . 90 holes of golf
. . . eight pools
. . . splash lagoon water park
. . . 80 acre lake
. . . minature golf
. . . at least one party each night
. . . tennis
. . . ski-doos and wave runners
. . . sale boats
. . . organized family activities form 8:00am thru 9:00pm
. . . moonlight-madness parties for adults

 

[njziggy]

We own 2 weeks at AVenue Plaza in New Orleans. We trade it through II and use it when we are running low on points or when doing other that WDW trips. Yes, we don't have the convience of setting our own timeframe (it is always a week long) but, the exchange fees are only $149. Also, we have many getaway weeks from II that we can use for great rates for places we can't easily trade into. We have stayed at the Vistana many times & love it there.