Time Share Resorts

[atlanta]

It seems to me that it is just cheaper to rent a vacation place rather than buy a timeshare. No upfront costs and the flexibility to choose a different location when you go. No worries about increasing costs that you cannot control or damage from natural disasters. Just my 2 cents.

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by atla

It seems to me that it is just cheaper to rent a vacation place rather than buy a timeshare. No upfront costs and the flexibility to choose a different location when you go. No worries about increasing costs that you cannot control or damage from natural disasters. Just my 2 cents.

Absolutely agree. And who wants to go back to the same old place every stinking year? Not this kid . . .

[Bourne]

Originally Posted by atla

It seems to me that it is just cheaper to rent a vacation place rather than buy a timeshare. No upfront costs and the flexibility to choose a different location when you go. No worries about increasing costs that you cannot control or damage from natural disasters. Just my 2 cents.

Not really...

Then again, it depends on what you buy.

With Four Seasons, the annual maintenance fees is $1750.
After splitting the lockoff, you can stay for 14 days in a 1Br/Studio unit for $125. Four Seasons rates for similar units are north of $350-800. The $125 rate cannot be beat even when you rent from private owners on websites like* Ebay* & Myresortnetwork.com

Rent one side of the lockoff and you can technically stay for 7 nights in a studio unit at Four Seasons for free.* As the cost of maintenance increases at the lesser rate than cost of hotel night, you don't have to worry about increasing cost of vacationing when compared to booking a hotel/condo.

Regarding flexibility, it again depends where you buy. You can move around within a club or exchange using II/RCI/SFX exchange companies.

http://www.fourseasons.com/residence...tinations.html

Originally Posted by Bourne

Not really...

Then again, it depends on what you buy.

With Four Seasons, the annual maintenance fees is $1750.
After splitting the lockoff, you can stay for 14 days in a 1Br/Studio unit for $125. Four Seasons rates for similar units are north of $350-800. The $125 rate cannot be beat even when you rent from private owners on websites like* Ebay* & Myresortnetwork.com

Rent one side of the lockoff and you can technically stay for 7 nights in a studio unit at Four Seasons for free.* As the cost of maintenance increases at the lesser rate than cost of hotel night, you don't have to worry about increasing cost of vacationing when compared to booking a hotel/condo.

Regarding flexibility, it again depends where you buy. You can move around within a club or exchange using II/RCI/SFX exchange companies.

http://www.fourseasons.com/residence...tinations.html

Sounds like a job.

[Bourne]

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat

Sounds like a job.

*

Nope...Just a "Not so Young Dreamer"(low 30s) planning to retire at 45.

I love travelling. It is something I cannot let go or delay till the golden years. The only way to do it is to make every vacation dollar count.

[laurence]

Originally Posted by Bourne

Nope...Just a "Not so Young Dreamer"(low 30s) planning to retire at 45.

I love travelling. It is something I cannot let go or delay till the golden years. The only way to do it is to make every vacation dollar count.

Hey, I just turned 31, I still say I'm young! Hoping to retire at 45, and I'd say I would be considered young then too!

I think even if you could line up a renter for the lock off portion to make your stay, "free". You still have to factor in the 15k-25k you put up in the beginning. Maybe 20 years of vacationing later you can say you've come out ahead...

[Bourne]

I agree that the Four Seasons unit has a lesser bang for the buck than HGVC. I picked it up for 12.5K on Ebay. The "free" lockoff unit retails for 275-350 depending on the season averaging out to $2000 for a 7 night stay. With a 7.5% ROI on 12.5K and 3% inflation on the nightly cost, it would take around 9 years to break even.

Would I ever pay $350 for a hotel night. - Nope
Can I rent Four Seasons with a 12.5K * 7.5% = 1000/7 = 145 a night. - Nope

I see it as a lifestyle decision. It helps us afford Four Seasons at a price that we would normally pay for a Hilton or Sheraton room. The 9 years included.

xxxxx

[laurence]

Originally Posted by BabyApe

Has anyone ever tried a house exchange with someone in another city or country? It always seemed like a good idea to me if you could be sure to trust the people.

We have not, but our neighbors did with a family in England. They had the time of their lives, and the English family became fast friends with my parents, and still keep in touch to this day. Very positive experience.