Big Brand Timeshare Resorts versus No-Brand Properties

Big brand timeshare resorts such as Westgate, Marriott and Hilton offer many amenities and are usually conveniently located in the most popular vacation spots in the world.  You will find the big brand resorts are usually large, providing more than adequate property for swimming, tennis, golf, bicycling, health clinics and even on-property restaurants providing popular cuisine for the most discriminating people.  Related costs for these timeshare properties are usually at a premium and annual maintenance costs can run as high as $1000-$2000 annually.  Generally, the condition of the properties are good to excellent with maintenance crews on staff providing quick responses to daily problems that occur either with a specific timeshare unit or the property in general. 

Additionally, these big brand resorts offer several different unit sizes to include one, two, three, four and five bedroom units as well as lock-off units that provide the flexibility of opening 2 separate units side-by-side giving the flexibility of a much larger unit than a single unit.

Some of the big brand resorts require an extra charge for items such as paddle boats, bicycling and the use of the health clinics (weight rooms) to name a few.  If you decide on making a purchase at one of these big brand resorts, make sure you find out if and what additional charges you may incur for using some of their property amenities.

Lets take a minute to talk about no-brand timeshare resorts.  I won’t name them, but you will find them in almost all of the popular vacation spots.  Many of these smaller resorts are located conveniently near local attractions.  Many of them offer amenities similar to the larger resorts.  The related cost for these timeshare units are usually less expensive than the larger resorts, but keep in mind, that if the vacation spot is very popular, such as Orlando, Florida, you will find that even the smaller timeshare resorts price structure for purchasing a unit will not be much less than the larger resorts, and in many cases, the prices will be the same or possibly even more.

Many of the smaller resorts have several amenities; however, the size of their properties in many cases, will be smaller, so there may be limits to the amenities that they can offer.  The units in the smaller resorts may have limitations relating to the number of bedrooms, porches, kitchen amenities, and flat screen TV’s, etc.  Most smaller resorts do not have restaurants on properties; however, many have arrangements with outside restaurants to provide its guests with substantial discounts for dining.  Also, many of the smaller resorts offer discount tickets for various attractions in the area.  Due to the fact that these smaller resorts may not provide as many amenities as the larger resorts, you will find that many of these amenities are provided at no charge to the timeshare owner.

Some of the smaller timeshare resorts are off the beaten path and may require the owner to drive anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour between the timeshare property and the actual vacation spot.  For individuals who are not concerned about the drive time, there are advantages to owning in a smaller timeshare property.  Usually, the cost for maintenance is less, and some of these properties are located in quiet secluded areas that are more desirable and provide the guest the advantage to get away from it all!

If you like the hustle bustle of a larger resort, need all the amenities that it has to offer, and are willing to pay the price, then the larger name brand resorts is most likely the way to go; however, if you like seclusion, and don’t mind a little bit of driving, then the smaller resorts may work out ok.  Keep in mind that there are many smaller resorts that offer many amenities at no charge or at a very nominal fee for their usage.  If you are not sure which way to go, all of the timeshare resorts, whether big or small, offer tours that usually take anywhere from 2-4 hours, and in return, provide the individuals with some form of compensation such as cash, or discount tickets for attractions etc.  Keep in mind, that some of these resorts have high-pressure sales tactics, but you are never obligated to buy!  Now I am not saying to take 10 tours of resorts while vacationing, but if you have the time and are possibly interested in purchasing a timeshare resorts, you may want to take one or two tours of those that interest you the most.  Before vacationing, surf the web to see what vacation ownership properties are available.  This will help you to plan ahead before you head on out the door!

Why Have Timeshare Resorts Become So Popular?

Timeshare properties are becoming more and more popular due to the fact that there is more flexibility in the use of timeshare property, such as the ability to vacation at other locations thru exchange companies that are affiliated with the timeshare industry.  Additionally, the nature and design of the timeshare properties has become more desirable due to the fact that they are offering many amenities that were not offered in the past such as golf, tennis, bicycling, several swimming pools, walk trails, and dining on property.  Most timeshare properties are located conveniently near theme parks and popular vacation spots throughout the world.  Timeshare ownership is becoming a rapidly growing sector of the tourism industry.  Did you know that in 2007, sales revenue reached in excess of $10 billion?  This was an increase of over $2.5 billion in 1997.  Over 615,000 timeshare intervals have been sold in the United States since mid 2009.  The current average price of a timeshare sold in the United States is in excess of $18,400.  Simply, this means that timeshare ownership is less expensive than it was 10 years ago, and yet, offers more for the vacationing family.

Worldwide, timeshare properties exist in almost 100 countries.  In the United States, there are over 1800 resorts representing over 192,000 units. 

Timeshare properties are available as deeded property in a single location; however, there are variations such as non-deeded ownership, fractional ownership and points-based programs now available at many timeshare resorts.  Many timeshare properties are associated with popular hotel companies to include Disney, Marriott and the Wyndham hotels.  Many of these timeshare resorts have associations with exchange companies such as RCI and Intervals International.  These exchange companies offer the flexibility of allowing you to swap your week in your “home” timeshare resort for a week at another geographical location.

Always keep in mind that timeshare property has one principle in common; that is you are purchasing the “right” to stay in a condo or house in a vacation destination for a designated period of time.

The timeshare industry is one of the most regulated industries.  There are several consumer-protection laws pertaining to the sale and ownership of timeshare property.  This is your assurance that “you get what you pay for”.

So, in closing, keep in mind that timeshare property is NOT an investment in real estate property, but in your future vacations!  If you are seeking the vacation lifestyle of a luxurious condo or home, and want all of the amenities associated with them, then timeshare ownership may be the right choice for you and your family!