Non DVC Vacation Ownership

[diva452]

Along the same lines that DVC points are not a good value for outside DVC, what other vacation ownership options does everyone have?

We just got back from the Westin, Rancho Mirage and looked at the Starwood system. Looks interesting and there are many choices.

Any opinions?

Thanks!
Melissa

[JimP]

We use WorldMark by Wyndham for local "drive to" spots... but they are primarily a west coast club... and most DVC owners are east coast. It is not high end... but the fees are low, and it is a great exchanger. They have some good beach front locations on the pacific which is what we primarily use.

Do not ever buy from the developer, no matter which timeshare you get. Unlike DVC... most timeshares can be purchased at a very steep discount from developer prices. For example... Worldmark is currently selling resale for about $0.30 on the dollar. On the east coast, Wyndham (formerlly Fairfield) is selling at an even steeper discount. Probably $0.10 - $0.15 on the dollar.

/Jim

[JimP]

I also have a very good friend who books a ton of II, RCI, TPI and SFX exchanges. I will generally tell him what I am looking for, and then he will find them and book them for me. This works out exceptionally well because he has some traders that are even less expensive than mine... plus he finds the great trades unlike anyone I have ever seen (and I have seen a lot). In return, I will often direct-book him into units that I have access to so it is a win-win for both of us.

He currently has pending reservations held for me at Tyndal Lodge 2BR in Whistler Village, Westin Kaanapali 2BR lockoff in Maui, and Grand Mayan 2BR in Nuevao Vallarta. The last two exchanges probably have a rack rate of $8K - $10K each (probably $1200 - $1500 nightly)... and each is only costing me (in equivalent reservations) about 1/2 of a week in a DVC 2BR.

He currently has 3 reservations at Atlantis Harbourside which he has offered to me... but I just cannot afford another week of vacation. :( I really wnt to go there one of these years.

/Jim

[Laxmom]

We bought our Marriott weeks 6-7 years ago. We toured DVC and decided to go with Marriott at the time. On our first exchange, we decided to buy there too. We have 2 every other year weeks that equals 1 week of ownership with 2 home resorts thru Marriott. We bought it to be flexible enough to do other things also when we did the eoy thing so it might work out really well for you. You are responsible for 1/2 of your maintenance fees annually. We just bought DVC also. We have done some great trips with our Marriott's; Hawaii, Aruba, So. Cal., HHI, Orlando, Williamsburg and in 2 weeks, Disney's Old Key West. You can find some great deals resale but just FYI, Marriott has ROFR also. They are a fixed week system.

[administrator]

http://www.mouseowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11028&highlight=starwood

[NYDVC]

We use WorldMark by Wyndham for local "drive to" spots... but they are primarily a west coast club... and most DVC owners are east coast. It is not high end... but the fees are low, and it is a great exchanger. They have some good beach front locations on the pacific which is what we primarily use.

Do not ever buy from the developer, no matter which timeshare you get. Unlike DVC... most timeshares can be purchased at a very steep discount from developer prices. For example... Worldmark is currently selling resale for about $0.30 on the dollar. On the east coast, Wyndham (formerlly Fairfield) is selling at an even steeper discount. Probably $0.10 - $0.15 on the dollar.

/Jim

question jim, does your opinion about buying from developers apply to quarter shares as well. We have a deposit on a quartershare that is being biuld close to home (upstate NY). We looked for quartrshares on the resale and did not find much. We were looking for trading and quick trips. This place as a plan ( or will have once its finished) that allows you to book 3 day in advance if room is avaialble. which we think would be great for weekend/midweek relax time get away. I was alittle nervious about paying the developers price and they also have right or first refusal, I'm thinking its a bit of a gamble. I am hoping we wont lose our shirt. :jawdroppi:jawdroppi

developers price has increase about 10% since we commited ourselves. last year so thats good.

[JimP]

question jim, does your opinion about buying from developers apply to quarter shares as well. We have a deposit on a quartershare that is being biuld close to home (upstate NY). We looked for quartrshares on the resale and did not find much. We were looking for trading and quick trips. This place as a plan ( or will have once its finished) that allows you to book 3 day in advance if room is avaialble. which we think would be great for weekend/midweek relax time get away. I was alittle nervious about paying the developers price and they also have right or first refusal, I'm thinking its a bit of a gamble. I am hoping we wont lose our shirt. :jawdroppi:jawdroppi

developers price has increase about 10% since we commited ourselves. last year so thats good.

By quatershare... I assume that you mean you own 1/4 of a unit. The only ones that I am familiar with give you a week every 4 weeks... so you can spend 13 weeks/year there. The problem with them is that very few people can utiilize full week trips that often... and hence they get low utilization.

There is a large resort community in the Bend OR area (Redmond) called Eagle Crest that has 1/4 and 1/5 shares... as well as point based condos and also many fully owned homes. Because of the low utilization problem mentioned above, there are always a lot of 1/4 and 1/5 share ownerships for sale. From a price standpoint... a fully owned condo might sell for $250K - $400K. The same condo (ex: the identical unit next door) that is 1/5 share might sell for only 20K. The depressed prices are because there are so many wanting to sell.

So... my experience is very limited... but from what I have seen... even 1/4 share condos are best NOT purchased from the developer.

I did personally buy a 1/13th share condo from the developer (1 week every 3 months). I did get a pretty good price discount... but I know that if I ever sell it I will lose my shirt. I use that as a "work from home" location 4 weeks per year... and for me, the "mental health" of spending an extra 4 working weeks/year with a panoramic view of the Pacific was worth it to me. Work hard - play hard. This one is only 1:06 from my office... so if something important comes up... I can be at work in a jiffy. That has only happened once (much less than I assumed).

/Jim

[NYDVC]

Thanks Jim,


I wonder if this was a good move. I am in for a third of a quarter. we certainly want to trade it and I do think it will mean good trades. Not expecting to sell it, but maybe I will look around for other resales some more.
NOt sure I will get the deposit back :innocent:

[Daitcher]

I like Jim's advice. NEVER buy from the developer unless it is just something you cannot live without.

I commited such sin with my other Timeshare through Royal Resorts. I paid (gasp) $42,000 for a 1 week 2 bedroom fixed week/fixed unit. Why? Well, it certainly was emotional. We love Playa Del Carmen Mexico and will stay there exclusively each winter. I also wanted to be in that resort development. All that will be in there is full ownership condos, The Royal resort I own, Royal Haciendas, a Championship Golf course which will host PGA tour events, a High end shopping and dining complex and private homes. The road leading into to this will lead directly to Playa's 5th Avenue. It is truly special. My unit is also incredible. It is a top floor 2 bedroom deluxe unit with a view of the beach and a full view of the pool complex and grounds. It gives us the best of both worlds for daytime views and nightime views. We love it. We would have had a lengthy wait to get such a unit so for us it was worth it.

Royal Resorts is the best I've done business with to date. Problem, if you see it that way, is that people who own Royals stay at Royals. It is simply too good to trade for a second rater like DVC or Westin, etc. The service is just way too good to downgrade. Only 5% of the ownership trade for anything other than simply doing internal trades.

Starwood is shaky from what I hear customer service wise. Programs I like are Royal Resorts, Hyatt Vacation Club and Marriott. Marriott has many unhappy onwers as well so be careful. Again buy resale.

Good luck. Spend lots of time on TUG.


DAVE

[NYDVC]

thanks Dave


the more I am thinking, the more i want to get out of it.

Rich

need to look at TUG. All good advice.

[Daitcher]

thanks Dave


the more I am thinking, the more i want to get out of it.

Rich

need to look at TUG. All good advice.



Rich.

I'm not sure of this but I'd think that Jim would agree. TUG seems to be very straight forward. If you post a question over there they will answer it truthfully. Not that people here don't, it just seems that DVC owners think DVC is the best and anything else is nonsense. There they will give you pros and cons.

As far as your purchase, if it is a must have then do it. If not wait a year or so and you'll be able to get the same thing resale for pennies on the dollar.


DAVE

[administrator]

It is simply too good to trade for a second rater like DVC or Westin, etc.
DAVE

I wouldn't classify Westin/Starwood as a "second rater."

You can take a look at what I don't consider to be second-rate:

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas -- Ocean Front Studio (http://www.mouseowners.com/Maui-Images/StudioOF)

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean resort Villas -- Ocean Front One Bedroom (http://www.mouseowners.com/Maui-Images/1BROF)

Of course, decor preferences might differ, but our purchase offers stunning views, awesome snorkeling, the Westin Heavenly bed/shower, full poolside service, true concierge, etc.

The only thing I would change about it is the responsiveness to customers (in terms of reservations/suggestions/etc. Starwood is very clearly out to make $$. They don't hide it like some other companies do. At the very least, I can respect that attitude, even if I don't like it.). Granted, it's not the Four Seasons, but we're thrilled with our purchase. It's the one vacation we don't have to think about: we just pick a date and plan it.

Different strokes for different folks: We would never do Mexico because of the potential for travel "complications" (read illness).

[JimP]

I wouldn't classify Westin/Starwood as a "second rater."

You can take a look at what I don't consider to be second-rate:

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas -- Ocean Front Studio (http://www.mouseowners.com/Maui-Images/StudioOF)

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean resort Villas -- Ocean Front One Bedroom (http://www.mouseowners.com/Maui-Images/1BROF)

Of course, decor preferences might differ, but our purchase offers stunning views, awesome snorkeling, the Westin Heavenly bed/shower, full poolside service, true concierge, etc.

The only thing I would change about it is the responsiveness to customers (in terms of reservations/suggestions/etc. Starwood is very clearly out to make $$. They don't hide it like some other companies do. At the very least, I can respect that attitude, even if I don't like it.). Granted, it's not the Four Seasons, but we're thrilled with our purchase. It's the one vacation we don't have to think about: we just pick a date and plan it.

Different strokes for different folks: We would never do Mexico because of the potential for travel "complications" (read illness).

Kim,

I am really looking forward to our trip to the Kaanapali in May. I love the Westin Heavenly bed :). We are sharing a 2BR lockoff with friends. I assume that it is the same as your 1BR and Studio pics combined? I also heard there was an "alcove" of some sort when you enter the two units... and then can enter either room with a seperate lock? Is this correct? if we are using it as a 2BR, is it sufficient to just use one door?

Looking forward to meeting you there. I think we are in the new building. I am not 100% positive. I had the choice of two consecutive weeks... one of each (original and new)... and I cannot remember which one was for the week we chose.

/Jim

[Daitcher]

I wouldn't classify Westin/Starwood as a "second rater."

You can take a look at what I don't consider to be second-rate:

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas -- Ocean Front Studio (http://www.mouseowners.com/Maui-Images/StudioOF)

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean resort Villas -- Ocean Front One Bedroom (http://www.mouseowners.com/Maui-Images/1BROF)

Of course, decor preferences might differ, but our purchase offers stunning views, awesome snorkeling, the Westin Heavenly bed/shower, full poolside service, true concierge, etc.

The only thing I would change about it is the responsiveness to customers (in terms of reservations/suggestions/etc. Starwood is very clearly out to make $$. They don't hide it like some other companies do. At the very least, I can respect that attitude, even if I don't like it.). Granted, it's not the Four Seasons, but we're thrilled with our purchase. It's the one vacation we don't have to think about: we just pick a date and plan it.

Different strokes for different folks: We would never do Mexico because of the potential for travel "complications" (read illness).



Thanks for pointing that out. Everyone should note that there are big differences in Timeshare Co. from resort to resort. The Westin you referenced in Maui is an excellent choice. Westin is a fine product for sure. The only complaints I've heard about them is in regards to customer service.

Bottom line, I'd recommend buying a resort that is in a location that you love personally. You should buy with the intent to use fairly regularly or you could end up being dissapointed. Trading is great but it shouldn't be the sole reason for purchase for most individuals.


DAVE

[JimP]

Thanks for pointing that out. Everyone should note that there are big differences in Timeshare Co. from resort to resort. The Westin you referenced in Maui is an excellent choice. Westin is a fine product for sure. The only complaints I've heard about them is in regards to customer service.

Bottom line, I'd recommend buying a resort that is in a location that you love personally. You should buy with the intent to use fairly regularly or you could end up being dissapointed. Trading is great but it shouldn't be the sole reason for purchase for most individuals.


DAVE

Worldmark is my primary timeshare. We do own a ton of points there... and we use them for personal use. It is by no means luxurious. In fact, it is pretty basic. What I love more than anything is to relax while looking at the ocean... and we do that more weekends than not.

It just so happens to be a pretty good (great) trader. It is dual affiliated with RCI and II, so I can book resorts through either... even though I now usually use someone else to do my exchanges for me as previously described.

/Jim

[administrator]

Kim,

I am really looking forward to our trip to the Kaanapali in May. I love the Westin Heavenly bed :). We are sharing a 2BR lockoff with friends. I assume that it is the same as your 1BR and Studio pics combined? I also heard there was an "alcove" of some sort when you enter the two units... and then can enter either room with a seperate lock? Is this correct? if we are using it as a 2BR, is it sufficient to just use one door?

Looking forward to meeting you there. I think we are in the new building. I am not 100% positive. I had the choice of two consecutive weeks... one of each (original and new)... and I cannot remember which one was for the week we chose.

/Jim

Hi, Jim --

Looking forward to it, too!!

Our pics are of an OF South villa, which is larger than the standard OV villas. Also, South villas are larger than the North villas (though the studio in the south villa doesn't have a balcony, unless you have an OF unit).

Your configuration will depend upon whether you are staying in the North property or not. I'm not quite clear on what you mean when you write "the new building."

If you're at the North property, you won't have an entry foyer: It's more like a DVC 2BR l/o. If you're at the South property, you do have an entry foyer. Actually, the foyer can make it a little more difficult for people to share space (so, for example, it would be a bit iffy for families with small kids, because there's no great way to prop the doors open.). On the other hand, the foyer allows for privacy when you need to get away!

[diva452]

Thanks for everyone's input!

We stayed at the Westin, Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, CA. DH has a ton of Starwod points from credit card and his travel so we went out for the 4th. We were "upgraded" to a suite for $50 in one of the renovated buildings, not the Villas. I had made reservations for dinner for the 4th and 5th. The concierge didn't have them at first so she remade them, offered me a rollaway bed and confirmed up and down that there will be a fridge in the room. She was prompt in calling me back to confirm my cabana rental also. The first impression was great. That was the end of the positive impressions.:headbange

The room was refurbished and huge but no fridge, no rollaway bed, sofa bed not made up. I had to call about 4 times to get these small things done. They didnt even know where to put the fridge as there was no place for one in the wet bar area. :headbange

At least our dinner ressies went well but the pool was a hassle too. We had a cabana and it was great but when we left for nap time we came back and someone was using it, even though our pool toys with our names on them were there. We told the staff we were going to nap for a couple hours but they didnt chain it off as occupied so there were squatters there!:headbange The people said they didnt know it was a rental....yeah right

We had so much food in the fridge from our dinner that we asked for another one and they said only one per room but they would bring a microwave. I asked for utensils and plates and of course only a microwave, no utensils. another couple of phone calls and they were brought to us.

The bottom line is that the management and service was horrible, renovated room done cheap and shabby, the public areas beautiful. I don't know if it is new management but it was very poorly run. This was my second Westin experience and I think we'll do Marriott for labor day in the desert.

[tomandrobin]

Thanks for everyone's input!

We stayed at the Westin, Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, CA. DH has a ton of Starwod points from credit card and his travel so we went out for the 4th. We were "upgraded" to a suite for $50 in one of the renovated buildings, not the Villas. I had made reservations for dinner for the 4th and 5th. The concierge didn't have them at first so she remade them, offered me a rollaway bed and confirmed up and down that there will be a fridge in the room. She was prompt in calling me back to confirm my cabana rental also. The first impression was great. That was the end of the positive impressions.:headbange

The room was refurbished and huge but no fridge, no rollaway bed, sofa bed not made up. I had to call about 4 times to get these small things done. They didnt even know where to put the fridge as there was no place for one in the wet bar area. :headbange

At least our dinner ressies went well but the pool was a hassle too. We had a cabana and it was great but when we left for nap time we came back and someone was using it, even though our pool toys with our names on them were there. We told the staff we were going to nap for a couple hours but they didnt chain it off as occupied so there were squatters there!:headbange The people said they didnt know it was a rental....yeah right

We had so much food in the fridge from our dinner that we asked for another one and they said only one per room but they would bring a microwave. I asked for utensils and plates and of course only a microwave, no utensils. another couple of phone calls and they were brought to us.

The bottom line is that the management and service was horrible, renovated room done cheap and shabby, the public areas beautiful. I don't know if it is new management but it was very poorly run. This was my second Westin experience and I think we'll do Marriott for labor day in the desert.

Just to let you know, you stayed in the Hotel portion of the resort, not the time share portion. The hotel is branded a Westin, but is owned by Marriott. They sold it to Marriott a few years ago.

[diva452]

Just to let you know, you stayed in the Hotel portion of the resort, not the time share portion. The hotel is branded a Westin, but is owned by Marriott. They sold it to Marriott a few years ago.

ok, I knew we were in the hotel portion but I was unaware of the sale of the villas to Marriott.

[administrator]

ok, I knew we were in the hotel portion but I was unaware of the sale of the villas to Marriott.


No, they sold the *hotel* to Marriott, not the villas. Villas are still *wood.

[tomandrobin]

The hotel is owned by Marriott, the Villas are owned by Westin.

[disneyfreak89]

If I can jump in here, not sure if this is plausible, but do most non DVC timeshare owners only TRADE their weeks with other owners or can you actually rent them out (weeks) like you can DVC points? :headscrat

[administrator]

If I can jump in here, not sure if this is plausible, but do most non DVC timeshare owners only TRADE their weeks with other owners or can you actually rent them out (weeks) like you can DVC points? :headscrat

A lot of that depends on the particular TS you own. Some people buy weeks specifically for trading, because that works better for them. Other people buy weeks at a resort they won't trade, because it wouldn't be cost-effective to do so.

For example, we own an Ocean Front Deluxe unit at Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. I'd never trade it. I'd rent it out. Why? because if I traded it in to II, I'd lose the view: it would just become a regular villa when they enter it into the system. I'd be much better off renting it out at a premium, then looking for something else with cash.

So, the answer to your question is, "Yes, people can rent out their TS."

[disneyfreak89]

So, the answer to your question is, "Yes, people can rent out their TS."

Thanks for the quick reply! My next question is, WHERE do I go to find owners who want to rent their timeshares out?

Or is it that easy? :innocent:

[administrator]

Again, it depends. But, you might want to start out at tug2.net

[disneyfreak89]

Thanks! I'll give that a try! BTW, if there's any MO's who would like to 'rent' one of their timeshare weeks

out (January, southern Florida, either coast), feel free to PM me! :bowdown: We'd feel more comfortable

renting from 'you guys' then other 'strangers'.

[tammymacb]

I know my sister just rented a TS in Virginia. TUG apparently has a forum where you can rent last minute time shares for a real bargain. ( Don't know the exact site name, I google'd Tug last minute rental ) Anyhoo, she got a 2 bedroom in Va for a week for $299.00 for the whole week! Over the 4th of July! Apparently, the owner had listed it for 700, then 500 and finally 299 when it didn't rent. That's where DS found it. She rented it and split it with my cousin ( I had to work the 4th :( ) So she got a week trip for 150.

I looked last week and somebody GAVE AWAY a 1 bedroom at BCV, because they couldn't use it. First person who answered got it for free...( if you don't belive me, google the forum and look back, it's there! )

I know the rules of that forum is everything is last minute - you have to be able to travel within 30 days and everything rents for 700 or less.

[tammymacb]

Here's the free BCV thread

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75071

somebody got lucky...

[disneyfreak89]

Thanks Tammy! That would actually work out perfect for us. We won't know if my FIL will be able to travel till the last minute (less than 30 days). Thanks for the info! :thumbsup:

BTW, how safe is this 'tug' anyways? Anyone have a BAD experience with them?

[diva452]

No, they sold the *hotel* to Marriott, not the villas. Villas are still *wood.

Duh, sorry. That's makes it even more interesting. The service was just horrendous, and that definitely surprises me for a Marriott. I think we will rent the villa's for the labor day stay. Thanks again!

[Laxmom]

Most Tuggers are great people. They do sometimes get the newbie who is trying to rent and just like this sight or any other for that matter, I would be careful with those. Some folks there also rent thru Redweek. Again, I would ask for references.

Just one more tidbit. If you are renting a ts week, II rules state that you must own that week. So, if someone exchanges their Marriott in HHI for a week in Florida and rents you the Florida week, you could get there and have no accomodations. They can, however, rent you their HHI week. Does that make sense?

I saw the BCV week. Man was I bummed I couldn't use it!! We almost rented a week in Virginia for $250 for the week but it ended up being too far from where we were going to be visiting.

[diva452]

The hotel is owned by Marriott, the Villas are owned by Westin.

I just found elements of the deal from 2006. The Westin Mission Hills is still under Starwood management under a 20 year deal.. They also bought 37 other Starwood properties, including some St Regis, Luxury collection and W brands which should makes Host Marriott the largest lodging enterprise in the country. Same name, same management, deeper pockets for Host Marriott and their shareholders. Lousy service for moi!:headbrick

[tomandrobin]

I just found elements of the deal from 2006. The Westin Mission Hills is still under Starwood management under a 20 year deal.. They also bought 37 other Starwood properties, including some St Regis, Luxury collection and W brands which should makes Host Marriott the largest lodging enterprise in the country. Same name, same management, deeper pockets for Host Marriott and their shareholders. Lousy service for moi!:headbrick

Yes, Yes and Yes!

[diva452]

Yes, Yes and Yes!

Oh, and on our Starwood Points that we have thru AMEX, we cant use them for the Villas!!!!!! Which is odd since our "salesperson" said that AMEX was designed to be used with the Starwood program! There are some non participating resorts so for Labor Day we will be stuck back in that suite with no fridge!!!!!:grrrrr:

[tomandrobin]

Oh, and on our Starwood Points that we have thru AMEX, we cant use them for the Villas!!!!!! Which is odd since our "salesperson" said that AMEX was designed to be used with the Starwood program! There are some non participating resorts so for Labor Day we will be stuck back in that suite with no fridge!!!!!:grrrrr:

You can not use starpoints for villa stays, or can you? Up until a few months ago, you could not use stapoints for villa stays. But, now they are offering villa stays in Hawaii for Starpoint owners.

This is from the SPG site for The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas

Starwood Preferred Guest Category 5 (javascript:openBrWindow('/westin/property/overview/spg_category.html','spgcatinfo','scrollbars=yes,wi dth=590,height=600, resize=no');):
Please note: This hotel has Limited Participation (javascript:void window.open('/westin/property/overview/spg_limitedParticipation.html?propertyID=1406', 'spglimitedPart','scrollbars=yes,width=590,height= 300,resizable=yes');) in the Starwood Preferred Guest® program

Several of the Timeshares now have this "limited" participation.

[diva452]

You can not use starpoints for villa stays, or can you? Up until a few months ago, you could not use stapoints for villa stays. But, now they are offering villa stays in Hawaii for Starpoint owners.

This is from the SPG site for The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas

Starwood Preferred Guest Category 5 (javascript:openBrWindow('/westin/property/overview/spg_category.html','spgcatinfo','scrollbars=yes,wi dth=590,height=600, resize=no');):
Please note: This hotel has Limited Participation (javascript:void window.open('/westin/property/overview/spg_limitedParticipation.html?propertyID=1406', 'spglimitedPart','scrollbars=yes,width=590,height= 300,resizable=yes');) in the Starwood Preferred Guest® program

Several of the Timeshares now have this "limited" participation.


It's that limited participation that screws us. We called about the villa's the last time and we couldn't use them. The other Starwood hotel in Rancho Mirage, I think it's a Le Meridien, also has limited participation and we couldn't get in. We can only get into the Westin hotel part.

Just for giggles, I might try another Westin Villa's resort and see what happens:cool2:

[tomandrobin]

It's that limited participation that screws us. We called about the villa's the last time and we couldn't use them. The other Starwood hotel in Rancho Mirage, I think it's a Le Meridien, also has limited participation and we couldn't get in. We can only get into the Westin hotel part.

Just for giggles, I might try another Westin Villa's resort and see what happens:cool2:

Well in Hawaii, the Villas and the Hotel for Westin are not on the same property. So if you book the villas, you will get the villas.

We own at Westin Kierland villas. That resort shares the property with a Westin Hotel. So it could go either way.

[Laxmom]

Kierland looks like a lovely resort. I would really like to stay there someday. Is it as nice as it looks?

[tomandrobin]

Kierland looks like a lovely resort. I would really like to stay there someday. Is it as nice as it looks?

We love Kierland, and yes its as nice as it looks. If you go to tug, its one of the ranked resorts at #11.

It has a lazy river, a zero entry pool, with cabanas, bar service pool side. It also has an adult only pool. Real nice golf course, tennis, etc....

[Laxmom]

I have read about it, actually. I was looking for a getaway for our 25th anniversary and we thought about going there. Did a Disney cruise instead but it is still on my list of must do's. We haven't traded out of Marriott yet but I sure could be convinced to do so if I was going there! What is a good time of year to visit?

[tomandrobin]

I have read about it, actually. I was looking for a getaway for our 25th anniversary and we thought about going there. Did a Disney cruise instead but it is still on my list of must do's. We haven't traded out of Marriott yet but I sure could be convinced to do so if I was going there! What is a good time of year to visit?

Fall and Spring. Winter can be too cool for the pool, summer is blistering.

[Laxmom]

Thanks!! I will remember that one! Would love to do St. John too but I figure that one will have to be a rental. We would never get that one in trade!!

[Daitcher]

Thanks for the quick reply! My next question is, WHERE do I go to find owners who want to rent their timeshares out?

Or is it that easy? :innocent:



I would also suggest Redweek in conjunction with Tug for renting. Kim is spot on with her advice. It really depends on what you own, whether or not it is worth it to trade. I generally prefer the rental route as I own prime locations.


DAVE

[disneyfreak89]

I would also suggest Redweek in conjunction with Tug for renting. Kim is spot on with her advice. It really depends on what you own, whether or not it is worth it to trade. I generally prefer the rental route as I own prime locations.

We don't own so trading is not an option for us. We're interested in rental. BTW, you wouldn't happen to have anything on the East or West Coast of Florida you want to rent out for a week next January would you? :D

Thanks for the tip on Redweek. We'll look into it.

[Daitcher]

We don't own so trading is not an option for us. We're interested in rental. BTW, you wouldn't happen to have anything on the East or West Coast of Florida you want to rent out for a week next January would you? :D

Thanks for the tip on Redweek. We'll look into it.



Redweek is a great source for rentals as well. Also I do have something to rent in Mexico so drop me a pm if interested. I'm not sure I can post it here. Dates are Jan. 17- 24.



DAVE

[disneyfreak89]

Also I do have something to rent in Meico so drop me a pm if interested. I'm not sure I can post it here. Dates are Jan. 17- 24.

Just some clarification.....is that Mexico or Micco, Florida? Thanks.

[Daitcher]

Just some clarification.....is that Mexico or Micco, Florida? Thanks.



Sorry, Mexico.



DAVE

[disneyfreak89]

Sorry, Mexico.

Thanks for the offer but our plans are to stay in Florida.

[Daitcher]

Thanks for the offer but our plans are to stay in Florida.

You are welcome.

What might have been a deal breaker is that anyone who rents my lock off side will be my neighbor for the week.:Paranoid:



DAVE

[disneyfreak89]

What might have been a deal breaker is that anyone who rents my lock off side will be my neighbor for the week.:Paranoid:

:scary: :D

Actually, we're looking for a 3 bedroom condo/villa/beach house to rent for the last week of January (6 adults, 2 kids).

We found a few nice places on Redweek we can look into. Thanks again for the suggestion. :thumbsup:

[tomandrobin]

You are welcome.

What might have been a deal breaker is that anyone who rents my lock off side will be my neighbor for the week.:Paranoid:

DAVE

Is the lock-off side a studio and can it sleep 8?

I'v been wanting to take the whole family down to Mexico.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r197/tomandrobin/hillbilly.jpg

[NYDVC]

Is the lock-off side a studio and can it sleep 8?

I'v been wanting to take the whole family down to Mexico.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r197/tomandrobin/hillbilly.jpg

cant wait to show this to my DW. she ownes that kitchen apron the women on the right is wearing. :hahahaha:

[Daitcher]

Is the lock-off side a studio and can it sleep 8?

I'v been wanting to take the whole family down to Mexico.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r197/tomandrobin/hillbilly.jpg



:holymoly:


DAVE