A Look at Some of My Successful Upcoming Timeshare Trades

The other day I was briefly talking to someone about my blog and they immediately indicated that timeshares are horrible and couldn't fathom why someone would actually own one and felt sorry for someone that actually purchased one.

I wasn't surprised by their reaction as I would say that the vast majority of the population has the same view.  Many people know someone who purchased a timeshare for an exorbitant  price, can never trade into the destination during the time period that they want, doesn't use it and can't sell it.  

Unfortunately, this is a common story which is why I know that a blog like mine is absolutely necessary to avoid these types of stories and begin telling stories like mine. 

As I stated before, one of the best ways that I can show readers that timeshare ownership is worthwhile is to show readers how I am using my timeshares and the incredible (sometimes ridiculous) values that I am able to receive. 

In case you do not read this blog often, I currently own two weeks at the Hyatt Residence Club in Key West, Florida.  By exchanging these weeks into points and exchanging those points with Interval International, I got tremendous value.  Here is a look at some of my upcoming trips.

Economics of Exchanging

As I have discused before, here is some quick math to show you the approximate cost of these upcoming trips. 

Ignoring the initial cost of these weeks, I pay about $1200 per week in maintenance fees for 2,000 Hyatt Residence Club points per week. 

Therefore, for $2,400, I receive 4,000 Hyatt Residence Club Points. 

Therefore, for each point I receive, I pay $0.06 cents.   

Additionally, since I predominantly use my points to exchange through Interval International, the exchange fee is now $199 per exchange.    

Upcoming Trips

Resort Villas at Welk Resorts (San Diego, California)

The next timeshare trip that I booked will be at the Resort Villas at Welk Resorts during Thanksgiving.  I was able to receive a 2 bedroom unit at the resort over the Thanksgiving holiday.  This resort is located close to San Diego, California and close to Legoland, the key driving force behind getting this unit.  

Cost in Points: 1,300
Cost in Dollars: (1,300 x $0.06) $780
Exchange Fee: $199
Cost per Night:  ($780 + $199) / 7:  About $140 per night. 

While this is probably not the absolute steal that I would expect, $140 per night for a 2 bedroom unit during Thanksgiving Week in a high quality resort isn't bad.  However, I generally try to do much better with my values but I can't say that this is a bad deal.  

As a comparison, the resort is offering the same size unit for the same time period for about $400 per night representing a 65% discount on the retail price.

Marriott Maui Ocean Club Maui, Hawaii

The next timeshare trip planned is in Maui, Hawaii.  As I did last year, we are heading there for the Christmas holiday.  You can read about my "timeshare fail" here.  This year, while I still am attempting to get Christmas week (extremely difficult), we were able to get into the Marriott Ocean Club for the week before Christmas and use points for the other week at the Andaz Maui (awesome resort). We were able to reserve a 1 bedroom for this week. 

Cost in Points: 870
Cost in Dollars: (870 x $0.06) $522
Exchange Fee: $199
Cost per Night:  ($522 + $199) / 7:  About $103 per night. 

As a comparison, the resort is offering the same size unit for the same time period for about $538 per night representing over an 80% discount on the retail price. Not too shabby. 

Westgate Park City in Park City, Utah during Sundance Film Festival

The next timeshare trip is scheduled for Park City, Utah.  I am a huge fan of Park City as it is definitely my favorite ski destination.  This year I was able to score a super prime week during the Sundance Film Festival which occurs during the third week of January. I was able to get a one bedroom unit at the Westgate Park City.  

Cost in Points: 870
Cost in Dollars: (870 x $0.06) $522
Exchange Fee: $199
Cost per Night:  ($522 + $199) / 7:  About $103 per night. 

As a comparison, the resort is offering the same size unit for the same time period for about $647 per night representing over an 84% discount on the retail price. Sweet!

Marriott Timber Lodge in Lake Tahoe

The following timeshare trip is in Lake Tahoe during ski season.  I was able to grab a prime ski week for the last week of February in a Studio Unit.  Hopefully, this will be a good ski season as Lake Tahoe's conditions vary year to year. 

Cost in Points: 430
Cost in Dollars: (430 x $0.06) $258
Exchange Fee: $199
Cost per Night:  ($258+$199) / 7:  About $65 per night. 

As a comparison, the resort is offering the same size unit for the same time period for about $199 per night representing over an 67% discount on the retail price. 

Conclusion:

These are my current outstanding trips planned but already have plenty of other requests pending for other destinations.

As you can see, the discounts from the retail rates are completely ridiculous.  Just in these four trips, the discounts range from 65% to over 84% based on a comparison of the going rates. 

As I say over and over again, timeshares are not for everyone but they are far from being a scam.  The key is to learn the system and maximize their use. 

I would never be able to afford many of the trip above if it was not for timeshares.  Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't want to spend those retail costs for these types of trips.  There are better ways to travel well, cheap and in luxury and timeshares can be one of them!  Timeshares simply give me the access to more vacations at reasonable rates.  It is complicated but doable and the savings can be significant! 

What trips do you have planned?  Make sure to leave comments below.