Hi All,
Sat through 2 time share presentations in Vegas last week (HGVC and Westgate), and what a different feel between the two. Buying from the developer just doesn't seem to be a good value to me so I started looking online to do more research. Not sure if a timeshare is even for us, but the Hilton one seemed like it might be the best thing for us if we were going to go the TS route. Would love to get some input to see what you all think.
Quick background, I'm shopping for myself, wife and 2 young daughters (3yo and 1yo). We've lived in many countries (Canada, Europe, and now are on a greencard in the US). It's highly likely we will stay in the US for the long term, but may do one ex-pat assignment in china in the next 3-5 years.
1) Where do you want your home resort to be?
Nowhere. This is why I'm not sure if this is for me. I live in the SFBay and we have been to Austria / Germany (Skiing), Vegas, Spokane, Boston, Toronto, Beijing, Shanghai, LA (Disney) and Chicago in the last 12 months. Ideally would like Hawaii, a few ski locations, and than the flexibility to trade to places all over the world (is RCI the best for that?)
2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?
Less than half the time
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Skiing (So could be Whistler, Tahoe, the Alps, Colorado, or other), Hawaii, Disneyworld (I.e. California, but may consider FL), then the flexibility for random locations anywhere.
4) How many people do you usually travel with?
2 adults, 2 kids. Want a 1-bedroom
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
For the next few years, any time travel will be perfectly fine. Willing to be 'that parent' in the future and take kids out of school to travel in non-peak times (well I think I am)
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
No. At least not right now. 3-6 months out is as good as it gets
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes. Worst case I can join up part way through the week with the wife and kids.
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
We've stayed at a lot of 2-3 star places, but starting to crave the 4-5 star as I get older. A 4 star would be more than enough (Hilton/Marriott/etc)
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
Enough, but would rather keep it to the $5-8k amount if possible.
10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
$1500 would be a good number. Could afford more, but wouldn't want to pay much more as $1500 can get a week most places so wouldn't see the value in something much more expensive.
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
Yes.
12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you die?
Sadly, yes, but if the ROI is right then I'll be happy to be forced to vacation every year.
Sat through 2 time share presentations in Vegas last week (HGVC and Westgate), and what a different feel between the two. Buying from the developer just doesn't seem to be a good value to me so I started looking online to do more research. Not sure if a timeshare is even for us, but the Hilton one seemed like it might be the best thing for us if we were going to go the TS route. Would love to get some input to see what you all think.
Quick background, I'm shopping for myself, wife and 2 young daughters (3yo and 1yo). We've lived in many countries (Canada, Europe, and now are on a greencard in the US). It's highly likely we will stay in the US for the long term, but may do one ex-pat assignment in china in the next 3-5 years.
1) Where do you want your home resort to be?
Nowhere. This is why I'm not sure if this is for me. I live in the SFBay and we have been to Austria / Germany (Skiing), Vegas, Spokane, Boston, Toronto, Beijing, Shanghai, LA (Disney) and Chicago in the last 12 months. Ideally would like Hawaii, a few ski locations, and than the flexibility to trade to places all over the world (is RCI the best for that?)
2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?
Less than half the time
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Skiing (So could be Whistler, Tahoe, the Alps, Colorado, or other), Hawaii, Disneyworld (I.e. California, but may consider FL), then the flexibility for random locations anywhere.
4) How many people do you usually travel with?
2 adults, 2 kids. Want a 1-bedroom
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
For the next few years, any time travel will be perfectly fine. Willing to be 'that parent' in the future and take kids out of school to travel in non-peak times (well I think I am)
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
No. At least not right now. 3-6 months out is as good as it gets
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes. Worst case I can join up part way through the week with the wife and kids.
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
We've stayed at a lot of 2-3 star places, but starting to crave the 4-5 star as I get older. A 4 star would be more than enough (Hilton/Marriott/etc)
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
Enough, but would rather keep it to the $5-8k amount if possible.
10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
$1500 would be a good number. Could afford more, but wouldn't want to pay much more as $1500 can get a week most places so wouldn't see the value in something much more expensive.
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
Yes.
12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you die?
Sadly, yes, but if the ROI is right then I'll be happy to be forced to vacation every year.
