Key West-where to buy?

Originally Posted by DeniseM View Post
Here are some questions you can answer to focus your timeshare wants/needs.

If you click on QUOTE at the end of my post, the questions will open up in a new window for you to answer:

1) Where do you want your home resort to be?
Key West.
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?
For now, home resort at least half the time.
3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Disney, other SE US destinations.
4) How many people do you usually travel with?
1-3.
5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
We can travel most any time in the summer and fall (May-Dec).
6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
No.
7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Not usually, mostly 3-4 days at a time.
8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
At least 3*, 4-5 would be good.
9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
As much as necessary, I'm always interested in value.
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?
Same as above.
11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
Somewhat.
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 do? Yes.
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New to the whole timeshare arena, we vacation frequently in Key West, looking for something in the heart of the action (walking distance to Duval), not interested in being across town. Most of our trips are just 3-4 days, also we often travel on a whim, so I assume a point based TS is more for me? Two college age daughters who sometimes travel with wife and myself.

I'm thinking owning a timeshare isn't for you. Not being able to plan ahead and
Wanting short stays are going to make ownership difficult. Especially in a high
Demand, low number of unit type place like Key West. Even a points based system
Takes planning unless you travel totally in the off seasons. Renting might be your
Best option.

My favorite TS in Key West is the Banyan. It is an old converted house about 25 yards from Duval Street right near the main intersection. All units are different. The Banyan is not fancy but has a lot of character. Best thing is location and a great back yard with plenty of shade (from trees) for socializing.

George

slip said:

I'm thinking owning a timeshare isn't for you. Not being able to plan ahead and
Wanting short stays are going to make ownership difficult. Especially in a high
Demand, low number of unit type place like Key West. Even a points based system
Takes planning unless you travel totally in the off seasons. Renting might be your
Best option.

Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply. I am certainly exploring the rental avenue, but I'd also like to educate myself regarding ownership, perhaps there is a sweet spot that will work for us. The main thing I've learned about TS ownership is there's a lot to know, and I know almost nothing. The main advantages to our schedule are: 1) Our travel takes place during Florida's off season, May-December. 2) Our schedule is very flexible, we can travel any time, even on short notice. 3) Our trips are typically quick, usually only 2-4 days at a time.

bogey21 said:

My favorite TS in Key West is the Banyan. It is an old converted house about 25 yards from Duval Street right near the main intersection. All units are different. The Banyan is not fancy but has a lot of character. Best thing is location and a great back yard with plenty of shade (from trees) for socializing.

George

Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply. I am somewhat familiar with the Banyan, I walk past that property quite often and am always taken with its lush tropical ambiance (like so many KW locales). We often stay at the La Concha which is right next door, and Kelly's is our favorite restaurant/watering hole in KW (have you tried the key lime margaritas?). Is the Banyan a full week vacation timeshare? If it's simply a week x every year thing, that's not what we're interested in. Shorter, more flexible vacations.

My $0.02 worth...

Wahooslayer said:

The main advantages to our schedule are: 1) Our travel takes place during Florida's off season, May-December. 2) Our schedule is very flexible, we can travel any time, even on short notice. 3) Our trips are typically quick, usually only 2-4 days at a time.

Click to expand...

Key West timeshares generally have inflated prices (even resale) and hefty annual maintenance fees --- and those fees are a contractual obligation which you will "own" for just as long as you have the associated timeshare interval, whether you use it or not. Bear in mind too that interval ownership is in increments of full weeks.
Based upon some of your initial comments, I am inclined to believe that timeshare ownership is probably not a good choice to achieve your particular objectives.

Since your usage interest "window" is basically May, then the entire hurricane season plus about a month beyond it, personally I'd completely forget about purchase and just rent instead. YMMV. That personal recommendation aside, my own two favorite timeshare facilities by far in Key West are The Banyan and Hyatt Sunset Harbor.

Your user name suggests that you are a fisherman (...yes, I know what a wahoo is ). If having on site access to boat dockage is of interest or importance to you, then The Galleon is surely your best bet in Key West. Coconut Mallory also has limited boat dockage available, but I absolutely do not recommend considering that place.
We once owned an interval at Coconut Mallory and were very happy to become former owners there, for more reasons than you would ever care to hear.