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[ManOverBoard Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ManOverBoard]

I'm thinking about getting a TS. Usually I'm more of a hotel guy because I mostly take vacations to go play tournament poker. I'm in GA, and I go to Tunica and Biloxi 3-4 times a year for any where from 3-9 nights and usually get to Vegas around the start of the WSOP for a week. Florida has opened the flood gates on their poker and I expect it to be my new primary driving distance vacation spot especially Panama City and Hollywood.

I also get a good amount of comps, week in Vegas last June room completely comped but wasn't a great room and should have just paid for something better. I've looked at Tahiti and so far it interests me the most for Vegas.

For Florida, I'm not sure. I don't need Disney, but I do like the beech also and wouldn't mind bringing my jetski on some trips. Wyndham has some good options it seems.

I'm mainly worried about how roommates are handled. I typically travel with 1-3 other people. If I buy the TS, do they stay with me for free? Can I book a resv and send them in my place?

Is there no canceling once you make a resv? I see lots of people trying to sell their resv they made but can't go. What kind of success rate would I have for short notice resv's? 1-2 months but off season and not at prime destinations?

Thanks

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

I'm mainly worried about how roommates are handled. I typically travel with 1-3 other people. If I buy the TS, do they stay with me for free? Can I book a resv and send them in my place?

Is there no canceling once you make a resv? I see lots of people trying to sell their resv they made but can't go. What kind of success rate would I have for short notice resv's? 1-2 months but off season and not at prime destinations?

Thanks

You book the unit, you can have as many people as the maximum listed for the unit. Many resorts are very strict about that, though. If you book a unit with a max occupancy, don't bring 5.

You can book a reservation and send someone in your place. If you reserve a unit at your resort without depositing it with an exchange company first, there should not be any fee. If you deposit your timeshare with an exchange company and trade it for some other resort, there can be a fee depending on who you are using for exchanges.

As far as cancelling your reservation, again you have to separate the reservation where you own without depositing it for exchange and what happens when you exchange. Each resort could have a different policy on cancellations and don't forget, you only get 1 week per year so if you cancel a December reservation there won't be many options. Each exchange company has their own cancellation policies. With RCI, you can buy 'insurance' that would give you back your week and your fees if you cancel.

You can get last minute low cost rentals and exchanges, especially in off season.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

There is a lot to know before you jump in and buy something. You are in the right place to ask questions and determine what would be your best choice to buy.

[basham Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close basham]

Are you sure.?

Time share people are usually planning at least 12 mths in advance for desirable places.

I would think Hotel Guys decide they want to go some place and pick up the phone and make the reservation for next week.

You may be more suited while exploring the time share world, to use to your advantage, " I see lots of people trying to sell their resv they made but can't go."
As well as the renting by the exchange companies on numerous sites.

No need to undertake an ongoing commitment if other things work better.

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Wyndham sounds like it may be a good choice for you based on your planned destinations plus giving you the ability to book nightly stays. Take your time and learn as much as possible in the Wyndham threads. Wyndham gets some negative publilcity-but it is still one of my favorite programs simply because of the flexiblity and the destinations!

Also, prices are lower than ever! You can easily accumulate points for almost nothing. Watch m. fees- they can vary quite a bit from resort to resort. If I can be of any help, send me a private message.

Good luck on your acquisition!

Rich

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

I live in Miami and if you don't necessarily mind not being on the beach the resorts in Weston seem to be pretty much available as last calls in RCI all year long. It's an upscale suburb west of Hollywood about 10 miles. Not sure why they built these huge resorts in Weston but they are there and you can stay there up to 8 times a year for around $250 a week.

I agree with Rikki that Wyndham is great for the Broward beach area.

Since you are travelling off season you probably will find something to stay in that would be cheaper than a motel/hotel.

Marriott beachplace in Fort Lauderdale can be had for $200 a week in off season but they do charge for parking.

If your tournaments do find their way to Orlando then you will be glad you have a TS and access to the deals in Orlando thru RCI/II for the $200-300 a week range.

Good luck on your decision.