TS Beginner's Expectations

[Ddee555 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ddee555]

Hello everyone,

Well, I want to fully admit that I am a "beginner" when it comes to timeshares. I own a red week MROP and I am an owner at the Coronado Beach Resort and at the Carlsbad Inn. I purchased these timeshares on the resale market within the past 2 & 1/2 years, and so far, I have only stayed at two resorts through MROP and have yet to stay at my Grand Pacific Resorts, because those were more recent purchases. However, I want to share something with you and get everyone's input.

Ok, through MROP, my first timeshare stay was at Riviera Oaks in Ramona, CA. My mom and I enjoyed it a lot, especially, the beauty spa, although Ramona is somewhat remote. And we had a recent stay at San Clemente Inn, also in CA, which we also enjoyed, too (btw, the in-house restaurant was excellent).

Well, we have both been pleased with these resorts, but when I look at things like their ratings and opinions by other timeshare owners, both resorts don't receive very high marks... Is there something that I am missing here??? Do I have different expectations from a "seasoned" timeshare owner? I don't get it. I rely on other people's input when I read reviews, but maybe, my standards from others are way off base for them to be useful? Is there something I should be looking for to gauge the quality of a resort? What makes a resort go from being "average" to silver or gold crown/5 stars?

I'm curious what everyone thinks... Thank you, everybody.

Diana

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Hi Diana and welcome to TS4Ms.

In the past 15 or so years I have come to understand that my criteria does not match a lot of other people. I have stayed at 5* & Gold Crowns that should not have been rated that. I have stayed at many non-rated or hospitality rated resorts which were among my favorites because of their location.

Reviews are always helpful. I like to read each persons experiences and particularly pay attention to whether the units are clean and the public areas well kept. I willingly give up certain amenities to be directly on the beach.

I don't believe that my criteria has changed because of the amount of timeshare vacations I've been on.

We'd love for you to share your timeshare visits with us via our review system here.

[chs225 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close chs225]

Diana

Reviews,ratings and opinions are very helpful in choosing where you want to go but they are not the end all. I have learned that I have certain expectations and others have very different expectations. Many people are extremely concerned about issues I could care less about and I am sure I'm concerned about things others think are frivolous. I have stayed at timeshares that are not rated highly but enjoyed enormously. It is not because I am a seasoned travelor but a torn sheet or a small TV did not offset the other adveantages in my estimation. Your opinions and your standards are very important and I hope you will share them. When I review these, I look for the ones that appear to have my point of view, whether a "newbie" or a "old-timer"
As an aside, just came back from one that I loved but my better half disliked. I would go back, if I do, I'll have to go alone. Whose right? We both are!!

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

Diana,
I personally take location over amenities and ratings. As long as the resort is clean and comfortable and serves my needs (which aren't much) I'm happy.

Another consideration which may also contribute to feeling great about a place is how much of a good time did you have there?

I have a couple of weeks that has so-so ratings, but it's within walking distance to the beach and the views off the balcony are awesome.

So, while reviews are nice to read, just read between the lines.

Welcome to TS4M's

[Bill4728 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bill4728]

My DW & I like resorts which are very nice. So although Riviera Oaks is OK it isn't "really nice"

We'd enjoyed many great TS stays on OK TSs but when we can stay in a true "top of the line" TS, we jump on it.

The ratings that RCI & II give to their TS are not a very good way of judging a TS. Look at the TS reviews here on TS4ms and you'll get a better feel for what is a great vs OK TS resort.

[Ddee555 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ddee555]

Thank you everyone for your input so far...

Thank you everyone for your input so far and warm welcomes. It really helps to put things in perspective.

I guess the reason I even write about this, is because as a timeshare owner, I want to make sure that I am getting "good value" for money spent well. Also, having brought all my timeshares as resale, sight unseen, I spent much time on this website and TUG, to know that I was getting a good deal. I appreciate the reviews and opinions of others--they have really helped me so far. When I get time, I will post my review of both resorts, so I can help those who have helped me.

Take care,
Diana

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

IMHO, many timeshare reviews and ratings are biased towards the availability of activities at the resort, furnishings being in nearly new condition, and having a wealth of amenities at the resort. I am happy with a timeshare if the staff members are friendly and helpful, if the unit is clean and well-kept, and if there is a decent kitchen and enough space for ourselves and our luggage. Other amenities and activities are the icing on the cake.

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

I've seen some bad reviews of 2 of my favorite resorts, both which were obviously stretching the truth to complain for something that annoyed them on their trip. One complained of bare walls in a resort unit that had at least 6 pictures on the walls and the other complained there was no vacuum cleaner at a resort that had daily full maid service. On the other hand a few people had nice things to say about a resort that was as shabby,run down and poorly maintained as any I've ever stayed at. The more you learn from many sources will usually give you an idea of what to expect.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I LOVE to stay at fancy 'swanky' places like the Four Seasons Aviara and The Grand Mayan Resorts in Mexico.

But I love my little ocean front resort in St Thomas that is not rated.
Our studio unit is spacious with a full kitchen(no oven) - sized bigger then some 1BRs I have stayed in, clean but simply furnished and is on a glorious, gorgeous stretch of beach that is never crowded.
The grounds are beautifully landscaped in a lush island style - not glitz and glitter.

Now the on-site restaurant is just okay, the pool is clean but nothing spectacular....no real activities to speak of & u need a rental car to get around as there is no grocery on property - and I am busily buying enough Wyndham points to go 3-4 weeks a year because we really like it!

If u looked at trip adviser, you would NEVER go.....
So use the online reviews as a guide only - and go with your gut - what is important to you.

[Ddee555 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ddee555]

Thank you everyone...

Thank you, everyone. Each of you have been great to respond. I appreciate the many views.

Take care,
Diana

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

Diana,

The only thing that is important is that you enjoyed your timeshare visit. If you did then you definitely got value for your money. Other's opinions are not that important as they reflect their expectations and not yours. However, the reviews do have some importance if you read between the lines as there are some timeshare resorts that are real dogs.

Our first exchange was at a timeshare resort in South Lake Tahoe on the July 4th week some 20 years ago. When we drove up to it, we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. It was rustic to say the least and definitely not a 5*/Gold Crown resort. Their idea of an exercise room was one broken down stationary bike. However, that timeshare visit was one of our most enjoyable we have been on. The resort is right on the beach. The units were clean and very large with a huge balcony overlooking the lake. We had a million dollar view of the lake and mountains not to mention the best seats available for the July 4th fireworks. As far as the exercise room went, I couldn't care less because I am not interested in exercising on vacation.

For the last few years, we have stayed primarily at the Grand Mayans as we now want luxury full service resorts with lots of pampering. Kitchens are of no importance to us. We want room service, choice of several on-site restaurants and luxury units and surroundings. Actually we now do more non-timeshare vacations because we want the luxury that is only offered by upscale luxury hotels and resorts.

Others have a different criteria according to their preferences. There is no right or wrong. It all depends on what is important to you.

[x3skier Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close x3skier]

FWIW, I always think first of the location (Both the general area and then proximity to attractions, etc.) and second, the accommodations. Since we are probably away from the unit most of the day, cleanliness and staff attitude come first to us and then the actual furnishings, amenities etc.

I also always write a review for TUG / TS4MS / TripAdvisor.com focusing on the unit since one assumes the reader has decided to visit the area and is looking for insight on a place to stay.

Cheers