Uh oh...

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

Oh man, the more I read th e more I want to just put my head in my hands and cry...
My wife and I bought a TS at GrandView Las Vegas in April. Its a 1BR every 3rd year (I think) starting in '09 with a "free" week every year (so 4 weeks every 3 years).
Now I realize that RCI stinks and getting anything out of this is going to be a major battle. We were thinking to take a cruise in January but it seems like I'd be better off to just buy one. Looks like RCI will get me $200 off but then I need to pay my $199 trade fee plus my $89 maintenance fee and my RCI membership... They (RCI) also keep sending me Cruise Vouchers that'll cost more to use than they're worth.
I basically can't sell it either, fantastic...

So what can I do with this thing? Can somebody suggest something somewhere warm (like the caribbean in January)?

Thanks
-Curt

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

Oh man, the more I read th e more I want to just put my head in my hands and cry...
My wife and I bought a TS at GrandView Las Vegas in April. Its a 1BR every 3rd year (I think) starting in '09 with a "free" week every year (so 4 weeks every 3 years).
Now I realize that RCI stinks and getting anything out of this is going to be a major battle. We were thinking to take a cruise in January but it seems like I'd be better off to just buy one. Looks like RCI will get me $200 off but then I need to pay my $199 trade fee plus my $89 maintenance fee and my RCI membership... They (RCI) also keep sending me Cruise Vouchers that'll cost more to use than they're worth.
I basically can't sell it either, fantastic...

So what can I do with this thing? Can somebody suggest something somewhere warm (like the caribbean in January)?

Thanks
-Curt

Hi Curt and welcome to TS4Ms

Don't cry. RCI does s*ck. Unless you learn how to manipulate the system or at least use it most effectively.

Planning <6 months out for a high demand location (like caribbean, January 2009) is not the way to get much happiness from our friends at Rent Condos Instead. At this point we are all looking at 2010!

However, with a lo-moderate trader which would probably equate to your Las Vegas property in the system, I do see some things. Not great units but nice properties. Like a hotel unit at:

Grand Mayan Riviera Maya (#6973)
Kilómetro 48
Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen Riviera Maya , Quintana Roo , 77710 Mexico
984-2064000
Mexico Luxury Resort & Hotels, Mexico Vacation, Golf Resort & Spa | Grupo Mayan Hotels & Resorts Member Rating



- Exchange Unit(s) Available


Unit Options Select Unit Type Max Occ/Privacy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/16/2009 01/23/2009
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/23/2009 01/30/2009
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/24/2009 01/31/2009
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/30/2009 02/06/2009

Not caribbean but warm. Other than that I see some lesser Bahamas properties but bahamas don't scream warm to me in January.

The same lo-moderate trader sees large units at the same resort in 2010:

Grand Mayan Riviera Maya (#6973)
Kilómetro 48
Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen Riviera Maya , Quintana Roo , 77710 Mexico
984-2064000
Mexico Luxury Resort & Hotels, Mexico Vacation, Golf Resort & Spa | Grupo Mayan Hotels & Resorts Member Rating



- Exchange Unit(s) Available


Unit Options Select Unit Type Max Occ/Privacy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/01/2010 01/08/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/02/2010 01/09/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/03/2010 01/10/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/08/2010 01/15/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/08/2010 01/15/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/09/2010 01/16/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/10/2010 01/17/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/10/2010 01/17/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/15/2010 01/22/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/15/2010 01/22/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/15/2010 01/22/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/16/2010 01/23/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/16/2010 01/23/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/17/2010 01/24/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/17/2010 01/24/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/17/2010 01/24/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/22/2010 01/29/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/22/2010 01/29/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/22/2010 01/29/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/23/2010 01/30/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/23/2010 01/30/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/23/2010 01/30/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/24/2010 01/31/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/24/2010 01/31/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/24/2010 01/31/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/29/2010 02/05/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/29/2010 02/05/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/29/2010 02/05/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/30/2010 02/06/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/30/2010 02/06/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/30/2010 02/06/2010
2 Bedrooms 8 / 6 Partial 01/31/2010 02/07/2010
Hotel 2 / 2 None 01/31/2010 02/07/2010
1 Bedroom 5 / 4 Partial 01/31/2010 02/07/2010

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

If you like All Inclusives I have heard positive things about this resort in DR available thru Dial An Exchange:

Dominican Republic Puerto Plata Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club Hacienda Tropical HR / 2 31 Jan 2009

Playa Cofresi No.1, PUERTO PLATA,
Dominican Republic [Dom Rep]
Ph: 809 970 3654 , Fax: 775 241 0355 TAN
Website: Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, Hacienda Resorts, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Hotel, Caribbean

Lifestyle Hacienda Resorts is the largest and most complete beach resort on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. More than 750 units divided into studios, Junior Suites, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and private deluxe villas, each with its own private pool, amid lush tropical vegetation and mountain ranges, in front of 1.5 miles of sandy Cofresi Beach.

*Mandatory All-inclusive, Rates are per person/per day, based on Double Occupancy and are NOT included in the DAE price.
Alert Notes:
The purchase of the all-inclusive program is mandatory for all guests. The cost is $62/person/per day for adults. Children 3-12 years old are $31/day and 2 years old and younger are free.

Dial An Exchange also has the Mayan Palace NV in January 09:

Mexico Puerto Vallarta Nuevo Vallarta Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta 1b / 4 04 Jan 2009
Mexico Puerto Vallarta Nuevo Vallarta Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta 1b / 4 11 Jan 2009

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

Thanks folks.
I took a look at the joke forum and calmed down a bit (okay I also did some work which is what they're paying me for, not surfing here )
I like what I'm seeing there and realize that I need to plan farther out for next year, this year I'll need to take what I can get.
Is there somewhere somebody has documented out to play the game? What about things like Dial an Exchange? I'm so new to this...

I'm also debating what to tell my wife about this. I could have held out through the whole talk but once she broke (we were there 4 hours!) I couldn't hold out any longer... I'm thinking for this first year to just get us into a vacation and then tell her the truth....

[Guest Close Quarterbore]

Have your wife join us! Timeshares are best purchased on the resale market (at least in most cases) and then you need to make smart purchases. You have an investment that you really are stuck with but it is still what the sales person said, just perhaps with realities they failed to share!

The best you can do now is try to make the most out of it and perhaps by shopping the resale markey you can add some better weeks for far less money so that the sting of your every 3rd year unit doesn't hurt so bad!

Good Luck and welcome to the site!

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Thanks folks.
I took a look at the joke forum and calmed down a bit (okay I also did some work which is what they're paying me for, not surfing here )
I like what I'm seeing there and realize that I need to plan farther out for next year, this year I'll need to take what I can get.
Is there somewhere somebody has documented out to play the game? What about things like Dial an Exchange? I'm so new to this...

I'm also debating what to tell my wife about this. I could have held out through the whole talk but once she broke (we were there 4 hours!) I couldn't hold out any longer... I'm thinking for this first year to just get us into a vacation and then tell her the truth....

Marriage counselors we're not..
You have the right attitude about this year vs. next. Spend some time reading the exchanging forums. I'm also not sure what your "free" weeks are, but hope they aren't what I think they are... What were you told about them?

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

Thanks folks.
I took a look at the joke forum and calmed down a bit (okay I also did some work which is what they're paying me for, not surfing here )
I like what I'm seeing there and realize that I need to plan farther out for next year, this year I'll need to take what I can get.
Is there somewhere somebody has documented out to play the game? What about things like Dial an Exchange? I'm so new to this...

I'm also debating what to tell my wife about this. I could have held out through the whole talk but once she broke (we were there 4 hours!) I couldn't hold out any longer... I'm thinking for this first year to just get us into a vacation and then tell her the truth....

There is no documentation. The game changes all the time, which is why written/published materials are generally worthless. However there is a lot of knowledge at your disposal right here.

We have exchange opportunities forums for all the companies. Once you get to 30 posts or become a subscription member you will see those. We also have representation for the Independents, like Dial An Exchange, you can read up on them and ask questions. Timeshare Exchange Companies - Timeshare Forums

I think most of us find that one timeshare addict in the family is enough.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about future exchanges. Once you learn to use what you bought you will be fine.

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

Marriage counselors we're not..

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

Don't be upset. I've used some dog traders deposited anywhere from 12-24 months out and have gotten some nice exchanges with RCI. The places have always been clean and most were quite nice. We don't expect 5 star, but rather a clean place in a great location.
We've gone to So. Cal a couple of times, we're staying in Jackson Hole Wy, next summer, Miami in the winter...I leave for Santa Fe, NM on Saturday

There are so many places to see!

One thing you can always think about is at least with a timeshare you have to take a vacation. Well, at least that's the objective.

Like Lawren and the others have stated there are more exchange companies other than the Big 2.

Read through the forums and see what there is to learn.

best of luck and welcome to TS4M's

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

Oh man, the more I read th e more I want to just put my head in my hands and cry...
My wife and I bought a TS at GrandView Las Vegas in April. Its a 1BR every 3rd year (I think) starting in '09 with a "free" week every year (so 4 weeks every 3 years).....

I think the question of how well this week trades isn't all that important here. The bigger question is how much money you are out on the sales price. How much did you pay for this, and more importantly, how much do you still owe on the loan? It generally isn't possible to get out of a timeshare loan without a hit to your credit rating, but taking the hit may be worthwhile, depending on your financial situation.

It sounds like GrandView sold this to you by saying you'd get great trades that would save you more than the purchase price of this timeshare, and now you're finding that's not true. Is that it? If so, the good news is that while this particular timeshare may not save you thousands in trades, there are others than can. Now that you've found TS4MS, you can learn where the real deals are. A lot of people here paid too much for their first timeshare, but ended up saving money through timesharing in the long run, once they learned how it worked.

Also, another piece of good news is that if this is just once every three years, the maintenance fees won't be as big a deal as if it were an annual timeshare. Some people end up out a big purchase price and stuck with a high maintenance fee very year. (But the "free week every year" probably is worthless, unfortunately.)

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

What about things like Dial an Exchange? I'm so new to this....

once every 3 years is O.K. It is vey low MF.

Call them (dial an exchange, or online DAELive.com Timeshare, Vacation Ownership & Points Clubs Exchange Service), they need time to veify your ownership. Than you can start looking at their last min deal, and if it is around your area, you maybe able to go. There are last min deal where you don't need to have week deposit. The membership fee is free.

Don't know your week, you may want to check with SFX also.

RCI membership fee may not worth the cost. But the resort you bought, I am pretty sure the whole city is very enjoyable. Try to use it a few times. You may feel better.

Honest is best when deal with your wife. You don't want to give her a big shock or someone take advantage of her.

Jya-Ning

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

Gah, another disappointment about the free weeks, though now I understand that if the free weeks were as good as they said then it would badly dilute the pool of trades. I do have some understanding of supply and demand.

I don't think you'll ever catch me buying another TS. I didn't really want this one remember. We own this farm in Maine thats got a camp on it complete with fish pond etc. which is our "normal" vacation...

So I've pulled out my Grandview info, my deeded week is 32 (friday to friday) starting 2009, it sleeps 4. Our maintenance is $99 a year which seems okay compared to some others I've seen.
The "free" weeks are of course not "free" in any real sense of the word. I see that I can only use them from 12 to 45 days out from a vacation and from what I'm reading that makes them useless mostly.

We paid about $5,000 for this which will take me about 1 year to pay off which, even given the horrid interest rate isn't all that bad.

We bought in LV because they'd told us what a great trade it is. I go there every year on business so I don't have much desire to go for personal travel. I think my inlaws (and maybe my parents) will benefit from using our week at the Grandview though so its probably not that much of a loss...

So again to the "free" weeks, are they totally useless? I'd pretty much staked vacations for my wife and I on those and giving the deeded weeks to the folks.

-Curt

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

I see that I can only use them from 12 to 45 days out from a vacation and from what I'm reading that makes them useless mostly.

Not necessarily. If you are not tied to the school calendar, you've got a lot of options for last minute travel in really great places. Even if you are, some places are rather notorious for having a lot of availability, but are perfectly pleasant places to visit with kids: Orlando, Willimasburg, Branson, etc.

It might be worth joining RCI even if you never trade through them, particularly if you're not on a school calendar. The feature most hate about them (that they rent units for ridiculously low prices in off/shoulder seasons) will be very much to your benefit. I got a week in a 1BR unit in Northern Michigan at the tail end of ski season last year for $250 +/-.

Stick around, and learn. You might be surprised to discover what you can do with what you have.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

So the "free" weeks are "bonus" weeks? If you can travel on very short notice during non-holiday periods, quite a few things open up in the short-term window... And shoulder seasons - fall and spring - have lots of availability.

Does anyone know if Hawaii is available on Bonus Weeks on short notice? Curt, would Hawaii even interest you? The killer is the airfare.

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

So the "free" weeks are "bonus" weeks? If you can travel on very short notice during non-holiday periods, quite a few things open up in the short-term window... And shoulder seasons - fall and spring - have lots of availability.

Does anyone know if Hawaii is available on Bonus Weeks on short notice? Curt, would Hawaii even interest you? The killer is the airfare.

Hawaii is of interest but you're right the airfare is deadly. Its nearly 3X to go from Boston to Hawaii as it is to go to the Dominican Republic...

This will be only our second warm place vacation ever. The last one was Barbados back in 2001. I want to keep it simple to have the best experience possible.
We are not tied to the school calender so I'm thinking maybe the last week in January.
How do I do this, schedule the time off from work for the vacation and start searching heavy the second week of December? Fortunately we've both got jobs where if we can't get a vacation worked out we can just go back to work but it'll mean 3 months before I can get time off again...