What are your favorite European timeshares?

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

Trying to find timeshares in Europe can be a challenge, if you're unfamiliar with the brand, location, etc.

I've looked at many different European timeshares in RCI, SFX, DAE, and II, and find that I'm only familiar with a handful of them. Sometimes one will look good, but then the reviews are awful. Or the reviews are good, but it's too far from the bigger cities that I want to visit. Of course, they are also sparse in the exchange companies, making it difficult to get, regardless of the circumstances.

I've only stayed at one timeshare in Europe....Marriott's Marbella. It was lovely, and I'd recommend staying there to anyone who'd like to visit the Costa del Sol. I've stayed in hotels for my other trips to Europe.

I'd love to put together a European trip using timeshares, but so far, it seems very difficult to do. I'd hate to have to book two hotel rooms, since I'm planning on taking my DD on our next trip.

Any advise/recommendations on various timeshares throughout Europe?

Thanks for any input!

[scootr5 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close scootr5]

I'm following along to learn for future reference, since both my daughters (although still young) are asking to go to France....

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

Have you checked with Royal Holiday's big owner?

Jya-Ning

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

Have you checked with Royal Holiday's big owner?

Jya-Ning

I have no experience with Royal Holiday. Does look like they have quite a few european locations, tho. Maybe some that have stayed at any of their european locations can chime in.

Destinations | Royal Holiday


Apartamentos Plaza Basílica
Madrid,Spain
Studio From 9,300 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 9,300 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 18,600 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

Citadines Bastille Gare de Lyon
Paris,France
Studio From 12,836 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 12,837 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 25,673 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

Mayfair Residence
Rome,Italy
Junior Suite From 11,876 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Junior Suite From 11,874 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Junior Suite From 23,750 credits All week (7 nights)
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Details

Palazzo al Velabro
Rome,Italy
Reserve 4 nights and just pay for 3* at Palazzo al Velabro
Reserve
Details

St. Marks London
London,United Kingdom
We wish to communicate to all of our members that there is no availability from July 25 to August 12, 2012 - due to high demand for travel on these dates and the fact that Olympic Games will be taking place in London
Reserve
Details

Citadines Ramblas Barcelona
Barcelona,Spain
Studio From 18,996 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 19,005 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 38,001 credits All week (7 nights)
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Details

Napoleon
Paris,France
Studio From 25,500 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 19,500 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 45,000 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

Marina Dorada
Costa del Sol,Spain
Ambassador From 12,000 credits All week (7 nights)
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Details

Marina del Sol
Costa del Sol,Spain
Studio From 7,500 credits All week (7 nights)
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Details

Best Western Hotel Hungaria
Budapest,Hungary
Studio From 9,508 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 9,492 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 19,000 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

Hotel Duo Praga
Prague,Czech Republic
Studio From 10,004 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 9,996 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 20,000 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

Guitart Grand Passage
Barcelona,Spain
Studio From 40,000 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 39,999 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 79,999 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

La Molina Resort & SPA
Girona,Spain
Studio From 17,500 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 17,499 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 34,999 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

Guitart Central Park Resort & SPA
Girona,Spain
Studio From 10,000 credits Midweek (4 nights)
Studio From 9,999 credits Weekend (3 nights)
Studio From 19,999 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

Citadines Kurfürstendamm Berlin
Berlin,Germany
Studio From 25,673 credits All week (7 nights)
Reserve
Details

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

Spence was big owner (not sure if he still own it or not), and has post for Rome and Madrid

http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...rhc-italy.html

http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...34-madrid.html

http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...2120-rome.html

I believe Hoc also visit some of the locations. There are some of the big owners and they used to be in Tug, so you maybe able to check it, but I kind forget the name now. Some of these are close to hotel business, so they up keep better.

Royal Holiday does not own any of these European location, they sign a contract and get few units here and there for it. But it at least can be get in a consist way. And given enough lead time, it usually is not issue unless they change contract.

I have yet to visit any of its European location, so can not help too much, But it used to have contract with Affinia Dumont in New York, Powel House at San Fransico. Both places are decent. Some of its outside city location in USA (which they signed contract too) can not be said that, especially if you have some issue with smoking.

Jya-Ning

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

Thanks Jya-Ning!

I read through the threads, and they were very helpful. I think I've actually read them before, but these days, who can remember? Lol. Anyway, they were a good refresher.

Spence was big owner (not sure if he still own it or not), and has post for Rome and Madrid

http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...rhc-italy.html

http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...34-madrid.html

http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...2120-rome.html

I believe Hoc also visit some of the locations. There are some of the big owners and they used to be in Tug, so you maybe able to check it, but I kind forget the name now. Some of these are close to hotel business, so they up keep better.

Royal Holiday does not own any of these European location, they sign a contract and get few units here and there for it. But it at least can be get in a consist way. And given enough lead time, it usually is not issue unless they change contract.

I have yet to visit any of its European location, so can not help too much, But it used to have contract with Affinia Dumont in New York, Powel House at San Fransico. Both places are decent. Some of its outside city location in USA (which they signed contract too) can not be said that, especially if you have some issue with smoking.

Jya-Ning

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

I have no experience with Royal Holiday. Does look like they have quite a few european locations, tho. Maybe some that have stayed at any of their european locations can chime in.


Citadines Bastille Gare de Lyon
Paris,France

Mayfair Residence
Rome,Italy

I have stayed at the Bastille location and the units are quite nice, but the building is near a hospital and so there is occasionally ambulance noise at all hours. The room is small, but functional and the unit I was in only had a foldout type futon (but off of the floor). This is what RHC calls a studio unit. We did not get to see a 1 bedroom unit at this location.

I think all of the Citadines properties are similar in nature and are very well kept, but the Paris location is the only one where we have stayed.

The Mayfair Residence is in a good location, but I have not stayed there yet. We stayed at the Domus Romano (on Quattro Fontaine), which is no longer available through RHC.

RHC does change the units and locations quite frequently, so it is always interesting to see what the next year of locations will bring. The point totals for reservations also always seems to be increased every time a property is changed.

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

Thanks for the info. Interesting that RHC frequently changes locations. I'll have to try and keep on top of that. Seems Citadines is a great source for Europe. They are sometimes available through II as getaways, but at a higher cost than RHC. Good to know that the Mayfair is in a good location. One thing that I've noticed is that many of the timeshares are pretty far away from the main tourist sights.

I have stayed at the Bastille location and the units are quite nice, but the building is near a hospital and so there is occasionally ambulance noise at all hours. The room is small, but functional and the unit I was in only had a foldout type futon (but off of the floor). This is what RHC calls a studio unit. We did not get to see a 1 bedroom unit at this location.

I think all of the Citadines properties are similar in nature and are very well kept, but the Paris location is the only one where we have stayed.

The Mayfair Residence is in a good location, but I have not stayed there yet. We stayed at the Domus Romano (on Quattro Fontaine), which is no longer available through RHC.

RHC does change the units and locations quite frequently, so it is always interesting to see what the next year of locations will bring. The point totals for reservations also always seems to be increased every time a property is changed.

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

Great topic. I suspect many of us will appreciate this info.

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

Which cities? City-only?

One that comes to mind we enjoyed, generally undervisited by North Americans from what I can tell, is RCI's Feriecentret Ragaleje Klit in Denmark #2056. It's on a beautiful beach, close enough to Copenhagen that you can take the train in a couple of times during yr stay to visit its major sites (or drive, but we didn't, tho we used a car for further travel that week), + see other beautiful parts of Denmark. You can even take a ferry to Sweden for a day (we planned to, but ran out of time). The 2-BR units all have beautiful views, not fancy but very clean and comfortable, almost endless daylight in summer.

Another maybe: Ferienclub Grundlsee (Mondi) #2578, you can visit Salzburg from there, but again it's more of a rural than urban timeshare.

There are others I loved, but not near urban areas, rather in spectacular rural areas such as UK's Lake District, France's Dordogne, etc.

Just got back from Perle Veneziane (Venice) where we landed a 3-BR, and had space to spare w/4 people. Not fancy but no complaints, other than the # of rainy days! But we finally got to witness and experience "Acqua Alta" ...

Edited to add: if you're wondering what acqua alta is, here's our youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyw5POmr00k

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

Hi Laurie,

Thanks for your suggestions. I tend to seek out the larger cities, (for now) but it can be anywhere in Europe, not just cities. Once I get through the cities, I'll be on to the country sides. Hopefully, at any rate.

It seems that the "Mondi" timeshares are rated well, from the reviews that I've read on RCI. Good to know that you've enjoyed your stay. Also, Perle Veneziane, pops up in RCI, and I was wondering what it was like. Venice is on my short list. I currently have a request in for Venice in II, but am not getting my hopes up.

One that comes to mind we enjoyed, generally undervisited by North Americans from what I can tell, is RCI's Feriecentret Ragaleje Klit in Denmark #2056. It's on a beautiful beach, close enough to Copenhagen that you can take the train in a couple of times during yr stay to visit its major sites (or drive, but we didn't, tho we used a car for further travel that week), + see other beautiful parts of Denmark. You can even take a ferry to Sweden for a day (we planned to, but ran out of time). The 2-BR units all have beautiful views, not fancy but very clean and comfortable, almost endless daylight in summer.

Another maybe: Ferienclub Grundlsee (Mondi) #2578, you can visit Salzburg from there, but again it's more of a rural than urban timeshare.

There are others I loved, but not near urban areas, rather in spectacular rural areas such as UK's Lake District, France's Dordogne, etc.

Just got back from Perle Veneziane (Venice) where we landed a 3-BR, and had space to spare w/4 people. Not fancy but no complaints, other than the # of rainy days! But we finally got to witness and experience "Acqua Alta" ...

Edited to add: if you're wondering what acqua alta is, here's our youtube: Acqua Alta - Venice 2011 - YouTube

Hope you brought along your boots!

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

It seems that the "Mondi" timeshares are rated well, from the reviews that I've read on RCI. Good to know that you've enjoyed your stay. Also, Perle Veneziane, pops up in RCI, and I was wondering what it was like. Venice is on my short list. I currently have a request in for Venice in II, but am not getting my hopes up.

Hope you brought along your boots!

We've been to 3 of the Mondi's now, Grundlsee was my favorite. This last trip included a Mondi-affiliate near Merano Italy, during what turned out to be peak leaf, and was the most basic resort-wise but absolutely spectacular for location.

Perle Veneziane will vary apt to apt, as do some other Venice TS's - the staff was great; this apt was basic, 2 floors with 2 bathrooms - very convenient location to public transport inc train station & waterbus stops, markets, grocery stores, restaurants & pastry shops; comfy tempwise; and last but not least, a decently-equipped kitchen with three stovetop cappuccino makers.

We actually didn't really have boots, but managed to keep our shoes dry; they put those raised walkways down most places.

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

I have stayed in 3 European timeshares and recommend all 3 but for slightly different reasons.

1) Allen House - London England spacious but dated units unless you are lucky enough to get one of the few renovated units. This timeshare is all about location which is fantastic. I wrote a TUG review if you want more detailed information. I would stay here again in a heartbeat in any unit just to be in this great central London spot in Kensington and walking distance to Kensington Palace.

2) Residence Vaugrenier RCI number 0550, not to be confused with the other timeshare in the same town as this which is not as nice. This timeshare is in a residential area in the French Riviera half way between Nice and Caines. Location for touring French Riviera and Monaco is fantastic. Units were up to date with everything you could want in a timeshare vacation. Our 1BR even had two bathrooms, very nice Kitchen and two balcony's overlooking gorgeous gardens. We even had a small but distand view of the sea from one of the balcony's. Highly recommended but very little available since it is mostly owned apartments with only a couple of timeshare units per floor.

I would stay here again if I was ever lucky enough to get a trade into this great timeshare for touring but this is not a resort with little to do at the timeshare. We did spend one afternoon at the pool but that was all we did their besides coming back every night to a comfortable home away from home.

3) Carpedium Roma Golf Club RCI # 4367. Had a great time here in this very nice timehare that was all marble inside and overlooked a very nice golf course. Location was not the best to visit Rome as we needed a car to get to train station about 20 minutes away and then another 20-30 minute train ride to center of Rome. We also used it to tour surrounding area such as Pompei, Tivoli Gardens and parts of Tuscany, eventually driving to Florence where we dropped off our rental car.

Loved the entire trip which also included 3 nights in Venice and am so glad I took this trade and would recommend this timeshare for a first trip to Italy. However, next time I would prefer to stay in Rome since we wasted a lot of time getting to and from timeshare and Rome.

[Pstreet1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pstreet1]

We've stayed at the Allen House, Carpedium Roma, Carpedium Assisi, Cameron House (outside Glasgow), and the one that looks like a pyramid at Nice (can't remember the name). All were fine except Nice, and it was sort of marginal. However, staying at Carpedium Roma didn't compare with renting an apartment in Rome, which we've just returned from. Being right in the city, being able to walk, shopping on the way home.....everything about it was better than being at Carpedium Roma--and by the time you figure exchange fees/maintenance fees, it didn't cost much (if any more).

[catwgirl Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close catwgirl]

I enjoyed two Hilton timeshares in Scotland. Craigendarroch and the one in Aviemore.