What are your favorite European timeshares?

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

The ambiance of staying in a historic property really adds to a timeshare stay in Europe. Some of my favorites;

Austria - Schloss Grubhof (2BR units have the most charm, followed by 1BR on 1st floor - not ground floor) - a former medieval castle, used in the 19th century as a hunting castle by the Bavarian Royal Family

France - Chateau de Maulmont - built by the Knights Templar in the Middle Ages and last major rebuild by Princess Adelaide, sister of King Louis Phillipe I of France in the mid 19th century. Also Chateau de Tredion, whose units have improved after renovation.

UK - Broome Park, Stouts Hill, Thurnham Hall, Sutton Hall, Elmers Court Country Club, Kilconquhar Castle Wychnor Park. In some of these, you need to be certain that your unit is in the manor house rather than new construction on the grounds.

Ireland - Seasons at Knocktopher Abbey (use DAE or II) - A 12th century abbey, which was acquired by a noble family when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, and converted to their principle residence, which it remained until converted to a timeshare about 1980.

Italy - Most of the timeshares in Venice are in historic buildings in historic parts of the city.

Germany - Erlenbruck, an 18th century hunting lodge.

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

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.

Raised sidewalks...Ha, who knew!

Thanks again for the info.

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

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.

Thanks for the info, especially on Nice. Some of the timeshares in that area dont look so good. Good to have a recommendation for anyone looking to travel in that area.

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

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).

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

Thanks for the info!

I agree that renting is sometimes a better option, especially if you want to be in walking distance to some major sites. The aparthotels can be a good option, as well.

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

The ambiance of staying in a historic property really adds to a timeshare stay in Europe. Some of my favorites;

Austria - Schloss Grubhof (2BR units have the most charm, followed by 1BR on 1st floor - not ground floor) - a former medieval castle, used in the 19th century as a hunting castle by the Bavarian Royal Family

France - Chateau de Maulmont - built by the Knights Templar in the Middle Ages and last major rebuild by Princess Adelaide, sister of King Louis Phillipe I of France in the mid 19th century. Also Chateau de Tredion, whose units have improved after renovation.

UK - Broome Park, Stouts Hill, Thurnham Hall, and several others.

True....Staying in a historical property really gives you a whole different experience. You feel like you're experiencing part of history. Thanks for the info!

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

Ang - I had to cut it short because the internet cafe I was at on Gran Canaria was about to close. I have gone back and added the others in the earlier post.

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

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).

The ones that look like pyramids outside Nice are actually a complex with mostly whole ownership condos, but also has three or four seperate timeshare properties mixed in. I did a DAE trade into one of them a few summers ago and had a newly renovated unit which was actually rather nice by European standards. One great thing about them is that there is a railway halt about a block away, so it is easy to travel around the Riviera

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

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.

I have stayed at the Citadines in a 1BR - and just loved it - funny how u mention about the ambulances as we were there in June and we had to have the windows open as it was warm. We were on the ground floor facing the back of the building so maybe that is why we did not hear it. The bedroom is quite small with room for twin beds pushed together very low to the ground now that u mention it. The living room was very large. There was private access from the bedroom and living room (which had a door) to the kitchen with the tiniest dishwasher I have ever seen! and the bathroom which was a split design with the toilet in its own room. Would happily stay here again.

When we were there in June 2010, they were replacing all the pull out sofas/futons with real beds - the management said most were happy but some preferred the pull out sofa, I suspect that might be the choice of some who were staying long term. I have a friend who stayed in a studio who requested and was able to get two twin beds in the studio.

I see that the Barcelona Citadines is the one I saw on Las Ramblas - DH and I were staying at the very fancy (and expensive) Westin which is directly across the street. When we return (and we will) we plan on staying there - good to know I can get it thru a RHC member.

I have also stayed at the Allan House (felt like I was staying in a friends shabby chic flat!) in London thru a direct exchange with a member and the Marriott Marbella (which is as fancy as an Orlando Timeshare)

I have stayed Fitzpatrick's Castle, Ireland and in Residence Massena in Nice - also like staying in a friends eclectically furnished flat.....the quality of European TS is just not the same as here.
It is all about the location.

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

The ones that look like pyramids outside Nice are actually a complex with mostly whole ownership condos, but also has three or four seperate timeshare properties mixed in. I did a DAE trade into one of them a few summers ago and had a newly renovated unit which was actually rather nice by European standards. One great thing about them is that there is a railway halt about a block away, so it is easy to travel around the Riviera

That's true about the railway; it did make getting around easier. Our unit was o.k., but certainly nothing to get excited about. You have to go by the office to get your linens; the beds aren't made--lots of little things like that.

We've also stayed at Fitzpatrick Castle; that was nice; I forgot about it. I liked being at the end of the train line for getting into Dublin.

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

The ones that look like pyramids outside Nice are actually a complex with mostly whole ownership condos, but also has three or four seperate timeshare properties mixed in. I did a DAE trade into one of them a few summers ago and had a newly renovated unit which was actually rather nice by European standards. One great thing about them is that there is a railway halt about a block away, so it is easy to travel around the Riviera

That's true about the railway; it did make getting around easier. Our unit was o.k., but certainly nothing to get excited about. You have to go by the office to get your linens; the beds aren't made--lots of little things like that.

I have been posting sightings on this one. Good information about the public transpo.

Résidence Vacances No 6 (#6938) 2 available units
Villeneuve Loubet
, 06270
France
Location - Villeneuve Loubet

BY AIR: Nice airport - 10km BY CAR: From Antibes, exit at "Bouches du Loup" (first exit after Antibes). Follow "Port Marina Baie des Anges" or "Antibes par le bord de mer - RN98". From Nice, exit at "Villeneuve Loubet" (first exit after Cagnes sur Mer). Take RN7 towards Geant Casino and then follow "Port Marina Baie des Anges" or "Antibes par le bord de mer - RN98". In front of the Marina, cross the RN98 at the lights and keep right (Avenue de la Batterie). Check-in is at "Residence Baronet". BY TRAIN: Antibes train station, 8km towards Villeneuve Loubet.
Highlights

In the heart of the French Riviera, between Antibes and Nice, lies La Residence Vacances no.6. The complex comprises 4 unusually shaped pyramid apartments facing the marina and sea. Nearby, you will find many shops. From here, you can also explore all the attractions of this famous "Cote d'Azur" area. The reception has a list of all the attractions recommended in this region.


I also forgot Old Killarney Village - 3BR/3Bath right outside the town, free standing house with two side by side two story units in each house - actually also had a sleep loft so slept 8....FABULOUS - and it had its own public house - what could be better......
I got it from II on day of check-in for $299 bonus week after I had to leave the extremely scary ....

Connemara Country Cottages - I would not recommend to my worst enemy
To each his own - my review is here, on TUG and on RCI.

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

Speaking of the Riviera, another French Riviera resort w/great location and close to public transportation (and close to Nice and Monte Carlo) is Le Golfe Bleu.

We liked it fine, acknowledging that our resort standards are lower than many. Units are basic, but most have a knock-out fabulous view, which for me is more than adequate compensation for other deficiencies. It met my top 3 requirements: location, view, + adequate temp control (which we only tested in cool weather, not hot). We really did enjoy our week there.

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

Yes, that is one of the timeshare resorts within the pyramids. Each of the three or four timeshares there has its own office, and I initially walked into the wrong timeshare´s office. They told me how to find the correct one.

As to linens, in the resort I was in at the pyramids, the beds were made and the linens in place. The couple ahead of me were RCI exchangers and were charged a series of fees, coming up to over 100 euros, including a linen charge. I was dreading the same, but as a DAE exchanger, the only fee I had to pay was for metered electricity at the end of the week.

I have been posting sightings on this one. Good information about the public transpo.

Résidence Vacances No 6 (#6938) 2 available units
Villeneuve Loubet
, 06270
France
Location - Villeneuve Loubet

BY AIR: Nice airport - 10km BY CAR: From Antibes, exit at "Bouches du Loup" (first exit after Antibes). Follow "Port Marina Baie des Anges" or "Antibes par le bord de mer - RN98". From Nice, exit at "Villeneuve Loubet" (first exit after Cagnes sur Mer). Take RN7 towards Geant Casino and then follow "Port Marina Baie des Anges" or "Antibes par le bord de mer - RN98". In front of the Marina, cross the RN98 at the lights and keep right (Avenue de la Batterie). Check-in is at "Residence Baronet". BY TRAIN: Antibes train station, 8km towards Villeneuve Loubet.
Highlights

In the heart of the French Riviera, between Antibes and Nice, lies La Residence Vacances no.6. The complex comprises 4 unusually shaped pyramid apartments facing the marina and sea. Nearby, you will find many shops. From here, you can also explore all the attractions of this famous "Cote d'Azur" area. The reception has a list of all the attractions recommended in this region.


I also forgot Old Killarney Village - 3BR/3Bath right outside the town, free standing house with two side by side two story units in each house - actually also had a sleep loft so slept 8....FABULOUS - and it had its own public house - what could be better......
I got it from II on day of check-in for $299 bonus week after I had to leave the extremely scary ....

Connemara Country Cottages - I would not recommend to my worst enemy
To each his own - my review is here, on TUG and on RCI.

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

Speaking of the Riviera, another French Riviera resort w/great location and close to public transportation (and close to Nice and Monte Carlo) is Le Golfe Bleu.

We liked it fine, acknowledging that our resort standards are lower than many. Units are basic, but most have a knock-out fabulous view, which for me is more than adequate compensation for other deficiencies. It met my top 3 requirements: location, view, + adequate temp control (which we only tested in cool weather, not hot). We really did enjoy our week there.

Thanks, I will start posting this one in sightings as well. The public transpo AND a view - ya got me on this one.

At Residence Massena, we had to make our own bed - and we could not get in! The regular 'housekeeper/live-in caretaker' was on vacation so there was a replacement person who was not all that familiar with the deal.
Luckily, after waiting 1.5 hours to get in the building a person who had come in and out twice felt sorry for us and let us in. I showed them my RCI confirmation (which is pretty rare for this property) and we went in and up to our unit....the replacement housekeeper did then find us. It is a 30 unit apartment building run by a Scandinavian company and almost everyone there was an owner.
KILLER location......

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

I stayed in Bavaria Germany at Ferienclub Mitterfels (Mondi)
Resort ID:1533 this past September. One Bedroom Units were quite spacious and very clean, especially the master bedroom with a huge walk in closet. The 2nd bed was a murphy bed in the living room. I kinda remember there were 2 murphy beds. Kitchen was on the small side but functional enough. Small fridge though.

Mitterfels is a very small town outside of Straubing, which is a decent sized town. DH worked (which is why we were there) and DD and I took day trips into 'nearby' towns (all at least 30+ minutes away). We also took a day trip to Salzburg and a weekend trip to Prague, while based at the timeshare.

If you are looking to enjoy the German countryside and visit lovely small towns then this timeshare is definitely a place to consider.

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

I have stayed at the Citadines in a 1BR - and just loved it - funny how u mention about the ambulances as we were there in June and we had to have the windows open as it was warm. We were on the ground floor facing the back of the building so maybe that is why we did not hear it. The bedroom is quite small with room for twin beds pushed together very low to the ground now that u mention it. The living room was very large. There was private access from the bedroom and living room (which had a door) to the kitchen with the tiniest dishwasher I have ever seen! and the bathroom which was a split design with the toilet in its own room. Would happily stay here again.

When we were there in June 2010, they were replacing all the pull out sofas/futons with real beds - the management said most were happy but some preferred the pull out sofa, I suspect that might be the choice of some who were staying long term. I have a friend who stayed in a studio who requested and was able to get two twin beds in the studio.

I see that the Barcelona Citadines is the one I saw on Las Ramblas - DH and I were staying at the very fancy (and expensive) Westin which is directly across the street. When we return (and we will) we plan on staying there - good to know I can get it thru a RHC member.

I have also stayed at the Allan House (felt like I was staying in a friends shabby chic flat!) in London thru a direct exchange with a member and the Marriott Marbella (which is as fancy as an Orlando Timeshare)

I have stayed Fitzpatrick's Castle, Ireland and in Residence Massena in Nice - also like staying in a friends eclectically furnished flat.....the quality of European TS is just not the same as here.
It is all about the location.

Good info! Thanks!

How far is Fitzpatrick's Castle from Dublin, and is the commute easy?

Also, I've read that Allen House is in dire need of a renovation? Wonder if any are planned, or have been done?