rent or own timeshare?

[sunnysmiles]

There are so many here that are regulars to Aruba. Do you have a timeshare or do you just stay wherever your heart leads?

Our 2nd trip is coming up and we are trying to decide if it would be worthwhile to get a timeshare, even if we only use it every other year. My in-laws have had a timeshare for years but they also go every year for 3-6 weeks. We want an "off" year to be able to travel other places.

[fattypatty]

we have a marriott timeshare and go every year with the family and kids. sometimes my wife and i go by ourselves for a week just to take a break from the screaming kids. i believe most of the people who frequent this site with active posts are timeshare owners and actual aruban residents from the states.

[Lewny1]

Hubby and I are timeshare owners. We bought our timeshare on our honeymoon 5 years ago and have been going back ever since. Two years ago, we purchased an additional week and an additional unit for our expanding family (the addition of a child and my mother) ) You don't always have to use your time in Aruba - most timeshares offer an exchange plan though a partner agency (RCI, interval, etc.)

[Randi]

The Surf Club sells timeshares for every other year. Something to consider?

[~Amy~®]

Timeshares are definitely a personal decision/preference and are not an investment. You need to look at your own travel habits and determine if it's right for you or not.

We looked into them, did the number crunching and decided (for many reasons) that it wasn't our thing. What we didn't like was paying a maintenance fee that we have no control over (special assessments, etc.), having the same week every year (we like to travel mid week and stay anywhere from 9-17 days), and like to take advantage of airfare specials which saves a lot of money when you're flexible with your travel dates. Also didn't like the "extra fees" that came with exchanges to different locations, different dates, etc. There were just too many factors that were out of our control and we didn't care for that.

In a nutshell, we like to be VERY flexible and we also travel to other places throughout the year.

We're going on our 21st trip to Aruba in May and have stayed at different hotels on the island (both Palm and Eagle Beaches) and have also rented timeshares. Renting timeshares are a steal (usually we haven't paid much more than the person's maintenance fee.) But now we've been staying at Amsterdam Manor twice a year since 2005....we found our "home".

[fattypatty]

the timeshares at the major hotels are all floating for the most part - i.e. you get assigned a time period in which you can use your 1 week stay. for marriott properties, it usually works out to 2 seasons per year - may-dec, and dec-may (more expensive). thus, you do have the flexibility to use your week with them. the maintenance fee is a drain but at least the properties are in perpetuity - you can bequeath it to your heirs and they can do the same to theirs, and so on and so on....

[Kenny Maine]

We are regulars and go to Aruba on average twice a year. Once with the children and once alone. We own two timeshares. We also will use our Marriott points and stay at the resort. I agree timeshares are a preference and not an investment. Maintenance fees are a drag!

[Ginalag519]

Timeshare owner here, My parents bought it in the early 80's. i just took ownership over last year, since me and my hubby were always using it LOL

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by ~Amy~®

We looked into them, did the number crunching and decided (for many reasons) that it wasn't our thing. What we didn't like was paying a maintenance fee that we have no control over (special assessments, etc.), having the same week every year (we like to travel mid week and stay anywhere from 9-17 days), and like to take advantage of airfare specials which saves a lot of money when you're flexible with your travel dates. Also didn't like the "extra fees" that came with exchanges to different locations, different dates, etc. There were just too many factors that were out of our control and we didn't care for that.

AMEN! JMHO and my opinion only, I cringe when I hear of bankruptcies Aruban Resort and Casino Information and
http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/marriott-ocean-club-2010-maintenance-fee-41664/

Originally Posted by qlaval

2010 Maintenance fee

1 Bedroom
2010 Operating Fee $632.21
2010 Replacement Reserve $309.93
2010 *Utilities $147.26

*The Utilities expenses relates to the Electricity and Water/Sewer line items in the 2010 budget.
Total: $1,089.40
plus the final $337.30 2010 Special Refurbishment Assessment fee.

Grand total of: $1,426.70

2 Bedrooms

2010 Operating Fee $832.56
2010 Replacement Reserve $420.72
2010 *Utilities $204.90

*The Utilities expenses relates to the Electricity and Water/Sewer line items in the 2010 budget.
Total: $1,458.18
plus the final $484.25 2010 Special Refurbishment Assessment fee.

Grand total of: $1,942.43

Addtional info
http://www.redweek.com/resources/articles/timeshare-pros-and-cons

"Timeshare Pros:

• Long-term savings over hotels
• Home-like accommodations
• Real property ownership
• Ability to exchange
• Guaranteed vacations
• Flexibility
• Less maintenance than a vacation home

Timeshare Cons:

• Reputation of unethical players and scams
• Flexibility
• Ability to exchange
• Cash flow
• Timeshares do not appreciate
• May be difficult to resell
• Maintenance fees and special assessments "

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/home-equity/what-you-must-know-before-buying-a-timeshare/174/

[sunnysmiles]

Thanks everyone! You really gave us some things to think about.