Timeshare Information

Sometimes it's difficult for even the most seasoned timeshare owners to figure out where their maintenance fees are going. Maintenance fees are a necessary part of owning a timeshare. The fee cost is determined by the HOA or the developer, depending on who owns the resort. Part of the fee is the owner's share of the cost of operating the resort. Another part of the fee is put into a reserve fund to pay for necessities that keep the resort looking good and help to maintain the value of the timeshare. Landscaping, external upgrades, furniture and appliance replacements are some of the items paid for by fees. In certain areas, there may be special assessments added to the fees to cover unexpected expenses such as damage from hurricanes... or as we recently saw, sinkholes!  Timeshare owners need to understand that there is no guarantee that locks in cost of the maintenance fee for the term of their ownership. It can go up or down depending on the circumstances.

Maintenance Fees for HOA Resorts Lower Than all other Resorts

A 2010 study for ARDA on HOA controlled resorts suggests that overall HOA controlled resorts are in pretty good shape. Maintenance fees were not reported as significant for most of the resorts. In fact, in the 2011 State of the Industry Report, the maintenance fees for HOA controlled resorts were lower than maintenance fees for all resorts. For purposes of the study, all of the three legal types of owner associations (HOA, property owners association, and condominium associations) were included under the term HOA.

Concern -Timeshare Foreclosure

The main concern found by the study was the number of timeshares in foreclosure because of unpaid maintenance fees.  According to the study, there are several factors contributing to the delinquency in maintenance fee payments.  The number of timeshares that were vacant in 2010 is higher than reported for all resorts across the past five years. HOAs may need to provide owners help with rental and resale programs to help fill vacancies and help keep maintenance fee payments current.  There's a need for resorts to keep owners aware of exchange opportunities, and to re-educate those owners experiencing financial or personal problems, of ways to help overcome problems and rekindle more interest in their timeshare.

Club Tesoro in Cabo San Lucas came up with an interesting solution for dealing with unpaid fees. They let their owners, if needed, put the maintenance fee payment on hiatus. Of course, owners can't use the timeshare or other benefits until the fee is paid, but if they choose this option and keep their other obligations, they are not in arrears and can reactivate when they want to use their timeshare.

Owner Complaints

A number of reports reveal there are some timeshare owners very unhappy about maintenance fees. According to the New York Post, owners at New York's Manhattan Club are complaining they've been beset with rising maintenance costs and are not getting anything in return. They say it's nearly impossible to book rooms or sell their shares.  One owner, Irene Smalls, said she paid $20,580 in 2002 for one week at the hotel/timeshare, and at the time thought it was a good deal. Now she says yearly maintenance fees have shot up to $2,200 and she can rarely book the week she wants. The developer of the Manhattan Club, Bruce Eichner is facing a New York State Supreme Court lawsuit in which timeshare owners allege he sold more than 18,000 ownerships for 286 rooms resulting in a minimum shortage of 69 rooms every week according to the New York Post

In a recent TripAdvisor forum, owners at St. John's Sunset Ridge voiced concerns about the high cost of their maintenance fee of $1,400.  About 5 years ago owners took over control of the property from the developers who had let the resort fall into disrepair. Now that the HOA's restoration work is almost complete Sunset Ridge owners are hopeful they will soon be able to lower the fees.

And, in a RedWeek forum, owners shared their concerns about continually rising maintenance fees at Arizona's Diamond Resorts. Owners claim that their fees have increased an average of 20% per year in the past 3 years. One owner stated that he had been contacted by a board member of Diamond Resorts to expect an increase in fees for 2014...it was 44.5% over what he paid in 2013.

On MyReporter.com, an owner asked this question,"I own two timeshares where the maintenance fees are getting too much to pay. Can I just walk away from these timeshares by not paying the yearly fees or will they pursue me?  What to do?  "Kathy Graham, president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Coastal Carolina answered, "The fast answer is no--you can't walk away--especially if it is a "deeded" timeshare. Graham went on to compare it to walking away from a mortgage. She advised that the best thing to do to be free of the fees would be to sign over the deed.

What's an Owner to Do?

Maintenance fees are not going to go away. They are necessary part of owning a timeshare and needed for the upkeep of the property and maintaining the value of your investment.  As a buyer, educating yourself on the many issues (especially legal issues) surrounding a purchase of a timeshare is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself, and to insure you make a wise purchase. Legal issues on timeshares vary from state to state and country to country, so be aware of the laws of the area  where you purchase your timeshare.

As an owner, it's smart to keep current on all issues relating to timeshare ownership. If owners want to have more input into the decisions made by the HOA, they could serve on the board, or at least attend all board meetings. Make your voice heard and your vote count. Think of your timeshare the same way that you think of your home or car.  Both need repairs and replacement items on a regular basis to maintain their value, and to enhance your personal comfort, safety and pride in ownership. All of the same conditions should apply to your timeshare.

Festiva Hospitality Group acquired six new vacation destinations for its resort portfolio from Arkansas-based Escapes! Inc., including properties in Alabama, Arkansas and Missouri.

The expansion is second only in size to the Peppertree Resorts acquisition of 2007, when Festiva added 10 resorts to its property mix.

This latest transaction also adds approximately 9,000 timeshare owners and club members plus nearly 4,000 intervals to the company.

“We have been looking for high-quality and well-maintained properties in the Mid-South and Gulf Coast to add to our resort offering,” said Festiva Hospitality Group Senior Vice President Rich Hartnett.

“A good number of Festiva members live in these areas as well as the Midwest, and they have asked for vacation options closer to home. This transaction not only gives our members what they have been waiting for, it also gives these Escapes! owners the ability to gain access to the Festiva Adventure Club, its privileges and 34 destinations,” Hartnett said.

Property Overview:
1. The Shores, Orange Beach, AL 
This oceanfront Gulf Coast property is Festiva’s first location in Alabama. Amenities include oceanfront balconies, indoor and outdoor pools, steam room, sauna, fitness center, and beach access.

2. Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village, Hot Springs Village, AR
One of Festiva’s three additions in Arkansas, Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village is located 20 minutes from Hot Springs National Park and close to area theme parks.

The 26,000-acre property has nine golf courses, 39 miles of trails, a performing art center, two marinas, lakefront access, fitness center, indoor pool and outdoor pools.

3. The Greens at Bella Vista Village, Bella Vista, AR
The second Arkansas property for Festiva provides guests access to eight pristine golf courses and seven lakes. Resort amenities include on-site clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis courts.

4. Cherokee Village, Cherokee Village AR
The third Arkansas property for Festiva is located on Lake Thunderbird in an area acclaimed for its natural beauty.

The resort gives members access to fishing and boating on the lake, 36 holes of on-site golf, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a recreational center.

5. Branson Yacht Club, Branson, MO
Festiva adds its fourth Branson property with the Branson Yacht Club, located on Table Rock Lake with a half mile of private shoreline.

Resort amenities include two swimming pools, boat launch and marina, tennis courts, and water-sports rentals.

6. Stonebridge Village, Branson, MO 
Located on 3,200 wooded acres just10 minutes from downtown Branson, Stonebridge Village rounds out Festiva’s five Branson properties.

The resort includes an 18-hole golf course; country club; fitness center; swimming pool; and lake access for boating, fishing and swimming.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership applauds the recent signing by Florida Gov. Rick Scott of the new Florida timeshare transfer company legislation (Bill 7025), focused on protecting timeshare owners and associations from unscrupulous transfer companies.

While the overwhelming majority of timeshare owners use and enjoy their timeshares, those who no longer vacation or can no longer afford ownership are easy prey for unrepentant scam artists.

Many of these are fraudulent transfer companies that take advantage of those trying to sell or transfer their ownership, targeting consumers under the guise of offering a service but in the end scamming them out of thousands of dollars.

This new legislation will help protect owners who seek assistance in effectively transferring their timeshare. “I commend Gov. Scott and his legislative partners for taking swift action to guard against timeshare transfer scams,” said Franz Hanning, president and CEO of Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company.

“This new law will further enhance safeguards for timeshare owners and associations, and strengthens our collective efforts to protect consumerism,” Hanning said.

The key aspects of this legislation include prohibiting a transfer company from collecting any fee until a written agreement is signed by the timeshare owner.

The legislation also requires the transfer company to deposit any funds received from the timeshare owner into an escrow account until the transfer is completed. These provisions will provide additional consumer protection to minimize the risk of the timeshare owner being subject to transfer scams that currently exist, while in no way restricting their ability to transfer or resell their timeshare.

The legislation will also prohibit the transfer of timeshares to anyone they know who does not have the ability, means or intent to pay all assessments. This will further protect timeshare associations and their respective owners against higher than normal delinquencies.

This new law will become effective July 1, 2013.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, with headquarters in Orlando, operates 17 resorts in the State of Florida.

According to research by the ARDA International Foundation, nearly 16 percent of all timeshare properties owned are located in the state of Florida and one-in-five own in an Orlando-based resort.

Photo Credit: canstockphoto.com

Dial An Exchange (DAE), who recently exhibited at the ARDA World Convention, continued to receive incredible feedback from industry colleagues about its recent expansions and increased visibility within the market, a press release stated.

Innovative concepts, such as the Global Advantage Program, have allowed DAE to successfully grow its brand and its visibility within the market.

Record numbers of timeshare owners who are looking for alternatives to the traditional system of exchanging have been using DAE’s fresh approach to exchanging, resulting in an overall global increase of 22% in timeshare exchanges in 2012.

During the ARDA World Convention, DAE promoted its new programs to more than 3,000 industry professionals, from an eye catching exhibit booth in the convention center of the Westin Diplomat hotel, Hollywood, FL.

“The ARDA convention is great for us. It allows us to meet with our prospects and clients face to face to discuss new products, services and gives us all an opportunity to catch up with all our industry partners,” said Fermin Cruz, VP Americas Region.

“Creating new products to offer is a requirement in our changing market. Our partners have needs for innovative solutions and we are striving to meet those needs with the quality of service that has been a large reason for our growth over the years,”Cruz said.

With its recent global expansions and steadily growing membership, DAE continues to be the largest privately-owned timeshare exchange company in the world. DAE offices are being built all over the globe to meet the growing demand of its clients.

Such offices, like the newest location in Munich, Germany, services customers and resorts across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia.

Other centrally located offices in Europe such as the location in Bulgaria serves members across Eastern Europe, including Russia, Greece and Turkey, with the ability to service those customers in their native languages.

These new locations add to the long list of already established locations worldwide such as the United States, China, India, South Africa, Thailand, New Zealand and DAE’s corporate headquarters on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Dial-An-Exchange is the timeshare exchange provider for RedWeek members.

DAE membership benefits include a Free membership option, Gold Advantage membership option, low exchange fees, a 3-year credit for every banked week, 24/7 live access to exchange weeks, personalized customer service, worldwide vacation availability, discounted rental weeks in prime locations and informative monthly e-Newsletters providing travel tips, destination ideas and money saving promotions and offers.

At DAE, the timeshare owners’ needs come first and foremost and quality of service is never compromised.

The website Business News Express posted an article on March 3, 2011, written by Kris Hana, titled "Illegal Timeshare Sales on the Rise." In that article, Hana quotes Florida timeshare victim advocate attorney Susan Budowski, who warns consumers to be aware that with the resurgence of the timeshare industry, timeshare scams will rise with it.

Hana notes that Howard Nusbaum, President of the American Resort Development Association, stated “The travel and timeshare industry is seeing a resurgence of travel in 2011, terrific news for the timeshare industry.” And that has led Attorney Budowski to explain that this also brings more victims of deceptive sales practices by unscrupulous sales representatives.

Reports Hana, Budowski adds, “Unfortunately many timeshare owners are getting taken advantage of multiple times. I have seen those who have been misled or coerced into buying a timeshare and then later desperate to get out of their contract, attempt to sell their timeshare only to be taken advantage of by a resale company.”

This is evidenced, says Hana, by a recent SWAT team raid of a purported timeshare resale company by the Orlando Police Department. A spokesman for the Orlando Police Department said, “The company was taking two to four thousand dollars per customer without providing any services. The raid and arrests were a result of timeshare owners from Florida to Canada filing multiple complaints.”

Attorney Budowski advises timeshare owners that feel they have been a victim of a resale scam to contact their local authorities. She adds, “The majority of legitimate real estate transactions do not require an upfront fee to try to sell or rent a property; if a company does, that should raise a huge red flag.”

Budowski also warns of a surge in timeshare cancellation companies on the Internet and utilizing similar unscrupulous telemarketing firms to take advantage of timeshare owners’ misfortunes, reports Hana. “These companies make false claims of legal expertise and claim to guarantee refunds and/or cancellations of timeshares, and like the resale companies, require an upfront fee, many times exceeding what it would cost to hire an attorney.”

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) has launched a new website devoted to the needs of timeshare owners. The ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC) has been a big influence among 'homeowner associations', representing and lobbying for the needs of many committees across North America.

Its new site - ARDAROC.org - will cater to existing timeshare owners "who already own the product, and understand it, but look at some of the issues facing owners today," according to ARDA's CEO and president, Howard Nusbaum.

ARDAROC.org is geared up to inform and motivate timeshare owners to take action on issues that affect them. Among the key features at ARDAROC.org is an interactive map for owners to select their home state and learn about the latest news and issues that ARDA feels should be useful to them.

Stories making headlines include news of a major change proposed by a house bill in the state of Utah under the Timeshare and Camp Resort Act which could allow delinquent owners to avoid obligations to their homeowners association without penalty under certain conditions - a situation that ARDA will fervently lobby against to protect HOAs.

The latest addition to ARDA's web repository is funded by a cross section of the timeshare industry including major developers, management companies, and other industry service providers.

ARDAROC.org is ARDA's third website. The Association's home base, ARDA.org, caters to industry needs, while the consumer-facing VacationBetter.org is a flag waver for the affirming benefits of timeshare for prospective owners.

ARDA is a Washington D.C.-based trade association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries (timeshares). ARDA has almost 1,000 corporate members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded corporations with extensive experience in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate.

The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, industry vendors, suppliers, and consultants; as well as owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).

As all of you savvy timeshare owners know, one of the great bonuses of being a timeshare owner is the opportunity for timeshare exchange which opens up the entire world to you.

Take for example the exciting things that are taking place in South Africa. In June, 2010, South Africa will make history by hosting soccer's FIFA World Cup. Soccer (known to other countries as "football") is the most widely followed sport on the planet. And 2010's World Cup will be a sporting extravaganza, with the final games staged in 10 venues in nine cities spread all around South Africa.

The world has watched South Africa make enormous strides since the historic day Nelson Mandela walked away from political imprisonment and turned to meet the challenges facing his country. Since then South Africa has been emerging to take its proper place among the world's nations. To that end, South Africans have been proud to promote their country by hosting such events in the past as the historic Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup.

“One of the big legacies of the 2010 World Cup will be to finally position South Africa as an events and sports tourism destination,” explains Sugen Pillay, South Africa Tourism's Global Manager of Events. South African finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, predicts that the World Cup will help the country’s economy grow by 2.3 per cent in 2010.

In fact, the FIFA World Cup is seen as a springboard to promote tourism not only to South Africa, but the entire African continent. With the continent’s major teams taking part – Algeria, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria - United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) secretary-general Taleb Rifai notes that the World Cup has the potential to be a historic landmark for all of Africa. “There is already a change of image about Africa – and this will be a great opportunity to showcase the continent," Rifai stated. "The positive side of Africa is its tourism attractions, the cultures and the people."

The magic of world travel is yours with global timeshare exchanges. Search online to find not only South Africa timeshares, but, many other exciting destinations.

(Photo provided by fifa.com)

This past week AirTran fired the first volley in the summer airfares war, offering a two-day sale of cheap seats and a large travel window. U.S. Airways, United, Delta and American quickly followed suit.

As the beleaguered airlines industry continues to attempt to recoup lost revenues and increase profitability, it is still forced to come to terms with the current recession and rough economic times. While airlines typically see the summer vacation season as a way of making enough money to last through the winter, with fewer passengers this becomes more difficult.

For those of you planning to vacation at your timeshare, this means that by being watchful and prudent you can still find bargain airfares. As a timeshare owner or renter you know well in advance on what dates you will need to fly. This gives you a great advantage over other vacationers. When airfare skirmishes develop, which they will continue to do, the odds are that you'll find cheap airfares on your dates that you can purchase even though the sale has a limited duration.

"We're trying to really entice people to book travel," AirTran spokesman Christopher White said. Other carriers were forced to match on routes where they compete with AirTran or risk losing many passengers to AirTran's sale fares. And as the struggling airline industry competes for every last passenger, when one airline posts a sale, other carriers quickly follow. "The unofficial motto is: Match (the fare) or die," White stated.

While you plan your timeshare vacation this year, do your research and sign up for fare notifications from companies that specialize in keeping track of constant changing airfares and the quick sale. If you catch one of these sales it can pack a powerful punch for your timeshare vacation budget.

If you're thinking of buying a timeshare, there are 4 things you must know before you make that purchase. Timeshares are a good product, but unfortunately are often associated with questionable marketing practices that can create an atmosphere of ill-will. The good news is that over 7 million people own timeshares world-wide, and many more rent a timeshare for their vacation. So, if you are ready to become a timeshare owner, read on:

1. Learn What a Timeshare is Exactly
   A timeshare is property, most often a condominium type unit, with shared ownership. It is in a resort generally in or near a popular vacation destination such as a beach, theme park or ski area. The resort maintains the property for all of its owners and each owner is charged an annual maintenance fee. If your timeshare purchase is a deeded contract, those fees will probably include your property taxes.


2. A Timeshare is NOT an Investment
   You'll be way ahead of the sales pitch game if you understand up front that ownership of a timeshare is not investment in real estate. Timeshares do not appreciate like other real estate and should not be considered a money-making investment. Instead, it's better to look at the cost as an investment in vacation planning. Owning a timeshare allows you to pre-plan your vacation each year knowing exactly where and exactly when you'll be going. Think of it as not owning property but owning the right to use the property for a particular block of time.


3. Beware Buying a Timeshare on Vacation
   Marketing professionals understand that you can be vulnerable to a sales pitch when you are on vacation. Relaxing away from your normal routine and the stress of daily life you can be susceptible to the idea of "owning" more easily. If you choose to attend a timeshare presentation while on vacation, promise yourself you will not sign on the dotted line until you are back home where you can think more clearly. Regardless of the pressure you might receive to Buy Now ("this incredible price is good only for today"). The resort will not turn down a sale at another time.


4. Buying from the Developer vs. a Timeshare Resale
   When you attend a timeshare sales presentation you are being encouraged to buy a timeshare unit by a developer or a resort. Be aware that as much as 50% of the up-front cost of that timeshare goes toward covering their marketing costs, sales commissions, etc. When buying a timeshare resale you are saving most of that money by purchasing directly from the owner. Some timeshare owners may even sell the property at $0 and all you do is take over the monthly maintenance fees. If you are planning on attending a sales presentation, do some online research first and go in armed with numbers of what the cost of a timeshare re-sale unit in that resort would be.

Just picture it. You are at your ideal vacation destination. You are relaxed and soaking up the sun while wiggling your toes in the sand, or skiing the fresh powder on your favorite slopes, or enjoying 18 holes at your favorite golf course and you decide to put some time aside and attend a timeshare presentation. You love the resort and it seems like a good fit with your lifestyle so you can’t see any reason not to sign on the dotted line, right then and there.

Well, think again. While you are at your most relaxed on vacation, you are not in your best business mindset to make such a large financial decision, and the resort developer is counting on that. Even though you love the resort and are ready to make a timeshare purchase, you need to take a step back and think it through without the distraction of being right on the property. Don’t get swept up in the luxury and relaxation the beautiful resort has provided. Do yourself a favor and sleep on it once you are back at home.

The best way to buy a timeshare is on the secondary market. Buying a timeshare resale will help you save money (potentially up to half as much as the developer would charge). Follow these steps for a successful timeshare resale purchase:

• Research: Do your own online research to be sure you are getting the week and unit size that’s best for you.


• Get Advice: Connect with other timeshare owners in online timeshare forums to ask questions about the resort you are considering. They will tell you pros and cons.


• Tax Deductions: Discuss your purchase with your tax professional BEFORE you get a loan. He can tell you how to get the maximum deductions.

Timeshare ownership can be a great experience and help you save on future vacations by locking in your price for accommodations at today’s rates. Make sure that price is as low as it can be by buying a timeshare resale. You’ll be glad you did.

In an article reported by the Orlando Sentinel, the Walt Disney Company has recently assumed more than $200 million in additional liability due to the fact that more and more timeshare owners have defaulted on their loans. WDC has taken on this financial responsibility in an attempt to preserve a credit agreement between Citigroup bank and its timeshare subsidiary company, Disney Vacation Club.

It all stems back to a 1999 agreement where the Disney Vacation Club was selling the timeshare mortgages it had issued to individuals, to Citigroup. But, with the economic slump and changes in the credit market, Citigroup stopped buying the mortgages last December, 2008, as Citi and Disney were unable to agree to new terms.

In June 2009, new terms were reached and Disney agreed to back up losses of as much as 70 percent of the outstanding principal on the loans. (In the previous terms Disney was only covering 18 percent.) Under this new deal, that equates to $219 million in extra liability. The bank still owns $422 million of Disney Vacation Club loans.

See Disney Timeshare rentals.

Do you know the difference between a timeshare rental and a hotel room? Most people don't realize that timeshare units are so much different than hotels and it’s especially noticeable when traveling with a group of four or more. Instead of trying to fit everyone into ONE single hotel room, or paying more to try and arrange adjoining rooms, you get more space and more home-like amenities that make your travel experience much more enjoyable for families. Here’s the comparison:

Hotel:

• One room with a bed and a bathroom

This setup is particularly difficult for families with young children. You know how it is, once you put the kids to sleep, you have to go to sleep too because everyone is in one room.

Timeshare:

• One, two, or three bedrooms


• A central living room (usually with a sleeper sofa)


• Dining area


• A complete kitchen with full-size stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher, as well as dishes and utensils


• Washer and dryer


• One, two, and sometimes three full bathrooms

This is optimal for family travel because parents can put the kids to bed in one bedroom and continue to enjoy the rest of their evening in the additional living areas.

Save Money with Timeshares:
Plus, think of the cost savings being able to prepare meals in the full kitchen in your room and not needing to eat out three times a day. In addition to the additional space, you will pay less for a timeshare rental than you would pay for the same room on a travel website. Timeshare owners can list their rentals online and offer them at any rate they wish, since they own the week. If you’ve never tried renting a timeshare before, you should compare prices. As you look at listings on a timeshare rental Web site, the number of bedrooms shown are almost always actual rooms off of the main living area. A studio or hotel-style accommodation would be listed as having zero bedrooms. Because they're typically equipped with sleeper sofas, a one-bedroom will usually sleep four people comfortably.

Get More:
Many timeshare resorts offer complimentary children's and family activities such as game night, movie night and even arts and crafts. Movie rentals are also an option with VCRs or DVD players in the units, so families can save money on entertainment as well. And, most have at least one (if not more) swimming pools at the resort and are often near: water parks, miniature golf courses, standard golf courses and theme parks to keep the family completely entertained. For your next family vacation, timeshare rental is truly is the best way to go.

Hawaiian paradise awaits Hilton Grand Vacation Club timeshare owners with seven top resorts to choose from in beautiful Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. The Hilton Grand Vacation Club timeshare properties in Oahu include: Hilton Hawaiian Village and its two towers, The Kalia Tower and The Lagoon Tower; and their newest resort The Grand Waikikian. On the Big Island you’ll find: The Waikoloa Beach Resort, The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort and Kings' Land. And, if you are not a current owner, you can rent a Hawaii timeshare from an owner and get all the amenities and luxuries for yourself.

Below we go in to greater detail about all seven Hilton Grand Vacation Club resorts so you can start planning your next island getaway:

On the Island of Oahu, Honolulu
Set against a backdrop of stunning natural wonders, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa provides visitors with spectacular amenities in the heart of paradise. The exotic playground at Lagoon Tower combines tropical plants and flowers, shimmering swimming pools and sparkling waterfalls to deliver an unmatched vacation experience. Tropical treasures abound for guests at the Kalia Tower with panoramic mountain or ocean views.


The exquisite Grand Waikikian is HGVC’s newest resort which overlooks Hilton Hawaiian Village. With spectacular views, first class service, and all the comforts and conveniences of a luxury condominium, this 38-story tower heralds a new era of elegance.

All four towers are just a stroll away from Honolulu’s widest white-sandy beaches of Waikiki, where you’ll enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and sunbathing. After the beach, great restaurants, entertainment, and world-class shopping are close by. (Photo shown of Grand Waikikian.)

On the Big Island of Hawaii, Waikoloa
Superbly positioned on the sunny Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, the Waikoloa Beach Resort will provide a relaxing haven for your next vacation with tastefully decorated furnishings in a casually elegant tropical style. Nestled between two championship golf courses, lava fields, and ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs the Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort features expansive views and luxurious accommodations. Carved out of an ancient lava field, the 112-acre oasis at Kings’ Land offers expansive fairway views and stunning panoramas located between two of Hawaii’s finest golf courses, the Kings Course and the Beach Course.

All three resorts provide an extraordinary vacation destination with the opportunity to visit an active volcano, tour a working coffee plantation or just enjoy relaxing days in paradise by the pool. Resort guests also have access to restaurants, boutiques, beaches and recreational water activities. Treat yourself to a once in a lifetime helicopter tour, or enjoy the island’s endless natural beauty along their walking trails. Those who want to shop will be happy to discover the close proximity to The Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace. (Photo shown of Bay Club.)

Broadreach, the owners of the Aviara hotel in Carlsbad, CA, and its operator, The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, are in dispute due to a claim that they are failing to run the hotel in a “cost-effective manner.” Those who own a timeshare at the Residence Club are concerned about what this means to their vacation experience. Many purchased their units due to the five-star brand the Four Seasons holds, and without that, their investment might be greatly reduced under a new facilities operator.

“People are definitely concerned, and everyone I've heard from is not happy about it,” said Steve Tuttle, who owns a week at the Four Seasons Residence Club at the Aviara resort. “You buy into a lifestyle that now has the potential to be seriously altered. I worry the maintenance fees may go up and access to hotel facilities could be altered.”

The Aviara resort is a luxurious property with 132 Spanish-style villas, upscale furnishings, an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, tennis courts, fine dining, 5-Star service, and an “acclaimed spa”. Broadreach proposes to replace the Four Seasons with the much lesser-known Dolce Hotels and Resorts, a New Jersey company in which Broadreach has a majority stake. This dispute between Broadreach and Four Seasons is now in arbitration, which is scheduled to resume in late June.

(Photo by Charlie Neuman, Union-Tribune, shows a view of the pool at the Four Seasons Residence Club in Carlsbad.)

It’s been reported that despite the current economic recession the timeshare industry remains steady. What does this mean to you as a timeshare owner? Globally more hotels are allocating a portion of their rooms to timeshare units, because vacation owners represent a growing segment of the population that are still travelling in these tough times. This is due to the fact that timeshare owners have already acquired their points and paid their annual fees for their units, so, put simply, they already have a pre-paid vacation and are much more likely to use it than someone who does not.

People still want to take vacations, even in this challenging economy. Whether they feel they can afford to or not, the desire is there. And, considering the amount of stress most people are under, what better way is there to relax and renew your spirit than to visit a friendly and inviting resort focused on personal touches and value-added amenities. These are the things a timeshare resort can provide.

Hotels and resorts are finding the need to very competitive in this economy because the reality is that there are fewer travelers out there. Those that can add more attractive amenities will be the ones that get the visitors. The result? Timeshare owners win. And, with 5,000 resorts in almost 100 countries around the world, a timeshare owners choices are endless.

Vacation ownership has become the fastest growing segment in the U.S. travel and tourism industry, according to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). It has grown at a rate of nearly 16 percent each year since 1993. According to ARDA, owning a timeshare is “your ticket to better vacationing”. Timeshare owners have the ability to tailor their vacations with a choice of over 5,000 resorts in almost 100 countries worldwide.

Why to Buy

A timeshare is a home away from home, with high quality accommodations such as: Spacious floor plans, fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryers, stereos, televisions, DVD players/VCRs; and more. Resorts often include: Swimming pools, tennis courts, Jacuzzi, spa, fitness facilities, golf, boating, skiing, water sports, planned children’s activities, and amusement or theme parks on-site or nearby.

How It Works

Owning a timeshare is basically paying today for future vacations. Over time you are paying for a fraction of whole ownership costs of the unit, plus an annual maintenance fee. Each unit of a timeshare resort is divided into weeks. Often the amount of time you purchase is expressed in terms of "points". A points system aimed at increasing the range of options in which you can use your timeshare interval. You may purchase points that can be redeemed for: accommodations, resort locations, amenities, number of days used, and other travel services. Many timeshare resort developers link their points and timeshare program with other loyalty travel programs, which allows you to maximize your purchasing power and travel choices.

Timeshare Owner Testimonial

“We have taken more vacations in the last five years than we did in the 25 years before that. It’s the best purchase we ever made!” Harvey - Oregon

For more information, visit ARDA.org to download or request a free brochure entitled Understanding Vacation Ownership and learn how to “own the fun!”

In a new study from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), ninety percent of people are suffering from “Guilty Vacation Syndrome” (GVS). Instead of looking forward to and enjoying the idea of their annual summer vacation, a recent survey conducted on ARDA's consumer Web site, VacationBetter.org, shows that people are either not taking or are delaying their summer vacation this year because of guilt. People these days are really being affected by the negative economic news. Even if their own financial situation is stable, hearing about companies cutting salaries and laying off employees leaves people feeling uneasy.
The biggest problem for those who are timeshare owners is that they already have their beautiful vacation resort waiting for them and they really want to go, but guilt and indecisiveness are taking their toll, making them feel they shouldn't take a vacation at all.
Here’s what one survey participant had to say:
“We always take two weeks at the beach each year to refresh and rejuvenate," says Pete J., a GVS sufferer. "This year we've decided to cut back since we don't want to appear insensitive to the economic situation."
"People with 'Guilty Vacation Syndrome' must put their health first," said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. "There has been substantial research affirming the physical and mental benefits for taking time to get away and recharge. And in stressful times like these, it's even more important." It's proven that one to two weeks away from the daily routine leads to better job performance and productivity. And, happy, motivated employees are a great way to do your part to help the economy.
What ARDA’s survey is helping us understand is that stressful times call for relaxing measures. People need good thoughts and a positive outlook that planning for and using their timeshare resort can provide. Research shows that vacations are a necessity and not a luxury. Those who invest in their personal happiness reap the rewards of reduced stress, better health and stronger bonds with family and friends. So, forget the white out and keep your vacation penciled in on the calendar this summer.