Hi everyone my name is Chuck I am very very new to timeshares and trying to get a handle on understanding them a bit more. I have always and still dream of owning a time share in the Florida Keys however one of my main questions that I wanted to ask time share owners was regarding annual dues or fees’. I’ve browsed many properties on this website and see the variations of fees’ with each property. I’ve got to be missing something and my question to owners is if you pay anywhere from $400.00 - $800.00 (sometimes more) in fee’s each year wouldn’t the amount you spend in fees’/dues each year come close to the price of staying at a hotel/resort for accommodations each? It might not cover the entire cost depending where you stay and your level of income.

I adore knowing that I would have a place of my desire each year to vacation in but can’t get over and see the benefit of paying dues of $400.00 - $800.00 where I can take that money each year I spend on dues/fees’ and stay at a resort. Thanks so much for your feed back I welcome it all and all different point of views. Take care – Chuck

Hey Chuck!

Well, I own 2 timeshare properties and use them to their full advantage and truly enjoy everything about them. One is at a resort resort near our home town, which we use for exchange purposes and the other is in Hawaii, which we visit annually for about a week.

The thing is this-- the places we visit and the type of accomodations we enjoy with timeshare ownership would cost us a lot more than the $400 to $800 you mentioned. We own 2 bedroom codos and each has a full kitchen, laundry, dishes, etc. So, while a true bargain hunter may find a hotel room for a bit less or equal to what we pay in annual dues, it would be nealy impossible to locate a spacious condo where a family could spread-out, stock the fridge, and have seperate sleeping and living quarters for the same price we pay for our dues.

Also, our Hawaii timeshare is a Marriott Owned and operated resort and we enjoy all kinds of perks, benefits and discounts than are exclusive to Marriott Vacation Club Owners only. I know our Silverleaf property near our home offers preferred treatment, unlimited visits throughout the week and anytime use of their facilities(pool, spa, gym, etc).

I have learned one important thing in my timeshare experience-- ALWAYS BUY RESALE!! There are amazing deals out there!

Thanks Lawnman, I really appreciate your input. I've come to the conclusion and like you and most people I have talked to say similarly the same thing. You won't be able to fine the quality accommodation you would in a time for the price you pay in annual fee's.

However another thought that comes to mind and I take into consideration is this. Ok so I agree that for the most part you would get equal quality accommodations to a timeshare room for price in annual dues, so that part makes sense. But what if you factor in the initial purchase of what you put out for the timeshare. As an example say you purchase a timeshare of 9,000. The understanding and answer I came up with is long term. If you are in this for long at some point you would come out on top or be benefiting. Also I take it that many ts owners account for their property. Meaning they can resell it one day back to the market and get $$ for it. Would you agree? Thanks so much Lawnman for your time and help, this is all new to me and trying to learn all I can. Take care!

Chuck

Try booking a full 2 bedroom resort style unit thru a hotle and you'll find there aren't many options out their. I have two kids and it's very important to have living space and a kitchen in our unit. This is why we pefer a timeshare over a hotel room. Hope this info helps.