Travel Deal of the Day (Dec. 15, 2006)

What do you think of timeshares? For many people, the concept creates negative connotations. And, quite frankly, I would not recommend that you purchase a timeshare. But, travelers to popular destinations can sometimes find quite affordable (and even free) vacation accommodations from timeshares when the facilities are not used by owners. But, this deal is only for those people who have incredibly good will power.

The Deal:
Take advantage of great deals on accommodations at timeshares, as long as you can resist the sales pitches of the timeshare personnel.

How:
1) When you are checking rates at expensive locations, check out the rates at some of the timeshares run by the major hotel chains (such as Westin, Marriott, Hyatt…) Timeshare operators often have a good sense well in advance whether owners want to use their timeshares. If the owners do not want to use their units, the timeshare companies will often deeply discount their accommodations. Here is an example of a great deal that is being offered through the end of the year: 5 nights at a really nice Marriott timeshare property in Oahu (Ko Olina Villas) and 25,000 Mileage Plus frequent flyer miles for $850. There are multiple restrictions that apply to these kinds of deals, but a deal like this is quite a bit less expensive than traditional hotel rates at a comperable hotel.

(For more information on the deal mentioned above, see this link)

2) Do you know someone who owns a timeshare? It is quite possible that they can “recommend” you as someone who might be interested in a timeshare. Once you are recommended to the timeshare company, the company will likely solicit you to come to the accommodation at a tremendous discount.

3) Some timeshares want you at their property so badly that they will give you up to a week for free. (I recently got an offer for 2 nights for free in a 4 ½ star property.) What is the catch? They hope you fall in love with the accommodations and buy a timeshare, making the salespeople a huge commission and making the “free” vacation a very, very expensive vacation.

The Inside Scoop:
As mentioned above, a deal at a timeshare is only a deal if you resist the sales pitch and do not buy a timeshare. The deals mentioned here will often require that you attend a timeshare presentation where they try to sell a timeshare to you. If you are easily persuaded, I would recommend that you forget that you ever read this deal since there is too great a risk that you will buy a timeshare. But if you have strong willpower, take advantage of what can be a great deal.