Friday, November 20, 2009

Timeshare Industry Stats

This year, Ernst & Young conducted a survey of 1,629 recognized timeshare resorts in the United States. This information was compiled by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) to provide an overview of the state of the timeshare industry in the United States.

The 1,629 timeshare resorts in the United States, represent a total of approximately 182,100 units available for vacationers. Each resort, on an average, holds 112 units. Regarding unit sizes, 5% are studio units; 22% one-bedrooms; 64% are two-bedroom; and 8% have three or more bedrooms.

The top states that have the most timeshare resorts are: Florida, California and South Carolina. Those three states represent 39% of all U.S. timeshare resorts.

It’s not too surprising that beach destinations are the top category for resort location at 23%. This was followed by country/lakes resorts at 18%, golf resorts at 11% and ski resorts, also reported at 11%.

As a timeshare owner, it’s great to learn more about the industry and see how your resort compares to the 1,628 other timeshares available for rent, resale and exchange.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Vacation in a Puerto Rico Timeshare

If you want everything in one beautiful Caribbean package, visit Puerto Rico. Splashed down in crystal blue waters, Puerto Rico is composed of an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands.

Rent a timeshare and spend a happy family vacation with all there is to do and see in Puerto Rico. This tropical volcano island has a myriad of natural activities to please every member of the family. Enjoy everything from rock climbing to cave exploring, from leisurely walks along white sand beaches to serious hiking through dense rain forests.

Snorkeling and scuba diving range from a shallow reef teeming with tropical fish at Angel Reef, to the exciting dive area of Black Wall "a sheer wall draped in black coral trees" that begins at 60 ft and drops to 200 ft.

Puerto Rico is known as the "Golf Capital of the Caribbean," and sports an amazing 23 golf courses, so no matter what your handicap you'll enjoy a day on the links. At night Puerto Ricans know how to party and the night life will have you literally dancing as you learn about Puerto Rico's amazing native music that showcases its Spanish, African and Taino Indian heritage. If you're looking for night life that's a little slower than the beat of the Salsa, try a midnight boat ride on the dazzling bioluminescent bay at Parguera.

Since Puerto Rico is a self-governing territory of the United States, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, the currency is the American dollar, English is one of the two official languages, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit, and there are no customs duties on articles bought in Puerto Rico and taken to the U.S. mainland. All of this makes Puerto Rico a very easy vacation destination for Americans. So, don’t wait! Rent a Puerto Rico timeshare for your next vacation!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Joys of Timeshare Exchange

Let's say you own a timeshare in Gatlinburg, TN, in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. You love timeshare ownership and have enjoyed your week there for years. But, now you'd like to vacation somewhere else. That’s the joy of timeshare exchange. You have the choice and flexibility to exchange your week for someone else’s and visit somewhere new!

The best way to exchange is to use an online service like RedWeek.com. We provide a free timeshare exchange valuation of your week and then assign it points. You get all the information up front, and you can view the exchange choices BEFORE deciding to deposit your week. Once you are a member, exchange fees are just $125 per week you want to exchange, for domestic or international locations.

Looking for a real deal?
We have great timeshare exchanges on sale for November and December 2009 priced from 30% to 80% off! It’s a great time to take a vacation!

Maybe you want to take the kids to Disney World in Florida - Check out the Vacation Villas at Fantasy World in Kissimmee, FL, just a shuttle ride away from breakfast with Mickey - 51% off - just 739 points!

Or how about something really different - a family trip to historic Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Stay at the Wyndham Partriots' Place - 54% off - just 469 points!

These are just a few examples of the many timeshare exchanges on sale now through RedWeek.com. And the best part is you get to "Keep the Change." All of the left-over points you saved with the sale are yours to keep, and apply to another exchange! Happy traveling!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Owning a Lock-off Timeshare Unit

When a timeshare condominium has a middle door that can “lock” the unit in half, this is referred to as "lock-off." There are many advantages to owning this type of unit, also known as a lockout. Because it can be divided into two separate sections, the owner has several options if they decide to rent out their unit:

Lock-Off Rental Options
  • Rent the entire unit to one party

  • Stay in one half of the unit themselves and rent out the other half

  • Rent out both halves to two different parties
While the complete timeshare unit may have a full kitchen and laundry facilities, the lock-off portion will likely look more like a hotel room - with one room, a bathroom, and possibly a small kitchenette. If you are considering renting a timeshare lock-off, make sure to have the owner confirm the unit size and amenities that will be included in writing so you know how large your rental is. If you are considering renting your lock-off, please be clear in your rental posting as to what is included and which half of the unit is for rent.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Rent a Timeshare at the Sheraton Desert Oasis

The Sheraton Desert Oasis is just that - a tranquil oasis in the middle of the bustling desert that is Scottsdale, Arizona. Next door to Phoenix, Scottsdale is an up-scale tourist destination which the Sheraton Desert Oasis epitomizes. If you're a budget traveler, just rent a timeshare at this resort (starting at the incredible low price of $78/night) and join in the fun!

The resort sits on 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping with splashing water features. The main swimming pool is a huge 4,000 square feet. The hidden "spray pool" offers quiet relaxation and cascading waterfalls refresh the spirit.

The Sheraton Desert Oasis is all set up for family vacations and retiree getaways. A separate children's play area, and cribs on request, make staying here easy for parents with small children. For older youngsters there is the Kids Club at the main clubhouse.

Each Sunday evening the Sheraton Desert Oasis resort invites guests to a welcome party held by the pool, with complimentary hot dogs from the grill and discounted cocktails. On Tuesday night you can enjoy the complimentary wine and cheese party.

In the City of Scottsdale, there's plenty of local golf courses from which to choose, including the well-known Scottsdale Tournament Players Club, which hosts the PGA’s Phoenix Open. Priding itself as "The West's Most Western Town" western activities and events abound. Since 1955 the internationally famous Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been attracting thousands of tourists for a look at over 2000 stunningly beautiful horses.

Beginning in February, the month-long Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol offers Scottsdale visitors real western entertainment, from the nightly PRCA rodeo events to the Parada del Sol parade. With over 150 horse-drawn entries, this is the largest horse-drawn parade in the world.

If piston engines are more your style, every January is the Barrett-Jackson Auto Show. This week-long event attracts auto enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. Luxury automobiles, exotic motor cars and historic vehicles are all on display.

When the sun goes down, adults of all ages will find plenty to rave about with the swinging nightlife in downtown Scottsdale, named by the New York Times as one of the "hippest and most happening" places in the country.
See all Scottsdale timeshare resorts.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Interval International Adds Dubai’s Royal Club to Timeshare Exchange Offerings

Interval International (II), a global provider of vacation services announced it has added Dubai’s Royal Club at Bonnington Tower to their timeshare exchange offerings. The 40-story, five-star Bonnington Tower is located in the heart of Jumeirah Lakes Towers, one of Dubai's most prestigious residential and commercial communities.

Royal Club at Bonnington is a 40 story tower, consisting of 30 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments furnished in five-star luxury. The resort includes six onsite restaurants and bars, 24 hour concierge service, and a host of amenities including a Leisure Deck with infinity pool, and a state-of-the-art exercise facility.

“Interval International has worked with Royal Club in Dubai and its marketing partner for many years, and we’ve developed a relationship based on shared respect for quality product and service excellence,” says David Clifton, managing director for Interval International timeshare exchange.

Interval International has been a recognized leader in the timeshare exchange industry for more than thirty years.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Rent a Timeshare at Sheraton Mountain Vista and Ski Colorado

Avon, Colorado, is a small town in the heart of big skiing. Spread along the shores of Eagle River high up in the Rockies, it is home to the world-famous Vail Resorts, which owns and runs the popular Avon ski areas of Beaver Creek and Vail, as well as the other popular Colorado ski resorts of Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly.

Beaver Creek offers great cross-country ski trails, downhill skiing, and regularly hosts the Alpine World Cup skiing event. Vail is the second largest ski mountain in North America, after Whistler/Blackcomb in Vancouver, B.C. Rent a timeshare at the Sheraton Mountain Vista resort in Avon and enjoy world-class skiing to your heart's content.

The Sheraton Mountain Vista is a 5-star resort where you can actually rent a timeshare for as little as $129/night that sleeps four people. Talk about a first-class vacation with budget prices!

Each unit comes with a kitchenette that has a microwave/convection oven, dishwasher, disposal, and a refrigerator with icemaker, perfect for making snacks and easy breakfasts. Each unit has a fireplace, perfect for cozy après ski relaxation! Each unit has a balcony with its own natural gas BBQ, perfect for quick brats-on-the-grill! Your unit's dining table doubles as a game board - perfect for family bonding!

Other amenities include a heated underground parking garage with plenty of room. Leave your car snuggly parked and jump on the frequent zero-fare shuttles that will take you not only to the ski lifts, but to the grocery store, as well. Swim in the heated outdoor pool even when it's surrounded by piles of snow! And don't forget to sign up for the restaurant discount program offered through this resort - you'll save 10-30% when dining out at the area's restaurants.

Your stay at the Sheraton Mountain Vista resort will get you hooked on renting timeshares, on Colorado skiing, and on budget vacations with a champagne flavor! See other Colorado timeshares.