10 Best Timeshare Companies

November 02, 2022

10 Best Timeshare Companies

What is a Timeshare?

A timeshare is an ownership model whereby a resort, or vacation property has several joint owners, who can use a property as a holiday home under a time-sharing arrangement every year.

In simple terms, a timeshare works by different people owning a portion of a resort or unit for use every year.

Previously, people going on vacations would only visit the same resort and stay in the same unit each year. Today, things have evolved quite a bit and the timeshare model can work in many different ways depending on the usage type, frequency or contract duration.

The timeshare model can be applied to different properties such as resorts, apartments, condos, homes and also to recreational vehicles and private jets.

How Timeshares Work

The two main types of timeshare contracts that are currently available are:

Shared Deeded Contract

A shared deeded contract is one that allocates each timeshare buyer a percentage share of the vacation property in proportion to the time period that they've purchased.

Usually each owner is allocated a specific week or a couple of weeks that they can use. Since this type of timeshare is usually held in perpetuity, one can transfer ownership of their timeshare by selling, gifting or passing it on in their will.

Shared Leased/ Right-to-use Contract

A shared leased/ right-to-use contract entitles a person and all other people who pay for the timeshare, the right to use the timeshare for a fixed or floating week(s) each year for a specified number of years. That means that you have no ownership rights and therefore you cannot sell or rent your timeshare.

Due to that, shared leased contracts may have less value than shared deeded contracts.

Types of Timeshares

Timeshares work in different ways depending on the agreement between a timeshare owner and a vacation property. Here are the different types of systems that are currently in use.

Fixed Week Timeshare

A fixed week timeshare grants the timeshare owner the exclusive right to go on vacation at the property during the same week each year.

Usually, resorts assign 52 fixed week timeshares as there are 52 weeks in a year. Occasionally, a week 53 will appear on the timeshare calendar. Owners of week 52 timeshares can be able to add this time to their ownership as long as they pay the maintenance fees for it. That's the main reason why the week 52 timeshare is a popular one.

An advantage of this timeshare is that as a traveler, you can plan your holiday at the same time each year. However, if you're a person who likes to explore different destinations or if you happen to get caught up during your allocated week, it might be difficult for you to get another timeslot on the timeshare calendar.

Floating Week Timeshare

A floating week timeshare is a more flexible arrangement whereby a timeshare owner can exclusively use the vacation property for a week or weeks during a specific season of the year that is predefined. These seasons can vary depending on the resort.

A downside to this type of timeshare is that the floating week might not be available during peak seasons and might need to be booked well in advance to secure the desired timeslot.

Point System Timeshare

This system basically allows timeshare owners to buy an allotment of points within a vacation club membership that can be redeemed for stays at resorts within a brand's portfolio. Just like frequent flyer miles, the number of points that you'll need to redeem will depend on the hotel/ resort that you'll want to stay in, when during the year you choose to go on vacation, the location of the vacation property and the size of your room.

The main advantage with this system is that it offers travelers flexibility and convenience.

Things to Consider When Buying Timeshares

1. Understand what a timeshare is

It is important that you have a very clear idea of what a timeshare is and how the concept works. Don't just buy into the hype or buy it impulsively. Do your due diligence.

2. Time commitment

Be well aware of your time commitment and be realistic about the number of times you and your family are all able to travel each year.

3. Maintenance fees

Account for annual maintenance fees as you look into buying timeshares as all timeshare owners have to pay annual maintenance fees for the upkeep of the vacation property.

4. Beware of scammers

As a timeshare owner, beware of scammers posing as timeshare companies that can help you offload your timeshare. If you want to sell or transfer your timeshare, do it the right way.

5. Flexibility of the timeshare

Understand the locations that your timeshare gives you access to depending on whether you like to stick to one holiday destination through and through or if you like to explore and visit different places.

10 Best Timeshare companies

If you're looking to buy a timeshare, here are some of the best timeshare companies to consider.

1. Resthaven LA

Resthaven is a Black-owned luxury vacation rental located in Venice, California. The home is perfect for people looking to experience luxury travel, on company retreats, on their honeymoon or simply looking for a new adventure.

This home sits on 3,400 sq. ft., has 4 beds and 4.5 baths. It's close proximity to popular tourist attractions such as Muscle Beach, Ocean Front Walk and the Venice Fishing Pier makes it the perfect home for travelers looking to explore the city.

Overall, Resthaven LA is a luxurious, safe and private vacation rental where you can relax, unwind and just breathe.

Resthaven LA offers the ultimate membership for an extraordinary life of travel. The 3 membership options that you can choose from are:

Infinite Access

Among the perks that you get to enjoy with this option include complimentary 3 nights and 2 days visit across all U.S. based properties and no annual membership dues.

Global Entry

With this membership option, you get to enjoy complimentary 3 nights and 2 days stay across Resthaven properties worldwide and no annual membership dues.

Global Entry, Monthly Financing

Among the perks that you get to enjoy with this option include no FICO requirements and no prepay penalties.

If you would like to get more information on the property get in touch with us here!

2. Resthaven Tahoe

Resthaven Tahoe is a beautiful Black-owned boutique hotel located in California, South Lake Tahoe near Stateline & Edgewood, 4145 Manzanita Ave; a prime tourist destination.

This prime property offers 20 rooms equipped with smart keys and virtual check-ins. With guest amenities like newly renovated rooms, fire pit and outdoor space, this private escape offers the perfect mix of comfort and proximity to recreational activities.

Guests staying at the property can enjoy activities like kayaking, jet skiing, water sports among others at the warm and shallow beach. Other fun activities to engage in include hiking, cycling, golf, swimming events, concerts, among others.

Resthaven Tahoe offers the ultimate membership for an extraordinary life of travel. The 3 membership options that you can choose from are:

Infinite Access

Among the perks that you get to enjoy with this option include complimentary 3 nights and 2 days visit across all U.S. based properties and no annual membership dues.

Global Entry

With this membership option you get to enjoy complimentary 3 nights and 2 days stay across Resthaven properties worldwide and no annual membership dues.

Global Entry, Monthly Financing

Among the perks that you get to enjoy with this option include no FICO requirements and no prepay penalties.

To learn more about the property, get in touch with us here!

3. Bluegreen Vacations

Bluegreen Vacations is a vacation ownership company based in Florida that markets and sells vacation ownership interests and manages resorts in popular leisure and urban destinations.

The company offers points-based and deeded vacation ownership plans, and it has access to approximately 11,300 hotels and resorts.

4. Disney Vacation Club

Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare program that offers luxurious and quality vacation experiences to mostly families. The reason why it is mostly preferred by families is because there are a lot of Disney branded activities that members can take part in in the club's network of resorts. Many Disney Vacation Club resorts are located near Disney amusement parks

The club has a points system that members can use at Disney resort hotels in California, Florida, France, Hong Kong, Japan, the Disney Cruise Line, as well as on vacations outside the club.

5. Hilton Grand Vacations

Hilton Grand Vacations is a vacation ownership company that operates a distinguished collection of upscale vacation ownership properties in prime locations in the United States, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region.

They offer innovative and flexible vacation products to their members and the timeshare program best suits travelers who prefer to experience luxury vacation properties.

6. Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Holiday Inn Club Vacations is a family friendly timeshare company that focuses on offering luxurious, fun and affordable lifetime vacations for its members.

The program is points based and owners can be able to go on vacations to any of the properties within the club's network.

Timeshare owners can also join RCI exchange and travel by exchanging their points for timeshares outside the Holiday Inn brand.

7. Hyatt Residence Club

Hyatt Residence Club is a points-based timeshare program that provides its members with intimate and comfortable holiday experiences in highly coveted destinations.

With 15 resorts under its portfolio, members can get to experience fun and premium vacations with their loved ones.

8. Marriott Vacation Club

Marriott Vacation Club is a vacation ownership program that has over 60 resorts and 13,000 vacation villas in its portfolio. These properties are located throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

The vacation club provides its members with high quality and flexible holiday experiences that they can enjoy with their families. With the point system in place, travelers can use their vacation club points to acquire different services during their vacations.

9. Westgate Resorts

Westgate Resorts is a vacation ownership program that enables families to curate memorable and luxurious vacations.

With properties in the U.S. in popular tourist destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, Branson, Myrtle Beach, Miami and Williamsburg travelers are able to enjoy a wide array of resorts, amenities and activities.

10. Wyndham Destinations

Wyndham Destinations is a timeshare company that helps its members curate their vacations year after year either in their favorite destinations or in other network resorts.

It is currently the world's largest vacation ownership network featuring resorts like Club Wyndham, Shell Vacations Club, Presidential Reserve by Wyndham and Margaritaville Vacation Club in its portfolio.

Pros & Cons of Timeshare Companies

Pros

Lower upfront costs

Going on vacation can be an expensive affair. From paying for flights, to booking hotels, to airport transfers, the cost can be a bit overwhelming. With timeshares, you get to purchase a portion of a vacation home or resort and you are guaranteed annual vacations more affordably.

Flexibility

When you buy a timeshare from reputable companies, you will get to have access to numerous properties that are under the brand's portfolio. This will enable you to travel and explore different locations depending on your preferences.

Vacation Guarantee

For a lot of people, going on vacation is a luxury that they might not be able to afford every other year. However, if you buy a timeshare, you're guaranteed a vacation each year. This can help you take time off work and create new memories with your loved ones.

Predictability

For travelers who like to visit the same destination every year, they have a guaranteed vacation to the same destination and at the same property or resort as timeshare owners.

Ability to rent out

Depending on the type of timeshare that you own, you can be able to rent out your time block in case you're unable to use it at the intended time.

Cons

Annual fees

The annual fees that members are required to pay for maintenance of resorts can be on the higher end. In addition, the fees must be paid regardless of whether you vacation at a property/ resort or not. And if the amount increases, you have no control over that. Lack of payment could eventually lead to foreclosure of your timeshare.

Depreciation in value

Timeshares are not investments and therefore, they don't make you money. For timeshare on the resale market, they depreciate in value as most times, they are sold for much less than their original price. This is because they are generally quite hard to sell.

Ownership issues

When signing up for a shared leased/ Right-to-use contract, you only get guaranteed access to the vacation property but you don't get to own any physical portion of the property. This means that if the value of the underlying real estate goes up, you don't get to benefit in any way.

Conclusion

Different people buy timeshares for different reasons. If vacations and time off are a priority for you, you should look into this concept and see whether it suits your lifestyle.

Resthaven Properties

Unified Hub is an online booking engine that shifts the accommodation search experience from “where” to “who.” Consumers are inspired to experience the same properties as the value-aligned content creators they follow which leads to intentional purchase decisions based on whom they are spending in support of, not where they will be located when they spend.

Resthaven Properties is a collection of Black-owned luxury vacation properties. Resthaven Properties focuses on acquiring vacation property across the world's best travel destinations for predictable income and appreciation. So far, the luxury properties under the Resthaven Properties portfolio include Resthaven Los Angeles, Resthaven Tahoe, and Resthaven Zihuatanejo. Resthaven Properties operate under membership options that disrupt traditional lodging and timeshare accommodations by implementing a pay once and use for a lifetime strategy. The team opportunistically acquires properties in the 5-7M range based on the high potential for appreciation and a prime location for leisure travel and intentionally supports diverse vendors in each property.

Bay Street Capital Holdings is a leading Black-owned investment firm. The team of 17 is 75% women, 66% 1st-generation American, and 47% under the age of 30. DLA Piper serves as legal counsel, Weaver serves as tax advisor, and Juniper Square serves as fund administrator.