If you’ve spent any time looking into vacation ownership, there’s one thing you’ve probably realized: there are a lot of timeshares out there. According to the American Resort Development Association, or ARDA, there are 1,541 timeshare resorts in the U.S. alone. Needless to say, we wouldn’t blame you if you’re having a hard time figuring out which timeshare is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this guide! We’ll be covering the different types of timeshares, major brands in the industry, and even some popular vacation destinations. Keep reading, and learn about the best timeshares to buy!
- Timeshares Today
- The Best Timeshares to Buy
- Best Timeshare Companies
- Wyndham Destinations
- Marriott Vacation Club
- Hyatt Vacation Club
- Disney Vacation Club
- Hilton Grand Vacations
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations
- What's the Best Timeshare Type to Buy?
- What's a Good Timeshare Week?
- How Many Points Do I Need?
- How to Save on Buying the Best Timeshares
- Buy a Timeshare with Fidelity Real Estate
- Sell Your Timeshare with Fidelity Real Estate
Timeshares Today
Today, many consumers think of timeshares as old resorts where owners go to the same unit during the same week every year. While there are still fixed-week timeshares on the resale market and many people who enjoy them, timeshares as a whole have gotten a pretty big update. Now, there are different types of timeshares that allow folks more flexibility and travel destinations.
Most brands today, like Club Wyndham, Marriott Vacation Club, or Disney Vacation Club, use a points-based system that allows for more flexibility and freedom. Timeshare points work like vacation currency; you receive a set amount of points each year that can be spent at various resorts and locations. Larger units or longer vacations need more points, while shorter, long weekends in a studio unit will cost fewer points.
Timeshare Points vs. Weeks
Firstly, there are pros and cons of timeshare points vs timeshare weeks, so it’s up to you to decide which type of timeshare is best for you to buy. With timeshare weeks, there are two different types to keep in mind: fixed and floating weeks. Floating week timeshares allow owners to use a property any day within a specific time period or season each year.
Hence, a floating week timeshare is more flexible than a fixed week. Buyers choose their home resort and can book their vacation either any week of the year or within a particular season.
One of the key benefits of timeshare points is their flexibility. They can be banked or borrowed, providing a safety net for your vacation plans. If you find yourself with unused points, you can often bank them for future use. Or, if you need more points for a vacation this year, you can borrow from next year’s allocation. This convenience ensures that your timeshare ownership is always tailored to your needs.
| Points | Weeks |
|---|---|
| Can be used for long weekends or full weeks | Can not be split into multiple vacations |
| Sometimes limited availability when booking | Fixed weeks are guaranteed every year |
| Points can be banked or borrowed | You either use your week or lose it |
| Explore other resorts or destinations within your brand’s portfolio | Great for going back to your favorite resort every year |
| Points need more involved planning | Fixed weeks take the headache out of vacation planning |
To find the best timeshare to buy, it’s best to think about what you want from vacation ownership. While all timeshares have pros and cons, knowing whether you prefer a weeks-based or points-based timeshare is an excellent place to start. Then, you can narrow down which company to purchase a timeshare from.
The Best Timeshares to Buy
Moreover, when it comes time to find the best timeshares to buy, one of the first steps is deciding which vacation club to join; you can also start by choosing your favorite destination. It’s essential to know what you’re looking for in your vacations. After all, timeshares are made to be lifelong products. Do you want flexibility? Or do you plan on going back to the same resort every year?
Some of the best vacation clubs to join have various ownership options. Moreover, you can buy precisely what you want on the resale market, whether for a fixed-week or points.
Best Timeshare Companies
There are numerous timeshare companies, all with member-exclusive benefits. These brands give you the chance to enjoy various global vacation destinations, luxurious amenities, spacious accommodations, and guaranteed future vacations. Keep reading to learn more about the top timeshare resale companies and see which is right for you!
Wyndham Destinations
With over 240 resorts to choose from, Club Wyndham is one of the biggest timeshare brands in the industry. It is owned by Wyndham Destinations and offers multiple ownership options. Owners can choose from Club Wyndham Access, Club Wyndham Select, Club Wyndham Presidential Reserve, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and more. Each of these options comes with their own selection of properties and benefits to enjoy.
Speaking of benefits, one of the best benefits of buying a Wyndham timeshare is the massive amount of options around the world. Wyndham has some of the best resorts in sought-after vacation destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and more! Not to mention, Wyndham also owns RCI, the world’s first vacation exchange network. The RCI timeshare exchange program allows Wyndham owners to sign up for an RCI membership to exchange their points or weeks for stays at thousands of other resorts worldwide.
Learn More About Club Wyndham:
- 4 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Wyndham Timeshare
- How Does Club Wyndham Work?
- Wyndham Branson [3 Spectacular Resorts]
Marriott Vacation Club
Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most renowned timeshare companies in the world. Owned by Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Marriott Vacation Club is part of a massive network of brands that expand owners’ options further. St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Westin, Sheraton, and more are all accessible with Marriott Vacation Club ownership.
Marriott Vacation Club owners can enjoy exclusive Marriott benefits, including their rewards program, Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy has multiple status levels that offer extra vacation perks. Some of the best Marriott Vacation Club resorts have top-notch amenities, and spacious accommodations in the most desirable locations worldwide.
Learn More About Marriott Vacation Club:
- Why You Should Buy Marriott Points
- How Much Does Marriott Vacation Club Cost?
- Top 10 Marriott Vacation Club Destinations
Hyatt Vacation Club
Previously known as Hyatt Residence Club, Hyatt Vacation Club offers timeshare owners luxurious resorts in which to vacation. With sixteen timeshare resorts dotted around the U.S., Hyatt Resorts provides a luxury vacation experience for every guest. The brand uses a points-based system for flexibility, and guests can also exchange their points through Interval International, a vacation exchange program similar to RCI. You’ll be able to bank, borrow, and spend your points at whichever Hyatt resorts you love most.
Hyatt Key West resorts are among the most popular properties because of the eclectic beach cottage vibe. Many Hyatt resorts have spas, luxurious on-site amenities, and exceptional accommodations. Moreover, Hyatt Vacation Club is one of the best timeshares to buy because of the benefits of World of Hyatt. It’s free to sign up, and members earn points as they stay at qualified resorts or hotels.
Learn More About Hyatt Vacation Club:
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is by far the most family-friendly vacation club. It allows owners and families to enjoy a magical vacation experience near world-famous theme parks. There are 18 Disney Vacation Club resorts in Orlando, Vero Beach, Hilton Head Island, California, and Hawaii.
DVC also uses a points-based system, so you can divide your vacations and see as many of the best DVC resorts as possible. It’s worth noting that DVC is considered a leasehold ownership. This means that every DVC contract expires. For example, you’ll never find a Riviera resort contract that expires after 2070. Not unless DVC offers owners the chance to extend their contracts. On top of one-of-a-kind vacation experiences at DVC resorts, owners also have great benefits with their ownership. Some DVC perks include pool hopping, Moonlight Magic, owner-only events, and more.
Learn More About Disney Vacation Club:
- DVC Points and When to Add More
- Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It? The Pros and Cons
- Disney Vacation Club Financing Options
- Choosing the Best DVC Home Resort for You
- What You Need to Know About Buying DVC Resale Vs. Direct
Hilton Grand Vacations
If you’re looking for luxury and comfort in your vacations across numerous sought-after destinations, including international destinations, Hilton is for you! Hilton Grand Vacations has over seventy resorts in coveted locations like Orlando, Las Vegas, New York City, Hawaii, and more.
All owners of Hilton are auto-enrolled into the Hilton Honors program. HHonors extends your vacation options even more, with hotel stays and booking airfare. Not to mention, Hilton Grand Vacations is affiliated with RCI, so you can exchange your timeshare for thousands of other destinations.
Learn More About Hilton Grand Vacations:
- Why You Should Buy Hilton Grand Vacations Club Timeshare
- Hilton Timeshare Financing: How to Get Started
- 5 Can’t Miss Hilton Timeshare Resorts in Las Vegas
- Hilton Grand Vacations Orlando: 4 Must-See Resorts
Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Of course, we can’t talk about the best timeshares to buy without mentioning Holiday Inn Club Vacations. This brand specializes in fun-filled, family-friendly vacation experiences for all its guests. With over 30 resorts to choose from, there’s a Holiday Inn property for just about every kind of traveler.
Holiday Inn’s points-based timeshares give owners plenty of flexibility, and they can take that freedom even further, thanks to the brand’s affiliation with RCI. Not to mention, Holiday Inn Club Vacations has one of the best resorts in Orlando: its flagship property, Orange Lake Resort.
Learn More About Holiday Inn Club Vacations:
- How Does Holiday Inn Club Vacations Work?
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations Destinations: [Top 10]
- Holiday Inn Points: Get More Vacation Flexibility
What’s the Best Timeshare Type to Buy?
At the end of the day, there isn’t one “right” answer to what the best timeshare to buy is. As you’ve seen, timeshares can vary in many different ways! With that said, we can help you ask the right kinds of questions that will help you decide what timeshares suit your needs.
What’s a Good Timeshare Week?
If you decide to buy a timeshare week, consider the location of your resort and what time of year you like to travel. Would you prefer a summer week at a Colorado ski resort during its offseason or a prime winter week? Do you like the low season with fewer tourists, or would you rather be part of peak season attractions and entertainment?
Luckily, specific destinations have good weeks almost all year round. You can go right buying any week in Florida, for example. Remember, holiday weeks will cost more because of their high demand. You’ll have more trading power on a vacation exchange network with a popular timeshare week during a peak season at your resort.
How Many Points Do I Need?
It is possible to have too many points. Make sure you ask yourself how many people will be on vacation with you every year—how much space will you need for a vacation? Additionally, you should view your previous travel patterns to help decide how many points you need.
Fortunately, most points-based clubs allow owners to bank unused points, which provides a bit of wiggle room. It’s also possible to buy too few points for the kinds of vacations you want! You can look up resort point charts to determine how many points you need to buy.
How to Save on Buying the Best Timeshares
Timeshares are many things, but unfortunately, they aren’t cheap. With that said, there’s a great way to save up to thousands of dollars to buy even the best timeshares: the timeshare resale market. When you buy a timeshare resale, you get to enjoy all of the same great amenities and accommodations as an owner who purchased directly from the developer but without breaking the bank.
Henceforth, when you’re looking for the best timeshare to buy for resale, create an account on our site to stay up-to-date on our listings. You can make a “Saved Search” to automatically receive emails matching your desired preferences. Or simply “Favorite” the resorts you want updates on.
Buy a Timeshare with Fidelity Real Estate
So, timeshare resales are a great deal, but where exactly can you get one? Well, at Fidelity Real Estate, of course! Fidelity has decades of experience in the timeshare industry, and we’re one of ARDA’s featured resellers. This means we have both the experience and credentials necessary to help you navigate the resale market. Plus, our online marketplace makes finding the best timeshares to buy a breeze. You can filter by price, number of bedrooms, preferred view, and more!
Start by browsing our marketplace, and once you find a listing you like, just make an offer! Our licensed agents will handle the rest to make the process as straightforward as possible! Plus, you can create an account on our site to stay up-to-date on our listings. You can make a “Saved Search” to automatically receive emails matching your desired preferences. Or simply “Favorite” the resorts you want updates on. So, what are you waiting for? Click the link below to get started today!
Sell Your Timeshare with Fidelity Real Estate
On the other hand, if you’ve decided you no longer want your vacation ownership, we can help you too! Our licensed real estate agents are experts in all things timeshare, and they’re ready, willing, and able to assist at any time! Just fill out the form below, and one of our agents will reach out about the next steps. If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-410-8326. We’re always ready to help!
