Timeshare vs. hotels Part II - the verdict is in

September 13, 7:30 AMTimeshare ExaminerMark Silverman

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We have been looking at the differences between the hotel and the timeshare experience. 

But, both are starting to adapt ideas from each other. Timeshare resorts are unlikely to offer traditional room service; unless they are multi-use properties; Four Seasons Aviara, outside San Diego, for instance has timeshare, hotel and even full time residences sharing the same property and amenities. But even properties without room service are likely to have available a wide variety of nearby restaurants that will deliver to the condo.
 

And more "Residence Inn"-style hotels are including "mini" kitchen-type facilities - coffee makers are common; and microwaves and usable refrigerators are starting to appear in hotels. Especially the "suite" properties. Even when what they call a "suite" are not two separate rooms; at least they offer a sitting area that is segregated and apart from the sleeping area.
 

The one bedroom timeshare condo is likely to have a completely private bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen with a dining area. The sofa in the living room usually is of the sleeper variety; at least mom and dad have privacy from the kids. 

As timeshare expands into different markets and serves different clientele, it gets harder to tell the difference. The Hilton New York is timeshare in the heart of mid-town Manhattan. It caters to both vacation and business travelers, and is on dedicated floors in a traditional hotel. And the rooms can be similar to hotel rooms.

In San Francisco, Shell Vacation's Donatello hotel is one of the earliest urban timeshare properties. In appearance and experience its very much like any other downtown hotel property. 

The timeshare resort is more likely than many hotels to offer free internet access, often of the wi-fi variety, to the owners. For hotels, phone and internet is still often looked upon as a profit center. 

A couple of areas where hotels are going to have a clear edge in terms of service and amenities vs. timeshare is housekeeping and the little shampoo bottles.

Hotel rooms are usually cleaned, and linens replaced, every day. Timeshare resorts, the rooms are completely cleaned at the end of each week, between guests. Then, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, the condo is given a mid-week cleaning. The hotel is more likely to offer the services of a concierge to assist in restaurant reservations, tickets to shows, and general advice about the area.

But the lines blur here, too. Your room at a Best Western or Sheraton hotel, to lower expenses (and be environmentally friendly) may have a card asking guests if they want the linens changed every day; or if they are willing to reuse the bath towels. And many timeshare resorts, like those operated by Wyndham, offer additional housekeeping at additional cost, usually about $15-30 per day.  Additionally, many timeshare resorts offer concierge assistance as well, but be ware, often they are also one of many who may be attempting to coax you to another timeshare sales presentation.

Another significant change in the operation of timeshare resorts is a result of greater flexibility in use of the time and space due in part to “points-based” systems, like those offered by Hyatt Vacation Club and many other programs. For the first two decades of timeshare, the majority of stays were one week; not more or less. It is becoming increasingly more common for stays to be as short as two or three nights. After each guest checks out, whether it’s for a day or a week, the condo is completely cleaned.

So the other big question – does timeshare save you money compared to hotels? 

My opinion – I don’t really think so. Surprised? Well, here’s my thinking. 

The money you spend on travel in a given year if you own timeshare is likely to be as much, or perhaps even more than if you didn’t own timeshare. Here’s why.. 

If you are a budget hotel guest, you are most likely to join a moderate priced timeshare program - along the lines of a Bluegreen Resort, or Wyndham Vacation Resorts. 

Likewise, if your hotel tastes gravitate towards the luxury end, Ritz Carlton, Westin and the earlier mentioned Four Seasons and Hyatt are just some of the brands that may be a good fit for you. And the purchase price reflects the higher level of quality and service.

 So the price variations for timeshare properties, like hotel rooms, run the gamut, according to each of our comfort levels.  Timeshare property can be less than $1,000 on the secondary market, to over a million dollars for some high-end fractionals. 

Furthermore, when additional time is available for timeshare owners at very reasonable prices – additional nights can be as little as $45 (more on that in a future column) – you may travel more frequently than you did before. And traveling more frequently, even at a great price, cost more than not traveling at all because the $200 hotel room is too expensive. 

So does timeshare offer more in the way of luxury, cost, service – the verdict is in and it’s all yes. It’s all no, and it’s all maybe. Absolutely.