Timeshare Info for PDC

I thought I might take the plunge here and do some research on Timeshares in PDC. Only problem is, I don't know where to start! I have very limited knowledge on the subject. I have so many questions too. Like,

1) Are all timeshare properties AI's, or are there some villas/condos and small hotels that are also Timeshare properties? (I heard about Fishermans village, but also heard some negative things about timeshares there - not available when they are supposed to be, oversold, etc...)

2) Is there a reputable company/source I can start with for info gathering?

3) If I buy a timeshare in PDC can I also use other timeshares in other areas (cozumel, aruba, wherever) as part of my contract?

4) I met another playa.info peep while in PDC a few weeks ago (Hi Nancy!) who told me that it's a good idea to buy a "used" timeshare. Where do I find info on that?

I have lots of other questions, but I think this is a good start. Any timeshare experts out there who can get me started? thanks!

[Beachnutt]

I was looking around at one time and stumbled upon redweek.com.

I was specifically looking in AZ, but it appeared that they had timeshares available just about everywhere.

I also came across a couple on e-bay by just typing in search word "Sedona". You could try that with PDC as well.

[NorthMinnesota]

Definitely buy used. Just make sure you get a floating week so you're not tied to a specific week of the year. We like ones that can be banked and used at our convenience. We mainly use RCI to bank and search for places around the world when we exchange. Have been able to find great places in Europe, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Mexico, all over US. Bought many years ago at ridiculously low price and seems to have worked for us.

Thank you,

What is RCI?

[NorthMinnesota]

check out rci.com. It is a clearinghouse for timeshare exchanges. Some parts of the site aren't accessible unless you're a member but you can check out the resort directory as to what's available.

[MWC]

I wouldn't call RCI a clearing house; that makes it sound like a bargain!

RCI is one of a few worldwide networks for arranging timeshare exchanges. They also have a travel agency and offer vacation packages, among their other functions. Some others are Marriott, Condominiums International.

You buy a timeshare week at a specific resort, but that resort should be affiliated with a condominum network for you to exchange for other weeklong vacations at other resorts.

[J Man]

Last week on E Bay there was a time share re-sale at the Mayan Palace for $199. This was for one week per year. There was a total of about $1200 closing and transfer fees.

I went to a presenation a couple of years ago, and they wanted around $30,000. I said no thank you, and they were down to less than $2,000 before I walked out the door. I would stay away from all of them.

[bill2354]

We have bought two timeshares in the RM, one at Fishermans, and one at Sunscape Tulum. We feel that we have done well at both places, and have spent a week each of the last two years at Fishermans. We have had no problems at all at Fishermans, even getting the suite we wanted both years. We are going to sell the one at Fishermans because we simply won't use that many weeks in a year, (we have 4), and will use Sunscape instead. Despite our initial fears and trepidations, I can honestly say that we really have enjoyed our experience at Fishermans.
Buying a timeshare is like anything else: You have to know what you want going in and you have to know that there are many differant deals out there, offering differant things.
Please feel free to PM me if I can be of more help as to our experiences. I found a really good website that gives info about this topic: http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/...ime_shares.htm

[NorthMinnesota]

We bought ours many years ago from a Fairfield in Tennessee. Have used it every year (exchanged through RCI)for the past 20 or so years. Never stay at the same place and have traveled the world in pretty posh conditions! Have NEVER sat through a presentation at ANY of the places we've been. Perhaps we've been lucky but not sure why so many have such negative responses. Why do you say stay away, J Man? Our week is a week that can be used whenever and wherever we want. We usually do a week to scope out a new area. It has been very reasonable. Guess it depends on how you research and then finally purchase. We don't like to repeat places so exchanging is perfect for us and has been less expensive, too. Just like any thing else, do your research and stick to your budget.

[NorthMinnesota]

Forgot to say we don't always go timeshare. We travel alot so we stay at other places, too.

Thanks so much to everyone for the great info, keep it coming! Bill, I will probably take you up on your offer and PM you after I have gotten a little more up to speed and have more specific questions. One question though, why are you selling Fishermans, as opposed to Sunscape? Just curious

[MWC]

If you check redweek.com, you should see that they also offer weekly rentals. That may be a good way to scope out the experience before making any sort of commitment.

We have a timeshare week through a place in Vermont, affiliated with the RCI network. We have exchanged into some really great places; but we often have to be patient, as exchanges are rarely an instant-gratification process. So that can make other planning difficult.

You have to be very careful about what resort you buy into, in terms of owner control, annual fees, etc. It can add up.

We stay so inexpensively in Playa hotels that a week there is CHEAPER than the effective worth of our exchange week. But the bad side is, we have now piled up a bunch of exchange weeks we need to use!

[NorthMinnesota]

MWC....have you tried using the RCI Bonus weeks? We get them all the time for family and friends. They love it!

bonus weeks?

do tell!!!!!!!

I agree that the hotels in PDC are very affordable, so maybe that is not the area to purchase timeshares in.

The whole idea intrigues me though...pre-paid vacations! I am sure there are cons. Like with everything

[birdman]

Originally Posted by NorthMinnesota

Definitely buy used. Just make sure you get a floating week so you're not tied to a specific week of the year. We like ones that can be banked and used at our convenience. We mainly use RCI to bank and search for places around the world when we exchange. Have been able to find great places in Europe, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Mexico, all over US. Bought many years ago at ridiculously low price and seems to have worked for us.

We do the same, plus use RCI & their bonus weeks program 1 week in a 1 bedroom in PDC last Feb $329 at the Mayan Palace, leaving for Mazatlan Sat 1 week 1 bedroom at the Pueblo Bonito $229

Buy a resale not from the resort itself 1/2 price, but research wht you're getting. A one bedroom in a 3 star resort doen't have much trading power. get gold crown in a very popular area & you cantrade to almost anywhere you want to go. You will not make money on it, or be able to sell the weeks to pay for it, but if you & your family use it you should come out on top of the game