We were offered that this year so I think you can still get in on it. $500 during peak season, $300 off peak. I don't know how you go about getting it. We have tons of Marriott points so maybe that is why we get called.

Teresa

I would just call the Marriott Times Share sales office . My guess would be if its still available they would be glad to hook you up. I did see some posters for it at the airport in November.
Jay

are timeshares worth it?

No, but access to the VIs/BVIs for 75 a night is. 🙂

lol,good point

West,

You asked if timeshares are worth it. There are lots of problems with the timeshare industry, but there are definitely ways to make them "worth it." The primary rule in purchasing a timeshare is never purchase from the developer of the timeshare. That means don't go to a Marriott, Wyndham or any other presentation and plunk down your hard-earned cash. If you like the resort and accommodations and think you might want to purchase, go to one of the many timeshare resale sites and buy one there for a fraction of the cost and no difference in benefit.

I bought my timeshare in 1997. Since then I have gone to St. Thomas every year. I pay maintenance fees of less than $700 for 7 nights in a loft studio that has a king sized bed up in the loft, a living room with a sleeper sofa, kitchenette, bathroom and terrace on the lower level with incredible views out to the Caribbean and is just a few steps from the sandy beach and that incredible water. It's still a resort with amenities like a restaurant on site, swimming pool, and organized and other activities on site. If I didn't own this, I would probably not return each year because of the cost of beachfront hotel units. Owning the timeshare forces me to go each year, (kicking and screaming.....NOT!)

Many love timesharing because of the exchange possibilities, getting typically great accommodations all around the world for much lower costs. I've been hooked by the Virgin Islands and, therefore, have never exchanged.

Because I know about timeshares I always look for them when travelling. Last Christmas we (2 adults & 2 teens) rented from its owner a beautiful 2-bedroom/two bath timeshare condo right on the ocean in Florida for $1100. A stay in the Marriott down the road for the same length of time would have cost $2625 for one large room with two beds. (We would have killed each other cramped in that space.) In New Orleans pre-Katrina I rented a gorgeous 2 bedroom/3 bath timeshare condo for $1500, which I shared with two other friends. It's always great having a living room and kitchen when travelling, especially with kids or friends.

Timesharing isn't for everyone, but it can definitely provide outstanding accommodations at a fraction of the cost of typical hotel rooms. It might be something worth exploring. But never ever ever purchase from the developer.

Gerie

Agree with Gerie on the benefits. We got lucky when a relative who owned one in NH decided they didn't want it anymore and gave it to us if we'd pay the yearly maintenance fee (about $500). We've traded for some great places and love having the extra rooms, especially a kitchen and usually multiple baths. Makes a big difference. And the few times we didn't trade, we rented it out and made a few bucks over and above the yearly fee.

There are some bargains out there, so keep looking and try to pick a place that's a fairly popular location if you can. The more in demand your place is, the easier it will be to trade for the location you want.

WW

If you truly are interested in timeshares, there's a great site with very informed, helpful contributors - Timeshare Users Group (TUG2.net). There is a specific Marriott discussion board. Most people who get into timeshares buy their first from a "developer" but there are definite advantages to buying resell. Same timeshare, lower price.

Go read TUG for awhile and ask questions there - you'll get a variety of opinions, but you'll also be able to say you made an informed decision.

Lori