Timeshare resort number 50 on the Sell My Timeshare NOW HOT 100 Timeshare List is Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club, located on the beautiful island of Kauai.

Kauai is one of Hawaii’s most desirable settings. It is the northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands, and is about a 20-minute flight from Honolulu. Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is lush with tropical vegetation, boasts pristine beaches, and is rich with cultural history. And of all the fabulous timeshare resorts in the Polynesian Islands, there is no more idyllic spot for a Hawaii timeshare vacation than at Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club timeshares.

What to Expect from Your Marriott Waiohai Beach Club Timeshare

Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club offers two-bedroom, two-bath timeshare villas, each with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, three color televisions, a soaking tub in the master suite, private balcony, and a washer and dryer.

Amenities on-site include a beautiful beach and beachfront water sports, a large freeform courtyard pool with whirlpools, the all-new Kiawe Grill, a cocktail lounge, live entertainment, a playground and a children’s activity center, a convenience store and deli, and a fitness center.

With Hawaii tourism feeling the crunch of the economy and many people curtailing their Hawaii timeshare vacations because of the cost of airfares, this could possibly be the best time ever for you to enjoy that incredible vacation you have always promised yourself. Buy Hawaii timeshare resales or book a Hawaii timeshare rental and then shop competitively for the deals in air travel, car rentals, and dining that are bound to surface as the Hawaii tourism industry reaches out to attract more visitors.

On the Sell My Timeshare NOW HOT 100 List, Hawaii timeshares definitely dominated, (as did Marriott timeshare properties in general), and the Waiohai Beach Club timeshare is one of the reasons why.

A Magical Island to Explore During Your Waiohai Beach Club Timeshare Vacation

This small island is packed with geographic diversity offering mountains to climb, caves to explore, and beaches to wander. As the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is alive with colorful legends and narratives to enchant you. Visit Waimea, and see the memorial to Captain Cook, the first explorer to set foot on the island. Plan to spend some time in Lihue-Kalapaki, touring the museums, viewing Wailua Falls (the waterfall shown in the opening scenes of the 1970’s TV hit, “Fantasy Island”), and visiting the Menehune (Alekoko) Fishpond.

The Menehune - which means Little Folk - were a legendary race of mysterious small people said to have great strength to accomplish amazing tasks. The famous Lihue-Kalapaki fish-breeding pond, now used as an oyster bed, has stone edging that is up to 10 feet tall and is over 30 inches thick. The stones used in its construction were transported more than 25 miles, reportedly carried fire brigade-style by the Menehune, an amazing feat for people reported to be only 2 feet tall.

Legend says that the Menehune, who only worked at night, did not allow their work time to be viewed by others. When a prince and princess climbed the mountainside to watch the building of the fishpond, the Menehune changed them into pillars of rock. Today you can view the twin stone pillars on the south side of the pond. As late as the eighteenth century, islanders were still accounting for sightings of the little folk, including King Kaumualii of Kauai who reported that 65 Menehune still lived in the Wainiha Valley on the north coast of Kauai.

Clearly there is magic on the island of Kauai. And a Marriott timeshare resale or Marriott timeshare rental offers you one of the most luxurious and affordable ways to experience it firsthand.

Starwood Hotels and Timeshare Resorts reported a 12 percent drop in profits for the third quarter, 2008. With this announcement, they joined the ranks of other hoteliers and timeshare developers, including Marriott, Hilton, and Westgate timeshare, who have all acknowledged that they are sharply feeling the credit crunch and the economic downturn.

Starwood (the parent company of Westin timeshare resorts and Sheraton timeshare resorts) reported revenue was flat at $1.5 billion, with international operations shoring up those in North America. Earnings for Starwood were $113 million or 62 cents a share, which is down from $129 million or 61 cents a share, in the third quarter 2007. Figuring all adjustments, and earnings from continuing operations, earnings should have been 71 cents per share.

According to Hotels Magazine, Starwood Chief Executive Frits van Paasschen stated that the company had begun streamlining and reducing costs earlier in the year. Yet, Starwood’s efforts don’t seem to be sufficient to quell concerns. Steve Kent of Goldman Sachs commented on Starwood specifically and the timeshare and hotel industry in general, saying, “… the industry will be hit with increasing supply at the same time demand is falling and [its] negative operating leverage and inability to cut costs quickly suggests margins are going to be under pressure for some time.”

Starwood Says Decline in Hawaii Timeshare and Florida Timeshare Sales is Major Contributor

Pacific Business News reported that Starwood specifically blames a decline in Hawaii timeshares sales and Florida timeshares sales for its revenue shortfall. Compared to 2007, revenue in timeshare sales is down 27.4 percent. Contract sales of vacation ownership intervals decreased almost 30 percent at Starwood timeshares, due both to overall decline and to Starwood’s sellout of Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort North on Maui.

Starwood timeshare says it expects operating income from its timeshare business to drop as much as $115 million this year as demand for Hawaii timeshares and Orlando timeshares decreases.

Bluegreen Resorts Vacation Club timeshares rank number 55 on this year’s Sell My Timeshare NOW HOT 100 Property List. Bluegreen Resorts are a unique timeshare development company that unlike many other big timeshare developers is not a part of the hotel industry. Instead, the people at Bluegreen have built their company around the design, construction, and management of outstanding residential and recreational communities. Bluegreen describes their business as, “Colorful Places to Live and Play®”

The Bluegreen company was founded in 1966 for the purpose of developing and reselling recreational land. Since 1985, Bluegreen Communities (the residential portion of the company) has sold over 55,000 home sites in planned residential and golf communities in 32 states. Bluegreen timeshare resorts offer timeshares that they describe as “real estate based” vacation ownership with access to as many as 40 resorts and potential exchange privileges at over 3,700 resorts.

Timeshare Resale Opportunities at Bluegreen Resorts

You will find Bluegreen vacation homes throughout the US and in Aruba. Sell My Timeshare NOW’s inventory includes Bluegreen timeshare resales and timeshare rentals at exciting locations, including the La Cabana Beach and Racquet Club timeshares in Oranjestad, Aruba. Other beachside destinations for Bluegreen timeshare resorts are:

The Shoreline Towers and the Paradise Isle Resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama; Pono Kai Resort in Kauai, Hawaii; Harbour Lights, Shore Crest Vacation Villas I and Shore Crest Vacation Villas II in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; the Player’s Club in Hilton Head Island; and 18 timeshare destinations from shore to shore in sunny Florida.

In addition to your choices at the beach, there are many Bluegreen timeshare destinations at mountain and lakeside venues. Sell My Timeshare NOW can help you find timeshare resales and timeshare rentals at nearly a dozen choice locations.

Changes at Bluegreen Timeshares

Currently Bluegreen timeshare resorts are engaged in discussions with Diamond Resorts International. According to Hospitality Net, Alan B. Levan, Chairman of the Board of Bluegreen has said, “Diamond Resorts has advised us that it is continuing to move forward with the acquisition of the Company at a price of $15 per share, but needs the additional period to finalize due diligence and its financing arrangements. Diamond Resorts has also agreed to pay us an amount approximating Bluegreen’s expenses in connection with the transaction.”

While this foretells a transition in ownership at Bluegreen timeshares, there is every reason to expect that the traditions, quality, and excellence that have made Bluegreen such popular resorts in the past, will continue long into the future.

The next wonderful Wyndham timeshare resort on the Hot 100 List is located on prime real estate on Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach Walk® where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as the celebrated winds and waves of Waikiki. If you have been to the area in the past, you’ll want to go back again to take in all the new properties, renovated shops, and Waikiki Beach Walk’s upscale but “Hawaii-friendly” new look.

This Hawaii timeshare resort became part of the Wyndham FairShare Plus program in 2006, and while it has always had a lot to offer, timeshare owners at the Wyndham Resort at Waikiki Beach Walk will tell you that it seems to get better and better every time they vacation there. Vacationers rave about the resort’s beautiful suites, top-notch cleanliness, friendly and helpful staff, and frequent on-property entertainment. Timeshare units there include 1 and 2-bedroom suites with a whirlpool tub in every master bath. All units offer at least one lanai and many have two, along with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and comfortable living and dining areas.

Planning Your Hawaii Timeshare Vacation

While every one of the islands of Hawaii has a unique personality, Oahu, where the Wyndham timeshare at Waikiki Beach Walk is located, is a perfect representation of the tourist’s Hawaii. It is also the easiest island to get to because it is home to the Honolulu International Airport, served by major air carriers from around the world.

Long before tourist from around the world discovered vacationing at Waikiki Beach, Hawaiian royalty chose it as their first choice vacation destination. Today, one of the very best parts of owning Hawaii timeshare at a Wyndham Resort is that it not only opens the doors to timeshare exchange worldwide, but the selection of Wyndham Hawaii timeshare properties is growing all the time, including the Wyndham Bali Hai Villas, Wyndham Ka ‘Eo Kai, Wyndham Kaua’i Beach Villas, Wyndham Kona Hawaii Resort, Wyndham Makai Club timeshares, Wyndham Mauna Loa timeshare resort, Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff, and Wyndham Shearwater timeshares.

Tips for a Safer Waikiki Beach Timeshare Vacation

• Swim in lifeguard protected areas. The water looks inviting but the currents can be strong.
• Stay off the sea walls and waterbreaks; they are slippery and during high tide are subject to crashing waves.
• Don’t fall victim to petty crime. Pickpockets and frauds know that tourist who are a long way from home make easy prey and are unlikely to stick around long enough to pursue charges against them in court.
• In short, play it smart during your Hawaii timeshare vacation. These beautiful islands really are a slice of paradise, so don’t let anything mar your heavenly Hawaii timeshare holiday.

I wish I could give you more background on this news item, but for now, we will rely on StreetTalk Blog as our primary source. According to a posting last week on their site, Shell Vacations Club timeshare has entered into a letter of intent with Coco Palms Venture II, Inc, the current owners of Kauai’s historic Coco Palms hotel.

The Coco Palms is a Hawaiian resort classic whose fame was enhanced when Elvis Presley filmed the finale of Blue Hawaii there in 1961. Almost all of the last 20 minutes of the film is shot on or near The Coco Palms.

In 1992, Hurricane Iniki did extensive damage to the island of Kauai and threw the local economy into a downward spiral. As the islanders rebuilt, virtually every resort was restored except perhaps its most famous, The Coco Palms.

Without repairs, the beautiful resort has sat unused for nearly 20 years, with only the wedding chapel remaining operational. If Shell Vacations Club timeshare is successful in its efforts to buy and restore the resort, it will be a wonderful benefit to the people of the island and the local economy.

Earlier this year, Hawaii State Senator Gary Hooser explored the idea of a joint venture project - perhaps a public-private effort - to build a park on the property. Whether Shell Vacations intends to be part of this effort, or if there is still any interest in such a park, is not known. Coco Palms Venture II has only owned the resort since 2006, when they purchased it in hopes of building a full service spa there, an idea that never received the approval it needed to move forward. Last year, the company put the property on the market for sale.

The citizens and the legislators of Hawaii are forever walking a tightrope, trying to balance the development necessary to maintain and grow their economy with their responsibility to protect their cultural heritage and beautiful environment.

And on that note, be sure you take a look at this clip from Blue Hawaii, and listen as Elvis sings the Hawaiian Wedding song.

Yesterday our timeshare blog announced the release of the Sell My Timeshare NOW HOT 100 list, revealing the top 100 properties to receive offers to buy timeshare or rent timeshare in 2007. For properties on the HOT 100 list, there were over 48,000 offers to buy or rent placed last year alone.

While we noted that Hawaii timeshares claimed 4 of the top 10 spots on the HOT 100 list, I didn’t go into detail about how strongly Hawaii dominates the top of the list.

Hawaii timeshares start with the HOT 100’s number one property, WorldMark by Wyndham, multi-destination resorts because four of WorldMark by Wyndham’s 60+ timeshare resorts are in Hawaii. There is the: WorldMark by Wyndham Kapaa Shore timeshare resort; the WorldMark by Wyndham Valley Isle in Lahaina timeshare resort; the WorldMark by Wyndham Kihei timeshare resort; and the WorldMark by Wyndham Kona in Kailua-Kona timeshare resort.

As I mentioned in our timeshare blog yesterday, Hawaii timeshares also claimed second place on the list with the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas; fifth place with Diamond Resorts Ka’anapali Beach Club; sixth with Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club timeshares; and tenth with the Ko Olina Beach Club timeshares.

But Hawaii timeshares accounts for over 27 percent all timeshare resorts among the top 33 properties on the list. The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North timeshares, ranked 21; the Sands of Kahana Vacation Club timeshares, was number 24; Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village was number 29; and Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas timeshares ranked number 33.

Why Hawaii Timeshare?

America’s fiftieth state may be small, but in terms of what you get for your vacation dollar, it packs a punch. A Hawaii timeshare vacation means you can enjoy your choice of tropical forests, mountains, beautiful beaches, a cosmopolitan (Hawaii-style) nightlife, or a chance to explore a fascinating culture.

The diverse islands of Hawaii cater to honeymooners, surfers, retirees, family vacations, and everyone seeking the peaceful, laidback style of the islands.

While many of the first timeshares in the US were built in Hawaii, it has never lost its place as a top demand timeshare vacation destination. But let’s face it, Hawaii is one of the more expensive places to live or to visit on holiday because it is a small cluster of beautiful but relatively isolated islands, where most goods must be imported. When you add to that the fact that limited geographic area keeps land values for development very high, the cost of that fabulous Hawaii vacation can be pricey.

While you can’t cut costs by driving there instead of flying or going by cruise ship, you can take advantage of Hawaii timeshare resales to help you control two other vacation costs - meals and accommodations. The kitchen and dining areas found in most timeshares will let you choose to eat in as much as you like and save your restaurant dining for those special luaus. And when you buy Hawaii timeshare resales, you lock the price of your Hawaii vacation lodging in for as long as you own your timeshare. When you do get ready to resell Hawaii timeshare, you can do so with confidence, using indicators like the Sell My Timeshare NOW HOT 100 list to affirm that there is a strong and consistent market for Hawaii timeshare resales.

Follow this link to read the Sell My Timeshare NOW HOT 100 press release about Hawaii timeshare.

Sell My Timeshare NOW has just released its HOT 100 list featuring the timeshare resales and timeshare rentals that received the most offers to buy through our company in 2007 - more than 48,000 offers to buy timeshare or rent timeshare on properties at these 100 resorts alone!

Some interesting trends are evidenced in the list, including just how stable the top ten properties have been over the past year. The 8 timeshare resorts that top the list this year, all made the top 10 last year. Noteworthy is the jump WorldMark by Wyndham, multi-destination timeshare made from seventh on the previous list, to claim the top spot at number one for this year.

Two other trends are also shown. First, Hawaii timeshares claimed four places among the top ten: Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas in second place on the list; Diamond Resorts Ka’anapali Beach Club in fifth place; Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club timeshares in sixth; and the Ko Olina Beach Club timeshares, new to the top ten list this year, claiming the tenth spot. WorldMark by Wyndham’s multi-destination timeshare locations includes 4 resorts in Hawaii: Kapaa Shore; Valley Isle in Lahaina; Kihei; and Kona in Kailua-Kona.

The other trend that the HOT 100 list reveals is that Marriott is clearly a favorite timeshare brand, with Maui Ocean Club, Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club, Newport Coast Villas, and Ko Olina Beach Club and all making the top ten list.

HOT 100 Timeshare List

The complete top ten list is shown below. You can view the full report, Sell My Timeshare NOW’s HOT 100, by clicking this link.

1. WorldMark by Wyndham, (Multi-Destination)
2. Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
3. Orange Lake’s West Village, Orlando, Florida U.S.A.
4. Marriott Timeshare’s Aruba Surf Club, Palm Beach, Aruba
5. Diamond Resorts Ka’anapali Beach Club, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
6. Marriott Timeshare’s Maui Ocean Club, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
7. Marriott Timeshare’s Newport Coast Villas, Newport Coast, California U.S.A.
8. Harborside Resort at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
9. Manhattan Club, New York, New York U.S.A.
10. Marriott Timeshare’s Ko Olina Beach Club, Oahu, Hawaii U.S.A.

Click this link to read Sell My Timeshare NOW’s press release about the HOT 100

KCRA 3 News that broadcasts in Sacramento and Stockton, ran an interesting article, warning people about a problematic timeshare deal from Holiday Travel of America.

It seems that the company offers two round-trip coach air tickets and two nights in economy accommodations in Hawaii, if you sit through their timeshare sales presentation. Representatives of the news station tried it, and did in fact receive their certificate good for their airfares and hotel stay.

The certificate from the timeshare company came with the stipulation that it had to be used within 45 days or it would be void. A letter requesting travel dates, restricted to travel on Tuesdays through Thursdays only, plus the payment of a hotel and airline tax deposit followed it.

Too Many Complaints about this Timeshare Sales Company

Other people, who had been through the timeshare sales presentation with Holiday Travel of America, voiced complaints with the process. Many had trouble getting travel dates scheduled by the timeshare company. No matter what two days they picked, even within their limited choices, the answer always came back that those days were unavailable.

The KCRA crew had six different travel dates requested before they called the timeshare company to complain. They were finally offered dates in September, but were told they had to book on the spot, fax a written confirmation of travel with a credit card number, and agree to having a nonrefundable charge of between $75 and $100 placed on their credit cards.

KCRA’s article about the scam said, “The Better Business Bureau of San Diego said other people have had trouble, too: Holiday Travel of America has an unsatisfactory record because of a pattern of complaints.”

Finding the Good Deals in Timeshare Sales and Timeshare Resales

Good job of investigative reporting by KCRA. I wonder, if the current tough economy will bring on a rash of opportunistic vultures, who prey on people’s desire to enjoy a little vacation time despite budgets being tight. Whatever the situation, the advice is always the same. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. There are plenty of good deals available in timeshare resales and timeshare rentals, and you don’t have to sit through a timeshare sales pitch in order to enjoy them.

In the face of rising hotel room rates in Hawaii, great deals in timeshare resales have never looked better and ironically, the vacation value of Hawaii timeshare resorts contributes to driving the cost of hotel rooms higher.

According to Joseph Toy, president and CEO of Hospitality Advisors, (as quoted by the Star Bulletin) part of the reason for the island’s gains in hotel room rates is the increase in timeshare and resort condominium conversions, which has decreased the number of traditional hotel rooms. “The traditional hotel product is less, so you therefore have hotel demand compressed into a smaller inventory base,” says Toy. “And timeshare does extremely well, so it forms a very strong base for the island.”

In December, Hawaii’s hotel room rates jumped 7.5 percent year-over-year, reaching an average of $224.70 per night, a new record high. Hotel room rates in Kauai increased by 5.1 percent; in Oahu by 7.4 percent; and on the Big Island by 9.8 percent, bring them to $249.97 per night. In other words, despite declining occupancy, as availability went down, Hawaii hotel rates rose. If Hawaii timeshare resales looked good before, they are now an excellent value when viewed from this perspective.

Here’s what to take away from this information:

• These statistics give evidence to the demand for Hawaii timeshare, which is good news if you plan to sell your Hawaii timeshare resale.
• They are also encouraging for people who own Hawaii timeshare or plan to buy Hawaii timeshare because they show that you are purchasing a product that is in demand and is valued by consumers.
• If you are planning a Hawaiian vacation, your most affordable and available accommodations are likely to be Hawaii timeshare resales and Hawaii timeshare rentals.

If you are interested in Hawaii timeshare resales and timeshare rentals, here are some good places to start looking, with many more available on the Sell My Timeshare NOW website:

• Alii Kai Resales
• Celebrity Resorts Waikiki Resales
• Gardens at West Maui Resales
• Imperial Hawaii Worldwide Vacations Club - Imperial Hawaii Resort Waikiki Resales
• Lea Casa Resales
• Maui Schooner Resales

Marriott Timeshares are usually credited with being the first hoteliers to get into the timeshare real estate business. In fact, some of the first hotel-branded properties were Sheraton timeshares. Sheraton timeshares have been in Hawaii since the 1960’s, and it is little surprise that today, as Starwood timeshare resorts, they continue to thrive in our fiftieth state.

In April, Starwood Vacation Ownership is opening their third vacation ownership (timeshare) resort in the Hawaiian Islands. The Timeshare Blog quoted Denise Wardlow, general manager of the new Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas as saying, “This property gives our travel partners more options to attract upscale clients who are repeat guests to the island of Kaua’i - guests who desire the convenience of a fully-furnished kitchen, washer and dryer, plus all of the luxurious amenities and services of a Westin resort.”

Located in Kaua’i, in the seaside community of Princeville, the new resort has classic Hawaiian plantation styling and includes seven buildings with a total of 179 timeshare condos, as well as a clubhouse, restaurant, and general store. Rack rates for a studio timeshare condo will start at $600 per night, $800 per night for a one-bedroom timeshare condo, and $1400 per night for a two bedroom timeshare condo.

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas will combine state of the art amenities with traditional island charm, but before you reach for your checkbook, make sure you look at other opportunities in Hawaii timeshare resales and Hawaii timeshare rentals.

Here are some of the excellent opportunities available to you to buy timeshare or rent timeshare through Sell My Timeshare NOW:

• Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort - North Villas Resales
• Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort - North Villas Rentals
• Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas Resales
• Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas Rentals