A relatively new lodging/real estate trend, condo hotels offer similar facilities to timeshares.

I realize that people coming to this blog are mainly interested in timeshares- not condos, not hotels. But what about condo hotels?

Condo hotels are a lot like timeshares because they offer similar properties with similar amenities. The differences lie largely in the increments of time in which each property is used by a guest/owner, and the payment scheme for each. In this regard, condo hotels can share the same traits as high-end fractional properties, as condo hotel property can be secured for larger blocks of time than most timeshares. In fairness, the cost associated with spending the summer in one of these properties may be prohibitive for everyone except the very wealthy. Both condo hotels and fractionals are marketed to newly-affluent “web 2.0” professionals; technical types who have made their fortunes in today’s booming high-tech industries.

Both timeshares and condo hotels typically offer spacious “condo-style” accommodations, often encompassing suites of several rooms. As with timeshares, you’ll probably encounter appliances like washer/dryer units and dishwashers.

Condo hotel enthusiasts say that condo hotels offer a cost-effective alternative to hotel and timeshare accommodations. I disagree, only because lodging rates are largely location-based, and subject to demand. In other words, in a built-up, high-demand resort area, hotel rates can jump unexpectedly, especially if an area is subject to seasonal fluctuations in demand/cost. This means that, in the same location, you could end up paying much more for nightly accommodations than you would if you owned a timeshare there.

However, sometimes the reverse is true. Habitual timeshare renters (like me) would be wise to keep an eye out for seasonal price changes. Sometimes a condo hotel might be the best option price-wise, but finding a timeshare rental for a good price can leave more money in your pocket, free to be spent on area attractions, sumptuous dining, or other vacation activities. It’s a good idea to shop around for the best price on accommodations, but again, these prices are subject to change as they are not “locked in” (one advantage that “traditional” timeshare has over these new lodging concepts).

If you’re looking for more information on condo hotels, one website you should check out is the National Association of Condo Hotel Owners (NACHO). One of the goals of this organization, composed of condo hotel owners and developers, is to establish standards for ethical conduct among the promoters and developers of condo hotel properties. Good stuff!

Though details remain sketchy, timeshare owners band together for a legal fight.

The publicity surrounding the Crowne Plaza Golf Resort and Casino at Royal Oasis, located on Grand Bahama, highlights a worst-case scenario for any timeshare owner. The resort was damaged by a hurricane in September of 2004 and rendered unuseable. Since then, no improvements or repairs have been made. Timeshare owners have been issued no information about the fate of the resort, especially the timeshare arm of the operation.

I have spoken with a number of concerned owners, most of whom are asking “could this happen to me?” For this reason, I’d like to point out that scandals of this nature are hardly commonplace in the industry, epecially these days. Though rotten apples exist in any basket, there’s plenty of good apples too. This is especially true of timeshares in the Bahamas, among which can be found some of the most opulent resort properties in the world.

With big resort companies investing more and more money into timeshares every year, smaller companies cannot afford to conduct themselves dishonestly. They simply can’t compete with the big boys unless they offer owners and guests the same guarantees and level of service as their more established competitors. In business, ailing organizations which can’t compete are weeded out in favor of those which can. Maybe this is what we’re seeing here, in the case of this resort. The real tragedy here is that timeshare owners are caught in the middle.

We reported on this story back in January. Since then, important developments have come to light:

• Timeshare owners have banded together to file a class-action lawsuit in order to recover money lost through this fiasco.
• Several high-profile resort development companies have expressed interest in purchasing this property. Among these are Planet Hollywood and Westgate Resorts.

Remodeling/repairing a facility of this size is an extremely costly undertaking. It may be more economically viable for the new owners to sell new timeshares. If this is the case, what about those who already own timeshare at this facility?

Hopefully this lawsuit can bring closure for the timeshare owners concerned. The small number of “worst practices” operators in this industry make it hard for all other legitimate vacation/travel companies to do business, simply by association.

It’s time for the “bad apples” to demonstrate some basic accountability. Enough is enough!

See Also

• The Freeport News
  “No Word Yet on Royal Oasis Sale”

You don’t have to be a super-genius to ponder the mysteries of the online timeshare universe. Here’s seven important, basic tips for anyone looking to sell or rent timeshare online.

In case you didn’t already know, there’s a lot of people trying to resell their timeshares. This usually happens because timeshare owners, for whatever reason, aren’t able to use their timeshares as regularly as they originally planned. Considering that the owner still has to pay maintenance fees even when the timeshare isn’t being used, selling (or renting) a timeshare could be a smart move for people in this position. After all, why pay for something you won’t use?

Here’s where the challenge lies: a lot of other people want to sell or rent out their timeshares, too! This means that if you are trying to advertise a timeshare property for sale or rental, you are competing with lots of other folks trying to do the same thing. When their first efforts at advertising don’t work, people become frustrated, and want to seek other options. Sooner or later, people will turn to the internet in order to get the most exposure for their properties.

Obviously, the internet has great promotional potential. However, with most new opportunities come new risks. Anyone who transacts business online should make an effort to become familiar with any potential problems they are likely to encounter. This holds especially true for the online timeshare space, which has its own set of unique advantages and challenges.

If you are one of the many people thinking about promoting a timeshare property for sale or rent, I’d like to offer a few important tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t panic! Behaving impulsively or making hasty judgement calls can set you up to become a victim of resale fraud. Timeshare fraudsters prey on people’s fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Despite online misinformation to the contrary, know that it is quite possible to sell or rent your timeshare. In many cases it can be quite easy. Your best option is to make deliberate, informed choices. Blindly reacting to hype or negative publicity will hurt your chances of successfully selling or renting your property.

2. Know that you have choices when it comes to selling or renting your timeshare. If this sounds simple, consider that the market for timeshare resales currently favors buyers and renters. This can make for a daunting experience for those who want to sell or rent their properties. Unless There’s advertising companies who can list your property for an upfront fee, or you can enlist a licensed broker if you’re more comfortable paying a commission after the sale.

3. Don’t do business with cold-callers. Unsolicited telemarketing is a major red flag, as several resale fraud schemes depend on acquiring your personal information, by fair means or foul. If contacted, say “don’t call us; we’ll call you“.

4. Research similar properties to determine an aggressive sale/rental price. This takes time, which is why many people like to get a timeshare market value survey from a professional (another reason why a broker might be a good choice). This survey should be provided free of charge. In fact, you should never pay for a timeshare appraisal, comparative market analysis, or other comparative pricing. An informal survey is entirely sufficient to determine a competitive selling price, and plenty of companies/individuals are happy to do this for no charge.

5. Scrupulously research your resale company before entering into an agreement. Does this company have a spotless record with the Better Business Bureau? If not, avoid them! Though this is a vital first step when dealing with an upfront advertising company, this also applies if you’re looking for a timeshare broker.

6. Don’t be afraid to list your property in more than one place. The more exposure for your property, the greater the chance of finding a buyer/renter on the internet. If you’re listed with two companies, you can often pit one against the other, to see who sells the property first. As long as the “losing” company is willing to refund the advertising costs in full, this scheme has great potential.

7. Never rule out a “commission-free” advertising service. At the same time, never pay for this service “sight-unseen”! Advertising a timeshare property by yourself instead of paying a sale commission can in many cases save you thousands of dollars in the long run. The trick is to make sure that a timeshare-by-owner service can fulfill its promises. As with any online business, it is true that pursuing your own due diligence is absolutely vital before initiating a business relationship. Does this company’s website show up on the first page of Google’s search results? Are there any BBB complaints against this company? Are they listed with any consumer watchdog websites? If so, avoid them! When dealing with an upfront-fee advertising site, trust is essential. Companies accrue trust by treating their customers well. If a company is untrustworthy, customer complaints will be your first clue.

Following these timeshare tips is a good start toward success in selling or renting your property. However, it’s important to contact a reputable timeshare resale company or timeshare broker to discuss your goals, your situation, and the particular features of your resort or unit.

The search for Jennifer Kesse, a Westgate timeshare employee, continues despite little evidence and few clues.

The search for Jennifer Kesse, a Westgate timeshare employee and Orlando resident, continues despite little in the way of evidence or clues to assist in her recovery. Jennifer has been missing since January 24, 2006, when it is believed she left home en route to work and has not been seen or heard from since.

Law enforcement officials, friends, co-workers, and hundreds and hundreds of people who have never met Jennifer or her family, have assisted in the search for the missing 24-year-old. At a press conference on April 24, 2006, the Kesse family announced that a new reward is being issued for information leading to Jennifer’s return. David Siegel, President and CEO of Westgate Resorts, is now offering $250,000 to anyone who comes forward within the next thirty days with information that results in Jennifer’s safe return.

As an additional motivator for anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts or the events surrounding her disappearance, the family maintains a cell phone number for anonymous tips. They hope that a number not linked to a police hotline will encourage someone to come forward with what they know. Anyone with information about Jennifer is urged to contact CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS, or use the family’s dedicated cell phone number 407-722-2162. Information can also be mailed anonymously to: Jennifer Kesse Tips, 5389 S. Kirkman Road, Box 103-125, Orlando, FL 32819. The family wants everyone to know that they are not interested in prosecuting anyone; they just want Jennifer home again.

Here are some suggestions that will help you spread the word:

• Add a link to the bottom of all the emails you send, encouraging people to be on the lookout for Jennifer and directing people to www.jenniferkesse.com to learn more.
• Post flyers about her disappearance anywhere you can—the search for Jennifer is not limited to Orlando. If you can’t post a stack of flyers, attach at least one to your car.
• Spread the word. One person helping in the search says she regularly pays her bills by phone and makes it a point to tell each person with whom she speaks about Jennifer and urge them to share the word at their workplace.