Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley
Timeshares. The concept is arguably one of the most – if not the most – confusing travel experiences on the planet. Created in the early 1970s and ‘80s it’s actually – surprise, surprise – the world’s first “shared economy” product. Where people bought a “share” of time at a condo in a destination of their choice.
Times have changed. And so have timeshares. As I learned covering the Spring 2024 ARDA (American Resort Development Association) Conference, “Timeshare Together,” at the Bellagio Las Vegas.
The industry has blossomed into a menu of options and freedom of choices and times including experiences, cruises, special events and hotel and resort stays from overwater bungalows in Tahiti to Manhattan high rises.
“The timeshare was ahead of its time,” ARDA President & CEO Jason Gamel told me during our one-on-one interview. “Now others are catching up – Uber, Lyft, Air B&B.” With the shared economy mainstream, timeshares “are trending,” explained Jon Last, president and founder of the Sport and Leisure Research Group. Seventy-six percent of first-time timeshare buyers are Gen-Z and Millennials, with Gen-Z and Millennials accounting for 57 percent of all timeshare owners. Today’s average age for timeshare owners is a youngish 45, he cited. In 2023, timeshare occupancy was up 68 percent, he said. With more than 1,500 U.S. timeshare resorts, and 900,000 owners, 86 percent of whom live in the U.S., according to ARDA. Many owners have more than one. Often sharing multiple ownerships with friends.
This includes Sarah Conroy, ARDA vice president, marketing and communications, who told me she grew up vacationing in timeshares with her parents. “My parents loved the concept and owned several,” she said. Now she does too. In addition to loving the concept so much she joined the industry! Conroy owns three timeshares for herself and her young son. “My son loves that he always has his own room,” she enthused.
Author Barbara with Sarah Conroy, ARDA vice president, marketing and communications
Value – Not Real Estate
No longer a real estate transaction where you’d “buy an annual week’s stay at a specific condo.” Today’s owners choose when, where and what experiences they want. This can be “flexible two- to 10-day vacations anywhere! Multiple times,” explained Tom Shelburne, chief marketing officer for Travel + Leisure Co., a timeshare company. “Today’s timeshare has more in common with a country club,” he enthused. “Comradery, friendship. It’s ownership in a system of exclusive membership benefits,” like Disney Vacation Club packages, and perks like waterparks, tours, flights, cruises, rock concerts, loyalty programs, arranged activities, and restaurant meals.”
Points Based
To be clear, “timeshare” is still real estate, Gamel told me. But the emphasis is on experiences and destinations, using a point system. “It’s your points that give you access (exchange power) to all these different experiences.” The number of points you have depends on the size, destination and type of timeshare you purchase. You exchange the points your time share is worth for whatever experience you want, explained Chris McGill, director of development for Interval International, one of the top two vacation ownership exchange companies.
Who Should Own a Timeshare?
“Timeshares are not for everyone.” Gamel is the first to admit this. “Timeshares are for folks who want to travel regularly. It forces you to take a vacation because it’s reoccurring, and you need to take advantage of it. And families! “Timeshares are excellent for families and multi-generational families, who need to plan blended vacations months in advance. Also, vacationers who appreciate a kitchen, washer/dryer, and multi-bedrooms.”
What Owners Say
“Top quality accommodations, individual bedrooms, and a washer/dryer,” are the most often heard comments from families and couples, according to Gamel. Also, “travelers enjoy having a room that’s more than 200 square feet.” Timeshare units average 1,500 square feet, according to ARDA.
Cirque du Soleil talent performed just for ARDA attendees!
Brands
All the biggies: Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Accor, Hilton Grand Vacations, Disney Vacation Club, Margaritaville Vacation Club, Hyatt Residence Club, Club Wyndham, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Westgate Resorts, Fairfield Inn. The Swan and Dolphin hotels in Orlando. A Hyatt Residence Club in Carmel, California overlooking Brad Pitt’s house. You can timeshare vacation in17 countries and – newly added – in popular urban destinations including ski resorts, college towns and Las Vegas – which alone boasts 33 timeshare resorts! Perhaps choose an over-the-top timeshare penthouse in the new Las Vegas Elara, A Hilton Club . Or where I stayed, just off the Strip at the family friendly non-gaming Club Wyndham Grand Desert Resort with activities and free parking!
The swank new timeshare penthouses at Elara, A Hilton Club, range up to 2,900 square feet.
What’s the Cost?
A one-week, two-bedroom unit, averages $24,000, said Gamel. “The majority of new timeshare owners take out a mortgage. Usually seven years.” Price also depends on the buyer’s “right to use” plan, which can be 10, 20, 30 or 40 years. You’re no longer locked in forever! Maintenance fees and property taxes average $1,200 a year, according to Gamel. Owners see it “as an investment. And protection against inflation,” he said. “As travel costs go up, you save because you’re traveling on just your maintenance and taxes, which are under the national inflation rate.”
Yes! You Can Get Out
“The timeshare industry has an exit product, where they will sell your timeshare,” said Gamel. Since 2018, ARDA in tandem with leading timeshare developers and exchange companies created Responsible Exit options, where you can sell, rent, and exit timeshares via www.ResponsibleExit.com.
MY EXPERIENCE – IMPRESSIVE!
From one extreme to the other – I enjoyed a tour of the new sky-high Elara and a stay at the Club Wyndham Grand Desert Resort. I was impressed with both – for different reasons.
Penthouse Perfect
Author on the edge! Barbara experiences the sky-high balcony of a Las Vegas timeshare penthouse at Elara, A Hilton Club.
No exaggeration. The new-build Elara, A Hilton Club, penthouses offer the best and most thrilling hotel views in the city! Towering out and over Vegas from the top four floors of the 61-story Hilton Grand Vacations Club skyscraper – one of the largest timeshares in the world! The luxe new penthouse timeshares include studios, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites up to 2,902 square feet! I was lucky to be there for the opening celebration in April. “Elara’s selling well,” Michael Ellis, general manager, told me opening the door to a 1,724-square-foot stunner. “The owners love them.” And what’s not to love? Perks include an exclusive Owners’ Lounge and private check-in. Icing on the cake for these swank abodes, with astonishing views, and edgy James Bond-like private balconies (many with hot tubs) jutting out over the skyline!
Barbara schmoozes with an off-duty Elvis impersonator at the Club Wyndham Grand Desert Resort
Fun and Then Some
Back down on the ground I was equally impressed with the Club Wyndham Grand Desert Resort. The lobby was bustling when I checked in. “Are you an off-duty Elvis impersonator?” I asked the delightful lobby greeter. “Yes, ma’am, I am,” he laughed, admitting his “day job” is impersonating The King. His hair style gave him away, even though he was wearing a suit. “Where did you grow up?” I continued. Surprise, surprise in Palm Beach, Florida! Meanwhile, a guest pulled up in his ’62 Corvette. Fun times!
For families – and adults. Think happy hour Margarita Mondays, Thursday Night Specialty Cocktails, Friday-Sunday Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s. An in-house cinema, The Grand Desert Theater, screening newly released movies. A daily calendar of events from crafts to live magicians. Two pools: for families and adults-only. Large comfortable suites with one, two, three and four bedrooms, many overlooking The Strip, all with fully stocked kitchens, dining area, living area, and separate bedroom(s). My one-bedroom was like a condo at 855 square feet complete with a posh soaking tub off my spacious bedroom. Maybe best of all – the Club Wyndham has free parking!!! A rarity in Vegas’ hotels. All just a five-minute rideshare from The Strip. Being non-gaming, I enjoyed its classic hotel vibe. Gambling guests told me they do too, since the Strip is so close.
Just one part of Barbara’s one-bedroom suite
