Have you ever wondered how a timeshare differs from a hotel? What about how a timeshare differs from a vacation club? If so, you’ve come to the right place! The vacation ownership industry is full of confounding jargon, but with just a little bit of homework, you can become a timeshare expert in no time. At Timeshares Only, we believe a more informed vacation owner is a happier vacation owner. So, join us as we clear the air on the nuances of timeshare vs. hotel, timeshare vs. vacation club, and everything else you need to know to vacation happily ever after.
What is a Timeshare?
Before we can compare timeshares vs. hotels, it’s essential to discuss what a timeshare is. Simply put, a timeshare, also known as vacation ownership, is a vacation property or unit that owners can use for a certain amount of time each year. The time each owner can use a timeshare is usually a week but may vary by developer or resort. Most timeshares are operated by timeshare companies like Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacation Club, Wyndham Destinations, and others.
As a side note, when purchasing a timeshare, it’s vital to acknowledge that each vacation property requires annual maintenance fees to help keep the property looking clean and up-to-date.
Timeshare vs Hotel
Are you considering buying a timeshare or booking a hotel for your next getaway? Below, we have outlined the pros and cons of timeshare vs. hotel so you can make the right decision. We’ll consider the differences in accommodation, value, amenities, etc. Hotels are considered a more accessible option for booking vacations, but vacation ownership is a worthy competitor when you weigh out all they offer.
With hotels, you book a room for a single period. Becoming a vacation owner means gaining priority access to a “home resort,” i.e. the resort you buy at. In essence, you own property under a time-sharing agreement. So, you could own a specific week at a timeshare resort, and every year, you have a guaranteed spot at the resort for that week. Alternatively, you can own timeshare points, which work like your “vacation currency” within your vacation ownership club. So, essentially, you can travel when, where and how you want. Although you’ll only enjoy priority booking at your home resort, you can use your points at multiple properties within your club’s portfolio at any time of year. Moreover, most vacation clubs let you bank and borrow points for ultimate flexibility.
Timeshare vs Hotel: Accommodations
Of course, most hotel accommodations include a bathroom, a bed and a microwave, depending on where you stay. A timeshare, however, provides more luxurious, more spacious accommodations. Many timeshares have whirlpool bathtubs, private balconies, in-unit kitchens, separate living spaces, and multiple bedrooms with locking bedroom doors. Did you know the average timeshare suite is 3x larger than the average hotel room? That’s a lot of space! Imagine having your very own vacation condo waiting for you every year. Some units, also known as lock-offs, allow you to completely close off one side of your unit for privacy. If you like having a separate living and dining room, tons of extra space, and plenty of additional bonuses to make your room comfier, vacation ownership might be for you.
Timeshare vs Hotel: Amenities
A significant difference between timeshare and hotels is the amenities. While developers design hotels and timeshares with vacationers in mind, timeshares go above and beyond. Amenities at timeshare resorts typically include indoor and/or outdoor pools, golf courses, fitness centers, excursions, fine dining, concierge services, casinos, snow and water sports, waterslides, live entertainment, and proximity to amusement parks. The amenities make the difference for many timeshare owners. They enjoy the ease of access to spas and dining right on-site. Owners who buy a timeshare enjoy these exclusive benefits year after year.
Moreover, when you become a timeshare owner, you’ll have the opportunity to join a vacation club and improve your vacation experiences.
Timeshare vs Vacation Club
When it comes to timeshares vs. vacation clubs, there are some key differences to keep in mind. In short, all vacation clubs are timeshares, but not all timeshares are vacation clubs. A vacation club is a type of vacation ownership where you own points instead of a specific week at a specific resort. As we touched on earlier, these points are used like vacation currency. Each year, you receive a new allotment of points, whose total number is equal to the “value” of your home timeshare, as determined by the vacation club company. You can use them to stay when, where, and for how long you want within your brand’s portfolio.
When most people hear the word “timeshare,” on the other hand, the image that comes to mind is of the traditional timeshare model, the fixed-week timeshare. This type of timeshare involves owning a fixed week at one resort and can be a good fit for travelers who love returning to the same location year after year. Similarly, many timeshare companies offer floating-week timeshares. Floating-week timeshares are similar to fixed-week timeshares in that they involve an allotted time at a specific destination. Unlike fixed-week timeshares, though, floating-week timeshares allow you book a different week each year within a specific period, usually relegated to a certain season.
While traditional timeshares are still available, today, most timeshare companies are moving away from the fixed- and floating-week models in favor of the more flexible points system.
Vacation Club Membership
Vacation club membership is one of the main differences between timeshares vs. hotels. Vacation clubs offer unique benefits; they all allow you to book a stay at a resort from one of the most luxurious timeshare brands. To become part of a vacation club, owners must own a timeshare with a vacation club and pay membership fees.
Typically, owners with a vacation club membership can enjoy an extensive list of membership perks. Vacation club members can relish priority booking, be notified when deals are happening, and, often enjoy discounted rates on merchandise and dining.
It’s important to note that not all timeshare owners are automatically enrolled in a vacation club despite each brand having its own guidelines. Moreover, there are additional vacation club costs to keep in mind, such as club dues, which help the vacation club company cover the cost of managing multiple properties. However, vacation clubs give members exclusive access to incredible benefits such as discounted rates for accommodations and excursions within the club’s network.
Vacation Clubs
Below is a list of some of the best vacation clubs available:
Next, let’s dive into timeshare ownership options.
Types of Timeshare Ownership vs One Time Hotel Stay
The timeshare industry is an ever-evolving market, offering numerous vacation ownership options. Understanding the types of timeshares can help determine if buying one is the right choice for you. Unlike hotels that generally include one bedroom and a one-time stay, a timeshare provides additional space while permitting you to take an annual vacation in some of the most sought-after destinations. Here are the most common types of timeshares:
Deeded Timeshare
A deeded-week timeshare means that the owner gets a deed for their week and owns it. It permits owners to sell, rent out, and give away their timeshare. When you’re not using your deeded week timeshare, renting it out can earn some extra income, and you can also put the money towards your annual maintenance fees. Moreover, it is important to know that timeshares rarely appreciate in value. If you decide to sell your timeshare, it’s vital to understand that you likely won’t get back the initial purchase price.
Right To Use Timeshare
Timeshares without a deed are known as right-to-use (RTU) timeshares. The owner has a contract that specifies how long they have the right to use the property. Most right-to-use leases expire after 30-99 years, depending on what is described in the original agreement. Owners of a right-to-use timeshare can sell their ownership on the secondary market.
Leasehold Timeshare
Leasehold timeshares are unique as they aren’t owned in perpetuity and have a specific expiration date. However, they hold the same benefits and rights as other timeshare ownership types. A prime example of a company that uses leasehold contracts is Disney Vacation Club.
Now, let’s dive into the benefits of timeshare ownership vs. hotel!
Benefits of Timeshare Ownership vs Hotel
The benefits of timeshare ownership vary between timeshare companies, vacation clubs, as well as timeshare properties. However, timeshare owners can enjoy guaranteed annual vacations in sought-after vacation destinations.
Timeshares also provide guests with spacious and luxurious accommodations as opposed to a singular room in a hotel. Additional advantages of timeshares vs. hotels include top-notch amenities, on-site dining, and opportunities to join vacation clubs.
So, if you’re ready to start your enhanced vacation experiences, consider purchasing a timeshare with Timeshares Only.
Buy a Timeshare With Timeshares Only
You can quickly evaluate the cost of timeshare vs. hotel on each of our timeshare postings. For assistance, contact us at [email protected] or give us a call at 1-800-610-2734. Of course, looking at the cost of a timeshare vs a hotel is critical to making the right decision for your vacations. Some people see timeshares as a luxury item, but when you buy on the resale market, you can find many reasonably priced options for your budget. Not to mention, while hotel rates go up over time, timeshare owners save money over time by locking in tomorrow’s vacations at today’s prices.
So, to enhance your vacation experiences, consider purchasing a timeshare today! You can browse our marketplace to find timeshares in popular vacation destinations.
Rent a Timeshare With Timeshares Only
Not ready to commit to vacation ownership? Rent a timeshare and try before you buy! With a timeshare rental, you can enjoy all the great timeshare perks without the long-term commitment. If you love your experience, you can always check back later to find the same resort, or even the same unit, in our resale marketplace. Explore available timeshare rentals at the link below and book your vacation today!
