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Full List of Timeshare Promotions and Offers (2024)

Here’s the list of Timeshare promotions and offers for which you can purchase a getaway, then attend a presentation, and receive bonus points, gift cards, or stay discounts in return.

This post is not about advising you whether you should or should not buy a timeshare at the end of the presentation. It is about earning additional hotel reward points after you complete a sales presentation. Therefore, If you don’t mind the pressured sales pitch and can say no at the end of the timeshare presentation, have fun attending the presentation and rack up more hotel points.

Meanwhile, feel free to bookmark this page or  subscribe to our blog posts below  for upcoming Timeshare Presentation promotions and offers. 

Table of Contents

Bluegreen Vacations

Bluegreen Vacations is part of the Choice Privileges rewards program. Therefore, you can earn bonus Choice points after attending the timeshare presentation.

Earn 30,000 Choice Privileges Points with a 3-Night Timeshare Hotel Stay

• The gateway package costs $229.
• You also must attend and complete a two-hour Bluegreen Vacation Club sales presentation and tour.
• You receive a $100 MasterCard gift card.
• In addition, you receive 30,000 Choice Privileges Points.
• Direct Link to the Offer

Club Wyndham

Club Wyndham is one of the most extensive timeshare programs, and it is part of the Wyndham Rewards program.

Earn 30,000 Wyndham Rewards Points with 4 Days and 3 Nights Vacation Getaway

• The gateway package costs $199.
• Package is available for destinations from Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach to Florida beach destinations, for example.
• You receive a certificate redeemable for 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points in exchange for attending a 120-minute timeshare sales presentation.
• Moreover, points must be claimed within 90 days of the activation date.

Enjoy a 3-Day/2-Night Getaway for $99

• This deal does not contain the 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points.
• However, the getaway price is just $99 for a 3-day/2-night vacation.
• Also, attendance at a 120-minute CLUB WYNDHAM timeshare sales presentation is required. 

Hilton Grand Vacations

Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare deal offers up to 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points. However, the offer is not permanent and can vary throughout the year from 50k, 75k, to 100k Hilton points. You can if you want to wait around to do the deal when the offer is higher than the 15k points.

Earn 15,000 Hilton Honors Points with 4 Days/3 Nights Timeshare Getaway

• A getaway costs $249 per stay.
• You can purchase and travel within the next 12 months.
• Must attend a one to two-hour timeshare presentation.
• You then receive 15,000 Hilton Honors points at the end of the presentation.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations

IHG has a timeshare program known as the Holiday Inn Club Vacations .

Earn 10,000 IHG One Rewards Points with a 3-Night Timeshare Vacation

• Choose from a Holiday Inn Club Vacations resort ($249 plus tax) or a partner hotel ($199 plus tax) vacation package.
• Purchase a vacation package for destinations such as Orlando, Gatlinburg, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Branson, Cocoa Beach, Galveston, and Williamsburg.
• You also must attend a one to two-hour timeshare presentation.

Related Post:

• My Unpleasant Booking Experience With Holiday Inn Club Vacations Timeshare Deal – A Trip to Myrtle Beach

Hyatt Vacation Club

The World of Hyatt program also has a timeshare program called Hyatt Vacation Club . The Hyatt’s timeshare vacation package deal typically offers 5,000 World of Hyatt points, a gift card, or a resort certificate.

Earn Up to 15,000 World of Hyatt Points OR Up to a $150 Gift Card with Virtual Timeshare Presentation

• Join a virtual 90-minute timeshare sales presentation of the Hyatt Vacation Club Platinum Program.
• After joining, you can choose between a $150 gift card or 15,000 World of Hyatt points.

Earn 5,000 World of Hyatt Points with Hyatt Timeshare Vacation Packages

• Hyatt Vacation Club has a few Timeshare Vacation Packages from 3 to 5 nights.
• The package starts at $349.
• Attendance at a 120-minute timeshare sales presentation of the Hyatt Vacation Club Portfolio Program is required.
• Also, depending on the timeshare vacation package you purchase, you can receive 5,000 World of Hyatt points and a $50 gift card or 5,000 Hyatt points and a $50 resort certificate.

Marriott Vacation Club

Marriott Vacation Club is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program. What set the Marriott timeshare presentation aside from all of the above is their virtual sales presentation.

Earn Up to 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points with Virtual Timeshare Presentation

• Receive up to 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you join a 90-minute Marriott Vacation Club Destinations virtual sales presentation. 
• Points earnings are based on each eligible party’s request and time slot.
• You can read all about the participating details and terms via the offer’s link below.
• However, you must call to inquire and sign up for the offer.
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When Is a Timeshare Presentation Offer a Good Deal?

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Would you sit through a two-hour timeshare sales presentation to get three nights at a hotel in Orlando, plus 15,000 Hilton Honors points — all for $199? How about for dinner or a spa voucher at a Marriott hotel in Dubai? Would three nights in Tahoe plus 10,000 IHG points for $249 be worth enduring a long sales pitch?

Companies dangle generous perks to try to sell you a timeshare, with offers ranging from free parking to free hotel nights to deeply discounted hotel stays — provided you sit through a timeshare sales presentation of 90 minutes or more.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a timeshare sales presentation offer.

How timeshares work

What is a timeshare.

A timeshare is a fractional ownership of a vacation property or vacation property lease — usually at a popular travel destination or resort. It’s a lifetime commitment, although it’s possible to resell it. You’re basically investing in the opportunity to spend a week or more at select properties every year.

Many hotel chains have timeshares, including Hilton , Marriott and IHG .

The question "Is a timeshare a good deal?" is different from the question "Is this timeshare presentation offer a good deal?" Timeshares are often pitched as ways to save money on future vacations. Depending on your travel habits, it’s possible the timeshare pros and cons could tilt in your favor. But in most cases, collecting points and miles redeemable for travel is a better way to save.

But even if you know the timeshare route isn’t for you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should skip out on the timeshare presentation offer. The perks could be well worth your time.

» Learn more: Are timeshares worth it? Possibly, if you buy smart

Timeshare presentation offers

A timeshare presentation offer is any benefit or discount — like free or reduced hotel stays, bonus points or free spa treatments — that you can receive by agreeing to sit through a timeshare sales presentation. These offers can include things like free parking at a resort where you’re staying, free hotel nights or deeply discounted hotel stays and resort experiences.

To determine whether it’s worth sitting through a presentation, consider the value of the perk being offered. In the case of free parking, you would probably be better off spending $50 to self-park and skip the sales pitch.

Can attending timeshare presentations offer a good deal?

Even still, there are times when sitting through a timeshare presentation can be worth your while. You can find good timeshare deals on offers for discounted stays, free nights and more online — or get offers through phone calls or targeted emails. In some cases, you might decide the savings are worth it.

Tip: Watch out for blackout dates, hidden charges and more

Depending on the hotel chain, your offer could be subject to blackout dates, high-season charges and package expiration dates. Read the terms and conditions carefully.

» Learn more: Find the best hotel credit card for you

Worthwhile timeshare offers, by chain

Here are a few offers from major hotel chains that, depending on how you feel about sitting through a sales pitch, might be worth grabbing.

Hilton has a timeshare presentation offer that gets you a three-night stay in Orlando or Las Vegas, plus 15,000 Hilton points for $199. That’s a pretty decent deal considering that rooms normally cost $175 to $500 per night.

This offer is good at several hotels, including the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista — an official Walt Disney World hotel. This means it gives its guests additional benefits, such as extra magic hours and access to FastPass. (Note that both services are currently on hold).

Other Hilton offers include a five-night stay at a resort in Hawaii for $649 plus taxes. The online offer includes 15,000 points. But a recent phone call to Hilton proved that sales representatives have some leeway to negotiate, in this case switching the offer to 5,000 Hilton points and a $200 Hilton gift certificate.

There are two different Hilton packages available for Hawaii — you can pick either Honolulu or the Big Island. Considering room rates here often hover around $500 per night, you can save a bundle by sitting through a timeshare presentation. For example, five nights in September 2021 at the Ocean Tower at the Hilton Waikoloa Village cost about $1,891.

That’s a big discount, not counting that $200 gift certificate and the value of those points, at a sprawling oceanfront resort featuring a saltwater lagoon.

Marriott Vacation Club has a number of specials for travelers willing to attend a timeshare presentation. In Dubai, for example, you can score two free nights at a number of hotels throughout the Middle East.

You can also participate in timeshare presentation in exchange for a dinner or spa voucher at select Marriott hotels in Dubai.

IHG’s vacation club is extending offers for properties in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; New Orleans; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Lake Tahoe, Nevada; among others.

At the Lake Tahoe resort, you can pay $249 plus tax and get three nights in a one-bedroom villa at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations: Tahoe Ridge Resort, as well as 10,000 IHG points .

Considering three nights at that resort can cost upward of $1,000, the timeshare presentation offer may be well worth it.

Some IHG hotels cost as little as 8,000 points per night, which means you can turn those 10,000 points into another free night.

Who qualifies for timeshare presentation offers?

Not everyone will qualify for these offers. Requirements vary by chain, so check the details of your offer before committing to one of these packages.

In the case of Hilton, you must not have attended a timeshare presentation within the past year at the property where you’ll be staying or within the last six months at any other properties. You’ll also need to meet certain other criteria, though they don’t publish details about what these are.

For Marriott’s Vacation Club offer in Dubai, you must be a married couple 30 to 65 years old with a joint income of over $130,000 who has traveled to Europe at least once in the past three years.

IHG’s Holiday Inn Club, meanwhile, requires that you be older than 25 with a minimum income of $50,000.

If you’re tempted by a timeshare presentation offer

Are all timeshare presentation offers a good deal? No, especially if you’re staying somewhere cheap or they’re just handing out free parking. But if you do some research, you can score serious discounts in truly exciting locations.

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How We Survived A Timeshare Presentation & Got A Free Cruise Vacation Without Buying Any Timeshares

If you’ve never been to a timeshare presentation and you’re thinking about attending one for the free gift, be warned — you’ll probably never know what a high-pressure sales experience really is until you’ve been to a timeshare presentation!

This Orlando free cruise timeshare presentation we sat through was a harrowing sales experience that felt like the longest 4 hours of our lives.

Why We Went To A Timeshare Seminar

Ordinarily, I would’ve passed on the deal right away. But I’ve heard about these free vacation timeshare seminars for what seems like my whole life, and I thought, “Let’s see what they’re all about.” If nothing else, I knew the experience — good or bad — would make for an interesting story that I could blog about and share with others.

Would we really receive the free cruise? And get our $30 back, too?

NOTE: Timeshares are often rebranded as “vacation clubs” or “vacation ownership plans.”

The Timeshare Sales Pitch That Went On And On…

We shook each other’s hands, and then he took us upstairs to a loft area with about a dozen 4-seat round tables .

Mr. Salesman proceeded to tell us, “I know you’re here for a free cruise, but will you keep an open mind about this vacation plan?”

“What would you say if you took that same amount of money and guaranteed that NOT ONLY you and your fiancée could stay in a fancy timeshare, but that the next 4 generations of your family will ALSO have access to this flexible plan?”

Of course, the first thing I’m thinking to myself is “Gosh, how depressing. He’s trying to sell me a plan for the great-great grandkids who I’ll probably never meet ?” Then, I wondered, “Will this timeshare company even still be around a century from now?”

And so the elaborate sales pitch went on, and we learned that the program has like 3 tiers — one where we buy into X points per year, another for Y, and a third for Z .

I looked to my fiancée and back to Mr. Salesman and I joked, “Um… like $80,000?”

Then came mention of the additional fees associated with keeping this plan alive for 5 generations. It’s $900 per year to activate your points, Mr. Salesman explains. “Oh, a one-time fee?” I asked. “No, that’s per year, but that’s far less than you spend already on your road trips.”

Frankly, the place he showed us wasn’t too bad. But I couldn’t help but think I’d have no trouble finding similar rooms in a resort community for a competitive rate and without that century-long commitment .

“How big is your family?” he asked my fiancée as we look around the suite. She told Mr. Salesman about her big family and many siblings — which he jumped on right away. “Imagine bringing them here. Can you just see the look on their faces when they step in here?” he asked her, leading us into a tropical-themed bedroom.

The rest of the time in the timeshare showroom went this way — no longer involving just us, but also all of our family and those future great-great grandkids who he says we’ll never meet.

Where’s The Exit Door?

By this point, we were getting to the 3-hour mark in what was supposed to be a 2-hour sales seminar . Even Mr. Salesman said it was getting late in the day (nearly 1 PM) and time to move on.

This is where the timeshare seminar went from being drawn out but polite to, “Get me the heck outta’ here… PLEASE!”

“But it’s a timeshare. And it’s for 5 generations,” he insisted.

My patience was growing thin… “Actually, no, we’re not interested in buying anything. You see, I just bought a car for $15,000 — which I didn’t even plan on buying, but my old car quit and I needed something I can travel long distances in. We’re also about to buy a house, and there’s no way I’m ruining my credit now to buy a vacation plan.”

“Yeah, man — but ‘happy wife, happy life,'” he said, smiling at my fiancée. He then pulled out photos of him and his  bikini-clad fiancée soaking up the sun in Mexico, the Caribbean, and several other balmy destinations.

“You mean the $900 annual points activation?” I asked.

“No, the $250 membership fee,” he replied.

“Oh, yes — but don’t worry, all of this and the $15,000 will pay for itself in just the first few years as you guys go on vacations and use your points. Remember, this plan lasts 5 generations.”

“Look, we’re not signing the contract,” I insisted. “Nothing. I’m signing my name on nothing . It’s been almost 4 hours now and we were told this would be a 2-hour seminar,” I told Mr. Supervisor — not angrily, but clearly ticked off at the endless path we seemed to be going on here. “I’m ready to leave.”

Mr. Supervisor must’ve signaled to Mr. Boss to come out and close the deal or something, because before long another guy came walking up to the table. Mr. Supervisor sneaked off and Mr. Boss sat down. “Hi, I’m [Mr. Boss], good to meet you.”

You’ll never believe what came out of his mouth next!

“No way!” he said. “I also manage a realty group here in Orlando. Give me a call sometime and we’ll talk about getting you guys set with a good mortgage.”

I really don’t know what other polite thing I could’ve said at this point but, “No, thank you, I’ve already got a credit union lined up.” (I did — so no lying there.)

Mr. Boss stood up from the table and stormed out of the room, and I heard him mutter under his breath, “I can’t believe this — total waste of time.”

Of course, the sales pitch didn’t quite end there…

We got our $30 back, too.

Are Timeshare Seminars A Scam?

Here’s what I will say…

Even then, you’re confined to using only the timeshare suites that are in-network — not really beneficial to you if you’re one who likes to backpack through little-known places and stay in independent mountain lodges or rugged hostels.

But the timeshare plan itself certainly wasn’t for us. Not at that time. Not before buying a home and saving for other things — like fixing a broken water heater, repairing a leaky roof, or handling any of the other things that might come up after we become homeowners.

Should You Attend A Timeshare Presentation For Free Vacation Gifts?

We did it solely for the free cruise.

We have sat through several timeshare presentations just to get the ‘freebies’. The hardest sales pitches were from local camping clubs and we walked away with sleeping bags and hats. Lousy pay for four hours of our time. In Mexico, we received a free rental car for one week along with a free breakfast. The pitch there wasn’t too hard to say no to, but the pressure was still hot and heavy. The harder they push, the more we dig our heels in and say no. ~ eubie12 at The Penny Hoarder

If that’s you, then start here:

Here is a Wyndham timeshare rep’s perspective (what he learned behind the scenes):

Here, on this Travel Guide, I like sharing little-known facts and fun stuff about all the places I’ve been — so you will have a good idea of what those places are like and what you should know before you go. I especially enjoy helping others plan fun trips… on a budget!

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Points Programs

Hotel programs, best credit cards, back to {post.category_name}, back to guides, timeshare presentations: how to get cheap & free vacations.

If you’re not familiar with timeshare presentations, now’s the time to take a look at them as a means to very cheap stays in many popular vacation spots.

Written by Amy Tung

Written by {post._embedded?.author[0].name || post.data.author}

On July 25, 2022

Read time 22 mins

If you’re planning to visit some of the world’s most popular destinations, you can run into some hurdles if award availability is scarce and cash prices are high.

Sure, points can help offset the cost, but that means it will cost you a lot of points. What if I told you there’s a way to save those points and snag an awesome deal on your accommodation?

Well, there is – welcome to the world of timeshare presentation packages.  

What Is a Timeshare?

In a nutshell, a timeshare is a shared ownership program in which you may use a vacation property for a set time period every year.

Timeshare properties can range from resorts to condominiums to campsites. They can be a good option for travellers who have a favourite destination they like to vacation at every year.

With timeshares, these travellers will  have familiar accommodations to return to each time without the hassle of having to manage a fully-owned property while they are away. 

Most of the big hotel brands that we’re familiar with have their own affiliated timeshare division. A few well-known examples include the Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, Holiday Inn Vacation Club, Hyatt Residence Club, and even Disney has their own Disney Vacation Club.

Generally speaking, there are two types of timeshares: those that are points-based and those that give you deeded weeks.

• In a points-based program, you have a certain number of points each year that can be redeemed against nights at your timeshare.
• In a deeded-week program, every year, you have a “week” of the year that you can use your timeshare.

You do not necessarily need to stick with your timeshare property either. Usually, there is a system or program for owners to swap their property for another destination or property for any given year, building some flexibility into the program.

Despite the perks of timeshares, many people choose not invest in one, as they can be a money drain if you don’t make good use of them.

There are annual maintenance fees for the upkeep of the property that have to be paid, the process of swapping properties can be quite complicated, and it can be a pain to get rid of them or resell them as they don’t hold much value in the reseller’s market.  

What Is a Timeshare Presentation?

Whether you feel like timeshares may be a good fit for your travel patterns or not, you should consider attending a timeshare preview presentation.

The timeshare market is a competitive one, and most timeshare vacation clubs will offer some form of incentive for an opportunity to introduce you to their program in the hopes of enticing you to purchase one. 

What is offered as part of the package varies by the club and even the property, and it can be anywhere from tickets to a theme park or a show, to accommodations at one of their properties for several days at a huge discount, plus maybe even some bonus points for their respective hotel award programs.

If it’s the accommodation you’re after, keep in mind that usually the package will cover a “standard” room; however, there is a possibility for upgrading, as we’ll discuss later.

What’s the Catch with Timeshare Presentations? 

To take advantage of these fantastic offers, you (and your spouse, if you’re married) need to attend a 1.5- to two-hour sales pitch about the timeshare program while you’re vacationing on your timeshare package.

During that time, they’ll introduce you to their program, how easy it is to use the timeshare, the flexibility it provides, the years of enjoyment you will get out of it, and even give you a tour of a potential timeshare unit. 

Easy enough, right? Most of the time, yes.

Some sales representatives can be pushy and will pull out all the stops to get you to sign on, because that’s how they earn their commission. You may feel pressured to buy, and they may spend a lot of time negotiating a better offer for you.

Most sales reps, however, are quite reasonable. If you’ve put in your time and made it clear you’re not ready to buy, they’ll send you along your merry way. And if you do happen to cave under the pressure and buy the timeshare, it’s not the end of the world (more on this later).

During the pandemic, some timeshares like the Marriott Vacation Club opted to do virtual sales presentations, and in lieu of a vacation deal, you’d earn Bonvoy points instead.

There have been recent offers of up to 20,000–25,000 Bonvoy points; however, you have to be a US resident to take advantage. For the in-person presentation packages, there are no US residency requirements. 

How to Book a Timeshare Presentation

Now that you might be considering taking advantage of a timeshare presentation, let’s go over how you find these offers and sign up for them.

The easiest way is through each respective club’s website. Usually, there is a phone number or online form to complete for additional information. 

Hyatt even allows you to book the package online if you reside in the USA.

Once you purchase the package, there is quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to booking. Although the terms specifically say that the timeshare has to be booked within 12 months of purchase, it is not uncommon for them to extend this deadline. I have done this on a couple of occasions myself, even prior to the pandemic.

Once you book your package, you can still change the dates, although some programs will charge a change fee. During the pandemic, there was even more leniency (I rescheduled a Marriott preview package no less than four times), although this may tighten up a bit as travel opens up.

Unfortunately, once you purchase a preview package, they are generally considered non-refundable. There have been scattered reports of people receiving refunds if they no longer fulfill the eligibility for the package, but as always, your mileage may vary and this should not be the expectation.

My Experiences with Hilton Grand Vacations

Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) has over 50 properties spread across the United States. Their properties differ from the regular Hilton-branded hotels in that they generally offer accommodations with more space, larger and a greater number of bedrooms, and ensuite kitchen and laundry amenities.

Note that not all HGV properties are bookable through timeshare presentations, and some properties are only made available at certain times. 

Thus far, I’ve done a couple of packages with Hilton Grand Vacations in Orlando , and another in Honolulu . Here’s a recap of my experiences so far with HGV. 

Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations

View on the Hilton Grand Vacations website.

2017 Package Deal: Three nights / four days for US$199 and a US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher; upgraded to a two-bedroom suite for an additional US$50

A few years back, I had to call Hilton reservations to change an existing hotel booking I had. At the end of the call, they thanked me for being a loyal Hilton Honors member and asked if I would be interested in hearing about a “great offer” they currently had. I accepted, and so began my journey down the rabbit hole of timeshare packages. 

I was forwarded to another agent, who offered me the above timeshare package. I was considering a trip to Disney for my son’s fifth birthday anyway, and this would definitely help bring down the trip’s cost, so I bought the package.

When we decided on our dates, I called back, and they confirmed availability and booked our accommodation and the timeshare presentation to be done during our stay – and that was it! 

At the time of booking, my youngest was only a few months old and wasn’t the greatest sleeper, and so extra space to accommodate her sleeping situation was desirable. When I inquired whether our one-bedroom suite could be upgraded to a two-bedroom suite, the agent advised that we could do that for an additional US$50, which seemed more than reasonable to me, bringing our grand total to US$249 plus tax. 

We stayed at the HGV Parc Soleil, which is a 15-minute drive into Disney. Other than being a bit further out from Disney, it was a fantastic accommodation option for families.

It had two beautiful outdoor pools, one that was zero-entry with a water slide and another for adults only. They had a kids activity centre and some organized activities throughout the day. There was also a basketball court, tennis court, and outdoor playground for the kids.

The suite itself was spacious, modern and clean with a full kitchen and an in-suite washer and dryer. There was also a paid shuttle service ($10 round trip per person) to the surrounding amusement parks, but times were rather limited. 

We attended the timeshare presentation on the second day. It was located at the Parc Soleil, which made it convenient.

At check-in, they ask for your ID and credit card, then invite you to enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks while you wait for your sales representative. You can also drop off your kids at a small, supervised children’s room (with toys, colouring, and a TV) while you attend the presentation. 

Since it was our first timeshare presentation experience, we did not know what to expect. We were also genuinely interested in learning more about timeshares, which didn’t work in our favour.

They started off with some general questions about our travel habits and destinations we wanted to visit, and then went onto discuss how HGV could make it all happen at a fraction of the cost. 

Once the sales representative realized we actually had some interest, he turned the pressure on. He would show us how he had booked various destinations at fantastic rates and began negotiating on the amount of initial investment required to purchase, while offering additional Hilton Honors points to sweeten the deal.

Each time we declined, he would go back to his manager and come back with a better deal.

This went on for a bit until he finally came back with what seemed to be a decent offer at the time, and we actually signed the papers and walked out with a timeshare after the two and half hours.

The agent offered to refund our US$199 package cost, probably as a kind gesture given that we had just bought a timeshare with him, and then sent us to the front desk to obtain our US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher.

Suffice to say, purchasing a time share was not our initial game plan. Luckily for us, there is a cooling-off period built into the contracts, whereby you have 10 days to rescind a timeshare purchase agreement.

With some time and space to actually think about our impulsive decision, we decided it really wasn’t for us and the next day, we rescinded.

The staff were very kind about it and it was an easy enough process, but lesson learned: do not show any interest in a timeshare if you are in it only for the cheap accommodations.

Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village

2019 Package Deal: Four nights / five days in a one bedroom suite for US$299, refunded after presentation, one $200 “Stay A Night On Us” rebate voucher OR 10,000 Hilton Honors points

A year later, my husband had a conference in Chicago at the Hilton. HGV had set up a booth in the lobby, where they offered everyone 1,000 Hilton Honors points just for listening to what they had to offer.

Jon took them up on the offer, and this time he was offered packages to either New York City, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, or Orlando. They were two- to four-night packages ranging from US$199 to US$399.

Now, you might be wondering: how often you can purchase a timeshare presentation package? As per HGV’s terms, as long as you have not attended another presentation in the last 12 months, you are eligible to purchase another. 

We were just over a year since our first package, so we bought another, back to Orlando. This time around, the offer was four nights for US$299 plus tax, so we were a little hesitant as our previous offer was better.

The sales agent, sensing the hesitancy, sweetened the package by offering either a US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher or 10,000 Hilton Honors points, and to refund the US$299 after the presentation. That sealed the deal for us. 

This time, we chose to stay at the Tuscany Village, located about 15 minutes from Disney once again. The décor was a bit more dated, but it still had an outdoor playground and a few pools that would satisfy most young kids.

There were also complimentary DVD rentals and a children’s activity centre, albeit a bit smaller than the one at Parc Soleil.

I enjoyed the fact that it was right beside the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, which meant some retail therapy for me between theme park days. They also had a paid shuttle going to the amusement parks, but once again, the times were limited. 

Our presentation was back at the Parc Soleil. This time, my husband and I had a different game plan: we would tell them that we weren’t ready to buy a timeshare and to let them know early on.

This was working well for us initially, and at the one-hour mark the agent was pretty much finishing up. As we were just about to leave, he advised us that his manager had one last offer for us, which got us our third package… 

The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations

The manager came out and offered us a trial membership to the HGV program. Now this was different.

There was no set destination for the package; instead, for $1,599 (USD), we would be given enough points to redeem for seven nights in up to a two-bedroom suite at any of the HGV properties in North America, including Hawaii.

We did the math and worked out that it would be less than $230 (USD) a night. If it were any other destination, we would have left it. After looking at the current rates for Hawaii for a Hilton property in Honolulu for March Break, we came to see that it was a great deal.

Keep in mind that these are rates for two adults and two children. If you have more than four in your family, like myself, either you’re paying more, or you’ll find that most hotels won’t even be able to accommodate. The fact that we could book a two-bedroom suite was a big selling point for us.

HGV has quite a few properties in Hawaii, with the Grand Islander by HGV being one of the newer ones. We booked at the Grand Islander for four nights in Honolulu over March Break . 

That leaves us with three nights remaining, which we could have used to extend reservation to seven nights… 

…or book three nights at their New York property, West 57th Street by Hilton Club at the south end of Central Park, another otherwise pricey accommodation option. 

Either way, you can see that our $230 (USD) per night beats the above rates by a long shot. 

An Even Better Offer…

Sticking with Hawaii as our theme destination, HGV currently has an offer on their website for five nights in Honolulu or Waikoloa for $799 (USD) in a standard room, which brings the nightly rate to $160 (USD) – an incredible deal for a night in Hawaii.

Granted, it’s for a standard room, but I’m pretty sure you can request an upgrade offer to a bigger suite at a decent cost when you call in. 

My Experience with Marriott Vacation Club

We originally purchased our Marriott Vacation Club Preview Package back in 2019. This package offered a five nights at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club for $799 (USD).

After numerous delays and postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we finally enjoyed our stay in March 2022 . 

We rescheduled our timeshare presentation after our arrival, and there were no issues with moving it to a different day. When it came time for the actual presentation, it took place in a cubicle in their outdoor Sales Centre.

We wound up going over the 90-minute allotment, and spent closer to two hours there. I was genuinely interested in the program, so it was more my fault than theirs.

Marriott Vacation Club uses a points-based system. Our sales agent offered us the base-level 1,500 points at $15.84 (USD) per point, totalling $23,760 (USD).

As a signup bonus, they were willing to throw in another 3,000 points for the first year.

To put things into perspective, a one-bedroom villa in Maui at peak season could cost up to 4,500 points per week.

We didn’t show much interest in this, and they tried to sweeten the deal with some more offers, but we kindly declined. As we had an exit interview, another sales agent came in to offer us yet another timeshare presentation package.

The first offer, which was good for the next two years, was five nights at the same property for $1,295 (USD). We weren’t sure when we would be back to Maui again, so, again, we declined.  

They approached us with one last offer: $995 (USD) for four nights at any of their North American properties, including another property in Hawaii for a $300 (USD) add-on fee.

Our family wanted to visit Kauai in the near future, and after a quick check for a four-night stay in the winter revealed prices at around $2,600 (USD) for four nights, we accepted this last offer.

It goes to show that sticking around for more offers can result in some pretty great rates!

If you’re not familiar with timeshare presentation packages, now’s the time to take a look at them as a means to very cheap accommodations in many popular vacation spots.

Timeshare presentations are a great option in areas where points redemptions are either not worth it (e.g., Orlando, where hotels are generally quite cheap to begin with), or in places where redemptions are difficult to make (e.g., Hawaii where the cost of redemptions are high).

It does require a small time commitment and perhaps a bit of finesse in talking down a sales representative, but in my mind, the savings are definitely worth it. 

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Unlocking Free Vacation Perks: Outsmart Timeshare Sales and Secure Your Gift

In the realm of tempting offers and captivating deals, the allure of free vacations and gift cards is hard to resist, especially when they’re dangled in front of us by timeshare companies. The focus is on a critical piece of wisdom: how to obtain a free gift without succumbing to the pressure of purchasing a timeshare.

The Trap of Timeshare Presentations

@jon_dubs #stitch with @summer #timesharepresentation #timesharetravellers #freevacation ♬ original sound – JonDubs

Timeshare presentations are notorious for their high-pressure sales tactics, promising attractive gifts to lure potential buyers. However, many individuals find themselves entrapped in expensive vacation packages, a sentiment echoed by a TikTok video from Jonathan Wallace (@john_dubs) . He highlights a common scenario where individuals, like the woman who spent $30,000 on a vacation, fall victim to these sales strategies.

Strategies for Outsmarting the Sales Pitch

In the intricate dance of timeshare presentations, outsmarting the sales pitch requires a blend of shrewdness, assertiveness, and psychological awareness. Jonathan Wallace ‘s insights offer a roadmap to navigate this challenging terrain, equipping potential customers with strategies to resist persuasive tactics while securing coveted freebies.

➤ Negotiate for Better Gifts & Guard Vacation Preferences

As Wallace suggests, it’s important to start by negotiating for the best possible gift. This negotiation sets the tone for the interaction, indicating that you’re there primarily for the gift, not the purchase. If offered a short stay at a resort, counter by requesting an extended period. This tactic not only improves the value of your gift but also subtly communicates your resistance to easy persuasion. A critical strategy is to withhold personal preferences about vacations. Salespersons are trained to tailor their pitch based on your interests. By keeping details about your favorite destinations or vacation styles close to the chest, you prevent them from using this information to create a seemingly perfect, irresistible offer.

➤ Psychology of Sales & Developing a Polite Yet Firm ‘No’

Recognize the tactics used in these presentations. They often employ psychological principles like reciprocity (offering a gift to make you feel obligated to buy) and scarcity (suggesting the offer is limited-time only). Being aware of these tactics can help you remain detached and objective. Prepare a clear and firm response for when the sales pitch intensifies. Practicing a polite yet unequivocal ‘no’ beforehand can be beneficial. It’s crucial to remain consistent with this stance, regardless of the pressure or enticing offers presented.

➤ Set a Time Limit & Bring a Partner or Friend

Before attending the presentation, decide on a time limit and stick to it. Inform the salesperson upfront that you have another commitment afterwards. This gives you a natural exit point and prevents the salesperson from extending the presentation in hopes of wearing down your resistance. Attend the presentation with someone who is aware of your intentions and can provide support. Having a partner can help in maintaining resolve, especially in high-pressure situations. You can even plan a signal for when one feels the other is succumbing to sales tactics.

➤ Research the Timeshare Company & Ask Critical Questions

Knowledge is power. Research the timeshare company beforehand to understand their specific sales strategies and what kind of gifts they offer. This preparation can help in formulating an effective counter-strategy. If you find yourself engaged in the presentation, ask critical questions about maintenance fees, resale values, and other long-term obligations. This not only provides you with valuable information but can also reveal the less appealing aspects of timeshare ownership.

➤ Mental Preparation & Avoid Emotional Engagement

Mentally prepare yourself for the experience. Remind yourself of the primary goal – to secure the free gift without purchase. This mindset helps maintain focus amidst persuasive tactics. Sales pitches often aim to create an emotional response. Stay as neutral and unemotional as possible. Emotional engagement can lead to impulsive decisions, which is exactly what the salesperson hopes for.

User Experiences and the Cost of Timeshares

The rich tapestry of user experiences shared in response to Wallace ‘s video serves as a testament to the varied and often challenging encounters people have with timeshare presentations. These accounts, combined with the stark reality of the financial commitment involved in timeshares, paint a comprehensive picture of what potential buyers are up against.

➤ Diverse User Tactics and Experiences

The comments on Wallace ‘s video reveal a spectrum of strategies employed by individuals to cope with high-pressure sales tactics. Some users share humorous responses to deflect sales pitches, while others recount more confrontational encounters where they firmly stood their ground against aggressive sales managers. These stories not only provide practical tactics for others but also offer a sense of solidarity and support to those who might find themselves in similar situations.

Many users describe emotional responses to the intense pressure exerted by salespeople. From feeling overwhelmed to becoming assertive in the face of high-pressure tactics, these personal reactions highlight the psychological impact of these presentations. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of preparing mentally and emotionally before attending such sessions.

➤ Financial Implications of Timeshares

The cost of timeshares is a significant aspect frequently brought up in user comments. With an average price tag of around $22,000 for just a week of vacation annually, the financial burden of timeshares becomes evident. This cost is often just the tip of the iceberg, as it typically doesn’t include ongoing maintenance fees, which can increase annually, and other hidden costs associated with timeshare ownership.

Beyond the initial purchase price, users often highlight the hidden costs that are not immediately apparent during the sales pitch. Maintenance fees, special assessment fees, and the complexities involved in exchanging weeks or locations can add substantial amounts to the overall cost. Additionally, the long-term nature of most timeshare contracts can make them difficult and costly to exit. A common theme among user experiences is the difficulty in reselling timeshares. Many find that their timeshare’s resale value is significantly lower than the purchase price, leading to financial losses if they choose to sell. This aspect is often overlooked during the sales presentation, which typically focuses on the benefits and potential for exchange within a timeshare network.

➤ Timeshare Models VS Traditional Vacation Options

Users also discuss the variations in timeshare models, such as fixed week, floating week, and points-based systems. Each model comes with its own set of rules and limitations, which can affect the overall cost and utility of the timeshare. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone considering a timeshare purchase. Some users compare the cost and experience of owning a timeshare with traditional vacationing options. These comparisons often reveal that timeshares may not be the most cost-effective or flexible way to travel, especially when considering the wide range of options available in the travel market today.

The journey through a timeshare presentation can be daunting, but with the right approach, it’s possible to emerge unscathed and with a free gift in hand. As Jonathan Wallace ‘s advice demonstrate, the key is to stay informed, maintain a polite yet firm stance, and most importantly, remember the power of a simple “no.” In doing so, one can enjoy the perks of these presentations without falling into the costly trap of timeshare ownership.

Your Partner in the Timeshare Exit Journey: Why Choose leavetimeshare.com

Feeling overwhelmed with the timeshare exit process?

Don’t worry, we at  leavetimeshare.com  are here to assist you every step of the way.

Navigating through the complexities of timeshare contracts, finding legitimate exit options, and avoiding potential scams can be daunting. But with our industry knowledge and experience, we can help simplify this journey for you. Our aim at  leavetimeshare.com  is not only to provide you a lifeline out of your timeshare obligations, but also to educate you throughout the process. We believe in empowering you with knowledge, so you’re equipped to make informed decisions.

Why Should You Choose leavetimeshare.com?

Trustworthy Guidance : We’re known for our honesty and integrity in an industry that can sometimes be quite murky. We pledge to provide accurate, reliable information and expert guidance. Tailored Solutions : We understand that every timeshare owner’s situation is unique. Therefore, we tailor our approach to fit your specific circumstances, offering personalized exit strategies. Consumer Advocacy : We’re more than just a timeshare exit service. We’re advocates for you, the consumer. Our mission is to protect you from unfair sales practices and misleading information. Commitment to Education : We strive to keep you informed about the timeshare industry, potential pitfalls, and best practices for exiting your timeshare. Our in-depth blog series is a testament to our commitment.

So why go it alone?

Allow us to accompany you on this journey, providing expert advice, a helping hand, and most importantly, peace of mind. Visit  leavetimeshare.com  today and take the first step toward a hassle-free timeshare exit.

You’re not just a client, you’re family

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