Starwood Announces Plans to Add 50 New Hotels by 2012

From the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Woldwide, Inc. announced plans to open 50 new hotels in it’s Europe, Africa and Middle East division by 2012. And with the recent opening of the

Sheraton Bratislava Hotel-along with 13 addiitional hotels slated to open this year-the division is firmly on track to reach this goal.   With more than 240 hotels in 55 countries Starwood has a large enough footprint to enjoy the benefits of being an

established and leading hotel operator in the most highly sought after markets.

Better Business Bureau wants consumers to be aware of timeshare scams

BBB warns consumers to be aware of timeshare scams.  The BBB has repeatedly warned consumers of fraudulent timeshare companies and timeshare scams.  The timeshare vacation industry continues to grow in all directions and if you aren’t careful and diligent you could fall prey to one of the popular scams.

The BBB advises that the best way to avoid being involved in a scam is to research the company before investing.  You should start by contacting your local BBB to find out more about the company you are going to do business with.

Advantage Vacation is an Accredited Better Business Bureau member with an A+ Rating.  Check us out with the BBB.

Interval International Surveys Members

Results of a recent survey by Interval International came as a bit of a surprise to some people.  It appears that most of the participants surveyed were very happy with their timeshare membership, and in a lot of cases, were considering buying more vacation time!

The members surveyed were from Interval’s US database and resulted in some interesting facts:

More than 88 percent are satisfied with their membership

Their US members spend an average of 23 nights away from home every year

The average household income is in excess of $125,000

Thirty three percent of those surveyed are contemplating purchasing additional vacation time

The Caribbean is the number one destination of choice outside the US

The most populare destinations in the US are Hawaii and Florida

Advantage Vacation has a large and varied inventory of timeshare resales at all the top luxury and hotel resorts at preferred destinations in the Caribbean, Florida and Hawaii.  Check out http://www.advantagevacation.com

Timeshare Scams

Timeshare scams seem to be in the news these days!  Be aware and be smart.  Following is a list of some things to look out for in order to avoid some of the more popular scams:

1. If the “deal” is as good as it sounds, it will still be there tomorrow.  There is no need to make a snap decision.  Take your time in evaluating whether it’s the right deal for you and your family.

2. Many companies offer incentives and gifts that are advertised as “free”.  As in any other transaction you are involved in, remember to read the fine print.  There may be additional “fees” that need to be paid before actually activating your “free” gift.

3.  The contract you sign to purchase or sell your timeshare is a legal document.  Read it carefully.  Any promises made by the sales person should be in writing and/or made a part of the contract.  If they are unwilling to do so, don’t sign!

4.  The days of intimidation and high pressure should be long gone, but some companies are still using these techniques.  You may leave a presentation anytime you want for any reason and you do not have to explain why to anyone.  If you are uncomfortable and feel you are being pressured-just get up and leave.

5. If someone calls you and asks if you want to sell your timeshare, be wary.  Legitimate companies do not make cold calls to owners.  These companies request money up front (up to several thousands of dollars) to sell your timeshare.  Do not give anyone money to sell your timeshare.  Reputable companies do not charge upfront fees-you only pay a commission AFTER they have sold your timeshare.

6.  To verify the reputation of a company, refer to the Better Business Bureau’s accredited list of timeshare resale companies.

7.  As with any real estate transaction, take the time to do some research on buying and selling from resale companies.

8. Always remember, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn’t true!

The Attorney General sues American Marketing Group

Bill McCollum the Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against American Marketing group.  Accusing the company of deceptive trade practices involving timeshare resales.
The suit alleges the company claims having a buyer for a customer’s timeshare, and even guaranteeing the owners a sale in 120 days.  The owners were promised that if the property was not sold by them, money would be refunded.
Consumer complaints indicate that the company did not live up to what they said they would do and did not get any refunds.
The lawsuit is seeking a permanent injunction that prohibits the defendants from engaging in the timeshare resale business. In addition to that, the suit requests full restitution on behalf of the victims, civil penalties, and reimbursement of related fees.

Increase your trading power

According to Interval International if you are thinking about exchanging your resort week this year it pays to plan ahead.  With Interval and RCI the earlier you deposit your week, the more trading power you will have for your next exchange.  In order to maximize your deposit you should deposit one year in advance.  This improves your opportunities for exchange confirmation, compared to weeks deposited after yours with similar trading power.

Happy Vacationing!

RCI offers Vacation Protection

RCI is offering vacation insurance to timeshare members for $69.00.  You will receive full credit on your exchange fee.  Restore 100% Trading Power of your deposited week.  Keep your Deposited week (so you can use it in the future).  According to their information Vacation Protection is available on one-for-one exchanges only.  The full exchange fee of $189 USD/$234 CAD will br credited to the member’s account, to be used toward another exchange fee within 6 months.  Vacation Protection can be purchased within 30 days of confirmation of the exchange.  Vacation Protection cannot be purchased if check-in is within 14 days.  Vacation Protection can be refunded within 14 days of purchase, as long as check-in is at least 14 days away.

If you would like more info on this new program check out RCI.com then click My Account tab and select Vacation Plans.

Interval International is offering some great getaway vacations

II is offering some great getaways on their website. I saw Kahana Beach Vacation Club for Christmas week for $402.00 for the week in a studio/sleeps 4 unit. Check out some of their deals on their website under getaways.  ( a Getaway is a week you can buy through II)  If you don’t want to fly check out what is offered in your area and you can drive. We have been involved in the timeshare industry for over 30 years and I have never seen these high demand locations available for getaway weeks. This is a great time to take advantage of them.
Happy Holidays

Jaws Maui Hawaii 12.09.2009

Cheri and I went to Jaws yesterday to see the Giant waves. It was amazing! to see these guys riding giants!   We saw about 4 surfers being towed out onto these giant waves. There were about 100 people watching and cheering from the cliffs. We plan on going back Saturday when the waves get bigger again. I saw on a local TV channel that Laird Hamilton was surfing Jaws day before yesterday. What fun!  North Shore Oahu also had large waves this week.  The waves a little smaller today and are predicted to start getting bigger Friday.

Speaking of Oahu there is a timeshare resort in Waikiki I have been familiar with for over 25 years.  Lifetime in Hawaii at The Royal Kuhio is located two blocks from Waikiki beach.  It is a high rise building which has great views of Diamond Head , the beach and Waikiki city lights.  Studio units (sleeps 4) come with a full kitchen and a private lanai.  There is free parking  which is a big deal in Waikiki where parking alone can cost you $30.00 to $40.00 per night.  I have assisted several hundred clients in purchasing and selling at this property.  We have stayed at this Resort many times and we were there this last July.  The Resort looks great!   It gives me a  great feeling to know what people purchased from me 25 years ago is actually better today.  This is not a Marriott or a Westin but a very well managed and maintained resort with a great location.  Currently there are a two units available for $1750.00 per week  annual fees are only $385.00 per week.  There are no catches or gimmicks.  Their maintenance fees are low because they have a very low delinquency rate.  The condos are refurbished every 3 to 5 years.    I have sold these in the recent past for $2500.00 to $3000.00 per week.  I think $1750.00 is a awesome deal.  You could not find a better value timeshare resale anywhere in Hawaii!

For other Great Timeshare Resale Deals visit us at:   http://www.advantagevacation.com/hawaii.htm

Tropical Storm Felicia

We are waiting for the storm to hit.  It is about an hour away.  At the moment we just have light winds.  We will see what happens.

Expectations for Tropical Storm Felicia diminished from a threat of devastation to a promise of heavy rainfall for Maui and Oahu today as the former Category 4 hurricane slowed in its westward path past the island chain.

“The real story at this point is not the intensity of wind, but that we are going to get a great deal of rain,” said Jim Weyman, director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. “We can expect 2 or 3 inches, with showers locally up to 5 inches. As long as the rain doesn’t come down hard, it could be beneficial.

“Just because it’s downgraded, people shouldn’t relax their preparedness,” he said. A flash flood watch for Oahu and Maui counties remains in effect, as is a high-surf advisory.

“We will see high surf even if Felicia is downgraded; it had a long period of time pushing the surf before it reached the islands,” Weyman said.

City lifeguards reported two rescues at Sandy Beach and three rescues and five assists at Makapuu.

Maui County planned to open nine shelters last night on Maui, Molokai and Lanai as the edge of the swirling weather system was expected to bring the first showers early this morning.

The National Weather Service said the storm will be over Maui by late morning and pass south of Oahu late this afternoon.

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