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.

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.

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

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!

Happy Vacationing!

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

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

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.