My First Timeshare Purchase

As you may gather from the title of this article, I have made more than one timeshare purchase. In fact, I just made my fourth one. I want to tell you about my first purchase and why I made it. If you're thinking about purchasing a timeshare my experience may give you information to make an informed decision.

First, I want to let you know that although I do own timeshares, I do not have anything to do with selling them. I just enjoy writing about all things related to my travel experiences.

The Ramada in Honolulu

I was in Hawaii in October of 2001 as a guest of Ramada. I had attended their very high pressure presentation some months earlier and received this particular "gift," lodging at their resort in the back streets of Honolulu. (As you may have surmised from the date, this was just weeks after terrorists brought down the Twin Towers in New York. Hawaii was hurting because most vacationers canceled their trip out of fear.)

Different people enjoy different types of accommodations. I happen to enjoy nice places to stay when I'm there for more than a couple of days. I also wanted to be close to the water... more than "within minutes." The room at Ramada was a disappointment to me. I really don't remember much about it except it took me a day or so to get over my disappointment. Get over it I did because I wanted to enjoy my first trip to Hawaii with my sister... and we had a blast.

From One Company to Another

I didn't buy a Ramada timeshare when I had attended the extremely high pressured presentation. They were offering places I wasn't interested in. I had attended just to learn more about timeshares. I had received the week's lodging as a gift. I had to jump through a number of hoops to get that week, but that is another story.

Anyway, I'm walking down the sidewalk of Waikiki and saw a booth advertising the new Marriott Vacation Plan accommodations going up at the other end of the island. The pictures looked inviting and they were on the beach. I made an appointment to go.

The sales agent was nothing like the high pressured techniques used with Ramada. The Marriott folks were informative and approachable. I got a sense she wanted to educate as well as sell. She put me at ease. I enjoyed what I heard. The Marriott organization had put together a very good sales presentation that contained some sales pressure, but nothing like the pressure cooker Ramada had used on me. (I have no idea what they use now.)

The model that was built on site was beautiful. It fit the luxury and convenience I wanted when I stayed somewhere for a week or more. The resort, which was at that time being built, was right next to the water. Even if I bought a mountain view, which I did because it was less expensive, it was a short walk down the hall, out the doors and about 200 yards before I was walking on the beautiful sandy beaches of the lagoon.

The payment plan was affordable for me, the amenities were great and I purchased my first timeshare. I have never regretted the decision. My sister, two in-laws, two nephews, one niece and her friend are going with me this summer. It is our favorite every other year family get-away.