Chris: A timeshare is not a real estate product, rather a prepaid vacation plan. Some are "deeded", mostly in the US and others are termed "right to use" for a specific time period.
Jeff: I respect your opinion as a travel professional. In all fairness, this is one opinion, yours. With a little due diligence you can find millions of satisfied vacation owners. Even the wonderful world of cruising is not for everyone.
An interval purchase is much like a cruise, you buy it, enjoy it and walk away from it. Not a traditional equity investment but an investment in recreation and quality time with those you love.
Many people in this world, due to hectic schedules, find it hard to set aside time for vacation and travel. A prepaid vacation program will, for one, force people to get away and spend quality time with their family on, at least, an annual basis.
Even the well educated super rich follow this mind set. The Ritz Carlton offers a plan for $350,000 to $1,000,000 - FOR A TIMESHARE, even though it is not labeled as such. Why? Because it is only a vacation with no liabilities. They can check in - check out and worry about nothing else, unlike the complications of owning a condo. Vacations are meant to be fun, many want to keep it that way. Timeshare can offer this option to many, not all.
Can you remember when Hotel 6 was $6 per night and then Super 8 came out with $8 per night. This was just a few decades ago. How much are they today? I can remember when $100 a night was very high for San Pedro. What does this get you today?
For some, not all, a purchase of $10,000 for a lifetime of vacations makes a lot of sense, the money part is just a portion of the reasoning. Peace of mind is a lot more. Remember, we are not logical beings but are motivated by emotions.
Is buying a $100 ticket to enjoy the Eagles in concert a good investment? But is it worth it? It depends if you like to Eagles and if you cherish the memories.
But it is understandable that the traditional hotel/motel and cruise industry is concerned. They are loosing future customers to prepaid vacationing.
Again, it is not an investment but rather a savings plan. Nobody can dispute the amount of savings involved in joining a vacation plan.
Each year hotels and resorts need to regain their market share. As you know Sales and Marketing costs are very expensive today. GLOBALLY THESE COSTS ARE IN THE MILLIONS. So out of each dollar spent for a hotel room a significant portion is dedicated to sales and marketing. This is built in to the annual budget, ANNUAL. Thus increasing hotel rates as the competition grows. This business is not like the Field of Dreams.
A vacation club can, over time, save an owner money by avoiding the annual costs associated with Sales and Marketing. You are a customer for life. The sales and marketing costs were paid once, up front, with your membership.
You do the math:
According to AAA, the average family spends $110 per night for a standard motel room. PKF sets the annual inflation on hotel rooms at 7.9%. How much will a family spend in 10, 20 and 30 years.
On the flip side, purchase a plan for $12,000 for a two bedroom suite. Start maintenance fees at $475 per year with an inflation rate which matches the US inflation index for small cities.
Let me know how it works out. Keep in mind this does not include the savings involved with the ability to use a kitchen.
I do enjoy reading your opinions and it should be agreed this product is not for everyone. But for some, it has changed their lives for the better. Check out
www.tug2.net this is a timeshare users group shedding light on the positive and negative features of ownership.
Most people are afraid of what they don't know, educate yourselves before making broad statements.
SIN
AmbergrisCaye.com 
