posted 05-16-2005 15:49               

We have signed up to the Playa Andaluza for 1 week gold £13900 (worth 100,000 points) sterling. plus we have been given a 115,000 point bonus to sign on the day. Very nervous about all of this. was looking at it as long term investment for family and plenty of holidays. Have we had a good deal? They say at the end of 50yrs the "Trust" is opened under spanish law, and either they continue to operate it with the owners or it is sold off and the proceeds split amongst the owners. What exactly are we buying? Are we shareholders in the property? Can we bequeath it to our children. We have infact included them on the contract, even though they are only 6 and 8.

Can anyone give advice please? We are very excited about the idea of it all, but with all these uncertainties hanging over it we may well pull out within the 14 day cool off period if we dont get comfort of our recent purchase.

Could any replies be in "laymans" terms please - as we are not up to all the techno speak we have read on TUG. Thanks Guys!

Thank you to all who reply - in anticipation

posted 05-16-2005 21:00               

There is no right or wrong answer to whether to buy from Marriott. It all depends on you and what is important to you.

You'll find that your price was the same as what others have paid Marriott recently for the same week, because Marriott does not negotiate on price.

posted 05-16-2005 21:08               

First, if it all disappeared in 50 years, you will have more than gotten your money's worth, particularly since most people would advise you to think of a timeshare as an investment in future vacations, not as an economic investment.

Second, it's likely that the terms associated with that 50-years provision would require the resort to continue as a timeshare operation unless all or most all of the owners vote for dissolution. That's not likely to happen. And if it does happen, it will be for a good reason. It's not something to worry about.

posted 05-17-2005 02:48            

Welcome to Tug from a fellow European Owner.

Playa is a great resort and will be wonderful when complete. We are visiting for our first full week stay as owners in two weeks time.

We were introduced to MVCI four years ago and bought (on recommendation) sight unseen 2 developer weeks (platinum) at Club Son Antem, Mallorca. When we did visit, we were extremely pleased with our acquisition. This is still true today. as every resort we visit is excellent and provides a unique holiday experience. My only regret is not discovering Marriott Vacation Club when my children where younger. Problem is now; they want to use our weeks!!

Whilst prices have increased significantly during the construction of the resort, your investment should not be considered financial but a life-style investment.

Since our initial purchase we have also bought a 3bed gold week at Playa direct from Marriott. This is despite reading many threads on TUG stating that resale is the only way.

With the purchase incentives and particularly the option to exchange your unit for points (which is not possible with resale), it suits us to have bought direct. Points allow you to have vacations where timeshares for exchange may not be available, particularly in major cities and offers the opportunity for accumulating FF miles in ‘usable’ quantities.

We have had wonderful family holidays at our home resorts and also, Aruba Ocean Club, Grand Vista, Ocean Pointe, Marbella Beach Club, Fort Lauderdale.

In addition, by using points we are off to Hawaii in July for 3 weeks on three different islands (Marriott Hotels). Including 2 x first class air tkts and 3 x business class for our girls.