Has anyone used redweek.com to book a timeshare?
 

A flyertalker suggested redweek for a possible Phuket rental. Is anyone familiar with the site? I have contacted the timeshare owner but do not yet have a reply. I want to ask the right questions. Thanks. I asked this question in the lounge also.

final clean-up fee

all inclusive: water, gas, electricity, etc

use of a car

utensils: # of place settings, etc.

transportation issues

telephone

English tv channels: i.e. fox

placement in complex--near water, near road

restaurants, groceries: hagan das...sp

gun shot sound proofing?

Thanks Bob. I'm trying to book the same apt we had last New Years Eve visit to Phuket. It has everything we need! :))

wouldn't all the Marriott time shares in that complex be identical??

There are several different Marriott timeshare complexes in that area, and I expect (though I don't know) that the units in the different complexes are different.

I've only used redweek to see what our unit on Kauai would rent for. Redweek is considered to be reputable, but I have no personal experience with it. Since you have stayed in one of the complexes previously, I think the only question I would have would be what type of unit is it - how many bedrooms and bathrooms, what type of view (Marriott often sells units as ocean view or island view). Because it is a Marriott property, all of the units will be equipped the same, all utilities are included (I would expect that to be true in any timeshare).

This particular rental, should I indulge in it, is for an "unassigned" unit. I think that means we can ask for the same one we just had this past new year holiday. It does say that it is 2 bedroom, 2 bath. It is garden view (which we soooo enjoyed for its peaceful atmosphere and birds singing). I'm not so sure there are ocean view units at this particular time share.

Kathie, you say you used redweek to see what your Kauai unit would rent for. Marriott's site might be a lot higher. I see the difference between redweek's offer and the Marriott site as at least $300/nt. In this case the redweek price is a considerable savings. But I'd love to get the unit for FREE for points again, like this past nye holiday. I'm just not seeing anything available for our dates. I'm taking my time booking with redweek, however, and have not yet heard back from the owner. Not sure what that means.

Well, keep watching as Marriott might free up some spaces as the date gets nearer.

When I checked our unit (years ago), it rented for $3000 a week on redweek. That sounded like a lot to me!

Just heard from the guy on redweek. He has already rented his timeshare. I'll keep checking! You are right, Kathie. Somehow I managed to get 3 nights this past NYE so I'm not giving up on getting a week!

call Marriott platinum line and ask about points availability---800-399-4229

Thanks Bob. I may just do that! So far I've not called them. Not sure why not... :)

Have another lead on a condo rental from flyertalk. Maybe this one will be good? In the meantime, I'll call!!!!!!

I can't imagine finding anything better than those marriotts at the JW... that was built as a showplace

Bob, those apartments are FABULOUS!!!!! That's why I'm soooo anxious to get back there for a week. I called the 800 # for Platinum members and spoke with an agent.... NOTHING on her computer for "foo-ket" beach club. (didn't she hear me pronouncing it correctly numerous times???? POO-ket? Maybe I should try another agent.. hahaha...like they always say HUATA (hang up and try again... or something similar) when you get a United agent from India or wherever.

....but I do have TWO (not just one) leads on renting from time share owners, so I'm thinking we'll be able to snag something. I just have to figure out my best option.

I just heard a new pronunciation! Foo-KAY! Are we trying to make it a French name now? Haha!

it's Thailand and anything is possible..

a direct rental would be preferable in my mind from an owner

Hoping to get that option, Bob! Still waiting to hear back. We actually do want to go to a presentation about Marriott time share properties (this one in Phuket in particular).

at presentation hold out for points.

we did that one year, pre-arranged in bkk before we went, and I think we had either free hotel rooms or substantially reduced rates for 3 days at the JW.

ask platinum line how you might do that. or call the time share section and ask. or telephone the jw directly and ask if they have promotions ongoing. you might also ask at the jw in bkk or call the minor corp hqtrs in bkk (owner).

Bob, do you mean hold out for Marriott points? I know there are timeshare points as well. I do not understand the differences between the two.

One of the problems with our time share rental is the fact that it is for the New Year holiday! That's always a busy time.

Carol, Marriott no longer sells time share weeks at their vacation clubs, instead, you can buy vacation club points tot be used at the various vacation club locations.

I'm not entirely sure what Bob means by holding out for points - when you go to a presentation, they will give you a bunch of Marriott Rewards points. In some places, you also have an option for gift certificates at local restaurants.

So, how many vacation club points does it take to be able to do a rental, I wonder?

I'm about 99% sure we're going to rent with the redweek offer, and I've been in touch with the owner. Sounds legit.