CatWoman

Hello, has anyone ever taken advantage of an offer from South Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC, to go there for 3 days and 2 nights for $19.95 (Sunday thru Thursday arrival)? This is one of those deals where you have to sit through a 90-minute "personal sales presentation" so they can try to sell you one of their condos. They're also supposed to give you a $75 "key attractions gift certificate," free tickets to a live theatre performance, a $75 shopping certificate, and a $50 dining voucher to one of two restaurants.

My husband and I have received dozens of similar offers in the past, and we've always regarded them as junk mail and threw them away. This time, though, my husband said, "Let's do it," because (1) We've never been to Myrtle Beach, and (2) He's curious as to whether or not this type of offer is worth pursuing, just as a fast getaway. I'm thinking that for such a short stay, and with the 90-minute presentation being the only obvious disadvantage, how bad could it be?

Has anyone else taken advantage of such an offer? Are we letting ourselves in for nothing but aggravation in terms of poor accommodations or a high-pressure sales pitch? (According to Mapquest, this is an 8-hour drive from our home in Maryland--long, but not too bad.)

I'd welcome any feedback anyone can provide. Thanks very much in advance!

JoyinVirginia

I haven't been to that particular timeshare. We have taken advantage of an extremely cheap rate in Orlando with a timeshare presentation, it was a nice place to stay. Last summer we stayed at a timeshare in North Myrtle Beach (traded our week), and while shopping at Barefoot Landing signed up for a timeshare tour - can't remember company, but the development was in North Myrtle Beach - and got free tickets to Alligator Adventure. Take advantage of the free breakfast (they should have a free breakfast, these things generally do), allow 2 1/2 hours (these things always run long). Actually the Myrtle Beach timeshare market is very active, so the sales presentation won't be that high-pressure. They ALWAYS keep modifying the offer if you keep saying no, keep saying no until the very end and see what you get offered! I also have found the agents appreciate if you are honest up front and tell them you just came to the presentation to take advantage of the gifts, they won't be offended - lots of folks do it! They hope once they get you there that the property will sell itself. DO NOT buy any timeshare until you see what owners are selling for on TUG - Timeshare Users Group.

capri767

To me, timeshare+ Myrtle Beach=disaster.I'd avoid both like the plaque.

vernettm

We are using our points (from our timeshare) to stay at the South Beach Resort over Easter. Just wanted to comment on taking advantage of the specials that companies offer so you will sit thru their presentation. We are very experienced in this; get offers all the time because we are timeshare owners. We play the system for all it's worth. Make it clear that you will give them only the 90 minutes that they say you need to commit to - make sure you drive yourself so you can leave and remind them when you approach that 90 minutes, that all you committed to was the 90 minutes and that you want your 'stuff'. Be firm and polite, but forceful - basically, establish up front that 90 minutes is all you have. Anyway, we take advantage of offers if it works out for us about once a year. We are headed for Vegas to go to Fairfield's deal again - the deal is worth the 90 minutes of our time. Just weigh your time and if you can be firm enough to leave after 90 minutes.

beach_dweller

I agree with Capri767:

everyone should avoid plaque.

Also, most folks agree with Capri767's advice to avoid Myrtle Beach as well; heck, only about 10 million people come here each year.

We sat through a different time-share presentation in MB a long time ago, also for 90 minutes. It is not much of a hassle if you are direct and assertive, as several posters suggested above. Also, South Beach is owned by one of the biggest development companies on the grand strand; so it shouldn't be a shady, fly-by-night experience.

Have a great time at the beach!