how to timeshare presentation

How to Survive a Timeshare Presentation: Tips you Need to Know

• Post author: Scott Fix
• Post published: February 11, 2021
• Post category: Couple Travel / Travel Tips

You are here because you want to know how to survive a timeshare presentation. How do I end the sales pitch? How do I resist timeshare sales tricks and just say “no”? After going through the process ourselves and chatting with a sales insider, we are here to share what we have learned. Read on for all you need to know to escape the formidable high-pressure timeshare pitch.

What’s the Deal with Timeshare Presentations? 

Everybody knows the classic “high-pressure timeshare sales pitch”.  You get offered 3 days and 2 nights at a fabulous resort for free, no obligations – you just have to attend a sales presentation.  They promise the pitch will be pretty short and that there’s no obligation to buy.  Sounds great, right?  But we all know the catch – it’s infamous.  The timeshare presentation is excruciatingly long.  Every time you think you’ve said “no” for the last time, they bring in a new salesperson or take you to a new room to start pitching you all over again.  It’s a high-pressure sales marathon.  To top it all off, if you don’t meet your obligated time at the presentation, you’re on the hook to pay for your accommodations.  So why do people still go to these things?  Well, because a free “3 days and 2 nights” at a resort is just too good of a deal to pass up sometimes! In fact, many travelers are trying to find out “How can I attend a timeshare presentation just for the free vacation?”   Well, we wanted to see what all the hype was about. When we got a call saying we’d “won” a vacation package, we shrugged and signed up.  Worst case scenario, we walk out and have to pay for the hotel stay.  

When we started asking around, so many of our close friends had either fallen for the timeshare pitch themselves, or knew a family member that had. We heard story, after story, of high-pressure pitches, salesmen that were insulting or rude, being led between rooms for hours upon hours, etc.  Hearing stories of people so close to us motivated us to write up everything we learned from our experience. 

The Initial Screening 

Cecilia signed up for a “contest” on Facebook that would enter you into a “drawing” for a free stay of 3 days and 2 nights at a resort and a $150 gift card.  We got a phone call saying we’d “won” while we were driving.  

We were asked some basic “info” questions (i.e., name, phone, address), followed by some “survey” questions.  The survey questions were things like:

When was the last vacation you took?

How much did you spend on accommodations?

How often do you travel?   

They also asked us if we only needed a reservation for 2, or if we’d like to bring anyone else up to 4 total.  Of course, we opted to take the 4-person reservation because the more the merrier, right?  

After all the identity information, survey questions, accommodation arrangements, and a spiel about our vacation/gift-card winnings, then came the hook – we’ll have to attend a timeshare presentation.  We were assured that we were only obligated for 90 minutes to 2 hours of the presentation; and with that, my wife and I looked at each other with a “do we believe that?” stare.  

But sure – in for a penny, in for a pound.  

Two things caught both of us off-guard towards the end of the phone call: 

One, we had to book the dates for our stay immediately.  We had to pull over from driving to frantically look at our calendars and figure out a weekend that worked in both of our schedules. The caller would just suggest a block of days from their availability, and we had to tell him if the range worked out for us.  

Two, we had to pay a $99 “refundable deposit” using a credit card.  When he asked for our credit card information, a giant alarm started going off in my head, yelling at me “this sounds like a scam!!”  I almost put the phone on hold to have a conversation with my wife about backing out of the whole thing.  I took a deep breath and reminded myself that our credit cards have fraud protection on them; and we’d just have to keep a closer eye on our credit card statements for awhile.  

Although we haven’t completely confirmed this, our strong-suspicions are that the initial phone call is really a screening. They want to see how susceptible you’re going to be to the timeshare sales pitch. It felt like a test to see if we were people that would make a fast decision, without much information, and commit money instantly for a “too good to be true” deal.  

Well, whatever we did “worked,” because as we later learned, they put us in the “prime candidate” group for the presentation.  More on that later.  

Arriving at Our Destination 

Because of the Covid-19 policy, only one person from our party was allowed into the lobby to check in to our room; our timeshare presentation was scheduled for the second day of our stay at 8 am. Only the person who checked-in signed any paperwork at all; and the other 3 members of our party didn’t sign anything or give any names. 

8am, bright and early, we drove over to the location for the timeshare talk and waited in a small line for a teller.  The person in front of us was having an unfriendly banter with the teller.  The only thing I picked up from my eavesdropping was that all the members of his party weren’t there so he wasn’t able to get signed in. We got called next and checking in only took a few seconds.  She asked if all members of our party were there, we said yes, and she said to wait in a corner for our “agent” to come and get us.

After a few minutes, our salesperson came out of a room, introduced himself, and walked us outside.  He said because of covid restrictions, he wouldn’t give us a tour of the entire facilities and grounds. Instead, we would drive separately over to a condo where he would give us a talk.  

We loaded up into our vehicle and were on our way without ever signing any official paperwork.  Also, we had been told over the phone, and on our “terms and conditions”, that we needed IDs and a credit card, but we didn’t need anything. I’m not sure if that is normal, or just because we showed up during covid restrictions.  

The TimeShare Pitch

We followed our salesperson’s car to a condo. On the ground floor, they had free continental breakfast and drinks set out on a table behind a rope, and someone with gloves handed us whatever we asked for.  We took an elevator up a few floors and our salesperson took the stairs to meet us at the top, then he showed us to a room and left so we could eat our breakfasts without our masks. We thought the room was stuffy, because we were all in our winter jackets, so we opened all the windows.  It was ~30 degrees outside.  When he came back, he sat in a chair across from our sofa.  I imagine he thought we were trying to freeze him out, but we were just hot.  

For the first 20 minutes, there was some minor small talk about nothing. It might have been to put us at ease?  Either way, we were pretty guarded with personal info.  He probably expected us to talk more about ourselves, and we were expecting him to ask us more direct, pointed questions.  

When he started to transition, I asked for an outline of what to expect for the meeting. How was our time going to be broken down?  What is our obligation?  How many people will we talk to?  Are we going on a tour? What is our time frame?  

He said we were there for a timeshare presentation – “yes, it’s a sales pitch.”  We had to be there for “an hour and a half, or 2 hours – whatever they told you.” Then when it was over, he’d take us back to the main building where we’d get our $150 gift certificate and a voucher that waived the cost of our stay.  

And then our “presentation” began.

He flew through a lot of “numbers” and acronyms. He talked so fast, to the point where none of us absorbed anything. To this day, I have no idea what he was even saying. Either way, as fast as he spat out numbers, the topic would always change.  I’m not sure if it was him, or us, or both; but we talked about movies, Pokemon, shoes, horses … just about everything except timeshares. 

After 40 minutes of struggling to sell us, he took us to a luxury apartment in the same complex. I think the intention was to give us a tour and really sell us, but other families walked in on us. Because of covid, only one group was allowed in at a time, so we left and let them see the rooms; but then we just kind of wandered off, back towards the door of the building.  I feel kind of bad for the salesperson, because trying to keep track of the four of us was like trying to wrangle cats.  He’d try to show us to a room, or tell us to wait for another family to get done, and we’d just wander back towards the exit.  He’d run to cut us off, and we’d just all meander around him, chatting about something else.  

We weren’t intending to be rude or purposefully being space-cadets or anything. There was just random downtime, so we’d do what any group of friends would do – we’d chat amongst ourselves. We also were never given any real clear instructions on what to do, so we’d just assume we were done and start walking back.  It wasn’t until we looked back on our experience that we realized we were probably sabotaging his sales pitch without meaning to.  

We went back to the “pitch room” and by now it’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes in.  Cecilia leaves the room to go to the restroom. (She was 3 months pregnant at the time, so bathroom breaks happened ALOT.) The salesperson looks at the 3 of us and says, “Okay, just be honest with me here. Why in the world are you guys at a timeshare talk?” There’s a pause while we all just stare at him, wondering what we should say and he fills the void with, “if you’re all so scared of covid that you’re even opening the window when it’s 30 degrees outside to get fresh air, why did you come here in the first place?”  I reply,

“… well, you want honesty?  My wife clicked a link on a Facebook contest that said we could win 3 days and 2 nights at a resort.  They called us while we were driving to say we’d won.  My wife was excited, and I wanted her to be happy, so I said sure, I’d go along with it.  The guy on the phone asked if we had 2 friends that would want to go, too, and we said we weren’t sure; so he said he’d put us down for 4, just in case. We asked our friends, they said they wanted to come, and here we all are.”  

He nodded along; looked at the 3 of us; pulled out his phone; and started playing Pokemon Go.  

Once Cecilia got out of the bathroom, he ran through his pitch at lightning speed.  He showed us a piece of paper with numbers on it that had a large down-payment. He rambled on and said, “but you don’t have that much in the bank, do you?”  After a pause, Scott said “no comment” – because the entire morning, none of us gave away any information about our financial situations.  He instantly flipped the paper over and showed us another price, the “only for today” offer with a lower price with financing; and asked if we wanted to buy at that price.  I said “no.” He said “alright then,” and texted his boss, then went back to playing Pokemon Go.  

Related Content: Traveling Alone or With a Companion: Which is Better?

Leisure Suit Larry 

After a few minutes of the party chatting about nothing again, in walks the boss – we’ll call him Larry.  Larry looks the part.  He’s wearing an olive-green suit that has the kind of texture that looks expensive; and a very high-maintenance hairstyle with a lot of gray speckles.  Larry’s entire presence is summed up by the uncertainty of whether his hair was naturally gray, or if it was purposefully dyed to look older.  

Larry has a calm, methodical delivery any time he speaks, like someone reciting a script that’s been rehearsed to perfection but then delivered so many times until it’s lost its meaning. He speaks without pauses, taking a big breath before each section of his ramble. He would emphasize words by deliberately stretching out the word, not by raising his voice.  Every point he made was framed as if the decision has already been made for you – you will lose money if you don’t make this choice because you are already spending money on vacations. 

Larry is what a used car salesman would be if used cars sold for more money.  

Larry ended his spiel with a piece of paper, which had a unit available for “today only.”  They’re always “only today.” 

He passed the piece of paper over to us, and the age of the paper suggested it wasn’t the first time he’s handed it to someone.  

The number on the paper was drastically less than any of the previous offers – it was less than half of the previous lowest offer.  I looked at the paper, folded it back in half, handed it back, and said no.  Larry was reluctant to take the paper, and asked “why?” 

We knew this moment was coming and prepared for it.  We reminded ourselves that we don’t have to justify any of our answers.  Socially, it’s polite to justify yourself; but you’re never under any obligation to justify yourself.  

We answered, “we don’t make large financial decisions that quickly. We talk through financial decisions together.”  Larry gave another ramble – this one I honestly didn’t listen to.  I just zoned out for a moment.  Then Cecilia answered him, “and we have a kid on the way, which makes it more important to spend time on big financial decisions, so the answer is still no.”  

Larry asked, “so … is there anything I can do or say that’s going to change that decision for you today?”  I said “no,” expecting to have to say that a lot at this point.  But then Larry abruptly said, “Okay, thank you for your time,” stood up, and walked out without a second look at us.  It was just an immediate withdrawal.  

The first salesperson, who had been sitting there quietly during Larry’s entire spiel, slapped his thighs, said “okay, I’ll take you back to the main center to claim your prizes” and visibly ripped up the piece of paper he’d shown us earlier.  He started to make some comments about wasting his time, but we were already walking out the door and didn’t really catch them.  

The Final Boss

We drove back to the main center and through a conference room that, in non-covid times, would have been the first room.  He took us close to a receptionist’s desk and asked us to stay put while he went to talk to someone.  We wandered up closer to them, trying to look out of a window to see a pool, which was just close enough to eavesdrop on the salesperson’s conversation.  He was giving her details about the conversation we’d had with him and Larry – that we “don’t make large financial decisions that quickly.”  He was giving her everything she needed so she would know the right angle to close the deal!  

It turns out, the woman he handed us off to was the Final Boss.  She asked us to go into another room, and Cecilia wandered off to the bathroom.   The three of us walked into the room, realized Cecilia wasn’t there, and wandered back out.  When she got out of the restroom, the four of us went in together to see the Final Boss.  She was sitting behind a small table with two chairs set up in front of it.  She said we could sit down, but we remained standing.  There were four of us and only two chairs.  You could tell that having 4 people there instead of 2 really threw their usual gameplans off.  

She asked us what the final price Larry quoted us was, and I told her; then she said “What if I could offer you that same unit at this price?”  She wrote a number on a piece of paper that was, again, exactly half of what Larry had offered.  

We repeated our line, “We don’t make large financial dec–” She interrupted, “Okay, take this slip into the next room and we’ll settle you up.”  

We hadn’t noticed, but there was a slip of paper already sitting on the desk in front of her.  With the paper in hand, we headed into the next room and handed it to an old man who was polite, friendly, jovial and looked like he was having the time of his life at work.  He slapped a stamp down on the paper, handed us a voucher, and we were out in no time.  We managed to survive the timeshare presentation.

Total time: 1 hour and 39 minutes.  

The Aftermath

After we left, we spent a lot of time talking with one another, trying to understand why we’d been let off so easily.  All of us had heard the nightmare stories about high-pressure timeshares – that people spent an entire day being shuffled from room-to-room, the aggressive salespeople, the insults, the good-cop bad-cop routines, etc.  We got none of that.  We were practically shoved out the door at one point.  

One theory we had was that we were a group of 4 that weren’t related to one another.  We were 2 couples, so they couldn’t pin one of us against the other.  They also couldn’t sell to all 4 of us, because we would never buy something together.  

Another theory was that we were just too chaotic for them.  We constantly changed the conversation – but not really on purpose.  We just filled the silent pauses with jokes or comments that became side-conversations.  

Timeshare Presentation Basics: Insight From an Industry Insider

We had to know why our experience was so different from the ones we’d heard about, so we called up a friend that used to be in the industry as a timeshare salesperson.  

Here’s what we found out:  

The reason some salespeople are pushier than others is because if they don’t sell for awhile, they’re suddenly given “one last chance” to sell, and if they don’t sell on that day, they’re fired.   If someone wants to keep their job, they have to sell; and that can lead to a very high-pressure sale.  

Sometimes they’ll get mad if you’re rude or just blatantly not interested from the start of the talk. They’ll toy with you and keep you longer on purpose out of spite. This can happen when you tell the salesperson from the start: “look, we’re just not interested in buying, we’re only here for the free stay.” 

Often, the salesperson lies about their background to identify with the “prospect”, like saying they have kids too; or they will lie about how long they have been selling; or that they have a dog, are also divorced, etc.  When our insider told us that, we all blinked. Had our salesperson lied about everything he told us the entire time?  At one point, he gave us his kids’ names – and now I’m not sure he even had kids.  

If a salesperson makes a sale on the previous day, then they get “first pick” in the morning; and the 8am timeslot is reserved for people they think are absolutely going to buy.  We were the 8am timeslot.  I have no idea why they put us in that group.  

If enough people are lined up that day for talks and they don’t have enough salespeople, they go on rotation.  As soon as a salesperson finishes their talk, they can go back and get another prospect.  The earlier they can pick a prospect, the higher the chances of getting a sell.  That’s why there’s more incentive for them to end a tour earlier if they know you aren’t going to buy and your tour is in the morning.  Tours in the afternoon aren’t so lucky.  

What if someone owns a timeshare and gets someone else to sign up for the timeshare talk? The timeshare owner gets a kickback – usually waived fees. 

But ultimately, why did our salesperson let go of us so fast?  Because Cecilia was pregnant.  At one point, our salesperson asked why Cecilia was going to the bathroom so much.  We told him she was pregnant, and when she came back in the room, he commented, “I didn’t even notice you were pregnant until you said that.”  That’s when he started flying through his presentation.  That was the change.  Apparently, people who are expecting a child don’t make sudden or “big” financial decisions. They’re too focused on what’s good for the baby.  

Tips on How to Survive a Timeshare Presentation

So here we are, everything we’ve learned boiled down to our top tips for surviving a timeshare talk.  

1. Go in prepared .

There is no reason to be mean or rude.  Just know your stance, be assertive, and remember that you don’t owe anyone anything.  It’s not impolite to say “no” without an excuse.  “No” is a complete answer that doesn’t need to be justified.  

2. Remember that you’re in a sales pitch .

For salespeople, ‘being nice’ is part of the sale. Similarly, ‘being relatable to you’ is more important than them telling you the truth. They butter you up in order to get information out of you, and they rely on the information you’ve volunteered for their pitch.  Things like your job, hobbies, or even your last vacation are used to determine your personal wealth and spending habits.  

3. Silence is your strength.

It’s really, really tempting to argue, or to call the salespeople out when you catch them in a ‘blunder’ or ‘ah-HA’ moment.  But just remember: if you argue, you just feed into their pitch and you’ll end up staying even longer.  They want you to argue so they can sell you harder.  Don’t get into a back-and-forth. 

4. Be on guard for the angle.

The salesperson is always fishing for an angle. If they don’t know what is important to you they cant sell you. They’ll try to get you emotionally invested.  They might try to insult you, or dig at your ego, with things like “you can’t afford this, right? This is too much for you.” Don’t defend yourself. Don’t justify yourself. Just say “no” and leave it at that.  

5. Decide on a secret reason against buying and never disclose it .

If they don’t know why you won’t buy, then they can’t give you a pitch or argue against it.  For us, we knew that a timeshare is just a bad financial decision.  The financing is really expensive, and you don’t “save money” in the end.  That was our secret reason; and when the numbers were explained to us, and we saw the paper showing that it was a bad decision, we didn’t go “ah-HA!”  We just nodded along and kept it inside.  They can’t sweet-talk their way around your roadblock if they don’t know it’s there.  

6. If you really want a timeshare, don’t buy at the pitch.

7. and, of course, if all else fails – be pregnant..

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This post has 15 comments.

I like the idea of timeshares—in fact, my inlaws own several—but I hate the high-pressure sales tactics they employ. It’s such a turn off.

That is such a good point. The concept of a timeshare isn’t all that bad, but the high-pressure talk and the difficulty of selling a timeshare should you ever change your mind are huge turn offs.

I love that the title includes SURVIVE, because that’s totally how it feels! We had to say “no” to like 10 different people before they would let us go!

We have heard so many horror stories like this. So glad we survived our first timeshare experience and came out on the other end with some bits of wisdom. Hoping this article can help out a few others so they do not have to endure a situation like yours!

I always wondered about timeshares. I like the concept but the sales tactic is highly annoying . It makes me wonder if it’s worth it .

You definitely have a point. High-pressure timeshare presentations are exactly that, high-pressure. They aren’t necessarily meant to be enjoyable, but I do think the experience depends on the salesperson. If you are assigned to a pleasant and respectful salesperson, then the experience really isn’t all that bad! It’s just playing roulette to see what kind of salesperson you wind up with.

Loved this. Your title caught me and made me laugh. Your last line made me laugh. My in-laws have had a time share for years and have dumped so much into the “maintenance fees”. It is a nightmare now for them to try to get out of it! Moral of the story: Whatever you might spend on the time share, you could simply put toward a nice hotel for your vacations and probably still come out ahead. Don’t fall for the pitch!

That’s such a good point. We haven’t heard of too many people who have been happy with their choice to purchase a time share. I think personally we will stick to the hotels and Airbnb’s as you mentioned!

Ive stayed at friend’s time shares a few times, and they can be really nice, but those pitches are such a turn off! Now I know, mention that I’m pregnant and if we do want to buy, don’t buy it at the pitch!

It’s a pretty good deal for a free holiday for you. 🙂

Great article with good suggestions. I do these as a travel hack to get free stays and freebies in Vegas. The key is to have an ironclad will and not be afraid to keep saying “no.” No matter what the reps try yo say or do, YOU are in control. They are obligated to give you the gifts and you are under no obligation to be polite or give reasons. The worst thing that can happen is you’ll get berated or insulted. There are worse things to endure and you basically get a free hotel stay. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.

I like the Hunger Games reference. Thanks for sharing your personal experience with surviving timeshare presentations. It takes a strong will to make it through without buying anything, but like you said YOU are in control and have the right to say no.

Well they get you drunk in Mexico I bought a timeshare in Cabo and they kept serving me and my friend drinks to loosen me up. I fell in love with my salesman and finally gave in he was so nice and now I am one of the happiest timeshare owners on the planet. Going to Cancun booked a 1700 square foot 2 bedroom 2 bath bringing 3 friends with me. Hotels are soo soo expensive and with a timeshare I am saving a ton of money and it is making me travel more which I love. Life is short live it to the fullest and don’t look back. I was all ways jealous of friends that owned Timshares but now I get to enjoy all the benefits and I am saving a ton of money.

I LOVED your article and learned a great deal! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. We definitely will do the things you have suggested. I might even buy a pregnancy belly to wear. Lol

Hahaha good luck, let us know how it goes!

Love your angle and how you shared your experience along with your post realization analysis. We’ve done a few many many years ago and found the perks of going to a high-stress 2 hour meeting somewhat worth it, but then again agonizing.

We are about to go to another in the next month and this was helpful to get us mentally prepared.

Thank you for taking the time to share.

Comments are closed.

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Timeshare Presentations: How to Get Cheap & Free Vacations

If you’re planning to visit some of the world’s most popular destinations, you can run into some hurdles if award availability is scarce and cash prices are high.

Sure, points can help offset the cost, but that means it will cost you a lot of points. What if I told you there’s a way to save those points and snag an awesome deal on your accommodation?

Well, there is – welcome to the world of timeshare presentation packages.  

What Is a Timeshare?

In a nutshell, a timeshare is a shared ownership program in which you may use a vacation property for a set time period every year.

Timeshare properties can range from resorts to condominiums to campsites. They can be a good option for travellers who have a favourite destination they like to vacation at every year.

With timeshares, these travellers will  have familiar accommodations to return to each time without the hassle of having to manage a fully-owned property while they are away. 

Most of the big hotel brands that we’re familiar with have their own affiliated timeshare division. A few well-known examples include the Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, Holiday Inn Vacation Club, Hyatt Residence Club, and even Disney has their own Disney Vacation Club.

Generally speaking, there are two types of timeshares: those that are points-based and those that give you deeded weeks.

• In a points-based program, you have a certain number of points each year that can be redeemed against nights at your timeshare.
• In a deeded-week program, every year, you have a “week” of the year that you can use your timeshare.

You do not necessarily need to stick with your timeshare property either. Usually, there is a system or program for owners to swap their property for another destination or property for any given year, building some flexibility into the program.

Despite the perks of timeshares, many people choose not invest in one, as they can be a money drain if you don’t make good use of them.

There are annual maintenance fees for the upkeep of the property that have to be paid, the process of swapping properties can be quite complicated, and it can be a pain to get rid of them or resell them as they don’t hold much value in the reseller’s market.  

What Is a Timeshare Presentation?

Whether you feel like timeshares may be a good fit for your travel patterns or not, you should consider attending a timeshare preview presentation.

The timeshare market is a competitive one, and most timeshare vacation clubs will offer some form of incentive for an opportunity to introduce you to their program in the hopes of enticing you to purchase one. 

What is offered as part of the package varies by the club and even the property, and it can be anywhere from tickets to a theme park or a show, to accommodations at one of their properties for several days at a huge discount, plus maybe even some bonus points for their respective hotel award programs.

If it’s the accommodation you’re after, keep in mind that usually the package will cover a “standard” room; however, there is a possibility for upgrading, as we’ll discuss later.

What’s the Catch with Timeshare Presentations? 

To take advantage of these fantastic offers, you (and your spouse, if you’re married) need to attend a 1.5- to two-hour sales pitch about the timeshare program while you’re vacationing on your timeshare package.

During that time, they’ll introduce you to their program, how easy it is to use the timeshare, the flexibility it provides, the years of enjoyment you will get out of it, and even give you a tour of a potential timeshare unit. 

Easy enough, right? Most of the time, yes.

Some sales representatives can be pushy and will pull out all the stops to get you to sign on, because that’s how they earn their commission. You may feel pressured to buy, and they may spend a lot of time negotiating a better offer for you.

Most sales reps, however, are quite reasonable. If you’ve put in your time and made it clear you’re not ready to buy, they’ll send you along your merry way. And if you do happen to cave under the pressure and buy the timeshare, it’s not the end of the world (more on this later).

During the pandemic, some timeshares like the Marriott Vacation Club opted to do virtual sales presentations, and in lieu of a vacation deal, you’d earn Bonvoy points instead.

There have been recent offers of up to 20,000–25,000 Bonvoy points; however, you have to be a US resident to take advantage. For the in-person presentation packages, there are no US residency requirements. 

How to Book a Timeshare Presentation

Now that you might be considering taking advantage of a timeshare presentation, let’s go over how you find these offers and sign up for them.

The easiest way is through each respective club’s website. Usually, there is a phone number or online form to complete for additional information. 

Hyatt even allows you to book the package online if you reside in the USA.

Once you purchase the package, there is quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to booking. Although the terms specifically say that the timeshare has to be booked within 12 months of purchase, it is not uncommon for them to extend this deadline. I have done this on a couple of occasions myself, even prior to the pandemic.

Once you book your package, you can still change the dates, although some programs will charge a change fee. During the pandemic, there was even more leniency (I rescheduled a Marriott preview package no less than four times), although this may tighten up a bit as travel opens up.

Unfortunately, once you purchase a preview package, they are generally considered non-refundable. There have been scattered reports of people receiving refunds if they no longer fulfill the eligibility for the package, but as always, your mileage may vary and this should not be the expectation.

My Experiences with Hilton Grand Vacations

Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) has over 50 properties spread across the United States. Their properties differ from the regular Hilton-branded hotels in that they generally offer accommodations with more space, larger and a greater number of bedrooms, and ensuite kitchen and laundry amenities.

Note that not all HGV properties are bookable through timeshare presentations, and some properties are only made available at certain times. 

Thus far, I’ve done a couple of packages with Hilton Grand Vacations in Orlando , and another in Honolulu . Here’s a recap of my experiences so far with HGV. 

Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations

View on the Hilton Grand Vacations website.

2017 Package Deal: Three nights / four days for US$199 and a US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher; upgraded to a two-bedroom suite for an additional US$50

A few years back, I had to call Hilton reservations to change an existing hotel booking I had. At the end of the call, they thanked me for being a loyal Hilton Honors member and asked if I would be interested in hearing about a “great offer” they currently had. I accepted, and so began my journey down the rabbit hole of timeshare packages. 

I was forwarded to another agent, who offered me the above timeshare package. I was considering a trip to Disney for my son’s fifth birthday anyway, and this would definitely help bring down the trip’s cost, so I bought the package.

When we decided on our dates, I called back, and they confirmed availability and booked our accommodation and the timeshare presentation to be done during our stay – and that was it! 

At the time of booking, my youngest was only a few months old and wasn’t the greatest sleeper, and so extra space to accommodate her sleeping situation was desirable. When I inquired whether our one-bedroom suite could be upgraded to a two-bedroom suite, the agent advised that we could do that for an additional US$50, which seemed more than reasonable to me, bringing our grand total to US$249 plus tax. 

We stayed at the HGV Parc Soleil, which is a 15-minute drive into Disney. Other than being a bit further out from Disney, it was a fantastic accommodation option for families.

It had two beautiful outdoor pools, one that was zero-entry with a water slide and another for adults only. They had a kids activity centre and some organized activities throughout the day. There was also a basketball court, tennis court, and outdoor playground for the kids.

The suite itself was spacious, modern and clean with a full kitchen and an in-suite washer and dryer. There was also a paid shuttle service ($10 round trip per person) to the surrounding amusement parks, but times were rather limited. 

We attended the timeshare presentation on the second day. It was located at the Parc Soleil, which made it convenient.

At check-in, they ask for your ID and credit card, then invite you to enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks while you wait for your sales representative. You can also drop off your kids at a small, supervised children’s room (with toys, colouring, and a TV) while you attend the presentation. 

Since it was our first timeshare presentation experience, we did not know what to expect. We were also genuinely interested in learning more about timeshares, which didn’t work in our favour.

They started off with some general questions about our travel habits and destinations we wanted to visit, and then went onto discuss how HGV could make it all happen at a fraction of the cost. 

Once the sales representative realized we actually had some interest, he turned the pressure on. He would show us how he had booked various destinations at fantastic rates and began negotiating on the amount of initial investment required to purchase, while offering additional Hilton Honors points to sweeten the deal.

Each time we declined, he would go back to his manager and come back with a better deal.

This went on for a bit until he finally came back with what seemed to be a decent offer at the time, and we actually signed the papers and walked out with a timeshare after the two and half hours.

The agent offered to refund our US$199 package cost, probably as a kind gesture given that we had just bought a timeshare with him, and then sent us to the front desk to obtain our US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher.

Suffice to say, purchasing a time share was not our initial game plan. Luckily for us, there is a cooling-off period built into the contracts, whereby you have 10 days to rescind a timeshare purchase agreement.

With some time and space to actually think about our impulsive decision, we decided it really wasn’t for us and the next day, we rescinded.

The staff were very kind about it and it was an easy enough process, but lesson learned: do not show any interest in a timeshare if you are in it only for the cheap accommodations.

Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village

2019 Package Deal: Four nights / five days in a one bedroom suite for US$299, refunded after presentation, one $200 “Stay A Night On Us” rebate voucher OR 10,000 Hilton Honors points

A year later, my husband had a conference in Chicago at the Hilton. HGV had set up a booth in the lobby, where they offered everyone 1,000 Hilton Honors points just for listening to what they had to offer.

Jon took them up on the offer, and this time he was offered packages to either New York City, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, or Orlando. They were two- to four-night packages ranging from US$199 to US$399.

Now, you might be wondering: how often you can purchase a timeshare presentation package? As per HGV’s terms, as long as you have not attended another presentation in the last 12 months, you are eligible to purchase another. 

We were just over a year since our first package, so we bought another, back to Orlando. This time around, the offer was four nights for US$299 plus tax, so we were a little hesitant as our previous offer was better.

The sales agent, sensing the hesitancy, sweetened the package by offering either a US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher or 10,000 Hilton Honors points, and to refund the US$299 after the presentation. That sealed the deal for us. 

This time, we chose to stay at the Tuscany Village, located about 15 minutes from Disney once again. The décor was a bit more dated, but it still had an outdoor playground and a few pools that would satisfy most young kids.

There were also complimentary DVD rentals and a children’s activity centre, albeit a bit smaller than the one at Parc Soleil.

I enjoyed the fact that it was right beside the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, which meant some retail therapy for me between theme park days. They also had a paid shuttle going to the amusement parks, but once again, the times were limited. 

Our presentation was back at the Parc Soleil. This time, my husband and I had a different game plan: we would tell them that we weren’t ready to buy a timeshare and to let them know early on.

This was working well for us initially, and at the one-hour mark the agent was pretty much finishing up. As we were just about to leave, he advised us that his manager had one last offer for us, which got us our third package… 

The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations

The manager came out and offered us a trial membership to the HGV program. Now this was different.

There was no set destination for the package; instead, for $1,599 (USD), we would be given enough points to redeem for seven nights in up to a two-bedroom suite at any of the HGV properties in North America, including Hawaii.

We did the math and worked out that it would be less than $230 (USD) a night. If it were any other destination, we would have left it. After looking at the current rates for Hawaii for a Hilton property in Honolulu for March Break, we came to see that it was a great deal.

Keep in mind that these are rates for two adults and two children. If you have more than four in your family, like myself, either you’re paying more, or you’ll find that most hotels won’t even be able to accommodate. The fact that we could book a two-bedroom suite was a big selling point for us.

HGV has quite a few properties in Hawaii, with the Grand Islander by HGV being one of the newer ones. We booked at the Grand Islander for four nights in Honolulu over March Break . 

That leaves us with three nights remaining, which we could have used to extend reservation to seven nights… 

…or book three nights at their New York property, West 57th Street by Hilton Club at the south end of Central Park, another otherwise pricey accommodation option. 

Either way, you can see that our $230 (USD) per night beats the above rates by a long shot. 

An Even Better Offer…

Sticking with Hawaii as our theme destination, HGV currently has an offer on their website for five nights in Honolulu or Waikoloa for $799 (USD) in a standard room, which brings the nightly rate to $160 (USD) – an incredible deal for a night in Hawaii.

Granted, it’s for a standard room, but I’m pretty sure you can request an upgrade offer to a bigger suite at a decent cost when you call in. 

My Experience with Marriott Vacation Club

We originally purchased our Marriott Vacation Club Preview Package back in 2019. This package offered a five nights at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club for $799 (USD).

After numerous delays and postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we finally enjoyed our stay in March 2022 . 

We rescheduled our timeshare presentation after our arrival, and there were no issues with moving it to a different day. When it came time for the actual presentation, it took place in a cubicle in their outdoor Sales Centre.

We wound up going over the 90-minute allotment, and spent closer to two hours there. I was genuinely interested in the program, so it was more my fault than theirs.

Marriott Vacation Club uses a points-based system. Our sales agent offered us the base-level 1,500 points at $15.84 (USD) per point, totalling $23,760 (USD).

As a signup bonus, they were willing to throw in another 3,000 points for the first year.

To put things into perspective, a one-bedroom villa in Maui at peak season could cost up to 4,500 points per week.

We didn’t show much interest in this, and they tried to sweeten the deal with some more offers, but we kindly declined. As we had an exit interview, another sales agent came in to offer us yet another timeshare presentation package.

The first offer, which was good for the next two years, was five nights at the same property for $1,295 (USD). We weren’t sure when we would be back to Maui again, so, again, we declined.  

They approached us with one last offer: $995 (USD) for four nights at any of their North American properties, including another property in Hawaii for a $300 (USD) add-on fee.

Our family wanted to visit Kauai in the near future, and after a quick check for a four-night stay in the winter revealed prices at around $2,600 (USD) for four nights, we accepted this last offer.

It goes to show that sticking around for more offers can result in some pretty great rates!

If you’re not familiar with timeshare presentation packages, now’s the time to take a look at them as a means to very cheap accommodations in many popular vacation spots.

Timeshare presentations are a great option in areas where points redemptions are either not worth it (e.g., Orlando, where hotels are generally quite cheap to begin with), or in places where redemptions are difficult to make (e.g., Hawaii where the cost of redemptions are high).

It does require a small time commitment and perhaps a bit of finesse in talking down a sales representative, but in my mind, the savings are definitely worth it. 

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30 Comments

Amy, please clarify — you said “no” to buying the timeshare BUT they offered you another timeshare presentation elsewhere?

That’s correct!

Thanks for the great information!! Do any of them ask for income verification?

No, they didn’t.

Thank you VERY much, not even the fancier ones like Wyndham or Marriott presentations?

As a previous owner of timeshares and an attendee at multiple presentations I’ll add some comments which may be helpful: -if you buy, it is difficult to recover your purchase price because of the heavy marketing costs built into the price -I have sold my timeshares and currently have some fractional ownership properties to which I have title, which may not be subject to the same haircut on sale -my trading options (including my Hyatt property) are through Interval International which has a network of thousands of properties around the world -Resorts Condominiums International is another trading network, so you are not stuck with a specific hotel program -if you go to a place like Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, you are swarmed at the airport, sometimes car rental places or Walmart, by sellers of these packages -I have a friend who used to fill her PV trips with different presentations, and she was often able to negotiate improved perks for the presentations themselves; she did this for a fair number of years, without buying, before they caught on to her -If you decide to buy, wait, wait, wait; I’ve seen people buy in the initial large presentation with cheers and champagne, only to see deals offered that were a fraction of the cost in later iterations -often you have to see multiple people before you escape, the deals keep getting better, but the original 90 minutes is substantially exceeded -the last one I went to took about 4 hours and I finally walked away abandoning my promised perks

Thanks for the article Amy. I was attempting to book an Orlando offer in my Hilton App yesterday but they only permit USA addresses. When I went to the International website the offers weren’t as good. Do you know of a way to get the same offers advertised on the App?

I’m not sure but you can try calling in and requesting.

Amy, do they ask to see both adult’s ID or license? We are common law marriage different last names. Can we just show 1 ID card?

When you sign up for the package they will usually ask if you are married, etc. If so, they will ask for your partners name. It doesn’t matter if the last names are different. At Hilton, they checked both ID’s but Marriott only checked my husbands (not sure if that was intentional though).

Hi Amy, thanks for the article (and love the family-geared content!). When I click through the link for the current HGV Hawaii offer and put in my zip code, I get a message basically telling me this offer is not available to me. Any idea why?

Hmm that’s interesting. I’m not entirely sure why. Perhaps certain states have different offers/restrictions.

My family has an Embarc timeshare bought maybe 20 years ago… from our experience… currently there is not enough money and points in the world to suffer the presentation. Long story but about 8 years ago, had to lawyer up to deal with them.

I have reached on Marriott Vacation Club for further information and was told there is no timeshare deal for canadian résidents at the moment but if I visit à proporty I can ask over there… not really convenient

Hi Amy, great article and tips! Just a question: is there a limitation on the number of times you can book (the rules seem to say once per year but is this per individual or per family (so a family of 2 adults could do this twice per year))? Thank you!

Hi Amy, Thank you for the great information. You mentioned you were given a trial membership of HGV. Is the $1599 USD a yearly fee? Are there any other fees associated with owning HGV timeshare? Do you plan on continuing with the HGV membership or will you likely cancel. Thanks!

It was $1599 one time fee for 7 nights. Once you use up the 7 nights, the trial is done.

I have used this strategy successfully. As a family of four, we will only stay in a one bedroom or two bedroom if it’s for any stretch of time. Having a kitchen to cook your own meals is a cost savings and easier than having to coordinate eating out all the time. In November 2019 we stayed in a one-bedroom at Maui Ocean Club Napili for only 450,000 bonvoy points. My wife and I attended a 1.5 hour timeshare presentation and received 40,000 bonvoy. The retail value of the room was $7,500 USD. Unfortunately, any type of room at Maui Ocean Club is very difficult to book on points.

I will likely have to cancel due to Australia’s continued strict lockdown, but I booked two 2 bedroom suites at the Surfers Paradise Marriot Vacation Club this December for seven days and 292,000 points each (total 584,000 points). The retail value was 14,500 Australian Dollars. You have to really hunt but can find some gems occasionally.

Thanks for the info Amy! Is there a website for all the Hilton offers available? I was able to find Orlando/Las Vegas by searching on their site, but could only find the Hawaii deal by using the link in your article. And similarly for Marriott, do they have a webpage that describes their offers? I was recently invited by a Marriott CSR to call a 1-800 number to get a similar deal, but would much rather check it out first on a website rather than have it described over the phone by a salesperson.

Unfortunately there’s no central page where all the offers are located for HGV. If you click on the various destinations they have you may see a banner at the top with an offer for whichever destination you selected. If you can’t find a particular destination offer, best to call or email them. Same applies for Marriott.

While staying at an Hilton in Washington DC 3 years ago, we were offred a timeshare presentation and visit for 10k HHONORS points. I said I wasn’t interested unless it was for 30k points which they agreed. The visit went smoothly and interesting, when we sat down to discussed the prices at one point I said it wouldn’t work out since I’m earning lots of miles and points from business travels. And that was it a total of 90 minutes of our time.

Hi Amy, how can you book the Grand Islanders by HGV in Maui? It is opening in September but I cannot find it is available to book yet. I’m looking 5 day accommodation in Maui next year. I really hope we can have the Honolulu’s deal in Maui.

I apologize, we have Grand Islander booked for Honolulu and Marriott booked for Maui. You are correct, the new HGV property opening in Maui is not bookable yet.

Hi Amy, how can you access the HGV in Honolulu? I entered my information and the site says I’m not eligible for the Hawaii deal and instead directed me to Orlando and Las Vegas only.

I would try calling in and requesting. Sometimes they do have eligibility restrictions based on where you’re located or your income. Actually, for my current one with Marriott in Maui, i had to go through a couple of agents before they gave me the offer I was looking for.

Hi Amy – Great article and timely as we’re looking to book a family trip to Hawaii this coming year. What offer did you end up getting for the Marriott presentation?

Hey Mark! $799 usd for 5 nights 🙂

Which property? Offers for me were between $799 and $999 for 5 nights depending on which island.

It’s at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club 🙂

Nice score! Thanks

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When Is a Timeshare Presentation Offer a Good Deal?

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Would you sit through a two-hour timeshare sales presentation to get three nights at a hotel in Orlando, plus 15,000 Hilton Honors points — all for $199? How about for dinner or a spa voucher at a Marriott hotel in Dubai? Would three nights in Tahoe plus 10,000 IHG points for $249 be worth enduring a long sales pitch?

Companies dangle generous perks to try to sell you a timeshare, with offers ranging from free parking to free hotel nights to deeply discounted hotel stays — provided you sit through a timeshare sales presentation of 90 minutes or more.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a timeshare sales presentation offer.

How timeshares work

What is a timeshare.

A timeshare is a fractional ownership of a vacation property or vacation property lease — usually at a popular travel destination or resort. It’s a lifetime commitment, although it’s possible to resell it. You’re basically investing in the opportunity to spend a week or more at select properties every year.

Many hotel chains have timeshares, including Hilton , Marriott and IHG .

The question "Is a timeshare a good deal?" is different from the question "Is this timeshare presentation offer a good deal?" Timeshares are often pitched as ways to save money on future vacations. Depending on your travel habits, it’s possible the timeshare pros and cons could tilt in your favor. But in most cases, collecting points and miles redeemable for travel is a better way to save.

But even if you know the timeshare route isn’t for you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should skip out on the timeshare presentation offer. The perks could be well worth your time.

» Learn more: Are timeshares worth it? Possibly, if you buy smart

Timeshare presentation offers

A timeshare presentation offer is any benefit or discount — like free or reduced hotel stays, bonus points or free spa treatments — that you can receive by agreeing to sit through a timeshare sales presentation. These offers can include things like free parking at a resort where you’re staying, free hotel nights or deeply discounted hotel stays and resort experiences.

To determine whether it’s worth sitting through a presentation, consider the value of the perk being offered. In the case of free parking, you would probably be better off spending $50 to self-park and skip the sales pitch.

Can attending timeshare presentations offer a good deal?

Even still, there are times when sitting through a timeshare presentation can be worth your while. You can find good timeshare deals on offers for discounted stays, free nights and more online — or get offers through phone calls or targeted emails. In some cases, you might decide the savings are worth it.

Tip: Watch out for blackout dates, hidden charges and more

Depending on the hotel chain, your offer could be subject to blackout dates, high-season charges and package expiration dates. Read the terms and conditions carefully.

» Learn more: Find the best hotel credit card for you

Worthwhile timeshare offers, by chain

Here are a few offers from major hotel chains that, depending on how you feel about sitting through a sales pitch, might be worth grabbing.

Hilton has a timeshare presentation offer that gets you a three-night stay in Orlando or Las Vegas, plus 15,000 Hilton points for $199. That’s a pretty decent deal considering that rooms normally cost $175 to $500 per night.

This offer is good at several hotels, including the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista — an official Walt Disney World hotel. This means it gives its guests additional benefits, such as extra magic hours and access to FastPass. (Note that both services are currently on hold).

Other Hilton offers include a five-night stay at a resort in Hawaii for $649 plus taxes. The online offer includes 15,000 points. But a recent phone call to Hilton proved that sales representatives have some leeway to negotiate, in this case switching the offer to 5,000 Hilton points and a $200 Hilton gift certificate.

There are two different Hilton packages available for Hawaii — you can pick either Honolulu or the Big Island. Considering room rates here often hover around $500 per night, you can save a bundle by sitting through a timeshare presentation. For example, five nights in September 2021 at the Ocean Tower at the Hilton Waikoloa Village cost about $1,891.

That’s a big discount, not counting that $200 gift certificate and the value of those points, at a sprawling oceanfront resort featuring a saltwater lagoon.

Marriott Vacation Club has a number of specials for travelers willing to attend a timeshare presentation. In Dubai, for example, you can score two free nights at a number of hotels throughout the Middle East.

You can also participate in timeshare presentation in exchange for a dinner or spa voucher at select Marriott hotels in Dubai.

IHG’s vacation club is extending offers for properties in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; New Orleans; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Lake Tahoe, Nevada; among others.

At the Lake Tahoe resort, you can pay $249 plus tax and get three nights in a one-bedroom villa at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations: Tahoe Ridge Resort, as well as 10,000 IHG points .

Considering three nights at that resort can cost upward of $1,000, the timeshare presentation offer may be well worth it.

Some IHG hotels cost as little as 8,000 points per night, which means you can turn those 10,000 points into another free night.

Who qualifies for timeshare presentation offers?

Not everyone will qualify for these offers. Requirements vary by chain, so check the details of your offer before committing to one of these packages.

In the case of Hilton, you must not have attended a timeshare presentation within the past year at the property where you’ll be staying or within the last six months at any other properties. You’ll also need to meet certain other criteria, though they don’t publish details about what these are.

For Marriott’s Vacation Club offer in Dubai, you must be a married couple 30 to 65 years old with a joint income of over $130,000 who has traveled to Europe at least once in the past three years.

IHG’s Holiday Inn Club, meanwhile, requires that you be older than 25 with a minimum income of $50,000.

If you’re tempted by a timeshare presentation offer

Are all timeshare presentation offers a good deal? No, especially if you’re staying somewhere cheap or they’re just handing out free parking. But if you do some research, you can score serious discounts in truly exciting locations.

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Basic Guide to Timeshare Presentations

• February 17, 2021
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We have all seen the old Timeshare pitch. Typically it goes something like “earn a discounted stay by learning more about our program over 90 to 120 minutes”. Often there are additional freebies thrown into the mix. This can be complimentary food such as breakfast or lunch, excursion vouchers, or even a visa gift card. As a result, the timeshare promotions seem too good to be true which can lead to skepticism. Is it a Scam or travel strategy? Learn more about this lesser-known topic in the Basic Guide to Timeshare Presentations & using them for travel .

In this Basic Guide

Timeshare properties.

• Checking in
• Say No (or Yes)
• Collecting Compensation

Examples of Timeshare Presentation Promotions

My experience participating in the promotions, where to find a timeshare presentation, timeshare restrictions and pitfalls, list of timeshare companies (and website links), what is a timeshare.

A timeshare is a form of travel that incorporates a shared approach to real estate. The vacation property is purchased and owned by multiple individuals who agree to split the time allocation. Traditionally, timeshares were sold in week increments. However, most companies have transitioned to point systems. Because of this, you can enjoy shorter trips throughout the year instead of using all the points at once. Similar to credit card points, the timeshare points can be used towards nights at a variety of properties within a portfolio.

A timeshare property often comes in the form of a studio equipped with a kitchen. Sometimes timeshares are located within condominiums or apartment complexes. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that some timeshare properties are actually shared by larger-scale hotel chains like Marriott or Hilton.

How does a Timeshare Presentation Work

Step one – signing up.

The first step to participating in a timeshare is signing a contract. Basically, the contract states that you agree to learn more about the property. This “presentation” will be set for a predetermined time. Typically they last for 90-120 minutes. Lastly, will be compensated with “x” for your time.

Step Two – Checking In (Sometimes Required)

The second step of checking-in is typically required when an overnight stay is involved. Usually, the terms will indicate that the guests’ must check-in at a predetermined location the day before the actual presentation. Often this will be at the hotel you are staying at. However, sometimes it can be at a location in close proximity to the hotel. There have been a handful of times that this step wasn’t required with the timeshare promotions I’ve participated in. Typically the staff would confirm the details of the sales pitch such as the date, time, and location. Afterward, I would be on my way for the duration of my stay.

Step Three – Attending the Presentation

One great aspect of actually attending the presentation is the free breakfast or lunch. In my book, this is an additional factor that leads to even greater savings while traveling. At this point, typically the timeshare salesperson assigned to you will introduce themselves and the shmoozing will begin. One rare occasion in Mexico, the salesperson actually joined us for breakfast which made for a long day of being pitched.

Note the Time –

Legally, since you signed a contract to attend the timeshare promotion. Because of this, the time commitment cannot be extended without your consent. I’ve met some other travelers who actually will set an alarm on their phones. Personally, I haven’t taken it to that extreme but noting the time has saved me a few times from unnecessary tours of hotels or additional sales pitches, etc.

The Presentation typically includes a sales pitch on travel in general. I recall one pitch actually selling the point that not traveling was harmful to one’s health due to the epidemic of increased stress levels. Eventually, the presentation will cover how the program works and the general cost of participating. Finally, the agent assigned to you will conclude with a hard pitch based on the income you provide and what he or she thinks you can afford.

Is a Hard Credit Pull Required?

It’s hit or miss if the timeshare presentation requires a credit check. Sometimes it is written in the contract that they need to perform the hard pull in order to provide the correct financing numbers based on your credit score. A hard inquiry won’t destroy a credit score nor will it be a primary determining factor in being eligible for future lines of credit. Ideally, it is not wise to add unnecessary pulls if you don’t have to.

Step Four – Saying No (or Yes?)

Remember your only commitment was to participate in the presentation. Nothing more, nothing less. However, if you are reading this blog, you are most likely already a savvy points and miles traveler . Most likely, you won’t find a benefit from being contractually obligated to a specific timeshare. Now of course, if you find value from what is being offered and it makes sense financially then by all means. In my experience, the financial commitment has never made sense for me. Personally, I don’t like the idea of contractually being obligated to pay into the program long-term for the rest of m life.

Step Five – Collecting what was promised

Finally, sometimes the 90-120 minutes drag on. You literally are counting down the seconds to get back to vacationing. Don’t get so caught up with leaving that you forget about what is promised to you. This can range from vouchers to cash, gift cards, or other random items. Typically the ‘gifts’ are provided upon completion of the presentation. Be sure to collect these before leaving or at least inquiring about how to go about receiving them!

Timeshare Presentation promotions come in all shapes and sizes. Usually, the company starts with a base-level deal. However, they could have a handful of additional perks which can be added by directly asking or being apprehensive. It is also important to note that many of these perks can be added together for a single timeshare promotional experience. For instance, here are examples of promotions I have participated in.

• 2, 3, 4, or 5 night stays for a heavily discounted rate
• Visa, Amex, and Mastercard pre-loaded debit gift cards
• Free shows and buffet vouchers in Vegas
• Excursions and massages in Mexico
• Pre-loaded Debit Cards and lunch vouchers in Hawaii
• Certificate for a future complimentary night stay
• $100 towards dinner at a handful of restaurants in San Francisco and New York City
• Hotel Rewards Points. I’ve seen Wyndham and Hilton offer bonus points for participating in a timeshare presentation. This is a great negotiating point when booking a timeshare presentation.

Overall I’ve had some very good experiences with the timeshare presentation travel strategies. My only regret is not documentation the experiences better. However, we do have a few reviews here on the website. For instance, we took advantage of the Hilton Presentation when I ran the NYC Marathon . In the future, I will continue to add more articles.

• New York City Hilton Timeshare Review
• Small Wyndham Timeshare writeup mixed into this Las Vegas Rewards Trip Review
• Grand Caribbean Vacations Mexico Timeshare Trip Review

Finding timeshare presentations can be completely random. I’ve been solicited for Timeshares in Airports, Casinos, Hotels, and even at the New York Times Travel Show. Periodically I’ll receive targeted emails from Wyndham, Hilton, and Marriott with a new Timeshare Promotion they are running. Additionally, once or twice each year I’ll receive a cold call. Typically, I am most skeptical about these as they often require up-front purchases.

There are a few strategies you can take to be targeted for these sorts of promotions.

• First, make sure you are signed up for the loyalty awards accounts with each hotel chain. Wyndham , Marriott , and Hilton are the ones that seem to send out the majority of the timeshare promotional trips.
• Next, keep your eyes peeled while traveling. Usually, you can find representatives pitching timeshares in high-traffic areas like entrances or exits. Sometimes hotels will have separate desks set up with signage about stopping by for a free gift.
• Lastly, call the general number of a hotel chain. Then inquire about owning a timeshare in the future. The customer service representative will transfer you to the right person.

How do you get the best Timeshare Presentation Promotion

One word: Haggle . I know that the thought of haggling is very polarizing. Some people love to haggle while others avoid it. Just know that the first offer that is presented is most likely not the best one you can get by saying no or being apprehensive.

In Mexico once, the sales representative initially started the hard in-person pitch with one five-night vacation per year for purchasing into the program. An hour later and a whole lot of “No Thank Yous”, he had steadily moved up in one-week increments. Lastly, he offered unlimited. visits. Clearly, there had to be a large catch with the promotion and I was not purchasing to find out.

Ultimately when negotiating the terms of the Timeshare Presentation it doesn’t hurt to ask for more. If they say no and you are still interested in the trip take the current offer. If they say yes, you earned more by taking a minute to ask. It’s a win-win situation.

There are a few restrictions and pitfalls to be aware of when considering a timeshare presentation.

Certain jobs are restricted from participating. I remember reading in one contract that travel-related jobs like working in aviation could disqualify you.

Relationship

Oftentimes, timeshare promotions are only open to couples who are married or at the very least living together. The timeshare representatives will verify that the addresses match your driver’s license.

Most timeshare presentations require the participants to have a certain household income in order to participate.

Room Occupants

If there is a discounted stay at a hotel, there is typically a restriction on who can actually stay in the room. It is usually limited to just the couple who is participating in the presentation. If you are planning on traveling with friends, they may be required to book their own room or participate in their own presentation. Sometimes there are even restrictions on traveling with others in a group and participating in a presentation.

Lying about income (or anything else)

If you are caught fabricating a higher income in order to be “eligible” to participate in a timeshare promotion it is likely that the company will charge you the standard room rate and deny and perks that were included in the contract. Don’t do this!

Be careful about what and how much you choose to drink during the hard-pitch of the timeshare presentation. There are some shady companies that will intentionally feed guests stronger drinks in order to make them more likely to sign a contract.

• Extra Holidays (Wyndham) and Wyndham Trips (Wyndham)
• Hilton Grand Vacation (Hilton)
• Hyatt Residence Club (Hyatt)
• Holiday Inn Vacation Club (IHG)
• Marriott Vacation Club (Marriott)
• Bluegreen Vacations (Choice Hotels)
• Westgate Resorts

Basic Breakdown

In conclusion, I’m a big fan of timeshare presentations and certainly will be looking to book more presentations in the future. The best experience of ALL TIME took place in Oahu Hawaii. At check-in, we received a card that said to bring it down to the concierge for a free gift. This led to an invitation for a $200 Amex Debit Card and two lunch vouchers (valued at $80) for attending the presentation.

There was a short presentation, maybe ten minutes long followed by a sitdown with the sales rep. She asked us why we were there today and I said for the free $200 and lunch vouchers. Then she asked if we had any interest in purchasing a timeshare, Lisa and I both shook our heads no. Five minutes later we had our $200 debit cards and were eating a delicious comped lunch at the hotel restaurant. I’m sure that was a huge fluke but this is what I love about these promotions!

Let us know!

Have you participated in a Timeshare Presentation? How did it go?  

I’d love to hear in the comments below or over in our 8,200+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group !

More basic reading.

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How to get a deal by attending a timeshare presentation

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Booking hotels with points earned from the best hotel credit cards is a great way to save your hard-earned cash.  But did you know there’s another way you could score a great deal?

Many of the major hotel chains offer timeshare properties under a different brand, and they often have huge incentives to get you in the door to listen to their sales pitch!  These incentives could include certificates for free hotel stays, gift cards, bonus points, and more!

Getting your hands on these incentives just for sitting through a timeshare presentation might sound too good to be true.  In many cases though, there’s not much more to it than just that.  Hotels build the “giveaway” of these incentives into the cost of doing business.  They know that these sales pitches are a numbers game, so they wouldn’t be doing it if wasn’t profitable for them in the long run!

In many ways, it’s a win-win for everyone. They spread the word on their timeshares, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about whether it might be a good fit for you. Check out team member Meghan’s experience with a Hyatt timeshare sales pitch in Arizona , and another timeshare presentation in Belize .

If you’re curious about whether timeshare ownership might be worth it, we’ll go through how you can get invited to one of these presentations, what to expect, and which major hotel brands offer timeshares. Worst-case scenario, you’ll find that timeshare ownership is not for you, and you’ll still walk away with a gift card, bonus points, or some other incentive.

How to save money by attending a timeshare presentation

Hotels often give folks lucrative incentives to get you in the door to their timeshare presentations.  You’ll know what the incentive is before you attend, of course, and they’ll usually offer things like certificates for free hotel stays, bonus points, and gift cards.

Sometimes, you might even be able to negotiate a better deal! I was able to find reports online that stated different people were given different incentives for attending the same timeshare presentation.  So the lesson here is that if you’re speaking with one of their representatives and the incentive isn’t enticing enough, ask if they can offer something better!

You usually won’t have to pay anything to attend one of these timeshare presentations, so your only “cost” will be the several hours it takes to sit through their presentation. And even if there is a fee for attending, the value of the incentive oftentimes outweighs the initial fee. 

For instance, I found a report from Stephen at Frequent Miler who stated he paid $150 to attend a timeshare presentation, and in return was awarded 45,000 Wyndham points (enough for 3 nights at any Wyndham hotel) and a 7-night stay at a timeshare resort. I’d say those incentives were well worth the $150 fee!

How to get invited to a timeshare presentation

Many of the major hotel chains, like Hyatt, Hilton, and IHG, offer some sort of timeshare brand.  If you’ve ever stayed at these hotels, you could be targeted either by phone or mail.  Being a member of the hotel’s loyalty program could also get you targeted at some point.

If you end up staying at one of their timeshare brands on a trip, you may also see some promotional materials around the hotel, so keep your eyes open!  For instance, team member Meghan took advantage of this on a trip to Arizona .  When she was checking in at the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Pointe, she saw a sign in the lobby that mentioned something about a $100 gift card in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation!

The most direct way of getting an invitation though is to simply call the general number of the hotel chain you’re interested in, and asking about timeshare ownership.  They’ll transfer you to the right department at which point you can ask if they have any presentations available in your area, or if there are any promotions you might be eligible for.

What to expect out of a timeshare presentation

Before you attend a timeshare presentation, be aware that they can be VERY aggressive in their tactics!  I’ve been on the receiving end of a very high-pressure sales pitch and realize how difficult it can be to say no, even when I know it’s not something I want to sign-up for!  The best thing to remember though is that you can always say no, very firmly, but politely.

Also, be aware that attending these timeshare presentations can take several hours out of your day, so you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it, especially if you’re on vacation!

Tips for getting out of timeshare presentations quickly

You’ve got an appointment.

This is probably the oldest trick in the book. But if you’re looking to get out of a timeshare pitch, set a deadline for yourself by telling the salesperson that you’re meeting someone for plans (drinks, dinner, etc.) at a certain time. 

Don’t show any interest — at any price

This trick is only good for those who aren’t easily swayed. But if you can, try not to engage in the pitch. Be firm in your decision and let the salesperson know that the deal doesn’t make sense for you and your family.

Just be aware that they’ll try to push you on the price. There are reports from some readers that salespeople can sometimes lower the price by as much as 75% less than the initial offer. Again, they’re trying to make the sale. And these are tactics used to make it appear as though you’re getting a good deal.

Mention that you prefer using travel rewards

This is another trick that’ll be pretty hard for the salesperson to argue with. Simply tell them that buying a timeshare doesn’t make sense for you because you prefer to use miles & points for your travel . Why would you pay for lodging when you could stay at a hotel for free? There’s really no counterargument to that point!

Bring your children along

We all know how well kids behave when it comes to sitting still for long periods of time (HA!). And there’s arguably no better excuse to getting out of something than when you have a cranky child to attend to. So bring your kid(s) along to the presentation and make your escape when their patience has run out.

Hotel Chains With Timeshares

Hilton .

Hilton’s timeshare operates under the name Hilton Grand Vacations.  To give you an idea of the size of their timeshare operations, if you decide to join as a Club Member, you’ll be joining over 300,000 other members worldwide, and have access to vacation exchange options across over 4,300 resorts globally.

Most of their timeshares are located in the US, although they do have 3 international locations as well:

• South Carolina

Hyatt’s timeshare goes by the name Hyatt Residence Club.  Although they don’t offer nearly as many locations as Hilton, they do advertise and market luxurious stays at 16 locations in the US.

One of the neat things Hyatt offers right on their website is a section for “ Featured Vacation Offers. ”  Some people online have reported getting even better deals by calling in and referencing these offers, stating that they’re interested in timeshare ownership but want to get more information.

• Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Pointe

California:

• Hyatt Residence Club Carmel, Highlands Inn
• Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, Northstar Lodge
• Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen
• Hyatt Residence Club Beaver Creek, Mountain Lodge
• Hyatt Residence Club at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
• Hyatt Residence Club Breckenridge, Main Street Station
• Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation
• Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Beach House
• Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Sunset Harbor
• Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Windward Pointe
• Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach
• Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka’anapali Beach
• Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, High Sierra Lodge

Puerto Rico:

• Hyatt Residence Club Dorado, Hacienda Del Mar
• Hyatt Residence Club San Antonio, Wild Oak Ranch

IHG calls their timeshare brand Holiday Inn Club Vacations.   Similar to Hyatt, they also have a section on their website for “ Special Timeshare Offers, ” so if you call in asking about timeshare ownership or their special offers, you might be able to land an even sweeter deal and possibly an invite to a timeshare presentation with more incentives!

IHG has timeshare locations within the US in several different states.  They also have a number of locations designated as part of their “ Signature Collection ” for an even more luxurious stay.

You can find a full listing of their timeshare locations here , and you’ll see they’re located in quite a few different states:

• Massachusetts

Marriott’s timeshare brand goes by Marriott Vacation Club.   According to their website, they offer over 50 resorts, 4,000+ Marriott hotels, and 3,000+ affiliated resorts.

You receive an annual allotment of Vacation Club Points when you join this program, which you can then use to book a stay at one of their locations worldwide .

Choice Hotels

Back in 2013, Choice Hotels ventured into the timeshare ownership segment by partnering with Bluegreen Vacations as their preferred vacation ownership provider.

You’ll be able to book a stay at any of their 60+ resorts in over 40 unique destinations .  The vast majority of them are located in the US, although they do have 2 international locations as well.

• North Carolina
• New Hampshire

Wyndham’s timeshare brand operates under the name Club Wyndham.   You’ll have the flexibility of vacationing in different areas each year through their Club Wyndham Plus program, where your ownership is translated into points deposited annually into your account.  Depending on where you want to stay, accommodations are assigned different point values and you can redeem them throughout the year.

Wyndham has a number of timeshare resorts available both within the US and internationally :

• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island

International Locations:

• New Zealand

You have other (better) options for saving big on hotel stays!

If you’re nervous about sitting through a high-pressure sales pitch, keep in mind it’s not the only way you can save big on traveling!  There are still many amazing hotel credit cards that can get you free nights at your favorite hotels.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Most valuable welcome bonus for hotel stays: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Best hotel credit card for value and comfort:  World of Hyatt Credit Card
• Best hotel credit card for big spenders: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Best hotel credit card for elite status:  Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Best hotel credit card for road warriors: IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card

The information for the Hilton Aspire card , and the Hilton Surpass has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For instance, with the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you could earn enough points for as many as 10 nights in category 1 Hyatt hotels!  The card is currently offering a welcome bonus of up to 60,000 bonus points – earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more bonus points with 2 bonus points per $1 spent on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point up to $15,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.

Or if you apply for a card that earns flexible points, like Chase Ultimate Rewards points , you can also transfer the points to a hotel partner for free nights as well.

Bottom line

Attending timeshare presentations can be a lucrative way to save a lot of money on your trips.  That’s because many hotels offer incentives like certificates for free hotel stays, bonus points, and gift cards, to motivate you to attend one of their timeshare presentations.

Many of the major hotel chains have some sort of timeshare brand.  If you haven’t been cold-called or targeted for a specific timeshare offer, you can always call the general number for the hotel and ask about timeshare ownership.

If you do attend a timeshare ownership presentation, be prepared for a very high-pressure sales pitch, and don’t be afraid to say no.

If you’re not sure if you can make it through their tactics, remember that you can always focus on earning miles and points from the best hotel credit cards to redeem for free hotel stays instead.

What are your thoughts on timeshare ownership, and have you sat through a timeshare presentation before?

Contributor

Andrew Wan is a contributor for Million Mile Secrets where he covers points, miles, credit cards, airlines and hotels. His work has also appeared in The Simple Dollar.

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Decoding TIMESHARE PRESENTATIONS: A Step-by-Step Guide and How to Protect Yourself

Schedule your free consultation to cancel your timeshare here, what is a timeshare presentation.

Timeshare presentation vacations  are long-lasting and hard-selling, similar to walking into a used car dealership. Know the timeshare presentation  process to avoid becoming a new victim of these so-called "vacation homes"

Timeshares have been a boom over the last twenty years; however they have changed and evolved to give a better service. As a result, the name of this type of memberships were changed for “Vacation Club”.

Importantly, these memberships are not an investment because they are not real estate; you are buying a service to enjoy leisure time with family and not to do business, and that is how it should be seen. In some countries, these types of memberships are for life (deeded) and can be inherited by the relatives of the owner of the membership.

In the sale of Timeshares or Vacation Clubs participate different persons participate, like LINER (the person who shows the product and tries to convince the customer to buy), CLOSER (this person comes after the "liner" and, as its name implies, comes to closing the deal), and FRONT TO BACK (this makes the work of "liner" and "closer").

  Timeshare presentation deals

Most people would not want to attend a timeshare presentation  on their vacations. Resorts know this and give away incentives to tourists to attract them to their sales floors, some of the gifts they give away are:

Free breakfast Tours around the city Fishing trips Flying certificate 3 Nights, 4 Days stays Discounts during the stay if the client is staying at the resort.

Timeshare presentation steps

Such memberships are sold to consumers following a "step-by step" guide, which we inform you of here:

a) GREETING:  in this first step, the seller meets the family or the people who will participate in the presentation of the product. Here; the seller has a great smile and is introduced to all members of the family without ignoring the young children, which will influence the decision of parents to buy his product. This step is usually done outside the showroom and does not last more than 3 minutes.

b) INTENT STATEMENT here will be so noted and explained that the presentation will last no more than 90 minutes or less, depending on customer interest, and this is where the seller makes guests feel relaxed and not feel pressured to buy. This step takes 2 to 3 minutes.

c) WARM UP:  At this time, the guests and the host usually have breakfast that is provided to prospective clients; you talk about everything but the product that will be presented; the seller, by training, searches for customers something that "clicks" with them and so gains their trust.

d) DISCOVERY  While eating breakfast, the sales representative asks questions regarding their way of vacationing. Due to his training, this information is, necessary, to "qualify" the customer and get an idea of the kind of package that you may be offered later, so there is always something for the buyer.

e) TOUR (PRODUCT PRESENTATION) Once breakfast is finished, the seller must make the presentation of the product. This could be done by computer or in the traditional way, which would be on paper, sometimes using pens or colored markers due to the fact that our brain perceives these colors, and it is easier to persuade the customer to buy (part of their training). During the functioning of the holiday program, prospects are invited to stroll through the resort's facilities and learn about the different areas of the resort. The salesman  then takes his guests to see the rooms they will enjoy in the future. Once in the rooms, salespeople know how to "put in the movie" the customers, and have their emotions flow, and want to keep the membership. After the  timeshare tour through the rooms, resort salesmen and get to go back to showroom

f) CLOSING  When they return from touring the facility, the seller asks customers questions with the sole intention of passing them to the "closer". Sometimes the "liner" shows the prices of the memberships, and most of the time, customers cannot pay these prices, so it is time to request assistance from the "closer" which is about the intention to clarify the questions that were previously done by customers and, in turn, he makes what is called "Drop" is a "discount on price” shown previously, this is where begins the work of "closer" who have been trained to refute all the objections that the customer can give and get the sale.

How to survive a timeshare sales pitch

If you are not interested in purchasing a timeshare, do not attend a timeshare presentation ! The  gifts are not worth wasting a day of your vacation and putting your hard-earned money at risk of being scammed by the timeshare salespeople. If you have already purchased a timeshare, contact us at Mexican Timeshare Solutions . We offer professional and efficient services to cancel your timeshare contract as soon as possible. At Mexican Timeshare Solutions, we will work hard on your behalf with no upfront fees. Contact us today for a free consultation!

To receive more information about timeshare presentations and how to cancel your timeshare, send a WhatsApp to +52 1 333 239 6589, fill out the contact form,  or call us at +1 714 277 3662.

 Information to share

If you liked this article, please help us to share this information to more people in order to avoid more timeshare scams victims, how?

• Follow us on Facebook
• Share this link  http://www.timesharescam.com/blog/89-timeshare-presentations/ on your favorite blogs and forums

Leave your comment below and share your opinion with us. To know more about timeshare scams go to: Timeshare Promotions: Are they good deals?

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Timeshare Upgrade: A Solution or Just Another Waste of Money?

Is timeshare a good investment?

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• Presentation

What is a timeshare presentation, and things you need to expect?

• December 21, 2022

There are various methods to have a presentation; the Timeshare Presentation is one of the unique, and also, it could be a challenging type of Presentation design service . Salesmen mostly use it to sell their product to you; they may spend hours or even days to convince you to buy it. In our article, we are exploring what is a timeshare presentation , how it works, and what you should know about it.

Table of Contents

Timeshare Presentation Meaning

A timeshare presentation is a type of presentation designed to sell Timeshare. Timeshare salespeople use this type of presentation for potential customers. Typically, a timeshare presentation will cover the benefits of owning a timeshare. One good example is the ability to vacation for different targets, to be flexible about the date you prefer to choose, and the possibility of saving money on vacation costs. Moreover, Timeshare can explain various types of available timeshares to you and guide you to choose the suitable one among them for you.

Timeshare tours always come with high-quality designs and mostly contain various content like video, photos, and other elements.

How does the timeshare presentation work?

First, the timeshare salesperson will introduce themselves and their timeshare company.

Next, a short introduction is given about timeshare resorts, describing what they are and the various types that exist.

Afterward, they will talk about the advantages of having a timeshare, including the option of visiting various resorts worldwide, choosing your own date, and sometimes it could be cheaper than any other vacation.

They will then detail the particular Timeshare for sale, giving the name and location to the hotel, the kind of unit sold, and its value. Lastly, they will respond to all the questions of the probable customer.

The benefits of using a timeshare power presentation

This can be a highly efficient strategy of selling and marketing timeshare.

This may also enlighten any prospective customers who are not aware of what a timeshare is all about.

This helps in overcoming objections by prospective buyers and assures them if they are interested in holiday homes or vacation property timeshares.

This can also be used for advertising, promoting interest and enthusiasm towards timeshares.

What happens in a timeshare presentation?

Many times, you will encounter some salespeople who represent those different sides that constitute any given pitch. Take for instance, a greeter that is supposed to take in your personal details and help you settle in by making you feel at ease while a tour guide who acts just like they have become friends with you strives to win your trust.

He will take you on a guided tour to the best areas for relaxation in the resort, and he will ask about the places that you love to visit or tell you about get out of timeshare presentation . This enables them to customize the pitch so as to fit into your requirements and also facilitate passing your information to other teammates.

Timeshare presentation tips

• Ensure that you do your research about it before heading out because it can help you to have a better understanding of all types of Timeshare presentations and their pros and cons.
• Make sure you set the right budget and stay within it. Do not get yourself to such an extent that you would be forced to acquire a timeshare that is outside your budget.
• Do not sign until you’re 100% sure about purchasing a timeshare.
• Be prepared to walk away. If the offer does not satisfy your demands, you should not hesitate to quit or leave.

A Timeshare presentation would serve as an effective way of selling the product by a timeshare salesperson. It should be highlighted, though, that there are always risks associated with timeshares. A buyer should always be willing to research any product to know how to go about it prior to purchasing the Timeshare. There are some other additional expenses attached to Timeshare, which include maintenance fees and closing costs.

Is it worth sitting through a timeshare presentation?

Can the following timeshare presentations offer a fair deal? Even still, there are moments when sitting via a timeshare presentation could be worth your while. You can find the right timeshare deals on offers for discounted stays, gratis nights, and more online or get suggestions through phone calls or emails.

Can you walk out of a timeshare presentation?

You can say ‘no’ through the whole timeshare presentation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you have complete agency. If you want to leave at any point during the presentation, no matter how pressured you feel to stay, you are free to do so.

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Things to Know Before Attending a Vegas Timeshare Presentation

Whether you’re looking for a dependable vacation rental to spend all your Vegas casino winnings, or just want a way to get free perks that include some of the best local shows and attractions , timeshares can accomplish both. 

Timeshares are nothing new, but as the way we travel has changed over the years, so has this niche industry. This guide details what a timeshare is, why they’re so popular in Las Vegas, and ways you can benefit from them—both in vacation deals or simply their free offers around town.

What is a Timeshare?

By now, many people have heard about or even stayed at a timeshare. If it’s a new concept to you, timeshares are shared vacation properties that provide you with a designated time to visit them. Think of it as sharing a vacation home with several other families. Since everyone owns the property, you will get a specified vacation time every year to enjoy it with your family, and other times are reserved for the other owners. 

This shared vacation home ownership concept has been around for decades. In theory, it reduces the cost of a vacation. However, as the travel ecosystem has changed, so have timeshares. Many companies updated the model of gifting vacation points every year that can be redeemed at a brand’s properties around the world. Timeshares now give more flexibility in deciding when and where you take a vacation, all for a lower price than if you were to book at a hotel.

Some boutique timeshare properties will offer all-inclusive amenities that include things like full kitchens, complimentary daily meals and beverages, access to pools and spas, fitness centers, recreational activities, childcare, etc. 

Some of the most popular timeshare companies you’ll find in Las Vegas include:

• Holiday Inn Club Vacations
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club
• Wyndham Vacation Ownership
• Tahiti Village Resort & Spa
• Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
• The Grandview at Las Vegas
• Worldmark Las Vegas

Many people associate the word ‘timeshare’ with scam. In response, they have adopted new terms like “vacation club” and “vacation ownership” to avoid the stigma. 

But are they really worth it?

The Popularity of Timeshare Presentations on the Strip

Las Vegas is a tourist hub which makes it a hotspot for vacation-seekers. Travelers on vacation have several things in common that make timeshare offers popular here:

• You fit the target market of someone who travels for vacation (you’re already on vacation, afterall)
• You’re looking to have a good time in Vegas
• Once you’re in Las Vegas, you most likely want to return one day. 

Many people on the Strip fit these criteria, which makes the approach easier to draw you into the world of timeshares. But it isn’t the thought of spending more money that gets people’s attention—in fact, it’s the exact opposite. 

Most owners of timeshares come across the opportunity after sitting through a presentation. These impromptu business meetings can easily get people to take time out of their vacation time by offering perks that are nearly impossible to decline. 

Suppose you come across a salesperson on the street, or even offers online with free tickets to shows , attractions , discounts, or free night stays at hotels . In that case, you’re likely being targeted for a timeshare sales presentation. 

The good news is that the offers are usually legit! If you agree to attend the presentation, you’ll get the free tickets and prizes at the end. The bad news is that everything comes with a cost, and the presentation may end up making you spend more time and money than you anticipated.

If you have concerns about being scammed, you should stick with the ones that have kiosks located in major hotel lobbies. You can also ask the front desk about them and they will let you know if it is legit.

If either the free tickets or the actual vacation property offer sounds interesting, then it can be a great opportunity to benefit from it!

What to expect during your presentation

Being approached to participate in a timeshare presentation can be in person during your trip, or even online before you travel. Online requests for participation are where you’ll typically get free nights at a hotel in exchange for your attendance. While offers may vary, some require a small deposit to guarantee you’ll attend. If you show up, you’ll get your deposit refunded. However, if you don’t participate in the meeting or cancel your trip, your deposit is subject to being forfeited. 

A timeshare company salesperson usually does in-person approaches set up at a kiosk in busy tourist areas, such as outdoors on the Strip, indoors at The Shops at Crystals , hotel lobbies, and many more. 

Many timeshare presentations have set times to attend, but due to the urgency of the salesperson, don’t be surprised if you’re called an Uber on the spot and driven to the presentation site. However, you can always decline the offer and demand a specific presentation time.

The overall goal of the timeshare presentation is to get you to purchase a property before you leave. Statistics show the success rate is higher during the initial excitement, which explains the notable urgent/pushy sales tactics used by the sales team. Keep that in mind, and don’t take anything personal! They speak to thousands of people every week and work on a commission, so they’re trying to close a sale right away to get paid. 

Each timeshare company has different processes, but these are the general activities that happen:

• Arrive in a waiting room with food/snacks
• Sit in a presentation about the property to inspire you to think about vacationing with them
• Attend a property tour of the grounds and a sample unit
• Sit with a salesperson to discuss the overall cost and potentially close the deal (most time consuming part)
• Visit the reception desk for your free perks

Presentations can last anywhere from 90 minutes to upwards of a few hours. The biggest variable is the stage of sitting with your salesperson to discuss the overall costs.

This is the part that most are anxious about if you’re familiar with timeshare presentations. As a rule of thumb, you’ll get one offer, but if you decline, they’ll present follow-up offers with slightly better deals. If you still decline the offers, the last resort can be for a trial period or even a credit card offer. Showing any signs of interest in either of the offers can drag on this cycle for hours. 

Pros and Cons of Timeshare Presentations

It’s no secret that timeshare presentations have a bad reputation, but there are both pros and cons. Here’s a quick snapshot!

• Free tickets to shows and events , attractions , or hotel stays
• Opportunity to join a travel club with a reputable company
• Time spent in presentations
• Rushed decision-making

Should you sign up for a timeshare presentation?

Contrary to popular belief, timeshare programs are not scams. They are legitimate opportunities to join their clubs. The adverse reactions to them result from travelers not understanding the full terms of the deal, yet accepting the offers on a spontaneous decision that impacts your finances for years to come. 

In an argument supporting timeshares, it’s an opportunity to have a guaranteed vacation option every year. If you’ve researched and find that timeshares and related programs are the best options, you can get great deals on them. Just keep in mind that the first offer is never the best. Make sure you understand associated fees, interest, cancellation penalties, and other costs before agreeing to sign up. 

If you’re not interested in timeshares and, more importantly, don’t fully understand the terms, these programs are not for you. High interest rates and uncapped fees can end up costing you much more than you think you’re paying. However, you can benefit from attending the presentations by simply attending to get the free perks afterward. 

You’re never obligated to sign up for a timeshare offer, no matter how pushy the sales team is towards you. They understand that many people are there just for the free gifts, and politely saying you’re not interested in the offers is the quickest way to get back to enjoying your vacation. 

We should note that if you’re attending a presentation, you cannot attend inebriated or arrive late. Doing so may forfeit your gifts and deposit. 

Attending a timeshare presentation in Las Vegas is an excellent way to get free gifts to experience the best events and shows on the Strip . Signing up for an offer is a financial decision, and you should closely examine the terms before going through with it. If you’re not interested, simply say no, and you’ll (hopefully) be soon on your way to enjoying more of Las Vegas!

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Is Attending a Timeshare Presentation Worth It for Families?

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

We've probably all received an invitation to a timeshare presentation where we'd spend a few hours but get a free or inexpensive vacation out of the deal. Most of the time we say "no" because of the horror stories we've heard from people who have attended a similar event with aggressive sales tactics or with people that didn't respect their time. Today's parents have limited time to spend with their children while balancing work and household duties. Is attending a two-hour timeshare presentation to save a few bucks worth sacrificing time with the family -- especially when you're on vacation?

But some of these timeshare properties, many of which can also be booked with points, are pretty appealing. We'll talk about the timeshare pitch and perks in a minute but let's first look at some timeshare properties families may want to visit.

Top Timeshare Properties for Families

Here are a few examples of popular family-friendly timeshares, many of which are bookable on traditional hotel points. Elite members might receive an upgrade to a larger room when making a hotel reservation. And, another bonus of booking a timeshare-stye property usually ensures that you'll get a one-, two- or even three-bedroom unit that will easily fit your family (and with washing machines!).

• Kidani Village, a Disney Vacation Club property at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas (Orlando, Florida): There are four savannas with more than 200 hoofed animals and birds roaming the resort. Although not part of a hotel loyalty program, points from Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard (not currently available to new applicants) can pay for your room. I found nightly rates in the $300s before tax. You can even "rent" Disney timeshare points from owners. Personally, I want to book a room here for my family just for the unique experiences with the animals.

• The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas* (Lahaina, Hawaii): Beautiful weather year-round and tropical landscapes make Hawaii a favorite for family travel. Cash prices start in the $500s, but rooms are only 50,000 Marriott points per night.

• Marriott's Grande Vista* (Orlando, Florida): My family stayed here before and loved the pools and game rooms. My son really liked the towers and water cannons at the Plaza del Sol pool. Cash rates start at $183 per night or 35,000 Marriott points.

• Hilton Grand Vacations on the Las Vegas Strip* (Las Vegas, Nevada): While gambling is for adults, the shows and attractions are for visitors of all ages. Las Vegas is a popular family destination for food, fun, and shopping. Room rates are as low as 54,000 Hilton Honors points or $124 plus tax. The Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card is a great way to earn points with a 125,000 welcome bonus after spending $2,000 in three months, and 6x points at US Restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations.
• Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka'anapali Beach: This property is right next to the Hyatt Regency Maui. The stretch of beach here is fantastic and the pool complexes are exactly what your family dreams about when thinking "Hawaiian vacation." Use 30,000 World of Hyatt points. Cash prices for the one-, two- and three-bedroom units varies depending on the season but are clocking in just shy of $1,000 per night for a two bedroom and $1,089 for a three bedroom this summer. The World of Hyatt Credit Card can help boost your Hyatt points balance.

• Westin Princeville Ocean Villas: The North Shore of Kauai is light on points hotels, but the Westin Princeville is an option on hotel points or for timeshare owners. Standard rooms are 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night and paid rates start at about $300+ per night. Larger suites are bookable for higher prices. Guests here get to enjoy the nearby beach at the Princeville Resort that is the perfect place to watch Hawaiian sunsets.

*For both Marriott and Hilton, loyalty members can redeem points and receive the fifth night free to increase their savings.

The Timeshare Offer

Spending points, however, isn't the only way you can stay at these villa-style properties. Most of them canvas travelers to find some that will exchange their time to attend a presentation for a free or heavily discounted stay, cash or a combination of the two. In most cases, you'll need to set aside at least two hours for the presentation.

The offer will vary based on which company's presentation you attend. If you are actually interested in buying into a timeshare, do your research beforehand to understand the pros and cons of ownership and get a firm handle on pricing. The timeshare resell market can be a great way to save money if you do decide that ownership is right for you.

No matter what the offer is to attend a presentation may be, always negotiate when speaking with the representative. Remember that you'll be giving up valuable vacation time with your family to sit through the timeshare presentation. He or she may have something extra to offer to close the deal.

Here is a timeshare offer we've seen recently:

Holiday Inn Vacations Club

While checking on my IHG Rewards Club account, the telephone agent discussed a Holiday Inn Vacations Club timeshare offer. For $199, my family and I would receive a four-day, three-night vacation in our choice of one of 14 destinations. The options included Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, the Great Smoky Mountains and other destinations.

Once we attended the presentation, we would receive the $199 back in cash plus a $100 discount certificate for a future Holiday Inn stay. I love a great deal, so I signed up to attend.

Some offers are a bit pricier, such as the $798 offer some receive to spend 5-nights at the Westin Princeville in Kauai, though that offer does include an Avis car rental. Or, at the Disney Aulani in Hawaii attending the sales presentation scores you two luau tickets (normally $139 each).

Our Stay in Gatlinburg

We booked our stay for Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains. We came to find out that the city is a great family destination filled with fun tourist attractions, delicious food and amazing nature hikes. (And don't miss Dollywood , which is nearby.)

Cash Versus Points

If you'd like to stay at the timeshare resort, you can book rooms for less than $200 a night or 35,000 IHG Rewards Club points. The IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great way to earn IHG Rewards points to pay for your stay.

The Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown is located immediately next door and shares many of the benefits of the timeshare, including the indoor waterpark and pool. On many of the dates I checked, the rooms were very inexpensive when paying cash. You could book a room for 30,000 IHG points, but when the cash price is so low, I would opt for the cash rate or book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal .

Attending the Timeshare Presentation

When you attend a timeshare presentation, remember that you're sitting with trained sales professionals. Their job is to weave a story to create an emotional connection and get you to believe that timeshare ownership is better than staying in a hotel where you want, when you want and paying how you want (cash or points).

Most timeshare presentations say that you need to attend for 90 to 120 minutes. If you let them, they'll keep you there as long as they can. If they've done their job correctly, they'll try to find the emotional trigger that will get you to buy one of their packages before you leave.

Do Both Spouses Need to Attend the Presentation?

Timeshare purchases are a big commitment, so the salesperson wants to ensure that both spouses are there to sign off on the contract. If one spouse is not there, it is an easy excuse to say that "I need to speak with my spouse about this" to get out of the potentially high-pressure sales pitch.

Before I got married, many timeshare companies I spoke with would not book an appointment with me. Their sales presentation is designed around families and the memories you create while traveling.

Can Children Attend With You?

Timeshare companies know the children can be a distraction or an excuse to leave early during the sales presentation. Because of this, your children may not always be allowed to attend the timeshare presentation with you, though there are exceptions to this. For example, the Disney Vacation Club does a great job providing colors and such for kids to stay busy during the presentation. We have heard of children attending with other brands, too, such as Hyatt.

When we travel with our children, they usually go to the kids club while we speak with the sales representative. In most kids clubs there will be toys and video games for them to play with, drinks and snacks to enjoy, and television to watch.

With many vacations jam-packed with activities, the kids club can be a welcome breather for kids to relax and enjoy some free-style play.

The Presentation

After signing in at the front desk, you'll watch a video with the other guests while your sales rep waits in another room. The video is designed to make you think about how you can travel with your family using the timeshare and what fond memories you will create. Timeshare members will talk about the places they travel with their ownership and how they love that the timeshare can be passed down to their children.

Once the video is finished, you'll go to the sales rep's table where he will ask questions about how you like to travel, where you want to go and how much you spend on vacation.

It always amazes them when we talk about how much we travel and how little we spend. Most of the sales reps that we've talked to do not understand the value of miles and points.

The Sales Pitch

The answers you provide help the sales rep craft the presentation and approach to get you to buy. The simple math works like this: You say that you travel a certain number of days each year and spend so much each night. They multiply this number by 40 years and compare your expected spend against the purchase of a timeshare.

The sales rep will tell you that it is better to buy a timeshare than rent hotel rooms. But what they often neglect to mention is that the timeshare locations aren't always in the places you like to travel, popular resorts book up quickly, maintenance dues go up each year and you'll pay the dues even when you don't travel. Additionally, if you go through a phase where you need to tighten up on discretionary spending (such as travel), you can't do that as easily if you owe set dues each year.

After you've listened patiently and politely declined their offer, a manager will come to the table. The manager will ask if the sale rep treated you well and take some notes.

At that point, he or she will probably offer you a trial package or maybe a discounted offer to return. A trial will let you try out the timeshare membership for one to two years by paying $1,000 to $3,000 to have a select group of properties to stay at. This package may lock in today's prices in case you decide to buy in the future.

For many people, the trial or sampler package can be a good deal compared to cash prices for the same properties -- points are sometimes even thrown into the deal.

At our Holiday Inn Vacations Club presentation, they offered us a future eight-day, seven-night stay for $1,499. We would be in a two-bedroom, two-bath unit similar to the one we toured earlier in the day. Although the rooms were attractive and the offer was tempting, we couldn't see our family wanting to visit any of their locations for eight days.

Should You Say Yes?

Although my family owns a couple of timeshares that I bought in my 20s, I generally recommend against buying one today. With so many vacation options using hotel points, discount travel sites like Groupon and timeshare rental websites, it usually doesn't make sense to lock yourself into a timeshare.

Related: Why Timeshares Aren't Always a Scam

If you do decide that buying a timeshare is right for your family, understand that you can buy them significantly cheaper on the secondary market. Websites like eBay, Redweek and Tug2.net offer thousands of listings of people trying to sell timeshare memberships that they no longer use or cannot afford.

Alternatives to Buying a Timeshare

Of course, we're all familiar with using hotel points when we travel. But did you know that you can rent timeshare units as well?

Many timeshare properties are available using hotel points. Others are available for rent on eBay and Endless Vacation Rentals .

Mommy Points recently rented Disney Vacation Club points from David's Vacation Club Rentals for an awesome Walt Disney World getaway. Going this route allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of a timeshare vacation for a given trip without the upfront cost or responsibility of annual maintenance dues.

Booking a Cheap Spring Break Vacation

For example, if you wanted to travel to Orlando for 2020 Spring Break and stay at a timeshare property, you have many options. A one-bedroom villa at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando is available from Endless Vacation Rentals for $161 per night (total of $1,125 for the week).

The same room is available directly from Marriott for $170 per night (total $1,190).

Marriott Bonvoy members can book a week in this room for 300,000 points. The nightly rate is 50,000 points per night, but the fifth night is free as a member benefit.

In my experience, the closer you get to the travel dates, the lower the prices will be on Endless Vacation Rentals because they need to sell the package before the dates pass. Of course, specific dates can sell out.

Is It Worth Your Time?

For our family, giving up two hours of our vacation to earn a big discount on travel expenses is a good trade-off. My wife and I have the strength to decline their best offers to buy, no matter how appealing they may sound in the moment. In our experience, when you attend a timeshare presentation with a well-known name, once you say "no," they will (eventually) respect your decision.

Our family enjoyed a great four-day, three-night vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains for a net cost of $0 after attending the timeshare presentation. Plus, we now have a $100 certificate toward a future Holiday Inn hotel stay. Yes, we spent two hours of our time listening to a timeshare presentation, but it was worth it to have a free family vacation.

Have you attended a timeshare presentation to save money on a vacation? Was it worth it for the perks or will you never do it again?

Travel on Point(s)

• In & Out In 15 Minutes! My Unique Hilton Timeshare Presentation Experience

• October 11, 2023
• Mark Ostermann

Travel on Point(s) is an independent, advertising-supported website. This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites like Cardratings.com. This compensation does not impact how or where products appear on this site. Travel on Point(s) has not reviewed all available credit card offers on this site. Reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any partner entities.

Hilton Timeshare Presentation Experience

Last week I finally had my 150,000 point Hilton timeshare presentation offer meeting in New York City. This is the second time we have done one of these offers with Hilton, but this one was very unique. I doubt many will be able to recreate my Hilton timeshare presentation experience fully, but I think there are things that can be learned from it. Because of that I figured it was worth sharing with all of you.

Table of Contents

Booking The Hilton Timeshare Offer

This amazing offer was available earlier this year. Believe it or not it was actually one of my first articles at ToP. We wanted to take the kids somewhere for their birthday so I let them pick from the destination list. They decided on New York City and I booked it for October (right around both of their birthdays).

The deal was we would need to go to a 2 hour, or less, sales presentation put on by Hilton Grand Vacations . For doing that we would receive a great reduced rate on a three night stay and 150,000 Hilton Honors points upon completion.

We did a similar offer in Orlando back or 2019 and it took about the full two hours to complete. This time around was completely different though.

Sharing My Hilton Timeshare Presentation Experience

There were several things that were a bit different with this Hilton timeshare presentation experience compared to last time around. I'll go through each of them with you.

The Presentation Center Was In The Hotel

The first thing that was different was that the Hilton Grand Vacations offices were in the Hilton Midtown hotel . They had several timeshare presentation offices within the same building. I believe there were three in all where you could be sent. Our meeting area was the one located on the top floor. It was wasn't the easiest to find, it required riding an elevator to the top floor of the hotel and then walking down a hallway to another small elevator up the last level. This was one of those small one floor elevator types.

From what I could tell there was a Hilton Grand Vacations property on the top few floors of the Hilton Midtown hotel. I have to imagine those rooms were better than what we had below, since the hotel was not great.

There Was No Big Rah Rah Room

This could be a change since covid, or it could just be the limited space of New York City, but there was no rah rah room. In Orlando we were grouped together with like 30 other attendees and the head salesperson went through some things with us and got us in the habit of saying yes. Then we broke off with our individual reps for the one on one sales pitches portion at the same time.

This time around our rep promptly met us upon arrival and took us straight back to her desk. I prefer this set up so that there isn't a needless 30 minute pep rally. I think this set up works to our favor as well, but more on that in a bit.

We Were Done In Under 15 Minutes

This is where things got interesting. We sat down with our representative for some small talk, and the normal chit chat. She seemed super nice and from what I could tell we got one of the more straightforward, honest people in the business. I think she really believed in the program for the right person and that showed.

While chatting, how we found out about the presentation offer came up. I informed our rep that I wrote about it for work and then decided to take advantage of it. That is when we got into miles and points and the fact that I would write about my experience during the meeting as well. I also told her were mainly there for the points bonus.

You could tell this threw her for a curve. She immediately understood that I was not a person that this program would mesh with. I told her I pay next to nothing for my trips, thanks to miles and points, and that is when she said hold on for a few minutes. I assume she left to speak to a supervisor and came back to the table about 5 minutes later. That is when she told me we could leave if we wanted to or we could ask any questions we had. She said there was no point in going through the presentation with us etc. I appreciated this bluntness and we were free to leave after around 15 minutes of entering the sales room.

She was very open about the fact that selling these were her job, and time spent pitching me was wasted and wouldn't benefit her much. I totally agreed with this.

Asking Some Timeshare Questions That Had Been Bothering Me

I didn't leave right away because I actually enjoyed her company and I had a few questions I was interested in hearing the response to for timeshare offers / companies. We also talked about miles and points for 5 – 10 minutes. During that time I encouraged her to get into it a bit more for the airfare side of her travel even if she owned some timeshares. I can not stress enough how open she was and willing to discuss anything, which I found super refreshing. Here are some of the things we discussed:

They Offer A No Fee Credit Card – The Hilton Amex

While we were talking about my work, and using credit cards for discounted travel, she brought up that they have one they offer people. She wasn't sure if it was unique to them, but it was mainly for people that want to buy a timeshare but weren't prepared to do so. She said everyone comes in here expecting to say no, and that all they ask is they have an open mind. The reason for the card offer is the 0% APR it has. The card ended up being the no fee Amex Hilton card. I forgot to ask if they get any bonus etc. for card sign ups, but I assume they do.

What Is Her Response To Someone Buying Timeshares On The Secondary Market

I was really intrigued by this question, since I know it is something people say to bring up in your sales pitch meeting. Grizzled timeshare presentation vets say this is a way to give a firm no! Hilton Grand Vacations, and maybe others, figured out a work around for this. They have the right of first refusal if you ever try to sell your timeshare. If the price is too low they will buy it back themselves to keep it off the secondary market. This ensures the public prices stay where they want them to be. If the price is high enough they will pass on buying it back. Pretty smart.

What Happens When You Die And Your Kids Don't Want It?

I was also curious about the stories of people's heirs getting stuck with the maintenance fees after their parents pass away. From what I had heard they need to inform the company they want to forfeit their right to the timeshare, or they get stuck with the monthly dues. She was not 100% sure on this but she said she didn't think they did anything when someone passed away, assuming the no one in the succession line wanted it.

Points Transfer Rates Depend On Where You Buy

One thing I liked about the Hilton Vacations Timeshare program in particular, and maybe others offer it too, is that you can turn your timeshare points into Hilton Honors points if you are unable to use them that year. The rate at which you can transfer (I believe the two options are 16 to 1 or 32 to 1) depends on where you buy. It has something to do with the deeds etc. for those areas. She informed me that where you have your meeting doesn't matter though. She can sell you to any of these. So if you are in Myrtle Beach, but the NYC package works better for you (one of the 32 to 1 options), then they can make that happen. It should be noted that the higher transfer rate is a more expensive package.

She said if you want to just go to the same destination every year then the lower package makes more sense etc. They will tailor your individual package to whatever your travel desires are.

Who Are Timeshares For?

The last thing we discussed is who she thought timeshares were for. She admitted that they are not for everyone. The ideal person is a middle class couple or family that struggles to use their vacation time. Owning a timeshare forces them to make time for a trip. If you paid for it already then you are more likely to use it.

Being able to pass it down to kids is something many people like as well. Once the upfront cost is paid they look at the monthly dues as a reduced cost vacation. That may be more space than they would have gotten for the same price or a discounted rate in an expensive destination like Hawaii.

She admitted that miles and points people did not fit into this box. Really wealthy people didn't either, because they can pay for wherever they want to go. In her view, this program makes more places accessible to the middle class. I can see where she is coming from.

Hilton Timeshare Presentation Experience Main Takeaways

While my experience was unique I still think there are lessons to be learned.

Individual Pitches Are Our Friend

I think getting straight to the sit down with a sales rep portion is helpful to us. That makes me think they keep pulling from the constant flow of people and they don't want to waste time with a lemon such as us. With the old set up they likely didn't have a new pool to pull from until the next pep rally happened. They were stuck with who they got for the duration. I am not so sure that is the case with this set up.

Be Upfront About Your Travels

I think explaining that you travel A LOT, and most of it is for pennies on the dollar, helps you to a quick exit. I tried to do this in Orlando as well, but in a more roundabout way. They didn't really pick up on that though and when I asked questions for work purposes they mistook that for interest. This time I was as upfront and blunt as I could be. If you do the same maybe they will see you are a lost cause and quickly discard you. Tell them you did it for the discounted room and bonus points.

The Points Posted Really Quickly

They said it could take a few days, but the points were in my account within a few hours. This was a huge improvement compared to my last Hilton timeshare presentation experience years ago. Previously, it ended up taking a few weeks and some follow up to get.

It wasn't special blogger treatment either, since multiple people in the ToP Facebook Group said theirs posted within minutes of their meeting. I was really happy to hear that.

ToP Thoughts

Overall, our Hilton timeshare presentation experience was surprisingly pleasant and refreshing. They were okay dropping a losing hand and our rep was very open and up front about everything. I enjoyed speaking with her and it was interesting to get some more color on the program. It was cool to hear about her experience as a salesperson too.

I don't know if this is unique to her, the New York office or if it is a testament to the entire Hilton Vacation Club company, but I was pleasantly surprised. It almost made me feel bad about not buying something, almost.

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Why you should attend a timeshare presentation (hint: free stuff).

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Those who know me well already know I’m obsessed with earning points and miles. My wife and I have traveled far and wide — and gotten some pretty sweet rewards from the best travel rewards credit cards .

In addition to making the most of our  credit card points and miles, my wife and I like to seek out and attend timeshare presentations as a way to maximize our travel experiences (and get free stuff). The presentations are not as bad as they may seem to sit through — we’ve come away with some pretty sweet things.

In fact, a lot of major hotel chains have timeshare properties, and it’s pretty normal for these chains to offer incentives to people like you and me to attend presentations and listen to sales pitches.

Intrigued? Let’s take a look at what timeshares are and how they work, what you can earn by attending a timeshare presentation, how to get invited to a timeshare presentation, and how to make the experience worth it.

What is a timeshare, and how do they work?

What happens at a timeshare presentation, gifts you can earn from attending a timeshare presentation, how to get invited to a timeshare presentation, hotels that offer timeshares, how to decide if a timeshare is right for you, why a timeshare may not be right for you, bottom line.

A timeshare is shared ownership of vacation real estate. For example, multiple people might own 1-week increments of a vacation condo near Disney World in Orlando. Some timeshare programs allow you to lease the property for a period (usually several years) without actually owning it.

A timeshare can be located in a resort, condo, apartment building, or campground, just to name a few. Owning a timeshare guarantees you that amount of time each year in the property you own.

Many timeshare programs work on a point system, which allows you more flexibility to choose when and where you go, rather than being locked into one property for a specific week of the year. For example, instead of going to that condo in Orlando for a week, you could use the points for a week in an apartment in Las Vegas.

At a timeshare presentation, it will typically start with a check-in to confirm you attended. There will likely be refreshments, and the sales pitch will start with a video. 

After that, you'll sit down with a sales rep who will do a timeshare sales pitch that includes information about the property, location, and amenities. If you’re buying into a company that allows you to use your allotment for multiple properties, you’ll learn more about the types of properties the company owns.

And, of course, they'll sell you on the idea that timeshare ownership will save you money over booking hotels. Keep in mind that these are timeshare sales professionals who know sales tactics in and out. You might find the sales presentation more compelling than you expected. If you walked in not wanting to buy, it's likely best to walk away. 

The company will likely offer an incentive or discount if you sign up for the timeshare on the spot. That doesn’t mean you should. You could negotiate for a better offer or simply walk away, especially if they're doing a high-pressure sales pitch. If the main reason you’re attending is to get the incentive for attending, then you’ve fulfilled your obligations by attending.

If you find yourself interested, keep in mind that you don’t need to decide right then and there. If you don’t already have a spending plan in mind, walk away and take more time to crunch the numbers and make sure the timeshare fits into your budget and your vacation plans for years to come.

Even if you don’t sign up for a timeshare (I never have), the incentives offered can totally be worth your while. These can include cash, points for hotel loyalty programs, free passes (like Disney), and free or heavily discounted rates on hotel stays, which can essentially amount to a free vacation. What’s more, you may be able to combine incentives — think points plus a discount for a hotel stay to attend one presentation.

Here are a few examples of the perks you get:

• Stay in a villa studio in Hawaii, receive points for the hotel’s rewards program, and even get to do free activities on site. This could include dining credits, sightseeing tours (yes, it could be on a sailboat), a car rental voucher, and luau tickets.
• Head to Orlando and not only will you get discounts on resorts or special accommodation packages, you could get Disney FastPass+ and even free tickets to Disney World itself.
• Some timeshare presentations in Las Vegas offer discounted hotel stays, vacation certificates, resort credits, and even free concert or show tickets.

I don’t know about you, but all of these incentives sound pretty good to me — that is, if you’re willing to sit through a hard sales pitch. If you are, let’s move onto how you can get invited to one.

You may have already been invited to a timeshare presentation — maybe you received a phone call or a promotional offer in the mail. In some cases, you’ll get an offer in your email inbox just because you’re a member of a hotel’s loyalty program.

But if you’re impatient like me and hate waiting, here are a few ways to get yourself invited to a timeshare presentation.

Approach timeshare reps when you reach your destination

Also known as taking advantage of an on-site offer, approaching timeshare reps is a great way to get an invite. What salesperson wouldn’t want a potential customer walking up to them without any effort on their part?

Don’t worry. Once you arrive at your timeshare destination, there should be no shortage of reps, especially if it’s a touristy destination. All you need to do is approach a rep and express an interest in attending a timeshare offer.

This is important, though: Confirm what the incentive to attend will be before you agree to go to the presentation — some of the best points offers or other desirable perks are earned by going this route.

Reach out to the timeshare department ahead of time

If you want to make sure you’re guaranteed a timeshare presentation with incentives, you can call ahead — ask to be put through to the timeshare department. Again, this just makes getting you in as a potential customer easier for reps, so they’re going to take you up on it.

Of course, just because you commit to attending a presentation doesn’t mean you have to buy anything. It’s OK to earn your incentive and walk away.

Get referred by a timeshare owner

Do you happen to know anyone who owns a timeshare? If so, ask that person to refer you. It doesn’t have to be the timeshare they bought into — it could be somewhere else within the company’s timeshare portfolio. For example, if your friend is a timeshare owner at Club Wyndham’s Shawnee Village, they could refer you to a presentation at any Wyndham timeshare property.

Making timeshare presentations worth it

We polled members of the  FBZ Elite Travel and Points Facebook group on whether they would sit through a four-hour presentation to get 45,000 Wyndham points. Most people said no, that their time was more valuable.

One commenter, Elana S., said it best:

I need to work for 1.7 weeks in order to earn my PTO (paid time off) for 4 hrs that turn into 5-6. On the other hand, I need to work 0.2-0.4 week to cover the cost of the future nights this presentation gives me. Mathematically, it doesn't make much sense. My PTOs are hard earned and I have to jump through hoops to secure my vacation due to the nature of my job. My time is more valuable than money.

That’s totally fair. And, yes, time is more valuable than money. However, there are ways to make these presentations worth it — or else I wouldn’t have attended a few of these in the first place.

If you do attend one, do your research. Typically the big players — most major hotel chains — offer the best incentives and are the least likely to be scams. When getting an offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate your incentive or gift. Seriously.

Think about it: As Elana said, you’re trading your precious time to attend a sales pitch (that you may want to nap through). So don’t feel nervous about asking for a bigger incentive that will make it work for you, like asking for a Visa gift card instead of rewards points.

Whatever you’re negotiating for, make sure you’re getting the most value out of your commitment.

• Choice’s timeshare partner is Bluegreen Vacations , and it has 71 resorts in many destinations, including Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 
• Hilton Grand Vacations is Hilton’s timeshare brand, and there are resorts in a variety destinations, including Hawaii, the Smoky Mountains, and on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Hyatt’s timeshare brand is called Hyatt Residence Club , and it has resorts in many different destinations, including Puerto Rico, Lake Tahoe, and Key West, Florida. 
• IHG’s timeshare brand is Holiday Inn Club Vacations , with resorts at domestic and international destinations, including Orlando; Cancun, Mexico; and Sheridan, Illinois. 
• Marriott Vacation Club is Marriott’s timeshare brand, and it offers more than 1,000 resort locations, including Maui, Hawaii; Bali, Indonesia; and Aruba. 
• Club Wyndham is Wyndham’s timeshare partner and has over 45 destinations in myriad resort locations, including Taos, New Mexico; Branson, Missouri; and San Antonio, Texas. 
• Disney Vacation Club offers stays at Disney-branded resorts around the world, including those near Disney theme parks. 

If you’re tempted by a timeshare company's presentation, here’s how to decide if it’s right for you:

• Consider your travel habits . If you tend to visit the same place every year, or if the timeshare offers flexibility that makes sense for you, a timeshare purchase might be a good investment.
• Look at the costs . Make sure you understand all of the fees associated with owning a timeshare, including annual maintenance fees and property taxes.
• Think about your long-term plans . If you’re not sure where you’ll be in 5 or 10 years, it might not make sense to invest in a timeshare.
• Research the company and the property . Make sure you’re comfortable with the company’s reputation and the location of the property.
• Talk to other owners . Ask other timeshare owners about their experiences to get an idea of what owning a timeshare is really like.
• Consider the resale market . If you're really interested, you might find a better price on the resale market rather than buying directly from the timeshare salesperson. 

A timeshare definitely isn’t a good fit for everyone, so it may be best to walk away from the presentation. Here are a few reasons why.

• High upfront costs . Timeshares can be expensive to purchase, and many require a large down payment.
• Ongoing fees . In addition to the initial purchase price, timeshare owners are typically responsible for ongoing maintenance fees and property taxes.
• Limited flexibility . Timeshares are often located in specific destinations and may only be available during certain weeks of the year.
• Difficulty reselling . It can be difficult to sell a timeshare if you decide you no longer want it.

Attending timeshare presentations isn’t for everyone. But if you’re interested in discounted (or even free) trips and incentives like free points and cash, showing up could be worth it.

Make sure you have a game plan before you attend — will you be open-minded to the sales pitch, or are you dead set on saying no? Whatever you do, don’t feel pressured to make a purchase you’re not ready for — it’s OK to take their incentives and walk away. If you decide the timeshare approach isn't for you, you can still get free perks and rewards by using one of the best travel credit cards to book your trips. 

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How to Get Out of A Timeshare Presentation Fast & Enjoy Free Vacation!

Timeshare presentation deals are attractive because they can get you a free vacation or an incredible discount, but they can also be a huge pain if not done right. Whether you just got a timeshare presentation invite and are considering signing up or you already booked your vacation and wanted to learn how to get out of a timeshare presentation fast, this is the guide for you!

My husband and I have been to a fair share of timeshare presentations in the past few years, and some of them were truly nightmares. We were once stuck at a timeshare presentation in Cancun from early morning till almost 7 PM. The pressure to buy into a timeshare was just too much, and we were not equipped with enough knowledge about the industry to deal with the high-pressure sales tactics.

But not to worry, because you’re here, and you will learn all that I wish I knew before signing up for a timeshare presentation deal. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to freedom!

1. Understand Timeshare Deals and Vacation Club Ownership Promotions

If you want to survive a timeshare presentation, the first step is to do your research ahead of time and know what you’re getting into before you go to the presentation.

🏠 What is a timeshare?

A timeshare is a vacation property, usually a vacation home or condo, that is shared by a group of people. Each person has the right to use the property for a certain amount of time each year. Timeshares are typically owned by companies, and they will sell or rent out the units to timeshare owners. There are many different types of timeshares, and they can be used for vacation homes, rental properties, or even primary residences.

Though it is certainly not for everyone, timeshare has become an increasingly popular vacation option, especially for families because it offers the opportunity to own a piece of prime real estate that can be used for vacationing year after year. Many big hotel brands have their own affiliated timeshare division, such as Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, Holiday Inn Vacation, Club, Hyatt Residence Club, and Disney Vacation Club, etc.

There are many different types of timeshare ownership plans available, but the two most common ones are points-based and deeded-week.

• A points-based program is a system in which each year, you have a number of points that can be redeemed against nights at your timeshare. For example, if you have 2,000 points, you could redeem them for two nights at a studio for two people or one night at a one-bedroom suite for four people. Points can be accumulated over time, and there is no limit to the number of points that you can have.
• A deeded-week program, on the other hand, is a system in which you have a “week” of the year that you can use your timeshare. For example, if you own the 26th week at a timeshare, you would have that same week every year to use for your vacation.

I’ve met a lot of people who were timeshare owners and they seemed to truly enjoy the ownership, but one thing I have learned is that timeshare is certainly not for everyone. There are annual maintenance fees that must be paid in order to keep the property in good condition. Timeshare properties can be swapped for other properties, but the process can be complicated. If you decide to sell your timeshare later, it’s important to know that it doesn’t hold much value in the reseller’s market. All of this is to say that if you’re considering a timeshare, be sure to do your research and understand all of the pros and cons before making a decision.

🏠 What is a timeshare presentation?

A timeshare presentation is a high-pressure sales pitch for vacation ownership in which a company tries to convince you to buy a timeshare. The company typically offers incentives such as free tours, free event or show tickets, free transportation, or an incredible hotel discount to lure you to attend a timeshare presentation with the hope that you will make a purchase.

The promoter usually promises that the pitch would only last 90 minutes or two hours, but the time varies depending on how long you take to tour the property. It will also take much longer if you haven’t had much experience dealing with the high pressure of their timeshare sales tactics.

During the timeshare presentation, the presenter will try to convince you that owning a timeshare is a great investment. They will likely talk about how much money you can save by vacationing at their resort, and they may even offer some sort of incentive, like a free stay or a discount on future purchases.

🏠 What really happens at a timeshare presentation?

At check-in, you will be asked to present your ID and credit card for verification purposes. If you attend timeshare presentations in Mexico , you will be asked to sign a paper which basically states that you can’t come back for another presentation at the property. Our sales representatives explained to us that it’s part of Mexican law to protect customers from being pestered again and again. However, they would later use that as part of their high-pressure sales tactic that if you don’t make a purchase then, you won’t ever be able to buy from them!

After check-in, you may be presented with snacks, drinks, breakfast, or lunch while you wait for the sales representative. It usually starts with a casual conversation where the sales presentative tries to understand your finances and travel patterns, before explaining to you how vacation ownership at a timeshare property can help you travel for a fraction of the cost.

They will make you the first offer, which is usually very expensive, but it comes with several perks like an extra free stay at the current property or another property owned by the company. They will position the timeshare deal as a golden ticket to luxury travel for cheap!

If you hesitate, the representative will throw in more offers, of course, at lower prices and fewer perks, making the first offer look like it has better value. If you don’t commit to buying, another presentative will be sent to convince you. You will most likely see several rounds of sales representatives, each pushier than the last. Some of them will try to convince you to buy a timeshare by making false promises about the benefits of ownership.

They use very high-pressure tactics to ask you to commit right then and there, as the offer is no longer available when you leave the property.

2. If you’re interested in buying a timeshare, negotiate for the best deal

While timeshare is not for everyone, it can be a good way to save money on vacations for certain people who enjoy coming back to a favorite destination every year. Timeshare owners have familiar accommodations to return to each time without the hassle of having to manage a fully owned property. 

If you have the intention of buying a timeshare, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. One way to do this is to pressure the timeshare company for the best deals during a presentation.

Never accept the first offer and keep asking for more for discounts, freebies, and other incentives. If the salesperson isn’t willing to budge (which usually doesn’t happen), show that you’re ready to walk away and look for a better deal elsewhere.

When you push hard enough, the sales representative may have to check with the manager/director, but they will usually be able to accommodate a better deal. With a little bit of pressure, you can get the timeshare presentation you want at a price that’s right for you and get extra benefits.

We have successfully negotiated several timeshare deals, some from around $30,000 down to $10,000 and with even more points and perks. The sales reps will make it sound like every offer they throw at you is the best, but if you turn back the pressure on them, you will be surprised at what kind of a deal you can walk away with!

Book a one-on-one coaching session on timeshare negotiation for $399!

3. If you don’t have the intention of buying, be upfront and firm

If your sole intention is to get free gifts and discounts during vacation, it’s understandable that you will want to get out of the timeshare presentation as soon as possible. In that case, it’s important to be upfront and firm with the sales representative from the very beginning.

Let them know that you’re not interested in buying a timeshare and that you’re only there for the free gifts. If they try to pressure you into making a purchase, politely decline and excuse yourself from the presentation. By being honest and assertive, you can avoid wasted time and unwanted pressure.

The salespeople are trained to pressure you into staying, so you have to be stronger than they are. Tell them that you’re not interested and that you want to leave. Be polite, but don’t give them any room to negotiate.

If they sense that you’re even remotely interested, they will try to hard sell you on the timeshare. Some of them will try to guilt-trip you into buying because of the free gifts you’re getting, but remember that you’re not obligated to buy anything. The free gifts or discounts are purely incentives to get you to attend the presentation.

If you follow the above steps, you should be able to survive a timeshare presentation without too much trouble. Want more? Grab my free timeshare survival kit with things you could say to get out of the timeshare presentation fast!

Key Takeaways: How to Survive a Timeshare Presentation

Timeshares can be a great way to save money on vacations, but they are certainly not for everyone and can become a major financial burden.

A timeshare presentation is a way that companies use to woo you into buying a timeshare. For some people, it’s not worth it to have to endure hours of pitches and high-pressure sales tactics just to save a few extra bucks on vacation. For others, timeshare presentations are the golden tickets to luxury travel on a budget.

The trade-off is that timeshare presentations are often long and tedious, and can be very difficult to get out of. Only you can decide if it’s worth it for you or not. But after all, I hope this post has equipped you with the important knowledge and tips to help make your escape from the timeshare presentation easier!

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How to Get Invited to Timeshare Presentations

Advantages & Disadvantages of Timeshares

Timeshare presentations are widely known as a way to earn a free vacation or gift. In exchange for 90 minutes or more of your time, you may be offered a stay in Orlando and theme park tickets or a complimentary night in Las Vegas with a gambling credit thrown in. Timeshare companies focus their marketing on people who can afford their product, so you might not receive unsolicited invitations unless your income is above a certain level. If this is not the case, there are still ways to get invited.

Understanding Vacation Timeshares

Timeshare ownership has been a popular vacation option for many decades. The basic idea is that a group of people divide ownership of a piece of property and take turns using it. Traditionally, each owner is allotted a week or more per year of property use. The idea originated in Europe after World War II. Since the first timeshares opened in America in the late 1960s, the concept has expanded to include a few different types of vacation property sharing. It helps to understand them before seeking out presentations.

• Fixed Week. An owner can use a specific house or unit for the same week each year for as long as the timeshare is owned.
• Floating Week. An owner can use the timeshare property for any week during the year, based on availability.
• Points Club. Owners accumulate or purchase points that allow them to stay at properties in different locales. This type of timeshare is also referred to as a vacation club or travel club . Like floating week timeshares, owners have flexibility when choosing vacation time.
• Right-to-Use. Also known as a leased timeshare . Buyers of this type of timeshare lease a property for a set amount of time each year for the length of their contract. Ownership of the property is not transferred to them.

Different types of timeshares have different rights and privileges. For example, fixed and floating timeshare owners generally have the right to sell, swap or give away their time. Owners of timeshares that use point systems are often able to exchange their points for hotels, cruises, airline tickets and other vacation options. They can also roll their points over from year to year.

Finding Timeshare Presentations

Staying at a resort that offers timeshares is probably the easiest way to be invited to a timeshare presentation. Since Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Disney and other hotel brands also have timeshares, you may hear about a timeshare presentation during a hotel stay or you may be contacted by phone or mail after you return home. Being a member of a hotel’s loyalty program could also earn you a timeshare presentation invitation. Coupons, gift cards and credit card bonus points are typically given away in exchange for attending these presentations.

There are dozens of independent timeshare companies and vacation clubs in the U.S., some larger than others. Many operate booths at county fairs and other community events, where you may be asked to sign up for a raffle or drawing with your phone number or email address. Later, you’ll be contacted about attending a timeshare presentation. There are also timeshare sales offices in some resort areas where you can sign up for a presentation.

Online, you can browse websites like VacationPeople.com that provide information about vacation packages offered as timeshare presentation deals. When all else fails, you can try calling a timeshare company directly. Tell them you are interested in learning more about their offerings and would like to attend a presentation. If you qualify, you’ll probably receive an invitation.

Qualifying for a Timeshare Presentation

Most timeshare presentations have some requirements for attending. Attendees usually must be at least age 25. Some companies prescreen attendees and only invite those with a certain income level. Married couples are favored over singles for some timeshare sales pitches. Showing up without your spouse if you were both invited could get you turned away from a presentation with no gift.

Before You Go

To avoid wasting your time, it’s a good idea to research a timeshare company online and see if there are any legitimate complaints about people not getting the gifts they were promised after attending a presentation. The Better Business Bureau website and the forums of travel websites like TripAdvisor are good resources for reviews of timeshare companies and their presentations. In some cases, free coupons that sound too good to be true come with strings attached that make them difficult to redeem. If you do decide to attend a presentation, make sure to find out all the details about the giveaway before the presentation starts.

Attending a Timeshare Presentation

The gifts offered by timeshare companies for attending their presentations may sound too good to be good, but in most cases, it’s not a scam. Competition for sales is high among timeshare companies, so you can expect to be the target of a hard sell campaign if you do decide to attend. If you’re interested in buying a timeshare, most experts say you will save money by shopping on the resale market instead of buying directly from a resort or timeshare company, who mark up prices by as much as 50 percent to cover the cost of marketing.

If you don’t intend on buying a timeshare but are interested in the free giveaway, be prepared to resist the sales tactics of company representatives. A timeshare presentation is typically 90 minutes to two hours long. Gifts and coupons are not distributed until the end of the presentation, which may or may not involve a tour of the property.

Telling a timeshare sales agent up front that you actually have no interest in buying will not save you from having to listen to the sales pitch since they are hoping to change your mind during the presentation. It’s important to stay for the entire presentation, especially if you are on a free vacation hosted by the timeshare company that’s contingent on hearing the sales pitch. Leaving early could mean you have to pay for the stay. After the advertised time has passed, however, you are within your rights to say you are ready to leave and still receive your gift.

Timeshare Pros and Cons

Besides providing a guaranteed location for vacation time, there are several other advantages to timeshare ownership. Timeshare units are typically larger than hotel rooms, with amenities like two or more bedrooms and full kitchens and laundry rooms. Being able to trade a week at a timeshare for another location is another great benefit, with timeshare resorts available all over the world.

Probably the biggest disadvantage of timeshares is the difficulty in selling them. Many owners can’t find a buyer or are forced to sell for a loss when they decide they no longer want their timeshare. Annual maintenance fees are another issue. These fees increase over time and must be paid even during years when the owner doesn’t use the timeshare. Another disadvantage is that owners may not be able to book vacations at popular locations during peak vacation seasons.

Financial experts say that if you do decide to buy a timeshare, you should view it as a vacation purchase rather than a real estate investment. No matter what the salespeople say, timeshare properties do not increase in value over time and the resale demand is not strong. If you know you’re going to be spending a certain amount of money each year on vacation and like the convenience of knowing where you’ll be going, a timeshare can be a good way to create vacation memories.

• MoneyCrashers: Attending a Timeshare Presentation for a Free Vacation – Good Idea?
• Forbes: Buying a Timeshare: The Pros and Cons
• VacationPeople: Timeshare Vacation Promotions
• Marriott Vacation Club: The Benefits of Ownership
• Federal Trade Commission. "Timeshares and Vacation Plans." Accessed April 20, 2020.
• Unless you intend to buy a timeshare before you go into the presentation, be careful about buying one on the spot. Usually, any deal that you are offered will still be available when you call back once you get home. Alternately, you may be able purchase the same timeshare on the resale market at a discount.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are at the presentation. Lowering your inhibitions may lead you to make an expensive purchase that you will regret.

Catie Watson spent three decades in the corporate world before becoming a freelance writer. She has an English degree from UC Berkeley and specializes in topics related to personal finance, careers and business.

Timeshare Presentation In Maui: How To Get In The Door For Freebies

On Maui, glorious weather and spectacular views are often all the freebies you need. But sometimes, you can get a little something extra for almost no extra work. 

The timeshare freebie is often enough to convince even those with no interest in a timeshare investment to shuffle into the boardroom and attend a talk.

So, what is a timeshare presentation freebie, and how can you get in the door to earn your reward?

What’s The Deal With Timeshare Freebies?

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If you’ve ever sat through a particularly long and boring meeting, you’ve probably felt as though you deserve a reward for making it to the end.

Timeshare presentations obviously understand that mindset. They know the best way to get you through the door is to promise something at the other side of it.

For sitting through a timeshare presentation, you can get some decent freebies: vouchers are common, but some presentations will even reward you with a check. 

It all sounds pretty sweet, right? The downside is that a timeshare presentation can be long, and while you’re stuck, incredible Maui is waiting for you.

What Kind Of Freebies Can You Expect From A Timeshare Presentation?

The freebies for attending a timeshare presentation are variable. Some places will give vouchers for days out and trips, occasionally totaling as much as $200. Vouchers for snorkeling trips, tours, and boat trips are all common incentives for attending a timeshare presentation.

In some circumstances, attending a timeshare presentation might be rewarded with a check. Although these amounts are likely to be less than the value of a voucher, there’s more flexibility for use.

Large resorts might offer credits in return for attending a presentation. For example, touring the Hyatt could get you money to spend at the spa.

The best presentations will give you a range of freebies to decide between, so you have to consider what you’ll actually use. $250 to spend at a spa might seem like the best deal, but if you’re more likely to enjoy a $150 boat tour, then the decision isn’t quite so simple.

If you seem interested in investing, you may also be a discount for a hotel in return for attending another presentation. These can be pretty good deals, but the offer will still be an expensive holiday.

However, not all the freebies will be worth it. Valuable rewards aren’t a guarantee. Instead, you might find yourself leaving the presentation with nothing but a small outing as payment for your time.

Is It Worth Going To Timeshare Presentations For Freebies?

A freebie for attending a presentation can seem like a pretty sweet deal. All you have to do is sit and listen to someone talk for 60 minutes, maybe take a tour of a property, and you walk away with a $100 gift card, or an exciting trip away. 

Unfortunately, those 60 minutes can easily slide into 90, and then 120, or maybe even 150 minutes. The next thing you know, half the day is gone, and you still don’t have your freebie.

A freebie is a fantastic treat, but sometimes the sacrifice just isn’t worth it. No one wants to be missing out on glorious Maui just to watch a presentation for a timeshare they have no intention of investing in.

Also, some presenters can be pretty aggressive with their sales technique. They’re unwilling to take “no” for an answer, and it can be difficult to get away—especially if you want the chance to pick up your freebie.

How To Get In The Door Of A Timeshare Presentation

Finding a timeshare presentation on Maui is rarely a difficult task. Many of the big resorts offer a timeshare option, and salespeople are eager to talk to anyone they think might invest.

First, you need to find the places that actually do timeshares on Maui. Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, and Hilton are all brands known for running timeshares, and they all have properties on Maui.

Head to the hotel lobby, and inquire about timeshares. Asking at the front desk may not be necessary. Many of these resorts will have a booth set-up, ready to explain timeshares to anyone who shows interest.

Local malls are also a great place to learn about prospective timeshare presentations. Look for booths, which will often lure you in with the freebies.

Alternatively, give these places a call, and ask if there are any timeshare presentations coming up.

Tips For Getting Into a Timeshare Presentation

Next, be aware that you may need to bend the truth about your salary. Timeshares are expensive, particularly in somewhere as lovely as Maui.

The hotels don’t want to waste their time describing the deals to someone who can’t afford to invest. Don’t worry, they’ll rarely need to see exact figures. 

Finally, be prepared to get your foot back out the door. Timeshare presentations aren’t always the aggressive sales techniques they’re made out to be, but it can still be hard to get away. 

What About Timeshare Presentations Before You Go?

At the end of a timeshare presentation, you’ll often find yourself offered a deal in the future if you agree to attend another presentation.

Although this is still going to be an expensive vacation, it’s money off what you would have paid. Of course, at this point you’re already on vacation, and might not be thinking ahead. 

Attending a timeshare presentation when you’re in the holiday planning stage can be a way to get a bargain for your upcoming vacation. Call the hotel in advance to inquire about presentations, and see what you can get.

But a word of warning. For the best deals, you sometimes have to pay to attend the presentation. 

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How to Create Slides That Suit Your Superiors: 11 Tips

When you’re pitching ideas or budgets to execs in your organization, you need to deliver slides that fit those particular people just right. This checklist identifies the key considerations.

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I recently interviewed 20 of my customers, all in senior roles at Fortune 100 companies, and asked them their biggest pain point in presenting to higher-ups and even colleagues. What I heard consistently was that it can feel like Goldilocks bouncing from one option to the next, testing to figure out what’s “just right.” Does the audience want deep reports? Sparse slides? Something in between? Like … what?

Teams often come to presentation meetings with vast amounts of backup content just in case an exec wants to take a deep dive on any given point. There’s often a struggle to anticipate every direction attendees might want to go. It’s frustrating, and it’s not efficient.

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There are many ways to build slides. I’m not just talking about crafting them well versus poorly. I’m talking about all of the important decisions regarding how to organize them, how much text to use, when to lean into a chart, the best ways to use bullets and color, and whether to include an appendix with additional information. Before you make your next proposal or request of the executive team, use this list of 11 tips for your next set of slides as a guide.

Four Things You Must Have in Every Exec’s Slides

Before we drill down into the harder aspects, the ones where your executives’ tastes may vary widely, let’s quickly cover four aspects that you can consider the building blocks — the basics you should never proceed without.

Start with an executive summary. Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure. First, start with stating the current realities. Second, clearly state the problem or opportunity your idea addresses and its potential impact. Third, explain how your recommendation solves the problem or exploits the opportunity and the next steps you’re proposing.

Have a logical organization. The arc of the deck — the package from beginning to end — should make sense. If your audience reads only the headline of every slide, the order should be coherent and make most of the case for you. The content below each slide’s headline must support the statement made in the title. Remove everything that doesn’t support your point; as writers will tell you, you sometimes need to “kill your darlings” when you’re editing.

Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure.

Make it skimmable. Help your audience to quickly grasp the point without getting bogged down in details. Create a clear visual hierarchy. Guide the reader’s eye through the content: Use bold headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break down information into digestible pieces. Highlight key takeaways or conclusions in a different color or font size to draw attention to these critical points.

Focus on concise insights. Succinct statements with clear insights are everyone’s jam. Every slide should serve a purpose and contribute directly to the decision-making process. Distill complex information. Don’t use 100 words when 20 words will nail it. If you’re having difficulty trimming, consider using company-approved AI tools to help you take out the fluff.

Five Preferences to Confirm With the Person You Want to Reach

Now we’ll delve into what your particular audience does and does not want. If you haven’t yet, start by asking the person you’re presenting to what they generally prefer. They probably know themselves well but have not been asked to articulate how they like to receive information.

Ask how dense is too dense. Some executives prefer detailed slides with comprehensive data. Others favor a more high-level approach. You’re weighing how to balance informative content with readability, ensuring that slides are not overloaded yet are sufficiently detailed to support decision-making.

Confirm the delivery format and timing. Some execs like information presented to them. Others prefer a pre-read of the material followed by a discussion. I always recommend our tool Slidedocs (I’ve written a free e-book on them), which are visual documents using both words and images. The templates help presenters organize their thoughts into a document for a pre-read or a read-along. They are designed to be skimmable and able to travel through your organization without the help of a presenter.

I’m a huge fan of pre-reads and prefer to use my time in meetings to ask questions and build alignment. If your audience didn’t review your material in advance, ask at the top of the meeting whether they would like you to present it or would prefer to read through it and then discuss it.

Find out how much data visualization they prefer. Charts, graphs, photos, and illustrations often communicate complex data more clearly than words alone. When execs can see what you’re saying, they often can better understand the impact of your idea. Does the exec want to understand exact numbers? Bar charts allow them to move their eyes across a series of specifics. Does the exec want to know the shape of a trend over time? Line charts can show the pattern. (See “Classic Charts Communicate Data Quickly.”) Some prefer charts with annotations that draw attention to what you think is the most important point. Others want to make their own conclusions from the data.

One of my clients, the CEO of a massive commercial real estate company, doesn’t want anything visualized. He prefers numbers, only in a table, and only in two colors — black and red. You might think this is archaic. But the fact that he’s clear to his teams about what he wants takes all the mystery out of how to communicate with him.

When the stakes are high, have a conceptual thinker help with diagrams and concepts. If you don’t have one on your team, and when it’s high stakes, find an internal designer to help you or hire one. You can’t afford to have the baby (your idea) thrown out with the bathwater (terrible slides).

Identify which details need spelling out. How well do the people you’re presenting to know the landscape and function of the company and products you’re talking about? For example, if your engineering team threw a slide into a deck about an issue that requires executive approval, do the execs all speak geek? Or do you need to explain the technology so that they will really understand the ask? Either eliminate internal jargon and acronyms or unpack those bits, especially if your proposal deeply involves expertise outside of the executives’ domain.

Ask whether appendices will be useful. When you’re organizing a presentation, you often troll data, read through complicated reports, and even hire external experts to figure out what’s best for the company. Do your execs want access to that supporting data? You can add a document to the end of the presentation as an appendix to show all of the data and source material. This allows the main content of the slides to remain focused and accessible while still providing comprehensive background information for those who want more.

Two Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Getting materials in place is the biggest step. They will be your best tools for selling your ideas. But there are two extra areas to pay attention to as a presenter: how you handle questions and how you use every experience to improve.

Anticipate questions, and practice your answers. Before you have your meeting, gather a small team to challenge every point you make. Invite colleagues you trust to role-play as “a rapidly inquisitive exec” or “the doubting naysayer exec” so you are prepared to present your idea well. They’re gonna grill you, and practicing will help you remain unruffled when it happens.

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Ask for feedback after the presentation. Establish a feedback loop with those you presented to. Ask what worked well and how you can improve. If attendees don’t have the time, find people who have had their ideas funded and talk to them about what they did that worked. Advice and some perspective will help you nail your performance even better next time.

Empathetically understanding your audience members and how they process information, whether it’s executives or peers, sets up your ideas for success. Clarity creates efficiency. When a presentation fits just right, you’ve given your great thinking the best chance of moving through your organization and having maximum impact.

About the Author

Nancy Duarte is CEO of Duarte Inc. , a communication company in the Silicon Valley. She’s the author of six books, including DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story (Ideapress Publishing, 2019).

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