Timeshare Is More Than Mac and Cheese

I read a review yesterday for a timeshare property that was written by one of those self-proclaimed “Mommy Bloggers.”  You’ve seen them, right?  The travel industry in particular is falling all over themselves to provide free stuff to these moms with a keyboard who seem to think that anyone cares. I digress. 

Anyway, this particular review went on and on about how wonderful this timeshare resort was and all the wonderful amenities they had. The post was filled with at least 75 photos including the macaroni and cheese that her toddler was able to get at one of the restaurants on site. 

I thought I’d drop this wanna be important blogger a note. I asked her the following questions:

1. Do you own at this timeshare?
2. Do you own any timeshare?
3. Was your stay comp’d?

Not surprisingly, she did not own a timeshare, there or anywhere and reported that her stay had been “hosted” by the resort, which of course is her way of saying she hadn’t paid for it. 

Now, as upset as I am that the timeshare resort comp’d her stay in return for a glowing review, that’s not what has me livid. 

What has me livid is that reviewing a timeshare resort without being an owner of any timeshare is just plain stupid. I don’t doubt for a second that this timeshare property is lovely. I’ve seen and worked at some really terrific timeshare properties. 

But lovely isn’t really the point is it?  How can you even begin to review a timeshare property without the benefits or drawbacks, you choose, of ownership?

It’s the same as someone reviewing Chicago as a great place to live, going on and on about the lakefront, the music festivals, the architecture and the pizza—-all great —-without mentioning that for half the year it’s overcast and oftentimes so cold you’re tempted to hibernate in bed for a few weeks. 

So the next time you read a glowing review of a timeshare resort complete with photos of toddler’s hands full of macaroni and cheese, remember that more often than not, the writer has not had to deal with a 4-hour long sales pitch, a large upfront cost, nearly $1,000 in annual maintenance fees, trying to navigate a reservation system, paying upwards of $200 just to secure the reservation and of course being constantly pressured to buy more to move up to Double Secret Ruby Encrusted Status every time you check into your resort. You know, timeshare stuff.