Are timeshares a worthwhile investment? Pros and cons?

I recently came back from vacation in Orlando, Florida and stayed at the Marriott Hotel. They have several hotels and are trying to have me invest in one. I'm thinking about it as I don't want to rush into anything. Property tax is $111 and maintenance fee is $633 which I feel is high. I would like to know about anyexperiences, good and bad people have had with this and what advice you can give me. Thanks! (THe timeshare is the Grand Vista in Orlando, a beautiful place and if anyone has a timeshare there, I'd like to hear about it.)

The purchase price for a 2 bedroom 2 bath at Horizons is $18,100, initial investment of $1,810 and closing costs of $790, term 10 years. Monthly investment of $271. The one at Grande Vista is the same size for $25,400, initial investment of $2,540 and the closing costs of $935. I do like to travel and I'm at the age that I plan on spending more time vacationing at various places. I thought maybe this could be a great opportunity to stay at other timeshares in other cities, countries, etc. (The fixed rate simple interest note is 13.99%)
I am torn and want to know for sure if this is going to be worth it for me. THey tried to "rope" me in that day but I told them something like this isn't something a person jumps into without some serious thought and looking into. Thanks for any more help you can give me!

I bought my first timeshare in 1977. I love it and still own it. I have since bought 3 more. I vacation a lot. A timeshare is NOT a good investment. It will not go up in value. If you vacation a lot and like the idea of staying in a fully furnished and equipped condo, rather than a hotel room, then timesharing is for you.

Buying from the developer is the most expensive way to make your purchase. Buying them used is usually the way to go. It depends on whether or not you want a specific place or want one for trading.

There is a lot to know about this. If you want more information you're welcome to contact me directly; timeshare@sierranow.com

You can visit http://www.mytoursguide.com and find a good number of articles and very useful tips to learn timeshare options worldwide. One can even get a free timeshare as a promotional offers from travel companies. Report It

no any idea

What is the cost of the timeshare including the time value of money? How does that compare to hotel rates? Just the tax and maintenance fees of $744 per year could pay for a few nights at a nice hotel.

I think timeshares are generally overpriced.

Usually NOT if they are the original market offering. The SECONDARY market can be closer to what they are actually worth, with the original owner taking a financial bath.

If you want to invest in Marriot then open a brokerage account at Zecco and buy at least one share (NYSE:MAR) every week and you will own hotels all over the World and you don't have to pay any property taxes and maintenance fees.

Also, you can sell all your shares in a nanosecond.

They will send you some of the profits each quarter until you die.