Best Timeshare Resorts

In what may be the most subjective term ever associated with the timeshare industry, trying to decide what the best timeshare resorts are is a little like trying to figure out your favorite grandchild. Some may have an easier time with this choice than others, but because there are so many factors that go into determining the best, it is really up to your individual preferences as to how you arrive at your decision.

With that said, what we can look at in searching for the best timeshare resorts are some of the branded resorts that make them among the best in their respective areas. We understand that there are several independent resorts that have been a favorite destination for owners for many years; however, for the sake of this article we will take into consideration the flexibility that branded chains provide in order to improve the overall timeshare experience.

What Makes the Best

We’ll look at the top branded programs in the country in our pursuit for the best timeshare resorts and highlight some of the strengths and weaknesses in areas that can make a difference for you:

Marriott Vacation Club – with 61 resorts spanning the U.S. and Caribbean, along with resorts in Australia, Asia and Europe, this program is tough to beat. Points can be used for stays throughout the network. Marriott is making a concerted efforts to expand into urban areas such as San Francisco, Washington D.C., Boston and New York.

Hilton Grand Vacations – 53 timeshare resorts owned and managed by Hilton include some of the top resorts in New York City. It offers a variety of experiences from snow skiing in the Rockies to lounging on South Beach, plus the theme parks of Orlando and adult fun of Las Vegas. International options are limited, but they promote the use of the Hilton Honors program to overcome their lack of timeshare destinations.    

Wyndham Destinations – the largest timeshare operator in the world with 900,000 members and 150 resorts under their timeshare wing. Excellent options in the U.S., South America, Caribbean and Australia, but you will want to check to make sure that the points package you buy will give you options across the board. Some of the brands within the network, such as WorldMark and Wyndham Asia Pacific, can be excluded from certain Wyndham points packages. Still an excellent value because of the vast number of destinations within the Wyndham timeshare network.

Other good options are:

Disney Vacation Club – 16 excellent resorts but limited to primarily Orlando and the tie-ins with the theme parks. Resorts outside of Orlando are in Anaheim, Hawaii, Hilton Head, and Vero Beach.

Westin Vacation Club – outstanding resorts, especially in Hawaii and Mexico, but a very limited number of resorts in the network. More quality over quantity.

Bluegreen Vacations – 69 resorts within their network with all but two resorts based in the U.S. They recently added options in Aruba and Nassau. Still provides a solid variety of experiences.

Westgate Resorts – 27 resorts based only in the U.S. but with some very good options such as Westgate Park City, which is a AAA Four Diamond resort, and Westgate Las Vegas with its onsite casino and live entertainment options.

Any Awards of Interest?

Consumer awards can be a good barometer of the quality of a resort, and the best timeshare resorts mentioned below have pulled in some top awards in recent years, such as:

Marriott - Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice Awards for Marriott's Cypress Harbour; Hotels.com "Loved by Guests Award Winner" – Marriott's Village d'Ile-de-France; OpenTable "Diners' Choice" – Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, New York City.

Hilton – the following resorts have garnered the privileged AAA Four Diamond rating:

• Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club (Orlando, FL)
• Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (Hilton Head, SC)
• Kings’ Land by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (Waikoloa, HI)
• Kohala Suites by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (Waikoloa, HI)
• The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (Honolulu, HI)
• Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (Honolulu, HI)

Wyndham - Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top Resorts in Orlando: Readers’ Choice Awards”; Wyndham Rewards was named the Best Hotel Loyalty Program by USA TODAY’s 10BEST Reader’s Choice; 16 properties managed by Wyndham received TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence.

Disney - Disney's Vero Beach Resort was given the AAA Four Diamond rating; Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award given to Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.

Westin - AAA Four Diamond rating for the following resorts:

• Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
• Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
• Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
• Westin Kierland Villas
• Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain
• Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort
• Westin Los Cabos Resort & Villas
• Westin Nanea Ocean Villas

In addition, TripAdvisor’s “Top 1- Mexico Hotels for Families” went to The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort, and Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards “Top Resorts in Colorado” was given to The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain.

Some of the best timeshare resorts on the planet are listed above and, with the backing of internationally known hospitality brands, these resorts and their affiliated networks can provide you with terrific vacation experiences. Be sure to search for the amazing deals on offer here at BuyaTimeshare.com and start planning your next vacation.