Read through Dr. Cory’s list of criteria and see if your life style matches up with ours and the doctor prescribes the freedom of vacation ownership for you too.

Happy Vacationing!

The Case for Timeshares – Who Should Buy

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The 315-room hotel, located at 9501 Universal Boulevard, will be converted into a 226-unit timeshare resort, said Hilton leaders.
It will be Hilton’s fourth and smallest timeshare property in Orlando.

Officials said it will be rebranded Las Palmeras in January, when it is added to Hilton’s portfolio.

“Our Club membership has experienced significant growth,” said Mark Wang, Hilton Grand Vacations president in a news release. “Bringing Las Palmeras into our Hilton portfolio of outstanding resorts increases the value we provide to our owners and guests.”
Renovations on the property, located a mile away from the Orange County Convention Center and three miles away from Universal Studios Orlando, will begin next summer.

Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations has 528 units. It’s located on Deforges Avenue off Interstate-4 near Walt Disney World’s property.
Hilton Grand Vacations Suites at SeaWorld is located on 33 acres of land across the street from SeaWorld Orlando. It has 787 units.
Hilton Grand Vacations Tuscany Suites on International Drive, located near the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, has 720 units.
The property, like the three other Hilton timeshares, will have one- and two-bedroom condominium-style villas. It will also have studios, according to Hilton.

Renovations also call for an updated lobby, heated outdoor pool, new waterslide, whirlpool spa, fitness center, business center, conference room, lobby bar, pool bar and restaurant.

Reservations for the property, for when it is operated by Hilton management, begin Jan. 8, according to its website.

It is unknown when Hilton acquired the property, which most recently was purchased by Marriott International Inc. through a buyout deal with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. last month.

Sales of vacation ownership at the site are expected to begin in February, according to Hilton officials.

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But it’s a big country, and there are so many more places to see—including, increasingly, cities that we never would have given a second glance. Thanks to grassroots and civic revitalization projects, creative types taking advantage of cheap real estate, and the realization that small can be beautiful, a new list of must-see cities is forming.

I asked high-end travel designers about their favorite domestic destinations. These are people who deal in the exotic, who send their clients to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences in far-flung locales. But when I asked about what’s in our own backyard, they were full of enthusiasm.

Use your timeshare this year and discover a new part of the USA too.

LOUISVILLE:

“Louisville is all about good times and good vibes, with vibrant music and art, and a burgeoning food and drinks scene, all characterized by notable southern hospitality,” says Tom Marchant, the co-founder and owner of Black Tomato. It’s also home to some excellent places to stay, from the storied Brown Hotel to the buzzy 21c boutique hotel that also serves as a contemporary, multi-venue art museum. “You can get to the heart of a city by looking at its drinking culture,” he continues. Kentucky is bourbon country, and “the nearby home of Bulleit Bourbon at Stitzel-Weller Distillery is a must-see.”

PHILADELPHIA:
With the Eagles’ exciting first Super Bowl win, a new Four Seasons opening this fall and a creative influx in the Fishtown neighborhood, Philadelphia should be on everyone’s radar, according to Melissa Biggs Bradley, the founder of Indagare. Not far from the Four Seasons is one of the city’s most buzzed-about bistros, Royal Boucherie, which is helmed by a Top Chef winner. “After exploring the city’s noble arts and history attractions (don’t miss the art treasures at the Barnes Collection), experience its modern life in Fishtown.” Check out Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, a cool hotel and Italian eatery housed in a 100-year old distillery, and Vestige, a design-forward boutique.

DETROIT:
“Detroit’s renaissance is a testament to the city’s resilient, creative locals, who’ve revived the once moribund metropolis and set the stage for a compelling, quirky place to explore,” says Marchant. “There’s a palpable authenticity to Detroit.” The Heidelberg Project, a remarkable outdoor art space, has taken over vacant lots and abandoned homes, creating beauty in an unexpected place. The historic architecture is also impressive, from the Michigan Central Station to the Inn on Ferry Street (worth a stay). Shinola Detroit has done its part to bring industry to the area and has expanded its offerings beyond watches and into an ambitious, and impressive, new hotel due to open soon. The food scene is blossoming too.

SAVANNAH:
“One of the best-preserved vestiges of the American South, Savannah proudly displays gracious hospitality, beautiful architecture, rich history and classic charm,” says Biggs Bradley. Creativity is a big part of the city’s fabric, as it’s home to the Savannah College of Art and Design. This year, exciting debuts abound, such as the new Perry Lane Hotel in the heart of the historic district. The low country culinary scene is also heating up with the addition of Sean Brock’s fourth Husk outpost, as well as hot spots like the retro-chic Little Duck Diner for Asian-influenced Southern fare, the vegan café Fox & Fig, and the Grove, an upcoming restaurant and rooftop with panoramic views of downtown.

PORTLAND, MAINE:
Turns out, the other Portland is cool too. “While Maine has a faraway, often otherworldly feel, Portland is easily accessible and quickly becoming a notable place for a vacation,” says Marchant. Summers in coastal Portland are lush, and the early autumn is stately. In season, it’s notably cosmopolitan with interesting bars, restaurants and, of course, lobster. “While Portland may be seeing a surge of energy, it still exudes classic New England vibes.” Stay at the peaceful, historic Danforth Inn or take a ferry to The Inn at Diamond Cove. And excellent breweries abound, notably Bissell Brothers and Stroudwater. “For something quirky, and very Maine, check out the International Cryptozoology Museum, the only one of its kind in the world.”

COLUMBUS, INDIANA:
“The unlikely city of Columbus has become a hot spot for architecture buffs,” says Biggs Bradley. The town’s design mastership is credited to an engine industry mogul who sponsored several notable projects in the 1950s with the aim of revitalizing the city. Today Columbus is home to some 80 modernist buildings designed by some of the 20th century’s best-known architects, including I.M. Pei and Richard Meier. This year is first Exhibit Columbus show, which will celebrate modern architecture with a citywide festival and outdoor installations. “This expo is sure to put the small but mighty Midwestern city on the map. Visit now, before the crowds descend.”

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA:
According to Marchant, Virginia’s historic capital is “buzzing with young energy and signature southern charm. Its culinary offerings are cutting-edge and reason enough to visit, with new restaurants popping up all the time.” Shagbark in the Libbie Mill Midtownneighborhood is exceptional, as is Saison in Jackson Ward. For craft beers, the Veil Brewing Company in Scotts Addition is a must. “Richmond is effortlessly stylish, and for one of the most expertly curated men’s, women’s and home stores in the country, Need Supplycontinues to set the bar very high.”

LANCASTER, PENNSLYVANIA:
This newly hip Victorian city—just three hours from New York City—is still one of the U.S.’s best kept secrets, says Marchant. “The center of Amish country is bucolic but boasts a bustling food scene and is quickly becoming a cultural hotbed. The architecture is the real star, so explore the alleys and cobblestone streets by foot, checking out the many repurposed old warehouses that house thriving businesses, such as the Thistle Finch Distillery for cocktails and The Fridge for well-curated beers.” The culinary star is Luca, quickly gaining national acclaim for its Italian dishes that pay homage to local farming communities. “The arts are central to Lancaster’s growth, notably the stunning Fulton Theatre and neighboring Prince Street, Lancaster’s gallery row, which pulses with art on summer first Friday.

BALTIMORE:
Despite its history as one of the country’s most important ports, Baltimore has been overlooked, notes Biggs Bradley. “But now, with the new Sagamore Pendry Baltimore hotel, a burgeoning arts scene and the planned Under Armour campus, Baltimore’s moniker of Charm City is becoming a reality.” Owned by the billionaire CEO of Under Armour and Maryland native Kevin Plank, the hotel has an acclaimed restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Andrew Carmellini. “Baltimore’s art scene is also on the rise: Local artist Amy Sherald recently unveiled Michelle Obama’s portrait for the National Portrait Gallery and now sits on the board of the Baltimore Museum of Art. This year, the museum is showcasing such pioneering exhibitions as Moon Dust, an illumination installation work by Spencer Finch, who is known for his works at New York’s High Line Park and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.”

SAN ANTONIO:
San Antonio’s proximity to Mexico plays an integral role in its sophisticated food, exceptional art and cultural traditions. That makes it a solid alternative to Austin, says Marchant. “The city, celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, has impressive Latin American art in Blue Star Contemporary, founded during a grassroots artist meeting. Also worth checking out is Ruiz-Healy Art in Olmos Park, a gallery curated by Patricia Ruiz-Healy that explores Latin America, borderlands and Texas discourse.” The best Tex Mex is at El Milagrito—order barbacoa breakfast tacos or fideo soup. In April, Fiesta is San Antonio’s answer to Mardi Gras, and “the city goes wild with cultural events.”

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ILG, formerly Interval Leisure Group, says it has 40 properties and more than 250,000 owners in the Vistana Signature Experiences brand and Hyatt Vacation Ownership portfolios — with an exchange and rental network adding up to 2 million members.

Marriott’s merger with ILG will follow its combination with Starwood and further fuels its battle with fellow timeshare titan, Orlando-based Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN).

The combination of Marriott and ILG will give it about 100 resort properties and 650,000 owners, the company said. Wyndham says it has 900,000 owners and 220 resorts.

ILG shareholders (NASDAQ: ILG) would receive $14.75 in cash and 0.165 share of Marriott Vacations Worldwide common stock for each share if the deal closes. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2018, subject to regulatory approvals and approval by shareholders of both companies.

Marriott’s stock dropped 8.79 percent, or $11.82, on Monday to $122.61, while ILG’s stock rose 4.53 percent, or $1.48, to $34.13.
Marriott said the Hyatt business will give it the rights to develop, market and sell under the Hyatt Vacation Ownership programs, including access to the almost 10 million members of the World of Hyatt loyalty platform.

The deal will give Marriott and ILG owners access for vacation ownership to the Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz-Carlton Rewards loyalty programs, which are expected to be combined into a single loyalty program in early 2019.

The additional revenue streams that ILG would bring to the combined company would raise its total 2017 revenue to $2.9 billion.

Interval International, ILG’s leading exchange business, will maintain its headquarters in Miami, where it has been based since its founding in 1976. Marriott’s headquarters will remain in Orlando, and the combined company will maintain a significant operating presence in Miami.

Under the deal, the Marriott Vacations Worldwide board will be expanded from eight to 10 members to include two current members of the ILG board. William Shaw will remain chairman of the board.
Marriott has received financing commitments from JPMorgan and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

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Now that you have a location selected, visit the timeshare resorts in the area. Don’t go to the sales presentations. In fact, avoid resorts that are still in their initial selling phase. Their prices are inflated and there are too many restrictions on resales. You’ll do better at places that are 100% sold out and owner-owned. Walk around the resort, including the common areas. Look for bulletin boards showing owner-to-owner resales. Ask for copies of their newsletter. Check out their Web site. Read reviews online. Talk to other owners. How do they like the place? What is their yearly maintenance fee? Is the board of directors doing a good job? If you can, attend a resort get-together or a board of directors meeting.

Ask which exchange companies they use, including any independent companies in addition to Interval International (II) or Resort Condominiums International (RCI). Which weeks are most popular? Often you can buy bargain off-season weeks that still trade well. In most cases, the larger two-bedroom units are more popular for exchanges. If you decide to stay at your home resort, will the resort help you exchange your owned week with another one (an internal trade)?

Meet the resort manager. He or she knows the place better than anyone. Spend some time with this person. Ask for a tour, and visit a couple of units. What rules and restrictions are in place? What amenities are included? How are units sold? If owners are required to sell through the resort, prices will be higher. The best deals are owner-to-owner sales or better yet, foreclosures. Ask about any bargain weeks they are trying to sell. Remember, in timesharing, a resale unit is the same as a “new” one. Both receive the same upkeep and usage year after year.

How much should you spend? Of course, it depends on the resort, the week, and the unit. Shop around. If you are uncertain, rent for a couple of years before buying. Remember, if you pay the true “going rate” for a unit, based on what owners are willing to sell for and buyers are willing to pay, you’ll approach the fair market value. If you buy a timeshare week at a fair market price, your chances of selling it someday for the same price or higher are much better.

But no matter how much you pay, don’t look at your timeshare as an investment, any more than you would any other form of vacation or recreation. If you take a cruise or fly to Europe, you don’t look for a return on your investment. With timesharing, you should get at least some of your money back if and when you sell, but your main reason for buying should be the quality of vacations you’ll have at your home resort or the ones you exchange to.

Happy timesharing!

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Next time you’re tempted to take a snapshot of an interesting cloud formation or your seatmate sprawling into your personal space on a plane, remember Arash Shirazi and Steven Leslie.

Both of them are law-abiding citizens and air travelers. And both recently ran afoul of the airline industry’s confusing photography rules.

With only days before the busy summer travel season unleashes millions of shutterbugs on America’s airports, it’s helpful to know about the airline industry’s little problem with cameras so that your own camera doesn’t become hung up on it.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-take-picture-plane-until-you-read-story-christopher-elliott

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