Wife, kid, and I are headed for Orlando for a long weekend in May. We are going to visit family - we have no need to be near any of the amusement parks.

Usually we stay at a Residence Inn type place. This time I've been looking at other options within Marriott - the timeshares near World Center Marriott and even the JW (on a very low rate). JW's a great hotel from what I hear, but in the end we'll probably pick something else simply because we like more room.

My question is: does anyone know of any particularly good 3-night deals in exchange for viewing the timeshare presentation within any of the major, reputable chains?

For example: HHonors used to occasionally send me offers for $199 for 3 nights, including two free tickets to an amusement park. I do the quick math: I'd otherwise pay $125/nt. to stay at Staybridge or R.I. and I'd probably pay $40pp. to visit a good theme park (although I've heard the Orlando ones charge walk-up customers a lot more than that). So they're "paying me" $250 to view the timeshare. 90 minutes on a Saturday morning...I'd probably do that (and just say NO a hundred times, like the guy in the Capital One ad).

Anyone know of any current such offers? I have a reservation for 3 nights at the Marriott Sabal Palms with a standing offer in the rate rules that they'll knock $100 off my bill if I view the presentation. My price is closer to $250...no offense to Marriott's lovely salespeople. :)

Here's a link to the current Hilton Orlando deal now $249

http://www.hilton-grand-vacations.com/1/orlando_prequal.jsp?CLK=5031421521490699&kw=hilton_orlando&traffic_source=QSPPC

Here's a link to the current Hilton Orlando deal now $249

http://www.hilton-grand-vacations.com/1/orlando_prequal.jsp?CLK=5031421521490699&kw=hilton_orlando&traffic_source=QSPPC

That's the one I found, but I can't find a way to actually book it. Going through this link requires you to surrender private data before confirmation that the rooms/properties are available on the dates I want. Going through HHonors.com doesn't yield the rate.

(I'd be happy to go Hilton if I can figure out how to make it work. And I know I will eventually need to take a hit against my credit report to do this, but I'm only willing to do it after I know I'm going to use the deal.)

Have you considered the Disney Vacation Club? They used to have deals to stay and do the presentation for about 2 hours. The cost was more than what you mention, but you get the benefit of staying on site at one of their timeshares, which are very nice.

Hi, All-

I'm planning a trip to Orlando for August (yes, I know it'll be hot, but that's the only time I can go) and this thread on timeshare presentations caught my eye.

I'm looking for more information related to eligibility for these deals. The T&C says that people must have a household income of at least $70,000 and be gainfully employed in order to participate. How, exactly, do they verify that? Let me give you my specific situation:

The two people would be my 22-year-old girlfriend and my 22-year-old self. We will have just graduated from college and neither of us will be starting work until early September. However, once we do start work we will have an annual household income exceeding the minimum $70,000.

So are they going to ask for pay stubs or something to verify our incomes? Because, of course, neither of us would have any since we won't be starting work until the next month. I mean, we won't be gainfully employed at that time, either, but would be starting the next month. I feel like we might attract extra scrutiny since we're 22 and certainly don't look any older.

Of course, neither of us have any interest in the timeshare, we're just looking for some cheap lodging since (you may notice a trend here) we won't be starting work until the next month. Is there a minimum age to participate in this offer? Does anyone have any advice on this? It'd certainly be appreciated.

jkm, They have never attempted to validate my income. If they've asked, I'm simply said "I make that much." They have never run a credit check just for the presentation, either.

FWIW, in Florida in hurricane season you'll probably find plenty o' cheap lodging options without the timeshare presentation. Find your best deal without strings attached and compare - if for no other reason than to ensure that you're getting paid well for your time. :)

While we're on the topic, here's a deal I received in email from American Airlines and Marriott. Several Florida deals (including two in Orlando) for $199 for 4 nts hotel and 5,000 AA miles.

http://www.vacationclub.com/getawaynow/american/

Read the fine print on where you'll actually stay: on one of them, it's a nearby Residence Inn. On another, it's in the same property you'll be viewing.

I have a timeshare in Westgate and have been provided with flyers for people who are interested in a timeshare (or as I say cheap break). At present the deal I believe is 3 nites for $129. If you are interested please email me and I will forward a PDF flyer.

www.westgateresorts.com

Regards
Hazel

Hazel-

Thanks so much. You have e-mail.

Email posted - if anyone else is interested please mail - i have just got an offer of 7 nights for $499 (two bedroom) - says its a UK special but dont know why I cant forward to anyone interested

Why go timeshare????? - why not just hire a villa - there are lots of deals out there for 3nights to 3weeks - depending on size from $50 - $100+ per night - 2-10 people can share for that price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and you get your own private swimming pool on the patio!!! multiple bathrooms - your own kitchen - some have games rooms and you DONT have to waste your time on a time share tour when you can sun it up next to the pool chilling out drink in hand!!!! We Brits do this loads of the time - cant understand why it doesnt catch on to the US market so much - its a good deal!!! Gwen

Why go timeshare????? - why not just hire a villa - there are lots of deals out there for 3nights to 3weeks - depending on size from $50 - $100+ per night - 2-10 people can share for that price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and you get your own private swimming pool on the patio!!! multiple bathrooms - your own kitchen - some have games rooms and you DONT have to waste your time on a time share tour when you can sun it up next to the pool chilling out drink in hand!!!! We Brits do this loads of the time - cant understand why it doesnt catch on to the US market so much - its a good deal!!! Gwen

That's what I have booked for our Orlando trip now - a 2 bedroom 2 bath villa w/kitchen without the requirement of a timeshare presentation. They'll give me the presentation and knock $100 off my bill, but I agree with you: that's no where near worth my time.

Drop us the links to the sites you've had best experiences with... Even if I can't use it, probably someone here will...

I feel that if you have no interest in buying a timeshare why go,the salesperson is trying to make a living and the time he is spending with you is not giving him a chance to do so.How would you feel if the situation was reversed?