This is a very personal choice based on lots of factors. We held off, for a long time, because we hadn't ever stayed in one place for a week in our entire travel time. However, we finally bought a Marriott week on the resale market. The negative: we don't have the "trade for points" option. The positive: we paid $7,000 instead of $14,000 (we found that the mid-level (white) week at Marriott Desert Springs was tradeable with II as though it were best (red)).

There have been substantial frustrations, including a one year wait for Venice, Italy that didn't work. However, we had a great week in Reno, we traded for a *wonderful* property near Colonial Williamsburg (with only 30 days notice) at Christmas last year, and we are going to a 2 bedroom Marriott property in Orlando in February.

Is it a good deal financially? Tough call. We thought we would miss the maid service, but we don't (we can leave our computers and purses and whatever else sitting out just like at home). We actually use the kitchen for anywhere from 1 to 3 meals a day which is something you can't get in most hotels. Would I normally pay $500+/night for a full suite with kitchen? No. So, since we are paying about $100/night (including all maint fees, II fees, interest on original investment, etc.) I would need to say that we are satisfied.