Interval International just launched their ShortStay program for those of you wanting to stay in a timeshare for a period of less than a week’s time.  Here’s what I’ve found out about it so far from reading their FAQ section.

First, you must be a Gold Member to take advantage of the ShortStay program, which means you have to pay an extra $59 a year on top of your yearly dues of $89.  You also must pay the regular exchange fee for EACH ShortStay.   If you do 2 ShortStays that adds up to $337.  Add in a maintenance fee of about $700 and you’re at $1,337.  You might be better off renting a hotel room.

Interval International says the majority of  inventory will be within 30 days or less.  I did a quick check and, other than in Las Vegas, I found that to be true.  The inventory I did find wasn’t all that exciting.  The only thing in California was Palm Springs, hot, and very slim pickings in the Caribbean.  I found one 4 night stay in Lake Tahoe.

There was good availability in Virginia Beach, the mountains of North Carolina, Vail, Colorado and Park City, Utah.

II’s ShortStays can only be booked online and for 2-6 night stays.  Once booked you can’t cancel but you can pay for insurance of course and you can only reserve in the size unit you gave up or smaller.  I found more studio availability than anything else.  There was plenty of weekend availability when I checked.

Also, you can’t do a pending request so if you see something you like, grab it. 

It will be interesting to see how well this works and if RCI follows suit for its weeks based owners.

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Jeff Pierce, The Timeshare Expert, has taught thousands of timeshare owners the secrets to getting the best exchanges with both RCI and Interval International for over 21 years.

His two books, The Timeshare Exchange Bible – RCI Weeks Edition, and The Timeshare Exchange Bible – Interval International, are the only books of their kind in the timeshare industry and designed to help you  master at the very complicated art of getting good exchanges. 

I would love to have you share your opinions and personal insights on this blog. 

For 3 FREE tips on getting a better exchange in RCI and II, go to TheTimeshareExpert.com.