Sunset Cove Marco Island - Timeshare Fit for a King

Originally conceived of as a Fractional Residence Club, Sunset Cove Resort and Suites in Marco Island, Florida, may just be the best timeshare money can buy.

Back in 2005 Florida's real estate market was burning so white-hot, it was easy to miss the opening of a small Residence Club along the Marco River. At that time, Fractional Ownerships were widely popular: Generally, a Fractional or Residence Club is sold as a 4 to 12-week block of time, with only limited exchange ability. Resort Developers have long sought to replace the word "timeshare," as it is thought to be too stigmatized. (Vacation Ownership anyone?) Perhaps Sunset Cove Resort and Suites was to be the crossover: called a Fractional Residence Club, and sold in 1-week intervals like a timeshare.

Today, the real estate market has cooled - and most people understand that Fractionals and timeshares are not the same thing. So where does that leave Sunset Cove? On top, actually. Take away the confusing Residence Club label, and you've got a really, really, great timeshare.

Every one of the just 36 units at Sunset Cove is a 3-bedroom that sleeps 8. End units have 3 bathrooms in 1,900 square feet, and interior units have 2 baths in just under 1,700 square feet. These suites have  far too many luxury finishes to list in one post, but highlights include Corian countertops, jetted tub, plasma TV, and a Bose stereo. Furniture is carefully selected, and of the highest quality.

The resort has an on-site marina, where owners are able to use a boat slip during their stay - a priceless feature for the sportfisher. Other Sunset Cove Resort amenities include a pool and spa, fully equipped fitness center, and a helpful concierge staff. Marco Island's white sand beaches are just a short walk away, or there's a complimentary beach shuttle.

Timeshares sold at Sunset Cove Marco Island were deeded ownerships until 2009, when Summer Bay Resorts took over timeshare sales at the resort. New 'owners' can purchase the Summer Bay Resorts Crown Club membership, with access to Sunset Cove, along with Summer Bay's other popular properties, but no direct ownership. For existing deeded owners, Summer Bay's involvement should provide good long-term stability; the developer has decades of experience in successful resort management.

There are two things you want in the ideal timeshare: sound real estate value, and lots of flexible exchange options. With the prime location, limited number of units, luxury appointments, and solid resort management, deeded Sunset Cove Resort & Suites timeshares have real, tangible value, but what about trading? Owners of deeded Sunset Cove timeshare have no less than four exchange programs to choose from!

1. RCI Weeks - All Sunset Cove weeks trade in red season through RCI. The resort is notoriously difficult to exchange into, meaning weeks are in constant demand. Expect hassle-free exchanges.
2. The Registry Collection - This exchange program only accepts Residence Clubs, luxury vacation properties, and very high-end timeshares. At Registry Collection resorts, you'll travel like the rich and famous; enjoying locations off-limits to most timeshare owners. Expect accommodations equal or better accommodations to those at Sunset Cove.
3. Hilton Grand Vacations Club - Your week can be exchanged for HGVC points, where you'll exchange with priority to the many popular Hilton Grand Vacations Club resorts. Assigned point values for Sunset Cove weeks are fairly high, so expect to enjoy even more days of vacation.
4. Hilton HHonors - On years when you're not traveling to a timeshare destination, or need just a few nights at a time, turn your Sunset Cove week into Hilton HHonors Points, and stay at any Hilton hotel location.

The best part about all these options in that they're 'pay-as-you-go' - Simply join and pay the yearly dues for the exchange program you want to use each year, and then save on exchange fees during years when you visit your home resort. With both mainstream and high-end exchange options, plus high demand and a low number of units, Sunset Cove Resort and Suites are timeshares that can truly take you anywhere.

Buying at Sunset Cove

Convinced yet? In order to buy a deeded Sunset Cove timeshare, you'll need to look to the resale market - but don't expect to find these weeks on eBay for $1. With as desirable as these weeks are, not many owners are willing to sell, plus original sale prices at the resort ranged from around $30,000 to over $65,000 per week, so even a 50% discount could mean paying over $30,000 on the resale market! Sound like a lot to spend on a timeshare? Maybe, but this is timeshare that works. Spend a few minutes on the web reading what owners are saying about their other, lesser timeshares, and you'll find myriad complaints about exchanging, management, or accommodations; perhaps this is why many timeshare owners own multiple weeks - they keep buying more, hoping to eventually get it right.

If you're serious about owning a timeshare, and want to get it right the first time, look at these Sunset Cove Resort & Suites timeshares for sale by owner, and make a purchase you won't regret!