How to Get Out of a Sheraton Vistana Timeshare
If you are feeling overwhelmed by rising maintenance fees or the lack of availability at your favorite resort, you are certainly not alone. Many owners find that while their Sheraton timeshare started as a dream of annual family vacations, it has slowly turned into a financial burden that feels impossible to shake.
Whether you own at a Sheraton Vistana timeshare in Florida or a different location within the Sheraton Vacation Club, understanding your exit options is the first step toward regaining your financial freedom.
How to Cancel a Sheraton Timeshare (Quick Overview)
Getting out of a Sheraton Vistana Orlando timeshare or any other property in the network generally falls into two categories: immediate cancellation or long-term exit strategy. If you just signed your contract a few days ago, you are in luck—there is a legal “cooling-off” period known as rescission. This is the most straightforward way to walk away with a full refund, but it requires acting with extreme speed.
For those who have owned their Sheraton timeshares for years, the process is more complex. You cannot simply stop paying without damaging your credit and risking foreclosure. Instead, you must look into developer-led exit programs, the resale market (which is notoriously difficult), or professional assistance from a trusted timeshare exit company. Each path has its own pros and cons, which we will explore in detail throughout this guide.
Sheraton Vacation Club Timeshare: An Overview of the Points-Based System
The Sheraton Vacation Club has evolved significantly over the years. Most modern owners are part of a points-based system. Instead of owning a specific week at a specific resort, you own an allotment of “StarOptions” or “Club Points.” These points act as a flexible currency, allowing you to book stays across the Sheraton timeshare Orlando FL, network and beyond.
Through the “Abound by Marriott Vacations” exchange program, Sheraton timeshare owners now have access to over 90 premium villa resorts, including Marriott and Westin properties.
While this sounds great in a sales presentation, the points system can be frustrating. High-demand weeks (like Spring Break or Christmas) require a massive amount of points, often forcing owners to buy more points just to keep up with the “point inflation” that occurs as new resorts are added to the system.
Sheraton Vacation Timeshare Ownership Details
When you buy into a Sheraton Vistana resort timeshare, you aren’t just buying a vacation; you are entering into a legally binding real estate contract. In Florida, most of these are “deeded” interests. This means you technically own a fraction of the property in perpetuity.
Sheraton timeshares are often structured as a beneficial interest in a land trust. This provides the developer with more control while giving the owner the right to use the facilities. Whether you own at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas timeshare or the Sheraton Vistana Villages timeshare, your ownership comes with a permanent obligation to pay for the upkeep of that property, regardless of whether you actually use it.
How Much is a Sheraton Vistana Timeshare
The initial purchase price can range anywhere from $15,000 to over $50,000 when bought directly from the developer. However, the purchase price is only the tip of the iceberg.
- Maintenance Fees: For 2026, many owners are seeing annual operating fees and property taxes around $0.81 per point. For an average owner with a 2-bedroom villa, this can easily exceed $1,500 to $2,500 per year.
- Club Dues: Expect to pay between $255 and $320 in annual club dues just to remain a member in good standing.
- Special Assessments: If the resort needs a new roof or a hurricane hits the Sheraton Vistana Florida timeshare region, owners can be hit with special assessments”, one-time fees that can cost thousands of dollars.
When you add these up over 10 or 20 years, a free vacation starts to look like one of the most expensive ways to travel.
How to Sell Sheraton Timeshare (And Why It’s Difficult)
If you’ve decided to sell Sheraton timeshare interests, you might be in for a shock. The secondary market is flooded with thousands of owners trying to do the exact same thing. On sites like the Timeshare Users Group (TUG) or eBay, it is common to see a Sheraton Vistana timeshare listed for $1.00, and even then, they don’t always sell.
The reason it is so hard to sell is the high cost of maintenance. New buyers are savvy; they know that even if they get the deed for free, they are taking on a lifetime of bills. Furthermore, many benefits (like elite status or certain exchange perks) do not transfer to the secondary buyer, making the resale version less valuable than what the developer sells.
Sheraton Timeshare Locations Worldwide
The Sheraton timeshare network is impressive, with flagship locations mainly concentrated in vacation hotspots. While Orlando is the hub, the reach is global:
- Orlando, FL: The massive resort timeshare and the Mediterranean-style Sheraton Vistana Villages timeshare.
- Hawaii: Stunning properties like the Sheraton Kauai Resort.
- Myrtle Beach: Sheraton Broadway Resort Villas.
- Colorado: Sheraton Mountain Vista in Avon.
Having Sheraton timeshares in Orlando FL, is popular because of the proximity to Disney World and Universal Studios, but the sheer size of these resorts (thousands of villas) often contributes to the high maintenance costs shared by owners.
Consumer Alerts: Sheraton Timeshare Reviews & Complaints
Before you decide on timeshare cancellation, it helps to know you aren’t alone in your frustrations. Common complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) regarding Sheraton timeshares include:
- Sales Pressure: Owners report being kept in 90-minute presentations that actually last six hours.
- Unavailability: Paying thousands in fees but never being able to book a room at the Sheraton Vistana resort during peak seasons.
- Hidden Costs: Not being told about the annual fee increases, which often outpace inflation.
- Is Sheraton Vacation Club a timeshare? Yes, it is. Some sales reps may try to frame it as a “travel club” or “real estate investment,” but it is legally a timeshare with all the associated risks.
Is Sheraton Timeshare Worth It?
This depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you travel every year at the same time, value large villa-style accommodations with kitchens, and don’t mind the rising fees, it might be worth it. However, for most modern travelers, the answer is “no.” With sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Expedia, you can stay at the Sheraton Vistana Florida timeshare resorts for a week without the lifetime commitment or the $2,000 annual fee.
How to Cancel Sheraton Timeshare Within 10 Days (Rescission)
If you are still at the resort or just got home, check your contract immediately for the “Rescission” or “Cancellation” clause. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 721.10) provides a 10-day timeshare rescission period.
To successfully cancel Sheraton timeshare during this window:
- Do not call your salesperson. They are trained to talk you out of it.
- Write a formal letter. State clearly that you are exercising your right to rescind.
- Send it via Certified Mail. Use a “Return Receipt Requested” service so you have proof of the date it was mailed.
- Include all owners. Everyone who signed the contract must sign the letter.
Beyond the Contract: Alternative Exit Methods
If the 10-day window has passed, you need to know how to get out of a Sheraton Vistana timeshare using other methods.
Sheraton Timeshare Resale: Risks & Reality
As mentioned, the resale market is tough. Be very careful of “resale companies” that call you out of the blue claiming they have a buyer ready to pay $20,000 for your unit. These are almost always scams. They will ask for an “upfront fee” for taxes or closing costs and then disappear. A legitimate reseller should only take a commission after the sale is complete.
Renting Out a Sheraton Timeshare
Some owners try to rent out a Sheraton timeshare to cover their maintenance fees. While you can list your points or week on sites like RedWeek, there is no guarantee it will rent. Often, the rental price is lower than the annual maintenance fee, meaning you are still losing money every year.
Sheraton Timeshare Exit Programs & Professional Help
The developer occasionally offers an internal exit program, sometimes called “deed-back”. However, they usually only accept these if the mortgage is paid in full and you have a “hardship” (like a medical issue or extreme financial distress).
Exit Sheraton Timeshare with Professional Assistance
If the resort rejects, and you can’t sell it, you may need a timeshare exit company. These firms specialize in negotiating with developers to release you from your contract. This is often the most effective route for people who feel they were lied to during the sales presentation.
How to Write a Sheraton Timeshare Cancellation Letter
Even if you are outside the 10-day window, sending a formal Sheraton timeshare cancellation request is a necessary step. Your letter should be professional and include:
- Your Contract Number.
- The Date of Purchase.
- Your Contact Information.
- The “Why”: Mention any discrepancies between what the salesperson said and what is in the contract. For example, if they said it was an “investment,” but the contract says “not for profit.”
- The Request: State clearly that you want to exit Sheraton timeshare obligations permanently.
Cancel Sheraton Timeshare the Right Way
The constant mailers, the calls to upgrade your points, and the ever-increasing bills can take a toll on your mental health and your bank account. If you are serious about finding out how to get out of sheraton vistana timeshare ownership, you need a partner who understands the legal landscape.
Many owners have found success working with experts like Resort Victory. When you choose to cancel a Sheraton timeshare the right way, you avoid the pitfalls of “do-it-yourself” methods that often lead to dead ends. A professional team can look at your specific contract and determine the fastest way to stop those maintenance fees once and for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
To cancel a Sheraton timeshare, submit a written rescission letter within the legal cooling-off period. Include your name, contract number, date of purchase, and a clear statement requesting cancellation. Send it by certified mail to the address on your contract.
Marriott may accept a timeshare through its voluntary deedback or exit program if it’s paid off and fees are current. Acceptance is not guaranteed, and eligibility depends on the specific Sheraton or Vistana contract.
Marriott Vacation Club has faced lawsuits and consumer complaints over sales practices and disclosures. Outcomes vary by case, and no single lawsuit automatically cancels a Sheraton or Marriott timeshare contract.
Yes, many Sheraton resorts operate as timeshares under Sheraton Vacation Club or Vistana, now part of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, offering points-based or deeded vacation ownership interests.