Resort ownership can be a cheaper option for people who don’t want to sink all their dollars into a vacation home.

Timeshares are also an alternative to paying unreasonable prices at hotels. Unfortunately, many don’t provide enough destination opportunities for those who don’t want to limit their vacations to one location. Elite Alliance and THIRD HOME are exchange programs, designed to expand the possibilities for timeshare owners to explore the world.

Elite Alliance and THIRDHOME are both programs that allow you to exchange vacations with others. Similarities and differences exist between the two programs. See which characteristics make the program a better fit for you.

Elite Alliance

Elite Alliance provides a method for owners of vacation homes and fractional properties to exchange time at their properties. Members submit available time at their property and can use that credit towards time at other prestigious residence clubs and luxurious vacation homes.

ThirdHome

THIRDHOME allows homeowners to exchange time in their second home for a stay in a luxury property or toward travel to spectacular worldwide destinations. The program may accept a limited number of qualifying fractional homeowners as well.

View THIRD HOME Presentation

Community

Elite Alliance selects a limited number of exclusive vacation homeowners and luxury residence clubs to participate. Ownership of a second home or membership in a luxury affiliate club is required for admission to the Club. A strict policy and procedure guide are included in the Membership Agreement which manages member conduct.

THIRDHOME maintains an exclusive membership roll that requires verification and acceptance. Many of the members are referred by current members or are also members of a luxury Affiliate partner.

Residences

Properties accepted into the Elite Alliance program must be the highest of quality, in a desirable location, and offer premium service and amenities. Guests can be sure these exacting standards are in effect for every Elite Alliance property. Extravagant residences in stunning locations are exchanged amongst an exclusive clientele to share adventurous travel destinations around the world.

THIRDHOME selects only properties, resorts, and locations among the most desirable in the world. Upon joining, each residence is assigned a ranking based on a system of one to five keys, with five being the highest rated. Only properties with exceptional locations, high market value, and décor merit the highest ranking.

Elite Alliance Membership Plans

Elite Alliance offers membership at two levels: Core and Premium. The Core membership costs $495 annually and is slightly more limited. It includes access to most club benefits like travel experts, referral bonus programs, and the ability to request vacations in advance.

For a minimal upcharge, a Premium Membership offers access to a wide selection of additional privileges. ClubBenefits offers premium networking opportunities at more than 300 private clubs around the world, as well as golf courses, tennis courts, and business clubs in all major metropolises. The Premium Membership is only $659 annually.

Details of locations are listed, and all available exchanges are shown with dates. If certain exchanges aren’t shown as available, then a future request can be made to reserve a spot. Members may choose vacations that require additional fees. These will be disclosed before booking the destination.

The currency used for Elite Alliances exchanges are called Elite Credits. They carry a value of $75 per credit and can be purchased separately if needed. The cost for a 3-night stay is $395, 4-nights is $495, and 7-night stays are $595. Short-notice vacations are available at varying rates.

Prospective members are required to own a week at a fractional, resort or residence club, or second home. If accepted, the value of the property will be assessed, and Elite Credits issued based on the type of property, location, amenities, services, and décor.

THIRDHOME Membership Plans

THIRDHOME offers three membership tiers, with a standard initiation fee of $2,500 for any level. An exchange fee is paid for each stay, which varies based on the Key Level of the booked residence. The Member’s Club is the introductory level, followed by President’s Club and Chairman’s Club Preferred.

Upgrades to premium levels of membership carry additional fees. The President’s Club provides extended expiration dates and reservation preference $495 per year. Chairman’s Club Preferred, costs $1995 per year. This exclusive level negates expiration dates entirely and the highest level of reservation preference, as well as coverage from the Host Assurance Program.

Key Levels determine the price per exchange rate for a one-week stay. A one-key residence carries a charge of $395, 2-3 Key Properties cost $495, 4-5 Keys charge $595, and so on.   Key quantities are based on quality and time of stay.  Additional key levels may be added at the Club’s discretion, which carries additional charges.

Other optional charges for additional services like property staff will be disclosed before booking.

View THIRD HOME Presentation

Cost Comparison – Elite Exchange vs. Third Home

Elite Alliance THIRDHOME
Initial Fee 0 $2,500
Annual dues Core Membership $0

Premium Membership $1,195

 Members Club $0

President’s Club $495

Chairman’s Club Preffered $1995
Credits awarded for deposit Awarded per property, based on value, size, amenities, and location
Cost per exchange for one week stay $595 $395 1 Key Stay

$495 2-3 Key Stay

$595 4-5 Key Stay

$795 1 6-7Key Stay

$995 1 8+ Key Stay

Conclusion

Homeowners who seek adventurous vacations or additional flexibility in luxury travel options can exchange time with other owners with assurance that the owners and the property will remain safe. Either of these exchanges can provide owners with spectacular vacations in the world’s most popular destinations.

Members of Elite Alliance enjoy being able to exchange time at upscale fractionals and luxury timeshares. THIRDHOME concentrates on owners of privately-owned second homes who would like to exchange a small portion of the time.

The significant difference between the two is that THIRDHOME has a higher initiation fee and tends to offer more exclusive properties. Elite Alliance can be joined without an up-front cost, and costs are only incurred upon overnight stays being booked.

View THIRD HOME Presentation

If you’re looking for the highest levels of service and guaranteed satisfaction during your prized time off with family, either club offers high-quality service, unique benefits, and characteristics based upon the perceived value of your exchange property.

 

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