Marriott Vacation Club: A Guide to Luxury Timeshare Holidays

What does joining the Marriott Vacation Club mean for your travel plans? This concise guide provides critical insights into the club’s timeshare system, revealing destinations, membership costs, and unique advantages to inform your decision. Without excess fluff, we present what the Marriott Vacation Club offers, how it operates, and whether it’s the right choice for a seasoned traveler seeking flexibility and luxury in their getaways.

What is the Marriott Vacation Club?

• Marriott Vacation Club offers flexible vacation programs, a points-based Destinations Program, and a presence in diverse locales including the U.S., Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, across more than 60 resorts and over 13,000 villas worldwide.
• The Vacation Club encompasses various brands including Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Clubs, granting access to a variety of experiences from urban stays with Marriott Vacation Club Pulse to luxury fractional ownerships.
• Ownership in the Marriott Vacation Club entails initial purchase costs, annual maintenance fees, and benefits such as converting Vacation Club Points to Marriott Bonvoy points or listing timeshares for rent. The club’s partnership with Interval International provides access to over 3,200 resorts globally.

Discovering Marriott Vacation Club

A journey that began on April 17, 1984, with the acquisition of American Resorts on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Marriott Vacation Club has grown into a global phenomenon. Launched with their first resort, Marriott’s Monarch, the company dedicated itself to providing exceptional vacation experiences. This commitment was further solidified in 1995 when the company was renamed Marriott Vacation Club International.

The Marriott Vacation Club’s global footprint, part of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, has expanded significantly over the years. It now has a presence in:

• U.S.
• Caribbean
• Central America
• Europe
• Australia
• Asia

The Grande Vista Golf Club, a proud partner of the Regis Residence Club, boasts a portfolio of over 60 resorts and more than 13,000 villas worldwide.

Marriott Vacation Club is not just about the number of resorts or global presence. It’s about offering flexible vacation programs to its members. The club launched a points-based Destinations Program in 2010 to provide members with increased flexibility in planning vacations in North America and the Caribbean. The program ensures that members have diverse usage options, making each vacation a unique experience.

Marriott Vacation Club Resorts

Marriott Vacation Club Resorts are nestled in various destinations worldwide, from the United States to Indonesia and Central America. These resorts offer a variety of accommodations tailored to different needs and group sizes, including:

• 1-bedroom apartments
• 2-bedroom apartments
• 3-bedroom apartments
• Townhouses

This ensures a perfect fit for everyone.

Each resort has its unique charm and offers distinctive experiences. For instance:

• Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas in California boasts a Tuscan-inspired setting with Pacific Ocean views
• Marriott’s Bali Nusa Dua Gardens showcases the natural beauty of its locality
• The Ritz-Carlton Club, Vail, is another gem in the club’s portfolio, offering luxury accommodations with mountain amenities.

Whether it’s the allure of the Pacific Ocean or the mystery of the Indonesian landscapes, Marriott Vacation Club Resorts are dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences and luxury accommodations. Offering a range of amenities and experiences, these resorts cater to varying vacation preferences, allowing you to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse

Diverging from traditional resort stays, Marriott Vacation Club Pulse offers a unique urban hotel experience in big cities. With a focus on cultural immersion in urban environments, these properties are perfect for those who love the city’s hustle and bustle.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse locations include:

• New York City
• San Diego
• South Beach
• Washington, D.C.
• Boston
• San Francisco

Each location is chosen for its vibrant city atmosphere and proximity to local attractions, promising an unforgettable urban adventure.

The Pulse properties offer accommodations ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, equipped with amenities like kitchenettes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and design elements that blend contemporary needs with historic architecture. Additionally, despite the absence of onsite parking, some locations like the San Diego Pulse offer on-site recreational options like a 24-hour fitness center, signature restaurant and bar, and local valet parking services.

Vacation Club Brands Within Marriott

As a Marriott Vacation Club owner, you gain access to a family of vacation club brands. This includes not just Marriott Vacation Club, but also Westin Vacation Club, and Sheraton Vacation Club. The diversity in brands ensures you have a wide array of vacation options to choose from, enhancing your vacation experiences manifold.

Introduced by Marriott Vacation Club International in 1999, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is a luxury fractional ownership offering that promises luxurious vacation experiences in various destinations, including Vail Mountain and Lake Tahoe. This is one of the many ways Marriott Vacation Club offers diversity in vacation experiences to their members.

Grand Residences by Marriott:

• Established in 2001
• Offers vacation ownership through fractional real estate as well as whole ownership options
• First property opened in South Lake Tahoe, California, in 2002

It adds another feather to the diverse hat of Marriott Vacation Club brands.

The Luxury of Marriott Vacation Club Destinations

Marriott Vacation Club properties, spread across the globe, offer luxurious vacation experiences. Whether it’s the urban vibrancy of Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego, situated near notable San Diego attractions like the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park, or the serene tropical getaway of The Ritz-Carlton Club on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, each property offers a unique flavor of luxury.

In the realm of alpine luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Club in Aspen Highlands offers luxurious ski-in/ski-out accommodations at the base of a 12,500-foot mountain. Similarly, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe, provides a mid-mountain location with direct gondola access for dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences. These properties infuse your vacation with the legendary service synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton.

Marriott Vacation Club properties are not limited to the United States. The club’s presence spans across the globe, including:

• the U.S.
• Caribbean
• Central America
• Europe
• Australia
• Asia

So whether you’re a fan of the Caribbean beaches or the European countryside, Marriott Vacation Club has you covered.

Resort Amenities and Experiences

Marriott Vacation Club properties are equipped with stylish suite vacation rentals that come with amenities such as kitchenettes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and flat-screen LCD TVs. These properties ensure you enjoy the comforts of home while experiencing the luxury of a resort.

A variety of on-site dining options are available at these properties. From the restaurant and bar SHAKE to casual dinning spots like Bistro 1699 and Splash Grille & Pool Bar at Marriott’s Manor Club, there is something to satiate every palate.

The club goes beyond just providing accommodations. An assortment of activities with amenities like:

• golf courses
• tennis courts
• swimming pools
• gyms

are available. Also, members can benefit from specialty packages for golf instruction or premium events.

Furthermore, the club integrates historical experiences with nearby attractions and offers proximity to family-friendly destinations.

Timeshare Ownership with Marriott

Becoming a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare owner entails both costs and benefits. The initial purchase of an ownership package starts at approximately $25,000, which includes 1,500 annual Vacation Club Points. However, this also comes with mandatory annual maintenance fees that account for resort operational costs.

While the initial costs might seem high, various financing options are available for those needing assistance with the purchase costs. Moreover, the resale market offers Marriott Vacation Club points at lower prices, sometimes as low as $1,000, though some membership benefits might not be included. This provides a cost-effective way for prospective members to enjoy the benefits of the club.

Timeshare ownership with Marriott Vacation Club is more than just a financial investment. It is an investment in a lifetime of memorable vacations. With the ability to list their timeshare for rent on platforms like KOALA when not in use, owners can explore ways to offset their maintenance fees, making the investment even more worthwhile.

Maximizing Your Marriott Vacation Club Points

Marriott Vacation Club points are more than just a ticket to a vacation. These points can be converted into Marriott Bonvoy points, allowing for redemption at over 8,000 distinctive hotels across various brands. However, the conversion ratio of Vacation Club points to Bonvoy points is subject to certain restrictions and can range from 50% to 75%, depending on the member’s level.

Members are not restricted to using their Vacation Club Points for stays at Marriott properties. These points can be used for:

• Specialty travel options such as guided tours
• Gaining access to private luxury vacation homes
• Unique experiences, like attending The Masters golf tournament

Using vacation club points offers significant savings and allows for a wide range of travel options, making vacation clubs an attractive choice for many travelers.

Getting the most out of your Marriott Vacation Club Points is about smart planning. Members can book weekdays (Sunday-Thursday), which often require fewer points compared to weekend stays. Furthermore, Marriott Vacation Club points can be used towards adventure travel packages including cruises that visit domestic and exotic ports, as part of the Explorer Collection.

Exchange Partner Resorts and Global Travel Opportunities

Marriott Vacation Club’s partnership with Interval International provides members with access to a global network of over 3,200 affiliated resorts in more than 90 countries. This partnership significantly enhances the travel choices for Marriott Vacation Club members.

Interval International’s accommodation network includes hundreds of affiliated villa resorts, featuring Marriott International properties. This allows Marriott Vacation Club members to enjoy luxurious vacation options at some of the most prestigious hotel and resort brands worldwide.

With Interval International, Marriott Vacation Club members benefit from comprehensive exchange services. Additional opportunities such as The Explorer Collection, cruises, and various tours are also available, ensuring that members have a wide array of travel experiences to choose from.

Is Marriott Vacation Club Right for You?

Deciding whether Marriott Vacation Club is right for you involves considering several factors, including:

• The initiation cost of membership
• The annual maintenance fees
• Club dues
• The long-term financial commitment of the membership

However, it’s worth noting that escalating fees and changing points charts may impact the membership’s value over time.

The points system of Marriott Vacation Club offers the following benefits:

• Flexibility, allowing members to choose when and where they travel
• Options to borrow or roll over points for different years
• Ability to plan vacations around a network of properties
• Ability to vary vacation experiences annually

Travelers who prefer these benefits may find Marriott vacations fitting their needs with the Marriott Vacation Club.

Joining Marriott Vacation Club provides a sense of belonging to a community of over 400,000 owners sharing similar vacation experiences. So, if you’re someone who enjoys luxury vacations and cherishes being a part of a global community, Marriott Vacation Club could be the perfect fit for you.

My Personal Take

I’m a huge fan of the Marriott hotels chain, and a proud Bonvoy member.  While I don’t have any interest in the Marriott timeshares, I have many friends who are a part of this program and use these vacation homes when they travel, and they are very pleased with the program.

For me, I spend a lot of money on my business card and would rather earn Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Perks and use those towards my stays.

Summary

In essence, Marriott Vacation Club offers a unique blend of luxury, flexibility, and a sense of community. From varied vacation experiences at resorts worldwide to the flexibility of the points system and the opportunity to be a part of a global community of like-minded travelers, the club offers a distinctive vacation experience. Whether Marriott Vacation Club is right for you depends on your vacation preferences and financial commitments. However, one thing’s for sure – Marriott Vacation Club promises unforgettable vacations every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marriott Vacation Club the same as Marriott?

The Marriott Vacation Clubs are part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio but are not owned or developed by Marriott International, Inc. Marriott Vacation Club points are different from Marriott Bonvoy points.

Is there a class action suit against Marriott Vacation Club?

Yes, there is a class action suit against Marriott Vacation Club regarding inflated cruise port fees. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida by lead plaintiffs Daniel Finerman and Donna Devino.

Is Club Marriott membership worth it?

If you travel frequently and want to save on hotel stays while enjoying exclusive benefits, the Club Marriott membership could be worth it for you. The membership offers discounts, special offers, and perks like priority check-in and late checkout, making it a valuable option for frequent travelers.

What is the difference between Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Vacation Club?

The main difference between Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Vacation Club is that Bonvoy is a loyalty program for earning and redeeming points at Marriott hotels, while Vacation Club points are purchased as part of an annual contract, allowing you to redeem them at different vacation properties. Therefore, Marriott Bonvoy focuses on hotel stays and loyalty benefits, while Marriott Vacation Club is more centered on vacation property ownership.

What are the costs of becoming a Marriott Vacation Club member?

Becoming a Marriott Vacation Club member involves an initial purchase starting at around $25,000, annual maintenance fees, and club dues. These costs should be considered before making a decision to join.