Buying a Timeshare - Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare Resorts
Marriott Vacation Club International began in 1984 and the following year, Marriott Rewards was introduced and this allowed the company to partner with timeshare resorts.
In 1986, Marriott's Sabal Palms in Orlando, Florida was the first Marriott timeshare resort.
In 1987, they opened the Royal Palms at the same location.
Both these timeshare resorts were adjacent to the Orlando World Center Marriott and of course, very near Disney World.
Marriott's main draw is the high reputation that the Marriott chain has in terms of luxury and service.
Their advertising promises timeshare owners spacious villa accommodations in popular and exotic locales.
Marriott is careful to underscore the value of the their name when it comes to travel and you'll definitely pay for that premium whether buying direct from Marriott or from a reseller, but naturally buying a Marriott timeshare on resale represents a significant discount from the developer's price.
You can buy a timeshare at the resort of your choice and enjoy that location year in and year out.
Owners can also exchange their weeks through membership with Interval International.
Through Interval International's Internal Exchange program you can exchange your time at your home resort for equal time at another Marriott Vacation Club or Grand Residence Club, also owned by Marriott, globally.
You can also use Interval International's External Exchange and exchange your timeshare for another resort from any of the other vacation companies that are affiliated with Interval International.
Currently there areabout 2,100 affiliated resorts spread out over 75 countries.
You can also exchange your week or weeks for Marriott Rewards points that allow you to book cruises, buy airline tickets, and rent cars, among other things.
You can even exchange your Marriott Rewards for hotel accommodations.
But like the Disney Vacation Club membership, using Marriott points for anything other than the timeshares themselves is usually considered poor use of the points since frequently the points values for airline tickets, car rentals and such are inflated above the actual cash cost.
I would only use Reward points if I had to use up the points.
What does a Marriott Vacation Club villa have to offer? Here's a typical scenario - accommodations for 6 to 8 people - about 1,100 square feet - with separate living and dining area and multiple bathrooms.
The kitchens are fully equipped for eight people.
There are televisions, DVD players, washer and dryer.
In other words, all the benefits of home without many of the hassles.
If you are familiar with timeshares, you know the benefits of such a vacation plan in general.
What Marriott offers that makes it unique from other timeshares is its reputation and luxury.
While I think that Marriott is comparable to what is available at some of the Disney Vacation Club resorts, there's no real doubt that it is a step up significantly from Fairfield or WorldMark and other timeshares.
Of course, you will definitely pay more for the upgrade, but good deals aren't impossible to find if you are patient and ready to grab the bargain when you see it.
In 1986, Marriott's Sabal Palms in Orlando, Florida was the first Marriott timeshare resort.
In 1987, they opened the Royal Palms at the same location.
Both these timeshare resorts were adjacent to the Orlando World Center Marriott and of course, very near Disney World.
Marriott's main draw is the high reputation that the Marriott chain has in terms of luxury and service.
Their advertising promises timeshare owners spacious villa accommodations in popular and exotic locales.
Marriott is careful to underscore the value of the their name when it comes to travel and you'll definitely pay for that premium whether buying direct from Marriott or from a reseller, but naturally buying a Marriott timeshare on resale represents a significant discount from the developer's price.
You can buy a timeshare at the resort of your choice and enjoy that location year in and year out.
Owners can also exchange their weeks through membership with Interval International.
Through Interval International's Internal Exchange program you can exchange your time at your home resort for equal time at another Marriott Vacation Club or Grand Residence Club, also owned by Marriott, globally.
You can also use Interval International's External Exchange and exchange your timeshare for another resort from any of the other vacation companies that are affiliated with Interval International.
Currently there areabout 2,100 affiliated resorts spread out over 75 countries.
You can also exchange your week or weeks for Marriott Rewards points that allow you to book cruises, buy airline tickets, and rent cars, among other things.
You can even exchange your Marriott Rewards for hotel accommodations.
But like the Disney Vacation Club membership, using Marriott points for anything other than the timeshares themselves is usually considered poor use of the points since frequently the points values for airline tickets, car rentals and such are inflated above the actual cash cost.
I would only use Reward points if I had to use up the points.
What does a Marriott Vacation Club villa have to offer? Here's a typical scenario - accommodations for 6 to 8 people - about 1,100 square feet - with separate living and dining area and multiple bathrooms.
The kitchens are fully equipped for eight people.
There are televisions, DVD players, washer and dryer.
In other words, all the benefits of home without many of the hassles.
If you are familiar with timeshares, you know the benefits of such a vacation plan in general.
What Marriott offers that makes it unique from other timeshares is its reputation and luxury.
While I think that Marriott is comparable to what is available at some of the Disney Vacation Club resorts, there's no real doubt that it is a step up significantly from Fairfield or WorldMark and other timeshares.
Of course, you will definitely pay more for the upgrade, but good deals aren't impossible to find if you are patient and ready to grab the bargain when you see it.
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