How Marriott Vacation Club Works: A Complete Guide to Vacation Ownership
Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) is one of the best-known vacation ownership programs in existence, offering members a host of benefits such as extreme flexibility, excellent choices, and numerous destinations. Once travelers have a good grasp on the way that Marriott Vacation Club operates, they are better prepared to travel anywhere their vacation experience and travels take them. In this post, I will provide an in-depth analysis of how the MVC system functions — touching on rewards and financial obligations.
Overview of Marriott Vacation Club Ownership
Marriott Vacation Club offers a points-based ownership structure, giving members flexibility in vacation planning. Instead of owning a fixed week at a single property, members purchase a certain number of points that can be used across Marriott’s network of destinations and accommodations.
- Points-Based Ownership: Rather than traditional timeshare ownership tied to a specific week, MVC points can be used at any participating Marriott Vacation Club property.
- Wide Range of Destinations: MVC members can access over 60 Marriott Vacation Club resorts, as well as thousands of affiliated hotels and resorts worldwide.
- Flexibility in Travel: With MVC points, members choose when, where, and how long they vacation.
Understanding the Points-Based System in Marriott Vacation Club
The foundation of this freedom is the points-based system that underpins Marriott Vacation Club. Members buy points — a form of currency that can be converted into Marriott stays.
- Points Calculation: The cost of points depends on season, location, and unit size. It takes more points for premium destinations and peak seasons.
- Annual Allotment: Members are usually granted an annual allotment of points that can be used during the year. These points can also be saved for future trips if unused.
- Banking & Borrow Points: Save your points from this year’s allotment for use in future years or even borrow next year’s allocation of points gives members great flexibility.
How to Purchase and Use Marriott Vacation Club Points
When buying Marriott Vacation Club points, you make an upfront investment — sometimes called the “buy-in” cost — in addition to annual maintenance fees.
- Buying Points: Points can be purchased directly from Marriott Vacation Club or on the secondary market; which typically is at lower price points. Buying MVC points has its pros and cons due to it being flexible.
- Earn Points: You can redeem points for stays at Marriott Vacation Club resorts, exchanges with partner properties, cruises, and unique experiences.
- Regular Maintenance Fees: These fees are used to manage the property (keep it clean/up-to-date), as well as provide whatever resort amenities are available etc. These are specific to the number of points you own and which resort they can be used at.
Booking Flexibility: Choosing Destinations and Accommodation Types
The MVP Program is well known for its operator-friendly booking system which allows the members to avail flexible bookings across multiple locations, types of accommodation, and seasons.
- Types of Accommodations: From studio rooms to two- or three-bedroom villas perfectly sized for families, Marriott offers a choice suitable to all tastes and groups.
- No Seasonal Pricing: The points required for a booking won’t change, based on whether you’re going in the peak season or special event time of certain destinations.
- From Short Stays to Extended Visits: MVC members are able to book nightly or longer stays (subject, of course, to the availability in points allocated for that purchase).
Banking and Borrowing Points for Future Vacations
That way they can either bank points, or borrow from future use years to make sure they are maximizing the potential of their MVC ownership year over year.
- Banking Points: If you are unable to utilize all of your points during a given year, those unused points can be banked and used in the following years giving added flexibility.
- Borrow Points: Purchasers who would like additional time in timeshare can borrow his subsequent year allocation.
- Banking and Borrowing: This is great for those big trips or milestone vacations that require a larger investment so you can plan multiple years in advance.
Additional Benefits for Marriott Vacation Club Members
MVC membership also affords members vacation flexibility as well as a plethora of exclusive offers and perks built to bring the very best out of their ownership.
- Owner Benefits: Offers available to members free early check-in and late checkout options at Marriott resorts.
- Owner Experience Events: This is a series of special events, tours, or experiences at select properties exclusively for MVC members.
- Affiliated Properties: Members are able to stay in high-end, niche properties of the Marriott network like Ritz-Carlton and Sheraton Vacation Club resorts as well.
Integrating Marriott Bonvoy Points with Vacation Club Points
Additionally, MVC members of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program can bridge over points with both systems adding extra value.
- Bonvoy Points Earning: Members will earn Bonvoy points on eligible MVC purchases that can be used to redeem stays at Marriott’s world-renowned hotel portfolio.
- Conversion of Bonvoy Points with MVC Point: Some vacation bookings allow you to convert your points into better use instead of using Marriott Bonvoy.
Financial Considerations: Initial Costs and Maintenance Fees
Before investing in MVC points, it’s essential to understand the financial commitments involved, from initial purchase to ongoing maintenance.
- Initial Investment: The initial buy-in for MVC points varies, with prices depending on the number of points purchased and resort choice.
- Annual Maintenance Fees: These fees contribute to resort upkeep, staff salaries, and facility maintenance. They’re calculated based on the number of points owned.
- Resale Market Potential: MVC points can be sold on the resale market, but resale values may vary depending on the location and time of year. It’s important to note that resale points often come with limited benefits compared to directly purchased MVC points.
Should You Consider Marriott Vacation Club Ownership?
It could be a great choice for this variety of destination and vacation experience loving travelers. But it is not for everyone, especially those who like to make regular bookings the normal way or do not want the perpetual financial commitment of owning a timeshare. If you are looking to get out of an MVC contract, then look no further than CancelTimeshareGeek. We are experts in timeshare exits, and we know exactly how to help you navigate your way through the process for a simple exit.
Why Choose CancelTimeshareGeek?
We ensure a clear and legitimate methodology in timeshare cancellation methods with the help of our teams. The last thing we want is to have your financial health compromised, and so for that you can rest assured in the knowledge that our expert advice will give quite possibly the safest step forward, when considering whether they were better off owning a MVC. Contact CancelTimeshareGeek today to discuss your options.
