Are you dreaming of your next vacation? Of course you are! And if you're a Marriott Vacation Club owner, you have a world of possibilities at your fingertips. But navigating the booking process for the first time can seem a little daunting. Don't worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding your ownership to making that final reservation.
A Quick Overview of Marriott Vacation Club Ownership
Before we dive into the steps, it's crucial to understand how your ownership works. Marriott Vacation Club operates on a points-based system, which provides you with a great deal of flexibility. Your ownership is a deeded real estate interest, and it comes with an annual allotment of Club Points. These points are your currency for booking vacations, and the number of points you have determines your benefit level (Owner, Select, Executive, etc.). The number of points required for a stay depends on a number of factors, including:
Resort Location: Popular destinations require more points.
Time of Year: Peak seasons (holidays, school breaks) are more expensive than off-peak.
Accommodation Size: A studio will cost fewer points than a spacious three-bedroom villa.
Length of Stay: The number of nights you book directly impacts the points needed.
Now that you have the basics, let's get to the good stuff—booking your next unforgettable vacation!
 |
| How To Book Marriott Vacation Club |
Step 1: Get to Know Your Points and Your Calendar
The first, and most important, step is to understand what you have to work with.
Sub-heading: Check Your Point Balance
First, you'll need to log in to your account on the official Marriott Vacation Club website. This is your command center for all things related to your ownership.
Once logged in, you'll be able to see your current Club Point balance. This includes your annual allotment, as well as any points you may have banked from a previous year or borrowed from the next.
Understanding your point balance is key to planning your vacation. You wouldn't go shopping without checking your wallet, so don't plan a trip without checking your points!
Sub-heading: Understand Reservation Windows
One of the most critical aspects of booking is knowing when you can book. Marriott Vacation Club has a tiered reservation system that gives different owners different booking privileges based on their ownership.
Home Resort Reservations: This is your earliest booking window. You can make reservations at your home resort up to 12 months in advance for a single week or up to 13 months in advance for multiple consecutive weeks. This is your best chance to secure a specific week at your favorite resort.
Marriott Vacation Club Resorts: For other resorts within the Marriott Vacation Club portfolio, the reservation window typically opens 10 months prior to check-in.
The Explorer Collection: This includes a wide array of options beyond the traditional villa resorts, such as cruises, guided tours, and hotel stays. These booking windows can vary, so you'll need to check the specific details for your desired experience.
Pro Tip: To make sure you get the vacation you want, it's highly recommended to book as early as your reservation window allows, especially for high-demand locations and times of the year.
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
Step 2: Start Your Search
Once you know your points and your timing, it's time to find your dream destination!
Sub-heading: Search the Online Portal
On the Marriott Vacation Club website, navigate to the "Use Points" or "Book Points" section.
Enter your desired destination, travel dates, and the number of guests.
The system will then show you available resorts and the number of points required for each option. This is where you'll see the direct impact of things like travel season and villa size on your point usage.
Don't see your first choice? Don't despair! The system allows you to place a waitlist request. This is an excellent feature that notifies you if your preferred dates become available. Waitlists are often a great way to secure a spot at a popular resort that was initially booked solid.
Sub-heading: Use the Points Calculator
Marriott Vacation Club provides a helpful tool called the Points Calculator or Points Charts. This allows you to estimate the points you'll need for a specific resort, season, and villa size before you even begin the booking process. This is a fantastic way to plan your vacation and ensure you have enough points for what you want.
Step 3: Secure Your Reservation
Found the perfect vacation? It's time to finalize the booking.
Sub-heading: Review and Confirm
Once you've selected your resort and dates, you will be taken to a confirmation page.
Here, you'll see a detailed breakdown of your reservation, including the total points deducted from your account.
Review all the details carefully, including the check-in/check-out times, cancellation policy, and any applicable fees.
Note: The cancellation policy for Marriott Vacation Club reservations is very specific. If you cancel more than 61 days before check-in, your points are typically returned to your account. However, if you cancel within 60 days, your points are moved to a Holding Account, which has restrictions on how they can be used.
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
Sub-heading: Finalize the Booking
Click "Confirm" or "Book Now" to finalize your reservation.
You will receive an email confirmation with all the details of your upcoming trip.
Congratulations! You have officially booked your Marriott Vacation Club vacation.
Step 4: Managing Your Reservation and Enjoying Your Stay
Your work isn't over just because you've booked!
Sub-heading: The Marriott Vacation Club App
Download the Marriott Vacation Club mobile app. This is an incredibly useful tool for managing your vacation. Through the app, you can:
View your upcoming stays.
Check your point balances.
Get important resort news and updates.
Message the front desk for assistance during your stay.
This is a game-changer for a seamless travel experience.
Sub-heading: What to Expect at the Resort
Marriott Vacation Club resorts are known for their spacious villas and fantastic amenities. Expect a full kitchen or kitchenette, a washer and dryer in your unit, and separate living and dining areas. You'll find a wide range of on-site activities and facilities, from sparkling pools to casual dining options and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How to Book a Marriott Vacation Club with Marriott Bonvoy Points?
You can convert your Marriott Vacation Club points into Marriott Bonvoy points, which can then be used to book stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels worldwide. You cannot, however, use Marriott Bonvoy points to directly book Marriott Vacation Club villas.
How to Get a Better Deal on a Marriott Vacation Club Booking?
Booking during the off-season, being flexible with your dates, and choosing a smaller accommodation type (like a studio) will generally require fewer points and give you more value. Additionally, checking for special offers on the Marriott Vacation Club website can sometimes lead to great deals.
How to Use a Waitlist for a Fully Booked Resort?
If your desired resort and dates are not available, you can place a waitlist request through the online booking portal. You'll be asked to specify your preferences, and if a villa becomes available that matches your request, you'll be notified.
How to Cancel a Marriott Vacation Club Reservation?
Log in to your account and go to "My Trips" or "Reservations." You'll find an option to cancel your booking there. Be sure to review the cancellation policy and timing, as this determines what happens to your points.
How to Bank or Borrow Marriott Vacation Club Points?
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Your online account provides tools to either bank your current year's points for future use or borrow points from your next year's allotment to make a reservation now. There are specific windows for when you can do this, so check your owner resources for the exact timing.
How to Know How Many Points I Need for a Vacation?
Marriott Vacation Club provides points charts and a points calculator on the owner's website. These tools allow you to see the point values for different resorts, seasons, and villa sizes, helping you plan your trip accurately.
How to Find My Home Resort?
Your home resort is the resort where you purchased your Marriott Vacation Club ownership. This information is available in your ownership documents and can also be found on your online account profile.
How to Book Multiple Villas for a Family Reunion?
You can book multiple villas by making separate reservations for each. Since the reservation window for multiple weeks at a home resort opens earlier, you can also consider booking a single, longer stay and then making a subsequent reservation for the other family members.
How to Use the Explorer Collection?
The Explorer Collection allows you to use your points for experiences beyond the traditional villa resorts, such as cruises and guided tours. You can book these through the online portal or by contacting a Vacation Ownership Advisor.
How to Get Help with My Booking?
If you have questions or need assistance, the best resource is your Vacation Ownership Advisor team. Their contact information can be found on the Marriott Vacation Club website. You can also use the live chat or messaging features within the mobile app.
 |
