The Cost to Join Marriott Vacation Club and a Step-by-Step Guide
Deciding to join a vacation club like Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) is a significant financial and lifestyle choice. It's a form of timeshare ownership, and understanding the costs and process is crucial. The primary costs associated with joining MVC are the initial purchase price and ongoing annual fees. The initial cost for a timeshare interest can range from the low to mid five-figures, while the annual fees can be in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The exact cost depends on several factors, including the number of points you purchase and whether you're buying directly from Marriott or on the resale market.
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| How Much To Join Marriott Vacation Club |
Step 1: Discover Your Vacation Dreams and Explore the Program ️
Ready to turn your travel fantasies into reality? The first and most exciting step is to think about what you want from your vacations. Do you dream of relaxing on a beach in Hawaii, hitting the slopes in Colorado, or exploring a new city? Marriott Vacation Club offers a points-based ownership model that gives you the flexibility to choose from over 90 resorts and thousands of other travel options within the Marriott family of brands through the Abound by Marriott Vacations program.
Your personalized journey begins with a conversation. You can reach out to Marriott's vacation specialists to learn about the program. They will give you a clear overview and help you create a customized plan based on your travel preferences. As a special incentive, attending a sales presentation, either in person or virtually, may even get you a bonus of Marriott Bonvoy points!
Step 2: Understand the Financial Commitment
This is the most critical step and requires careful consideration. Unlike a traditional hotel stay, joining MVC involves a substantial upfront investment and recurring yearly costs.
Initial Purchase Price
The initial purchase price for a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare interest can be quite high. A typical starting package might be in the range of $25,000 to $35,000, which gives you a certain number of Vacation Club Points per year. This cost is for the timeshare interest itself, which is a right to use the properties. The cost per point can vary, but direct purchases from Marriott often start at around $16-$17 per point. Buying on the resale market can sometimes offer a lower cost per point, but it's important to understand that resale purchases may not include all the same benefits as a direct purchase.
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Ongoing Annual Fees
On top of the initial purchase, there are annual fees you must pay to maintain your ownership. These fees are essential for the upkeep of the resorts and the operation of the vacation club.
Maintenance Fees: These fees are typically calculated on a per-point basis. For example, in recent years, the maintenance fee has been approximately $0.80 per point. So, if you own 2,000 points, your annual maintenance fee would be around $1,600. These fees can and often do increase over time.
Annual Club Fee: This is a separate fee that covers the costs associated with the program, such as access to the exchange company, banking and borrowing points, and other membership services. This fee varies based on your membership level (e.g., Select, Executive, Presidential) and can range from around $240 to $300+ per year.
Step 3: Formalize Your Ownership and Choose Your Financing
Once you've decided that Marriott Vacation Club is the right fit, you'll work with a sales executive to finalize the details. They'll present you with a contract that outlines all the terms, conditions, and costs.
Financing Options
If you don't have the cash to pay for the timeshare interest upfront, Marriott offers financing options. It's important to be aware that timeshare financing can come with relatively high interest rates, often in the range of 17-20% APR. You should carefully consider the total cost of financing, including interest, over the life of the loan.
Resale Market vs. Direct Purchase
You can also purchase a Marriott timeshare interest on the resale market. While this can sometimes be cheaper, it's crucial to understand the potential differences in benefits and privileges compared to buying directly from Marriott. Be sure to research this option thoroughly and work with a reputable timeshare broker.
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Step 4: Activate Your Membership and Start Planning!
After the contract is signed and the payment or financing is in place, you'll receive your membership information. You can then activate your account and start using your points. Marriott will provide you with a Vacation Ownership Advisor Team to help you navigate the system, book vacations, and make the most of your membership.
You'll be able to log in to the My-VacationClub.com website or use the app to browse available resorts, check point charts, and make reservations.
The number of points required for a vacation varies based on the resort, villa size, season, and length of stay.
You'll have the ability to bank or borrow points to plan for larger or more frequent vacations.
FAQ Section
How to join the Marriott Vacation Club?
To join, you must purchase a timeshare interest, which is a points-based ownership. You can do this by attending a sales presentation and buying directly from Marriott, or by purchasing a timeshare interest on the resale market.
How to get out of a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare?
Marriott has an "exit strategy" program called Marriott Vacations Worldwide's Owners Resolution that allows owners to sell their ownership back to the company, often for a discounted rate. You can also sell your timeshare on the resale market, but there are fees involved.
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How to finance a Marriott Vacation Club purchase?
Marriott offers financing options for direct purchases, though interest rates can be high. You can also explore personal loans or other financing methods through banks or credit unions.
How to use Marriott Vacation Club points?
You can use your points to book stays at Marriott Vacation Club resorts, trade them for stays at other affiliated resorts through Interval International, or even convert them into Marriott Bonvoy points for use at Marriott hotels.
How to bank or borrow Marriott Vacation Club points?
The program allows you to save points from the current year to use in the following year (banking) or use points from the next year for a vacation now (borrowing). This gives you flexibility in planning your trips.
How to get a good deal on Marriott Vacation Club ownership?
The best deals are often found on the resale market, but it's essential to understand that not all benefits may transfer. Additionally, attending a sales presentation can sometimes offer incentives and discounts on direct purchases.
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How to compare Marriott Vacation Club to traditional hotels?
While the initial cost is high, timeshare ownership is positioned as a way to potentially save money on vacations over many years, as the upfront cost and annual fees cover a "lifetime" of travel. Hotel stays are subject to market rates and inflation each year.
How to find out the specific costs for a Marriott Vacation Club package?
The only way to get a personalized and exact quote is to contact a Marriott Vacation Club specialist directly. They will create a customized plan with current prices, incentives, and fees based on your needs.
How to use the Abound by Marriott Vacations™ program?
Abound is the exchange program that gives you access to a wider range of experiences beyond the core MVC resorts. It allows you to use your points for cruises, tours, and stays at other vacation club brands like Sheraton and Westin.
How to know if Marriott Vacation Club is right for me?
Consider your travel habits. Do you take regular vacations and prefer spacious accommodations with kitchen and living areas? Are you willing to make a significant upfront and long-term financial commitment? A timeshare is not for everyone, so weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
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