What Is the Difference Between Marriott Vacation Club and Bonvoy?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning to take a vacation and looking for a luxurious stay, Marriott is undoubtedly one of the most popular names in the hospitality industry. But when it comes to choosing between Marriott Vacation Club and Bonvoy, many people get confused. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Marriott Vacation Club and Bonvoy to help you make an informed decision.

What is Marriott Vacation Club?

Marriott Vacation Club is a timeshare program that offers its members access to luxurious villas and resorts worldwide. Members can purchase points that can be used to book accommodations at any of the Marriott Vacation Club properties across the globe. The points are purchased annually and can be used for various stays throughout the year.

What is Bonvoy?

Bonvoy is a loyalty program offered by Marriott International. It allows members to earn points for their stays at any of the participating hotels under the Marriott brand. These points can be redeemed for future stays or other perks such as free Wi-Fi, room upgrades, or even free nights.

The Difference Between Marriott Vacation Club and Bonvoy

The primary difference between Marriott Vacation Club and Bonvoy is that one is a timeshare program, while the other is a loyalty program.

  • Membership: To become a member of Marriott Vacation Club, you need to purchase points annually. On the other hand, joining Bonvoy is free.
  • Accommodations: Members of Marriott Vacation Club have access to luxurious villas and resorts across the globe, while Bonvoy members can stay at any participating hotel under the Marriott brand.
  • Points: The points purchased by members of Marriott Vacation Club can only be used for stays at their properties. In contrast, Bonvoy points can be redeemed for various perks such as free Wi-Fi or room upgrades.
  • Ownership: Members of Marriott Vacation Club own a share in the properties they purchase points for, while Bonvoy members do not have any ownership rights.

Which One to Choose?

The answer to this question depends on your travel preferences. If you prefer staying in luxurious villas and resorts while having ownership rights, Marriott Vacation Club may be the right choice for you. However, if you travel frequently and prefer to earn points for stays that can be redeemed for various perks, Bonvoy may be the better option.

The Bottom Line

Marriott Vacation Club and Bonvoy are both excellent programs catering to different travel needs. While Marriott Vacation Club offers luxurious stays with ownership rights, Bonvoy provides rewards and perks for frequent travelers. Regardless of which program you choose, you can rest assured of a comfortable stay at any of the Marriott properties worldwide.