Marriott is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, offering a range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. However, many people don’t realize that Marriott also offers a vacation ownership program called Marriott Vacation Club. This program allows customers to purchase timeshare interests in Marriott’s resorts and enjoy luxurious vacations year after year.
If you’re already a member of Marriott Rewards, you might be wondering if your points can be used towards Marriott Vacation Club. The short answer is yes, but there are some important things you need to know before doing so.
Understanding Marriott Vacation Club
Marriott Vacation Club operates on a points system, which allows members to use their points towards booking stays at any of the 50+ resorts worldwide. Members can also choose to exchange their points for stays at other Marriott properties or with partner companies such as RCI or Interval International.
The number of points needed for a stay varies depending on the resort, time of year, and length of stay. Generally speaking, peak season and longer stays require more points than off-peak season and shorter stays.
Using Marriott Rewards Points for Marriott Vacation Club
As mentioned earlier, members can use their Marriott Rewards points towards booking stays at Marriott Vacation Club resorts. However, it’s important to note that the conversion rate is not one-to-one.
Currently, 1 Marriot Reward point converts to 0.33 Vacation Club Points. This means that if you have 30,000 Marriot Reward points, you would only have enough for about 10,000 Vacation Club Points.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Using your Marriot Rewards points for Marriott Vacation Club has both advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that it allows you to use your rewards towards luxurious vacations that would otherwise be too expensive to book outright.
Another advantage is that using your rewards for vacation ownership can save you money in the long run. By purchasing timeshares with your points, you can enjoy discounted rates for years to come.
However, the conversion rate is not very favorable, and it might take a lot of points to book a stay at a Vacation Club resort. Additionally, once you use your rewards for vacation ownership, you won’t be able to use them for other Marriott Rewards benefits such as free nights at hotels.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, yes, Marriott Rewards points can be used towards booking stays at Marriott Vacation Club resorts. However, the conversion rate is not very favorable, so it might not be the best use of your rewards if you’re looking to maximize their value.
If you’re interested in owning timeshares through Marriott Vacation Club, it might be worth considering purchasing them outright rather than using your rewards. This way, you can enjoy discounted rates and have more control over your vacations in the long run.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what works best for your travel needs and budget. With careful planning and consideration, you can make the most of both your Marriott Rewards points and Marriott Vacation Club membership.