Are you looking to book a dream vacation with Marriott but confused about the difference between Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Vacation Club? Both programs offer unique benefits to their members, but they operate differently. Let’s take a closer look at what sets these two programs apart.
The Basics of Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits and rewards for staying at any participating Marriott hotel worldwide. Members can earn points for every dollar spent on room rates, food, and other eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other exclusive experiences.
Benefits of Marriott Bonvoy
- Free Wi-Fi: Members receive complimentary Wi-Fi access during their stay.
- Exclusive Member Rates: Members have access to exclusive discounted rates when booking directly through Marriott.
- Earn Points: Members earn points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating hotels.
- Redeem Points: Points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, or other exclusive experiences.
The Basics of Marriott Vacation Club
Marriott Vacation Club is a timeshare program that allows members to purchase vacation ownership at select resorts around the world. Members can choose from several different levels of ownership, ranging from weeks to points-based programs. Owners can use their vacation time at any participating resort within the network.
Benefits of Marriott Vacation Club
- Flexible Vacations: Owners have the flexibility to use their vacation time whenever they want throughout the year.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Owners enjoy spacious accommodations with all the comforts of home, including kitchens and separate living areas.
- Exclusive Discounts: Owners receive exclusive discounts on Marriott hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services.
- Exchange Options: Owners can exchange their vacation time for stays at other Marriott Vacation Club resorts or through Interval International’s network of affiliated resorts.
The Key Differences between Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Vacation Club
While both programs offer unique benefits to their members, there are some key differences between Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Vacation Club.
Ownership vs. Loyalty Program: The biggest difference is that Marriott Vacation Club is a timeshare ownership program, while Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program for frequent travelers.
Vacation Time vs. Points: Marriott Vacation Club owners purchase a specific amount of vacation time each year, while Marriott Bonvoy members earn points that can be redeemed for various rewards.
Accommodations: While both programs offer luxurious accommodations, the type of accommodations offered are different. Marriott Vacation Club offers spacious villas with kitchens and separate living areas, while Marriott Bonvoy offers traditional hotel rooms.
Conclusion
In summary, the main difference between Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Vacation Club is that one is a loyalty program for frequent travelers, while the other is a timeshare ownership program for those looking to invest in their future vacations. It’s important to evaluate your travel needs and preferences before deciding which program is right for you.