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Re: Purchasing a Marriot Vacation Club timeshare (by Kenneth K.):
Until recently, Marriott was selling Marriott Reward points for one penny each...about what their value is.
Consider this....you buy a Marriott via the developer for...say...$25,000.
This is about a unit that might get a tradeback of points worth about 125,000. (Some super Plat weeks might get more...MOST GET LESS)
What you need to realize is that the rewards points are just that...a travel reward program. this one happens to be set by Marriott.....Starwood thas them, Hilton has them, American Airlines has them
Another thing.....the average maintance fees and taxes are about $1000.00 for each week owned. If you turn in your week for points, YOU MUST STILL pay the maint fees...and a FEE TO CONVERT TO POINTS.
So, you need to consider the $$$ lost by buying via Marriott...and seeing if it is worth it to get these points.
If you can access the Marriott Rewards site, you can check just to see what you can buy for these points.
Best deals are the major trip rewards...ie. one week in a marriott anywhere in the world with airfare for 2. Average about 225,000
The points needed for this trip has gone up over time ( but the amount of points you get for your week has not).
The clinker is this.....you get 125,000 points for your turned in 2 bed 2 bath or bigger week. If you want to use another MVCI 2 bed 2 bath full week, it will cost 150,000. If there is a sale, it might cost 135,000.
The best use for Marriott...the absolute best value, is to buy a Marriott 2 bed 2 bath lock out top week resale - not from Marriott ( we used to say yes from Marriott...but no more...they changed the rules and pricing).
Marriott will sell weeks for cheap...but not desireable weeks...ie..Steamside Bronze 2 bed 2 bath lock outs for $1500 total (includes closing fees & taxes)...but thats such a poor trader.
Look for brighter red weeks....an example...MBP...Gold Red sells resale for just over $8000. 2 bed 2 bath L/O (Oceanfront- also consider Ocean Point). Unit locks out for 2 weeks for your one...and if you pick a strong week in the float..II will give you a bonus AC week...three for one ( ACs have a fee $199 for a studio, $299 for a 2 bed 2 bath or bigger with restrictions.)
Please, don't buy direct from Marriott for the points. The only reason is to buy direct is to get a specific week and most Marriott are floats.
And I dare the saleman to tell you you will be able to get the week you want in your float period unless you call to the exact minute of 12 or 13 months out.
Ask them to put it in writing...or you don't buy developer.
Marriott is great....when the buy has some knowledge of the system