Marriott Vacations Worldwide Combines Divisions (Marriott, Sheraton & Westin)

by joeheg

Marriott Vacations Worldwide has a portfolio of over 90 domestic and international vacation ownership resorts, including the Sheraton Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club and Westin Vacation Club. Marriott Vacations Worldwide is an independent company from Marriott Resorts and has an agreement that allows them to use the various Marriott brand names on their timeshare resorts.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide has made several changes to its ownership structure, including a new program called Abound, which allows members to get vacation points that can be used at any of the Marriott Vacations locations instead of owning a particular time at a single resort.

a pool with palm trees and buildings

We stopped by the Westin Vacation Club in Princeville when we visited Kauai.

To create a more integrated experience, Marriott Vacations Worldwide has combined the three Marriott branded vacation clubs into a single program called The Marriott Vacation Clubs.  There will still be three distinct brands that offer different experiences, but members can use Club Points at any of the 90 properties across the brands.

Understanding how the program works can get confusing, as non-members can book the Marriott Vacation Club properties through the Marriott Hotels website, even earning Marriott Bonvoy points for stays and using points to book free nights (when they’re available).

Owners of Marriott Vacation Club properties can convert Club Points to Marriott Bonvoy points and use them to book Marriott hotels. They’re also provided Marriott Bonvoy status, starting at Gold Elite, depending on how many points they’ve purchased.

Final Thoughts

I can’t help but think that Marriott Vacations is copying the Disney Vacation Club model, which was introduced over 25 years ago. Allowing owners to book wherever they want, depending on availability, instead of being locked into a single resort is what people looking to buy want to get.

Combining the three Marriott-branded Vacation Clubs under a single name makes it easier for potential owners to see the different places where they can use their points. No more worrying about buying into Sheraton Vacation Club if you occasionally want to stay at a Westin Vacation Club resort.

Buying a timeshare isn’t for everyone. However, it can make financial sense for a particular type of tourist.

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