Marriott Vacation Club Resorts: 10 Most Popular Locations [2024 Guide]

Key Takeaways

• Marriott Vacation Club offers luxury vacation options at properties worldwide, featuring spacious villas and resort-style amenities.
• Owners can convert their allotment of Vacation Club points to Marriott Bonvoy points to be used for travel experiences.
• Popular locations include Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego, Marriott’s Grande Vista, Orlando, and Marriott’s Grand Chateau, Las Vegas.

For some travelers, there’s a particular magic around returning to the same place year after year. You get that feeling of returning home without committing to buying a second home. We’re referring, of course, to timeshares — condo-style vacation accommodations that multiple owners share throughout the year.

Marriott Vacation Club is the leading timeshare brand of the Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation. It is composed of over 90 resorts located in key vacation destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the U.S.

Accommodations at each property typically range from studio suites to 3-bedroom units. However, while these properties are designed with timeshare owners in mind, you don’t need to be one to book a reservation and take advantage of their ultra-spacious digs.

Whether you buy into a membership or simply want to enjoy a hotel and its features as a regular guest, here’s what you can expect from a stay at a Marriott Vacation Club property.

Everything You Need to Know About Marriott Vacation Club

Marriott Vacation Club resorts are just that — vacation destinations designed to serve your long getaway needs. As mentioned above, while Club properties can be booked for single overnight stays, their setups are based on the timeshare model, with amenities for long-term visits.

Rooms are typically larger than what you’d find in a standard hotel, on-site restaurants are limited, and many guests are Marriott Vacation Club members who stay for a week or more. Although couples will find plenty to enjoy at these properties, the added space makes Marriott Vacation Club an especially popular choice for families and groups.

Because Marriott Vacation Club properties cater to repeat and long-term timeshare guests, regular paying travelers often contend with decreased room availability, especially during peak travel windows.

Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Program

Timeshare ownership can be purchased through the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Program, which works differently from the timeshares you might be familiar with.

Instead of owning the rights to a specific unit or travel window, members receive an annual allotment of Vacation Club points that can be redeemed for stays at any Marriott Vacation Club resort or hotel. This makes the program perfect for those who plan to vacation every year but don’t want to commit to a single destination or room.

A member’s annual points allotment is replenished annually and can be added at any time. Got a big trip in the works? Members can also carry over unused points from a previous year and borrow from the following year to amass the amount they need.

In addition to overnight stays at Marriott Vacation Club resorts, timeshare owners can convert their Vacation Club points into Marriott Bonvoy points, which can be used towards several unique travel experiences like cruises and guided tours (as well as at over 8,500 Marriott-branded hotels and affiliated resorts) via the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Exchange Program.

However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t work the other way around. In other words, Marriott Bonvoy points cannot be converted into Vacation Club points. So while you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to stay at a Marriott Vacation Club property, you can only do so as a regular paying guest — not as a timeshare owner.

In-Room Amenities

Décor varies by location, but guest rooms at Marriott Vacation Club properties are generally designed for long-term use — be it a long weekend or a week-long vacation.

Units range from studios to multi-bedroom villas and feel more like mini residences than hotel rooms. Whether you book a room for a twosome or a family of 5, most accommodations come ready with a kitchen or kitchenette, a separate living area, a small or large dining area, and, in bigger units, multiple bathrooms.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse Properties

Unlike the typical beachside set-up of many Marriott Vacation Club resorts, Pulse — a subset of the brand — comprises hotels located within major cities designed for shorter-term stays.

These properties are much more sleek and cosmopolitan in style and include standard rooms that lack kitchenettes in addition to regular condo-style units. The properties often forgo essential amenities (full-service restaurants and pools, for example) in exchange for an unbeatable downtown city location near major sights.

There are 6 Pulse properties in the Marriott Vacation Club portfolio. These are in Boston, Miami, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

American Express and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

It’s important to stress this fact: you cannot redeem or earn Marriott Bonvoy points at a Marriott Vacation Club hotel as a timeshare owner. You can still cash in points for a regular overnight stay.

To that end, Marriott Bonvoy offers several co-branded credit cards, making it easy to rack up the points you need to redeem award nights at these properties.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$770

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year

Cons

• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card from Chase^®!
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Card.
• New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• New! Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

85,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$595

Annual Fee

$250

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card^® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

95,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$665

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

The 10 Most Popular Marriott Vacation Club Locations

Of the 90 or so hotels that make up Marriott Vacation Club’s portfolio, people tend to search for — and stay at — these 10 locations more than any other. Let’s check them out!

1. Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego (San Diego, CA)

By far, the most well-searched hotel in the Marriott Vacation Club portfolio is its high-rise in downtown San Diego — 1 of 6 Pulse properties across the U.S. defined by their chic urban design aesthetics and downtown city settings.

As with all Pulse locations, these condo-style accommodations put guests in the thick of it all. In this case, the trendy Gaslamp Quarter and scenic Balboa Park (home to the San Diego Zoo) are just a 15-minute walk away.

Rooms are stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped for multi-day visits with a kitchenette and separate living area. However, because guests anticipate spending most of their visit off-property, on-site amenities are limited to an up-to-date fitness center and SHAKE Bar & Lounge — a solid American restaurant when you want a low-key meal at your home away from home.

Cash room rates at this property hover around $200 for a standard room, while award redemptions average between 40,000 and 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

2. Marriott’s Grande Vista (Orlando, FL)

Whether you plan on spending most of your visit on the property or off of it, there’s no denying that Marriott’s Grande Vista has everything families could want for an extended Orlando vacation.

The 160-acre resort complex houses a whopping 1,616 rooms that run the gamut from standard kings to 3-bedroom villas that can house up to 12 overnight guests. All units have a sleeper sofa, kitchenette, and a screened-in furnished patio or balcony; villas feature the added benefits of a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a whirlpool tub in the bathroom.

The location is stellar — 5 minutes from SeaWorld and 20 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort — but you might never feel the need to leave. In addition to a full-service spa, fitness center, and handful of restaurants, guests can access a 9-hole golf course and practice facility where experts give lessons, a game room, an indoor playground, and 4 outdoor pools.

You can even rent paddle boats and fishing gear at the nearby lake, play volleyball on the beach, or utilize the Boathouse’s billiards and ping-pong tables. The marketplace is convenient for stocking up on groceries.

Unfortunately, there are some downsides. Daily housekeeping costs extra, and there is no shuttle service to nearby amusement parks — a perk often available at hotels in the area.

Likely because of these details, overnight stays remain relatively affordable. Expect to redeem 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for an award stay or pay around $210 per night for a standard room.

Hot Tip:

In Orlando for the amusement parks? Take advantage of the discounted tickets at Marriott’s Grande Vista’s concierge desk.

3. Marriott’s Grand Chateau (Las Vegas, NV)

Despite being just a 5-minute walk from the Strip, Marriott’s Grand Chateau — a high-rise timeshare directly across the street from Planet Hollywood — forgoes the typical Vegas glitz for a much homier vibe, making it great for groups and families seeking a no-fuss sleep close to main attractions.

The lobby features crystal chandeliers and wood-paneled walls; upstairs, 3 wings house 643 guest rooms and suites that maximize comfort. Every room category includes a kitchenette and sitting area, while suites allow more space for a dining area, washer and dryer, and a separate master bedroom.

Although the property lacks a casino, spa, and full-service restaurant, there’s a 24-hour marketplace for grocery and snacking needs. You’ll still find a few excellent amenities, including a fitness center, a lobby bar, a top-floor cocktail lounge with stellar city views, and a rooftop pool — 1 of 2 pools at the hotel.

Other perks we love: valet parking is free, and there’s no resort fee.

Award nights can be redeemed from 40,000 to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Cash rates average about $250 for a standard room.

4. Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes (Myrtle Beach, SC)

The golden sands of Myrtle Beach set a breezy backdrop for Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, which seems aptly named, considering many of its 374 rooms look out over the water.

Whether visiting as part of the timeshare program or just enjoying a quick getaway along South Carolina’s coast, this condo-style property offers ample space to relax. Every unit is a 2-bedroom villa with a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony. The majority of the 5 resort buildings sit right on the sand, and the grounds feature no less than 5 pools when you tire of the ocean.

In addition to a kids club and playground, there are facilities for basketball, shuffleboard, volleyball, table tennis, and bocce ball, as well as 2 restaurants, a pool bar, a fitness center, and complimentary self-parking. Myrtle Beach’s central hub is roughly 10 miles away.

Expect to redeem 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for an award night here. Otherwise, units average about $400 per night — though you’ll often find rates much higher or lower depending on seasonality.

Hot Tip:

For those craving a massage, guests of Marriott’s OceanWatch at Grande Dunes have access to the spa at Marriott Myrtle Beach Hotel nearby.

5. Marriott’s Crystal Shores (Marco Island, FL)

Naples and Everglades National Park are within striking distance of Marco Island, a sun-soaked barrier isle on Florida’s southwest shoreline facing the Gulf of Mexico. If you plan on spending time in either, Marriott’s Crystal Shores is a great place to base yourself.

The 219-room beachfront resort is modern and comfortable, offering 2- and 3-bedroom villas with full kitchens, separate living and dining rooms, washers/dryers, and furnished balconies. Families especially love the kid-friendly amenities, including 3 outdoor pools (one of which features a waterslide) and direct access to Marco Island Beach.

Stilts Beachside Bar and Grill and Pizza Cucina are pleasant, casual options, whether you visit for lunch or dinner. Otherwise, Naples’ dining scene is a 40-minute drive away.

Award night redemptions range from 50,000 to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, though award nights appeared unavailable at press time. Cash rates hover around $660 per night.

6. Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, New York City

It doesn’t get more central than the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, New York City, which sits just 3 blocks from Bryant Park in the heart of Midtown. From here, you’ll be within walking distance of some of Manhattan’s most iconic sights, including Times Square, the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library, and luxury shopping along Fifth Avenue.

Still, there are a few reasons why you’d want to hang back at the property. Guest rooms are sleek and stylish, with mahogany furniture, a pull-out sofa bed, and city views. The place to be is the rooftop bar, Top of the Strand, which serves creative cocktails and whose outdoor terrace looks straight out at the Empire State Building. There’s also a fitness center.

Award night redemptions range between 40,000 and 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, while standard rooms average about $190.

7. Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club (Oahu, HI)

It may not have Disney’s stamp of approval like Aulani does next door. However, you’ll still be able to enjoy the same Hawaiian paradise (at a comparatively lower rate) when you stay at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, located inside a quiet gated community on Oahu’s southwest shore.

Families love the space you get here thanks to 1- to 3-bedroom villas equipped with kitchens, washers/dryers, separate living and dining areas, sleeper sofas, and often multiple bathrooms. Whether you get a patio or balcony depends on the floor; the views are either ocean or mountains.

After indulging at the 2 restaurants and poolside bar, burn off those mai tais at 1 of the 3 lagoon-style pools or during complimentary classes at the fitness center. Alternatively, continue your R&R with a massage at the spa, a nap by the beach, or a dip in 1 of the hotel’s multiple hot tubs. The weekly Polynesian luau dinner is a nice touch and a must-do during any Hawaiian vacation.

Both valet and self-parking are expensive at $40 a night, but thankfully, there’s no resort fee. Honolulu and its famous Waikiki Beach are a half-hour drive away.

Award night redemptions range from 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, while cash rates hover around $375 per night.

Hot Tip:

Keep a lookout for the property’s collection of gas grills — free for guests to host a beachside barbecue.

8. Marriott’s Grande Ocean (Hilton Head, SC)

“Tranquility” is a byword for Marriott’s Grande Ocean on Hilton Head Island, a timeshare resort that sits on a quiet, lush stretch of waterfront real estate known as Forest Beach, where it’s only a quick walk to the sand.

Families and couples love how much room they have to roam. The 2-bedroom villas comfortably sleep 6. All have a furnished balcony, separate living and dining rooms, and a full kitchen. The expansive grounds are home to 5 pool areas, a whirlpool spa, a fitness center, and spots to play shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong, tennis, and mini-golf.

In addition to a seasonal pool bar, an American restaurant hosts weekly dinner events, and grills are around the property for guests to use. Those with energy to burn should consider renting a bike from the front desk and exploring the local nature trails.

If you’re not a timeshare holder, you can redeem anywhere from 32,00 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for an overnight award stay. Alternatively, units average about $420 per night.

9. Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands)

No wonder many people buy into ownership at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. This stunning hillside resort faces a picture-perfect beach on St. Thomas — one of the dreamiest of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Life here is extra spacious, where even the smallest units can accommodate up to 8 guests. Guests choose between 2- and 3-bedroom villas, which are as bright and tropical as their breezy surroundings and come with separate dining and living areas, a kitchen, and a furnished patio or balcony overlooking Pacquereau Bay.

Elsewhere on the property, there’s an infinity pool with a waterslide overlooking the ocean, a fitness center for maintaining that beach bod, an on-site barber and beauty salon, and a poolside restaurant (in addition to multiple grab-and-go markets) — not to mention even more restaurants at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef, which shares its property and amenities with Cove guests.

Between the location and villa-style accommodations, the price to stay here is high. Thankfully, there is no added resort fee. Villa rates hover around $770 per night for a 2-bedroom unit, while award redemptions range between 50,000 and 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

Free hotel parking makes it easy to plan a day trip to Charlotte Amalie, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ historic capital city located 10 minutes up the coast.

10. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Molokai, Maui & Lanai Towers (Maui, HI)

You’ll be facing one of Maui’s best beaches — Ka’anapali — when you stay at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, though a swoon-worthy setting is not all you’ll find here.

The grounds feature 3 pool areas featuring waterslides and a climbable “shipwreck,” making this spot a big hit with families and groups that don’t mind the number of kids.

Units range from studios to 2-bedroom suites with a kitchenette and furnished balcony overlooking the ocean or the grounds. However, suites have more space for a dishwasher, separate bedrooms, and multiple bathrooms.

Although there’s only 1 full-service restaurant on-site, the Starbucks outpost is a nice feature, as are the 2 poolside bars that serve appetizers, tropical cocktails, and stunning sunset views. Makai Tiki is particularly popular for its live Hawaiian music and nightly hula performances. There’s also a tiny but solid day spa.

From here, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Whalers Village — an outdoor mall home to a handful of boutique shops and restaurants. Daily parking costs a $20 fee ($22 for valet parking).

Award stays range from 50,000 to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Cash rates average about $460.

Final Thoughts

Staying at a Marriott Vacation Club hotel is not for everyone. The large, often multi-bedroom units might prove unnecessarily large for singles or couples, while limited facilities force visitors to be mostly self-sufficient. Even timeshare loyalists may not appreciate the program’s points-based model, which prevents members from securing a set unit or week indefinitely.

That said, the program offers incredible flexibility for travelers who want a timeshare experience but can enjoy different resorts and destinations year after year.

Marriott Vacation Club hotels are also perfect for groups or families who need more space than a traditional hotel room but don’t want to book (or waste points on) a second, potentially unconnected room.

If you want to spread out and stay awhile, Marriott Vacation Club offers compelling options in sought-after vacation destinations worldwide — including Aruba, Hawaii, Florida, and Las Vegas — for your next getaway.