Marriott vs. DVC

[timeshare shopper]

I had recently decided to buy into DVC, then I joined TUG and started to check out my other timeshare options. I currently believe that a Marriott would be a better choice for my family. There seems to be more flexibility and many more choices of where to trade without as much stress on getting reservations. I really liked what I saw at the Boardwalk but recent threads have me concerned that my family and I would be stuck always going to our home resort. I would like to have varied vacation experiences. Any advice regarding Marriot vs. DVC? Thanks!

[kem330]

I don't own Marriott, so all I can say is about DVC. DVC is about staying on WDW property in deluxe and spacious accomodations.
The operative word being ON PROPERTY. It is for individuals who are onsite addicts and visit WDW at least every other year. We would never consider staying off property at WDW. It's the whole Disney experience thing. If you go to WDW every other year and enjoy other travel as well, I would suggest a smaller 150- 200 point contract. Then you can use DVC when you want, and not have so much tied into it that you can't travel elsewhere. And if you get tired of it- there's a heck of a resale market. Hey what other ts is selling close to value paid for it?

[timeshare shopper]

Thank you for your reply. Do you think it would be so bad to stay at a Marriott in Orlando one year then trade for a Marriott in Spain the next, then Hilton Head or Boston the next? That's seems more exciting to me then going to Disney every time.

[Terry S]

Just by your response I have to agree that you would be better off buying at Marriott. I for one would not prefer Boston or Spain. I am perfectly happy going to WDW every year for the next 41 years or more if possible. But that is just me.

[donald@home]

A DVC membership is best used to stay at DVC resorts. If your plans are to stay primarily at other resorts around the world and you would be happy staying off property while visiting Disney, then I don't think DVC would be the best option for you. If I remember correctly, I have heard good things about Marriott. You might try them. (And the Marriott Custom House Tower in Boston is really cool! One day after work I told one of the Custom House sales people that I was a DVC member and was considering using my points to stay at their facility and asked for a tour. The rooms were beautiful, but small. A very unique time share.)

[CaptainMidnight]

Another option would be be buy enough points to go to WDW every other year, or every third year, and then buy a Marriott Time share to use on the alternating years. We hope to get to two vacations per year. Marriott may be a great second choice for us. Also, many Marriotts are deeded and thus can be handed down to your kids, right? Of course, the fliip side of that is what will a 42 year old resort be like?

But, maybe a combination of both would be nice. If your not sure about DVC, spend time on the rental board and try it out by renting points.

Good luck on your decision. I plan to join TUG soon in order to look for that second timeshare. Two vacations per year is the goal.

[kem330]

Timeshare, sounds like you are better at Marriott. But as a fellow travel addict (we go to Europe every year, as well as many other places- that's why I don't have a ton of DVC points) I wouldn't limit myself to a Marriott accomodation overseas. Part of the experience of Europe is staying in hotels with charm and character, and not a chain hotel. I know we struggled with buying DVC because we do travel a lot and not usually to the same place. So we are using DVC as a 4-5 day get away during the holidays with our family and not as any kind of extended vacation. Since our kids are older, we need at least two rooms and DVC is the most economical way to have that. If you think you will use Marriott more, go for it . You could always get a cash ressie at discount rates on property if you need a Disney fix! Good Luck!

[Dean]

I own both and it depends on what you and your famiy want to do. Some are just as happy staying off property in Orlando, others will never do it again no matter what the cost. Marriott is more flexible from a trading standpoint, DVC is FAR MOR FLEXIBLE from a usage standpoint. The ideas are not mutually exclussive so you may want to end up with both, just don't buy Marriott Orlando, especially if you are thinking about both types of ownership.

[Lisa P.]

You're getting good advice here. Keep reading and make your decision based on your particular, anticipated travel plans and desires. If they include onsite WDW trips every 2 years or so, consider DVC with just enough points to bank/borrow and get that. If buying elsewhere, buy a good resale price and enjoy the trading! Plenty of people own both, more than one.

Timeshare accommodations are generally more spacious and have different amenities (kitchen, separate sleeping rooms, usually more activities but no daily housekeeping or room service) than you'd find in hotels and B&B's so you have to decide when traveling which would suit you.

IMHO, families with children and/or where people need more than one room for sleeping benefit the most from timeshares. I know couples who like timeshares or suites because of very different sleep habits or special dietary needs.

Captain Midnight, there are plenty of hotels, B&B's and apartment complexes much older than 42 years all over the world, which are lovely and beautifully maintained. Look at the Concierge Collection, as it includes many. We can't assume that because a property is a timeshare that it would be run down in 42 years or 50 or 75. There are also 5 year old properties that are already showing the signs of poor maintenance. It all depends on the owners and their management. Disney doesn't have the only corner on that market either. Just a thought.

[mzzbuzzlightyear]

Hi!

We own DVC and MVC. They are both wonderful! We bought at Marriott Ocean Pointe but have never stayed there. We went to Marriott Grand Vista in Orlando twice...kids loved their pool, and so did we.

We also trade into the Marriott in Williamsburg; equally as fantastic.

Our DVC is only used at WDW, we have stayed in prefered studio and standard 1 BR at BWV and, when going with the Grandchildren, in the 2 BR at OKW. We are going to try Vero Beach in November when we go to WDW for the Food and Wine Show. (Staying in a 1BR standard view at BWV

Both of these timeshares have unique aspects to them. If we are going to WDW we stay with DVC. If we go to Sea
world or Universal, Marriott is the way to go!

June:pinkbounc

[Joe T.]

We own both. Actually bought MVCI 2 years after DVC. We bought at Grande Vista, but primarily for the exchange value. The feature that we have used the most is the ability to trade for Marriott Reward Points every other year. When my DW retires, we are planning to use the Reward Points for travel costs.

To be honest, I've had some minor gliches with MVCI relative to exchanges and reservations. Everything was corrected, but there were hassles.

It does sound as if you are a better candidate for MVCI. If you feel that you may go to WDW every 2 or 3 years, but the minimum DVC points and buy at MVCI.

[stlrod]

I own at Marriott and am fairly familiar with a have a healthy respect for DVC. While I cannot tell you which one is right for you, I can only tell you I am very pleased I bought at Cypress Harbour rather than OKW. My main concern was whether DVC was committed to future projects outside of Orlando. Since I purchased in 1993, the number of MVCI resorts has almost doubled. Marriott even bought DVC's Southern California resort. I will add that whenever we use Our unit (which has only been once), we add a night or two at WDW for the "magic." I've also found that as my children reach their teens, they prefer Universal to Disney. I agree with the previous poster about Marriott Rewards. It's a wonderful program despite some recent changes which somewhat diminished it value. With the points(which includes points earned while travelling on business and for referring others to Marriott), I have obtained 36 pieces of Waterford Crystal for my wife at Xmas and taken her to London and Paris for two nights each for Valentine's Day. This year, I "gifted" points to a neighbor (he also "gifted" me $1200--you can't sell points.) He used them for 6 nights at the brand-new Renaissance Chancery Court in London (and saved over $200 a night himself.) When they returned, the "hailed me" and demanded to take my wife and I out to one of the area's best restaraunts. The deal worked out great for me as well because I used the money to stay at Disneyland's Paradise Pier instead of the Ananheim Marriott (and still had plenty of cash to cover tickets and Balcony seating for Fantasmic.) I have traded my weeks for Marriott's Grande Ocean in Hilton Head in the summer (bookended the trip with nights at Disney HHI which I love) and Marriott's Manor Club in Williamsburg (a beautiful property). I also traded my 2BR for a 3BR at Grande Vista and then rented it for $1400. For next year, I have traded for June at Marriott's Newport Coast which I am planning to rent for $1800 (or trade for DVC points.) One of the best aspects is truly preferred standing in II. I once heard that Marriott has a 50% interest in II. I do not know if that is true but I do know i've gotten some great deals on Getaways. Getaways can normally be booked only 60 days in adavcne but Marriott owners seem to be able to book them whenever they are available. For example, I picked up a week at Marriott Kauai for next July in a 1 BR for only $674 (hence, we are renting Newport Coast.) Interesetingly, when I asked if I could trade my week for that unit in Hawaii, I was told I couldn't because it was specially-purchsed from marriott and not available for exchange. Having said all this, Marriott would be very wong for people who want to go to a Disney-resort year after year. In fact, I am having a really hard time deciding whether to buy at Disney's Hilton Head or Marriott Barony Beach.

[Diznut84]

I was previously a Marriott owner (and will be again soon!) but I believe that DVC cannot be beat for going to Disney. Since you are a member of TUG, you certainly know that you are comparing two of the most expensive timeshare companies in the world. There are many other timeshares that will give you great opportunities to visit top resorts in the world much more affordably (especially RCI resorts). Many TUGgers feel that II has high quality resorts, but RCI has more resorts in locations that you may want to go.

For me, most of the places I want to visit do not have Marriotts (Mexico, the Caribbean, Myrtle Beach) so I own a Southern California beach week affiliated with RCI to trade into top resorts in those locations. Marriott does have some resorts in locations I like (Hilton Head, Newport Beach, Williamsburg).

But let's face it, for travelling to Disney, there is no substitute for DVC. The flexibility in scheduling along with the location and transportation make it an easy purchase. In addition, only DVC maintains its value as well as it does. Purchase a Marriott week new from the developer and see what it is worth in three years. It won't be pretty! DVC has an unmatched record of holding its value.

Buying timeshares is a matter of preferences and style. Some folks like DVC. Some like Marriott. Others like less expensive options. Many people like a combination of the three. Do what works best for you. That is the only thing that counts!

[Dreamfinder2]

I'm awfully thankful to see this topic come back up. About six months ago I was having this same internal debate. We ended up not buying either (yeah, I know, DVC points went up in the interim) for some family reasons, but things are much more stable now and we're gradually easing back toward the market. One big joker in the deck now is that DS is now at Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego, and we don't know where his permanant duty station will be, but it'd be nice to trade into something close by him! OTOH, every time I look at something other than DVC, I feel like I'm betraying a best friend or family member. When I can distance myself emotionally from Disney and start thinking rationally, maybe we can make some decisions. But, heck, aren't those of us who are entrenched in middle age and still Disney fanatics irrational to begin with? (I know y'all are out there!) I just sort of feel like being a wuss and letting some of you folks tell me what to do. You have my permission to stick your nose in my business!:cool:

[Synonymous]

I read the original question as being more concerned with the ability to stay at other DVC resorts, besides the home resort. If so, you shouldn't be put off by recent comments on this board. Alot of people make the assumption that they can't get reservations at the other resorts using the 7 month window. This is not true, except for some very busy times of year, such as around the holidays. I've been reading these boards regularly for about a year now, and far more people report being able to stay at other resorts when they want than report not being able to do so. I had no problem switching a reservation to VWL at the 7 month mark.

[timeshare shopper]

Thank you all for all the good advice! I appreciate the info I received. If I decide to buy Marriott, I will miss this board.

[stlrod]

Nobody's ever suggested I not visit. After all, this is the friendliest place on the net.

[lbauer]

Does Marriott use a point system like DVC, or do you buy a specific week of the year. I like the flexibility of DVCs point system.

[Dean]

Marriott's point system is not directly related to their timeshares. It's a Frequent Flier program so forget about it for now. With Marriott their are 2 types of purchase. Fixed unit size/fixed week AND fixed unit size/floating week within a season. Some are also lockoff's and some not. It is not as flexbible to use as DVC but is more flexible for exchanging and is pretty flexible compared to the rest of the timeshare world.

[Joeblack]

Gthorson:
Just some "insider information" about MVCI. They will be opening resorts in Paris, pataya Beach, Thailand and Cancun, MX. in the 4 following years. They also have expansion plans for the Caribbean, and, as far as I know, they have Aruba available.

To the original poster: I think DVC and MVCI complement each other perfectly. I mix stays at WDW in BWV with other destinations through Marriott. If I had to choose one, I really wouldn't know which one to pick.

[stlrod]

No offense to Dean but his comment about flexibilty is not accurate. There is a connection between the Marriott Rewards program and MVCI. Every other year, Marriott owners who purchased their interests from Marriott can exchange their week for Marriott Rewards points. The number of points is determined by the season and size of unit purchased (in our case, owners of a Sport Week at Cypress Harbour, it is 90,000 points.) Those points can then be used with any other points accumulated for stays at an Marriott, Rennaisance or Ritz-Carlton in accordance with the Rewards Program. This option is not available to a purchaser of a resale (unless the purchase was handled by MVCI resales.) In addition, an owner of any Florida Marriott property built after Cypress Harbour (Grande Vista, Ocean Pointe, BeachPlace, Villas at Doral and the new one in Panama City Beach) has an added benefit. He or she does not have to go through Interval International to book a stay at one of the sister-properties. It can be done directly through Marriott. I am not aware of any new Marriott properties selling fixed-weeks (there may be one, I'm just not aware of it and very familiar with MVCI.) It is my understanding you can only buy into a "season." The seasons are essentially based on popularity of the resort destination. For example, our Sport Season (which was the mid-priced season of the three seasons available when we bought) generally runs from May 1 to June 20 and August 20 to December 20 (the exact dates change each year but are usually within a couple of days.) If you want to get a unit outside of your season in Orlando, it must be done through II (which is generally fairly easy as the 3BR unit I referred to in my first post was in July.) At newer resorts, the seasons are named for precious metals (bronze, silver, gold and platinum.) And as for Joe Black's comment about owning both, that would be "Timeshare Nirvana."

[Jaga]

I have noticed that a good number of posters own more than one timeshare to complememt DVC. In fact I am waiting to close on DVC and own HGVC for beach vacations in Sanibel/Marco. They complement each other for me but I regret owning two properties in Orlando.

This thread suggests buying MVC AND DVC for the best of both worlds.

Any ideas on the best value Marriott trader to access the MVC portfolio (incl Hawaii and Cancun) for a DVC member looking to complement DVC.......... or is this outside the limits of this board

Just wondering????

PS Should this be a new thread ?

[Dean]

Originally posted by stlrod
No offense to Dean but his comment about flexibilty is not accurate. There is a connection between the Marriott Rewards program and MVCI. Every other year, Marriott owners who purchased their interests from Marriott can exchange their week for Marriott Rewards points.

No offense taken. I was very simplistic in my answer. They are related but not that directly. You basically give up your timeshare in return for Frequent Flier type points. A program that, like Concierge Collection and related programs, could change significantly or go away tomorrow. You do also have to both buy a points property and buy from Marriott. The latter is no small matter. Buying a resale from Marriott can add 40% or more to the cost. My two Grande Ocean weeks would have been $18000 more through Marriott than otherwise and currently there is a $23,000 difference between what I paid and what Marriott sells for. It's not that I bought several years ago either as I have bought both within the last 2 years. I can't see the logic in buying a $20K or more timeshare, pay them a $104 fee every time I opt for points to stay in a hotel room. That's not to say the program doesn't have value, it does to certain people in certain situations, just not most people. It's much like the Disney Collection discussion, if you compare to discounts you could easily have gotten otherwise, it's not usually a good deal.

[stlrod]

I don't know that I would agree that discounts can always be had "easily". Right now, with unprecedented discounts at WDW, that would make for a very good argument not to buy DVC. But, I agree with the DVCrs who argue that DVC is still a smart move because we cannot count on those discounts lasting. And I doubt I'm in the minority (or at least not a small minority) of Marriott owners who believe the Rewards program has little value. For those of us who travel and stay at Marriotts to maximize points, that extra 90 -110,000 every couple of years really boosts the power of the program. Having said that, you are correct, it is a perk which can disappear tomorrow. And, the Rewards program just underwent a major restructuring which has made many people angry. Even though the increases really weren't that bad (the best award, the 7 day Hawaii award only went from 125,000 to 130,000) it changed and can continue to change. And I agree 100% that if the Rewards Program would not be of value to a buyer, it is much smarter to buy re-sale through someone other than Marriott. Dean, keep in mind though that the original purchasers of those properties you bought did get a couple of years' use out of them and probably got 200,000 points when they bought (I realize that the value probably isn'y even close to half the difference.) But the truth of the matter is that those people from whom you bought probably had no business buying a timeshare from DVC, Marriott or any other company. My guess is that they sold for financia reasons rather than dissatisfaction. Going back to the original post, I think the imprtant thing is that a prospective puechasers does exactly what he is doing and check out several alternatives and once a decision is made learn how to "work that program" to get maximum value."

[Dean]

I was only referring to the ancillaries like DC, CC, and to a certain extent, DCL. DVC can be a great value used appropriately.

[stlrod]

One other point for compatison is the cash discounts you get at other resorts. Recognizing this is a perk that can be taken awat w/o notice, at Marriott, we can generally get a 25-30% discount at other MVCI properties. Dean, I assume you get this even though you did not buy from Marriott (correct me if I'm wrong). What kind of discounts do DVC members generally get at the other resorts? I remember this summer when I was at HH speaking with a DVC salesman, he said we're sold out at full rack rate. He about fell out of his chair when I said, "Check at the front desk, I booked my room a week ago at a 25% Disney Club discount." Was that discount also made available to DVC members?

[stlrod]

On Dean's Comment, "DVC can be a great value," I agree wholeheartedly and probably would omit the "if use appropriately."

[Diznut84]

Originally posted by Jaga
Any ideas on the best value Marriott trader to access the MVC portfolio (incl Hawaii and Cancun) for a DVC member looking to complement DVC?

In my opinion, owning a summer Marriott Hilton Head Spicebush or Swallowtail is a great value, as well as Marriott's Harbour Point. A middle of summer week should run $6000-$7000 (annual fees $500-$650?). I am not a fan of Marriott Reward Points (in my opinion they are a poor value and the values can (and have been!) changed at any time), so I would not worry about buying from an authorized Marriott reseller.

Most of the Spicebush and Swallowtail units are dual affiliated with II and RCI. Harbour Point is only affiliated with II. Depositing any of the three weeks with II will get you a bonus week. I have had great success using bonus weeks to get great trades to other Marriotts. All three will have great trading power in either system.

For a much more complete set of strategies, consider joining TUG (http://www.tug2.net/) . You can access the bulletin board for free, but most folks find the advice so useful and the resort reviews and advice columns are so helpful that they shell out the $15 for membership.

BTW, I agree with Dean when he asserts that you should be careful how you use your DVC membership. Generally, it is MUCH cheaper to own other timeshare primarily for trading. DVC is a great trader but it is also very expensive. It can't be beat for using at WDW. I believe that is part of what he means when he says it is a great value if used appropriately. It is not a great value if you routinely use it to trade into other non-DVC resorts that could be had using much cheaper weeks (coastal beach weeks or ski weeks).

[Dean]

Originally posted by stlrod
On Dean's Comment, "DVC can be a great value," I agree wholeheartedly and probably would omit the "if use appropriately." If you use it just for long weekends, your cost will be significantly more than if you just paid cash, even at rack rates. Also, in many instances, DC and the like are more expensive in the long run than paying cash. As Greg notes, using DVC for exchanging routinely can be an inefficient use of points.

Remember I've stated before that most of my discussions in this line are directed at those that haven't decided how to use their points or haven't yet bought. If one has "paid for their vacation and that's how their going to use their points", that's ok. I'm not telling anyone they shouldn't do anything, just trying to get them to think about it and realize there are alternatives.

DVC members doe get some discounts but unlike Marriott, it's variable and less common now days to get room discounts.

[stlrod]

Dean, I understand the weekday use and pay cash for kid on cruise, etc. By saying I owuold have omitted the last couple of words, I meant that I can't imagine an inapprpriate use of DVC. If somebody want to spend their points on weekends, nmore power to them as you recoognized.

[Joeblack]

I don't have as much experience as Dean in the Timeshares business. I know the Rewards Program was the BASIC reason why I bought from Marriott. When I bought, I received a 420.000 points "gift" WIth it, I exchanged for 1 week at London's County Hall Hotel, the Champs Elysees Paris Marriott (which is a 500/night hotel) and 3 nights at the Amsterdam Marriott (The first two were absolutely AMAZING). I also got 4 plane tickets (I used 2 and got 120.000 miles in United to use whenever I want). Finally I got 2 weeks of car rental (they are not offered anymore in the rewards program), which I reverted back to points. I ended up using 390.000 points. I estimate the total value of the gift in about $7000 - $9000.

Now, with the new schedule of points, let's look at the coveted Maui destination. Let's assume you deposit your 2 weeks and receive 210.000 points (my case, with a platinum and a gold week). Using 200.000 points, I can get a travel package that gives me 2 tickets to Hawaii and 1 week at the Maui Marriott Resort and Ocean Club. I think that there is value there from what I have heard about Maui. OF course, you can stretch your points a whole lot more by traveling to farther destinations like Japan.

I am not in to sell Marriott. i am just sharing my experience with anyone that might be interested. With DVC, I am just as happy. So happy in fact that I added on at WLV and will most likely add-on at BCV when they open. I think that securing your stay in WDW is priceless and that there is not a more convenient way to do so.

[stlrod]

JoeBlack, I used mine at County Hall and Paris Marriott as well.

[Diznut84]

Joeblack, for purposes of comparison will you share with us what those weeks would currently cost from the developer as well as the maintenance fees and Marriott rewards conversion fees?

Thanks!

[timeshare shopper]

Thanks for all the great info. I'm now even more convinced that Marriott is the way to go now and possibly DVC in the future. If I go that way, would anyone recommend which Marriott to get now? I hear some of you saying a Hilton Head one in the summer. Then I could possibly get a DVC later.
Thanks!

[Diznut84]

I would strongly recommend that you go to the TUG (http://www.tug2.net/) bulletin boards. They will save you a ton of money (and time)! There is a separate Marriott board where your question would be more appropriate...

[Dean]

Originally posted by Joeblack
I think that there is value there from what I have heard about Maui. OF course, you can stretch your points a whole lot more by traveling to farther destinations like Japan.

I am not in to sell Marriott. i am just sharing my experience with anyone that might be interested. With DVC, I am just as happy. So happy in fact that I added on at WLV and will most likely add-on at BCV when they open. I think that securing your stay in WDW is priceless and that there is not a more convenient way to do so. Joe, there is value in the system used appropriately. I'd put a value of your options at around $6-7K but that doesn't matter. I'm assuming you're talking a gold and Platinum 2 BR at Maui. Total price for Oceanfront, what, about $45-50,000. Yearly fees I'm guessing around $17-1800 without subsidy. Then a $104 fee for each unit to trade for points and trading both units in a year gets you enough points for a trip to Japan for 2 adults with hotel and a few points left over, maybe. Lost income from the purchase along with interest if financed at say an average of 10%, less if you didn't finance and that's another $4-5000 per year that you could have used for something.

Maybe you wanted Maui Gold and Platinum and plan on going most years and it was worth it to you. If you're happy, so am I. I just don't want these people on the board thinking that the Marriott rewards points is a feasible option for most people unless they are going to buy at a certain resort anyway AND it's not available for a reasonable price from Marriott. And they must travel to the type of places you mention on a fairly routine basis to make it worthwhile. The other option is if you had another pretty substantial source of points to add to your timeshare purchases. Any way you stack it, it's still a frequent flier type program with all of the good and bad things that go with it and it's taken a significant dive in value in the last 6 months.

The exact prices for the above comparisons are rough estimates and I'm sure you can correct based on the actual figures, unit size and type you purchased, etc.

[Joeblack]

Very interesting thread. GThorson: No problem. OK. I own at Ocean Pointe in Palm Beach Shores. I bought in '98 and paid around 28.000 for 1 platinum and 1 gold week. The accomodations are 2 bedroom ocean-front suites and they accomodate 8 people comfortably. Dues are about $700/week per year. Like I said, I received a "gift" that, IMHO brought down the price I paid and I can say that the quality of everything was outstanding. This year I deposited my 2 weeks in Interval a friday, requested 1 week in Hilton Head Grande Ocean and 1 week Ft. lauderdale Beach Towers , back to back, in July (the highest season). I expected to be in a waitlist for a few months but I was pleasantly surprised to receive a confirmation the following Tuesday. Maybe I got lucky. It was my first experience exchanging through Interval, but I guess that MVCI owners do have preference. It reinforced my satisfaction with my investment. After I received confirmation I called DVC and reserved 5 days at WLV in a 2 BR. I can't wait for next July. It will be a blast!!

I can say nothing less about DVC. I am in love witht he BWV and i am sure I will also love WLV. I had the luck of staying in OKW and it was every bit as awesome as any other DVC resort. Like I said before, if I had to pick between MVC and DVC I really wouldn't be able to. i am lucky enough to own at both and so ffar, I am very satisfied with them.

[Diznut84]

Sounds like a great vacation! My sister also owns at Ocean Pointe and has had modest success with trading. You scored a great trade with Grande Ocean in July! As I've indicated in several other threads, an individual's timeshare portfolio will be reflective of their style and resources. As a woefully underpaid college professor, I have far fewer resources... :)

If you can afford to own the world's best resorts (Maui Marriott, Royal Sands, etc.) and it is your highest priority to always stay in other similar properties, owning at these resort works splendidly. In the case of DVC (some of the world's GREATEST resorts), there is, in my opinion, no substitute for owning.

For me, I just simply want to stay in the world's best resorts and get into them as cheaply as possible. To put it in the most favorable light, I am "value-oriented". If one can afford to own top Marriotts to trade, all the power to them! For me, I'd have to settle for owning the less expensive Marriotts (see the list earlier in this thread) and trying to exchange into the top Marriotts or other great resorts. Summer Hilton Head weeks would be quite successful at landing these trades, but certainly less successful than Maui weeks...

Thanks for sharing your info!

[PKS44]

As I understand it- the Marriott Rewards program is only for purchases from Marriott...no resales (unless from Marriott) and thus more expensive (almost double??) what resales are for the same property?

Is this correct?

[Dean]

Originally posted by PKS44
As I understand it- the Marriott Rewards program is only for purchases from Marriott...no resales (unless from Marriott) and thus more expensive (almost double??) what resales are for the same property?

Is this correct? Pretty much my understanding and experience. I'd say on average about 60-70% but depends on the property, week, etc.

[AnnaS]

I would like to know if there is a Marriot discussion board just like this and the DVC board. Please send web address - would love to read about it also. Thanks

[Diznut84]

TUG (http://www.tug2.net/) has an active Marriott BBS...

[AnnaS]

I recently joined TUG, I have to look for it. If I don't see it, I will be back. thanks