Question about DVC points vs Marriot timeshare?

[alldiz]

Hi,
I was talking to my boss today who has a few Marriot timeshares. He mentioned he is flying to Hawaii 1st class. I said wow thats pricey....he said he uses his points? He then asked....."Can't you convert your timeshare into points if you don't use it and use it for flights?

No I said....but then I was thinking....My DVC already is in points...Can this be done?

If not Is it worth it to buy a Marriot timeshare resale to occasionally do this. If you buy at one Marriot how easy is it to change to another?
Thanks....
Try to dumb it down for me
Kerri

 

[Sandisw]

No, DVC points are not something you can use like that. I don't know anything about Marriott timeshares to answer the other part of your question.

 

[DisneyDenis]

Even if you could fly on DVC points, it really would never be worth it. Cheaper to pay cash/credit.

I bet your boss paid mega-points for a 1st class r/t to Hawaii. Ask him. The going rate for maintenance fees only is $ 0.45 per point. Could be other charges. Marriott is VERY complicated.

 

[DisneyDenis]

... Also heard that minimum buy-in is 2000 points. Marriott charges about $12 per point. Consider that equivalent to a small point DVC contract.

 

[Dean]

Hi,
I was talking to my boss today who has a few Marriot timeshares. He mentioned he is flying to Hawaii 1st class. I said wow thats pricey....he said he uses his points? He then asked....."Can't you convert your timeshare into points if you don't use it and use it for flights?

No I said....but then I was thinking....My DVC already is in points...Can this be done?

If not Is it worth it to buy a Marriot timeshare resale to occasionally do this. If you buy at one Marriot how easy is it to change to another?
Thanks....
Try to dumb it down for me
Kerri

What's going on is that Marriott has 3 type of points. They have reward points, basically FF miles. Plus they have 2 type of timeshare points, trust points and destination points that effectively interface with the trust inventory. Those with qualified points can convert Marriott weeks or trust points into reward points. Using a Marriott week for reward points is akin to using DVC points for a cruise though worse for some and a LITTLE better for others. However, many who own Marriott timeshares also have other ways to get reward points including CC, travel, etc, and this is where benefits can start to be worthwhile. Marriott has used this hook touting the rewards point angle and many have fallen for it just like many bought non DVC timeshares with the idea of trading to DVC (including Marriott's). It gets a little complicated, esp when arguing the value and intricacies but I think this is a fair summary.

... Also heard that minimum buy-in is 2000 points. Marriott charges about $12 per point. Consider that equivalent to a small point DVC contract.

One can buy in resale for just under half that including the steep transfer fee. I think for most weeks are still by far the best value. I'm thinking the real minimum is still 1250 though they will try to convince people it's more. It could vary between current owners and new buyers though, I'm not sure.

 

[alldiz]

What's going on is that Marriott has 3 type of points. They have reward points, basically FF miles. Plus they have 2 type of timeshare points, trust points and destination points that effectively interface with the trust inventory. Those with qualified points can convert Marriott weeks or trust points into reward points. Using a Marriott week for reward points is akin to using DVC points for a cruise though worse for some and a LITTLE better for others. However, many who own Marriott timeshares also have other ways to get reward points including CC, travel, etc, and this is where benefits can start to be worthwhile. Marriott has used this hook touting the rewards point angle and many have fallen for it just like many bought non DVC timeshares with the idea of trading to DVC (including Marriott's). It gets a little complicated, esp when arguing the value and intricacies but I think this is a fair summary.

One can buy in resale for just under half that including the steep transfer fee. I think for most weeks are still by far the best value. I'm thinking the real minimum is still 1250 though they will try to convince people it's more. It could vary between current owners and new buyers though, I'm not sure.

Thanks everyone:good vibes I was hoping you would chime in Dean I have seen your previous knowledgable posts on Marriott.

If one buys a resale Marriott timeshare is there any limitations on use as opposed to direct? If you buy a week....Is that a locked in week that cannot be changed?
Thanks

edit...
Just curious is an anytime week for a 2br unit Marriot in Ft. Lauderdale on A1A....says its next door to the Ritz for 15,000 a good deal?
Kerri

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have seriously looked at Marriott. The units are every bit as nice, if not nicer, then DVC, but they don't have the same "size options" DVC offers (at least not at all resorts, the one's I looked at for example only have 2 bedrooms)


But it is a quality product IMHO and if you know what you are doing can be a good deal. I just haven't pulled the trigger as I can generally rent a VRBO or other option in the areas I like for the price of the annual fees...

 

[Dean]

Thanks everyone:good vibes I was hoping you would chime in Dean I have seen your previous knowledgable posts on Marriott.

If one buys a resale Marriott timeshare is there any limitations on use as opposed to direct? If you buy a week....Is that a locked in week that cannot be changed?
Thanks

edit...
Just curious is an anytime week for a 2br unit Marriot in Ft. Lauderdale on A1A....says its next door to the Ritz for 15,000 a good deal?
Kerri

There are no limitations for trust points bought resale that I am aware off but there are restrictions for fixed and floating weeks. Most Marriott weeks float within a season. I haven't followed the prices much the last couple of years but $15K for Beachplace even Platinum seems VERY high IMO. I won't go further here since this is a DVC forum but would be happy to discuss with anyone privately.

I have seriously looked at Marriott. The units are every bit as nice, if not nicer, then DVC, but they don't have the same "size options" DVC offers (at least not at all resorts, the one's I looked at for example only have 2 bedrooms)


But it is a quality product IMHO and if you know what you are doing can be a good deal. I just haven't pulled the trigger as I can generally rent a VRBO or other option in the areas I like for the price of the annual fees...

It varies, some have multiple options and some don't and some have lockoff's and others don't. Marriott is a more variable product for a number of reasons thus it takes more investigation and has more uncertainty.

 

[alldiz]

There are no limitations for trust points bought resale that I am aware off but there are restrictions for fixed and floating weeks. Most Marriott weeks float within a season. I haven't followed the prices much the last couple of years but $15K for Beachplace even Platinum seems VERY high IMO. I won't go further here since this is a DVC forum but would be happy to discuss with anyone privately.

It varies, some have multiple options and some don't and some have lockoff's and others don't. Marriott is a more variable product for a number of reasons thus it takes more investigation and has more uncertainty.

Thanks
Kerri

 

[alldiz]

I have seriously looked at Marriott. The units are every bit as nice, if not nicer, then DVC, but they don't have the same "size options" DVC offers (at least not at all resorts, the one's I looked at for example only have 2 bedrooms)


But it is a quality product IMHO and if you know what you are doing can be a good deal. I just haven't pulled the trigger as I can generally rent a VRBO or other option in the areas I like for the price of the annual fees...

I have heard nothing but great things about Marriott....but I don't want to pull the trigger yet as well. VRBO is a great option!
Thanks
Kerri

 

[OurDogCisco]

I have both timeshares and love it. But I've never used my timeshare DC points for airfare. But the Marriott Vacation Club does have a program where you can buy points for airfare and hotel together and get a great deal. We went on a Baltics cruise through Disney but before the cruise we spent 5 nights in London. We have a ton of Marriott points from the credit card. So, I was able to book 5 nights in London for us (all 4 of us in one room) and 2 flights for free. It really brought down the cost of the trip. While I love Marriott timeshares I don't love their credit card program. For us there are better ones out there for us. You really just need to research out the credit card companies out there and find a program that works for you. But I wouldn't buy into a timeshare because of their credit card program.