[2020] What Is Your Favorite MVC Resort And Why?

[caribbeanqueen]

I have only visited 4, Aruba Surf Club, Marco Island Crystal Shores, Kauai Beach Club and St Kitts. Kauai was our favorite so far.
I am interested to hear what your favorite resort is and why. It could be where it is located, has nice pools and beach or has a lot to do near the resort.
I imagine others who are relatively new to MVC are also interested in other's thoughts.
TIA!

 

[Steve Fatula]

My favorite resort is Desert Springs in Palm Desert. The reason is high season is winter. That's a fantastic advantage. Makes winter shorter back home. There is nothing like heading there in Jan/Feb and enjoying sunny warm days. It's the only resort I visit every year. Typical days in dead of winter have highs of 65-85. usually, at least 70. One year it was 94, 2 years ago. In 20+ years, probably 200+ days there, we had one day where the high was the 40's! Of course, the next day was warm but I do recall that one day, lol.

There are literally hundreds of things to do there. We've done new things every year we've been there. And some of the same things. No beach obviously. The pools are pretty good. I love that there are few kids, and, just basking in the heat in winter! I've been to probably half of the MVCI timeshares. Our goal is to visit them all, unlikely, but, fun for a goal.

It pairs pretty well with Newport Coast too as that's not too far, you can stay in both, we did that one year. Or even Phoenix is not too far a drive.

I went to the owners meeting for the first time ever this year while there, not the presentation, an actual owners meeting they hold. It was interesting hearing from the folks, most of them owned there and many were staying at least 4 weeks. I can see why!

I doubt you'll get very many if any agreeing with this as a favorite. But I've been to all the Hawaii islands now (well, Kauai is last in a month), been to Aruba, been to Marco, Hilton Head, etc. and I still like DSV better.

Now that vacationforever posted, I can say we like Ko Olina also for Hawaii. MVCI Surfers Paradise is up there, along with Phuket Beach Club. And I like the Branson MO location, but for totally different reasons (shows).

 

[VacationForever]

Our favorite is Marriott's Ko Olina - lush landscape, lots of pools and right on the lagoon and ocean. Their casual restaurant, Longboard, is quite good and a perfect spot to watch the sunset if you are not doing so from your balcony. Golf at Ko Olina is a short drive away. If not for needing to take a flight to get there, we would go there every year. If you have not been there, Ko Olina is not Waikiki - it is not crowded and it is in a beautiful area.

We also love Desert Springs and go there each year for several weeks between end of Nov to beginning of Feb. Weather is perfect for golf and it does not break the bank. We own 2 weeks at Desert Springs Villas I, super large 1BR and good size studio and the studio has both a walk-in shower and separate bathtub and the 2 rooms do not connect, giving our friends their privacy. Some Desert Springs Villas II 1BR side have a high ceiling in the dining room. Both Desert Springs I and II have nice modern technology conveniences built into the rooms - example of night light which comes on at the foot of the side table when you step down from the bed.

 

[rthib]

Bias but the ones I own: Shadow Ridge and Canyon Villas.
Shadow Ridge gives me great weather and beautiful views. Plus great walks and easy access when you want to get out.
Canyon Villas because it fells more intimate and has one one of the best grilling/green areas. And also wonderful walking area.

 

[n777lt]

Maui Ocean Club! With DPs and a week at Nanea, we can now put together 5 weeks and it never gets old - hiking, snorkeling, trips to Lanai, snorkeling, whale watching, turtle watching, eating...and next year I think I'll try spearfishing (non-indigenous fish only). In contrast, I also like Canyon Villas, where we also own. Maricopa County has over 200 miles of hiking trails. I admit, the snorkeling around Canyon Villas isn't as good as by MOC, but the hiking makes up for it, and day trips to Sedona/Jerome/Montezuma's Castle and Tonto/Globe and Tucson are always a treat. Canyon Villas also allows you access to the JW pools if you aren't there during a blackout period, and they are lovely. I'm no fan of Orlando, but Lakeshore Reserve is a lovely property and again, being co-located with the JW is a big plus.

 

[Fairwinds]

Depends on which one I last visited.

 

[Dean]

I have only visited 4, Aruba Surf Club, Marco Island Crystal Shores, Kauai Beach Club and St Kitts. Kauai was our favorite so far.
I am interested to hear what your favorite resort is and why. It could be where it is located, has nice pools and beach or has a lot to do near the resort.
I imagine others who are relatively new to MVC are also interested in other's thoughts.
TIA!

We've seen most of the US resorts but not all, plus Aruba. Our favorite area to vacation is HHI and our favorite resort there is Grande Ocean. KBC is the only resort we've been to where we both said we'd rather not be on vacation than stay there though we do like Kauai in general. It was partly the limited kitchen but there were other factors. Harbour Pointe was our next lowest on our list. Our second favorite is Aruba Surf Club.

 

[dansimms]

I have stayed at 40 MVC properties and felt Phuket was the most upscale / luxurious of the non Ritz Properties. Ritz Residence in San Francisco is a phenomenal standout property as well, but it is the only Ritz we have tried so far. Desert Springs 1 , Ocean Pointe and Lake Shore Reserve get honorable mention in my opinion as well. If I could only return to one on a regular basis it would be Ocean Pointe, as I live on the east coast.

 

[jmhpsu93]

We've seen most of the US resorts but not all, plus Aruba. Our favorite area to vacation is HHI and our favorite resort there is Grande Ocean. KBC is the only resort we've been to where we both said we'd rather not be on vacation than stay there though we do like Kauai in general. It was partly the limited kitchen but there were other factors. Harbour Pointe was our next lowest on our list. Our second favorite is Aruba Surf Club.

Any particular reason why? We're staying there for two weeks next winter.

 

[Pamplemousse]

My favorites are Kauai Beach Club and Crystal Shores on Marco Island.
Both resorts themselves are beautiful we had ocean view rooms both places so that helped my enjoyment. I also really like dining options within walking distance so I tend to like MVCs located next to hotels or with the ability to walk down the beach or nearby for dining. I am always looking for things to see and do outside the resort (my fam can’t sit on the beach or hang out near the pool all day) and there was more than plenty at both of these. I don’t tend to care about updated furnishings-as long as it’s clean and in working order I am happy.

Honorable mention goes to Frenchman’s cove- beautiful island, but we visited after the hurricane so some things were closed and no hotel near by. The staff was amazing though- I have never participated in so many resort activities or theme nights as we did there. That was a fun trip.
Also honorable mention to Grande Ocean- love HHI and want to go back. We didn’t have an ocean view there and the weather wasn’t great so I suspect that affected my enjoyment.

Almost honorable mention to Village d’ile de France. Loved the location we had an amazing trip- but we really didn’t spend time at the resort except to eat the hot from the oven baguettes for breakfast so I don’t feel I cansay it’s a favorite MVC.

Favorite MVC in Orlando is Grande Vista.

Next MVC stay will be Oceanwatch.

Ive never really disliked an MVC.

 

[Swice]

We've had some excellent experiences and fun times. My favorite "vacations" are not the same as my favorite MVC "property."

We were blown away at how helpful the staff was at Village d'ile de France-- and thought the design of the units were unique. Enjoyed Oceana Palms several times... liked the building design, the pool and beach-- and even the smell of the air freshener! Also liked Newport Beach and Hilton Head vacations.

But I would say our favorite property is Ocean Watch. The funny thing is we have never considered ourselves "Myrtle Beach people." I like the fact that the majority of the units are the same basic floorplan (it just works). Electrical outlets are easy to access and use. The property is well maintained and they give me what I need (good internet, glass cleaner for the tabletop, plenty of dish soap, laundry detergent). Each renovation has been good-- nice enough to be upscale but also homey enough to be comfortable. A right mix of children and adult activities that are simple yet satisfying (popcorn bar, ice cream floats, smores, wine/cheese). Several pools to choose from and each has its own atmosphere. The property is close enough to the beach so you can run back to the unit easily if you forget your hat, sunscreen, water. The beach itself is somewhat private because of the country club and houses that are beside Ocean Watch. A variety of areas to walk and move around-- the beach, neighborhoods on each side so you feel "residential." It feels more like our vacation "home" rather than a hotel. The commercial stuff is nearby if you need it-- restaurants, shopping, attractions. We actually cook in our Ocean Watch unit more than any other timeshare vacation. We tend to stay on property. I appreciate the indoor pool and workout room (good sizes/space). I think the property is well designed so that it's adaptable in "hot" weather but also in the winter months. We only "own" at Ocean Watch because that's what Marriott was selling at the time. We had no intention of going as much as we do. Vacations for us are usually on the move-- going, doing, seeing, experiencing. Ocean Watch has turned into our reliable steady place where we don't have to have every hour filled with sightseeing, tours, adventures.

 

[caribbeanqueen]

I have stayed at 40 MVC properties and felt Phuket was the most upscale / luxurious of the non Ritz Properties. Ritz Residence in San Francisco is a phenomenal standout property as well, but it is the only Ritz we have tried so far. Desert Springs 1 , Ocean Pointe and Lake Shore Reserve get honorable mention in my opinion as well. If I could only return to one on a regular basis it would be Ocean Pointe, as I live on the east coast.

dansimms we are going for Ocean Pointe for two nights in April with my daughter, SIL and two grandchildren. I am eager to check it out!

 

[jme]

In a similar fashion as some, I am "almost" noncommittal on which resort is my favorite. That's because they are all
so vastly different..... and I like a change. Not only is each physically different, but each has its own unique experience.

We do return to Hilton Head's Grande Ocean more than any other (we've stayed there close to 90 times),
mostly because it became our default summer vacation spot when our kids were young.....and that lasted until they left home,
and it still continues as they are able to join us when their plans allow. It's an amazing place.

But we've also tremendously enjoyed the following (I left out a few): Mountainside & Summit Watch during ski season,
Newport Coast Villas, Kaua'i Beach Club, Maui Ocean Club, Lakeshore Reserve, Grande Vista, Cypress Harbour,
Custom House, 7 of the 8 resorts at Hilton Head, OceanWatch, Ocean Pointe, and Manor Club.

How much could anything be as different as, say, Newport Coast Villas and Custom House???
Yet we love both.

If truth be known, my favorite Marriott property is Custom House, and my favorite vacation spot (with family) is Grande Ocean.
We are very lucky to have access to so many wonderful resorts.

(And I haven't even touched on all the amazing HOTELS we've enjoyed all over the world.)

Thank you J.W. Marriott

 

[Dean]

Any particular reason why? We're staying there for two weeks next winter.

I don't think there was a single main reason. We didn't have a problem that would color our experience and we like Kauai. I wanted to like it because we stayed there when it was just a hotel, the Kauai Surf, when we lived on Oahu. I think the kitchen was the largest single thing but the units were dated though I think they've been through a refurbishment since (not sure when though). Otherwise it was just the feel of the resort to us. We both agreed we'd rather have cut our trip short than be there and rather have been at work than there. YMMV but we won't go to Kauai is we have to stay there.

 

[Big Matt]

Mine in this order

Grande Ocean - best combo of resort grounds/pools, location on the island, and of course the ocean front location
Manor Club - close to where I live so I go often. Probably the nicest looking resort of the ones I've visited. Great stuff in Williamsburg, and on the golf course.
Cypress Harbor - love the feel and size of the resort, quiet yet right off of I4 so close to parks, great landscaping
Barony - Nicest units of all that I've been to, great ocean front footprint, and mostly residential area other than the Westin next door
Newport Coast - probably the best view of any resort I've been to, but not on the beach, great location to see Orange County
Grande Vista - love the busy vibe in high season with people everywhere, units are nice, tons to do on the grounds including golf
Monarch - love everything about it in terms of location, beach footprint, and quiet shaded grounds, just misses with no real amenities to speak of
Oceana Palms - loved the units, loved the beach chairs, restaurant was just okay, footprint was too small, not much to do near the resort
Timber Lodge - awesome rooms and pools, location is good, but I'm not a skier so I went in the summer
Custom House - loved the location, beautiful rooms, but no kitchen. Could be all the way to the top with more space and a kitchen
Ocean Watch - Loved the units, but a little small, footprint is way to small on the ocean to support all of the guests from timeshare and hotel next door, didn't like the location (too far north)
Lakeshore Reserve - Again, great units and pool. Not much else to do there, felt like a condo unit
Harbor Club - great location in Sea Pines, big units, walk to food, not on ocean, access to trolley in season to beach
Heritage Club - even smaller footprint than Harbor Club, but in similar/same location, really liked being across the street from Harbor Town Golf Links
Crystal Shores - awesome units and views, hated the location, was there in August and everything was quiet, building was also under construction
Manor Club Sequel - as much as I love Manor Club and Williamsburg, I hate the Sequel buildings, they remind me of a Residence Inn. Units are okay, near the big pool
Sabal Palms - liked townhouse style units. Great location in relation to Disney, good access to World Center
Royal Palms - same resort as Sabal, but a decent hike up to the World Center, was bothered by lawn mowers running in the early morning (it's on the golf course), pool was small
Fairway Villas - very boring location, not near much, villas are just okay, I think they built there hoping for interest in Atlantic City before the collapse
Harbor Point/Sunset Point - Villas are all different sizes, some very small, location is just okay with more restaurant choices than before, shuttle to beach in Port Royal
Ko Olina - I absolutely hated this resort. Units were just okay. People everywhere on a small footprint, rude guests, grill area was over taken by locals. Man made lagoon, meh. Granted that I stayed for a week prior in Maui in the Kapalua resort with access to the Ritz Carlton. Maui has great natural lagoons, and awesome views. My view at Ko Olina was of the refinery and the parking deck.

I've toured Surfwatch twice, and need to stay there. I don't care for the location, but the setting is stunning even if you are sort of far from the beach.

 

[jmhpsu93]

I don't think there was a single main reason. We didn't have a problem that would color our experience and we like Kauai. I wanted to like it because we stayed there when it was just a hotel, the Kauai Surf, when we lived on Oahu. I think the kitchen was the largest single thing but the units were dated though I think they've been through a refurbishment since (not sure when though). Otherwise it was just the feel of the resort to us. We both agreed we'd rather have cut our trip short than be there and rather have been at work than there. YMMV but we won't go to Kauai is we have to stay there.

Sorry - I was asking about Harbour Point.

 

[Dean]

Sorry - I was asking about Harbour Point.

It's an older resort, it's not on the beach and I'm not thrilled with the location. Also a lot of the rooms are smaller and the second BR had 2 twins rather than larger beds. My first ownership was there as a trading week. Of the ones I've seen it's next to my bottom just above KBC.

 

[JIMinNC]

Favorite? Marriott's Maui Ocean Club. Why? Location, location, location. Maui Ocean Club is on one of the best stretches of Kaanapali Beach and we love walking along the beach walk that runs from the Hyatt just south of the Marriott all the way to the Sheraton at Black Rock. Walking to Whaler's Village for dinner is a favorite activity, and you are only a few minutes drive from the village of Lahaina, one of the coolest little spots in Hawaii. The grounds and pools at Maui Ocean Club are also great and the views from Ocean View and Ocean Front units are universally stunning... and we love whale watching. That's why we own there.

For us, #2 is now Marriott's Waiohai on Kauai. My wife was not a big Kauai fan until she stayed at Waiohai in 2019, and now she's a big fan, so we bought there as well. Excellent location in Poipu near some great restaurants and it has a nice beach. The views don't compare to Maui Ocean Club, but Waiohai is a great base to explore Kauai and it's on the sunny southern shore.

Our #3 is harder to pick. It might be Hilton Head's Marriott Grande Ocean due to the overall feel of the grounds and the spacious property it is built on. Love the pool bar and bistro there. Having said that, we prefer Marriott Barony Beach Club's quieter location in the Port Royal community next door to the Westin and the great bathroom renovation they did. So, I would probably put them at a tie for #3, but if I was absolutely forced to choose, the overall feel of the property might cause Grande Ocean to edge Barony by a nose. With the extensive unit renovations that are going to be done at Grande Ocean to make the bathrooms comparable to those at Barony, that might give GO a more definitive edge. Alas, we'll not be staying at either in the future, as we now have our own condo in Hilton Head's Palmetto Dunes. We can now go anytime we want! We are working right now to renovate our condo to "Marriott Standards".

We also like Marriott's Desert Springs Villas I and II, but probably prefer DSV I. We call Palm Desert the Hilton Head of the West - lots of great golf, lots of great local independently-owned restaurants, just no beach!

Beyond these few resorts, we really haven't stayed at that many MVC resorts since we have only been MVC owners since 2014. We've got a stay planned for November 2020 at Marriott's Crystal Shores on Marco Island, so looking forward to sampling that one. We also really want to try to get to Marriott's Newport Coast Villas sometime soon.

 

[Luvtoride]

Mine in this order

Grande Ocean - best combo of resort grounds/pools, location on the island, and of course the ocean front location


I've toured Surfwatch twice, and need to stay there. I don't care for the location, but the setting is stunning even if you are sort of far from the beach.

Matt, what a great list and summary of high points (and some of the negatives) of each resort! You certainly have used your ownership to have gotten around to many different properties. This thread almost reminds me of the thread from a year or two ago about how many different MVC properties we each stayed at. I think trying out as many as we can is the way to go and obviously most have great qualities and reasons for going (and returning).

For me, Aruba Surf Club is my favorite and one that we return to year after year (as most people who go to Aruba usually do). It has the best "resort" hotel feel with all of the accompanying amenities that you would expect at a resort. The villas are well laid out, and are maintained well for such a busy property. The location is great with close proximity to the airport, nearby shopping, restaurants and it sits on beautiful beaches. If it weren't for the darn POOL CHAIR early morning dash, everything would be great!

 

[MOXJO7282]

for us definitely the list in order would be;
Maui - is "No Ka Oi" the best with just an excellent resort with a prime location and the island having amazing beaches and nature, and top quality dining and shopping.
HHI - with Grande Ocean, Monarch and Harbour Point in that order. another location only second to Maui for us with great beaches, awesome dining and shopping.
Frenchmans Cove STT USVI - This resort continues to grow on us and we think will become even nicer when the hotel gets back online. Very good food scene and with close proximity to some amazing beaches.
Boston - The Custom House is special as is the city of Boston. Another great food scene with a great city vibe.
Newport Coast Beach- Very nice views but not on the beach. Beautiful resort with great gym.

What we like about the Marriott program is the consistent quality of the resorts and locations that are always excellent. We probably been to 5 other Marriott TSs and we personally have never been disappointed. Some are better for one reason or another but all were top quality that we enjoyed immensely.

 

[Wei339]

My favourite is of course where we own, Ko Olina but our other favourite is the Ritz Carlton Residences in Lake Tahoe. We enjoy having lunches at the local restaurants but we much prefer to cook dinner. The large villas at the RC Residences provide us with a spacious kitchen and dining area. The three bedroom villas allows us to take 3 couples each time. The secluded area of the MVC surrounded by forested mountains provides a quiet serenity.

 

[m61376]

Matt, what a great list and summary of high points (and some of the negatives) of each resort! You certainly have used your ownership to have gotten around to many different properties. This thread almost reminds me of the thread from a year or two ago about how many different MVC properties we each stayed at. I think trying out as many as we can is the way to go and obviously most have great qualities and reasons for going (and returning).

For me, Aruba Surf Club is my favorite and one that we return to year after year (as most people who go to Aruba usually do). It has the best "resort" hotel feel with all of the accompanying amenities that you would expect at a resort. The villas are well laid out, and are maintained well for such a busy property. The location is great with close proximity to the airport, nearby shopping, restaurants and it sits on beautiful beaches. If it weren't for the darn POOL CHAIR early morning dash, everything would be great!

It's so true- people who love Aruba have a hard time trading their units for elsewhere. We feel the same way as you do! It's just such a comfortable, easy, relaxing trip.

We've managed to trade our lock-off for several others over the years and my other favorite is the Maui Ocean Club. As others have said, besides being on Maui, the resort itself is beautiful and in such a walkable, ideal location. If we lived on the West coast it'd probably be my wintertime favorite, although during the summer the cooling breezes in Aruba make the beach and pool just so much more comfortable.

Nothing beats establishing an annual family trip that the grandkids talk about and plan all year long

 

[m61376]

Sorry - I was asking about Harbour Point.

oops- I was thinking of Harbour Lake...

I'll offer a different perspective- while not as posh as some of the other resorts, it's in a great location and I think a great resort for younger kids. The pirate pool and some of the on site activities they offer for the younger set make it a great choice, esp. if you're taking toddlers up to maybe age 10 or so. It's a mile from Sea World and about 10 minutes from the Magic Kingdom. I found it easier and faster to drive to Disney than the last time we stayed at one of the Disney resorts on the bus routes.

 

[mdurette]

I'll offer a different perspective- while not as posh as some of the other resorts, it's in a great location and I think a great resort for younger kids. The pirate pool and some of the on site activities they offer for the younger set make it a great choice, esp. if you're taking toddlers up to maybe age 10 or so. It's a mile from Sea World and about 10 minutes from the Magic Kingdom. I found it easier and faster to drive to Disney than the last time we stayed at one of the Disney resorts on hte bus routes.

This description is of Harbor Lake and I agree with everything said - even though my kiddo is 14 now, we still favor HL over GV.

Personally, I don't have a favorite.....all my stays at MVC properties have been great.

 

[Dean]

I'll offer a different perspective- while not as posh as some of the other resorts, it's in a great location and I think a great resort for younger kids. The pirate pool and some of the on site activities they offer for the younger set make it a great choice, esp. if you're taking toddlers up to maybe age 10 or so. It's a mile from Sea World and about 10 minutes from the Magic Kingdom. I found it easier and faster to drive to Disney than the last time we stayed at one of the Disney resorts on hte bus routes.

I think Harbour Lake is one of the best options for younger kids in the system, though not the only one with a Pirate pool. The units are smaller and historically, not as upscale although the units have been upgraded in recent years. Harbour Pointe in Hilton Head is definitely one of the lowest resorts in the system in most areas I can think of. But it does depend on what's important to you and it does have some plusses. It's cheap on points, easy to trade in to and has SOME larger units with good (not great) views , the larger units have fireplaces if there in the winter and it is on HH. However, if one is trading in it's often to a D unit which are extremely small, smaller than HL and with little or no views.