Marriott Resorts that are not Timeshares.

[CMF]

My imagination tells me that non timeshare Marriotts are much nicer than the timeshare resorts. True or not?

Charles

 

[icydog]

I'm not sure what you mean. Take for example the Aruba Timeshares share space with the Marriott hotel there. I'd take the timeshare any day.

 

[Dave M]

It depends on what you want. If you want multiple restaurants, room service, etc., I would agree. But for spacious, plush accommodations, I'll take any of my Marriott timeshares over any of the 100+ Marriott non-timeshare properties I have stayed at over the years.

 

[Darlene]

It depends on the timeshare. Marriott Ko Olina rivals any hotel I've stayed in as far as quality furnishings, and amenities. Marriott Summit Watch is IMHO nicer that Marriott Mountainside, but you can't beat the location of Mountainside. Marriott Grand Chateau is a very classy timeshare. I have also heard that Marriott Phuket is extremely nice. We have also stayed in some nice hotels, like Marriott County Hall, but the spa/pool area was outdated by our standards. I think it varies greatly by resort.

 

[JimC]

Timeshares are a different vacation experience and economic model from the hotel. My take is that timeshares offer size and a partial lock in of future costs.

 

[CMF]

Marriott has other properties that they call resorts, like the JW in Cancun. I take it that they are more like fancy hotels with upscale hotel rooms, that is they do not have kitchens and laundry facilities in the larger units.


Charles

 

[JimC]

JW is the top of the Marriott brand. I exclude Ritz as it is a brand unto itself and would certainly be above JW.

 

[GrayFal]

Marriott has other properties that they call resorts, like the JW in Cancun. I take it that they are more like fancy hotels with upscale hotel rooms, that is they do not have kitchens and laundry facilities in the larger units.


Charles

Yes, hotel rooms - no kitchens, etc. - although I am sure there are some suites as well.

A way around that is to book a concierge level room - you get breakfast, drinks, all day snacks, appetizers in the evening, etc. included in your room rate.

 

[dioxide45]

If it is luxury you are referring to, where your every wish is catered to, where you don't need to lift a finger on your vacation and are pampered. Then the hotel properties are where this is at. Accommodations at MVCI properties are very plush and the resorts are beautiful. Though I don't think you can compare on the luxury factor to the top Marriott hotel brands.

 

[davewasbaloo]

At the age my kids are (5 and 3), I much, much prefer the timeshares. Lot's of space, entertianment options, kitchen and washing facilities and privacy. Wonderful. Then again I live in hotel rooms for work, and so a hotel (even a plush one) does not feel like a vacation. The TS resorts however do.

 

[sernow]

The Marriott Vacation Club (timeshare) resorts I have been to have been great and are no less nice than the Marriott resorts I have been to. The timeshare resorts typically lack the upscale restaurants, fancier shops and you won't be waited on hand and foot (the service is still very prompt). For me, they more than make up for that with the wonderful villa accomodations, something you just won't have otherwise, unless you're renting an extremely expensive suite at the hotel.

It clearly is a matter of preference and expectation. You will get better service at the hotel-resort (like daily housekeeping, wait service at the pool or beach) and pay more for such, but better accomodations at the timeshare-resort. I want (need because of the kids) large accomodations and a kitchen, but don't need the housekeeping or wait service and am glad I don't have to pay for it anyway.

Also, as the previous poster mentioned, having the ability to do laundry allows us to travel very light which I think is much more relaxing than having to deal with a lot of baggage (which the airlines are making so difficult now).

 

[kamumma1]

Tough call. We do both - 1 TS a year and trade our other TS (plus cc points) for a travel package at a Cat 6 Hotel. Just went to Marco Island, FL - and it was wonderful! The rooms are better in a TS, but there are great restaurants, shops, and amenities at the hotel. Since we are doing travel packages, the money that we save on airfare is the money that we use to eat out. It seems they cost us both the same. Can't wait to try more!