Seeking Marriott/Resale Input

[RR Drummer]

Hi, I am looking for advice on resale. First a little background info to help.

I have never owned a timeshare although we have travelled to many through the years as I have worked in the industry in the past (RCI and HGVC). I am interested in a Marriott timeshare because I am a Marriott Elite rewards member and I favour their properties for overnight stays. Although it's been five years since my "timeshare/travel" career, I am not sure much has changed.

We just returned from our first trip to Orlando. We travelled with friends who booked at Westgate Town Center Resort and spa in Kissimmee. I was able to grab a preview rate of $199 1 bed/week in return for a timeshare presentation. The prop was nice but we did not buy based on my previously mentioned experience and preferences. For $199 I couldn't pass it up though plus it was convenient to stay at same property as our friends.

So after arriving home to the worst of winter (we live in Eastern Canada, 1 hr from Maine US/ New Brunswick CAN border), we have a renewed interest in travelling Our schedule is fairly flexible. Our kids will be 16 & 19 this summer. They may or may not travel with us (they didn't this past trip). We can plan in advice or last minute. We would like to go at least once per year to Orlando to the property we would own at. If we want to travel elsewhere we can get $199 weeks through RCI or timeshare presentation specials. We would like to get a floating 2 bedroom lockoff.

I realize that is a lot of info. What Orlando area Marriott Resort would be best based on the above. Thanks in advance, let the advice begin

 

[Fasttr]

If your plans are to primarily occupy your week, it seems your best approach would be to check a few MVC Orlando resorts out before buying.

For adults, my pick would be Lakeshore Reserve. Targeted to be a bit more upscale with access to the adjacent JW. Its a great property.

 

[cybernaut]

Cypress Harbour is also very nice, but they don't have lockoffs. Since you are flexible on schedule, I would recommend a Gold or Platinum lockoff at Grand Vista or Harbour Lake which will allow you to split the lockoff and end up with two weeks. Both trade very well including the Caribbean and Hawaii. Also, both have low maintenance fees.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Hi, I am looking for advice on resale. ...
I have never owned a timeshare ... I am interested in a Marriott timeshare because I am a Marriott Elite rewards member and I favour their properties for overnight stays. .

We would like to go at least once per year to Orlando to the property we would own at. If we want to travel elsewhere we can get $199 weeks through RCI or timeshare presentation specials. We would like to get a floating 2 bedroom lockoff.

What Orlando area Marriott Resort would be best based on the above. Thanks in advance, let the advice begin

When you went to the presentation, they were pitching "points". If you buy resale points, the approximate cost, including Marriott education fees is somewhere around $7 a point. You might want around 2500 points, so that can be an expensive outlay. You can use points to stay for a night or two or longer. But if you buy a deeded week, you are getting a 7 night stay.

I think that the better value is buying a deeded week. Coming from Canada, you are probably more inclined to stay at least a week, anyway, due to airfare costs.

You made reference to RCI specials. With a few exceptions, I think that Marriott is traded by Interval International (a different trading company). But they have similar specials. The exceptions of Marriotts rthat are epresented by RCI are (from a 2013 TUG post):

StreamSide: Birch, Douglas (not Evergreen)
Cypress Harbour
Desert Springs Villas I (not Desert Springs Villas II)
Harbour Club
Heritage Club
Monarch
Royal Palms
Sabal Palms
Sunset Pointe

We now own three Marriott resale weeks and are enjoying them

 

[RR Drummer]

All great points. In the research I've done Lakeshore Reserve does have fantastic reviews. I've also looked at Grand Vista or Harbour Lake which is reviewed favourably. I do prefer a lockoff which would give me the option of 2 weeks if I split them.

Re: my RCI comments, I can get the $199 special weeks without any RCI membership so I'm not worried about trading or any limitation with one exchange company vs. another (for the forseeable future at least). I will plan to use my week at Marriott but prefer a floating week.

Yes, coming from Canada we will be staying at least 7 days each time, maybe more in winter We have friends who own at Sheraton Vistana Villages so we may look at that resort besides Marriott Orlando properties as our only other resale option especially given the Marriott/Starwood deal.

 

[GrayFal]

All great points. In the research I've done Lakeshore Reserve does have fantastic reviews. I've also looked at Grand Vista or Harbour Lake which is reviewed favourably. I do prefer a lockoff which would give me the option of 2 weeks if I split them.

Re: my RCI comments, I can get the $199 special weeks without any RCI membership so I'm not worried about trading or any limitation with one exchange company vs. another (for the forseeable future at least). I will plan to use my week at Marriott but prefer a floating week.

Yes, coming from Canada we will be staying at least 7 days each time, maybe more in winter We have friends who own at Sheraton Vistana Villages so we may look at that resort besides Marriott Orlando properties as our only other resale option especially given the Marriott/Starwood deal.

I would recommend Grande Vista as it is part of the Florida Club. Do a search here for more detailed info.
What it means is that you can reserve at your home resort at 12 months out or any of the other properties at 6 months out without paying an exchange fee (only paying the lock off fee of approx $80) You basically own at 5 properties. The other properties are BeachPlace Towers Fort Lauderdale and Ocean Pointe Palm Beach Shores which have lock offs and Doral Miami and Legends Edge? which are non lock off.

This way, when you tire of going to Orlando or want to do a two week trip in another location, you have a nice option.

 

[taterhed]

I too strongly recommend Grande Vista--FC. Check the ROFR thread on TUG. MGRs have been going for some really good prices, especially the EOY's. You might still get something that is needing MF's paid, that will really lower the ROFR.

Sethnoc 'sellingtimeshares.net' is a good Marriott reseller trusted on TUG. I worked with Samuel Rodriguez--he's good. They can at least get you started and headed in the right direction.

 

[SueDonJ]

... We have friends who own at Sheraton Vistana Villages so we may look at that resort besides Marriott Orlando properties as our only other resale option especially given the Marriott/Starwood deal.

I'm not sure I'm reading this correctly but just in case ...

The Marriott and Starwood timeshares are/will be completely separate from the upcoming acquisition by Marriott, Int'l. of Starwood-family hotels. When all is said and done if all transactions go as reported, the Marriott timeshares will remain the stand-alone company, Marriott Vacations Worldwide; the Starwood timeshares will be renamed Vistana Signature Experiences and will come under the Interval Leisure Group umbrella; and then, the Marriott and Starwood hotel brands will come under the MI umbrella.

I wouldn't purchase a Starwood timeshare now and expect that, because of the reported MI/Starwood merger, it will be affiliated with Marriott Vacations Worldwide when the merger is complete.

 

[kds4]

Cypress Harbour is also very nice, but they don't have lockoffs. Since you are flexible on schedule, I would recommend a Gold or Platinum lockoff at Grand Vista or Harbour Lake which will allow you to split the lockoff and end up with two weeks. Both trade very well including the Caribbean and Hawaii. Also, both have low maintenance fees.

But for your lock-off desire, I would suggest considering Cypress Harbor. For a lock-off, I agree with considering Grande Vista (although there are no bad properties in Orlando).

 

[dioxide45]

The thing with buying an Orlando unit, you never actually use it to actually book your home week/resort in Orlando. Always exchange back in through II. As long as you buy a lock off, you can usually get two 2BR units out of the one 2BR by locking off.

 

[GrayFal]

I know that you specifically asked about Marriott but since you also asked about Sheraton Vistana Vilage these ownerships can be had for (almost) free. Two of the sections, Bella and Key West, are mandatory meaning the StarOptions transfer with the sale. There are several listed now in the Bargain Deal section here. The other two (three?) sections do not come with StarOptions and really can be gotten for free or low upfront fee. I sure you do not want to inform your friends who own there of this but it might just be a very good fit for you.

 

[RR Drummer]

I know that you specifically asked about Marriott but since you also asked about Sheraton Vistana Vilage these ownerships can be had for (almost) free. Two of the sections, Bella and Key West, are mandatory meaning the StarOptions transfer with the sale. There are several listed now in the Bargain Deal section here. The other two (three?) sections do not come with StarOptions and really can be gotten for free or low upfront fee. I sure you do not want to inform your friends who own there of this but it might just be a very good fit for you.

Great input from all. I do agree on your post about SVV. I've been trying to do my due diligence and research. In ddoing so I've also wondered if SVV Bella/Key West may be my best entry point into timeshare ownership and then expand from there into Marriott at Grand Vista as others have suggested.

 

[GrayFal]

Great input from all. I do agree on your post about SVV. I've been trying to do my due diligence and research. In ddoing so I've also wondered if SVV Bella/Key West may be my best entry point into timeshare ownership and then expand from there into Marriott at Grand Vista as others have suggested.

I own at Marriott Grand Vista as well as mandatory SVV (among other things ). They are actually two really good ownerships. Very versatile.

 

[RR Drummer]

I own at Marriott Grand Vista as well as mandatory SVV (aiming other things ). They are actually two really good ownerships. Very versatile.

Great to know! If I can get a Grand Vista resale that's too good of a deal to pass up that's my choice, if not there seems to be plenty of SVV for almost nothing. That may be the best way to start my timeshare journey

 

[Bill4728]

Please note this info about SVV

9) What do Mandatory and Voluntary mean?
a. If a resort is Staroption "Mandatory," it means that when the week is sold to a new owner (resale) the Staroption value of the week transfers to the new owner, and the new owner has the right to exchange his timeshare in the Starwood Vacation Network. These resorts are Staroption Mandatory:

* Harborside at Atlantis
* Vistana Villages (Bella and Key West phases only)
* Westin St. John (Virgin Grand - Hillside only)
* Westin Ka'anapali & Westin Ka'anapali-North
* Westin Kierland Villas

b. If a resort is Staroption "Voluntary," it means that the Staroption value of the week DOES NOT transfer to the new owner when it is resold, and the new owner DOES NOT have the right to exchange his timeshare in the Starwood Vacation Network.

So if you want to buy a resale at SVV and get a mandatory resort (so you'll be in SVN) you have to buy a Bella or Key West phase TS, not one of the other phases.

 

[taterhed]

Great to know! If I can get a Grand Vista resale that's too good of a deal to pass up that's my choice, if not there seems to be plenty of SVV for almost nothing. That may be the best way to start my timeshare journey

I would start your 'timeshare journey' with a single property.
Some people are amazed how far one timeshare (plus getaways, lock-offs, Ac's etc...) will go.

good luck. I love my MGR

 

[RR Drummer]

Please note this info about SVV



So if you want to buy a resale at SVV and get a mandatory resort (so you'll be in SVN) you have to buy a Bella or Key West phase TS, not one of the other phases.

Thanks, just read that.

 

[RR Drummer]

I would start your 'timeshare journey' with a single property.
Some people are amazed how far one timeshare (plus getaways, lock-offs, Ac's etc...) will go.

good luck. I love my MGR

Great point and exactly my plan. I'm not the type to get in over my head. I may ask alot of questions and research a bit too much, but I want to make an informed choice to best fit our needs/budget.

 

[RR Drummer]

More points advantages?

I know from working HGVC that the more points your week is worth that you can really use them to your advantage by using them during weeks that require lower points (partial or full week stays within the HGVC rules). Is this true of MVC as well? If so what are the rules? I'm still thinking a 2 bedroom lockoff floating week in Orlando (Grand Vista?)

 

[Fasttr]

I know from working HGVC that the more points your week is worth that you can really use them to your advantage by using them during weeks that require lower points (partial or full week stays within the HGVC rules). Is this true of MVC as well? If so what are the rules? I'm still thinking a 2 bedroom lockoff floating week in Orlando (Grand Vista?)

Buying an external resale MVC now does not have a direct avenue into the DC (the points program). Only way to do that is to purchase from MVC Resale department (at inflated pricing) AND also purchase a like number of points at retail points pricing to enable the week to be enrolled into the DC.

 

[RR Drummer]

Buying an external resale MVC now does not have a direct avenue into the DC (the points program). Only way to do that is to purchase from MVC Resale department (at inflated pricing) AND also purchase a like number of points at retail points pricing to enable the week to be enrolled into the DC.

Thanks for the info. I'm learning that external resales are limited in usage but worth the huge savings.

 

[taterhed]

Thanks for the info. I'm learning that external resales are limited in usage but worth the huge savings.

Just to clarify: You can purchase resale 'legacy' Marriott weeks. They are not enrolled in the DC points system. They may be enrolled--if more opportunities arise as they did in late 2015--but at a very high cost; purchasing points from Marriott. Legacy weeks may be purchased from Marriott as well--thru their reseller department--and can be purchased with a matching number of points or "hybrid" package. Not sure if this is currently active or not. The enrollment fees and hybrid packages bring the points down to about $7 (very much YYMV). So, cheaper than $10-12 via Marriott, but still expensive.

Legacy weeks (or external resale weeks) are not limited in their usage. They are fully usable, bookable, exchangeable etc... complete with lock-offs and Florida Club. They can NOT be used for booking points reservations via the DC system. They are weeks. Period. They may be used to book partial stays (split stays via Marriott) or may be used in Interval International (gold or above?) to book 'shortstays.' Otherwise, 7 days only.

That's about it.

 

[Fasttr]

Legacy weeks may be purchased from Marriott as well--thru their reseller department--but only if purchased with a matching number of points or "hybrid" package.

Not exactly accurate. You can purchase a week from Marriott Resale without purchasing points. Some do this as they only want a week and have no interest in the DC, but are willing to pay a premium to buy through MVC as a middle man and to also get the ability to exchange the week for MR points (not DC points) and to receive other purchase incentives.

 

[taterhed]

Not exactly accurate. You can purchase a week from Marriott Resale without purchasing points. Some do this as they only want a week and have no interest in the DC, but are willing to pay a premium to buy through MVC as a middle man and to also get the ability to exchange the week for MR points (not DC points) and to receive other purchase incentives.

Ok. Thanks. Thought they stopped selling new owners weeks only. I know they have some deals for trades/adding weeks etc....

I'm sure it'll change day-by-day

 

[SueDonJ]

Ok. Thanks. Thought they stopped selling new owners weeks only. I know they have some deals for trades/adding weeks etc....

I'm sure it'll change day-by-day

They don't sell Weeks at the resort/offsite Sales Centers. But Marriott Resales Operations has been selling individual Weeks consistently, long before and since the DC was established. There aren't any indicators that will stop. Of course as a general rule their pricing is higher than the external resale sites.

I don't think that they still offer deals in which you can sell back your Weeks for credits toward purchasing other Weeks. The deals they do offer are all applicable to bundle packages of DC Points purchased in conjunction with these internal resale Weeks.