Navigating Your Way Out of Marriott Vacation Club Timeshares

Being a member of the Marriott Vacation Club opens doors to luxurious accommodations and delightful vacation spots across the United States, all at a fraction of the usual cost. However, as we journey through life, changes in our financial situation and shifts in our travel preferences may occur. Consequently, there may come a point when you think about parting ways with your timeshare agreement. With this in mind, our guide is designed to guide you through this transition, offering crucial information to empower you to make informed decisions.

━ The Marriott Vacation Club

The Marriott Vacation Club is a leading vacation ownership program, often referred to as a timeshare program, that gives members the ability to enjoy yearly vacations in stylish, spacious, and fully furnished accommodations.

Launched in 1984 by Marriott International, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, the Marriott Vacation Club has grown to include over 50 resorts and more than 12,000 vacation homes worldwide as of my knowledge cutoff in 2021. Members enjoy access to a diverse range of properties located in prime destinations across the United States and around the globe, including beachfront resorts, urban retreats, and mountain lodges.

Instead of purchasing a specific week at a specific resort (which is common in traditional timeshares), Marriott Vacation Club members buy Vacation Club Points. These points offer more flexibility and can be used to reserve accommodations at any of the participating Marriott Vacation Club resorts. They can also be used for travel services like cruises, guided tours, and even airline tickets.

The number of Vacation Club Points members receive annually is based on the size, location, and season of the ownership interest purchased. These points are deposited into the member’s account at the beginning of each Use Year, which is a 12-month period starting on the first day of the month in which the ownership interest was purchased.

Marriott Vacation Club owners are also automatically enrolled in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, which provides opportunities to earn and redeem points at more than 7,000 Marriott locations worldwide.

In essence, the Marriott Vacation Club offers an innovative and flexible approach to vacation ownership, providing members with opportunities to explore new destinations each year while enjoying the comforts and conveniences of home.

━ Popular Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare Properties

Marriott Vacation Club boasts an extensive portfolio, including more than 50 resorts across the United States. These resorts offer luxurious villas and other amenities that give the feeling of a home away from home.

Some popular ones include:

● Marriott’s Grande Vista (Orlando, Florida)

A tropical property that offers activities for the whole family, from golfing to swimming and dining, and is conveniently located near Disney World and Universal Studios.

To learn more information read: Marriott Grande Vista Timeshare Exit Strategies.

● Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club in (Lahaina, Hawaii)

Situated on Ka’anapali Beach, this resort focuses on providing an authentic Hawaiian experience.

To learn more information read: Leaving Marriott Maui Ocean Club Timeshare.

● Marriott’s Barony Beach Club (Hilton Head, South Carolina)

This coastal resort offers spacious two-bedroom villas, and a full range of amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and spa. The beachfront location provides an ideal setting for a multitude of water activities.

To learn more information read: Navigating Timeshare Exit at Marriott Barony Beach Club.

━ Marriott Vacation Club Class Action Lawsuits

Class action lawsuits are a type of legal action where a group of people who have suffered similar harm or losses sue a defendant as a group. These are typically used when the number of people affected is so large that it is impractical for them to file individual suits.

Throughout the years there have been several class-action lawsuits against the Marriott Vacation Club timeshare program.

Here are some examples:

Murr v. Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation:

Initiated in 2016, the plaintiffs leveled accusations against Marriott for running an illicit and misleading points-based system. Their argument was based on the claim that Marriott was peddling “phantom real estate interests” which fell foul of Florida’s regulations governing timeshares and real estate. Essentially, Marriott was purportedly selling a product that didn’t legally exist, thereby sidestepping the usual rules and regulations governing timeshares. The lawsuit was centered around the non-existence of a secondary market for timeshare points, issues related to maintenance fees, and rights pertaining to the use of certain properties.

Lichtenstein v. Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc:

Centered around the issue of maintenance fees, this lawsuit from 2011 lodged accusations against Marriott. The company was blamed for levying unjust and excessive fees on their timeshare owners, and was also criticized for not allocating these funds to their stated purpose, which included resort upkeep. According to the plaintiffs, Marriott was channeling these fees to enhance their resorts to drive further timeshare sales, rather than using them for the maintenance of resorts for current owners. They also alleged that Marriott was in a position of conflicting interests, playing dual roles as the manager of the properties and the seller of the timeshares.

Berger v. Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation:

Originating in 2013, this case alleged that Marriott, in conjunction with First Hawaiian Bank, distributed credit cards to their timeshare owners, which imposed excessively high and unlawful interest rates. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendants breached the Credit Repair Organizations Act. They purportedly pledged to assist timeshare owners in enhancing their credit scores, but instead resorted to deceptive tactics to ensnare them in expensive financing.

Keep in mind that class-action lawsuits are often complex and can take a long time to resolve. They may extend over several years, from initiation to final decision, and may not always yield the desired results for the plaintiffs. Additionally, in many situations, companies opt to settle these lawsuits out of court, without acknowledging any fault, in an attempt to dodge negative publicity and high litigation expenses.

As a member of the Marriott Vacation Club facing difficulties, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel to fully understand your available options. Staying updated with the latest news regarding any legal proceedings against the Marriott Vacation Club can also be helpful, as it might have a direct impact on your membership or legal rights.

Always remember, consulting with a legal professional to receive advice specifically tailored to your situation is paramount. Equally important is ensuring that you’re referencing the most recent and accurate information.

━ Exiting Marriott Vacation Club Timeshares

While timeshare ownership can provide many happy vacations, it’s not always the perfect fit for everyone. Several options are available to exit your timeshare, but it’s important to understand that the process can be complex.

Selling: One of the most common ways to exit your timeshare is to sell it. You can do this by either working with a licensed real estate broker who specializes in timeshares or listing it yourself on timeshare resale websites.

Returning: In some instances, the Marriott Vacation Club may be willing to take back your timeshare. This program, called “Exit by Marriott,” is available to some owners who meet certain criteria. It’s not guaranteed for everyone and terms can change over time.

Donation: Some charitable organizations accept timeshares as donations. However, the timeshare must be mortgage-free, and not all charities accept timeshares due to ongoing maintenance fees.

Legal Assistance: If selling or returning your timeshare doesn’t work, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in timeshare exit. This can be an expensive option, but for some, it’s the best way to break free from a timeshare contract.

━ Conclusion

Exiting a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare may seem overwhelming at first, but gaining a clear understanding of your options can help simplify the process. You might choose to sell, return, donate, or even obtain legal help. Regardless of the path you choose, the key is to ensure the decision aligns with your personal needs and circumstances. Always remember to conduct detailed research, be aware of any financial consequences, and, if necessary, get professional legal advice. By taking these steps with due care, you can smoothly move away from your timeshare and explore fresh and exciting ways to enjoy your vacations.

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