You may enjoy your home resort. You may even relish the flexibility of points-based ownership to visit other resorts within your brand’s portfolio. However, you aren’t getting the maximum benefits as a timeshare owner if you aren’t using external exchange. That’s where Interval International comes in. As one of the world’s top vacation exchange companies, Interval International (II) is affiliated with some of the best timeshare companies out there. Interval International memberships are available to timeshare owners whose home resort is affiliated with the company, opening up a world of vacation possibilities. The platform allows members to use their existing timeshare points or weeks at thousands of other resorts and hotels worldwide. Moreover, Interval International offers exclusive perks and benefits, such as discounted airfare, car rentals, and more. So, if you’re ready to maximize your vacation possibilities, read on as we reveal everything you need to know about Interval International.
About Interval International
Interval International is one of the world’s most popular vacation exchange networks. This expansive company was created in 1976 as a way for timeshare owners to trade a week at their home resort for a week at another. Since its beginning in Miami, Florida, over forty years ago, the company has grown to have offices in 12 countries worldwide.
Interval International does not own any resorts but instead is affiliated with timeshare brands. These brands then allow for their resorts to be available within Interval International’s directory. It is also worth noting that not all resorts within a brand participate in vacation exchanges. Most importantly, be sure to contact your resort developer or prospective developer to get the most up-to-date information on exchange availability. Once you join Interval International, you can even exchange for cruises, airfare, and more!
Who Owns Interval International?
The vacation giant Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation owns Interval International. Marriott purchased Interval International in 2018. This partnership comes as no surprise, as Marriott was the first major brand to be an affiliate of Interval International. Along with Marriott Vacation Club resorts being available within II’s catalog of resorts, Marriott’s affiliated brands are also available. This means Interval International members can trade their timeshare weeks or points for stays at Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Westin timeshares. However, there are thousands more resorts for Interval International members to exchange for that aren’t within Marriott’s brand portfolio.
Interval International Brands
As a leader in the exchange industry, Interval International is affiliated with many of the best vacation clubs. Below are brands that are II affiliates.
- Marriott Vacation Club
- Disney Vacation Club
- Westgate Resorts
- Hyatt Vacation Club
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Remember that there may be more brands and resorts that work with II. Also, some brands, such as Westgate Resorts, are affiliated with both RCI and Interval International. Depending on which Westgate property you own, you can determine which exchange platform you are eligible to join. Some other resorts may also be available for exchange with both companies, allowing owners to choose whether to join RCI or II.
How Interval International Exchange Works
Previously, people assumed timeshares were something you would buy into and never use or have trouble using. The emergence of exchange companies like Interval International is rewriting the narrative. Vacation ownership is dominating the travel industry, providing more options than ever before. The timeshare industry has experienced years of growth, so now may be the time to check out the timeshare resale market.
Through vacation exchange, you can trade in your timeshare points and weeks for vacations worldwide. Unquestionably, vacationers favor the priority and freedom that comes with truly owning their vacations.
Timeshare Weeks Members
Timeshare weeks are the original type of timesharing. Each owner purchases week-long usage rights for a luxurious unit at a specific timeshare resort. On the II network, weeks members can deposit their time and choose to spend a week somewhere else. Generally, Interval International will determine the amount of trading power your resort has. You can typically trade with resorts of a similar caliber to the one you own. If you want to exchange somewhere out of your budget, you can always pay the difference to get the resort you want. Additionally, owners now have the option to finance vacations.
Timeshare Points Members
A relatively new concept that is taking over the industry is timeshare points. Points-based timeshares mean that depending on the frequency of your ownership, you can use your points to book vacations. Disney Vacation Club, for example, is a popular points-based timeshare club. Points-based owners love the freedom of their ownership. Many points-based timeshare clubs allow you to bank points to use for a later year or borrow them from one coming up, allowing you to take a bigger trip than usual. Some even allow you to split your points to take a few smaller trips in one year. Not to mention, you can potentially save thousands of dollars by purchasing points on the timeshare resale market.
Timeshare weeks vs points: find out which is right for you at our blog!
Exchanging Your Timeshare With Interval International
The first option is to log in to your Interval International membership account and request the vacation you want before depositing your week. This way, you don’t have to give up your week or points until you’re totally sure exchanging is what you want to do.
The second way to use II is to log in to your Interval International membership account and deposit your points or weeks first. Then, you can trade it for a new vacation on the network. With a four-year window to use your vacation time, depositing can offer more flexibility.
Using Flexchange
One great perk of Interval International membership is using Flexchange. This exclusive program gives owners even more flexibility in their ownership and exchange options. This program allows owners to request vacations from 59 days to 24 hours before arrival. Taking last-minute vacations can be easy!
Interval International Ownership Tiers: Interval Gold and Interval Platinum
Another great benefit available to Interval International members is the option to upgrade your membership to Gold or Platinum status. Each of these higher tiers offers its own unique perks. Let’s take a closer look!
Interval Gold
As an Interval Gold member, you’ll enjoy access to ShortStay Exchange, through which you can break up your week into two one-to-six-night stays. Points-based members can take as many ShortStays as their points allow. In addition, Interval Gold members can trade their week or points for cruises, tours, golf and spa vacations, and more through Interval Options. Finally, Interval Gold members enjoy discounts on Getaways, II’s program for resort stays of seven nights or less.
Interval Platinum
Interval Platinum membership grants all the same great benefits as Interval Gold, plus an array of other amazing perks. Trade your ownership for hotel stays through Hotel Exchange, or exchange them for unique adventures through Interval Experiences. Golf lovers will relish the Golf Connection program, connecting you with the best courses near your accommodations. Meanwhile, foodies will surely eat up the Dining Connection program, serving up VIP treatment and special amenities. These are just a few of the many exciting benefits offered by Interval Platinum.
Can I Join II Without A Timeshare?
In order to use Interval International exchange, you do have to own a timeshare. Once you own a timeshare with an affiliated brand, whether weeks- or points-based, you have the option to join II. As we mentioned before, be sure to check with Interval International to see if the resort you want to buy is eligible for exchange. We wouldn’t want you to buy something you don’t love 100%!
If you’ve heard about II, you probably also know about RCI. You might be wondering which of the two is better, but the answer is: it depends! Both vacation exchange programs have a lot to offer. Want to know more about what each of them brings to the table? Then check out our video, “RCI vs. Interval International: Vacation Exchange Showdown.”
Interval International-Affiliated Resorts
If you’re interested in how an Interval International membership can upgrade your ownership experience, then knowing which resorts are available in II’s directory is essential. As we’ve mentioned, II is affiliated with some of the top brands in the timeshare industry. If you own at one of the Marriott Aruba resorts, but you want to visit a location like Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, Interval International exchange can be the solution! Here are some of the best Interval International resorts you can exchange for.
Want to save big on your Aulani timeshare? Learn how at our blog!
Marriott’s Mountainside
Marriott Vacation Club is world-renowned for its luxury accommodations, spectacular hospitality, and unforgettable resort locations. With Interval International, you can pick from any of Marriott Vacation Club’s locations to exchange for. There are MVC resorts in Hawaii, New York City, Las Vegas, and more! Our top Marriott resort that we’d exchange for on Interval International is Marriott’s Mountainside. This luxury ski resort puts guests right at the base of the Park City Ski Resort. Marriott’s Mountainside is a beautiful mountainside chalet that is stunning year-round.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian
Formerly affiliated with RCI, Disney Vacation Club has switched to being exclusively affiliated with Interval International. DVC has several resorts worth exchanging your timeshare weeks or points for. There are many options for resorts on Disney World property, but only one option for Disney Vacation Club at Disneyland in California. Disney’s Grand Californian offers luxurious villas, world-class dining, and a beautifully themed pool area. Perhaps most importantly, this lodge-style resort offers its guests an exclusive entrance into Disney’s California Adventure theme park straight from the resort.
Hyatt Ka’anapali
If you’re looking to exchange your current timeshare weeks or points for a trip to Hawaii, there is no better place than Hyatt Ka’anapali. This breathtaking Interval International-affiliated resort sits on the shores of Lahaina Beach in Maui, one of the most sought-after locations in the world. Experience a relaxing vacation amongst the palm trees swaying in the cool ocean breeze on Hyatt Ka’anapali’s lush 40-acre property. The resort offers everything you’ll need to completely unwind, including restaurants, a tiki bar, and a lagoon-style pool. Guests can also access all amenities at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, where they can visit the full-service spa or oceanfront golf course.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa
Want to escape to the tranquility of the Smoky Mountains? Then Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa is the Interval International resort for you! Located close to the Smoky Mountain National Park, this resort is the perfect home base for all kinds of nature lovers. When you’re not exploring the trails, you can unwind at the on-site spa, practice your swing at the mini-golf course, or catch up on your workout routines at the fitness center. From spacious accommodations to luxurious amenities, you’ll feel right at home at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa.
Vacation Ownership
If you want to see the world and start loading up on a lifetime of vacation memories, buying a timeshare at an Interval International-affiliated resort is a great step. At Fidelity Real Estate, we have listings for several amazing II-affiliated resorts from developers like Westgate, Marriott, and Hyatt that will help you get your membership started. Once you find one you like, make an offer, and one of our licensed agents will handle the rest. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 1-800-410-8326 or email us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help!
No longer using your Interval International-affiliated ownership? Fidelity Real Estate can help you sell it on the resale market! Fill out the form below to get started.
