Hyatt or Marriott: both titans of the timeshare industry offer incredible vacation experiences. But which one is right for you? You’ll get amazing resort amenities, flexible points-based booking, and access to destinations across the globe, no matter which one you pick. However, there are some differences in their resort portfolios and rewards programs that may sway you in one direction or another. This guide is designed to help you compare these two incredible vacation clubs and make an informed decision.
- Choosing Between Hyatt or Marriott
- Hyatt or Marriott: Comparing The Rewards Programs
- Vacation Exchange Networks For Hyatt or Marriott
- Hyatt or Marriott: Pros and Cons
- Top Resorts to Consider From Hyatt or Marriott
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hyatt or Marriott
- Making Your Final Choice Between Hyatt or Marriott
Choosing Between Hyatt or Marriott
The Hyatt and Marriott Vacation Clubs have a lot in common. Both are points-based timeshare systems that grant owners an annual allotment of points. You use these points as vacation currency to book stays in spacious, well-appointed villas or studios. These accommodations often feature amenities such as in-room laundry and full kitchens, allowing you to combine the comforts of home with the luxury of a resort.
Both vacation clubs are integrated into their respective brands’ larger ecosystems through their rewards programs. This provides added flexibility, allowing members to use points from affiliated credit cards to enhance their vacations or redeem points earned from timeshare stays for nights at non-timeshare resorts. The difference is, as always, in the finer details.
The Expansive Reach of Marriott Vacation Club
The Marriott Vacation Club is huge, granting access to over 90 resorts under the Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, and Ritz-Carlton brands. They’ve got timeshare resorts around the world, including popular destinations like France, Hawaii, Aruba, and Bali. Combine this with the flexibility of their points-based use model, and you can vacation at a different destination every year!
Marriott’s portfolio can go even further thanks to Abound, which grants access to cruises, luxury home rentals, guided tours, and stays at over 8,000 Marriott Bonvoy resorts. Abound membership is included with every points-based Marriott contract, even on the resale market. This helps make Marriott one of the most flexible vacation ownership options on the market!
The Boutique Feel of Hyatt Vacation Club
The Hyatt Vacation Club is small, but mighty. They have a smaller portfolio of just over twenty resorts, and their only international destination is Cabo San Lucas, so they’re not as flexible for world travelers. However, each of these resorts sits at a unique, curated destination, such as Sedona or Key West, and offers top-tier customer service. The result is a more intimate, luxurious feel.
Hyatt acquired Welk Resorts in 2021, expanding their portfolio to include several high-end golf resorts. The company has continued to expand since then, working tirelessly to improve the vacation experience for its customers.
Hyatt or Marriott: Comparing The Rewards Programs
Loyalty programs aren’t strictly tied to your timeshare, but they can add a lot of value. Both Hyatt and Marriott offer lucrative rewards programs. You can use them to book flights, stay at non-timeshare hotels, and unlock additional perks during your vacations.
Whether you go with Hyatt or Marriott, their rewards programs have a lot in common. There are two key aspects of each program: tier and points.
Tier refers to your standing in the rewards program, which is usually based on nights stayed or points earned in a given year. You can also receive complementary upgrades to a higher tier through certain co-branded credit cards and other factors. Having a higher-tier status entitles you to certain perks, like late checkout and waived resort fees, regardless of your current point balance.
Reward Points, which should not be confused with timeshare points, are a currency. You can earn them through staying at an affiliated hotel, using your timeshare, using a co-branded credit card, or through special offers. For instance, Marriott frequently awards Marriott Bonvoy points as an incentive for attending timeshare presentations. You can use these points to book free or discounted stays at non-timeshare resorts. They may also have other uses, which you can explore through your membership portal.
These rewards programs are a side benefit of timeshare ownership. You don’t need to buy a timeshare to enroll in a rewards program, and you don’t need to engage with the program at all if you own a timeshare. However, if you choose to do so, you can get some extra vacation value out of it.
Marriott Bonvoy: One of the World’s Largest Hotel Rewards Programs
There are thousands of Marriott Bonvoy resorts. No matter where you want to go, there’s likely a Marriott Bonvoy hotel at your destination. This is a huge mark in Marriott’s favor, and is one of the reasons why travelers love the Marriott Vacation Club. You just can’t beat this level of flexibility!
Vacation club members receive complimentary elite-tier status based on the number of points they have. Most contracts come with Gold Elite status, which entitles the bearer to late checkout, complimentary in-room internet, and bonus points upon check-in. Contracts of 4,000 points or more earn Platinum Elite status, widely considered the sweet spot for travelers, since it’s the lowest tier that grants access to M Club lounges with complementary food and beverages. Beyond that level, higher tiers grant incremental benefits at best.
Marriott Bonvoy is a nice perk, but Platinum Elite status isn’t worth buying a larger contract on its own. Instead, Bonvoy works best when you passively save points from check-in gifts and other sources to pay for additional vacations, travel, or other upgrades.
World of Hyatt: One of the Most Valuable Rewards Programs
World of Hyatt isn’t as widespread as Marriott Bonvoy, with only around 1,150 affiliated hotels and resorts. However, travelers love it for its value. According to NerdWallet, World of Hyatt points are worth twice as much as Marriott Bonvoy points.
Unlike Marriott, Hyatt Vacation Club owners do not receive complimentary World of Hyatt status. To qualify for Discoverist status, you’ll need to stay at a Hyatt for ten nights in a single year, earn 25,000 points, or open a co-branded credit card. To compensate, Hyatt offers certain perks at a lower tier than Marriott.
World of Hyatt is a good way to earn points for extra hotel stays, and you’ll likely earn stays more quickly than with Marriott Bonvoy. However, the lack of complementary status and a limited portfolio can be perceived negatively by some buyers.
Trading Hyatt or Marriott Timeshare Points for Rewards Points
Both Hyatt and Marriott allow owners to convert their timeshare points into reward points. Marriott even advertises this as a feature of their Abound program. However, we don’t recommend turning this into your main source of rewards points. It just isn’t a good value.
These points conversion offers are a consolation prize: a way to convert unused or excess points into something usable before they expire. They’re invaluable if you have some change left over after a stay, or can’t use your points. However, the exchange rate is poor compared to just buying the reward points outright. It’s better to earn points through other means and save point conversion for your excess points.
Vacation Exchange Networks For Hyatt or Marriott
If you want to travel outside your home brand, you’re in luck. Both Hyatt and Marriott are affiliated with Interval International (II). This vacation exchange allows you to trade your timeshare for points you can exchange for stays at other resorts. These include non-timeshare resorts and cruises, greatly expanding your vacation options.
Beyond timeshare exchanges, you can also take advantage of special Getaway deals. These cash-only offers provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy additional vacation time at a reduced cost, without using your points.
Marriott Vacation Club members receive a complimentary membership to Interval International, as Marriott is its parent company. While Hyatt also maintains a strong affiliation with II, membership is not included and requires separate enrollment and payment.
Hyatt or Marriott: Pros and Cons
Every vacation club has its strengths and weaknesses, so we’ve made a quick list to help you compare the two.
Marriott Pros
- Marriott has a massive global resort network, with 90+ resorts.
- Bonvoy unlocks access to even more resorts.
- Marriott Vacation Club contracts come with Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Interval International Membership.
Marriott Cons
- Marriott resorts are popular, so they book up quickly during peak months.
- Staying at non-timeshare resorts with Abound requires Marriott Bonvoy points.
- The club’s large size and its interactions with Bonvoy can be overwhelming for some.
Hyatt Pros
- Hyatt resorts offer an intimate, boutique luxury feel.
- Customer service is consistently rated extremely high.
- World of Hyatt points have excellent redemption value.
Hyatt Cons
- The Hyatt portfolio is smaller, for both timeshare and World of Hyatt properties.
- Ownership does not include complimentary Interval International or World of Hyatt perks.
- Hyatt has fewer international properties, with only one in their timeshare portfolio.
Top Resorts to Consider From Hyatt or Marriott
Wondering where you can stay with your Hyatt or Marriott Vacation Club membership? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Top Marriott Timeshares
- Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club: This Hawaiian resort sits on Oahu’s beautiful western shore. Consequently, guests enjoy lush lagoons and stunning ocean views.
- Marriott’s Grande Vista: This Orlando property is perfect for theme park lovers. Additionally, it features a fantastic golf course and multiple pools.
- Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas: This California resort overlooks the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. It offers a luxurious Tuscan-inspired design.
Top Hyatt Timeshares
- Hyatt Pinon Pointe: This Arizona resort rests in the heart of Sedona. You get unparalleled views of the famous red rocks.
- Hyatt Windward Pointe: This Key West destination features classic conch-inspired architecture. Also, it provides easy access to vibrant local culture.
- Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch: This San Antonio resort perfectly captures rustic Texas charm. Additionally, it features a wonderful indoor and outdoor pool design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyatt or Marriott
Making Your Final Choice Between Hyatt or Marriott
Deciding between Hyatt and Marriott is a personal choice, as both clubs offer incredible vacations. The best fit depends on your travel habits. If you’re looking for endless global options, Marriott might be the perfect match. On the other hand, if you prefer the curated luxury of boutique domestic resorts, Hyatt could be the clear winner. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either!
Buying a timeshare on the resale market is a fantastic and affordable way to join these exclusive clubs. With over 20 years of industry experience, Fidelity Real Estate’s licensed agents can provide knowledgeable support and guide you seamlessly through the closing process. Click the buttons below to browse our listings and start planning your next adventure today!
