Owner tips · At the resort
Here’s What I Know About the New Marriott Vacation Club Bands
They make resort life so much easier—but the newer bands have a few differences worth knowing before your next trip.
Why I like the bands
In case you’re not familiar with what these bands are, let me tell you they are VERY convenient. You never have to make a mental check when you leave the villa on whether you have a key in your purse or pocket. You never have to tuck your key in your beach bag and hope it doesn’t fall out.
You don’t have to loan your key to the kids so they can go back to the villa and get a snack. You don’t have to fumble through your pockets to open the gates to the pool areas or your villa door. It’s always there on your wrist.
It’s waterproof and durable. Wear it in the pool or on the beach. Put it on in the morning and take it off at night. It’s very easy, and I like easy.
What I’ve learned
What changed with the newer bands
It’s been almost a year since Marriott changed their bands to a newer version. They appear to be available pretty much everywhere now.
They’ve worked better for me
Sometimes with the old bands, I would get stuck not being able to open a door—usually to the pool area. I’ve used the new bands at four different resorts, and they have all worked every time, everywhere.
Each Resort Band is Unique
With the older bands, I could use the same band at all the MVC resorts, although they sometimes didn’t work at Westin or Sheraton properties. Now the newer bands are resort-specific: for example, a band from Westin Nanea can only be used there.
Organize Your Bands
There are no resort names on my bands, and colors aren’t unique to each resort. I keep mine in separate baggies labeled with the resort. This will help you if you visit multiple resorts.
What about the cost?
Initially I was told we needed to purchase them if we wanted to use them: $10 for one or $15 for two, with proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network. Even though it could be considered a donation to a worthwhile cause, this is a big expense for owners if they have to purchase bands at every resort they stay at.
Lately, I have been given complimentary bands at the resorts I stayed at, both MVC and Westin properties. I’m not sure whether ownership level affects that benefit or whether procedures have changed to allow me to get them free of charge.
When you check in: Ask what bands are available and whether there’s a cost or they’re complimentary for you. These details may vary by resort and can change.
Have you had a different experience with the new bands? I’d love to hear what happened at your resort. Email Shanna at Maxing Marriott →
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