Maxing Marriott
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Marriott Vacation Club Owner Events — July 2022
Elegant Dining Experience in The Big Apple -- Marriott Vacation Club Owner Event, New York City Another month of MVC Owner Events added, and this is the biggest addition since before COVID -- a whopping 18 Owner Events added within the last month!! But don't think...
Another Resort Was Added to Destination Escapes for August, and It’s INTERNATIONAL!!!
Marriott's Mai Khao Beach -- Phuket, Thailand Since before COVID, Marriott has never had an international resort as an option for Destination Escapes. And that makes sense, considering the added expense and planning needed to get to an international destination in a...
Changes Coming to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card and This First Year Could Be Sweet!!
Le Meridian Maldives Resort & Spa My go-to credit card for everything is usually the American Express Bonvoy Brilliant card. It has a hefty fee of $450 a year, but you get up to $300 credited on your statement for Marriott purchases -- room charges and even...
Everything You Need to Know About Marriott Vacation Club Bands!
Marriott Vacation Club Bands I'm here in Newport Coast Villas this week, and I'm seeing more of these bands on owners than ever before. And I understand why. I LOVE these things! We only have 4 bands ourselves (I'm thinking of getting more). We are here with my...
Abound By Marriott! What To Look Forward To!
Westin Lagunamar Cancun There's lots of anticipation and buzz going on among owners of Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club and Westin Vacation Club about the new Abound by Marriott announcement. Some are nervous that resorts they have always been able to...
Destination Escapes for August Have Posted!
Marriott's Grand Chateau, Las Vegas, NV BEST value for your Destination Points is usually Destination Escapes, which are posted at the beginning of each month. It is more than halfway through June, and Destination Escapes for August have just posted. What that tells...
Introducing “Abound” by Marriott — The Transition of Marriott Vacation Club is Getting Closer!!
Abound by Marriott Vacations The public announcement of Abound by Marriott Vacations (“Abound”) came out yesterday. Nothing specific about when -- "this summer" is what we are told. According to the article, “We are incredibly excited to debut Abound by Marriott...
Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef on Track for Fall Reopening, With Some Changes
Marriott's Frenchman's Reef, St. Thomas, USVI It's official -- the above pictured resort has been renamed to “The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef”. And the next-door Morningstar Resort is now named “The Seaborn at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph...
If Your Marriott Vacation Club Ownership is in a Trust, You Need to Read This!!
Marriott's Canyon Villas at Canyon Ridge, Phoenix, AZ I've heard from a number of MVC Owners that they're still having issues with the MVC website. We know that it is from updates preparing for the additional resorts that will soon be added. Personally, I haven't had...
A Marriott Vacation Club in Puerto Vallarta?? How About London? I’ll Tell You Why I Think They’re On the Horizon!
Westin Puerto Vallarta I've already told you in a recent post the new resorts that Marriott Owners will be able to use reserve using Destination Points within the next month: Additional 23 Resorts Added to MVC . If that isn't exciting enough, I have discovered even...
Marriott’s Streamside — Helpful Tips and Information to Help You LOVE Your Trip There!
Marriott's Streamside at Vail, CO I'm going to be honest, I had somewhat low expectations of Marriott Streamside when I arrived. I saw a 2-bedroom villa available for 5 nights for 375 Destination Points in early June -- I couldn't NOT try it out. I have read lots of...
Soon MVC Owners Will Have Access to 96 Resorts – Adding 23 Sheraton & Westin Resorts to MVC Resorts!!!
The Westin St. John Resort Villas The time is soon approaching when Marriott Owners will see more resort options when making their travel plans. Depending on who you talk to, it will happen sometime between June 20th and July 1st -- and that might not be correct....
Marriott Vacation Club Owner Events — June 2022
Marriott Vacation Club Pulse New York City There were NINE new Owner Events added in May, making a total of 30 Owner Events currently available. I'll highlight the top three new events that provide the BEST value to MAX your Destination Points. Billy Joel &...
Getting Settled in at Marriott’s Streamside in Vail — What to Expect When You Arrive!!
Marriott's Streamside, Vail, CO Checking in is calm and quiet. I never saw anyone waiting to be helped when I was in the lobby on various days -- one of the advantages of staying in a smaller resort. I arrived at 4:00, and my villa was ready. Only took a few minutes...
Marriott’s Streamside in Vail – Best Time to Go, Best Villa Location, Before Arrival Tasks, and Grocery Options
Streamside Front Desk Building Streamside is a MVC Property with three buildings for guests to stay in Vail, CO -- Birch, Douglas, and Evergreen buildings. This is NOT a ski-in/ski-out property, but a shuttle to Vail Village to catch your ski lifts is provided...
MVC Owners Are Trading to More Disney Vacation Club Properties — Is This the Beginning of Better Things to Come?
Disney's Old Key West Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL It's been almost 5 months since trading to Disney Vacation Club resorts through Interval International as MVC Owners became an option. Since then, there have some availabilities for Saratoga Springs Resort, but no...
The Marriott Vacation Club Website — The Good and the Bad!
MVC Crystal Shores, Marco Island, FL When making a reservation at Marco Island today, I noticed a number of subtle changes to the website. Fortunately, it was a good experience, but I still had to call Owner Services to get some things done. Lots of owners are...
A New Marriott All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun — Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun — Opening Later This Year!!
Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun Last year Marriott announced the addition of TWENTY new all-inclusive resorts for their guests to enjoy. Today they announced the addition of another all-inclusive resort, Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, that will be opening later this...
MVC Owners Have Spoken — Where to Eat When Staying at South Lake Tahoe
Marriott's Timber Lodge, South Lake Tahoe, CA According to other MVC Owners input, I have created a list of recommended restaurants to eat at while staying in South Lake Tahoe -- either at Marriott's Grand Residences or Timber Lodge. I've got my own favorites, but...
RUMOR CONFIRMED — You Will No Longer Be Able to Use JW Marriott Pools While Staying At MVC Lakeshore Reserve
JW Marriott Orlando, Grand Lakes Current Pool Area Starting August 1, 2022, guests staying at Marriott's Lakeshore Reserve will no longer be able to use the pools at next door JW Marriott Orlando, Grand Lakes. One of the biggest perks of staying at this resort was not...
Getting Settled in at Marriott’s Timber Lodge, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Marriott Vacation Club Timber Lodge, South Lake Tahoe, CA Checking In I LOVE this resort -- I mean I REALLY LOVE this resort. Not just the property, but Tahoe in general. So we come here 2-3-4 times a year. And over the years, the biggest drawback of the whole...
MVC Timber Lodge, South Lake Tahoe – Best Villa Location, Before Arrival Tasks, Grocery Tips, and Resort Map!!!
Marriott's Timber Lodge, South Lake Tahoe, CA So you’ve got your reservation! There are some things you can do BEFORE you arrive to help ensure you have a fantastic experience. Check to see if any renovations or property closures are in effect. I hear...
Marriott Vacation Club Owner Events — May 2022
MVC Grand Chateau, Las Vegas, NV Some great value Owner Events were added this month -- I highlight three of them for you below. Steak Out! Las Vegas How does "Steak Out! Las Vegas" sound as an Owner Event? This is something different than Marriott has done in the...
Destination Escapes for June — Stay in MVC Pulse Washington DC for 80% LESS!
MVC Pulse @ Mayflower, Washington DC Destination Escapes for June have been posted. Not much to choose from, as there aren't many "high inventory available" resorts right now. Only two resorts were added to the options -- Desert Springs Villa I and MVC Pulse @...
Which Marriott Vacation Club Resort in Lake Tahoe Is Best For You?
Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe, Truckee Lake Tahoe is one our favorite destinations! And there are 3 MVC properties available to use your Destination Points and make your reservations in the Tahoe area. A question I often get from MVC Owners is, "Which Tahoe resort is...
“Topping Off” Marriott Free Night Awards Can Now Be Done!!
Marriott's Residence Inn Maui Wailea As of today, you can "top off" your free night awards as much as 15,000 Bonvoy points!! There has been lots of chatter about this, and it is finally available!! Let me explain exactly what this new benefit means. If you have a...
MVC Owners Have Spoken — Where To Eat While Staying at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas!!!
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove From MVC Owners recommendations, I have compiled a list of favorite restaurants when staying at Newport Coast Villas. The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove was the restaurant with the highest recommendation -- and I totally agree. They serve...
Marriott Newport Coast Villas — La Vista Grill Menu, Shuttle Schedules, and Activities Calendars
Newport Coast Villas, La Vista Grill It's so nice to see more amenities opening up. Everything at this resort is pretty well open and the resort is at full capacity -- when we were there, it was 99% capacity. But with so many activities, and the villas being spread...
Getting Settled In at Marriott Newport Coast Villas
Outside the Lobby at Marriott's Newport Coast Villa Checking in at such a large resort can get chaotic around the 4:00 check-in time -- no matter what day of the week it is. Even with six agents standing behind plexiglass windows all working to check in guests as...
A “Quirky” Trick to Get That Hard-to-Get Reservation When Using Marriott Vacation Club Points!
MVC Frenchman's Cove, St. Thomas Have you ever tried to get a weekend getaway 12 or even 13 months out at a popular destination and there was NO availability?? Or what about trying to reserve a few days during the busy summer months -- the MVC website shows NO...
Avis & Budget Rental Cars for Marriott Vacation Club Owners — Your Options, and What You Shouldn’t Do!
As a Marriott Vacation Club Owner, you get discounts for airport parking, Avis and Budget car rentals, and Hawaiian Airlines. I'm here to help you understand the Avis and Budget car rental options you have as an owner and how to find the BEST deal. There's a good...
Newport Coast Villas – Best Villa Location, Before Arrival Tasks, and Links to Discounts For Grocery Deliveries!
Newport Coast Villas, Newport Coast, CA So you've got your reservation! There are some things you can do BEFORE you arrive to help ensure you have a fantastic experience. Check to see if any renovations or property closures are in effect. I hear frequently from...
I See Availability on Marriott.com! Why Can’t I Reserve That Villa from Marriott Vacation Club??
Marriott's Crystal Shores, Marco Island, Florida Nothing is more frustrating than having your heart set on traveling to an amazing location like Crystal Shores, and finding no availability for when you want to go! And it's especially frustrating when you go to...
Marriott Vacation Club Owner Events — April 2022
Hamilton on Broadway, New York City, NY If you follow me, you know I had a WONDERFUL experience at the Pulse San Diego Owner Event "Garth Brooks in Concert"! https://maxingmarriott.com/2022/03/21/inside-an-owner-event-everything-you-need-to-know/ . There have been...
Marriott Timeshare Destination Escapes for May Are Available!!
MVC Summit Watch, Park City, Utah Destination Escapes are now available for May, and as you already should know, if you want to get these you need to act fast! Only 3 resorts are available for Destinations Escapes discounts in May, and they are all on the West Coast....
Marriott Vacation Club CRUISE ESCAPES!! — A New Way to Use Your Destination Points!
If you are a Marriott Vacation Club owner, you know about Destination Escapes! It's the very BEST way to maximize your Destination Points when going to a MVC Resort or Pulse property. Now Marriott has begun another Escapes program -- Cruise Escapes. It's based on the...
Dynamic Pricing is Here — Check Your Reservations!!
Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Beach, CA Dynamic Pricing for Marriott properties is here. If you have a reservation using Bonvoy Points or paying cash, you need to check your reservations. Hopefully, you made the reservation BEFORE the points and/or cash increased. Or you have...
Staying at MVC Frenchman’s Cove in St. Thomas Is Going to Get Even Better!!
Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort and Spa, St. Thomas, USVI in 2016 This is Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort in 2016. In 2017, hurricane Irma reeked havoc on the entire island, and Frenchman's Reef Resort has been closed ever since. But pictures and...
Have You Heard Of Digital ID’s? It’s Way Cool, And Hopefully Headed Your Way!!
Marriott's Canyon Village -- Phoenix, Arizona, a MVC Property Flying to and from Arizona just got easier. According to "The Points Guy", you can now go through the Pre-Check TSA security line without ever pulling out your wallet to show ID!! It's just the beginning of...
Next Year You Could Go On Safari — And Stay at This New Marriott!!
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Kenya (Junior Suite Tent Bedroom) Marriott recently announced the upcoming opening of the JW Marriott Masai Masa Lodge -- upcoming as in 2023. It will be the FIRST luxury safari segment for Marriott International. Just take a look at your...
The Marriott Insider Newsletter — You Should Check It Out And Here’s Why!
Santa Marta Marriott® Resort Playa Dormida The Marriott Insider Newsletter comes out every month. If you're like me, I get a lot of emails with "valuable information" from sources claiming that it is important and warrants my full attention -- NOT! But the Insider...
Inside an Owner Event — Everything You Need to Know!
Marriott Pulse San Diego About every month or so I post about the current Owner Events available to MVC Owners. They range in points from only 600 Destination Points to 4200 Destination Points to attend at various destinations located throughout the United States. The...
You Can Relive One Night as “The First Lady” — Here’s How!
THE FIRST LADY series You have just a few days left to put in your bid to experience the life as "A First Lady" at a Ritz-Carlton. Marriott recently announced that SHOWTIME and The Ritz-Carlton has made a first-of-its-kind collaboration, reimagining the iconic concept...
Bonvoy Dynamic Pricing Begins March 29th — What You Should Do Before That Date!
Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, California On March 29th, Marriott will move to a Dynamic Pricing model to determine the number of Bonvoy points required for stays at Marriott properties. No longer will the hotel category determine the range of Bonvoy points required, but...
All Things Pulse San Diego — Where To Eat
Donut Bar (631 B Street, San Diego) Something a lot of people don't know about me -- I'm a donut junkee. I have been known to go to great lengths to visit "the best donut place" whenever we visit a new place. Most of the time, I am disappointed. Nothing special -- and...
All Things Pulse San Diego — You’ve Finally Arrived!!
Marriott Pulse San Diego Entrance You've finally arrived, and if you're like me, you're excited to begin your adventures. Here's a few things for you to know that will help your check-in go smoothly. Lobby As I explained in my previous blog post...
All Things Pulse San Diego — What You Need to Know Before You Go!
MVC Pulse San Diego (image courtesy of Marriott) MVC Pulse San Diego opened less than 6 years ago. It is one of six MVC Pulse properties, and has some distinct differences from some of the other Pulse properties. First you need to understand what a MVC Pulse property...
Updated Owner Events List — There Are Some Great Options!
Marriott's Barony Beach, Hilton Head, SC An updated Owners Event List is available -- the link is at the end of this post. There are some repeats from last year, which isn't a bad thing as they were great events. And some new ones have been added, such as concerts by...
Destination Escapes for April!!! Grab These Quick!
Pulse Mayflower, Washington DC If you are trying to maximize your Marriott ownership, there is NOTHING you can do better than participate in the Destination Escapes discounts. These are unreal -- I'm talking over 80% DISCOUNT on 2 of the properties this month!!! How...
The Good and the Bad News About the Upcoming Dynamic Pricing for Marriott Redemption Rates
Wailea Beach Resort, Maui, Hawaii Marriott has announced more details about the dynamic pricing redemption rates that will be coming in March. Bonvoy point requirements will no longer be based on the Category of the hotel, but rather on the supply and demand of...
SCAM ALERT!! Don’t Be Fooled!! If “Interval International” Calls You, Be On Alert!
If It Sounds Too Good, It Probably Is! I posted this information last year, but I am hearing from a number of MVC Owners who are being contacted. The concept is the same, so I thought I should remind all of you to not fall for their tactics!! There isn't a week that...
WOW! Words Don’t Describe! St. Regis Kanai — Maya Riviera, Mexico Opening in December!!!
St. Regis Kanai -- Opening 2022 If that picture is amazing, how about this? St. Regis Kanai -- Opening 2022 Or this? St. Regis, Kanai -- Opening 2022 Can't reserve this one yet, but keep on the lookout for it showing up for reservations soon. Usually when they first...
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