Episode #7: Timeshare Truths: Pros, Cons, and How to Score Discounted Resort Stays
Today we're diving into the pros and cons of owning a timeshare or vacation club, particularly Marriott Vacation Club, which we own, and also touching on Hyatt Vacation Ownership and Hilton Grand Vacations. Now, to be super clear upfront, I get nothing out of sharing this info. I am not a salesman for timeshares or vacation clubs. I get nothing if you purchase or if you don't, I am simply just sharing my info, my knowledge, and my experience with all of you as a family of seven who has utilized this.
Westin Resort Cancun (Marriott Vacation Club location in Cancun)
What is a Timeshare or Vacation Club?
Back in the day, timeshares had the really bad rap. You'd buy a week at like a certain location. So let's say you'd buy a week on a certain Mexico beach property and you pretty much like bought that condo, that room with that view and you would have one week to be able to use that location.
Well, that is not the way it is anymore. And I will say that's what I thought it still was. But vacation clubs is kind of what they're called now, like Marriott Vacation Club. the program has shifted from like week based timeshares into a points based model, giving owners flexibility to redeem points at various resorts rather than just being locked into a single week. And
I definitely did not know this is the way it was. You're basically purchasing points that can be redeemed at different locations. Some cost more points, some cost less points. It's just like a normal currency like money. And you're able to book different room types, different views, different locations. It is super duper flexible and it is definitely not like the old school timeshare that I had once learned about.
First off, that's kind of the main thing to realize is that you're not just buying one location, you're buying basically flexible points that can be used at dozens and dozens, if not hundreds of places. So Marriott Vacation Club, they have the largest footprint. So they have over 60 resorts globally. A lot of their locations are in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, even Europe like Spain and France and then Thailand and Bali. It is a points based model. So you buy points redeem at various resorts and you aren't tied to just one single resort. And then there's two other programs to Hyatt Vacation Ownership and then Hilton Grand Vacations.
We decided to go with Marriott because Marriott just has the largest footprint. They have the most vacation club properties that you can stay at. And I've just kind of always been a Marriott girl as far as like paid trips. If I'm redeeming my points, if I'm actually using my points and miles that I've earned to stay at a hotel, I'm definitely gonna do that with Hyatt because they have the best redemptions for points. (learn more about using points for free hotel stays here).
The Pros
✅ Guaranteed vacation time every year.
✅ Access to resort-style amenities and large suites (perfect for big families).
✅ Exchange networks (like RCI or Interval International) offering flexibility in destinations.
✅ Potential savings compared to booking hotels at full price.
✅ The sense of “ownership” and commitment to family travel traditions.
The Cons
⚠️ Expensive upfront costs and annual maintenance fees.
⚠️ Limited flexibility in when and where you can travel.
⚠️ Hard to resell or exit once you buy in.
⚠️ Exchange programs and availability restrictions.
⚠️ Hidden costs—special assessments, upgrades, and exchange fees.
When a Timeshare Might Make Sense
Families who travel to the same destination every year.
Multi-generational families wanting a consistent place to gather.
Those who can pay in full and understand the long-term commitment.
When to Avoid a Timeshare
If your travel style is flexible, spontaneous, or budget-focused.
If you prefer exploring new places over repeat stays.
If you need liquidity or want short-term travel commitments.
Smart Alternatives
Using hotel loyalty programs and points/miles for flexible stays.
Vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, Homes & Villas by Marriott).
Travel hacking for nearly free family vacations without long-term contracts.
Final Thoughts & Advice
Read the fine print and do the math before committing.
Never buy under pressure at a presentation.
Consider renting timeshares from owners before purchasing.
Evaluate if it truly fits your family’s travel goals.
Checkout REDWEEK.com to look at the going rate of villa rentals
Overall, owning for the last four years or so, our Marriott Vacation Club properties has been incredible for our family. It's given us the extra space we need, the comfort, and the true like chill out family vacation vibes that is so important to us. We also do take regular vacations and regular hotels, but we really, love our Marriott Vacation Club properties, the flexibility it gives us, and all of the amazing amenities but I totally recognize that it is not for everyone. So look into it, do your research, see if it's something that can help you out. And I hope if nothing else, this has just given you some more information and kind of opened your eyes into all the possibilities when it comes to family travel options.
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