Timeshares can offer significant savings and flexibility for those who travel frequently, but choosing the right one is crucial. In this article, we compare two popular options: Marriott Vacation Club and Bluegreen, to help you decide which might better suit your travel needs and budget.
Marriott Vacation Club: A Closer Look
Pros
- Flexible exchange program through RCI (Resort Condominiums International), allowing you to swap your week for a stay at thousands of properties worldwide.
- Excellent customer service and support, often praised for quick resolutions to issues.
- Points-based system can be more flexible compared to traditional week-based timeshares, enabling you to combine points for longer stays or split them across multiple trips.
Cons
- Higher maintenance fees, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 annually, depending on the resort and property class.
- Points can sometimes be harder to redeem for popular times, requiring additional points or a premium to secure a booking.
- The process of selling or transferring ownership can be complex and costly, with transfer fees often exceeding $5,000.
Marriott Vacation Club offers an extensive network of resorts and properties, allowing for a wide range of destinations and experiences. However, the high maintenance fees and potentially complex resale process are significant drawbacks.
For those who can afford the maintenance fees and enjoy the flexibility of a points-based system, Marriott Vacation Club might be the better choice, especially given its strong reputation for customer service and support.
Bluegreen: A Comprehensive Review
Pros
- Lower maintenance fees compared to Marriott, typically ranging from $500 to $1,500 annually, making it more budget-friendly.
- Direct ownership options, which can be an attractive feature for those who prefer a more straightforward ownership structure.
- Bluegreen has a robust resale program, with lower transfer fees, making it easier and less costly to exit the timeshare if needed.
Cons
- Limited resort network compared to Marriott, which might restrict your options for exchanges and vacations.
- Customer service has received mixed reviews, with some travelers reporting longer wait times and less satisfactory resolutions to issues.
- Traditional week-based ownership can limit the flexibility of when and where you can travel, especially during peak times.
Bluegreen presents a more budget-friendly alternative with lower maintenance fees and a streamlined resale process. However, its smaller network of resorts and mixed customer service reviews may be a concern for some travelers.
For budget-conscious travelers who value straightforward ownership and a less complex resale process, Bluegreen could be a more suitable option, despite its limitations in flexibility and resort network.
Hidden Perks and Savings Tips
Both Marriott Vacation Club and Bluegreen offer hidden perks that can enhance your vacation experience and reduce costs. For example, Marriott Vacation Club allows you to earn and redeem points through its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, which can be used for hotel stays, flights, and other travel-related expenses.
Bluegreen, on the other hand, offers a program called Bluegreen Vacations Vacation Exchange, which enables you to exchange your timeshare week for a stay at a different resort within the Bluegreen network. Additionally, Bluegreen often provides special promotions and discounts for its members, which can further reduce the cost of your vacation.
Addressing Predatory Tactics and Exit Scams
Both Marriott and Bluegreen have faced criticism over predatory sales tactics, where potential buyers are subjected to high-pressure sales environments designed to close deals quickly. It’s crucial to approach the purchase process with caution and to thoroughly research the terms and conditions of any timeshare agreement.
Exit scams are another significant concern. Both brands have been involved in exit programs that can be expensive and difficult to navigate. To avoid falling victim to such scams, it’s essential to read the fine print and understand the full cost of transferring or selling your timeshare before entering into an agreement. Consider consulting with an independent attorney specializing in timeshare law for advice.
Bottom Line
- Marriott Vacation Club offers more extensive travel options and a points-based system, but comes with higher maintenance fees and a complex resale process.
- Bluegreen is more budget-friendly with lower maintenance fees and a simpler resale process, but offers fewer travel options and potentially less flexible booking.
- Regardless of which brand you choose, be aware of potential predatory sales tactics and the complexities of exiting a timeshare agreement.
