Table of Contents
What is the Marriott Vacation Club
Popular Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare Properties
Marriott Vacation Club Class Action Lawsuits
How to Exit Marriott Vacation Club Timeshares
Being a member of the Marriott Vacation Club opens doors to luxurious accommodations and delightful vacation spots across the United States, all at a fraction of the usual cost. However, as we journey through life, changes in our financial situation and shifts in our travel preferences may occur. Consequently, there may come a point when you think about parting ways with your timeshare agreement. With this in mind, our guide is designed to guide you through this transition, offering crucial information to empower you to make informed decisions.
The Marriott Vacation Club
Before we dive into the specifics of exiting a timeshare, it’s crucial to grasp what the Marriott Vacation Club entails. Introduced in 1984, the Marriott Vacation Club is a top-tier timeshare program that offers vacation ownership. Members buy points, which they can then utilize to book accommodations at any resort participating in the Marriott Vacation Club.
Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare Properties
Marriott Vacation Club boasts an extensive portfolio, including more than 50 resorts across the United States. These resorts offer luxurious villas and other amenities that give the feeling of a home away from home.
Some popular ones include:
CALIFORNIA
● Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas (Newport Coast, California)
Located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, these Tuscan-inspired villas provide picturesque views, world-class shopping, and premier golf courses.
For more information read Your Options for Exiting Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas Timeshare.
● Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas (Palm Desert, California)
This stunning property is set amidst beautifully landscaped courtyards and sparkling pools. The resort features seven outdoor pools, fitness center, and The Water’s Edge Pool Bar & Grill. Guests can also enjoy access to amenities at the nearby Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa including championship golf, a luxurious spa, and a variety of dining options.
For more information read Guide to Exiting Your Timeshare at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas.
● Marriott’s Shadow Ridge (Palm Desert, California)
This resort is intended for golf lovers, with the Shadow Ridge Golf Club on-site, designed by Nick Faldo.
● Marriott’s Timber Lodge (South Lake Tahoe, California)
This alpine resort offers spacious, comfortable villas at the base of world-renowned Heavenly Gondola. With ski-in, ski-out access in winter and close proximity to Lake Tahoe‘s watersports and hiking trails in summer, it’s a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
For more information read Exit Your Marriott’s Timber Lodge Timeshare with Ease.
FLORIDA
● Marriott’s Grande Vista (Orlando, Florida)
A tropical property that offers activities for the whole family, from golfing to swimming and dining, and is conveniently located near Disney World and Universal Studios.
For more information read Marriott Grande Vista Timeshare Exit Strategies.
● Marriott’s Ocean Pointe (Palm Beach Shores, Florida)
Positioned on Florida’s Gold Coast, this property offers direct beach access and stunning sea views. Guests can enjoy spacious villas, sparkling outdoor pools, a modern fitness center, and convenient access to the area’s most popular attractions.
For more information read A Guide to Exiting Marriott’s Ocean Pointe Timeshare.
HAWAII
● Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club (Lahaina, Hawaii)
Situated on Ka’anapali Beach, this resort focuses on providing an authentic Hawaiian experience.
For more information read Leaving Marriott Maui Ocean Club Timeshare.
South Carolina
● Marriott’s Barony Beach Club (Hilton Head, South Carolina)
This coastal resort offers spacious two-bedroom villas, and a full range of amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and spa. The beachfront location provides an ideal setting for a multitude of water activities.
For more information read Navigating Timeshare Exit at Marriott Barony Beach Club.
UTAH
● Marriott’s Mountainside (Park City, Utah)
This resort appeals to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts by offering easy access to skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in the Wasatch Mountains.
For more information read Seamless Exit Strategies from Marriott’s Mountainside Timeshare.
U.S. Virgin Islands
● Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands)
Although not on the mainland, this Marriott Vacation Club property is worth mentioning. Situated on a secluded beach, this tropical paradise offers villa-style living with a serene outdoor pool and dining options. Its stunning harbor views and proximity to the historic town of Charlotte Amalie make it a popular choice.
For more information read Exiting Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove Timeshare: Your Guide.
Marriott Vacation Club Class Action Lawsuits
Class action lawsuits are a type of legal action where a group of people who have suffered similar harm or losses sue a defendant as a group. These are typically used when the number of people affected is so large that it is impractical for them to file individual suits.
Throughout the years there have been several class-action lawsuits against the Marriott Vacation Club timeshare program.
Here are some examples:
Murr v. Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation:
Initiated in 2016, the plaintiffs leveled accusations against Marriott for running an illicit and misleading points-based system. Their argument was based on the claim that Marriott was peddling “phantom real estate interests” which fell foul of Florida’s regulations governing timeshares and real estate. Essentially, Marriott was purportedly selling a product that didn’t legally exist, thereby sidestepping the usual rules and regulations governing timeshares. The lawsuit was centered around the non-existence of a secondary market for timeshare points, issues related to maintenance fees, and rights pertaining to the use of certain properties.
Lichtenstein v. Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc:
Centered around the issue of maintenance fees, this lawsuit from 2011 lodged accusations against Marriott. The company was blamed for levying unjust and excessive fees on their timeshare owners, and was also criticized for not allocating these funds to their stated purpose, which included resort upkeep. According to the plaintiffs, Marriott was channeling these fees to enhance their resorts to drive further timeshare sales, rather than using them for the maintenance of resorts for current owners. They also alleged that Marriott was in a position of conflicting interests, playing dual roles as the manager of the properties and the seller of the timeshares.
Berger v. Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation:
Originating in 2013, this case alleged that Marriott, in conjunction with First Hawaiian Bank, distributed credit cards to their timeshare owners, which imposed excessively high and unlawful interest rates. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendants breached the Credit Repair Organizations Act. They purportedly pledged to assist timeshare owners in enhancing their credit scores, but instead resorted to deceptive tactics to ensnare them in expensive financing.
Keep in mind that class-action lawsuits are often complex and can take a long time to resolve. They may extend over several years, from initiation to final decision, and may not always yield the desired results for the plaintiffs. Additionally, in many situations, companies opt to settle these lawsuits out of court, without acknowledging any fault, in an attempt to dodge negative publicity and high litigation expenses.
As a member of the Marriott Vacation Club facing difficulties, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel to fully understand your available options. Staying updated with the latest news regarding any legal proceedings against the Marriott Vacation Club can also be helpful, as it might have a direct impact on your membership or legal rights.
Always remember, consulting with a legal professional to receive advice specifically tailored to your situation is paramount. Equally important is ensuring that you’re referencing the most recent and accurate information.
Exiting Marriott Vacation Club Timeshares
While timeshare ownership can provide many happy vacations, it’s not always the perfect fit for everyone. Several options are available to exit your timeshare, but it’s important to understand that the process can be complex.
Selling: One of the most common ways to exit your timeshare is to sell it. You can do this by either working with a licensed real estate broker who specializes in timeshares or listing it yourself on timeshare resale websites.
Returning: In some instances, the Marriott Vacation Club may be willing to take back your timeshare. This program, called “Exit by Marriott,” is available to some owners who meet certain criteria. It’s not guaranteed for everyone and terms can change over time.
Donation: Some charitable organizations accept timeshares as donations. However, the timeshare must be mortgage-free, and not all charities accept timeshares due to ongoing maintenance fees.
Legal Assistance: If selling or returning your timeshare doesn’t work, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in timeshare exit. This can be an expensive option, but for some, it’s the best way to break free from a timeshare contract.
Conclusion
Exiting a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare may seem overwhelming at first, but gaining a clear understanding of your options can help simplify the process. You might choose to sell, return, donate, or even obtain legal help. Regardless of the path you choose, the key is to ensure the decision aligns with your personal needs and circumstances. Always remember to conduct detailed research, be aware of any financial consequences, and, if necessary, get professional legal advice. By taking these steps with due care, you can smoothly move away from your timeshare and explore fresh and exciting ways to enjoy your vacations.
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