6 Reasons Why a Timeshare Vacation Is Better Than a Hotel Stay or Vacation Rental

March 31, 2025

min Read

Vacations are a chance to get away and recharge. Calm and pampering or fast-paced and adventurous, it’s guaranteed time for yourself no matter what else your schedule has in store for you the rest of the year. While you think about planning your next holiday, think about what a timeshare resort stay offers instead of a hotel or vacation rental.

Choosing to own a timeshare interest can offer you the flexibility to travel where and when you want, with spacious accommodations that fit the needs of your family or group. Below, we’ll give you six reasons why a timeshare vacation might be what you’ve been waiting for.

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1. Vacation Your Way

Timeshares have been around for more than 40 years, but today’s market is nothing like it used to be. In 2010 Marriott Vacation Club® moved away from the old rigid ownership models and created a newer, more flexible points-based system, called Marriott Vacation Club Destinations ® (“MVCD”). With the points-based system, owners can choose from over 90 resorts across multiple regions as well as thousands of cruises and immersive experiences through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™ exchange program (membership in which is included with MVCD ownership), making it easier to find destinations that match their vacation goals.

Start by owning Club Points in MVCD (you purchase Beneficial Interests in the MVC Trust). With that ownership plus membership in Abound, you can use your Club Points to book a stay at our network of resorts in over 55 destinations around the world. Or trade them in for Marriott Bonvoy® points, which give you access to over 8,000 global destinations across 30 hotel brands in 141 countries and territories. MVCD ownership even makes Marriott Bonvoy members eligible for an Elite status upgrade.

Always wanted to go on a cruise? How about a safari? Through Abound by Marriott Vacations™, you can choose your next adventure from all of our exciting options. And through Interval International you can book stays at more than 3,200 timeshare resorts in over 80 countries. The points-based system is designed to be straightforward and allow you to customize your vacation experience based on what matters most to you. Location, accommodation type, and travel dates are all taken into consideration, so you get the vacation you want.

2. More Room for When You Need It

If you’ve ever tried to fit friends or family into one hotel room or struggled to book enough rooms for a larger group, you understand how stressful planning group travel on your own can be. With timeshare ownership, you can often pick from villas in a range of sizes so space is no longer a concern—and you can focus on what matters most.

Timeshares provide the flexibility to choose a space that fits your group. Whether you’re traveling with a large group of friends, a growing family or taking a romantic trip for two, being able to choose your villa size offers you the comfort of home with just the right amount of room to spread out, relax, and relish the time you spend together. With options ranging from studios to 1-, 2- or even 3-bedroom villas, you can choose the size you need so you and your family can spread out and be comfortable. Having bedrooms separate from living spaces is especially enjoyable if you’re vacationing with kids or in a group with a variety of morning and bedtime routines. Most villas also have a full-size washer and dryer so you can pack lighter and really make yourself at home.

3. Cook on the Road

Planning meals and trying new foods is one of the best parts of vacation. However, eating out for every meal can get expensive, and finding a restaurant that pleases everyone in the family can be a challenge.

The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ (which includes the Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club and Westin Vacation Club brands) timeshare resort villas often feature fully-equipped kitchens that make eating in easy, fun, and cozy. For those who love to explore local flavors, having a kitchen allows you to cook with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, making it easy to enjoy home-cooked meals while experiencing the culture of your destination. And if you don’t feel like cooking on your vacation, use the kitchen to store grab-and-go meals or leftovers from that amazing new restaurant you tried.

4. Location, Location, Location

With so many locations worldwide, The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ lets you pick a point on the map and go. From Florida theme parks and the energy of New York to Maui beaches and Colorado slopes, our timeshare resorts are in prime locations that make it easy to explore top attractions. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll maximize your time enjoying your new surroundings.

5. Resort-Style Amenities

Resort-style amenities—like pools, spas, and kid’s clubs—provide a mix of relaxation and recreation in a comfortable, home-like environment, helping you create lasting memories. There might even be on-site activities that appeal to multiple generations in your family, like water sports, tennis, and golf. Plus, you may have convenient access to an array of dining options to please any palate, from full-service restaurants serving elevated cuisine to cozy, in-villa coffee shops.

6. Certainty in Vacation Planning

Despite the well-known link between regular leisure time and health and wellness, finding time for a holiday can still be a challenge. Owning a timeshare interest makes vacation planning more predictable and stress-free, offering more opportunities to take the trips you’ve been dreaming of—without the uncertainties of last-minute bookings.

Timeshare ownership also allows you to set aside dedicated vacation time to recharge and spend meaningful moments with loved ones, making it easier to prioritize your well-being and family connections.