Best Timeshare Points Programs: Unlocking Unlimited Vacation Possibilities

The concept of timeshare ownership has been around since the 1970s, offering vacationers the opportunity to own a share of a property for a specific period every year. Over time, the industry has evolved, and the once traditional fixed-week timeshare model has given way to the more flexible timeshare points programs.

Timeshare points act as a type of vacation currency, allowing owners to enjoy vacations at multiple destinations and accommodations within a network of timeshare resorts. Owners and members have the flexibility to choose travel dates based on the amount of points they own. In this article, we will explore the best timeshare points programs that offer unparalleled flexibility, value, and experiences.

Most Recognized Timeshare Points Programs

Marriott Vacation Club

Marriott Vacation Club is a global leader in the timeshare industry, with over 60 luxurious resorts worldwide within the MVC program. Their points-based program, known as Marriott Vacation Club Destinations, allows owners to use points for stays at a variety of Marriott timeshare properties, even including Ritz-Carlton hotels, all while enjoying the impeccable service and amenities Marriott is known for.

Pros:

• Wide range of accommodation layouts, from studios to three-bedroom villas
• Ability to use Marriott points to stay in your choice of 60+ Marriott Vacation Club resorts.
• Access to Marriott Bonvoy hotel loyalty program, offering additional benefits and rewards
• Option to exchange use of points through the Interval International exchange platform.

Cons:

• Upfront costs (which can be offset by discounted timeshare resales) and annual maintenance fees
• Limited availability during peak seasons

Club Wyndham

Wyndham Destinations, with over 220 resorts across the globe, offers Club Wyndham, one of the largest points-based timeshare programs. Club Wyndham provides its members with the flexibility to choose from a vast selection of Wyndham timeshare properties, with suites ranging from cozy studios to spacious multi-bedroom suites. Wyndham's partnership with RCI, the largest timeshare exchange program, also allows members to access additional properties worldwide.

Pros:

• Generous selection of resorts around the world
• Spacious accommodations with a good variety of floorplans
• Flexible online booking system
• Affiliation with Wyndham Rewards loyalty program
• Access to RCI exchange network, offering choices from over 4,000 additional resorts
• Reasonable annual maintenance fees

Cons:

• Points can only be banked for one year, limiting long-term planning
• Limited availability for high-demand destinations during peak seasons (which is where RCI can help)

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

The Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers its members a network of luxurious Hilton timeshare properties located in some of the world's most sought-after destinations, including Hawaii, New York City, and Las Vegas. While points are technically deeded to a “home” resort, members can use their points to book stays at Hilton Grand Vacations resorts as well as other Hilton-branded properties through the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

Pros:

• High-quality Hilton resorts in popular vacation destinations
• Access to Hilton Honors loyalty program, providing additional benefits and rewards such as using points for cruises and travel products.
• Points can be turned into Hilton Honors points for use at over 7,2000 hotels worldwide
• Ability to access the RCI exchange network

Cons:

• High upfront costs through Hilton and annual maintenance fees
• Limited availability during peak seasons

Disney Vacation Club

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is perfect for families and Disney fans looking for a magical vacation experience year after year. DVC offers its members access to a variety of Disney timeshare properties, including resorts in the iconic Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Additionally, DVC points can be used for stays at select Disney timeshare resorts in Hawaii, Hilton Head and Vero Beach.

Pros:

• Access to popular Disney properties and experiences
• Flexible points system, allowing club members to bank or borrow points for future vacations
• Relatively low annual maintenance fees compared to other luxury timeshare programs
• Excellent value for money (especially when buying DVC resales) compared to paying high retail rental prices
• Disney timeshare points hold their resale value very well compared to other programs
• Disney Interval International exchange options

Cons:

• Lower appeal for those not interested in Disney vacations
• High upfront costs through Disney

WorldMark the Club

WorldMark by Wyndham is one of the largest timeshare ownership programs in the industry, offering a points-based system that provides access to a network of about 100 resorts across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Pros:

• A diverse range of vacation destinations, from Caribbean beachside resorts to ski retreats
• A pure points-based system where members can choose the destination, accommodation size, and length of stay without home resort restrictions
• Ability to exchange points through the RCI network
• Options to stay in Wyndham resorts, depending on the level of membership.
• Spacious accommodations and quality amenities

Cons:

• While WorldMark has an extensive network of resorts, the majority of WorldMark properties are located within the western part of North America.
• WorldMark requires members to pay annual maintenance fees, which can increase over time.
• Peak periods and popular resorts may have limited availability, requiring members to plan and book well in advance.

Bluegreen Vacations

Bluegreen Vacations offers a points-based timeshare ownership program with more than 60 resorts across the United States and the Caribbean. Known for their well-appointed accommodations and family-friendly amenities, Bluegreen resorts are found in popular vacation destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, Branson, and the Smoky Mountains.

Pros:

• Diverse choice of resorts in sought-after, family-friendly locations
• Points can be used for various travel-related services, such as guided tours.
• Option to use points at Choice Hotels and Ascend Hotel Collection properties
• Ability to bank or borrow points for future vacations
• Exchange options with RCI

Cons:

• Very limited international resorts
• Availability limits during peak travel seasons
• High upfront costs through Bluegreen

Hyatt Residence Club

Hyatt Residence Club offers a timeshare points-based program, providing access to a collection of luxurious properties in prime locations such as Maui, Breckenridge, and Key West. Members can also exchange their points for stays at Hyatt hotels worldwide through the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

Pros:

• Premium accommodations in popular destinations
• Access to the World of Hyatt loyalty program, offering additional benefits and rewards
• Points can be used for various travel services, including dining and spa experiences
• Over 2,000 resort options through exchange provider Interval International

Cons:

• Smaller selection of resorts compared to other programs
• High upfront costs and annual maintenance fees

Shell Vacations Club

Shell Vacations Club (SVC) offers a points-based timeshare program with a network of 24 resorts primarily in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. Known for their diverse range of experiences, from beachfront resorts to mountain retreats, SVC caters to various vacation preferences.

Pros:

• Flexibility to use points for stays at other SVC properties or exchange through RCI network
• Points can be banked for up to two years, providing long-term vacation planning choices
• Reasonable upfront costs and annual maintenance fees
• More international options than some other programs in top North America locations
• Ability to use points for travel product such as cruises, safaris, river rafting and other activities.

Cons:

• Limited resort selection in the eastern U.S.
• Limited availability during peak seasons

Capital Vacations

Capital Vacations is a well-established vacation club in the timeshare industry, offering its members an array of diverse and flexible vacation experiences. With a club network spanning over 100 resorts across the United States and the Caribbean, Capital Vacations presents a points-based program that allows members to tailor their ideal vacation based on their preferences and lifestyles.

Pros:

• Wide range of destinations, from beachfront resorts to mountain lodges.
• Exceptional flexibility using points beyond accommodations including cruises, car rentals, and even air travel.
• Ability to bank points for up to three years.
• High-quality, multi-room accommodations
• Exchange options with RCI

Cons:

• Limited global presence beyond the U.S. with Caribbean destinations in St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
• High-demand periods and popular destinations may have limited availability.
• Annual maintenance fees can increase over time.

Vistana Signature Experiences

Vistana Signature Experiences, the management company primarily associated with the Westin Vacation Club and Sheraton Vacation Club, offers points-based timeshare ownership that provides access to a collection of high-quality resorts in popular destinations such as Maui, Cancun, Avon, Orlando, and the Bahamas. Members can also use their points for stays at hotels worldwide through the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

Pros:

• Selection of upscale resorts in prime vacation locations
• Access to Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, offering additional benefits and rewards
• Option to convert points to travel products
• More resort options through Interval International

Cons:

• High upfront costs through Vistana and annual maintenance fees
• Limited availability during peak seasons
• Limited east coast vacation spots

Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Holiday Inn Club Vacations offers a network of 28 resorts in the United States, primarily located near popular tourist destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Lake Tahoe, and Myrtle Beach. As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Holiday Inn Club Vacations provides its members with the option to use their points at more than 6,000 IHG properties worldwide.

Pros:

• Wide range of multi-room accommodations, including spacious villas and suites
• Access to IHG Rewards Club hotel loyalty program, offering additional benefits and rewards
• Reasonable upfront costs and annual maintenance fees
• Good cross-section of resort coverage in U.S. regions known for popular vacations.
• Exchange options with RCI

Cons:

• No international resort selection compared to other programs
• Availability limited during peak travel seasons

Divi Vacation Club

Divi Vacation Club, a part of the well-respected Divi Resorts Group, offers a unique points-based vacation ownership program that caters to individuals and families seeking memorable Caribbean vacation experiences.

Pros:

• Top Caribbean destinations including Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, and St. Maarten
• Members can use their points for accommodations, dining, or even resort-based activities
• Optional all-inclusive packages available
• Premier Interval Membership to exchange points for stays through Interval International
• High-quality accommodations, featuring spacious rooms, modern amenities, and stunning beachfront views.

Cons:

• Limited number of resorts, primarily concentrated in the Caribbean.
• High-demand resorts may have limited availability during peak travel seasons.
• Members are required to pay annual maintenance fees, which can increase over time.

Comparing Points-Based Programs

When evaluating timeshare points programs, consider the following areas to help you make the best decision for your vacation needs:

Resort Selection: Determine which program offers the most desirable destinations and variety of accommodations that suit your vacation preferences.

Flexibility: Look for programs that offer the ability to bank points for future use or borrow points to be used this year, allowing for more extensive vacation planning and optimization of points usage.

Exchange Options: Examine the availability of vacation exchange networks, such as RCI or Interval International, which can expand your travel possibilities beyond the program's resort offerings.

Loyalty Programs: Many timeshare points programs are affiliated with hotel loyalty programs, expanding access to additional benefits, rewards, and properties.

Costs: Assess upfront costs and annual maintenance fees, keeping in mind that these fees can vary significantly between programs. Choosing timeshare resale points is always the best option when it comes to reducing costs.

Need Help Choosing the Best Timeshare Points Program?

Choosing the best timeshare points program depends on factors such as preferred destinations, budget, and the desired level of flexibility. Each of the programs listed above offers unique benefits and experiences, catering to a variety of vacation preferences.

By comparing these factors and considering the advantages and disadvantages of each program, you can make a well-informed decision and select the timeshare points program that best suits your vacation needs and preferences. With the right program, you can unlock a world of endless vacation possibilities and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

If you have any questions or need more information, our licensed timeshare resale agents can answer your questions, at no cost to you. Send us your questions through our Contact Us page or give us a call on 877-624-6889 and we’ll be happy to help.