Did you see our recent list of the “Top 25 Timeshare Rental Resorts” as selected by RedWeek.com users? Nine resorts on the list are Marriott’s, the most of any one company.
Marriott has its roots, as it were, in a Washington, D.C., root beer stand opened in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice. As customers gratefully sought relief from the sweltering summer heat of the area, the little place to get a cool drink became so popular that the Marriotts opened a chain of stands that eventually became a chain of restaurants and hotels.
Today Marriott International is run by their son, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr. Under his guidance Marriott International boasts about 3,150 lodging properties located in the United States and 67 other countries and territories.
In 1984 Marriott expanded into the lucrative timeshare industry, the first major hotelier to do so. Today Marriot’s Vacation Club International has over 400,000 timeshare owners across North America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Known for its innovative approach, Marriott is the company that created the concept of floating time in response to consumer concern over the inflexible fixed time. It’s “Gold Standard” service and accommodations has made Marriott resorts some of the most sought-after luxury vacation destinations in the world.
Here’s how the Marriott’s rank on our list and what our members have to say about them:
On RedWeek’s Top 25 Timeshare Rental Resorts list, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, comes in at #24. RedWeek member review: “Had a great trip here. Loved the accommodations, staff and the setting.”
Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is #14. RedWeek member review: “This is a great property with excellent amenities. Staff is always very helpful. Everything is kept up very well, very clean, good location, nice beach. Top notch accommodations.”
At #13 is Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, Kapolei, Hawaii. RedWeek member review: “My family and I just returned from Ko Olina and can’t wait to go back next year. We’re already booked. The resort is beautiful and immaculate. The staff is friendly and efficient.”
Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, Palm Beach, Aruba, checks in at #12. RedWeek member review: “I’ve been an owner at the Aruba Ocean Club for 8 years. My family and I look forward to our time there year after year. The timeshares are very roomy, clean and beautifully decorated. You won’t be disappointed.”
Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club – Palm Beach, Aruba, is #9. RedWeek member review: “I have found the Surf Club wonderful for a family vacation. The villas are very spacious, very clean and the staff is VERY friendly and helpful.”
Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, Lahaina, Hawaii and Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Lahaina Villas, Lahaina, Hawaii come in at #7 and #6 respectively. RedWeek member reviews: “For a Wonderful time great sunsets and excellent choice of restaurants Maui Ocean Club is the best!” “We just returned from our week at the Lahaina Villas. We were absolutely thrilled with it! Everything is very high end — great beds, linens, kitchen, laundry, bathrooms — and we loved the shady, grassy area between the pool and the ocean.”
At #4 is Marriott’s Crystal Shores, Marco Island, Florida. RedWeek member review: “Just returned from a great vacation at Marriott’s Crystal Shores. Beautiful place, exceptional service, stunning ocean front view. Great beach and sunsets are spectacular. We would definitely return.”
And at #3 on the Top 25 list is Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Napili Villas – Lahaina, Hawaii. RedWeek member review: ” We absolutely love how the Napili Tower. It’s a beautiful resort.”