😂 Ditch the Drama! Your Vistana Points and Marriott Vacation Club Crossover Conundrum Solved! 🌴
Listen up, vacation aficionados! Are you sitting on a pile of Vistana points (a.k.a. StarOptions for the OG crew) and just dying to crash a fancy-pants Marriott Vacation Club resort? Maybe you're sipping a latte, staring at your resort paperwork, and muttering, "Can I seriously use my Vistana stash at an MVC spot, or is this just a pipe dream?"
Well, strap in, because we're about to drop some serious knowledge bombs on this whole timeshare family reunion situation. It's a bit like a soap opera—Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation owns both Vistana (Sheraton and Westin Vacation Clubs) and Marriott Vacation Club—so, naturally, they built a bridge. That bridge, my friends, is called Abound by Marriott Vacations™. And yes, mostly, you can make that magic happen, but it’s not as simple as swapping your spare change. Think of it more like an epic quest with steps, fees, and a map that looks like it was drawn by a caffeinated squirrel.
Here's the lowdown on how to get your Vistana points to play nice with the Marriott Vacation Club crew. Get ready to turn those points into pure vacation gold!
Step 1: 🧐 Confirm You're Abound-Eligible—The VIP Pass Check
First things first, not every Vistana ownership is a straight-up golden ticket to the Abound program. This is the most crucial step, so don't be a rookie and skip it! You gotta check if your Vistana Signature Network (VSN) ownership is in the club.
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| Can I Use Vistana Points At Marriott Vacation Club |
1.1 The Ownership Age Test
The key to the kingdom? If you became a VSN owner before August 9, 2022, you're generally considered eligible to utilize the full Abound exchange benefits, which includes getting into MVC resorts. This is your initial 'You're in the cool kids' club' moment. If you bought resale after that date, you'll need to double-check your specific contract and the resort’s terms, as resale restrictions can be a total buzzkill.
1.2 The Automatic Enrollment Situation
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
For most eligible Vistana owners, you were automatically enrolled into the Abound program. That’s right, no paperwork party required to get the option! You don't lose access to your Vistana-branded resorts (Sheraton and Westin Vacation Clubs); you just gain the option to play in the broader MVC sandbox. This is where the fun begins.
Step 2: 💰 Elect for Abound Club Points—The Official Exchange Rate
You can’t just waltz into an MVC resort flashing your Vistana StarOptions. You need to convert your usage into the official Abound Club Points. This is the currency of the realm when booking MVC resorts through the Abound program. It's like converting your Euros to Dollars before a trip to Times Square.
2.1 The Annual Election Decision
This isn't a permanent tattoo—it's usually an annual election. You decide each year if you want to use your Vistana week/StarOptions for a Vistana resort stay or if you want to elect to receive Abound Club Points for the use year.
Pro Tip: There is a deadline for this election! Miss it, and you're stuck using your usage the "old-fashioned" way for that year. Check your owner dashboard or call Vistana ASAP so you don't end up crying into your Mai Tai.
2.2 Logging in and Clicking the Magic Button
This is where the digital dexterity comes in. Grab a chilled beverage, find your login info, and get ready for some screen time:
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
Log In to your Vistana Owner Dashboard. Seriously, this is where all the secret sauce is kept.
Navigate to the section about Electing for Club Points (or something similar—they love to change the name, but it's always about the conversion).
Select the Vacation Ownership Interest (VOI) you want to convert. If you own multiple weeks, you can choose which ones you want to trade in for points.
Review the number of Abound Club Points you will receive. Pay attention! The conversion rate is fixed, but it's important to know your currency value.
Confirm and hit the final button. You'll get a confirmation that your Vistana usage is now a pile of Abound Club Points! Remember: this conversion is usually final for the Use Year.
Step 3: 🗺️ Book Your Marriott Vacation Club Dream
You've got the Club Points! You’re a certified Abound member! Now, let’s go shopping!
3.1 The Abound Reservation Portal
You'll use your newfound Abound Club Points to book stays at Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) resorts. You do this through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™ reservation platform, which might be accessible directly from your Vistana dashboard or a separate linked site.
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Search and Filter: Use the platform to search for MVC resorts by destination, date, and size of the villa you need.
Check Availability: Timeshares are like concert tickets—the best seats go fast! Book early for peak seasons and desirable destinations. You’re now competing with the original MVC owners, so a little planning hustle is key.
3.2 Understanding Points Charts and Seasons
Every MVC resort has a Points Chart. This chart is basically the price tag for your stay, showing how many Club Points are needed per night or per week based on the resort, the villa size, and the season. High-demand seasons (think Christmas or Spring Break) cost way more points than the shoulder or off-seasons. Get familiar with the chart before you convert to make sure you’re getting the bang for your buck you expect.
It's a points economy, baby, and you need to be a savvy shopper.
Step 4: 📞 The Classic Backup Plan—Interval International (II)
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
If the Abound Club Points route is too much of a headache, or you're just not eligible for the direct conversion, remember your old friend Interval International (II).
4.1 The II Exchange Route
Vistana owners have always been able to exchange their ownership through Interval International to access a vast network of resorts, including many Marriott Vacation Club properties.
Deposit Your Week: You "deposit" your Vistana usage (week or points equivalent) into the Interval International system.
Search for MVC: You then use your II deposit to search for and book an available MVC resort stay.
Caution: This route often involves an exchange fee paid to II, and the availability can be totally unpredictable. It's a great Plan B, but direct Abound Club Points are usually the move for MVC resorts specifically.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I find the Vistana to Abound Club Points conversion chart?
You can typically find the official conversion chart on your Vistana Owner Dashboard under the Abound program information. It details the fixed value of your specific Vistana week/VOI into Abound Club Points, which you need to know before you elect.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
What are the fees to elect Vistana usage for Abound Club Points?
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation has an annual club due or program fee for Vistana owners to participate in the Abound exchange program. This is separate from your regular maintenance fees and must be paid to unlock the ability to elect for Club Points and book MVC resorts. Check your latest owner correspondence for the current amount.
Can I book a regular Marriott Hotel with my Abound Club Points?
Yes, you can! You have the option to convert your Abound Club Points into Marriott Bonvoy® points. This conversion lets you book stays at thousands of regular Marriott hotels and resorts worldwide. Be aware that the conversion rate is often considered low value, so most owners prefer to use Club Points for the villa stays first.
How far in advance should I book an MVC resort with my Vistana-converted points?
For the best selection, you should aim to book as soon as the Abound reservation window opens for your desired travel dates, which is often 12 months out. High-demand resorts and seasons can book up super fast, sometimes within minutes of becoming available!
If I don't use all my Abound Club Points, do they expire?
Generally, Abound Club Points have a banking policy. You can usually bank or "save" unused points into the following Use Year, but they often have a hard expiration date. Check the Abound program rules specifically for the latest banking and expiration details—they’re always tweaking those rules!
Would you like me to find the current annual Abound program fee for eligible Vistana owners?
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