How to Get Out of a Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare Safely and Legally

The Marriot Vacation Clubs promise owners the opportunity to vacation annually at more than 90 resorts and properties in 10 countries. Membership may be purchased through any of the following:

• Marriott Vacation Club
• Sheraton Vacation Club
• Westin Vacation Club

Through Abound by Marriott Vacations, members in all three clubs can also use their points for other travel, such as cruises and luxury vacation homes.

However, ownership doesn’t come cheap. In 2024, the starting price for membership in one of the Marriott Vacation Clubs was $27,000. That’s not including the annual dues and maintenance fees that can run into the thousands.

All of that money can leave some owners wondering how they can get out of their Marriott club membership. Whether your financial situation has changed, or you simply don’t vacation much anymore, keep reading to learn how to get rid of a Marriott timeshare.

Table of Contents

1. Step 1: Review your contract
   1. Club points vs. legacy weeks
   2. New vs. established timeshares
2. Step 2: Contact the Marriott Vacation Club Exit Program
3. Step 3: Consider resale options
   1. Right of First Refusal Policy
4. Step 4: Consult with a timeshare exit attorney
5. Step 5: Continue paying until you can exit

1. Review your contract

Your options to exit a Marriott timeshare can depend on the status of your contract and the type of timeshare you own. Review your paperwork to confirm the following details.

Club points vs. legacy weeks

Marriott Vacation Clubs offer deeded real estate interest, and your timeshare could be set up in one of two ways:

• Legacy weeks: Original Marriott timeshares included a deeded interest for a specific resort. This allowed owners to stay for a week at that resort in a particular unit type and season.
• Vacation Club Points: In 2010, the program moved to a points system. Depending on your level of ownership, members receive points each year that can be redeemed for stays at any participating resort.

New vs. established timeshares

If you have a newly purchased timeshare and act quickly, you may be able to cancel Marriott Vacation Club membership within 10 days.

The Marriott Vacation Club cancellation policy must adhere to state law, and most states have “rescission periods” of three to 15 days, which allow you to legally back out of a contract.

For established timeshares, you can look into the Marriott timeshare buyback program, or you may need to consider one of the other options listed below.

2. Contact the Marriott Vacation Club Exit Program

If you’re asking, “Can I sell my timeshare back to Marriott?” the only way to know is to contact the Marriott timeshare exit program. The company provides few details online, but you can log into your account to speak with an exit specialist to discuss your options.

Be aware that online reviews indicate you will likely need to pay off your contract to use the Marriott exit program. Even if you have paid off your contract, don’t expect Marriott’s offer to match its original value.

3. Consider resale options

If Marriott won’t buy back your timeshare, you could try to sell it yourself.

Before you go down this route, set realistic expectations for the process. You won’t recoup the money you spent on the contract, and some people simply give away their timeshares to avoid paying annual maintenance fees.

Here are some options for Marriott resales:

• Tug2: Standing for Timeshare Users Group, Tug2 has a forum that contains a wealth of information about timeshares. It also operates a marketplace to sell and give away timeshares.
• RedWeek: This website offers its members do-it-yourself and full-service options for selling a timeshare. The full-service option includes assistance with valuation and closing the sale but charges a commission.  
• Fidelity Real Estate: There are numerous timeshare brokers and real estate firms that will help sell timeshares. Legitimate companies like Fidelity Real Estate won’t charge an upfront fee for their service.
• Ebay: You really can sell almost anything on eBay, including timeshares. Review the website’s travel policy before you get started.

If you’re wondering, “What is my Marriott timeshare worth?” many timeshare brokers, such as Magical Realty, offer valuation services. At A Timeshare Broker, you can also receive an instant quote.

Right of First Refusal Policy

Marriott maintains a “right of first refusal” for timeshare sales at many of its properties. That means that before you can sell your timeshare to a third party, you must give Marriott a chance to buy it back first.

This policy requires you to submit your sale offer to Marriott for review. It could take up to 30 days to receive an answer, but if Marriott exercises its right, it will make the purchase under the same terms you had arranged with your prospective buyer.

4. Consult with a timeshare exit attorney

If you’re struggling to end your Marriott Vacation Club ownership, consider consulting a timeshare exit attorney. An attorney who specializes in contract and consumer protection law can review your agreement, identify any misrepresentations or exit clauses, and negotiate directly with Marriott on your behalf.

Be cautious about non-attorney “exit companies,” as some rely on risky strategies like strategic default, which advises clients to stop making payments. This approach is intended to make it easier for the company to negotiate an exit from your contract, but it can seriously damage your credit and lead to collections or foreclosure.

Reputable firms such as Stonegate Firm employ licensed attorneys to negotiate exits in good faith rather than using nonpayment tactics. On average, Stonegate Firm can secure an acceptable exit for clients in under 10 months, though timelines vary.

5. Continue paying until you can exit

You don’t want to end up with a Marriott Vacation Club foreclosure, so continue making payments until you are able to exit your timeshare.

To cover those costs, you could rent out your timeshare using one of the following platforms:

• KOALA
• ResortShare
• TimesharesOnly
• Tug2
• RedWeek

A timeshare can seem like a great investment in a lifetime of vacations, but the cost and annual fees can add up. If your finances are being squeezed, consider the above steps to exit your timeshare.

If the process feels overwhelming, contact one of the timeshare exit companies we’ve vetted, like Stonegate Firm, to ensure you’re getting the best representation.