Urban vacationing has taken a new turn with Marriott’s Pulse program. Over the past decade, timeshare industry giants have been expanding their territories to urban locations, with Marriott Vacation Club leading the pack. They have introduced the “Pulse” moniker for this new class of resorts, aiming to attract a new demographic of vacation owners. This article will discuss what sets the Pulse program apart, what it has to offer, and how it has revolutionized the timeshare industry.
The Pulse Program: A New Resort Paradigm
Marriott’s Pulse program is a departure from the traditional timeshare resort development approach. Unlike conventional Marriott resorts that are located near beaches, mountains, or theme parks, Pulse locations are nestled in the heart of bustling urban areas. These resorts are designed to place travelers in the thick of city action, offering easy access to major attractions, local points of interest, and convenient transportation options.
Marriott Pulse at Custom House, Boston – Boston, MA
Marriott Pulse At The Mayflower – Washington, DC
Marriott Pulse, New York City – New York City, NY
Marriott Pulse, San Diego – San Diego, CA
Marriott Pulse, San Fransisco – San Francisco, CA
Marriott Pulse, South Beach – Miami Beach, FL
To see how many Marriott Vacation Club points it takes to book these resorts, check out the 2025 Abound Points Charts here: 2025 Abound Points Charts – Marriott Vacation Club.
Resort Amenities: A Blend of Comfort and Luxury
Pulse-branded resorts, originally hotels renovated to meet the high standards of Marriott Vacation Club owners, offer luxurious accommodations with a few unique twists. While some may lack certain amenities like swimming pools or charge extra for parking due to their urban setting, they compensate with their close proximity to world-class dining, services, and attractions. Also, an interesting fact is that the check-out time at many Pulse resorts is about one hour later than at other Marriott resorts, providing guests with that little bit of extra leisure time the morning of their check-out.
Unit Types: Tailored for Urban Vacationing
The unit types and sizes at Pulse resorts are slightly different from those at other Marriott Vacation Club resorts. While more traditional resorts offer up to 3-bedroom lock-off configurations with huge floor plans, Pulse resorts generally offer smaller unit sizes, perfect for an urban getaway. From guestrooms (smaller studios without a kitchenette) at the San Francisco location to 2-bedroom accommodations with a kitchenette at the South Beach location, there’s something for everyone.
Accessing Marriott Vacation Club Pulse Resorts
These Pulse resorts were introduced exclusively to the Marriott Vacation Club Points Program, now known as the Abound program. No additional purchases or fees are required for existing Marriott Vacation Club Points owners, whereas many other vacation clubs often introduce new resorts or features that require additional purchases for existing owners. This generous approach has been a hallmark for Marriott when introducing new features or programs to the club.
Purchasing Marriott Vacation Club points on the resale market offers significant savings, with discounts reaching up to 50% off the retail pricing. This approach allows potential vacationers to access the wide selection of Marriott’s timeshare resorts at a fraction of the cost.
Additionally, buying Marriott points on the resale market affords you the same great benefits the original owner enjoyed as long as Marriott’s transfer fees are paid. This makes it a cost-effective option for those seeking to enjoy the privileges of the Marriott Vacation Club without the hefty initial price tag.
The Impact on the Timeshare Industry
Marriott’s entry into the urban timeshare market has solidified this resort development strategy in the industry. By aligning with the travel patterns of younger travelers who demand flexibility and desire to visit popular urban city centers, Marriott’s Pulse program has proven to be a game-changer. We now see other name brand developers following this development strategy as well, proving that Marriott is once again at the forefront of the hospitality industry.
Future Pulse-Branded Resorts
Looking forward, it is expected that many of Marriott’s future timeshare resorts will use the Pulse branding to bring more urban city centers into the Marriott Vacation Club resort portfolio. For example, back in May of 2023, it was announced that Marriott would be purchasing a centrally-located urban property in Charleston, South Carolina in order to develop their next timeshare resort.
I’m also excited to announce that earlier this month, we acquired a fully entitled parcel of land in Charleston, South Carolina. Overlooking the heart of the city, we intend to develop a new Marriott branded resort by early 2025, including a new on-site sales gallery.
The city of Charleston continuously ranks as one of the top owner destinations for its thriving culinary scene, easy walkability and southern charm. Located steps from the historic Charleston City Market, this new 50-unit resort will make a great destination for our owners.
John Geller - CEO, President & DirectorIt is expected that this new resort will be introduced under the Pulse branding, pointing to a future where Marriott prioritizes bringing new urban locations into their vacation club.
The Verdict: A New Era in Urban Vacationing
Marriott’s Pulse program has truly reshaped the landscape of urban vacationing. With its unique resort locations, luxurious amenities, and flexible access options, it offers an urban vacation experience like no other. As the timeshare industry continues to evolve, Marriott’s Pulse program stands as a testament to the brand’s innovation and adaptability, catering to the evolving needs of modern travelers.
Whether you’re an existing Marriott Vacation Club member or contemplating joining the club, the Pulse options are worth exploring for your next urban adventure!
To learn more about Marriott Vacation Club including comparing deeded weeks to points, understanding booking windows, learning about membership benefit levels, understanding exchange options, and much more, read out definitive guide here: How Marriott Vacation Club Works: An In-Depth Overview.
