The rates for redeeming Marriott Vacation Club awards is changing. Effective July 16, 2009, Marriott Vacation Club properties will now be assigned hotel category levels. The point requirements start at 7,500 points for one night at a category 1 hotel and increase in increments of 2,500 points or 5,000 points for each higher hotel category. A night at the highest level category 8 hotel requires 40,000 points.

Most Vacation Club properties are considered to be category 5, 6 or 7 properties. Standard rates are based on a redemption night in a Deluxe Guest room and additional points are required for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom or three-bedroom villa. While the number of points required for a stay at Marriott Vacation Club will be increasing, there is a silver lining. Similar to Marriott hotel awards, when you redeem points for a five consecutive night stay, the fifth night is free.