Buying A Timeshare thru RedWeek v Buying Direct from Marriott

I am interested in buying a timeshare through Marriott to primarily use at the Marriott Aruba Surf Club, however my husband and I attended the seminar a few years back and understand that through Marriott you purchase points not a specific week or unit at a particular resort. It is my understanding that you can get a week in Orlando for XX points which may equal a weekend in Hawaii for the same amount of points. They also mentioned that by buying resale you lose a lot of benefits as opposed to buying direct from Marriott. I am really confused and hoping someone has some insight.

You can actually still buy Marriott Aruba timeshares direct. The laws currently don't allow them to deposit directly into the Marriott trust. If you buy directly from Marriott you would be able to enroll it into the Destination Club and on a year to year basis decide to use the week or deposit for points. Buying direct would cost more money.

If you buy a resale week you would not be able to use the week as points. FYI Aruba high season reservations are difficult to get and you must call at exactly 12 months prior and the reservations are gone within a few minutes. If you want a specific holiday or late January-February week you may not be able to get the week you want and the specific check in day. If you are flexible enough that 2-3 different weeks or different check in days and can reserve at 12 months prior you should be ok. This difficulty booking has nothing to do with retail or resale purchase. Points may be even more difficult for these high season times.