Hilton HHonors - Hilton Grand Vacations Club® on International Drive-Orlando

The title pretty much says it all, but we're wondering if anyone has seen/heard/smelled, etc. the new HGVC property on International Drive in Orlando. We would end up using points in Las Vegas, but having Orlando as the home property buys us more points for the $$, and LV lets us book 9-months out.

Thanks,
Mike

I was there a couple of months ago, had a 1 bedroom suite. It is nice, clean, nice pool, good place for kids, decent location for going to all the rest. on I-Drive. Close to Universal, but farther away from the mouse. Run of the mill nothing special. People were slightly below OK level.

Sorry, I was thinking of a different hotel.

Was just there in January, brand new. One bedroom was great, well appointed rooms say luxury all the way, rich fabrics and lots of natural wood. Construction still going on but the property is very well done. Close to Sea World, too, but not as close as HGVC Sea World. I wouldn't stay there for a year or so as there's too much to be finished as far as restaurants, shops and amenities for guests staying 3-4 nights.

Are you talking about the HGVC near Sea World or the other HGCV on International Drive?

I'm still hoping to hear feedback from anyone who has stayed at the HGVC at Sea World International center. In particular, is GOLD status good for anything here - or at any GVC for that matter. An agent we spoke to on the phone said it's not good for anything - including breakfast :(

I'm still hoping to hear feedback from anyone who has stayed at the HGVC at Sea World International center. In particular, is GOLD status good for anything here - or at any GVC for that matter. An agent we spoke to on the phone said it's not good for anything - including breakfast :(


You are referring to the completed HGVC property, about a 5-10 minute drive from the newer one mentioned above, commonly known as the "Sea World HGVC" because it is soooo close to Sea World.

I was Hilton Gold at the time, and remain so (also Marriott Gold too earned the hard way). Not worth anything at all at this property - or I suspect any others for that matter.

However, if you have kids, and this is a family vacation - this property (and the Sheraton Vistana Villages on I-Drive, as well as the Marriott Grande Vista also on I-Drive) cannot be beat. No free breakfast in the world will overcome the huge advantages of these properties to families, especially with small children. I have been to all of them - and each year return again and again even though we never spend more than 1 day in 7 at the Mouse and never ever any time at Universal. When I need a vacation without my family, I take a business trip. Otherwise, if the family is coming along - its one of these three properties. And the newer HGVC on I-Drive (not yet fully completed) sounds wonderful and will get added to my rotation when it is fully up and running).

snip "Sea World HGVC" snip Sheraton Vistana Villages on I-Drive, as well as the Marriott Grande Vista also on I-Drive) cannot be beat. snip
When I need a vacation without my family, I take a business trip. Otherwise, if the family is coming along - its one of these three properties.

LOL! I'm planning a family trip to Orlando, and can relate to your comments. Thanks for pointing out these three properties.

Looking for feed back on this hotel.
Considering staying here for 3 nights in November.
How are the rooms set up and is it worth the extra $$ to pay for a room with a whirlpool in it.
How do they compare to an E.S.
I was going to stay at the E.S Convention Center on Int'l Dr. but have read some things that indicate the proerty has become somewhat run down.
Thank you in advance for your help on this one.

It's my favorite Orlando property.
I've been upgraded except for once when they were full.
The bigger room has a very nice whirlpool, big-screen TV (w DVD),full kitchen and a nice screen porch.
If you get the right one you can sit on the porch and enjoy the fireworks from Sea World.
These rooms are actually time-share apartments. Much bigger and nicer than ES's, but no free cocktails. They did give me some coupons to use at their deli for breakfast, but I never bothered.
They have a very nive pool area. If you are there mid-week ,you can always go to their casino night party.
The smaller rooms are nice (small fridge and micro), but I probably would not stay there again unless I can get the suite.

Stayed there about 2 yrs ago in a 1 bedroom. Was very nice. Much better than staying at an ES. You get a full kitchen, and washer dryer, plus a large screen tv and an enclosed balcony area.
In orlando, having the full kitchen makes a big difference if you are staying for a while, so after a long day you can just relax in the apartment, instead of a hotel. And if you make the mistake of getting soaked at a waterpark, then the dryer comes in VERY handy.

They have everything from studios (lock-off bedroom from a two-bedroom unit) to 1-br, 2-br, 3-br so make sure of what you're getting.....The "studio" unit has no jacuzzi, no porch or balcony, no living room/kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. So if any of that stuff is important to you, make sure you get a 1-br or larger...

Thank you all for the information.
The place sounds ideal for what I'm looking for.

There are two Hilton Grand Vacations properties in Orlando. The I-drive location (also called Tuscany resort) only opened earlier this year.
asquare: you must have stayed at the Seaworld location if it was 2 years ago.

Good catch John. I didn't realize they had a new property. My experiences have been at the older property.
I'd assume that the new one is even nicer than the Sea World one.

Just a couple of quick questions
1.Do they have a 24 hour front desk?
2.Is there daily house keeping service provided?

Just a couple of quick questions
1.Do they have a 24 hour front desk?
2.Is there daily house keeping service provided?

I was there in June, and yes to both of your questions.

I was not upgraded (as a Diamond) and was put in one of the studios. Very small and cramped, no kitchen. I was given a $10 gift certificate to their mini-market, which sells food and sandwiches.

The points didn't post automatically, either.

I have stayed at the Seaworld property and plan at staying at the Tuscany property soon.

These are excellent properties - for what they are. Family vacation timeshare ownership properties which Hilton rents out at a commission from the owners of the individual units.

Expect children - lots of children. But that's OK - especially if you have lots of children. We go back yar after year BECAUSE of the children and the entertainment value they offer to my kids.

Anybody expecting anything even coming close to a hotel-like experience should look elsewhere - like the Hilton Garden Inn just across the street from the Seaworld location, for example. It will give you exactly what you want.

Has anyone else stayed at the new Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive-Orlando (not the one across from SeaWorld)?

I would like to "add it to my rotation" as I noted above in June - and I expect the property should be near completion by now.

Thanks.

Does Gold mean anything, ie will I get breakfast???
Is there still a 20k tour bonus?
Is the construction finished??

Thanks!

Does Gold mean anything, ie will I get breakfast???
Is there still a 20k tour bonus?
Is the construction finished??

Thanks!

Stayed there in October. Looked like it's finished. No 20k bonus was offered.
No, gold doesn't mean anything.

Stayed there about 18 months ago, not near completion then, but lovely property, about 5 minutes from the mouse...

We are booked to stay for a week in Aprim / May - not as timeshare but as a straightforward reservation off hilton.com. We did so for February 2005 but on arrival were told that the they had overbooked and that we had to go to HGVC Seaworld - we kicked up and they eventually "found" us a room I subsequently discovered his happens frequently as they give priority to owners. My question is: as I am now a Diamond would a call to the Diamond desk now help to ensure this won't happen again?

Although I'm not diamond and don't have experience with diamond desk, I do know that the vacation club properties operate differently from the regular hotels. Status doesn't mean anything, other than pantry coupons.

Although I'm not diamond and don't have experience with diamond desk, I do know that the vacation club properties operate differently from the regular hotels. Status doesn't mean anything, other than pantry coupons.

Not so...Per the DD HGVC fall under Hilton's for the Gold/Diam Beni.

Per HH website, "At Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Gold/Diamond VIP members will receive a $10.00 deli coupon for use during their stay, valid for purchases within the Deli/Gift Shop (excluding alcohol due to local laws). " It seems the coupon is the only bene for Gold/Diamond.

I subsequently discovered his happens frequently as they give priority to owners. My question is: as I am now a Diamond would a call to the Diamond desk now help to ensure this won't happen again?

I am not a Diamond but have stayed at both HGVCs on Int'l Dr. I have the name of the reservations supervisor at the Arrezo Way property (the more desirable site IMHO). Her name is Anita at ext. 52608 and ph. (407)465-2600.

BTW, I agree the Arrezo property is worth the fuss. The surrounding stores in the vicinity make it worthwhile. We are Roman Catholic and especially enjoyed walking to Mass on Sunday. We headed out of the back of the property, down a side street and right into the back parking lot of that famous Shrine in Orlando called Mary Queen of the Universe. That Church has some nice gardens, so in addition to walking to stores, the Arrezo property has great off-street walking nearby.

Welcome to FT, sallyerd! Great first post...

BTW, it might be better to post a request for a PM for the information with phoen numbers, etc. for individuals at hotels, etc. Others might disagree with me, but I think it minimizes the hassle possibility.

Never pay the rates off the website for the timeshares in Orlando or Vegas.
I own at these properties.. they are fantastic, but you can get in so much cheaper with a freinds and family referral. You do have to take the 90 minute tour, but its worth it for the savings.

If you do stay on a regular reservation, ask if they will give you hhonors points for taking the tour.

Any more recent info on the I-Drive HGVC.

We're going there in a couple of weeks time, driving up from Miami, so will have a car, and have been to most of the parks before, although looking forward to visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Specifically looking for a bit of a "fat camp" experience, to burn off some the Christmas excesses ... so looking for particular comments on the gym. It doesn't look that well stocked on their website.

Any advice on which block to ask for when checking in ... we've booked a one-bedroom suite ?

There will soon have 3 HGVC Orlando properties:
Seaworld
International Drive (at the Outlet Mall)
They are also breaking ground on a 3rd property this year

Seaworld is beginning to transition to upgraded renovations, building by building. We were put in an older style with the blue countertops. I'm told the renovations will have it looking more in line with International Drive. Pool area is great for families. They took out the wine area in the deli and put in a very busy Pizza Hut.

We took 10K points to tour International Drive which is already built out. Looks to be a very nice place.

As Diamond, I received $10 deli credit voucher, and a few vouchers for free Orlando paper or USA Today. I had to request these as they are not given when you check in the HH desk.

I'm here right now, connected wirelessly (free) in my 1-bedroom suite - which is very nice. Still feels new, big spa bath, fully equiped kitchen, 6 seater dining table. This place could easily accommodate 4 people.

Will post more later or answer any questions if you have any ...

I was there 3 weeks ago and we loved it! Yes there is construction on other parts of the property but you don't even notice it.

We had king suite with huge whirlpool tub in the master, separate bath, full kitchen (you know, just in case you wanted to bake a pie or whip up some creme brulee ;0)...pool was awesome...hot tubs awesome.
We took our two kids 4 and 7 and they loved it.

"Visitors from Sea World or other parks came by and did an impromptu "Wild Kingdom by the pool for everyone....lemurs, armadillos, giant toads, snakes...everyone loved it.

Best outlet mall in florida is right across the road (we were there boxing week...cars were parked all over the medians & blvds...pretty funny.

We had 6th floor room overlooking pool...the screened in balcony with dining table is a really nice touch.

I drive Trolley stops in front of hotel and will run you up & down the street cheep.

As Gold we were given vouchers at check-in...something like $10 credit in the deli and free newspapers...had such a nice time.

Here's the cincher: Our next 3 and 2 nights after HGVC were at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian...where we have stayed before.....WE LOVED HGCV SO MUCH WE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE!

Mrs Anvil would go back tomorrow and like poster above, she wants to add it to the rotation!

Mi gusta el Hilton HGVC International Dirve !

I am looking at planning a meeting- for staff that travel 80 % of the time- most are diamonds etc. would this property be worth more nights not in your own bed to a very picky crowd
thanks!!!!!