Hilton HHonors - Any other HGVC Owners here?

I am wondering if there are any other Hilton Grand Vacation Club Owners/Members here?

We own 2BR Gold Season (5,000 pt) at the Seaworld location. You?

If you are wondering... "What the heck is HGVC"?, drop me an email...

Cheers!

Im not an owner but Im interested about it. You actually own the same property that I was looking at :D

Earlier this week, I owned a 1 Br Gold week at the Seaworld Resort (had since 2000) - but we just upgraded to Elite level (14,000 pts) in Las Vegas with 2 2Br Units in a Platinum week. We're looking forward to our "bonus" of 15,000 points.

As a long time owner, I too can share experiences with you ;)

Hey... at least two of us... Congrats on the add-on cruise!

Yes, we're owners. We originally purchased in Las Vegas ("Aww, honey, don't worry, we'll take take the promotion and walk! We'll never buy into a timeshare!") but never vacationed there again, instead always going to the Florida locations. We ended up transferring our ownership to the Sea World property for lower maintenance fees (looking to optimize our points/dollar) and later bought more to the point where we are now Elite at 14,000 points.

We're going to try the Breckenridge property now in July.

There is/was a Yahoo group for HGVC owners, but that one pretty much dried up. Anybody else aware of good HGVC information sites?

regarding ownership,

as platinum for instance, you get certain weeks available to you correct? Can you also get weeks that are for Gold, Bronze and other lower tiered groups or are you able to only get weeks side aside for platinum only.

Can you redeem the points for the stay and rent out the nights?

Any benefit of getting more points on top of the minimum required for certain tiers?

We own a 1BR Platinum at HHV Hawaii. (6200 points)

We too only attended for the Honors points and ended up rather poorer. Haven't regretted it at all though. :)

as platinum for instance, you get certain weeks available to you correct? Can you also get weeks that are for Gold, Bronze and other lower tiered groups or are you able to only get weeks side aside for platinum only.

You have access to any HGVC resort or participating RCI resort at any time -- it is all about the points. The week you purchase, whether it be a gold week or platinum week or whatever, simply determines how many club points you get each year. You can then use those points to make reservations at any of the properties. That flexibility is one of the things that attracted us to this program.

You can also "deposit" one year's points into the next year, and "borrow" points from a following year into the current year. In this way, you could utilize three years' worth of points, meaning that if you bought cheap at bronze, you could still make reservations at high point value seasons.

I own 5k points at the International Drive - Orlando resort. Also went in for the cheap trip to Orlando and ended up clinking champagne glasses with the sales guy before all was said and done. If I could do it over again, I would buy off the resale market rather than pay full price to the developer!

This site and the discussion boards are an excellent resource if you own or are thinking about purchasing:

http://www.tug2.net/

-Sabrina

Well, they got me with the two free tickets to the caribbean (valued at about $1500 for the flights we took to Barbados in April) and 5000 extra points. Bought 5000 points at the international drive location in Orlando. Going to Vegas in September and Hawaii in February.

You have access to any HGVC resort or participating RCI resort at any time -- it is all about the points. The week you purchase, whether it be a gold week or platinum week or whatever, simply determines how many club points you get each year. You can then use those points to make reservations at any of the properties. That flexibility is one of the things that attracted us to this program.

You can also "deposit" one year's points into the next year, and "borrow" points from a following year into the current year. In this way, you could utilize three years' worth of points, meaning that if you bought cheap at bronze, you could still make reservations at high point value seasons.

So for instance, if i buy Week 32 and that happened to be a Platinum week and i receive 7,000 points from it.. I can redeem those points in any of the Week(s) 1-52 in a given year? So I can effectively get, say 70 nights(I know there aren't this many Bronze nights) in a year during "Bronze Nights" if Bronze were 100 points per night? Or say 35 nights if I just happened to want nights during all Platinum nights?

ALso, since its about just the points... is there any reason why I wouldn't buy a property in the middle of nowhere and get 10,000 points for $10,000, versus a prime location for 5000 points and $25,000?

I've just seen so many different properties for rent 1BR vs 2BR and such, but if its just based on points, why would any of that matter :confused:

Thanks :D ^

So for instance, if i buy Week 32 and that happened to be a Platinum week and i receive 7,000 points from it.. I can redeem those points in any of the Week(s) 1-52 in a given year? So I can effectively get, say 70 nights(I know there aren't this many Bronze nights) in a year during "Bronze Nights" if Bronze were 100 points per night? Or say 35 nights if I just happened to want nights during all Platinum nights?

ALso, since its about just the points... is there any reason why I wouldn't buy a property in the middle of nowhere and get 10,000 points for $10,000, versus a prime location for 5000 points and $25,000?

I've just seen so many different properties for rent 1BR vs 2BR and such, but if its just based on points, why would any of that matter :confused:

Thanks :D ^

Cali

Yes, you are right. Unless you plan on traveling to a specific location during high season (ie. Hawaii in July), or don't plan to use your home reason in a specific season more then 50% of the time, points are points. You look at Purchase Price and Maintanance Fees if buying just for points and then you can use them in any fashion you wish.

Here are a few examples:
Points Flexibility 1 (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-PointsFlexibility1.pdf)
Points Flexibility 2 (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-PointsFlexibility2.pdf)

Also, here is a breakdown of the points and seasons:
HGVC Points Chart (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-HGVCchart.gif)
RCI Points Chart (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-RCIChart.jpg)
HGVC Seasons (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-Seasons.pdf)

I hope this helps, and if anyone would like to the name and contact info of the licensed agent we used please drop me an email. She was great and I would be please to provide any info to help those interested.

Steve

I own 5k points at the International Drive - Orlando resort. Also went in for the cheap trip to Orlando and ended up clinking champagne glasses with the sales guy before all was said and done. If I could do it over again, I would buy off the resale market rather than pay full price to the developer!

This site and the discussion boards are an excellent resource if you own or are thinking about purchasing:

http://www.tug2.net/

-Sabrina

Sabrina

You are right, resale for HGVC makes so much sense. We too purchased resale and saved ver 50% vs. what the developer was asking. Thanks to TUG! We will be looking to buy more in the new year, and will definitely go back to the agent we used to buy the first. When I send anyone on a cheap promo/preview, I make sure they are aware of the resale market and let me know after if they are interested and I would point them in the right direction.

We are staying at the International Dr. resort in November... I can't wait! :cool:

Steve

Cali

Yes, you are right. Unless you plan on traveling to a specific location during high season (ie. Hawaii in July), or don't plan to use your home reason in a specific season more then 50% of the time, points are points. You look at Purchase Price and Maintanance Fees if buying just for points and then you can use them in any fashion you wish.

Here are a few examples:
Points Flexibility 1 (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-PointsFlexibility1.pdf)
Points Flexibility 2 (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-PointsFlexibility2.pdf)

Also, here is a breakdown of the points and seasons:
HGVC Points Chart (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-HGVCchart.gif)
RCI Points Chart (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-RCIChart.jpg)
HGVC Seasons (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-Seasons.pdf)

I hope this helps, and if anyone would like to the name and contact info of the licensed agent we used please drop me an email. She was great and I would be please to provide any info to help those interested.

Steve
wow thanks a lot :D ^
I think Im finally getting it :D

Sabrina

You are right, resale for HGVC makes so much sense. We too purchased resale and saved ver 50% vs. what the developer was asking. Thanks to TUG! We will be looking to buy more in the new year, and will definitely go back to the agent we used to buy the first. When I send anyone on a cheap promo/preview, I make sure they are aware of the resale market and let me know after if they are interested and I would point them in the right direction.

We are staying at the International Dr. resort in November... I can't wait! :cool:

Steve

We resisted the Hilton GVC sales speech and closer recently in LV. They said at the time, that they have first rights to buy resales to avoid flooding the market at lower prices. Well, that is not true I realize now....

I already have points from RCI from a timeshare I bought in 1984 and use lots when the kids were growing up. Now I find it difficult to use all my points (121K a year) so that part of their sales speech does nothing for me.

I own 5k points at the International Drive - Orlando resort. Also went in for the cheap trip to Orlando and ended up clinking champagne glasses with the sales guy before all was said and done. If I could do it over again, I would buy off the resale market rather than pay full price to the developer!

This site and the discussion boards are an excellent resource if you own or are thinking about purchasing:

http://www.tug2.net/

-Sabrina

As Sabrina pointed out, TUG2 is great. Check out their BBS as well:

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums

(HGVC falls under 'Hotel-based Timeshare Systems')

I personally own HGVClub at the Las Vegas Hilton, 7000 annual Platinum points, purchased on resale.

We resisted the Hilton GVC sales speech and closer recently in LV. They said at the time, that they have first rights to buy resales to avoid flooding the market at lower prices. Well, that is not true I realize now....

I already have points from RCI from a timeshare I bought in 1984 and use lots when the kids were growing up. Now I find it difficult to use all my points (121K a year) so that part of their sales speech does nothing for me.

Wow, 22 years of Timesharing. You were a pioneer. How has the RCI points worked out for you over the years?

anyone know how buying a timeshare and then buying another one later down the road affects maintenance fees?

If you buy another property that is the same as the one you previously bought, do you get any discount on fees or anything? If you buy another property that is NOT the same as before, is there any discounts, etc? :confused:

I was thinking of buying say 5,000 points now and then another XXXX amount of points later. Trying to see if I should buy a large lump versus multiple small lumps of points.

Are there any incentives to accumulate a lot of points? :D

anyone know how buying a timeshare and then buying another one later down the road affects maintenance fees?

Maintenance fees are a function of the number of bedrooms. When we looked to increase our points, we chose to buy/upgrade to Platinum season weeks. That gave us more points per year while keeping the (high-enough-already) maintenance fees the same.

So I'm thinking that if you bought 1 BR Gold, you could upgrade to 1 BR Platinum and pay the same maintenance.

So we're loving our HGVC resorts and the cost per year is pretty much just the maintenance fees.... except for the travel costs.

I'm interested in learning what ways people have found to minimize the cost of actually getting to the resort.

In our case, since vacation time is a premium and driving somewhere is neither enjoyable nor fast, we lean toward flying. Are there good ways of using club points or HHonors points for flights in a cost-effective manner?

I am out 150 nights a year (or more) I have a ton of points.

Why would I PAY for time share when I get all the nights I need FREE for vacations???????????????????

I am out 150 nights a year (or more) I have a ton of points.

Why would I PAY for time share when I get all the nights I need FREE for vacations???????????????????
Mikey1003,
Clearly, you wouldn't. I pity the developer who tries to sell you on the concept of spending even more time in a strange bed. But for those of us who do a bit less traveling, combining the hotel points with the timeshare can make a lot of sense. We sometimes break up our trips to the timeshare with short stopovers nearby or along the way. Other years we just take more vacations :D .

Cali99boy,
The only cost savings (if you want to call it that) you'll realize when you add points is that you will still pay only one membership fee. That's about it. I bought from the developer in 2001 and more than doubled my points with an affiliated property this year for 1/3 of my initial cost. I can't say enough about the importance of buying resale and doing your homework on the tug bulletin board.

So we're loving our HGVC resorts and the cost per year is pretty much just the maintenance fees.... except for the travel costs.

I'm interested in learning what ways people have found to minimize the cost of actually getting to the resort.

In our case, since vacation time is a premium and driving somewhere is neither enjoyable nor fast, we lean toward flying. Are there good ways of using club points or HHonors points for flights in a cost-effective manner?

Scott:

Using points, especially your HGVC pts., for flights or cruises is very expensive and probably not the best use of your time. The exchange if aweful!

The best is to watch fore seat sales and keep building up your FF miles.

Cali99:

As you have read, there is not any specific savings for owning muliple weeks/packages. However, if you can do it from day one, I would suggest purchasing the bigest single unit/paclage within your budget and ride one Maintanance fee. Yes, you can probably pick up 2 x 3,500 pt packages for around $8,400 vs. 1 x 7,000 pt. package for $13,000... but you would have double the MF.

I hope this helps...

Steve

Scott:

Using points, especially your HGVC pts., for flights or cruises is very expensive and probably not the best use of your time. The exchange if aweful!

The best is to watch fore seat sales and keep building up your FF miles.

Cali99:

As you have read, there is not any specific savings for owning muliple weeks/packages. However, if you can do it from day one, I would suggest purchasing the bigest single unit/paclage within your budget and ride one Maintanance fee. Yes, you can probably pick up 2 x 3,500 pt packages for around $8,400 vs. 1 x 7,000 pt. package for $13,000... but you would have double the MF.

I hope this helps...

Steve
thanks.. i didn't know that i would be charged 2 maintenance fees if i purchased at separate times. I figured if i bought from the same property that the point pool would just increase and the maintenance fees would increase whatever the cost is per point... not 2x or more.

Bayou: thanks.. i guess i'll keep that in consideration ^

Scott: thanks :D ^

We own a platimum week in Las Vegas (Flamingo). Great place excellent location.

Be very careful about trading HGVC points for RCI timeshare. We booked last year for an RCI in Marco Island in December. It was damaged by the hurricane and did not reopen until February. We were notified by RCI that they were not responsible due to the storm and we lost our points for the year, transfer fees, and RCI booking fees.

anyone know how to figure out the dates that corresponds to the number of the week?

I found a deal that was perplexing:

#1 - 5000 Gold Points, 2 BR - $7,500
#2 - 5000 Platinum Points, 2BR - $8,500

Maybe I looked at it wrong, but lets say I'm right.. is there a reason why I should pick #2 vs #1 with MF the same?

^

anyone know how to figure out the dates that corresponds to the number of the week?

I found a deal that was perplexing:

#1 - 5000 Gold Points, 2 BR - $7,500
#2 - 5000 Platinum Points, 2BR - $8,500

Maybe I looked at it wrong, but lets say I'm right.. is there a reason why I should pick #2 vs #1 with MF the same?

^

It would be a mistake by the seller. There is no such thing as Platinum 5,000 pts. See the points chart to understand what points are associated with which seasons.

HGVC Points Chart (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-HGVCchart.gif)

I hope this helps clear things up. Feel free to call me if you have any questions. I will drop you a PM with my number

Steve

OnMedic, not a good idea to post your phone number here. I suggest editing it out.

OnMedic, not a good idea to post your phone number here. I suggest editing it out.

Thanks... I have on the TUG board to help other understand HGVC without incidence. I will heed your suggestion and those wanting to chat to learn more about HGVC and it's nuences can drop me a PM.

Cheers

Steve

Why would I PAY for time share when I get all the nights I need FREE for vacations???????????????????

There is a big difference betweeen a Hilton hotel room and a HGVC room(s). That is one reason I know for sure... :cool:

Why would I PAY for time share when I get all the nights I need FREE for vacations???????????????????

There is a big difference betweeen a Hilton hotel room and a HGVC room(s). That is one reason I know for sure... :cool:

Great point... 1BR, 2BR & 3BR w/full kitchens in a resort w/resort staff and resort activites... and Resort pools!

Why would I PAY for time share when I get all the nights I need FREE for vacations???????????????????

There is a big difference betweeen a Hilton hotel room and a HGVC room(s). That is one reason I know for sure... :cool:

Exactly.

I'm a 6yr Diamond and I got tired of sweating out whether or not I will be upgraded on certain vacations, whether or not I will have a sofa & or fridge.

Owning with HGVC means I can do both the free GLONP2 stay in Rome and the full condo reservation in Waikoloa.

Sometimes I want the hotel experience, other times I don't.

It would be a mistake by the seller. There is no such thing as Platinum 5,000 pts. See the points chart to understand what points are associated with which seasons.

HGVC Points Chart (http://www3.sympatico.ca/onmedic/HGVC/HGVC-HGVCchart.gif)

I hope this helps clear things up. Feel free to call me if you have any questions. I will drop you a PM with my number

Steve
thanks.. something just didn't add up. I was thinking if this was like a no-brainer or something had to be wrong. :D

I am the very happy owner of 5000 pts Gold South Beach. I love it. Just got back from Las Vegas Strip. It was pretty nice. I've also been to the Seaworld location. That was great. I am going to the new Orlando property next.

I also own HGVC:
1br+ gold at HHV (EOY)
1br gold Orlando (International Dr/Tuscany)
also: Sanibel Cottages, Casa Ybel, and Seawatch on the Beach, which are affiliated resorts in southwest Florida.
I'm an HGVC 'Elite', and a recent trip included open season cash stays at Miami Beach and Marco Island, as well as point stays in Orlando at both Seaworld and Tuscany. An upcoming open season cash stay in Las Vegas is next, followed by a September HHV stay on HGVC points, and a HWV stay on Hhonors points.
I also own a Marriott week, a Hyatt week, and a bunch of Disney Vacation Club points.

I own 7 HGVC weeks. 4 Flamingo Las Vegas, 2 Las Vegas Hilton and 1 Seaworld. 46,800 annual points. I always book during club season usually in a studio unit unless traveling with family. This affords me many nights yearly at whichever location I choose. Travel mostly to Vegas since I live in California. In May I was at HHV for a week and in Sept. will be going to the new HGVC Bay Club on the Big Island for a week. Both of these stays are in premier 2 bedroom units. My sister-in-law was very impressed with the ocean front unit at the HHV. We had a great time!

I own 7 HGVC weeks. 4 Flamingo Las Vegas, 2 Las Vegas Hilton and 1 Seaworld. 46,800 annual points. I always book during club season usually in a studio unit unless traveling with family. This affords me many nights yearly at whichever location I choose. Travel mostly to Vegas since I live in California. In May I was at HHV for a week and in Sept. will be going to the new HGVC Bay Club on the Big Island for a week. Both of these stays are in premier 2 bedroom units. My sister-in-law was very impressed with the ocean front unit at the HHV. We had a great time!

WOW Pronk... That one wack of points!!! You almost live at HGVC. I hope you purchased most of them resale!

DVC John, you aren't doing to bad either. We own DVC also and love it too. Our next purchase will probably be a Marriott Hilton Head Island... Baron, Grande Ocean or Surf Watch. Any suggestions?

Cheers,

Steve

Has anybody compiled maintenance charges as they vary at HGVC and affiliate resorts?

I'm trying to decide where to buy a 1-BR's worth of points, so it would be great to have some data. Of course there's a home advantage depending on where you own, but I'm not sure how big a premium I'm willing to pay.

Or can you post some sample data of what you're paying on a $ per point basis, per unit, location and Platinum, etc. status?

Thanks

You are right, resale for HGVC makes so much sense. We too purchased resale and saved ver 50% vs. what the developer was asking.
Steve

I purchased the minimum number of City points (5,000) in the Hilton Club New York. You automatically get HH Gold VIP status for 27 years - something you can't get buying points on the resale market.

Hilton Club New York owners can also stay using points at any HGVC properties and participating RCI properties. HGVC owners do NOT have reciprocal privileges to stay at the Hilton Club New York (thankfully - due to high demand). HCNY members can also reserve a suite within 14 days of arrival for a flat charge of $150 weekdays or $175 weekends for a studio in NYC -- instead of redeeming points. That is a SUBSTANTIAL discount to the regular rate.

Has anybody compiled maintenance charges as they vary at HGVC and affiliate resorts?

I'm trying to decide where to buy a 1-BR's worth of points, so it would be great to have some data. Of course there's a home advantage depending on where you own, but I'm not sure how big a premium I'm willing to pay.

Or can you post some sample data of what you're paying on a $ per point basis, per unit, location and Platinum, etc. status?

Thanks

Check over at tug2.net. The for sale listings include annual fees that will give you this kind of data. I think the Orlando properties are still the cheapest on fees. If, like me, you don't want to spend all your points on one week at your home property, it doesn't matter where you own. Someone also started a thread on Hilton fees on the bulletin board there, but I think you have to join TUG to get access to that board; it's inexpensive (I think I paid $25 for 3 years IIRC) and a wealth of information for anyone thinking of buying or who already owns a timeshare.

Bottom line: buy resale.

does anyone know of how I can get info on trying out a place that has a vacation ownership program. I am interested, but want to find out more, hopefully by staying at one of those properties. thanks

does anyone know of how I can get info on trying out a place that has a vacation ownership program. I am interested, but want to find out more, hopefully by staying at one of those properties. thanks

Gomez,

Not a problem... I have referred many people and most have had a great time. I will drop you an PM to exchange info.

Cheers,

Steve

I have "owned" at Bay Club, Hawaii for about 6 years, and in that time have visited Bay Club (twice), Lagoon Tower (Waikiki), Las Vegas Flamingo and Strip, South Beach Miami, Orlando Sea World and i-Drive, Breckenridge Colorado and Cabo San Lucas Mexico.

Absolutely love the flexibility and the option to convert to Hhonors points if I want.

Lots of new HGVC resorts opening that I'm planning to visit; even more so as I have just purchased enough HGVC points to upgrade to Elite status, and got a whopping 18,000 bonus points for doing so (equivalent to 414,000 Hhonors points). Btw my 14,400 HGVC points equates to 331,200 Hhonors points per year. I can't see that I'll ever pay for a hilton stay again !!
And elite status gives me life-time Hhonors Gold .... although I'm actually a Diamond already :rolleyes:

Already have Cyprus and Venice booked on Hhonors points for this year :D

Check over at tug2.net. The for sale listings include annual fees that will give you this kind of data. I think the Orlando properties are still the cheapest on fees. If, like me, you don't want to spend all your points on one week at your home property, it doesn't matter where you own. Someone also started a thread on Hilton fees on the bulletin board there, but I think you have to join TUG to get access to that board; it's inexpensive (I think I paid $25 for 3 years IIRC) and a wealth of information for anyone thinking of buying or who already owns a timeshare.

Bottom line: buy resale.

fyi, HGVC contractually always have first refusal on resales, and always buy and resale the best options ... you try getting a 3 bedroom plus penthouse in Las Vegas on resale !!!
This is the cheapest way of acquiring points with the lowest maintenance fees.

Incidentally, I have no interest in ever staying in the 3-bedroom plus penthouse in Las Vegas as I would stay in a studio at the Flamingo in Gold season to stretch those points :) :)

I know Hilton has right of first refusal; but I bought a resale for less than a third of going price with Hilton, and it went through.

On paper, I own a two-bedroom for one week at Orlando on I-Drive, but those points equal 3+ weeks in a studio, which is how I use them (including two weeks in Hawaii off season).

By the way, don't buy for the conversion to Hilton Honors points; it's a lousy conversion rate.

Have one platinium week Flamingo Las Vegas..........

Word of warning...do not trade your points for RCI. Last year traded points for RCI property. Four months before trip, property damaged by storm and was not open at trip time. Was told by RCI we had no recourse and lost that year's points because they had been "used" to book a reservation even though the place was unavailable. You have no rights if you "trade" your HGVC points for RCI. Also they (RCI) would not repay any of the fees paid to transfer points.

Have a 2BDR one week at Bay Club in Waikoloa (Big Island) since 2002 and have never stayed there! We get top billing for having the Hawaii property so exchange has been no problem. Did the RCI in 2005 for a spot on Kauai, resort was fine with no problems.

Only annoying thing about Waikoloa is that you can not use the Hilton's pools or Health Club - which are far better then both HGVC properties there. They are for the hotel guests only.

We have two toddlers so we are using the SeaWorld Resort at least once every year so that we can visit WDW without getting hosed on lodging. We do the 1BDR so that we get two weeks every year:D We'll probably grab another week once the kids get a little older and won't fit on the pull out so that we can continue to get two weeks.

I know Hilton has right of first refusal; but I bought a resale for less than a third of going price with Hilton, and it went through.

On paper, I own a two-bedroom for one week at Orlando on I-Drive, but those points equal 3+ weeks in a studio, which is how I use them (including two weeks in Hawaii off season).

By the way, don't buy for the conversion to Hilton Honors points; it's a lousy conversion rate.

One other thing, you cannot achieve Elite status with HGVC if you buy resale, you have to buy through HGVC themselves. And Elite status gives you life-time Hhonors Gold, amongst other benefits, such as access to Elite only resorts and for less points and no booking fees !

We actually did buy for Hhonors points as much as HGVC points. We too use lesser accomodation (studios, Gold, Silver, even Bronze season) to stretch our points. What's left is converted to non-expiring Hhonors points, which if we don't use now, we will use when we retire. Hoping to have millions of points banked for my retirement :)

Just got back from the Flamingo HGVC... we upgraded while there, with no intention to do so, but not to elite level yet.

Only annoying thing about Waikoloa is that you can not use the Hilton's pools or Health Club - which are far better then both HGVC properties there. They are for the hotel guests only.

As I understand it, those who own at the new HGVC Waikoloa can use the Hilton facilities, it's just the Bay Club owners/guests that get screwed since it's just a Hilton managed property rather than Hilton developed/owned.

Anyone else feel that it's just a matter of time before Hilton pulls the plug on the Bay Club as an HGVC property? What would that mean for owners there?

Have one platinium week Flamingo Las Vegas..........

Word of warning...do not trade your points for RCI. Last year traded points for RCI property. Four months before trip, property damaged by storm and was not open at trip time. Was told by RCI we had no recourse and lost that year's points because they had been "used" to book a reservation even though the place was unavailable. You have no rights if you "trade" your HGVC points for RCI. Also they (RCI) would not repay any of the fees paid to transfer points.

Out of curiousity, did you contact HGVC themselves about the situation, or just RCI? Hard to believe that Hilton would allow one of their owners to be screwed over so badly, but not unbelievable, unfortunately.

Anyone else feel that it's just a matter of time before Hilton pulls the plug on the Bay Club as an HGVC property? What would that mean for owners there?


If anything I believe it will go the other way, and Hilton will buy out Bay Club.
There can't be many Bay Club owners that are not HGVC members.

If anything I believe it will go the other way, and Hilton will buy out Bay Club.
There can't be many Bay Club owners that are not HGVC members.

Then why build the new HGVC Waikoloa instead of buying out the Bay Club and completing the remaining phase(s)? Waiting for the current owners to bankrupt themselves so they can pick it up cheap?

Then why build the new HGVC Waikoloa instead of buying out the Bay Club and completing the remaining phase(s)? Waiting for the current owners to bankrupt themselves so they can pick it up cheap?


The "new" HGVC at Waikaloa, is merely the second phase of Bay Club that they were going to build anyway. I saw the plans years ago, and Bay Club and HGVC now share facilities (check-in etc).

We contacted HGVC and they said they have no obligation because the points were traded to RCI. It's a separate entity. Approx 3 yrs ago we traded to RCI for a place in Cancun. After we booked,the property changed to a HGVC. We then asked for an upgrade and were told that we were getting a room from the RCI "pool" and not the HGVC "pool" because the points were coming from RCI

I am really surprised. About 2 years ago, I had done an RCI exchange and my property area had hurricanes. Even though the extent of damage wasn't known, and my trip was 4 weeks off. When I called to ask to cancel and use my points elsewhere, after explaining the situation, HGV agreed and let me book elsewhere.

Have one platinium week Flamingo Las Vegas..........

Word of warning...do not trade your points for RCI. Last year traded points for RCI property. Four months before trip, property damaged by storm and was not open at trip time. Was told by RCI we had no recourse and lost that year's points because they had been "used" to book a reservation even though the place was unavailable. You have no rights if you "trade" your HGVC points for RCI. Also they (RCI) would not repay any of the fees paid to transfer points.

The hurricanes happened 4 months before our trip and we recieved notice from RCI that the resort would not be open for our trip approx 3 weeks before we left. We had to scamble to find another place to stay because plane tickets we already purchased.

The "new" HGVC at Waikaloa, is merely the second phase of Bay Club that they were going to build anyway. I saw the plans years ago, and Bay Club and HGVC now share facilities (check-in etc).

Interesting. It didn't seem like the properties were quite that close together when we were there, but it's hard to tell things like that from outside the properties sometimes.

We contacted HGVC and they said they have no obligation because the points were traded to RCI. It's a separate entity.

Wow. Not exactly the type of service I'd expect out of HGVC. I'd expect them to lean on RCI a bit, given the number of members RCI gets from Hilton.

Approx 3 yrs ago we traded to RCI for a place in Cancun. After we booked,the property changed to a HGVC. We then asked for an upgrade and were told that we were getting a room from the RCI "pool" and not the HGVC "pool" because the points were coming from RCI

What kind of upgrade would you expect? 4800 HGVC points (1-bdrm platinum) trades for a Red week 2-bdrm RCI property. Doesn't seem like you lose anything by going RCI - excepting your experience above, that is.

If any non-owners are interested in a referral for a promo package to check out one of the HGVC resorts, please send me a PM. I recently bought at an HGVC affiliate and found out that HGVC has a "friends and family" referral program. While we are brand new, our dealings with HGVC to date have been very positive.

We own 7000 (2 bedroom plat) at seaworld. We love the HGVC too but I don't like how they pressure us everytime we are at a HGVC to upgrade and become elite. We too use the points to get a studio. Our children are grown so that's all we need now. I also don't like how they raised our annual dues and fees through the roof this past year. They said it's because of Hurricane Insurance. We bought new but if we were to buy more points, we'd buy resale. We didn't need convincing to buy though. We went up to Orlando with thoughts of signing. After we signed, we sent my husband's brother and his wife up and they didn't even do a tour. They just signed (a salesman's dream?) the paper's. At the time, we put the purchase price of both on our company american express card. Like a year later American Express/HGVC had a promotion saying if you purchase a HGVC and pay for it with the AM EX card you'd get two first class tickets for anywhere in the U.S. I was so bummed! Missed out again...:(

Just stumbled upon this thread while laying in bed at Doubletree Suites Downtown Disney. We are staying here on the "Timeshare Tour Deal" for 3 nights @ $99. We have a tour set up tomorrow morning at the new HGVC on International Drive by the Premium Outlets. I'll update you guys on how it went...

Alright, we arrived at the HGVC International Drive at 8am. We ate breakfast, discussed the structure of the program and than walked around the resort. The structure was very much like some of the other point programs (Disney, Marriott) Very nice, very clean rooms. I thought the 2 Bedrooms were a good size but the Studio units were TINY. Ive stayed in Hamptons that have bigger rooms than that. We then proceeded to the closing area where we discussed RCI, looked over some of the resorts and what not and then were given a quote on a 7,000 point package which they consider a Silver Elite package. Our price was $30,990 for the 7,000 points, which breaks down to somewhere around $4.40 per point. But, with their financing package at 16.9% interest, you were looking at somewhere in the area of $5 per point. Heres where things get really interesting. I had done my homework the night before and pulled out some sheets from some resale agencies (Timeshares Only, Vacation Store Etc) that had fully legit points (taxes/maintance up to date) at HGVC International Drive for $1.97 per point. Obviously, the salesman was somewhat at a loss of words and visibly upset. His manager came out and said that Hilton had a right to refusal on those prices (which I found hard to believe because according to the salesman, you own the title to those points) and that many of those were scam's (i also find this hard to believe when dealing with a reputable business). We were than escorted out of the building and again thanked for coming on the tour. Bottom line, for two hours of my time I was comped 2 nights in a suite at the Doubletree Downtown Disney. I enjoyed seeing the resort, which I thought was beautiful and very worth the resale prices, but not quite 35k dollars...

[QUOTE=nwaaok;7462346] His manager came out and said that Hilton had a right to refusal on those prices (which I found hard to believe because according to the salesman, you own the title to those points) and that many of those were scam's (i also find this hard to believe when dealing with a reputable business). QUOTE]

HGVC does have ROFR on resales of Hilton-developed properties but they would not exercise that right if you are looking at a 7000 club point resale around $14K. They do not have ROFR on affiliates - sometimes a good, inexpensive way to get into the system.

I bought a resale at $1/point, and Hilton didn't exercise its ROFR. I wonder if it ever does.

Ebay is full of 1-1.50$/point deals for HGVC; I do not think they ever practice they prerogative.

Ebay is full of 1-1.50$/point deals for HGVC; I do not think they ever practice they prerogative.

Actually, they do exercise their ROFR. I own and have helped many friends and family purchase resale. There is a moving target on the price at which they exercise ROFR, with Platinum being exercised higher then Gold when looking at a per point price.

Flamingo is the only HGVC property without a ROFR.

Generally Speaking (Orlando & Las Vegas)

- 5,000 pt should go around $7K
- 4,800 pt should go for around $7.5K
- 7,000 pt should go for around $13K

Cheers,

Steve

If you check the classifieds on tug2.net, you'll find better deals than OnMedic's estimates. A couple of Realtors who specialize in timeshares and are authorized Hilton resellers handle a lot of them.

If you check the classifieds on tug2.net, you'll find better deals than OnMedic's estimates. A couple of Realtors who specialize in timeshares and are authorized Hilton resellers handle a lot of them.

lins

These are right around the ROFR price. It is not the Realtors that dictate the price, but Hilton through ROFR. These were general, and yes you MAY be able to squeeze a 7K pt through at $12,500, but depends on the property.

I just went through the process, WITH one of the authorized resellers mentioned, with a familymember at it was ROFR'ed by Hilton (5K Package). So... although the lowest price maybe vary slightly by resort, this is a fairly close estimate where ROFR sits.

Some of the affiliates can sell for less. I picked up a float week at one of the Florida affilates for less than $6,000. Depending on how quickly I book, I can reserve a Plat, Gold or silver week.

Also, for those of you that already own, when I called about the Friends and Family promotional deal (see earlier note in this thread that I posted), I was told that existing HGVC owners could take advantage of them as well (they may limit you if you already own at the property in question-not sure)>

Also, for those of you that already own, when I called about the Friends and Family promotional deal (see earlier note in this thread that I posted), I was told that existing HGVC owners could take advantage of them as well (they may limit you if you already own at the property in question-not sure)>

I got a mailing with a deal that was sent only to owners, which I thought was strange. But they're in a major push to get us to buy more points to the elite level (14,000).

I had a "check-up" meeting last fall in exchange for bonus HGVC points, and my resale shows in their computers at the original sales price, about 3x more than I paid.

Which means that you paid a resale price, but that a higher (retail) price is listed i nthe HGVC system?

Which means that you paid a resale price, but that a higher (retail) price is listed i nthe HGVC system?

That's right. But it doesn't count toward elite status, which I don't care about. I can maintain gold Honors status easily in other ways.

That's right. But it doesn't count toward elite status, which I don't care about. I can maintain gold Honors status easily in other ways.

Most significant benefit of Elite status are the Elite-only resorts. It wouldn't surprise me if more and more of these are introduced. Therefore making resale purchases worth less (although not worthless!)

I'm not sure that some of the newer resorts will be elite only. I understand that some of the new resorts will require more points to book, but I have not hreard that resale owners will be excluded from these resorts.

[QUOTE=OnMedic;7467007]lins

These are right around the ROFR price. It is not the Realtors that dictate the price, but Hilton through ROFR. These were general, and yes you MAY be able to squeeze a 7K pt through at $12,500, but depends on the property.

I am in the process of selling HGVC Seaworld 7000 pt. platinum unit for $12,000. I had it advertised in the Tug classified section and Redweek for quite a long time before it sold. I was surprised, as I listed it below all the other ads to sell quickly without any negotiation on the price. Anyway, we got notice from Hilton last week that they are not exercising ROFR, and the sale is going through. I feel this was a really good deal for the person who is buying it. Anyway, hope this helps those of you wondering where they are at with ROFR price. In the past I did have them take 2 units I was trying to purchase that were both 5000pt. gold weeks in Las Vegas. Both purchase prices were way under the going rate, so I was not surprised at all they took them on ROFR.

[QUOTE=OnMedic;7467007]lins

These are right around the ROFR price. It is not the Realtors that dictate the price, but Hilton through ROFR. These were general, and yes you MAY be able to squeeze a 7K pt through at $12,500, but depends on the property.

I am in the process of selling HGVC Seaworld 7000 pt. platinum unit for $12,000. I had it advertised in the Tug classified section and Redweek for quite a long time before it sold. I was surprised, as I listed it below all the other ads to sell quickly without any negotiation on the price. Anyway, we got notice from Hilton last week that they are not exercising ROFR, and the sale is going through. I feel this was a really good deal for the person who is buying it. Anyway, hope this helps those of you wondering where they are at with ROFR price. In the past I did have them take 2 units I was trying to purchase that were both 5000pt. gold weeks in Las Vegas. Both purchase prices were way under the going rate, so I was not surprised at all they took them on ROFR.

Does the ROFR means that Hilton will buy the property first? I'm an owner but never really asked. Had I seen your offer I would probably have bought it.

Yes, it means that they consider the price so low that they would rather buy it back and resell it themselves. The point I was trying to make is that this protects your investment as Hilton will not let the units be sold undervalue. So either way you will get your money whether it be from Hilton or the buyer. Sorry you didn't see my ad, as I stated I think was a steal for the people who are buying it.

I've been very frustrated and have not received any offers for my 7000 points at the Bay Club, annual use. I'm currently asking $13,000 and listed with www.timeshareresalepros.com From what I researched I figured it would sell within a few months with this company, but it's almost at 1 year now and not one bite. I've been wondering if it's their listing process which has every HGVC in their search except the Bay Club which is listed without the HGVC name. Has anyone sold their HGVC Bay Club?

I've watched ebay sales for some time now, and it seems that the HGVC affiliate properties don't sell for as much as the Hilton built properties. You would think that Hawaii would sell for more, but with the Hilton system being what it is, point based, buyers are looking to purchase points where they will be paying the least amount of MF's each year. That is because when you use your points within the system, it doesn't matter where you own since points are points. The MF's in Hawaii are higher than most, although Florida's MF's increased considerably this year due to the Hurricaine damamge. Currently there are only bi-annual listings on ebay in both the active and completed listings so you can't really compare your unit to those. I understand your frustration I felt the same way and my unit was priced lower than yours.

That is because when you use your points within the system, it doesn't matter where you own since points are points.

Yes, it does matter if you want to stay at the Hilton Club New York. HCNY owners can stay at an HGVC property, but other HGVC owners cannot stay at the HCNY. That's why I bought at HCNY.

Why would I PAY for time share when I get all the nights I need FREE for vacations???????????????????

There is a big difference betweeen a Hilton hotel room and a HGVC room(s). That is one reason I know for sure... :cool:

I agree with this. Time shares are not for everyone. I don't want to be pigeon holed for vacations. Most of the areas we vacation (National Parks) dont have TSs.

And, we vacation off season. Why would I want to spend a lot when I can get great hotel rooms for $50.00-60.00 a night. Plus, all the free nights I accumulate for bigger cities.

I'm not sure that some of the newer resorts will be elite only. I understand that some of the new resorts will require more points to book, but I have not hreard that resale owners will be excluded from these resorts.

Actually the Elite Only resorts are cheaper to book (3400 vs 4800 HGVC points for a 1-bedroom suite for example) :)

We own at the Bay Club, week 51, 2 Bedroom. (I will check tomorrow, but I think we have 7,000 points) Paid ~17 in 1997? Recent postings are showing off peak units available for sale at 11,700 for a 1 bedroom.

I toured the new HGVC Units and I am very happy to be part of the origial Bay Club, much more spacious.

We own two weeks at West 57th Street by Hilton Club™ and are looking forward to opening... But one thing I haven't seen covered here is what HGVC "Elite" status is and what it costs / earns one?

TIA!

Yes, it does matter if you want to stay at the Hilton Club New York. HCNY owners can stay at an HGVC property, but other HGVC owners cannot stay at the HCNY. That's why I bought at HCNY.

However, I was told on a recent tour of the new HGVC Orlando that the new HGVC in NYC on 57th st., will be a part of the HGVC group for all HGVC members to use. It also showed the points it will cost in the 2007 HGVC manual.

Wow, first time I've seen this thread. I'm a satisfied owner of 14K points at the HGVC Las Vegas Strip. I don't go to Vega$ all that much, but I chose to purchase there because their annual fees/taxes are some of the lowest in the system. I purchased my original share in 9/06 and upgraded 6/07 to Elite. I'm a very happy owner so far, I really love my HGVC membership! I'm even considering upgrading further one day... :cool:

However, I was told on a recent tour of the new HGVC Orlando that the new HGVC in NYC on 57th st., will be a part of the HGVC group for all HGVC members to use. It also showed the points it will cost in the 2007 HGVC manual.

Having traded in my Hilton Club New York timeshare toward the purchase of a studio plus unit at the West 57th Street by Hilton Club, I can confirm this is true. However, other HGVC owners will NOT be able to reserve at the West 57th Street property BEFORE 45 days in advance of the stay, which is a major disadvantage when making plans for a vacation in NYC during peak demand periods.

We own two weeks at West 57th Street by Hilton Club™ and are looking forward to opening... But one thing I haven't seen covered here is what HGVC "Elite" status is and what it costs / earns one?

TIA!

Why don't you call the HGVC to find out? I do know that you have to purchase a certain minimum number of points to get Elite status, which I did not. How many points did you purchase? Two weeks doesn't mean a whole lot - the weeks can be gold or platinum, and the unit can vary from the least expensive Studio Plus to a very expensive Penthouse Suite.

We own two weeks at West 57th Street by Hilton Club™ and are looking forward to opening

Bumping this thread because West 57th Street by Hilton Club officially opens July 3. That weekend is already sold out, but any other FT members staying there during the grand opening? I have a Studio Plus unit reserved for 2 nights that weekend.

Bumping this thread because West 57th Street by Hilton Club officially opens July 3. That weekend is already sold out, but any other FT members staying there during the grand opening? I have a Studio Plus unit reserved for 2 nights that weekend.

My parents bought into this (unless there are multiple locations in NYC) last year. No idea if/when they will go.

My parents bought into this (unless there are multiple locations in NYC) last year. No idea if/when they will go.

There is only ONE West 57th Street by Hilton Club. There is also the old Hilton Club New York, which consists of two dedicated floors in the Hilton New York.

There is only ONE West 57th Street by Hilton Club. There is also the old Hilton Club New York, which consists of two dedicated floors in the Hilton New York.

Then they must've bought into West 57th. Thanks for the clarification.

We own HGVC and use it frequently. We have stayed at all of the Vegas properties and like the Flamingo location the best. We are going to stay at the HGVC@ HHV in August for the first time. Started out owning in Vegas then upgraded to Hawaii last fall. The option to trade for HHonors points is great and has allowed us to visit Hiltons all ove the world. It works out great for us and we are very happy with our purchase. :p