Originally Posted by
dlaue
I agree with your observations about the Elara. It is a great facility which was built to be a premium condominium development, but was converted to timeshares in the wake of an economic downturn.
12-15 years ago, the Elara was reasonably priced (we actually stayed in a 2 bedroom unit for $249 a WEEK) and diamonds were always upgraded.
We stayed there several times with upgrades automatically given.
Beginning about 8 years ago (??) the Elara became expensive, then super expensive, and upgrades ended. I even asked to talk to the manager upon check-in the last time we stayed there. He was firm. No diamond upgrades. Period.
No upgrades is par for the course when staying at a Hilton Grand Vacations Club property, in my experience.
Even now during the viral pall, the rates at the Elara are outrageous.
Well said!
Someone needs to remind them they aren't the Four Seasons
I had a nice conversation with Elara management pre pandemic and it was all very friendly.Took weeks to get them out of their bunker to follow up with me
However hey made it quite clear that they will do nothing for Hilton elite member guests but award points for revenue stays no breakfast and a small bottle of
their house brand water.A huge departure compared to when HH members mattered each and every time.Sad
They see Hilton guests as a cash cow revenue stream and want to only up sell to better accommodations or let you live with what you book.
I've never returned.Loyalty is a two way street
I prefer almost every other relationship I have in Vegas/Marriott/IHG.Hyatt/MGM all with newer better hard products,
better guests on average and more exciting options to chose from
I would book Elara only for a friend with no status if the rate was fair.Waldorf does a very fair job