I bought a Hilton Grand Vacations Club Package from a very beautiful sales girl at a conference I attended earlier this year. I wanted to buy the Hawaii package, 6 days & 5 nights for $799. The sales pitches were that (1) there will be no "tours" on Hawaiian package, (2) 10,000 bonuses points on my account and (3) I can buy the Las Vegas package first ( $199 for 3 days 2 nights) and upgrade to Hawaii Package later.

There was no mentioned about the black date on the package, and I assume if there is any, my Diamond status will waive the black out date as my regular Diamond perk.

After several trials and hours spending on the phone, I gave up Hawaii. There is absolutely no availability during any of my vacation time (Thanksgiving week or mid December to January). The only time I can find is to use it at Las Vegas during Christmas weekend.

And since the stay is "paid by the marketing department", I won't even get the regular Hilton stay credit (toward elite status). I am not sure I will even get the Diamond benefits during my stay, plus I have to go through that two hours “tours" on Christmas Eve at a different property in Las Vegas.

Just to share my experience. If you have flexible schedule, this might be a great deal. But don’t assume your Diamond status will enrich your experience with the package deal from Hilton Grand Vacations Club.