Points for timeshare presentations?
Jul 10, 2005, 8:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: HH-Gold, Priority Club-Platinum, Marriott-Silver, DL, CO, US,
Posts: 15
Points for timeshare presentations?
I am looking to bump up my points balance. Although I know is a horrible waste of my life, are there any Hilton timeshare presentations I can attend to get HHonors points just for attending (even if I have no intention of buying?)
Jul 10, 2005, 8:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Programs: Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, lots of points, & timeshares I got for free. To talk travel deals, PM me!
Posts: 255
Originally Posted by Echoindiaromeo
I am looking to bump up my points balance. Although I know is a horrible waste of my life, are there any Hilton timeshare presentations I can attend to get HHonors points just for attending (even if I have no intention of buying?)
On the Buying, Selling, Renting board there, you can get tips for how to get the salespeople to leave you alone when you don't want to buy. (My favorite -- STAND UP and say in a loud voice that you think the timeshare's not a good deal.)
Jul 10, 2005, 8:22 pm
#3
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
A friend a yr ago got 20,000 pts at HWV (Kona, Hawaii) he was staying there at the time dont know if that is needed in order to get pts. I took a snokeling tour instead, it was great but sorry i didnt opt for the pts as they have far better value.
did it in Vegas no mention of any pts just a choice of Shows. Maybe you got to ask about the Pts.
did it in Vegas no mention of any pts just a choice of Shows. Maybe you got to ask about the Pts.
Jul 10, 2005, 8:32 pm
#4
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
My experience was HGVC are much worse than the worst used car dealers...
We received an offer for a HHV-HGVC stay and presentation, and decided to take advantage of it... The only taking advanatge was what they did to us.
We were offered a one bedroom at HGVC for a decent price, and offered a very fat incentive in points. We signed up,and once we did, we were then "waitlisted" for the accomodation of our choice, but were told at least we'd have a studio. Every time we contacted, we were strung along, they were "pretty sure" things would get straightened out and we would get our accomodation of choice, probably even upgraded because of my Diamond level.
When we arrived you guessed it - we got a partial ocean view in the Tapa Tower, as I recall. And getting the points was as easy as pulling the teeth from a live Australian saltwater crocodile. Our comments and complaints were duly noted, and I was completely convinced they would act forthwith - tossing our complaint into the wastebasket.
IMO, most un-HH like, and I would never buy a HH timeshare, even in aftermarket sales. These folks, from telephone agents to supervisors, in my experience, lie like an old rug and have no compunctions about it - then they will try to renege at giving you the points they promised.
YMMV. There emay be some others who have had better experiences, but this was mine, and I would never recommend a HGVC stay as a way of getting points unless you enjoy spending your holiday battling - and some time later, as well.
We were offered a one bedroom at HGVC for a decent price, and offered a very fat incentive in points. We signed up,and once we did, we were then "waitlisted" for the accomodation of our choice, but were told at least we'd have a studio. Every time we contacted, we were strung along, they were "pretty sure" things would get straightened out and we would get our accomodation of choice, probably even upgraded because of my Diamond level.
When we arrived you guessed it - we got a partial ocean view in the Tapa Tower, as I recall. And getting the points was as easy as pulling the teeth from a live Australian saltwater crocodile. Our comments and complaints were duly noted, and I was completely convinced they would act forthwith - tossing our complaint into the wastebasket.
IMO, most un-HH like, and I would never buy a HH timeshare, even in aftermarket sales. These folks, from telephone agents to supervisors, in my experience, lie like an old rug and have no compunctions about it - then they will try to renege at giving you the points they promised.
YMMV. There emay be some others who have had better experiences, but this was mine, and I would never recommend a HGVC stay as a way of getting points unless you enjoy spending your holiday battling - and some time later, as well.
Jul 10, 2005, 8:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Silver Spring, and Eastern Shore Md. USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA MM/Premier Gold, Hyatt Globalist,Hilton Honors Gold, IHG platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 1,059
Yes, we were offered 20K points in HWV
Originally Posted by Echoindiaromeo
I am looking to bump up my points balance. Although I know is a horrible waste of my life, are there any Hilton timeshare presentations I can attend to get HHonors points just for attending (even if I have no intention of buying?)
Last January we were offered 20K HH points or a sunset cruise worth $100 as part of a timeshare talk. Since there was nothing to actually see yet, we got the discussion from a low key person and then a higher sell from a closer. I persisted that I take international tours so this would not fit.
They gave up and I got my reward--we took the free cruise and it was spectacular. I took the cruise because I valued the 20K points as $80 and really wanted the cruise.
Last edited by silver springer; Jul 11, 2005 at 5:10 am
Jul 11, 2005, 7:55 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,432
I asked about points for a presentation at a recent stay at a HGVC property in LV. Since we were staying in a studio (the place was full so no upgrade) the most they would give us was 10k points. They said they give 20k to those staying in a bigger unit. I told them that for that few points I was not interested. I don't recall what they were offering in terms of dollars/show tickets. The amazing thing was the high pressure low pressure sales talk. They kept on insisting how low pressure it was, and this was only the person trying to get me to make the appointment! I don't feel I missed anything.
Jul 11, 2005, 8:48 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Chicagoland/ORD
Programs: UA Million Miler (Gold), Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,458
When I stayed at the Doubletree in Honolulu, there was a flyer in the room offering 20,000 points for taking the tour. I did, got the points, bought a VIP package to try out the program and ended up buying. I know several people who have gotten 10-20,000 points for buying a preview package at the special referral rates.
Jul 11, 2005, 9:13 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Doha, Qatar
Programs: TK Gold, Etihad Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Gold, IHG Gold.
Posts: 798
In Las Vegas at the HGVC at the Flamingo, you will get offered more goodies from the HGVC desk near the Casino than the actual HGVC desk in the hilton HGVC. Just FYI. They were offering 2 buffets and $75 in chips I believe. Not positive.
Cheers
Timo
Cheers
Timo
Jul 11, 2005, 9:26 am
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
I value the 20,000 at over $300 that is if you use them for 3 stays (really 22,500 pts) at Op Level Hamptons. The one in Vegas and FFL go for more than $129 per night in the winters. When I did my tour OP L didnt exist.
As for the Casino Chips, be careful its not all that its made out to be. If its the ones Im thinking of its a 1 time use ONLY, meaning if you lose its gone, and if you Win its also gone but they give you the winnings in reg chips. So you cant take the $75 in Chips and go up to the cage and get $75 you must play them. The only way they do not take away the chips is if you Pushed. So if the dealer goes Bust they will take the chips and give you reg chips Only to the amount you bet. Eg you bet $10 the dealer Busts the dealer will take the $10 in chips and give you back $10 in chips that you can cash out, you had 20 the dealer had 17, they take the $10 you bet and give you back $10 in reg chips.
The LVH always did this when they had their promo with the coupon of a $10 in free play. You got a special chip that you lost,if you won or lost. Unless the dealer made a mistake and forgot to take it and therefore you got a 2nd hand with it,
As for the Casino Chips, be careful its not all that its made out to be. If its the ones Im thinking of its a 1 time use ONLY, meaning if you lose its gone, and if you Win its also gone but they give you the winnings in reg chips. So you cant take the $75 in Chips and go up to the cage and get $75 you must play them. The only way they do not take away the chips is if you Pushed. So if the dealer goes Bust they will take the chips and give you reg chips Only to the amount you bet. Eg you bet $10 the dealer Busts the dealer will take the $10 in chips and give you back $10 in chips that you can cash out, you had 20 the dealer had 17, they take the $10 you bet and give you back $10 in reg chips.
The LVH always did this when they had their promo with the coupon of a $10 in free play. You got a special chip that you lost,if you won or lost. Unless the dealer made a mistake and forgot to take it and therefore you got a 2nd hand with it,
Jul 11, 2005, 10:34 am
#10
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Beginning to drift OT, but I would highly recommend anyone actually deciding they like the Vacation Clubs to scour the resale market - you may be able to get what you want at 50% or more of what the sales staff is offering, as the selling person is not paying for the overhead, salaries, extensive PRs, promo... Then decide.
I agree with the "by the way, this is a low-pressure sales talk," and "we always use low pressure we don't believe in high pressure here," like a broken record. Methink the sales guy doth protest too much...
I agree with the "by the way, this is a low-pressure sales talk," and "we always use low pressure we don't believe in high pressure here," like a broken record. Methink the sales guy doth protest too much...
Jul 11, 2005, 6:35 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: LHR
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 81
Recently did the tour at HHV for a promised 20K, but was booked in for the last tour of the day. We were bumped to the next day, for an additional 10K, so 30K in total. Receipt for the points given at end of tour. Posted within 10 days.
Jul 12, 2005, 6:50 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 240
We just came back from an ALON trip and once my husband saw how valuable points were, he actually suggested for the first time ever, attending the time share presentations at the HWV. They were offering 20K points or $100 cert to be used at certain restaurants and shops. We took the points. We even brought our two kids (10 and 6) and plopped them in the waiting area with a portable TV (loaned by the time share people). It was about 1 1/2 hours to almost 2 hours, but really no hassles and not too much pressure. At the end of the presentation, we were given a cert offering the 20K points and my HH member number. We'll see when it posts next month. It was pretty painless.
Jul 13, 2005, 7:50 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 586
I have done this at the HHV twice.
First time, a real nice guy even asked us when we started if we were just there for the points (we were not), said he would just give us the cert and let us go.
Second time, I got a real dope of an salesmen. He had no idea how to answer any questions I asked.
If they had allowed me to charge the cost to my hotel room, I probably would have bought, but they said they would not do that. Not that I blame them, that would have been an awful lot of points to give me (but would have closed the sale).
Did not take more than 2 hours either time.
First time, a real nice guy even asked us when we started if we were just there for the points (we were not), said he would just give us the cert and let us go.
Second time, I got a real dope of an salesmen. He had no idea how to answer any questions I asked.
If they had allowed me to charge the cost to my hotel room, I probably would have bought, but they said they would not do that. Not that I blame them, that would have been an awful lot of points to give me (but would have closed the sale).
Did not take more than 2 hours either time.
Jul 13, 2005, 9:20 am
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
Originally Posted by Bkniaz
I have done this at the HHV twice.
First time, a real nice guy even asked us when we started if we were just there for the points (we were not), said he would just give us the cert and let us go.
Second time, I got a real dope of an salesmen. He had no idea how to answer any questions I asked.
If they had allowed me to charge the cost to my hotel room, I probably would have bought, but they said they would not do that. Not that I blame them, that would have been an awful lot of points to give me (but would have closed the sale).
Did not take more than 2 hours either time.
First time, a real nice guy even asked us when we started if we were just there for the points (we were not), said he would just give us the cert and let us go.
Second time, I got a real dope of an salesmen. He had no idea how to answer any questions I asked.
If they had allowed me to charge the cost to my hotel room, I probably would have bought, but they said they would not do that. Not that I blame them, that would have been an awful lot of points to give me (but would have closed the sale).
Did not take more than 2 hours either time.
I guess youll never buy a car as most dealers will not let you use a CC for the total price, Unless maybe your paying the full sticker price and then some.
Jul 13, 2005, 1:02 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Did not receive any points for attending presentation at HGVC on the Las Vegas strip, but that was not part of the deal ($129 for 2 nights on prime weekend, plus food credit which we used at the pool). Very low-key presentation, salesman told us that he did not care if we bought because it is "a numbers game" and the next couple would buy. $28K for points that would convert into a 2BR for one week. Plus worthless lifetime Silver status. Hilarious at that price, since I have recently been offered several top properties for $3K-$10K on the resale market.