Clarification: I just purchased HGVC TS and it is being conveyed to me with saved 2016 points (and 2017 points). I am not too concerned with 2017 points as I will save them for $89 to 2018 and will use them then. It is the 2016 points that I am trying to figure out the most efficient way to utilize.
What exactly is this? Is this sightings area of this forum? Do tuggers just post what they see and others can grab those bookings thru RCI?
Would still like for someone well versed in RCI to break down the process/clarify questions I had asked.
OK, having been in a similar boat (by the time the owners of one of my resale purchases signed the documents, I had a whole 2 months to use the points).
Yes, IMO, unless you can take a vacation at HGVC and use the points, probably the next *best* use is to pay the $89 and deposit into RCI.
I would then login to the HGVC website, and under Club Membership -> RCI account, access the RCI system via HGVC and see what's out there.
I've used RCI 4 times in the 10+ years with HGVC. Once for an exchange back into HGVC (because it actually used less points--yes, this is true sometimes, but then you're limited to doing this once every 4 years I believe for the resort/area).
Second time for the Grand Mayan in Mexico (quite nice, BTW). They now have Grand Bliss in Nuevo Vallarta, and that's even nicer.
Third time for Key West at The Galleon (very nice place to stay)--pre hurricane.
Last time for my sister at The Grand Bliss in Nuevo Vallarta because SFX didn't have 2 rooms (so I booked one via RCI).
Not all RCI resorts are "bad". Find an area you like, and then see what RCI has (in the Directory, not necessarily available). I believe it's on the RCI website (after you login via HGVC) and on the right-hand side is the Resort Directory.
Avoid any all-inclusives, BTW. Horrible value when using a timeshare.
OK, so now you have found 3-4 places you wanna stay. Look them up on Trip Advisor and read the most recent reviews, IMO.
Then call HGVC to book an OGS (IMO, you'll almost always need to do this, but sometimes they will have online availability for what you want). The price is the same, regardless. You'll have to pay the $289 or whatever fee to do the OGS. If no match is found or you cancel the OGS, you'll get a refund.
Once a match is found, I'd suggest calling and booking and tell them to MAKE SURE to use your SAVED points first.
Personally I dislike RCI because of the fees, and not all the resorts are up to "my" quality standards. However:
Look on redweek and see how much a 2 BR Grand Bliss rents for. It's MUCH cheaper to use RCI, IMO, for things like that.
Same thing for Key West. I got it for the 3400 points and the $289 (then) fee. My "cost" (MF for my 3400 points) and the fee was like $800 for the week. The unit rents for almost $2,000 on redweek.
So it's not all bad. It's better than nothing.
Hope this helps (at least I hope I answered your question)
--Kevin