Hilton Elite status

Of late (last 2 weeks) we have been getting increased number of calls from HGVC really pushing Elite status. Our last two purchases of HGVC were from private party and not Club. They keep bringing this stating we will never achieve Elite status unless we buy from them. We have no intention of becoming 'elite' and have told them so . They still insist on presenting us with the 'plan' which I still have to get.

Anyone seeing increased sales calls?

Thanks

ks
Non Elite member

Yes, they called me which is why I asked what Elite was really worth, if its worth anything.

All things being equal, I think you have to have a need for the elite, if there is no need then there is no added value.

To me the only value of diamond is having the 48 hr hotel window where they are bumping someone else, it is great for last minute trips.

Otherwise I see no tangible value, maybe some bragging rights!

Elite members can make a reservation at 12 months out while other members can make a reservation at 9 months out.
I don't know if it is a great benefit for high demand locations such as Honolulu, valdoro ski weeks and portugal summer weeks, but I have no plan to visit those locations and don't need that benefit.
For NYC location, I could get what I wanted so far at 44 days out without elite status.

I've ducked a few recent calls from Hilton.
One of the benefits of voice caller-ID.

One time, they tried to sell me on how great the weather was in Orlando...
Hello, I live two hours away. ... Oh.

yumdrey said:

Elite members can make a reservation at 12 months out while other members can make a reservation at 9 months out.
I don't know if it is a great benefit for high demand locations such as Honolulu, valdoro ski weeks and portugal summer weeks, but I have no plan to visit those locations and don't need that benefit.
For NYC location, I could get what I wanted so far at 44 days out without elite status.

Click to expand...

Actually, you can only book 1 or 2 of the newest properties (with plenty of developer space) 12 months in advance. The majority of the properties are only 9 months in advance.

Seth Nock said:

Actually, you can only book 1 or 2 of the newest properties (with plenty of developer space) 12 months in advance. The majority of the properties are only 9 months in advance.

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Do you know which properties that is?

It's an interesting perk, but certainly not worth the big $ it would take to become elite?

Thx!

chum94555 said:

Of late (last 2 weeks) we have been getting increased number of calls from HGVC really pushing Elite status. Our last two purchases of HGVC were from private party and not Club. They keep bringing this stating we will never achieve Elite status unless we buy from them. We have no intention of becoming 'elite' and have told them so . They still insist on presenting us with the 'plan' which I still have to get.

Anyone seeing increased sales calls?

Thanks

ks
Non Elite member

Click to expand...

I guess HGVC does not have anything "new and interesting" to sell, so they are selling elite status!

GregT said:

Do you know which properties that is?

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As Seth stated, it has generally been one or two of the newest properties. The selection varies each year.
In the past, it has been reported that they had access to Hilton Club NY, West 57th, Las Vegas Strip, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Grand Waikikian, etc.

In addition, it has been reported that Elite members have an ongoing priority booking window at the following resorts:
Club Intrawest – Palm Desert
Club Intrawest – Sandestin
Club Intrawest – Whistler
Club Intrawest – Tremblant
Club Intrawest – Zihuatanejo
Grand Mayan Acapulco - Mexico
Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta - Mexico
Grand Mayan Riviera Maya - Mexico


Here's what is stated in the HGVC Club Member Guide under each Club IntraWest resort page.

Elite Advantage
▶ Priority reservation window exclusively for Members with Elite status
▶Book 365 to 276 days before check-in
▶ Reserve with ClubPoints, Deposited ClubPoints, Rescued ClubPoints, Borrowed ClubPoints or Bonus Points

hvacrsteve said:

Yes, they called me which is why I asked what Elite was really worth, if its worth anything.

All things being equal, I think you have to have a need for the elite, if there is no need then there is no added value.

Click to expand...

Some have indicated some value (see links below)

JMHO... It has no value for me other than HHonors Gold and Diamond status. As stated in the other thread there are other ways to get HHonors status when you need it. There are also credit cards such as the American Platinum card that can get you hotel benefits (room upgrades, breakfast, late checkout, etc) from various resorts worldwide via AMEX's Fine Hotels & Resorts Program.


Here are some old posts on Elite status..

alwysonvac said:

Here are some links to previous TUG discussions regarding HGVC Elite status
- Are there any HGVC Elites on TUG http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93987
- HGVC Elite http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77964
- Elite status question http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88263
- HGVC Elite survey http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97525

For HGVC's detailed description see pages xxx of the HGVC Club Member Guide - http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/mg/

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alwysonvac said:

For those who don't know....You need to buy at least 14,000 HGVC point annually to get Elite status.
Those considering Elite status will need to determine if it's worth tens of thousands for the Elite benefits listed below and subjected to change.
For me, it's not worth it. 14,000 HGVC Points annually is too much for me based on the limited locations offered by HGVC (more affiliates than HGVC developer resorts). Plus, I definitely don't spend a lot of nights in Hilton Hotels to make the HHonors Gold or Platinum status worth it.

FROM the 2010 HGVC Membership Guide

Elite Status Recognition Tiers

ELITE (14,000 ClubPoints)
• Gold VIP HHonors® membership
• $39 online Hilton Grand Vacations Club reservation fees
• 10% Open Season cash discount
• Priority and exclusive resort access
• No Club reservation fee for 7-night stays at Hilton Grand Vacations resorts
• Exclusively Elite travel opportunities
• Special resort access with 12-month reservation window
• Direct 800 number to Elite Services Specialists
• Elite Member check-in desk at select Hilton Grand Vacations resorts
• Elite designated door key


ELITE PLUS (24,000 ClubPoints)
Enjoy all Elite benefits and...
• $39 for all online Hilton Grand Vacations Club transaction fees regularly priced at $79 or less
• 15% Open Season cash discount
• Email invitations to access select RCI affiliated resorts via quarterly exchange promotions
• Convert any number of the annual allotment of current year ClubPoints to HHonors points.
• Early check-in (12 p.m.) at select Hilton Grand Vacations resorts
• L ate check-out (3 p.m.) at select Hilton Grand Vacations resorts
• Access to The Stirling Club in Las Vegas
• Upgrade to next-best unit type at time of check-in
• 50% off upgrade fee when obtaining additional ClubPoints through the purchase of additional vacation interests


ELITE PREMIER (34,000 ClubPoints)
Enjoy all Elite Plus benefits and...
• Diamond VIP HHonors® membership
• No fees for online Hilton Grand Vacations Club transactions regularly priced at $79 or less
• 30% Open Season cash discount
• Access to International Holiday Retreats, a selection of private homes and luxury European villas
• Ability to request specific unit at time of booking reservations at Club affiliated resorts
• Access to custom travel services via membership in Les Concierges
• No upgrade fee when obtaining additional ClubPoints through the purchase of additional vacation interests


Benefits of Elite membership are subject to change and availability. Open Season cash discounts cannot be combined from level to level.

Good Luck with your decision.

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Elite Status Update

Thanks to all those who responded to my initial post on Elite status. Finally HGVC called and give this number

I can trade in my 10000 point at HGVC on lv Strip to HGVC and repurchase (DIRECTLY) same for $30,000 to get into Elite status

So bottom line is it will cost $30,000 to get into Elite status (in my case)

fyi

thanks

ks

chum94555 said:

...I can trade in my 10000 point at HGVC on lv Strip to HGVC and repurchase (DIRECTLY) same for $30,000 to get into Elite status. So bottom line is it will cost $30,000 to get into Elite status (in my case).

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It will also cost you your current 10K-account.
For that + $30K, will your new point-acount be worth it?
To most sane people, no, but if you already drive a Ferrari, what's money?

Are they selling you back more than 10k? I ask as 10k is not enough for Elite, 14k is the minimum, but still, not worth it in my mind.

-- PortableTech