Crucial change to HGVC - We must take action, stand together and be heard

[Great3]

I finally took a look at their facebook page....

I finally decided to take a look at their facebook page, and I see the following posted by HGVC:

2015 promises to be a great year to be in the Club, with a world of vacation possibilities awaiting discovery! Visit http://www.ClubTraveler.com for the latest Club news, Member memories and travel inspirations. Look for announcements of new resorts and programs on the horizon, and enjoy all your favorite destinations and perks too (notably, the rates for the popular last-minute Open Season reservation privilege for Club Members will remain unchanged for the rest of 2015!). Happy Vacationing to All!

So maybe they will just delay this for a year, and try to double the price once again after this year in 2016. Or maybe they will re-think and come up with something else in 2016.

Great job guys. As a new HGVC owner, I was just going to write off Open Season as being a benefit, but maybe for now, I can still use it.

Thanks,
Great3

 

[TTom]

A well deserved pat on the back to those who participated in applying pressure to HGVC to make this happen. I would recommend that we go back and express our thanks for them listening to our concerns and responding to them.

Let's hope next year does not bring the same issue to revisit.

Tom

 

[USDave]

Oh yeah! oh yeah!

Looks like it worked. Well done to HGVC for listening. Thank you Barbie Rinks for showing that you care about member opinion. Lots of organisation would try to continue to get away with it.

But well done to everyone who spoke up and did not sit in the stand in the stands it is down to you that they reversed the decision.

Tamaradarann deserves credit for flagging this issue and I was was determined to get something done about it rather than just moaning. So we did it. We gave this a sense of purpose and MADE it happen.

WE TOOK ACTION WE STOOD TOGETHER AND WE WERE HEARD!

You were part of a movement that worked and achieved its goal. There were a few doubters along the way saying "if you aren't happy sell up or big companies will steam roll you so don't bother trying" We tried and succeeded! So don't let it be said it can't be done with a combined will, most things are achievable.

I know one contributor said that Timeshare owners very rarely get successes against the mighty organisations but Hilton listened so we can add this to the list.

 

[USDave]

I have emailed Barbie to say Thank You.


Here are her details to join in! Credit were it is due!


Barbara Rinks
Sr. Director - Owner and Club Services
________________________________
T 407-722-3198 | F 407-722-3177
6355 MetroWest Blvd., Suite 180
Orlando, FL 32835
brinks@hgvc.com

 

[TTom]

I posted a comment to the FB announcement, including specific mention (and thanks) to Barbie.

Tom

P.S. Also tweeted @HiltonGrandVacations to thank them for listening.

 

[USDave]

Great Tom,

You played a big part, so well done and thanks to you

 

[pedro47]

To all Hilton owners who played a role. Hats Off To All.

 

[nlehvac]

I posted a comment to the FB announcement, including specific mention (and thanks) to Barbie.

Tom

Then how come I can't see it? Or do folks who can actually sign in see more stuff than us non-members?

 

[USDave]

Hi Nlehvac,

They posted on Facebook and tweet us if you had tweeted them and then Barbie had kindly emailed her as I had been in contact. I have posted the text and link earlier as did Great3 I believe it is great news!

 

[TTom]

@Niehvac,

Don't know if you need to sign in to see comments, but there are 12 "likes" and 2 "comments" to the announcement. The comments don't appear unless you click on the Comments link to open the post and its comments.

Tom

 

[TTom]

@HiltonGrandVacations favorited this tweet from me:

@TTomas0v: Kudos to @HiltonGrandVac for listening to member concerns and responding in a positive fashion.

Tom

 

[Tamaradarann]

Pleased but What in 2016?

I am very pleased with the decision to keep Open Season Rates the same for 2015, and mentioned it to Barbara Rinks, but what will be change in 2016?

 

[TTom]

My guess would be:

a) they will get out in front of any decision for 2016 and provide earlier and better notice, and
b) they will be at least a little wary of a backlash similar to what just occurred if they attempt to implement something outrageous and unjustified, and
c) we will see a somewhat significant increase in Open Season rates.

I guess the combination of all these factors will determine what, if any, our response will be. We will need to be ready, willing and able to mobilize once again, should we be treated next year the same way we were treated this year. Wouldn't seem like a wise political decision for them.

I'm reminded of Einstein's definition of insanity: doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result. Somehow, I don't think HGVC management is "insane."

Tom

 

[Tamaradarann]

Raising Open Season Rates in 2016?

My guess would be:

a) they will get out in front of any decision for 2016 and provide earlier and better notice, and
b) they will be at least a little wary of a backlash similar to what just occurred if they attempt to implement something outrageous and unjustified, and
c) we will see a somewhat significant increase in Open Season rates.

I guess the combination of all these factors will determine what, if any, our response will be. We will need to be ready, willing and able to mobilize once again, should we be treated next year the same way we were treated this year. Wouldn't seem like a wise political decision for them.

I'm reminded of Einstein's definition of insanity: doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result. Somehow, I don't think HGVC management is "insane."

I made it clear to HGVC as I did here at TUG if the inventory comes from what is not reserved during Club Season by owner/members, the rates should be about the same as they are now with no SIGNIFICANT INCREASE. That will be my position in 2015, 2016 and as long as I own Hilton Timeshares as it was in the end of 2014 when I found out about their ridiculous increases.

 

[weavershome]

Quick question from a rookie member:

Looking at the Open Season tab of the classic booking tool, I see all of the available dates for the given property and room types.

Above that, there is a graph showing price ranges for weekdays, weekends as well as the three seasons bronze/silver, gold, and platinum.
(Example: Studio weekday during bronze silver shows $60-$120 and 2 BR premier weekend during Platinum season lists $220-$440)

If I click on a given property availability, it then allows me to select a date range. Then the only option I have is a button that says "confirm dates" but I have not yet seen the price. If I click that "confirm dates" button, am I reserving the unit right then or will that button show me the pricing for the dates and unit I looking at?

Lastly, isn't this whole thread about removing those ranges?
For Example: Shouldn't that 2BR Premier weekend during Platinum season be one given rate and not $220-$440?

 

[TTom]

Independent of whether clicking the button implies confirming the reservation prior to seeing the price, the posting last night by HGVC implies that the "ranges" should disappear. That having been said, the HGVC website is somewhat "notorious" for being a bit "behind the curve." It is likely that the actual updates to restore the previous functionality will take at least a little time before they are correctly implemented.

While it is of small consolation, HGVC has said that any reservations completed under the new fees will be refunded at check in (if I remember correctly). That info should be somewhere in this thread.

I would call them to discuss this before clicking the button, preferably when you can click immediately if you like what you hear.

Hope this helps!

Tom

 

[clotheshorse]

Facebook - post a Thank You

As with others, I sent a message to management. Unlike many companies, they responded in a positive manner. I posted a message to Facebook thanking them and encourage others to do the same. Currently, there are only 11 comments.

 

[USDave]

If you always do what you have always done you will always get what you get you will get what you got before.

Hilton won't increase by 100% next year.

Credit to Barbie for stepping up and correcting the heist

 

[USDave]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=256eKjULdgQ


Seem familiar?

 

[TTom]

@USDave, color me skeptical, but I will believe that whan I see it. I would not put it past them to "announce" a 100% increase in March or April, scheduled for implementation in 2016, counting on the fact that the furor will have died down by the time it goes into effect.

It would makes sense for them to spread out the increase over several years, since we all expect things to continue to rise in price, but they may not have the patience for that.

I'm anticipating the need for another "campaign" next year, but I hope I am wrong.

Tom

 

[USDave]

I hear you Tom. I agree with you we have to be vigilant but I think the increases will come over a number of years.

There is so much revenue generating potential for the resorts if they added 75cents on a beer. At lot of the time people would not bat an eyelid! Or notice.

Hilton were surprised by the backlash and did the right thing

 

[Tamaradarann]

On what Basis do raise the Open Season Rates in 2016?

@USDave, color me skeptical, but I will believe that whan I see it. I would not put it past them to "announce" a 100% increase in March or April, scheduled for implementation in 2016, counting on the fact that the furor will have died down by the time it goes into effect.

It would makes sense for them to spread out the increase over several years, since we all expect things to continue to rise in price, but they may not have the patience for that.

I'm anticipating the need for another "campaign" next year, but I hope I am wrong.

My thinking right now on 2016 is to ask the question: On what Basis do they raise the Open Season Rates in 2016. HGVC's original Basis was that the street market price for hotel stays was justification for the higher rates. That would be fine for the availability that comes from owner/members depositing points or Hilton Honors or other Perks. They should be able to rent those rooms at Hilton.com.

However, if the availability comes from the Club Reservation Inventory that owner/members didn't reserve using their points: A more appropriate Basis would be the additional cost to the resort to operate the room occupied versus empty; i.e.. cleaning, utilities, and supplies. An owner has already paid the maintenance on that unit and the collective owner/member group chose not to reserve it, but it is still owner/member inventory and we should be able to reserve it during Open Season at a very low cost.

 

[TTom]

Maybe, I am not understanding exactly how the inventory works, but, with my Marco Island unit, I do not have to commit until 30 days out. I can cancel my standing reservation, making an Open Season unit available, and I still have my HGVC points to use for HGVC or RCI reservations.

With my other HGVC unit, I also have my points to use however I choose to use them. While I have paid my maintenance fees for the Bay Club, I can reserve a unit at any other HGVC resort, and I can also move them around from year to year or to use with RCI.

Note that, if I understand the system correctly, I can also use my points to reserve units which are within 30 days, i.e., Open Season units.

I guess I just don't see making a clear distinction between inventory which is not reserved by owners during Club Season and inventory which is the result of "points perks" (except, perhaps, for HH conversions).

What I am trying to say is that I don't see how you can readily identify units which should be available at reduced Open Season rates vs. units in the same time period which would qualify for "hotel rates."

 

[Tamaradarann]

Club Season Availability

Maybe, I am not understanding exactly how the inventory works, but, with my Marco Island unit, I do not have to commit until 30 days out. I can cancel my standing reservation, making an Open Season unit available, and I still have my HGVC points to use for HGVC or RCI reservations.

With my other HGVC unit, I also have my points to use however I choose to use them. While I have paid my maintenance fees for the Bay Club, I can reserve a unit at any other HGVC resort, and I can also move them around from year to year or to use with RCI.

Note that, if I understand the system correctly, I can also use my points to reserve units which are within 30 days, i.e., Open Season units.

I guess I just don't see making a clear distinction between inventory which is not reserved by owners during Club Season and inventory which is the result of "points perks" (except, perhaps, for HH conversions).

What I am trying to say is that I don't see how you can readily identify units which should be available at reduced Open Season rates vs. units in the same time period which would qualify for "hotel rates."

The system is complicated, but the way I understand the system, the Club Season availability are the units of owner/members that paid their maintenance and did not reserve their unit during the Home Week Reservation Period. HGVC has already taken units out of the inventory to compensate for members depositing their points for Hilton Honor or Perks. Owner/Members that still have their points are free to reserve anywhere in the system the inventory that was not yet reserved during the Club Reservation Period. If you cancel a reservation then the inventory goes back into the system so one more week is available for other owner/members and you have a weeks worth of points to use as you see fit. When you reserved a unit in RCI HGVC takes a unit out of the system to give to RCI, and you have used up some of your points. Of course, there are owner/members that borrow from a future year, others that deposit or rescue from one year to the next and others that leave their points unused and lost; the system is big enough with enough left over inventory to compensate for any of those becoming an issue.

Therefore, units that are not reserved during Club Reservation Period and then become OPen Season should be available to owner/members at the current rates. Units that HGVC has taken out of the pool for Hilton Honors Conversions and other Perks, etc. should be available to HGVC to rent on Hilton.com at Market rate, or if they chose on Open Season at a small discount to members.

 

[letsgosteelers]

Since we were successful in stopping the 100% increase, how about a campaign to rollback the HHpoint increases and levels that were implemented....yet another case of being devalued.