Call from Ocean Oak Concierge Pre-visit

[GT75]

I got a call from the Ocean Oak concierge yesterday prior to our up-coming visit. Like all calls from the concierge it goes something like this, "Are there any reservations that you would like me to make for you?" And then comes the real question (purpose of the call IMO), "What time would you like to do an owner's update to hear about the changes to HGVC?" The computer was letting her offer me 75K HH pts or $200 Hilton elevated food credit. She also told me that there are 20 new properties being added to HGVC system with many out west. I asked if these were the new DRI properties and she said No. What possibly could she be referring to?

 

[HuskerATL]

There aren't 20 more HGVC properties coming on board unless she is implying Embarc....so it is either or both HVC/Embarc.

 

[GT75]

I thought about Embarc (but that is only 9). Maybe she is also referring to DRI/European additional properties. Of course, she wouldn't tell me.

I did say, oh good if they are HGVC then I will be able to book them via HGVC.

 

[HuskerATL]

You better go to the meeting and then report back....

 

[GT75]

Yes, as everyone knows very little "owner updates" take place because it is mainly about sales.

 

[escanoe]

I know you couldn't see since you were on the phone, but do you think her lips were moving?

The sales process is an endless source of useful information.

I thought about Embarc (but that is only 9). Maybe she is also referring to DRI/European additional properties. Of course, she wouldn't tell me.

I did say, oh good if they are HGVC then I will be able to book them via HGVC.

 

[HuskerATL]

tell them that you want a $250 MF credit.....then maybe. BTW, we head to Liberty Place next week and I keep getting calls from numbers that I don't know...I suspect it is the same thing but I don't answer and they don't leave a message.

 

[GT75]

They are cheap at OO, only got the $250 MF credit once there. I would go for that because that is real money.

 

[pedro47]

Suggestion only. I would not attend.

 

[4TimeAway]

$250. Its tempting, but I don't think its enough.

That said, I do love watching motivated Salespeople try to get a wedge between my wife and me. Its pathetic and I'll probably just call it out as a dirty trick. My non-passive wife, I think enjoys watching me offer non-commital interest and lots of NO's.

My next time, which there must be soon, I really want to use the line:
So let's say today you give me an offer I can't refuse. I sleep on it and feel its not right for me. How many days do I have to rescind?

 

[GT75]

That said, I do love watching motivated Salespeople try to get a wedge between my wife and me. Its pathetic and I'll probably just call it out as a dirty trick. My non-passive wife, I think enjoys watching me offer non-commital interest and lots of NO's.

I honestly would like to see how the salesperson tries to spin their offer after looking at my portfolio. I know one of the first questions always asked is what are you planning on accomplishing today. I think this time I would say, "My portfolio is set, so I would like to get an owner's update and hear about these additional 20+ HGVC properties". After all, I did make two resale purchases this year after my last meeting at Ocean Oak.

 

[amirh]

Spent last week at La Pacifica and wasn’t offered an update until day before last. They were giving out 150k HH or $250 spa credit. Showed up at the appointment time, waited 10 minutes and no one came to get us. Told the receptionist they have 1 hour that’s started at the appointment time. 5 minutes later the “regional marketing director for Mexico“ comes over and tells us no one is available. Took my points and left. 150k points for 20 minutes of my time, not a bad deal

 

[GT75]

Took my points and left. 150k points for 20 minutes of my time, not a bad deal

I would attend for 150K points if I could that deal at OO. I am actually short on HH points currently. Super sweet that no one was available. That only happened to us once at LT.

 

[HuskerATL]

I am actually short on HH points currently

You can go out and buy a quick resale with your Aspire card to earn some HH points...

 

[GT75]

Yes, true but I use my Capital One card for normal transactions. I need all of you CC experts to maximize my CC benefits. Gosh, I am amazed that those maximizing CC benefits. I feel lost. I did add the Aspire card based on TUG.

 

[amirh]

Yes, true but I use my Capital One card for normal transactions. I need all of you CC experts to maximize my CC benefits. Gosh, I am amazed that those maximizing CC benefits. I feel lost. I did add the Aspire card based on TUG.

I get most of my maximizing strategies from “the points guy”. I get their daily email and joined the facebook group. Lots of good information but you have to remember they make money from referrals.

My main card is the chase sapphire preferred. I have the capital one as well but mostly for the global entry/TSA pre check reimbursement.

 

[GMan82]

…I did say, oh good if they are HGVC then I will be able to book them via HGVC.

Is this true though? If a new resort falls under the HGVC umbrella (as opposed to HVC or bHC), then we legacy HGVC owners still get to book them? We don’t need to be in HGV Max? All the sales people I’ve spoken to believe that all future properties are Max only and can only be booked by Max members. I know … their lips are moving, but there has to be an element of truth somewhere.

 

[HuskerATL]

Is this true though? If a new resort falls under the HGVC umbrella (as opposed to HVC or bHC), then we legacy HGVC owners still get to book them? We don’t need to be in HGV Max? All the sales people I’ve spoken to believe that all future properties are Max only and can only be booked by Max members. I know … their lips are moving, but there has to be an element of truth somewhere.

Well, the new Maui and Elara HC are available to Legacy but the rebranded Embarc/HGVC aren't

 

[GT75]

Is this true though?

Well, I thought that was included on HgvMax FAQ, but I don't see it now there. I also think that there is an email from Mark Wang stating such (maybe someone can find the source because I am terrible with details). Now, is any of this a guarantee, NO. We already see how the HGVC/Embarc properties additionals went. This is really a shame how HGVC has implemented this integration, but I am very happy with our current properties. Also, I think that @HuskerATL point is value because as I remember, the email was referring to new HGVC properties.

 

[Talent312]

...there has to be an element of truth somewhere.

Uhh, no there doesn't.

BTW, legacy HGVC members can book bHC.
The only "new" resorts we can't access are Embarq (not even Max)
and HVC/DRI leftovers (that you may be able to book thru RCI).
From where I sit, Max is a nothing-burger which with -0- utility.
.

 

[GMan82]

Uhh, no there doesn't.

BTW, legacy HGVC members can book bHC.
The only "new" resorts we can't access are Embarq (not even Max)
and HVC/DRI leftovers (that you may be able to book thru RCI).
From where I sit, Max is a nothing-burger which with -0- utility.
.

Yes, but the window to book bHC as a regular HGVC member is short at the NYC properties and, I think, at DC. I was able to book on Sept 18 the Elara HC for May 17-21. The points came out of my 2024 HGVC points bucket, not my bHC points bucket. That’s in the 9-month club window, not the 60-day window offered to us for West 57th. I was surprised the regular club window was available for bHC.

 

[HuskerATL]

Yes, but the window to book bHC as a regular HGVC member is short at the NYC properties and, I think, at DC. I was able to book on Sept 18 the Elara HC for May 17-21. The points came out of my 2024 HGVC points bucket, not my bHC points bucket. That’s in the 9-month club window, not the 60-day window offered to us for West 57th. I was surprised the regular club window was available for bHC.

You can book W57th st about a year out with RCI and for less points. I think DC has the regular HGVC booking windows. It is the NYC ones with shorter booking windows.

 

[GMan82]

You can book W57th st about a year out with RCI and for less points. I think DC has the regular HGVC booking windows. It is the NYC ones with shorter booking windows.

Good to know. I’ve never really used RCI because the 2-3 times I tried looking for something (usually close in or within a few months) I just can’t find anything. Also, using the site isn’t that easy.

 

[HuskerATL]

Good to know. I’ve never really used RCI because the 2-3 times I tried looking for something (usually close in or within a few months) I just can’t find anything. Also, using the site isn’t that easy.

Go in and put NYC to see the options then choose one to drill down. W57th and HCNY are almost always available but you need to be flexible with the dates. You can't even book HCNY in HGV as a non-owner but you can through RCI

 

[escanoe]

I think DC has the regular HGVC booking windows.

Nope, it can only be booked at less than 90 days with normal HGVC club points.