Is HGVC Legacy Elite Premier Status worth it? (? Being devalued or useless now with Max)

[muscae]

Yes, the rules state that upgrades are only for same sized rooms, such as a standard 1BR to a Plus or Premier 1BR. They are not for going from a 1BR to a 2BR, for example (although, some have reported it happening).

I have been upgraded 3-4 times, as I recall.

Kurt

Clarification - it's supposed to be one category, 1BR to 1BR Plus, or 1 BR Plus to 1 BR Premier, not 1BR to 1 BR Premier. I've gotten these many times at many resorts, Blvd, Elara, Marbrisa, Las Palmeras, Hokulani, Bay Club to the villa, Grand Waikikian, Grand Islander.

AND, in resorts with single category (no plus or premier) you could get a studio to 1BR upgrade. I've gotten them at SeaWorld and Tuscany Village, each multiple times.

 

[muscae]

We were just offered a two year "free trial" of Max Centum for a "small" Max purchase of $20k. If we liked it we could upgrade for more points after the trial This was only because the sales rep was making a "special exemption" for us considering we just made our HGV developer purchase (CL resales) and this offer was only good for two months after a developer purchase. The "exemption" was we were beyond our two months.

This Centum trial for two years is for additional purchase of trust points, not additional purchase of deeds. I've been offered a few times and always say, I'm not buying trust points.

 

[muscae]

One more EP devaluation is the elimination of the free gift at some resorts such as chocolates, cookie sets at GW, GI or KL, free drinks at the bar....

 

[JohnnyO]

Yup. This benefit is available to all of us. And the "it's not available even though I already hold that date" happens to many. All can call and get this handled, so this is not an EP ebenfit.

Cheers.

I had to cancel and rebook. No fees for that for anyone?

 

[frank808]

If it is because of an HGVC glitch not letting you change a reservation 61+ days out, there is no charge.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

 

[ljmiii]

If it is because of an HGVC glitch not letting you change a reservation 61+ days out, there is no charge.

Indeed. Before I bought bHC and paid for AI dues, I would occasionally have to call in because the website wouldn't let me walk. I started the conversation with, 'I'm trying to modify my reservation and the website wouldn't let me' and they always did the modification (or cancellation and rebooking) without charge.

 

[brp]

Indeed. Before I bought bHC and paid for AI dues, I would occasionally have to call in because the website wouldn't let me walk. I started the conversation with, 'I'm trying to modify my reservation and the website wouldn't let me' and they always did the modification (or cancellation and rebooking) without charge.

Exactly. If one did not have AI or EP, and did the cancel/rebook on their own, there might be fees. But calling didn't have fees since it's their glitch. And doing it manually is more risky anyway.

Cheers.

 

[JohnnyO]

Exactly. If one did not have AI or EP, and did the cancel/rebook on their own, there might be fees. But calling didn't have fees since it's their glitch. And doing it manually is more risky anyway.

Cheers.

Thanks for the clarification ya'll.

 

[Lodemia]

I’m legacy elite premier and one of the benefits that I use frequently is converting to HHonors points in current year.

I know there are a lot here that will tell me this is a terrible idea, however….

We are staying at Rome doubletree Monti in September. It’s $650 per night or 80k points. No brainer to redeem and use them.

I’ve also just booked the Hilton all inclusive in Cancun on honors points. My “actual cost” is roughly $4535 for two rooms after HGVC conversion. Retail would have been almost $10k (image).

I regularly get upgraded and I get the $250 Lyft credit, which gets used on Lyft black rides in NYC and Vegas each year,

I will say this- only amass this amount of points if you have a plan to use them every year. It can be hard to use 100k HGVC points each year unless you take frequent trips or have a large family.

 

[iftravel]

I’m legacy elite premier and one of the benefits that I use frequently is converting to HHonors points in current year.

I know there are a lot here that will tell me this is a terrible idea, however….

We are staying at Rome doubletree Monti in September. It’s $650 per night or 80k points. No brainer to redeem and use them.

I’ve also just booked the Hilton all inclusive in Cancun on honors points. My “actual cost” is roughly $4535 for two rooms after HGVC conversion. Retail would have been almost $10k (image).

I regularly get upgraded and I get the $250 Lyft credit, which gets used on Lyft black rides in NYC and Vegas each year,

I will say this- only amass this amount of points if you have a plan to use them every year. It can be hard to use 100k HGVC points each year unless you take frequent trips or have a large family.

Yeah I like HH points and have good use of them, especially on luxury resorts. Hilton constantly run promotion of selling HH points for 0.5cpp so I price them at that level. Curious the cost of your way of getting HH points. 16:1 for most HGVC is likely not going to get you below 0.5cpp but 32:1 for many bHC can.

 

[Lodemia]

Yeah I like HH points and have good use of them, especially on luxury resorts. Hilton constantly run promotion of selling HH points for 0.5cpp so I price them at that level. Curious the cost of your way of getting HH points. 16:1 for most HGVC is likely not going to get you below 0.5cpp but 32:1 for many bHC can.

I have both HGVC and BHC points. I’m grandfathered in to the Coylumbridge property and the district continues to be the best value in BHC on the resale market.

 

[JohnnyO]

EP pays off again. Need to use our Lyft credits before the end of year. And able to arrange a ride for our son. Saved us two hours of driving. Maybe I just couldn’t figure it out but couldn’t change rider and schedule a ride at the same time. Tried to get help but stuck in a constant loop.

 

[HuskerATL]

EP pays off again. Need to use our Lyft credits before the end of year. And able to arrange a ride for our son. Saved us two hours of driving. Maybe I just couldn’t figure it out but couldn’t change rider and schedule a ride at the same time. Tried to get help but stuck in a constant loop.

you get it free with the aspire...

 

[JohnnyO]

you get it free with the aspire...

View attachment 114695

sorry I should have cropped that out of the picture. That is not what I was referring to.

 

[HuskerATL]

sorry I should have cropped that out of the picture. That is not what I was referring to.

oh...I see now. For some reason, I thought it was for Clear. can't they just use your Lyft log in info? That is what we do but great that you were able to book it for them...and got a free ride. our son was just at kaanapali and I didn't think about the lyft option for them.

It is funny. When you look at the Lyft qualifying properties on the Elite page, Vilamoura is listed but there is no Lyft in Portugal.

 

[JohnnyO]

oh...I see now. For some reason, I thought it was for Clear. can't they just use your Lyft log in info? That is what we do but great that you were able to book it for them...and got a free ride. our son was just at kaanapali and I didn't think about the lyft option for them.

It is funny. When you look at the Lyft qualifying properties on the Elite page, Vilamoura is listed but there is no Lyft in Portugal.

Lyft isn’t in Portugal. Uber has more international coverage.

 

[JohnnyO]

I have officially seen the war on Elite in action … is this new or has it been happening elsewhere?

When we were at HGVC MBV, we booked via HGVC points, all in our party were given HGV Max bracelet room keys. We really didn’t think twice about it except for the convenience of not having to carry a key card. Just like they used to give out Elite bracelets.

So we have now moved to the Kohala Suites BI via Wyndham RCI exchange. We were told about our rooms, one being a 2 BR Plus and one being a 2 BR Premier 3rd floor. RCI doesn’t distinguish or disclose which of their double selection options for 2BR’s is. So I selected one on top and one below it of the RCI exchange page. I’m pretty sure the one on top was our first week. And I think our 2 BR Premier was the bottom choice. Frankly, I’m not certain as I can’t find my notes but I’m pretty sure.

So the front desk rep was explaining our rooms and the resorts. One question I had was as an EP I wanted access to KL pools etc. The front desk rep explained that she could not tell I was an HGVC EP via the RCI booking. So I showed her my HGVC App showing I was EP and gave her my HGVC membership number. She said she would ask her manager and let us know.

The manager calls us in our room. Says he is sorry but the system doesn’t tell them we are EP when it’s an exchange. He was calling to fix it. He explains how RCI doesn’t disclose which unit type is which during an exchange. Then he says he will move us to a better room on the second floor tomorrow but that he can’t do the third floor. We will also be moved to the third floor in a week. And he says we will be issued bracelet room keys which will give us access to KL. Ok, everything is fine, a hassle, but fine.

So we went to the lobby to check out a few things and the manager walks out, introduces himself and then explains he screwed up. He says we don’t get the HVC Max bracelet room keys because we aren’t 3, 4 or 5 level Max Premier. Sorry but Elite doesn’t get them. He says he has contacted KL and they have our name at the KL pool towel hut when we want access. But no bracelet. He gave us a box of cookies to make nice.

So there is a salvo against Legacy Elite and EP at HGVC Kohala Suites. Anyone else have this experience or any other prejudices against Legacy Elite in favor of Max?

 

[GT75]

He says we don’t get the HVC Max bracelet room keys because we aren’t 3, 4 or 5 level Max Premier.

I was just told the same thing at OO in June. So now I bring my own HGVC Elite bracelets. We really need to figure out how to make these bracelets because my old elite ones are starting to get a little ratty.

At Fiesta America, I thought that it was interesting because everyone gets one.

 

[HuskerATL]

Same with us. We have a small bag of elite bracelets that travel with us if they don't have them. We have been issued Max bands at HVC properties via DEX EU though.... And kept them.

 

[mountainboy]

He says he has contacted KL and they have our name at the KL pool towel hut when we want access. But no bracelet.

I was just told the same thing at OO in June

Same with us

No bueno....
Many prior posts re this.
Concerning but in my mind, as long as they don't try to mess with our access to KL & HW pools/parking/shuttle/amenities etc, and it's just the bracelets, we can live with it. But it is ominous that they have started this and may go to remove other EP benefits over time...
Pls see some prior posts re this from June in this thread...

Is HGVC Legacy Elite Premier Status worth it? (? Being devalued or useless now with Max)

I just checked into Ocean Oak yesterday. They now have the new HgvMax wrist bands but you must be tier level 3 and above to qualify. The check-in person was very apologetic informing me that Elite Premier doesn’t qualify for these bands. I had been saving the old bands and had enough...

tugbbs.com

Is HGVC Legacy Elite Premier Status worth it? (? Being devalued or useless now with Max)

I just checked into Ocean Oak yesterday. They now have the new HgvMax wrist bands but you must be tier level 3 and above to qualify. The check-in person was very apologetic informing me that Elite Premier doesn’t qualify for these bands. I had been saving the old bands and had enough...

tugbbs.com

Is HGVC Legacy Elite Premier Status worth it? (? Being devalued or useless now with Max)

I just checked into Ocean Oak yesterday. They now have the new HgvMax wrist bands but you must be tier level 3 and above to qualify. The check-in person was very apologetic informing me that Elite Premier doesn’t qualify for these bands. I had been saving the old bands and had enough...

tugbbs.com

 

[HuskerATL]

No bueno....
Many prior posts re this.
Concerning but in my mind, as long as they don't try to mess with our access to KL & HW pools/parking/shuttle/amenities etc, and it's just the bracelets, we can live with it. But it is ominous that they have started this and may go to remove other EP benefits over time...
Pls see some prior posts re this from June in this thread...

Is HGVC Legacy Elite Premier Status worth it? (? Being devalued or useless now with Max)

I just checked into Ocean Oak yesterday. They now have the new HgvMax wrist bands but you must be tier level 3 and above to qualify. The check-in person was very apologetic informing me that Elite Premier doesn’t qualify for these bands. I had been saving the old bands and had enough...

tugbbs.com

Is HGVC Legacy Elite Premier Status worth it? (? Being devalued or useless now with Max)

I just checked into Ocean Oak yesterday. They now have the new HgvMax wrist bands but you must be tier level 3 and above to qualify. The check-in person was very apologetic informing me that Elite Premier doesn’t qualify for these bands. I had been saving the old bands and had enough...

tugbbs.com

Is HGVC Legacy Elite Premier Status worth it? (? Being devalued or useless now with Max)

I just checked into Ocean Oak yesterday. They now have the new HgvMax wrist bands but you must be tier level 3 and above to qualify. The check-in person was very apologetic informing me that Elite Premier doesn’t qualify for these bands. I had been saving the old bands and had enough...

tugbbs.com

I think the properties stopped ordering them and have moved just to Max. They will program it for you if you have one.

I do think that they should just give Elite members the Max wristbands though and that may be worth an email to corporate

 

[JohnnyO]

I think the properties stopped ordering them and have moved just to Max. They will program it for you if you have one.

I do think that they should just give Elite members the Max wristbands though and that may be worth an email to corporate

I should have kept my max bands from MBV. Oh well next time. I can’t find my Elite bands I’ve kept in the past.

 

[mountainboy]

hat may be worth an email to corporate

? mwang@hgvc.com or pfoliosvc@hgvc.com or assistance@hgv.com or others?

 

[HuskerATL]

? mwang@hgvc.com or pfoliosvc@hgvc.com or assistance@hgv.com or others?

Not sure that I would go the Mark Wang route... Yet.

I would start with the contact us page in the portal from your account and then see what happens. If you don't get a good response, then escalate.