HGVC Chicago

[DazedandConfused]

Does anyone have any reviews or comments on the new Chicago location

 

[TDub1313]

Bump. Would like some info to as this is the only option for me that is within driving distance. Just wondered if spending the weekend there (as we do a few times a year) is worth the points?

 

[buzglyd]

I stayed at that location prior to it becoming HGV. Great location. Only you can decide if it’s worth the points over cash.

 

[JohnPaul]

Looks like no included food options as part of the HGVC property. If you have HHonors status that would give you breakfast at Doubletree do you get breakfast at the hotel? (I'm guessing no but checking.)

 

[silentg]

Do you check reviews on Trip Advisor?
If I can’t find reviews on TUG, I go to trip advisor. RCI uses them too!

 

[PigsDad]

I'll be there in September...

Kurt

 

[louisianab]

I stayed at that location prior to it becoming HGV. Great location. Only you can decide if it’s worth the points over cash.

I agree. We walked by it this weekend on our way to a play. Close to Whole Foods, cheap parking (using parkwhiz or spothero), close to shopping. Easy access from the Metra/L/South Shore stations

 

[GeorgeJ.]

I assume that HGVC Chicago was converted from a previous hotel - what was it before they converted it into an HGVC? I see that it only has "guest rooms" and one bedrooms...

 

[PigsDad]

I assume that HGVC Chicago was converted from a previous hotel - what was it before they converted it into an HGVC? I see that it only has "guest rooms" and one bedrooms...

It was (and still is) a Doubletree hotel. They just converted some of the top floors, I believe.

Kurt

 

[JohnPaul]

• The Chicago and Charleston locations are new and small, so won't have a material impact on sales growth in 2019. Chicago is currently only 16 units and they just started selling Charleston inventory out of the Washington, DC sales center.

Above is from the report on second quarter earnings call in another thread. Chicago being only 16 units doesn't really make sense to me. Does anyone have direct knowledge on this?

 

[JIMinNC]

• The Chicago and Charleston locations are new and small, so won't have a material impact on sales growth in 2019. Chicago is currently only 16 units and they just started selling Charleston inventory out of the Washington, DC sales center.

Above is from the report on second quarter earnings call in another thread. Chicago being only 16 units doesn't really make sense to me. Does anyone have direct knowledge on this?

I interpreted that as meaning that so far they had only converted/acquired 16 units for HGVC from their development partner. They are converting part of the Doubletree Hotel, so based on their Asset-Light development model, they will only convert/acquire units for HGVC gradually as they need inventory to sell. Not sure what the full build-out is.

 

[PigsDad]

Above is from the report on second quarter earnings call in another thread. Chicago being only 16 units doesn't really make sense to me. Does anyone have direct knowledge on this?

I'll be there in a month -- I'll see if I can get any info from the staff there.

Kurt

 

[alwysonvac]

Inventory will be delivered in phases.

The following is from the October 2018 Club Traveler

https://club.hiltongrandvacations.c...10/hgv-is-bound-for-chicago-and-the-caribbean​

Home to Navy Pier, Wrigley Field—the second-oldest Major League ballpark—more than 700 public artworks and 5,000 restaurants, Chicago is also about to become a home away from home for Club Members. That’s right, Hilton Grand Vacations is opening its first Windy City location in the top six floors of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago – Magnificent Mile.

Where Will it be Located?

The property sits between Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile, which features more than 460 stores, 275 restaurants and myriad attractions like live entertainment, artwork and museums along Michigan Avenue. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from other top sites including Millennium Park, Grant Park and The Chicago Theatre.

What are the Property’s Plans?

HGV, alongside its purchasing partners Related Fund Management and The Chartres Lodging Group, will acquire the new property inventory in phases. That’s anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2019.

However, in the fourth quarter of 2018, the current property owner will begin renovating and converting the top six floors into 78 studio and one-bedroom units. These units will become the HGV property and will maintain the high HGV standards Members are accustomed to.​

 

[mjm1]

I’ve been to Chicago many times and that’s a good location for access to the sites, shopping and restaurants. Hopefully we will have a chance to stay there at some point.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[lds337]

I live in the Chicago area and I’m doing a Staycation at this club this weekend and typing this message from the chair in the living room of a 1BP.

Location is pretty awesome as close-by to Navy Pier, Water Tower, Mag Mile, River North and so much more.

It’s a 26 story building and HGVC is taking the top 6 floors for conversion. My room is on the 26th floor and views are pretty good. They have a sales office on the first floor right by the elevators. I briefly engaged the manager at the door asking if it was the owners lounge (lol) as I was looking for coffee.

Invited me in for coffee and a muffin and asked the status of this property. He said they’ll continue to add units to the top six floors as they work to convert from a Doubletree on those floors to HGVC. He wanted my info and said I had to go on a walking tour. Kinda true as was doing a walking crime tour in the afternoon that day.

Pool is nice and is an outdoor pool on roof of 5th floor next to hotel and it and all other amenities are shared with Doubletree guests.

The 1BP has basically a wet bar with a microwave, wine fridge, and bar sink. There aren’t any dishes but a few glasses in a cabinet over the microwave. There’s a table next to the wet bar with four chairs, a nice sofa with a pull out bed. Coolest feature is electronic shades that work on a wall controller. My 8 year old is very impressed with that feature

Overall I would say it’s a nice upgraded suite like an Embassy Suites but nicer finishings.

I stayed at The District in Washington DC and this setup is pretty much the same except this is a HGVC location vs. Hilton Club.

I would for sure come back here in the future because the location is where I want to be in City of Chicago. Open season rates and Hilton Honors points are pretty high considering it’s a high end Embassy Suites set-up

I would seriously consider just booking the Doubletree rooms directly or the Embassy Suites which is one block away.

Hopefully this gives everyone a better feel of HGVC Chicago

 

[craig1mead]

We just stayed in Chicago HGVC at Doubletree Chicago. Only the top floor is open now, a total of 14 units, and 2 of them are used for sales tours so that is why not many available. Another floor will open next year. Great views from any side, with side views to Lake Michigan. 20% discount card for lots of places, and Labriola's was a treat with a discount. Get the doubletree cookies at check in, and if they have them late day during your stay. Two $10 drink coupons also available at check-in, but I think most HGVC members will skip the bar's high price. Good parking nearby 3 block walk at Ogden Plaza parking garage via Spothero. Max $15 to take a taxi to anything in Chicago area (Lincoln Park bars, Chinatown, Wrigley area bars, Second City). About 6 blocks to Navy Pier, and 3 blocks from the new Starbucks 5 story roastery on Michigan Ave. Two blocks to an AMC theater for movies, or Whole Foods large grocery store for provisions, or Garrett's Popcorn. Sales team is in the lobby pushing for a visit at either 830 or 1130, so be prepared. Starbucks in the lobby, plus a healthy convenience store for food/drink/ice cream.