Buying Elara

[jjlovecub]

I only own weeks (no points) timeshares so I'm just trying to understand HGVC. If I want to buy Elara and only plan on using Elara (I will Always need a 2 bedroom). What do I buy? I thought HGVC was only points but I see resales for weeks on redweek so I was confused. Just want to be sure I am getting what I need. Thanks.

 

[tschwa2]

The resales that are weeks are the Westgate units that pre-date HGVC and are weeks only. They can exchange through II. They can use the Westgate internal system although they charge something like $399 to bank and exchange if you own resale. Westgate sold some fixed and some float weeks. They also sold some partial weeks. If you buy a westgate lockoff and want to lock off I think they charge the super high fee for resale owners to lockoff as well. HGVC manages all the units although you would pay the MF to Westgate if you own one of those units. I think but am not sure that float weeks are reserved through HGVC and Westgate hasn't been able to restrict resales to reserving 60 days or less. If you buy a Westgate unit, you might want to make it a fixed week you want to use so you don't have to worry about the drama. Otherwise if you buy a HGVC unit you will also have to pay club dues through HGVC and reserve during home week priority etc.

 

[Talent312]

With Elara, you need to be clear on whether you are buying a Westgate unit or a HGVC unit. You definitely do not want a Westgate unit... First, its Westgate, and second, they're the orphan no one wants since they're in a building managed by HGVC.

Some Westgate resellers disguise the TS by describing them as being at "HGVC's Elara." But there are telltale signs: With HGVC, you also get a week, but it comes with a point-package, not as an option or conversion, but as a substitute for their use of your week -- stays are only bookable by using points -- and you trade thru RCI (not II).

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[vegasVIP]

With Elara, you need to be clear on whether you are buying a Westgate unit or a HGVC unit. You definitely do not want a Westgate unit... First, its Westgate, and second, they're the orphan no one wants since they're in a building managed by HGVC.

Some Westgate resellers disguise the TS by describing them as being at "HGVC's Elara." But there are telltale signs: With HGVC, you also get a week, but it comes with a point-package, not as an option or conversion, but as a substitute for their use of your week -- stays are only bookable by using points -- and you trade thru RCI (not II).

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Sound advice. If you like Elara, make sure to buy Hilton. I also recommend watching the documentary of its construction and Dirt Bag owner. The movie is called, "The Queen of Versailles" Cheers!

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Another thing to keep in mind with Elara is that technically in classified as a "managed resort", . Quite a few people have been complaining on Facebook that HGVC won't allow an Elara deed for trade if you decide to upgrade. Not sure if that status will change with the announcement last week about HGVC and Black rock buying the building.

I was actually kind of surprised to hear they won't take Elara as a trade, but do wonder if that also means they are less likely to ROFR.

Personally i am not planning any "upgrades, and probably won't let that stop me from buying if i like the resort and the deal.