Ok, call us crazy ... our journey to 1 million HH points via HGV Owner Updates ...

[tsingyuan]

Well, I don't exchange from HGVC into RCI because the value isn't really there IMHO. I did once and it was fine, but that was the first year I had HGVC and I couldn't get a trip together down to Florida or somewhere. I did do a lot of Extra Vacations with RCI, and I've done a number of exchanges via RCI Points from my Grandview points ownership. I am generally happy with a 3* resort, whereas HGVC is usually more like 4* so if you must have high end, RCI won't get you much access HGVC doesn't get you. But for locations in the NE, RCI has been great for me. Multiple Vermont locations, Virginia, MA and NH too. The timing hasn't really been any harder for me (actually easier cause much more locations) than HGVC either - if I know where I want to go, I set up an OGS or just keep checking every week or so from about a year out till I see it show up.

I do think the skill of using any TS system or exchange is understanding the system and picking stays that you're likely to be able to get. I wouldn't count on RCI for spring break in MB on the boardwalk, but if you're OK with North Myrtle Beach or not right on the ocean or not the most peak of peak times, it's easy peasy. It's pretty good IMHO for any of the built up locations if you're a little flexible - I would absolutely wait for a cheap last call (if I didn't have some specific location requirement) for Orlando, Vegas, Myrtle Beach most times, Massanutten and Smugglers Notch most times, Berkshires most times - anything not super peak. And I'd try an Extra Vacation or exchange for Smoky Mountains say.

EDIT: I have to say I haven't had as much luck with TUG/Redweek (never tried Koala) finding dates and locations at all as I have with RCI, and when I do the pricing tends to make me just see if I can use even "expensive" exchanges instead. The LMR forum has some deals, but again that's like Last Calls, and the timing just has never worked out except one time when I did a LMR request. That was fine, but still right in line with MFs (which makes sense, but also means I generally try and just use my already paid / committed MFs rather than renting).

One thing I haven't really tried much is direct TUG exchanges - just paying a GC fee is like 1/3 or less of an exchange fee a lot of the time, but that's another level of difficulty in the reservations aside from the fixed week one at Fox Run, and I tend to deposit that for II use.

Makes total sense! I completely agree that putting HGVC points into RCI is a losing game. It sounds like RCI's Extra Vacations and Last Calls are fantastic if you have the flexibility to travel off-peak.

Since my travel is still strictly tied to the school calendar for a while, it’s tough for me to grab those Last Call deals. I'm leaning heavily toward depositing my SBP lock-off into II. Just like you do with your Fox Run week, I feel like II gives me a better shot at pulling the Marriott or Westin properties that my family has gotten used to. Thanks for sharing your strategy, it’s super helpful to see how you optimize both systems!

 

[tsingyuan]

The key is to buy HGVC resale, focus on lower MF properties, and at this level we are Elite Premier so we get no fee reservations, cancelation, guest certificates, HH conversions, etc. Plus we get $250 Lyft benefits and upgrades in room premium levels. Our maintenance fees are on the lower end now that we have adjusted our portfolio. Plus when we trade into some of the properties (via DeX or RCI) that we use regularly, like Carlsbad, we don't pay the ridiculous resort fees. So it's a win.

Yes travel style and strategy does vary and it does matter. We prefer timeshares when possible so we can cook our own food, soak in a tub, and spread out. Hotels are fine but we do suites when and where possible. Some locations that is not possible as we further explore the world. Traveling now pretty regularly while we have the health and ability.

That is an incredibly well-optimized portfolio! Hitting Elite Premier while keeping your maintenance fees on the lower end is the ultimate sweet spot. Getting those fee waivers, room upgrades, and dodging the resort fees at places like Carlsbad really makes the math work beautifully in your favor.

I have to ask, as a bit of a numbers guy—what is your average maintenance fee per point across your portfolio? If you tell me you've managed to build a massive portfolio (say, 80,000 points) at an average of around 8 or 9 cents a point, keeping your total annual MF around $7,000, I will literally bow down to your timeshare mastery! That level of optimization is exactly what I'm aspiring to.

I couldn't agree more with your travel style. My wife and I are exactly the same—having a full kitchen to cook our own meals and a spacious 2-bedroom layout to spread out with our son makes a world of difference. It’s so hard to go back to standard hotel rooms once you get used to that level of comfort and utility.

Your philosophy on traveling regularly now while having the health and ability really resonates with me. That’s exactly why I’m taking the time to learn from veterans like you to set up a solid, long-term system for my family. Thanks so much for sharing your strategy and wisdom!

 

[Eric B]

My problem with NYC and DC is they're not 2BR, so DC I'd do Wyndham for that at National Harbor. Though I might try the pull out sofa if they had one in NYC if there was availability and I HAD to burn points. Cabo Azul isn't HGVC, it's HVC as far as I know, so us resale people can't book it with HGVC. Which is too bad as I might give that a try.

There are 2 BR LOs in DC and at The Quin in NYC.

 

[jp10558]

Makes total sense! I completely agree that putting HGVC points into RCI is a losing game. It sounds like RCI's Extra Vacations and Last Calls are fantastic if you have the flexibility to travel off-peak.

100%, but also I have worked it for (or could have) for Memorial Day week and the week of July 11th this year at Massanutten, and right after New Years at Smugglers Notch (and did grab 4th of July last year a week and a half out for a last call). The July one at Massanutten was an Extra Vacation, so I booked that in December.

Since my travel is still strictly tied to the school calendar for a while, it’s tough for me to grab those Last Call deals. I'm leaning heavily toward depositing my SBP lock-off into II. Just like you do with your Fox Run week, I feel like II gives me a better shot at pulling the Marriott or Westin properties that my family has gotten used to. Thanks for sharing your strategy, it’s super helpful to see how you optimize both systems!

So you can still get gems at the built up areas too. Though like you saw, my 4th of July was last minute for sure. However, all these screaming deals do open up a lot once you can avoid being locked to the school calendar for sure.

 

[jp10558]

There are 2 BR LOs in DC and at The Quin in NYC.

I never heard that before. I'll have to check on The Quin, but I don't have massive points either so would have to be a short stay probably.

 

[jp10558]

There are 2 BR LOs in DC and at The Quin in NYC.

I just checked on my HGVC site at The Quinn and I only see 1BR as the biggest unit...

 

[JohnnyO]

I never heard that before. I'll have to check on The Quin, but I don't have massive points either so would have to be a short stay probably.

We have stayed in a two bedroom for a good amount of time at The District in DC. It was off season though. We head there again soon to see the cherry blossoms. But we only need a one bedroom this time.

 

[JohnnyO]

That is an incredibly well-optimized portfolio! Hitting Elite Premier while keeping your maintenance fees on the lower end is the ultimate sweet spot. Getting those fee waivers, room upgrades, and dodging the resort fees at places like Carlsbad really makes the math work beautifully in your favor.

I have to ask, as a bit of a numbers guy—what is your average maintenance fee per point across your portfolio? If you tell me you've managed to build a massive portfolio (say, 80,000 points) at an average of around 8 or 9 cents a point, keeping your total annual MF around $7,000, I will literally bow down to your timeshare mastery! That level of optimization is exactly what I'm aspiring to.

I couldn't agree more with your travel style. My wife and I are exactly the same—having a full kitchen to cook our own meals and a spacious 2-bedroom layout to spread out with our son makes a world of difference. It’s so hard to go back to standard hotel rooms once you get used to that level of comfort and utility.

Your philosophy on traveling regularly now while having the health and ability really resonates with me. That’s exactly why I’m taking the time to learn from veterans like you to set up a solid, long-term system for my family. Thanks so much for sharing your strategy and wisdom!

Unless the USD gets real strong v British Pound no way will we get to 8 or 9 cents. It's about 11 cents per point now at Craigendarroch Lodges where the majority of our points are. Also since it was purchased through HGVC resale it counts toward Elite Premier status. We have shed several EOY Grand Pacific Palisades units we got for free or cheap resale since they were high MF. We plan to sell our summer fixed week at Carlsbad Seapointe since the maintenance fee is so high at 18 cents per point. We plan to keep our GPP fixed summer ov 1 BR which converts to 9,920 HGVC points or 15 cents per point. And we will keep our gold EOY studio at MarBrisa. We stay at both these resorts with points and via RCI and DeX EU exchange and being an owner they waive any resort, parking and activities fees which add up quick. Sounds to me like you're on the right track. Each person has their own strategy, needs and wants.

 

[Eric B]

I just checked on my HGVC site at The Quinn and I only see 1BR as the biggest unit...

I own a 2 BR LO deeded as a 1 BR Penthouse (1H2) and studio Penthouse (SH2). @h2oflyboy was able to book it for NYE last year, but you have to do so separately and it’s a fair amount of points (33,600 + 23,040 for a full platinum week). There is one other sold as a 2 BR LO, (1HL and SHL) and another set up that way but not sold that way (1PH and SPH1). N.B., HGVC has the descriptions for SH2 and SHL flipped, SH2 is 1802, the 292 sq ft ADA room, and SHL is 1803, the 273 sq ft non-ADA room. I’ve told them of this a few times as I own 1802 and know which one it should be, matching the description for SHL, but my reservations show up as SH2. Maybe they’ll fix it when someone needing an ADA room books the wrong one and sues, but not for a rando suggestion they fix the error.

 

[ljmiii]

My problem with NYC and DC is they're not 2BR...

To swing it back through the RCI conversation, I have read that one of the best uses of RCI points is to stay at the Hilton Club New York (HCNY) which does have 2BRs.

That said, I have no personal experience with HCNY...my W57 and Quin ownerships provide me with the 'spare bedroom' I sometimes want/need.

 

[jp10558]

To swing it back through the RCI conversation, I have read that one of the best uses of RCI points is to stay at the Hilton Club New York (HCNY) which does have 2BRs.

That said, I have no personal experience with HCNY...my W57 and Quin ownerships provide me with the 'spare bedroom' I sometimes want/need.

Yea, I saw some availability, 142000 RCI points though. I would have to burn 1.5 years of my Grandview points on that. Mmmm, still there's more availability in RCI than HGVC and it's probably cheaper that way. IDK, I guess I will stick with hotel rooms in NYC for now.

 

[tsingyuan]

Unless the USD gets real strong v British Pound no way will we get to 8 or 9 cents. It's about 11 cents per point now at Craigendarroch Lodges where the majority of our points are. Also since it was purchased through HGVC resale it counts toward Elite Premier status. We have shed several EOY Grand Pacific Palisades units we got for free or cheap resale since they were high MF. We plan to sell our summer fixed week at Carlsbad Seapointe since the maintenance fee is so high at 18 cents per point. We plan to keep our GPP fixed summer ov 1 BR which converts to 9,920 HGVC points or 15 cents per point. And we will keep our gold EOY studio at MarBrisa. We stay at both these resorts with points and via RCI and DeX EU exchange and being an owner they waive any resort, parking and activities fees which add up quick. Sounds to me like you're on the right track. Each person has their own strategy, needs and wants.

11 cents a point, that's already very nice. My 15k (8352+6912）HGVC points average out to 13.8 cents. I clearly still have a long way to go to reach your level of optimization.

 

[tsingyuan]

To swing it back through the RCI conversation, I have read that one of the best uses of RCI points is to stay at the Hilton Club New York (HCNY) which does have 2BRs.

That said, I have no personal experience with HCNY...my W57 and Quin ownerships provide me with the 'spare bedroom' I sometimes want/need.

I just saw your signature and my jaw literally dropped. Do you actually own all of those at the same time?! That's absolutely incredible!

 

[ljmiii]

I just saw your signature and my jaw literally dropped. Do you actually own all of those at the same time?! That's absolutely incredible!

Yup. Some we've owned 'forever' like DVC, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and Waiohai/Maui Ocean Club. We bought them when our infants turned into young kids and hotel rooms that weren't suites no longer cut it. And discovered that we could stay in a timeshare villa far less expensively than paying 'cash' for a suite. Others we acquired more recently as we now have more 'free time'.

No idea what the future will bring...but at least 10 years of future use and enjoyment is my 'back of the envelope' cut off for ownership.

 

[brp]

Yup. Some we've owned 'forever' like DVC, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and Waiohai/Maui Ocean Club. We bought them when our infants turned into young kids and hotel rooms that weren't suites no longer cut it. And discovered that we could stay in a timeshare villa far less expensively than paying 'cash' for a suite. Others we acquired more recently as we now have more 'free time'.

No idea what the future will bring...but at least 10 years of future use and enjoyment is my 'back of the envelope' cut off for ownership.

We have a more limited TS exposure since most of our stays are hotels. As an example, we were away from home 120 nights last year and 129 planned so far for this year (yes, I have a spreadsheet that tracks all of this ) and only 31 (26 this year) were in TS between NYC, Hawaii, Disney and Vegas.

Our DVC expires in 2042. We will be 82 that year. We plan to ride this TS until the end. We'll see about when we sell/dispose of HGVC.

Cheers.

 

[mountainboy]

deleted

 

[mountainboy]

11 cents a point, that's already very nice. My 15k (8352+6912）HGVC points average out to 13.8 cents. I clearly still have a long way to go to reach your level of optimization.

You are asking the right Qs & have been given excellent advice!
Best in your TS journey!

 

[ljmiii]

You likely referred to @jp10558 's signature rather than @ljmiii 's signature, although both are experts..

My ownership shows up in the signature under each message rather than along the left under my name. Oddly enough, I did just notice that in order for me to see the signature on my iPhone I have to hold it in the landscape position.

 

[JohnnyO]

You are asking the right Qs & have been given excellent advice!
Best in your TS journey!

Sound like @tsingyuan has done a good job as 13.8 cents isn’t bad. Especially considering how much we paid over the last ten years with our “free” GPP EOYs. It’s true when the MF fee purist here on TUG talk about “free” timeshares and that MF’s are forever. There is definitely a break even point. Glad we have finally shed our high MF units. The real glaring analysis for me was the spreadsheet @GT75 maintains. What an eye opener.

 

[mountainboy]

My ownership shows up in the signature under each message rather than along the left under my name. Oddly enough, I did just notice that in order for me to see the signature on my iPhone I have to hold it in the landscape position.

Just saw that... Have not noticed this before, so did not realize... Wonder, why it doesn't show on profile (unless you chose not to display in settings)....
Sorry, I only use TUG on laptop, not on phone etc, so no tilting the phone/screen here..

 

[tsingyuan]

Yup. Some we've owned 'forever' like DVC, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and Waiohai/Maui Ocean Club. We bought them when our infants turned into young kids and hotel rooms that weren't suites no longer cut it. And discovered that we could stay in a timeshare villa far less expensively than paying 'cash' for a suite. Others we acquired more recently as we now have more 'free time'.

No idea what the future will bring...but at least 10 years of future use and enjoyment is my 'back of the envelope' cut off for ownership.

That’s the ultimate goal right there—maximizing value without ever compromising on quality. Really admire your approach to enjoying life! And honestly, I'm definitely a bit envious of the financial horsepower it takes to carry those massive MFs!

 

[tsingyuan]

Sound like @tsingyuan has done a good job as 13.8 cents isn’t bad. Especially considering how much we paid over the last ten years with our “free” GPP EOYs. It’s true when the MF fee purist here on TUG talk about “free” timeshares and that MF’s are forever. There is definitely a break even point. Glad we have finally shed our high MF units. The real glaring analysis for me was the spreadsheet @GT75 maintains. What an eye opener.

Thanks JonnyO! I actually tried hunting down those sweet sub-11 cent MF/point resales like yours, but those deeds aren't cheap upfront, and paying the closing costs really adds up.

The two I snagged were completely free deeds where the sellers covered all the closing costs, AND they came with free first-year usage. I totally agree that in the long run, paying a premium upfront for a lower MF/point is the mathematically smarter play. But as someone relatively new to the TS game, this zero-capital approach just really lowers the barrier to entry and mitigates the risk while I test the waters.

 

[brp]

The two I snagged were completely free deeds where the sellers covered all the closing costs, AND they came with free first-year usage. I totally agree that in the long run, paying a premium upfront for a lower MF/point is the mathematically smarter play. But as someone relatively new to the TS game, this zero-capital approach just really lowers the barrier to entry and mitigates the risk while I test the waters.

That can depend on how long you intend to keep. We bought a Gold (instead of Platinum) property as I figured that, based on typical Platinum pricing), it was about 20 years before the added MF/point caught up with the price difference. Of course, I could have waited it out for a lower-priced Platinum, but that's not a game I play. When I'm ready to buy, I'll do some research, but not in it for the long hunt. The 20 year BE period was good enough for me.

Cheers.

 

[tsingyuan]

That can depend on how long you intend to keep. We bought a Gold (instead of Platinum) property as I figured that, based on typical Platinum pricing), it was about 20 years before the added MF/point caught up with the price difference. Of course, I could have waited it out for a lower-priced Platinum, but that's not a game I play. When I'm ready to buy, I'll do some research, but not in it for the long hunt. The 20 year BE period was good enough for me.

Cheers.

That is a very fair point! Honestly, I didn't even calculate the break-even math that far out when I grabbed these. My main goal was really just to get my feet wet in the system with the lowest initial investment possible so I could learn the ropes without tying up a bunch of cash.

I figured this gives me a low-risk way to start enjoying the vacations now, and I can always take my time and slowly hunt for one of those unicorn Platinum deeds later once I actually know what I'm doing. Definitely a learning process for me!

 

[JohnnyO]

OU update ... 120k HH points for 60 min OU at The District has been negotiated via phone. Opening offer was 100k HH or $250. Told them we needed 130k HH for one night at Zemí Miches, Curio Hilton, Punta Cana, DR. Hopefully, like last time, they'll look at our account and politely kick us out in 15 minutes. They were really nice about it. Still not PNG.