considering buying HGVC

[jobmelton]

As I research all the great information on these forums (thanks for taking the time for newbies like me) a few questions emerged. I have read the posts I thought would contain the info and I read the PDF on HGVC site, any info or links will be greatly appreciated.

1) Is there a conversion rate for HGVC points to RCI Points? eg is 1 HGVC point worth 10 RCI or something?
2) If it is a straight conversion of 1/1 what happens if there is an inferior resort does it cost the same HGVC points as home resort?
3) If there is a conversion rate would it be possible to scale down in RCI and get more vacations?
4) I am considering buying HGVC in Vegas and mainly using at MarBrisa and RCI for short mon-thursday trips. Is this a good idea or is there a flaw in my thinking?
5) Anybody have trouble booking in non home Hilton resorts?
6)How valuable is open season?

 

[Cyberc]

As I research all the great information on these forums (thanks for taking the time for newbies like me) a few questions emerged. I have read the posts I thought would contain the info and I read the PDF on HGVC site, any info or links will be greatly appreciated.

1) Is there a conversion rate for HGVC points to RCI Points? eg is 1 HGVC point worth 10 RCI or something?
2) If it is a straight conversion of 1/1 what happens if there is an inferior resort does it cost the same HGVC points as home resort?
3) If there is a conversion rate would it be possible to scale down in RCI and get more vacations?
4) I am considering buying HGVC in Vegas and mainly using at MarBrisa and RCI for short mon-thursday trips. Is this a good idea or is there a flaw in my thinking?
5) Anybody have trouble booking in non home Hilton resorts?
6)How valuable is open season?

I and welcome, I'll try and answer your questions IMHO.

1. There is no conversion rate, but normally 3.400 HGVC gets you a 1BR in RCI. 4.800 HGVC points gives you a 2 BR.
2. As I wrote in nr 1, there is no conversion rate, and the 3.400 HGVC will give you a 1BR no mater how good or bad the selected resort is.
3. See nr 1&2
4. The most expensive(point wise) days of the week are normally friday and saturday, so if you don't stay during these days, you will spend less points on your vacations.
5. If you mean through RCI, I have not had any troubles. If you mean through HGVC it really depends on were you wanna stay.
6. I would say it depends, we see prices go up yearly, though this year the price went up and people complained a lot, and HGVC lowered the price again (at least during some weeks of the year) So if you need 1 or days extra for your points stay you might have luck and are able to book those days. But again it really depends on were you wanna go.

Read this regarding points used in RCI: http://www.hgvclubprogram.com/content/2014-HGVClub-Rules.pdf
regards.

 

[Talent312]

Cyberc is 100% correct.
I would only add that, when it comes to RCI, some buyers seem confused by this:
HGVC members do not get their own RCI account. We use HGVC's corporate account.
We book thru HGVC's system and we do not need to deposit anything b4 booking.*
The available points are the current year and the next two years' aliotment.
Points are drawn only when the booking is confirmed.

*A point deposit to the RCI program is one option to keep them from expiring.
.

 

[Jason245]

As I research all the great information on these forums (thanks for taking the time for newbies like me) a few questions emerged. I have read the posts I thought would contain the info and I read the PDF on HGVC site, any info or links will be greatly appreciated.

1) Is there a conversion rate for HGVC points to RCI Points? eg is 1 HGVC point worth 10 RCI or something?
2) If it is a straight conversion of 1/1 what happens if there is an inferior resort does it cost the same HGVC points as home resort?
3) If there is a conversion rate would it be possible to scale down in RCI and get more vacations?
4) I am considering buying HGVC in Vegas and mainly using at MarBrisa and RCI for short mon-thursday trips. Is this a good idea or is there a flaw in my thinking?
5) Anybody have trouble booking in non home Hilton resorts?
6)How valuable is open season?

1,2,3. See: http://tug2.net/timeshare_advice/hilton-grand-vacation-club-timeshare-information.html for answers to your RCI questions and more.


4. While HGVC does have RCI, generally your best value per MF is at HGVC properties. IF you are looking for an RCI trader, you might be better with another property.

5. I think it is generally agreed that for almost all resorts, as long as you book at the 9 month window you are fine (except for certain weeks, like xmas). Some resorts you can book closer in without much trouble (orlando and Vegas), others (Honolulu or NY) need to be booked right at the first booking window opportunity.

6. HGVC seems to be in process of raising Open season rates. currently, depending on resort, you can book one week of open season (if available) at a cost that is Less than MF (but may not be less than the rate at Hilton.com). Ultimatly, value is subjective, but I would put it in the nice add on catagory and not the value catagory (just like Last Call in RCI).

 

[jobmelton]

Very helpful, especially point #4 since the reality is I wouldn't be using the two locations within driving distance more than a few years. Now I will go study up on RCI and maybe a points program. from reading the posts there are some good deals out there but it isn't easy. Seems to me half the fun is figuring out how best to use the systems.

 

[Jason245]

Very helpful, especially point #4 since the reality is I wouldn't be using the two locations within driving distance more than a few years. Now I will go study up on RCI and maybe a points program. from reading the posts there are some good deals out there but it isn't easy. Seems to me half the fun is figuring out how best to use the systems.

Maybe start here:

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208742

 

[Great3]

As I research all the great information on these forums (thanks for taking the time for newbies like me) a few questions emerged. I have read the posts I thought would contain the info and I read the PDF on HGVC site, any info or links will be greatly appreciated.

1) Is there a conversion rate for HGVC points to RCI Points? eg is 1 HGVC point worth 10 RCI or something?
2) If it is a straight conversion of 1/1 what happens if there is an inferior resort does it cost the same HGVC points as home resort?
3) If there is a conversion rate would it be possible to scale down in RCI and get more vacations?
4) I am considering buying HGVC in Vegas and mainly using at MarBrisa and RCI for short mon-thursday trips. Is this a good idea or is there a flaw in my thinking?
5) Anybody have trouble booking in non home Hilton resorts?
6)How valuable is open season?

Definitely if you don't plan on using it within HGVC often, I wouldn't buy. If you buy to trade in RCI mainly, HGVC is too expensive, you will be mainly trading down. One exception to this is DVC, it's good value using HGVC to trade, but that's only if Disney / Orlando works for you.

Otherwise, I say look to buy another resort or system if you are mainly trading. Short stays are too expensive in RCI for the most part to be worth it to me. You still have to pay an exchange fee.

Great3