HGV Max for DRI Owners: Initial/Incomplete

[NiteMaire]

The image below was posted on the Diamond US Friends FB page. According to the OP, it is from HGV. I would expect additional information in the future as well. ETA: the title is misleading. According to an In House Sales Executive with HGV, everything on the sheet relates to DRI owners who convert to HGV Max.
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Some initial comments from the OP (not me) that focused on the changes:
"First change: Loss of annual RPP (purchased) or free RPP for Platinum and Centum owners. I have already seen this change enacted as I there is no longer an option when booking online to select the free RPP on reservations 5k points or less as a Platinum owner.

Second Change: Booking window changing from 13 months (14 for Platinum and Centum) to 10 and 11 months respectively.

Third Change: no more free saving of points to the next year.

Fourth Change: statement that people will remain in the same tier or move to a better tier. As a 50,000 point Platinum owner (second highest tier in Diamond) I would be in the 3rd highest tier under the new plan.

Fifth Change: Members will no longer be able to pay for loyalty upgrades at time of booking."
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In addition to the above, I notice that Club Combination and Club Select are not available in HGV Max. If you are in HGV Max, you can book HGV Max properties 6 months out (same as HGVC members who opt-in). At least twice, the document references access to (more) luxurious properties/accommodations. See the image for additional details.

 

[cindyc]

Good to know what's coming down the pike. I am unclear on what this means for deeded week owners that do not upgrade to HGV Max. What do you think?

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[NiteMaire]

Good to know what's coming down the pike. I am unclear on what this means for deeded week owners that do not upgrade to HGV Max. What do you think?

For the most part, I don't think we'll see any noticeable differences. I've posted in other threads, but it's probably worth repeating here: I've talked with several DRI CSRs, and they assured me access (reservation and DeX) will not change. There will definitely be no impact to deeded reservations. The only thing I'm really uncertain about is the potential impact to inventory in DeX. ETA: Then again, with Max having access to inventory at 6 months out, it would only impact inventory at that time (if at all).

 

[DRIless]

Does a Diamond Resorts THE Club member automatically become an HGV Max member ?

 

[GT75]

Does a Diamond Resorts THE Club member automatically become an HGV Max member ?

No, you will need to purchase something. This is based on what was rolled out on the HGVC side. I would certainly expect DRI side to have something similar.

 

[geist1223]

Does a Diamond Resorts THE Club member automatically become an HGV Max member ?

If you currently have Club Select/Club Combination (we do) it looks like you lose these if you pay to join HGV MAX.

 

[cindyc]

I have a Club Combinations too. I hope they won't take that option away with the merger.

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[NiteMaire]

I would certainly expect DRI side to have something similar.

I would too. I'm surprised it wasn't rolled out the same time they rolled it out for HGVC members.

If you currently have Club Select/Club Combination (we do) it looks like you lose these if you pay to join HGV MAX.

I have a Club Combinations too. I hope they won't take that option away with the merger.

Agree with @geist1223 - It looks like it only goes away if you join

Update from an In House Sales Executive with HGV: Everything on the sheet relates to DRI owners who convert to HGV Max. It's a poorly worded title! I'll update the title and information in my original post.

FWIW: It sure seems that HGV made it an easy decision for most members. It almost comes across as they don't want DRI (and HGVC) owners to switch! The initiation fee is too high, and you have to give up several benefits! Outside of converting points to HH points (is that really a benefit?), it sees they're relying/counting on DRI owners to switch to obtain access into some new "luxurious accommodations". If I were a member of the The Club, there's no way I'd join HGV Max. Which reminds me, as indicated by @cindyc 's question, I haven't seen anything about deeded week owners opting to join HGV Max. This seems aimed only at points owners.

 

[GT75]

I would too. I'm surprised it wasn't rolled out the same time they rolled it out for HGVC members.

Agree with you certainly on that. That is actually why I have been monitoring this forum to see what was being posted on the rollout.

I have also "heard" that more information (rule changes) will be forthcoming on April 15. I certainly don't know how reliable (I don't even know where I read that) that information is.

 

[ccwu]

This is in the updated ‘Reference 2022’ in HGV website.

Additional HGV Max Benefits and Terms
HGV Max Members receive the following additional benefits:
Hotel Discount. Discounted room rates at participating hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio may be available. HGV Max Members must be present at check-in and for the duration of the stay. Subject to availability and may not be combined with any other discount, including any Hilton Honors member discount.
Additional benefits and services may be offered from time to HGV Max Members.
Other. HGV Max is non-transferable and may not be bartered, sold or exchanged, Such restrictions do not apply to any person acquiring an ownership interest through inheritance or gift from an immediate family member.
HGV Max is not available to persons who acquire an ownership interest at a Hilton Grand Vacations resort via the secondary resale market. HGV Max benefits are personal to the Member and may not be transferred, sold or used for any All interpretations of rules concerning HGV Max shall be at the sole discretion of Hilton Grand Vacations.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club reserves the right to suspend or terminate HGV Max benefits for any Member who violates any Hilton Grand Vacations program rules, is not a Member in good standing or who appears to be using HGV Max in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the program, including dishonest conduct, circumvention of rules, fraud or theft.
The HGV Max program has no pre-determined termination date and may continue until such time as Hilton Grand Vacations decides to terminate the program with or without notice.
HGV Max benefits are subject to availability and may change from time to time. There is no cash value or redemption for unused HGV Max benefits.


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[goaliedave]

RPP was the best game in town, used properly it let you book 50% off at 10 months out.

Two years ago they took away the 5 free RPPs for Club Solo members, that was sad.

Hilton is getting rid of all the good "hidden" benefits.

 

[pedro47]

The image below was posted on the Diamond US Friends FB page. According to the OP, it is from HGV. I would expect additional information in the future as well. ETA: the title is misleading. According to an In House Sales Executive with HGV, everything on the sheet relates to DRI owners who convert to HGV Max.
----------------
Some initial comments from the OP (not me) that focused on the changes:
"First change: Loss of annual RPP (purchased) or free RPP for Platinum and Centum owners. I have already seen this change enacted as I there is no longer an option when booking online to select the free RPP on reservations 5k points or less as a Platinum owner.

Second Change: Booking window changing from 13 months (14 for Platinum and Centum) to 10 and 11 months respectively.

Third Change: no more free saving of points to the next year.

Fourth Change: statement that people will remain in the same tier or move to a better tier. As a 50,000 point Platinum owner (second highest tier in Diamond) I would be in the 3rd highest tier under the new plan.

Fifth Change: Members will no longer be able to pay for loyalty upgrades at time of booking."
----------------
In addition to the above, I notice that Club Combination and Club Select are not available in HGV Max. If you are in HGV Max, you can book HGV Max properties 6 months out (same as HGVC members who opt-in). At least twice, the document references access to (more) luxurious properties/accommodations. See the image for additional details.
View attachment 50978

Is this information available on the DRI website ?

 

[pedro47]

I would too. I'm surprised it wasn't rolled out the same time they rolled it out for HGVC members.


Agree with @geist1223 - It looks like it only goes away if you join

Update from an In House Sales Executive with HGV: Everything on the sheet relates to DRI owners who convert to HGV Max. It's a poorly worded title! I'll update the title and information in my original post.

FWIW: It sure seems that HGV made it an easy decision for most members. It almost comes across as they don't want DRI (and HGVC) owners to switch! The initiation fee is too high, and you have to give up several benefits! Outside of converting points to HH points (is that really a benefit?), it sees they're relying/counting on DRI owners to switch to obtain access into some new "luxurious accommodations". If I were a member of the The Club, there's no way I'd join HGV Max. Which reminds me, as indicated by @cindyc 's question, I haven't seen anything about deeded week owners opting to join HGV Max. This seems aimed only at points owners.

What are rules for those DRI deed members and Diamond Club members who do not want to convert to HGV Max membership?

Will Hilton buy back deeds and their club membersships ?

 

[ccwu]

RPP was the best game in town, used properly it let you book 50% off at 10 months out.

Two years ago they took away the 5 free RPPs for Club Solo members, that was sad.

Hilton is getting rid of all the good "hidden" benefits.

I just received a email from HGV telling me my annual RPP expires on 4/10/2022. If I want to continue the annual RPP, I can call in to continue for me platinum member account.

I just call in HGV platinum counsel (for Diamond member). They assure nothing changes for DRI platinum member. We still have all we had before HGV bought Diamond.


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[rpennisi]

I don't know if this is relevant. This past February we were in Las Vegas (II exchange at Marriott Grand Chateau) and I stopped by the Polo Towers concierge to ask about Diamond Exchange. I was told to come back, which I did. It turns out they put my wife and me into a presentation. I told the folks in charge that I just wanted to know about Diamond Xchange. I was told that I had to buy points (my Polo Towers Villas suite is a deeded week) in order to participate. I didn't fall for any of that. When we got home, I signed onto PT site and was able to see the available tiered exchanges through Diamond Xchange. I called a rep and deposited my 2022 week, good for 5 years at tier 4. The buying into points was BS.

 

[mjc775]

The image below was posted on the Diamond US Friends FB page. According to the OP, it is from HGV. I would expect additional information in the future as well. ETA: the title is misleading. According to an In House Sales Executive with HGV, everything on the sheet relates to DRI owners who convert to HGV Max.
----------------
See the image for additional details.
View attachment 50978

“• Members can no longer pay for loyalty accommodation upgrades. “

Does this mean that they will be free, or it’s no longer an option? I use that option on most of our reservations - such as getting a 1 bedroom for the point value of a studio. This would be a deal killer for me if the benefit goes away.


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[ccwu]

“• Members con no longer pay for loyalty accommodation upgrades. “

Does this mean that they will be free, or it’s no longer an option? I use that option on most of our reservations - such as getting a 1 bedroom for the point value of a studio. This would be a deal killer for me if the benefit goes away.


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I called the Platinum member and had the counselor to help me do it. I could not do it on line. But they can do it. Not free.


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[mjc775]

I called the Platinum member and had the counselor to help me do it. I could not do it on line. But they can do it. Not free.


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I just noticed that the latest Member Directory (27) fine print now shows that Loyalty Accommodation Upgrade is “…subject to change without notice”.

Did you already get HGV Max, or is the new inability to upgrade accommodations online already in effect?


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[DRIless]

“• Members can no longer pay for loyalty accommodation upgrades. “
Does this mean that they will be free, or it’s no longer an option? I use that option on most of our reservations - such as getting a 1 bedroom for the point value of a studio. This would be a deal killer for me if the benefit goes away.

I called the Platinum member and had the counselor to help me do it. I could not do it on line. But they can do it. Not free.

I just noticed that the latest Member Directory (27) fine print now shows that Loyalty Accommodation Upgrade is “…subject to change without notice”.
Did you already get HGV Max, or is the new inability to upgrade accommodations online already in effect?

I noticed that I could no longer upgrade online earlier this month, I was able to do it on the phone. No explanation from the CSR, No explanation of differences in benefits (which are ALWAYS subject to change) in regards to upgrades for those that do or do not do HGV Max.[/QUOTE]

 

[ccwu]

I just noticed that the latest Member Directory (27) fine print now shows that Loyalty Accommodation Upgrade is “…subject to change without notice”.

Did you already get HGV Max, or is the new inability to upgrade accommodations online already in effect?


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No. I did not get HGV max. The platinum counselor said they are glad to help. They believe it was a glitch on the website. I am also hgvc elite premier member so I can access either without getting HGV max. I could not book on line, but the counselor said we can call or chat anytime.


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[DRIless]

I noticed that I could no longer upgrade online earlier this month, I was able to do it on the phone. No explanation from the CSR, No explanation of differences in benefits (which are ALWAYS subject to change) in regards to upgrades for those that do or do not do HGV Max.

Today I was able to see the unit upgrade option online again when booking .....

 

[Tamaradarann]

No, you will need to purchase something. This is based on what was rolled out on the HGVC side. I would certainly expect DRI side to have something similar.

Have DRI members been given an opportunity to upgrade into HGV without buying a HGVC property?

 

[11saranac11]

Have DRI members been given an opportunity to upgrade into HGV without buying a HGVC property?

No. In order to opt into HGV MAX a purchase is required, per my last "owner update" on 5/26/2022. I am a platinum member with DRI. My update was at Mystic Dunes in Orlando.
I met with 2 sales people on the first day and went back for more information as the first day was uninformative and frankly offensive. The second person brought in to help and clarify was just rude.

Here are my take-aways

1. the paid upgrades as mentioned above are going to be phased out completely. This is whether you are HGV MAX or remain in DRI. These room upgrades recently went from $7 per night to $12 per night with no warning or notice, so if you are using these watch for that cost increase.

2. the discounts for booking within 59 days is going away completely.

3. the sales tactic seems to revolve around "Hilton resorts are higher quality". I told my sales person that is of no interest to me. I am perfectly happy at Mystic Dunes, Los Abrigados, Powhatan, Green Springs, etc. I also told him that my wife would be fine at the red roof inn, so there is no way that I can use that as justification for spending another $20,000 to $80,000 on HGV MAX points based on "higher quality". Not only are there no benefits to it (perceived), but the main benefits that I use (listed above) are being removed.

4. as HGV MAX member you can convert your points to hilton honors points and then use those to book hotels. Right now, as platinum, i can book hotels at $0.10 redemption value for hotels. I do not know the math on the conversion to hilton honors and then the cost per night at the hotels. They avoided that question at every turn.

5. the 30/30 and 40/40 programs are purportedly to remain in tact. The reason, of course, is that the program makes money for the company. If my maintenance fees are $9k per year, and I use the 30/30 program, I have to pay out of pocket for 70% of the [fill in the blank here: cruise, hotel room, rental car, airline ticket, luxury home, etc]. I dunno, but $9k per year for someone that is not retired to spend on vacations is already pushing the limit. So I don't currently use these "benefits". This is included as information for anyone that is curious.

6. I was threatened that DRI members will lose access to resorts over time. I guess we will see how that goes.

7. the EU resorts seem to be completely being removed from the HGV MAX system. No idea what is going to happen to them in the DRI system itself. My salesperson was not even aware that I could use my points to stay in Europe. I have stayed at palazzo catalani and royal regency in Vincennes. Both places that i would like to return. No idea if I will be able to do so based on what i was told.

8. I point blank asked "what happens to you if you are the last DRI owner?" This question was met with a blank stare and "I really don't know".

9. i asked if there was someone that i could speak with about getting out completely. I was told that was no problem. Then the second guy showed up with more high pressure sales. He was really bad, as i mentioned before. Diamond seems to have a Transitions program that you can take advantage of. My problem is that i bought 3 retail contracts 20 years ago. Those do not qualify for that program, so that leaves me a little stuck.

I will finally share that i was a Sunterra owner when Diamond took over. Changes were made. Most I did not like. At the time, Sunterra was more of a family. I could call the managers at the resorts, who got to know me over time, and ask them for "favors". That stopped with Diamond, but other than that, my experience with DRI has been very positive. I would say that it is definitely one of those "you get out what you put in" kind of things. I did my best to take advantage of all benefits, sadly they are going away.

 

[Eileen A.]

No. In order to opt into HGV MAX a purchase is required, per my last "owner update" on 5/26/2022. I am a platinum member with DRI. My update was at Mystic Dunes in Orlando.
I met with 2 sales people on the first day and went back for more information as the first day was uninformative and frankly offensive. The second person brought in to help and clarify was just rude.

Here are my take-aways

1. the paid upgrades as mentioned above are going to be phased out completely. This is whether you are HGV MAX or remain in DRI. These room upgrades recently went from $7 per night to $12 per night with no warning or notice, so if you are using these watch for that cost increase.

2. the discounts for booking within 59 days is going away completely.

3. the sales tactic seems to revolve around "Hilton resorts are higher quality". I told my sales person that is of no interest to me. I am perfectly happy at Mystic Dunes, Los Abrigados, Powhatan, Green Springs, etc. I also told him that my wife would be fine at the red roof inn, so there is no way that I can use that as justification for spending another $20,000 to $80,000 on HGV MAX points based on "higher quality". Not only are there no benefits to it (perceived), but the main benefits that I use (listed above) are being removed.

4. as HGV MAX member you can convert your points to hilton honors points and then use those to book hotels. Right now, as platinum, i can book hotels at $0.10 redemption value for hotels. I do not know the math on the conversion to hilton honors and then the cost per night at the hotels. They avoided that question at every turn.

5. the 30/30 and 40/40 programs are purportedly to remain in tact. The reason, of course, is that the program makes money for the company. If my maintenance fees are $9k per year, and I use the 30/30 program, I have to pay out of pocket for 70% of the [fill in the blank here: cruise, hotel room, rental car, airline ticket, luxury home, etc]. I dunno, but $9k per year for someone that is not retired to spend on vacations is already pushing the limit. So I don't currently use these "benefits". This is included as information for anyone that is curious.

6. I was threatened that DRI members will lose access to resorts over time. I guess we will see how that goes.

7. the EU resorts seem to be completely being removed from the HGV MAX system. No idea what is going to happen to them in the DRI system itself. My salesperson was not even aware that I could use my points to stay in Europe. I have stayed at palazzo catalani and royal regency in Vincennes. Both places that i would like to return. No idea if I will be able to do so based on what i was told.

8. I point blank asked "what happens to you if you are the last DRI owner?" This question was met with a blank stare and "I really don't know".

9. i asked if there was someone that i could speak with about getting out completely. I was told that was no problem. Then the second guy showed up with more high pressure sales. He was really bad, as i mentioned before. Diamond seems to have a Transitions program that you can take advantage of. My problem is that i bought 3 retail contracts 20 years ago. Those do not qualify for that program, so that leaves me a little stuck.

I will finally share that i was a Sunterra owner when Diamond took over. Changes were made. Most I did not like. At the time, Sunterra was more of a family. I could call the managers at the resorts, who got to know me over time, and ask them for "favors". That stopped with Diamond, but other than that, my experience with DRI has been very positive. I would say that it is definitely one of those "you get out what you put in" kind of things. I did my best to take advantage of all benefits, sadly they are going away.

Hi. Welcome to TUG. I'm also a Platinum DRI owner. I've posted about my experiences at a MAX sales meeting. Curious about how many MAX points they were trying to sell you?

 

[NiteMaire]

the sales tactic seems to revolve around "Hilton resorts are higher quality".

I'm already tired of hearing this, and I've only been to one presentation. HGV has marketed it that way to DRI owners from the beginning. For HGVC owners, it's marketed as gaining access to 90+ additional resorts. I'll keep using DeX to exchange into HGVC resorts, but I have no plans to join Max.

I was threatened that DRI members will lose access to resorts over time. I guess we will see how that goes.

That won't happen, and you won't even notice any difference if you book more than 6 months out. HGVC owners who join Max can book at the 6 month point. DRI owners have ample opportunity to book prior to that. And it's a non-issue for deed owners since that inventory is not included.

the EU resorts seem to be completely being removed from the HGV MAX system

EU resorts were not included in Max from the start. I can't remember the reason given.