HGVC Elite Members to Lose Upgrades in Max (& Other Benefits)

[muscae]

I am an Elite Premier member. My last purchase was made during the period of Jan-Mar, 2022 making me eligible to opt into HGV Max. Last week, HGVC corporate told me that Elite members who opt into HGV Max will lose the complimentary upgrades. So, no upgrades from studio to 1 bedroom at resorts such as Tuscany or Flamingo that only have single categories. No upgrades from 1 bedroom to 1 bedroom plus at resorts such as Parc Soliel or Elara that have multiple categories in the same unit size. I thought you would like to know. That benefit will be gone if you opt into max. This, despite the fact that at multiple sales presentations, the benefit sheet promised that HGVC Elite benefits would continue in Max for up to four legacy members.

Other Losses: Unlimited complimentary guest certificates changing to 5 complimentary guest certificates in Max. Unlimited 30% discount on open season changing to a flat $700 credit. Of course, membership fee going up by $90 but offset by $100 resort credit.

For me, the upgrade issue is huge. My experience may be different from some Elite Premier owners. I have gotten in unit size upgrades at MarBrisa, Boulevard, Grand Waikikian, Grand Islander, Bay Club and many, many times (almost always) at Hokulani. I've gotten the studio to 1 bedroom upgrade at Tuscany Village, Flamingo and Seaworld.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparing the Max Premier+ benefits for HGVC Legacy Elite Premier owners and DRI legacy owners: Thanks to the posting by a DRI Member on this board of the MAX guide they received upon joining max, the DRI Premier+Max members have many benefits that the HGVC Legacy Premier+ members are not getting, such as DRI Max members get complimentary Priority Pass, Press Reader, and more. It seems like the HGVC Legacy Elite Premier members are being treated as second-class citizens to the DRI members in Max.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't even get points charts for the Max properties to help me determine if I want to add into Max. Anyone have knowledge contrary or consistent with my posting?

 

[ocdb8r]

Anyone have knowledge contrary or consistent with my posting?

Nope - I think you're spot on here. Add that the top Max level requires quite a bit more points (to get these lesser benefits) and you have hit the nail on the head as to why I think it's immediately a bad move for any Elite member to switch.

The cynic in mean also believes they will likely slowly chip away the HGVC Legacy Elite benefits (given they aren't guaranteed). As such, I am using the existing benefits as much as possible. Used the Open Season discount on every single reservation I could in 2022 and banked any saved points into 2023. Will do the same next year in order to build up as many banked points as possible for when they finally start to strip the discount away.

I can live with the guest certs (I rarely use more than a couple a year). The upgrades are also very nice, but I've never had the courage to book a studio, hoping to get a 1-bed....so for me, mostly view upgrades.

 

[HuskerATL]

You lose all Elite benefits and will be in the Max Tier which your Max eligible points allow....so only retail points and your resale points, if you have any, will stay in HGVC so you will have two pots of points. One pot just in HGVC and one pot in Max.

We are EP also and I don't think it makes sense for us to go to Max. There aren't any Max properties, right now, that we want access to and the benefits are worse for us since we would go from EP in HGVC Legacy to Member Tier in Max. Our elite eligible resale would not go into Max.

So you need to look at your Max eligible points to determine what Tier would be at and then compare those benefits to the EP. The problem is that they aren't officially posted so you can just work from the sales slides of the Max Tiers to compare. They are here,

https://imgur.com/a/KVrf8Qt

 

[geist1223]

DRI Members also lose a lot of benefits is the purchase and opt into MAX.

 

[escanoe]

You lose all Elite benefits and will be in the Max Tier which your Max eligible points allow....so only retail points and your resale points, if you have any, will stay in HGVC so you will have two pots of points. One pot just in HGVC and one pot in Max.

I know the 20-year corporate guy told you this. It may be true, but I ain't believing it until someone has an account set up and says this is how it works.

I will never be elite premiere, but if I was I would keep the "bird in hand" versus giving it up for somewhere between 0.75 and 1.2 birds "in the bush."

At this point, much of HGV Max remains in the bushes.

 

[pedro47]

This is a total mess for both Hilton and Diamond owners.

 

[HuskerATL]

I know the 20-year corporate guy told you this

Actually, I have heard this from a few different folks so that guy just confirmed what I had heard but who knows what is really going to happen. They seem to be flying by the seat of their pants on this.

 

[HuskerATL]

I can't even get points charts for the Max properties to help me determine if I want to add into Max

At the end of this document are the point requirement for DRI Max folks but I assume it would be the same for HGVC Max folks.

 

[HuskerATL]

Just to add though, if a person is lower than EP, then they should consider it (if they are all retail). In EP, most fees are waived, but not the elite levels less than EP where in Max there are no reservation fees and access to the DRI properties.

Here is the fee schedule for awareness so folks can compare to the free reservations in Max. Max is $100 more but if a person makes two reservation/year, it is a savings. I also added the Max Fee schedule for comparison

 

[REDDOG24]

I am an Elite Premier member. My last purchase was made during the period of Jan-Mar, 2022 making me eligible to opt into HGV Max. Last week, HGVC corporate told me that Elite members who opt into HGV Max will lose the complimentary upgrades. So, no upgrades from studio to 1 bedroom at resorts such as Tuscany or Flamingo that only have single categories. No upgrades from 1 bedroom to 1 bedroom plus at resorts such as Parc Soliel or Elara that have multiple categories in the same unit size. I thought you would like to know. That benefit will be gone if you opt into max. This, despite the fact that at multiple sales presentations, the benefit sheet promised that HGVC Elite benefits would continue in Max for up to four legacy members.

Other Losses: Unlimited complimentary guest certificates changing to 5 complimentary guest certificates in Max. Unlimited 30% discount on open season changing to a flat $700 credit. Of course, membership fee going up by $90 but offset by $100 resort credit.

For me, the upgrade issue is huge. My experience may be different from some Elite Premier owners. I have gotten in unit size upgrades at MarBrisa, Boulevard, Grand Waikikian, Grand Islander, Bay Club and many, many times (almost always) at Hokulani. I've gotten the studio to 1 bedroom upgrade at Tuscany Village, Flamingo and Seaworld.

I was HGVC Elite Premier at the start of 2022, and converted to HGV Max Premier + (April 2022). Last week I had a guest (family member) stay at Valdoro Mountain Lodge. I paid no fee for guest certificate and the unit was upgraded at no charge. 2 weeks prior to arrival, I received an email from HGV confirming that I would be upgraded from 1 Bedroom to 1 Bedroom Plus. The email dated 11/13/2022 included a note (below)

As a Club Member with Elite privileges, you have received a complimentary upgrade for your upcoming stay. Please carefully review the information below to ensure accuracy.

Like you, I've gotten many of these in the past from different locations. I was told at an owners update in June 2022 that I would still have this benefit in HGV Max (only Premier, Premier +, and Centum are eligible). So I was not surprised to see it this time. Now I am concerned. I hope the information you were told was a mistake, and that this benefit was not eliminated when I converted to HGV Max. Very troubling if you are correct about losing this benefit.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Thanks for sharing this important information.
I would add that " if you are Elite AND don't own bHC, then below EP Elite makes sense to explore if ALL RETAIL." There are no reservation fees with bHC so MAX doesn't help that benefit.

Resales is still a problem:

1) What will happen to resales that one owns? Separate bucket? Two Club fees?

2) If I opt for Max and then later sell my Max converted deeds, what happens for the resale buyer of those deeds? Does that buyer end up with a deed to use at location and week with no HGVC club privileges? HGVC has not defined this and this could make these deeds difficult to dispose of because there will be no resale buyers. We hear reports of sales reps saying that resale will only be able to use at their own location. Perhaps this is what they mean?

Are we confused yet?

 

[HuskerATL]

I was HGVC Elite Premier at the start of 2022, and converted to HGV Max Premier + (April 2022). Last week I had a guest (family member) stay at Valdoro Mountain Lodge. I paid no fee for guest certificate and the unit was upgraded at no charge. 2 weeks prior to arrival, I received an email from HGV confirming that I would be upgraded from 1 Bedroom to 1 Bedroom Plus. The email dated 11/13/2022 included a note (below)

Like you, I've gotten many of these in the past from different locations. I was told at an owners update in June 2022 that I would still have this benefit in HGV Max (only Premier, Premier +, and Centum are eligible). So I was not surprised to see it this time. Now I am concerned. I hope the information you were told was a mistake, and that this benefit was not eliminated when I converted to HGV Max. Very troubling if you are correct about losing this benefit.

This is interesting. I wonder if the "system" still shows you as EP so you received the upgrades. If you look at the benefits on the Max Tiers, unit upgrades are not listed as a benefit.

I guess that you were EP without any elite eligible resales?

 

[HuskerATL]

if you are Elite AND don't own bHC

That is a good point. If you are elite and own at bHC, then you already have the option to have free reservations via AI.

 

[REDDOG24]

This is interesting. I wonder if the "system" still shows you as EP so you received the upgrades. If you look at the benefits on the Max Tiers, unit upgrades are not listed as a benefit.

I guess that you were EP without any elite eligible resales?

Yes, I am all Retail Deeds. I did see this benefit listed on one of the benefits pages you posted, HGV Max - Future State, 6 lines up from the bottom

 

[HuskerATL]

Yes, I am all Retail Deeds. I did see this benefit listed on one of the benefits pages you posted, HGV Max - Future State, 6 lines up from the bottom

oh, yeah....this one:
BTW, are Loyalty Search Requests working yet? I will be curious how they work when they are available. I also like the idea of the Legacy Program where you can create sub-accounts and add points to it for their use....such as for kids. It seems like some of the is more DRI than HGVC but maybe they are just pulling in some of the DRI benefits into Max.

 

[REDDOG24]

oh, yeah....this one:
BTW, are Loyalty Search Requests working yet? I will be curious how they work when they are available. I also like the idea of the Legacy Program where you can create sub-accounts and add points to it for their use....such as for kids. It seems like some of the is more DRI than HGVC but maybe they are just pulling in some of the DRI benefits into Max.

I have not seen any communication or site functionality in my HGV Max account about Loyalty Requests benefits, rules or features yet. I just assume that will be part of a future rollout, when they figure how this is going to work and build it into the systems. This was a major consideration in our decision to convert from HGVC to HGV Max. I will be VERY disappointed if HGV Max does not provide this benefit. The sales person had NO IDEA how it would work and whether HGV/DRI properties would be same or different from HGVC properties. Fingers crossed...hoping for the best.

 

[HuskerATL]

sales person had NO IDEA

This has been common. It feels like they have kept the sales staff in the dark so that they can just wheel and deal on their own.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Thanks for sharing this important information.
I would add that " if you are Elite AND don't own bHC, then below EP Elite makes sense to explore if ALL RETAIL." There are no reservation fees with bHC so MAX doesn't help that benefit.

Resales is still a problem:

1) What will happen to resales that one owns? Separate bucket? Two Club fees?

2) If I opt for Max and then later sell my Max converted deeds, what happens for the resale buyer of those deeds? Does that buyer end up with a deed to use at location and week with no HGVC club privileges? HGVC has not defined this and this could make these deeds difficult to dispose of because there will be no resale buyers. We hear reports of sales reps saying that resale will only be able to use at their own location. Perhaps this is what they mean?

Are we confused yet?

So far Max really feels like an overlay on top of the two programs. We know if you sell a Max converted deed, the Max eligibility does not transfer. I assume the buyer ends up owning a HGV legacy week that can still use club points to book other resorts. But i supposed that might not be accurate. My retail Kings Land deed specifies club rights, so i don't think they can take that away. But i don't know if all deeds include a description of points, and membership in the HGV club etc. I know my resale Elara deed does not include that language.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

@1Kflyerguy I agree that could be a likely outcome, but in timeshares if not in writing or with data points you know what happens when one ass-u-me-s.

 

[Seaport104]

I am an Elite Premier member. My last purchase was made during the period of Jan-Mar, 2022 making me eligible to opt into HGV Max. Last week, HGVC corporate told me that Elite members who opt into HGV Max will lose the complimentary upgrades. So, no upgrades from studio to 1 bedroom at resorts such as Tuscany or Flamingo that only have single categories. No upgrades from 1 bedroom to 1 bedroom plus at resorts such as Parc Soliel or Elara that have multiple categories in the same unit size. I thought you would like to know. That benefit will be gone if you opt into max. This, despite the fact that at multiple sales presentations, the benefit sheet promised that HGVC Elite benefits would continue in Max for up to four legacy members.

Other Losses: Unlimited complimentary guest certificates changing to 5 complimentary guest certificates in Max. Unlimited 30% discount on open season changing to a flat $700 credit. Of course, membership fee going up by $90 but offset by $100 resort credit.

For me, the upgrade issue is huge. My experience may be different from some Elite Premier owners. I have gotten in unit size upgrades at MarBrisa, Boulevard, Grand Waikikian, Grand Islander, Bay Club and many, many times (almost always) at Hokulani. I've gotten the studio to 1 bedroom upgrade at Tuscany Village, Flamingo and Seaworld.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparing the Max Premier+ benefits for HGVC Legacy Elite Premier owners and DRI legacy owners: Thanks to the posting by a DRI Member on this board of the MAX guide they received upon joining max, the DRI Premier+Max members have many benefits that the HGVC Legacy Premier+ members are not getting, such as DRI Max members get complimentary Priority Pass, Press Reader, and more. It seems like the HGVC Legacy Elite Premier members are being treated as second-class citizens to the DRI members in Max.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't even get points charts for the Max properties to help me determine if I want to add into Max. Anyone have knowledge contrary or consistent with my posting?

Thanks for your post. Was about to ask the question on this subject since I received a reminder time is running out email from HGVC to opt in. Similar to you, I am Elite Premier but also have resale deeds. By the looks of it, I don't see the benefit of opting into Max and to add to that having 2 separate bucket of points between retail and resale for bookings. Not super interested in the Diamond properties and rarely use Open Season. Am I missing something?

 

[HuskerATL]

Thanks for your post. Was about to ask the question on this subject since I received a reminder time is running out email from HGVC to opt in. Similar to you, I am Elite Premier but also have resale deeds. By the looks of it, I don't see the benefit of opting into Max and to add to that having 2 separate bucket of points between retail and resale for bookings. Not super interested in the Diamond properties and rarely use Open Season. Am I missing something?

According to what we are hearing, you would end up with two buckets with only your retail points counting in Max and Max Tiers. When I was chatting with corporate about this, I asked what if I have an elite eligible bucket of points that keeps me at EP and I have Max Tiers eligible points so would I get the Tier status and the EP benefits. He didn't know and told me that he would get back to me....have not heard back and may need to ping him again. I really don't think they know and are just flying by the seat of their pants with this roll out.

We are EP and, according to the corporate guy, would only be Member Tier in Max since we only have 1 retail deed.....no thanks.

 

[GT75]

According to what we are hearing, you would end up with two buckets with only your retail points counting in Max and Max Tiers. When I was chatting with corporate about this, I asked what if I have an elite eligible bucket of points that keeps me at EP and I have Max Tiers eligible points so would I get the Tier status and the EP benefits. He didn't know and told me that he would get back to me....have not heard back and may need to ping him again. I really don't think they know and are just flying by the seat of their pants with this roll out.

I also got a similar message from corporate sales along with, "those are very good questions" (to which she didn't know the answer). To me, this HGV Max rollout is unbelievable. How can you sell something that you don't even know the rules? To the OP, I really don't have good advice to give you. Personally, I don't know which decision I would make in your case. I am just glad that I don't have to make one.

 

[dayooper]

I also got a similar message from corporate sales along with, "those are very good questions" (to which she didn't know the answer). To me, this HGV Max rollout is unbelievable. How can you sell something that you don't even know the rules? To the OP, I really don't have good advice to give you. Personally, I don't know which decision I would make in your case. I am just glad that I don't have to make one.

The Apollo Difference!

 

[pedro47]

The Apollo Difference!

The winner of this acquisition is Apollo.
Sound liked the right hand does know what the left hand is doing. All DRI owners are not receiving the same information.

 

[pedro47]

According to what we are hearing, you would end up with two buckets with only your retail points counting in Max and Max Tiers. When I was chatting with corporate about this, I asked what if I have an elite eligible bucket of points that keeps me at EP and I have Max Tiers eligible points so would I get the Tier status and the EP benefits. He didn't know and told me that he would get back to me....have not heard back and may need to ping him again. I really don't think they know and are just flying by the seat of their pants with this roll out.

We are EP and, according to the corporate guy, would only be Member Tier in Max since we only have 1 retail deed.....no thanks.

Your post is sad, because there is knowing in writing and when you asked a question know one knows the answers.