HGVC / Embarc?

[Chris-ATX]

Hi everyone -

I searched the forums, but didn't really find what I'm looking for WRT being a current HGVC member and then buying points on Embarc. I don't really get how it works... so sorry for the maybe obviously dumb questions:

1. If we buy an Embrac deal (resell), will those points be available to us as part of our overall HGVC point total or would the be separate?
2. Do we get better access to the Embarc locations and can we use our existing HGVC points to book those locations?
3. Is there any advantage to getting Embarc points now that these locations are (supposedly) available to book through the MAX website (We are already existing Max members - or whatever we are called)

thanks for the help - we live in TX but those Canadian properties (and others) are starting to look mighty nice as our weather heats up!

 

[GT75]

I am pretty sure that my answers are correct, but @cd5 please verify/correct

If we buy an Embrac deal (resell), will those points be available to us as part of our overall HGVC point total or would the be separate?

separate. You will be basically in two different TS systems.

Do we get better access to the Embarc locations and can we use our existing HGVC points to book those locations?

no

Is there any advantage to getting Embarc points now that these locations are (supposedly) available to book through the MAX website (We are already existing Max members - or whatever we are called)

Yes, you will be able to have better access to Embarc resorts using your Embarc points.

 

[Chris-ATX]

Great, thanks.

Those Embarc locations look great, but we don't really want a separate organization to deal with... so that's not as interesting.

 

[Tacoma]

@cd5 or Chantal has set up a Facebook group that is a place where HGVC member and embarc members can discuss swapping their time at the resorts. The embarc resorts are very nice and although I've only stayed at 3 so far I am glad I ventured into owning embarc. I do understand the not wanting to learn another system though, as they all take time and effort to learn how to best use your membership. I think your best bet is a direct exchange either through TUG or the Facebook group.

 

[echino]

Stayed at 3 Embarc resorts via Interval exchange, all are fantastic: Whistler, Panorama, Palm Desert.

I looked hard into buying resale Embarc points ownership, and came to the conclusion it's not for me, even if it was free. Mainly because of very high maintenance fees and difficulty reserving prime ski time in Whistler.

 

[GT75]

@Chris-ATX, are you in HGVC Max with DeX exchange (I think that Max has access to DeX)? If not, have you looked at this thread?

Craigendarroch Lodges Eligible for No-Cost DEX Enrollment

I own 2 weeks at the Craigendarroch Lodges and received the below email from HGVC this morning. I haven't followed up, see nothing regarding it on the website (though the email and linked guide seem to indicate enrollment and exchange can be done online). I'm curious as to whether this is a...

tugbbs.com

 

[Chris-ATX]

@Chris-ATX, are you in HGVC Max with DeX exchange (I think that Max has access to DeX)? If not, have you looked at this thread?

Craigendarroch Lodges Eligible for No-Cost DEX Enrollment

I own 2 weeks at the Craigendarroch Lodges and received the below email from HGVC this morning. I haven't followed up, see nothing regarding it on the website (though the email and linked guide seem to indicate enrollment and exchange can be done online). I'm curious as to whether this is a...

tugbbs.com

Yes, we are HGVC Max, will have to check with Jen (wife, master of travel plans at our house) about DeX. I kinda assume so? But those assumptions get me in trouble...

I'll check out the link, many thanks!

 

[cd5]

I am pretty sure that my answers are correct, but @cd5 please verify/correct


separate. You will be basically in two different TS systems.

no

Yes, you will be able to have better access to Embarc resorts using your Embarc points.

Agree with all your responses!

 

[cd5]

@cd5 or Chantal has set up a Facebook group that is a place where HGVC member and embarc members can discuss swapping their time at the resorts. The embarc resorts are very nice and although I've only stayed at 3 so far I am glad I ventured into owning embarc. I do understand the not wanting to learn another system though, as they all take time and effort to learn how to best use your membership. I think your best bet is a direct exchange either through TUG or the Facebook group.

Well, from what I can see, the Embarc system is pretty "uncomplicated" compared to a lot of them out there. As well, fees may appear higher per point but we aren't "nickled and dimed" with extra charges like for guest certificates etc. You pay your fees, you reserve at Embarc and there's no extras to pay during your stay (Vancouver being the exception for parking). You can go to any of the 9 resorts, choose any size of room and at any time of the year if you have sufficient points for the booking. Places like Whistler in peak/holiday weeks must be booked at exactly 11 months out but for skiers, Panorama is more accessible, affordable and uncrowded. One can't just look at the fee of 15¢ usd per point and assume it is more "expensive" than HGVC - you also have to compare what you can get for a specific number of points - and in certain, perhaps many cases, it may be more in comparison.

 

[letsgobobby]

You can go to any of the 9 resorts, choose any size of room and at any time of the year if you have sufficient points for the booking.

How is this different from HGVC?

 

[cd5]

Every member pays the same annual fee and has no home week or resort or Platinum vs Gold status. Not enough points for a specific location this year? You can rent them from another member & combine them with your own to book or easily buy resale to acquire the points permanently. You're not limited to the points your deeded HGVC week allows you.

 

[letsgobobby]

Every member pays the same annual fee and has no home week or resort or Platinum vs Gold status. Not enough points for a specific location this year? You can rent them from another member & combine them with your own to book or easily buy resale to acquire the points permanently. You're not limited to the points your deeded week allows you.

so it’s not a deed system but a points system?

I went to the FB page and asked for a trade and a few folks offered. But what you’re saying is they don’t own weeks at Zihua or Whistler; they just owned points and would make a reservation for me?

 

[cd5]

so it’s not a deed system but a points system?

I went to the FB page and asked for a trade and a few folks offered. But what you’re saying is they don’t own weeks at Zihua or Whistler; they just owned points and would make a reservation for me?

Yes, you can give them your dates and the size of unit and they can try to reserve it for you. They don't own anywhere specific. Any Embarc member can reserve at any location 11 months out for 6 nights or more. Gets competitive for certain times of year but some members are pretty quick on the button and get what they want regularly.

 

[letsgobobby]

i've lost the link to the facebook page for an exchange. can anyone provide that?

 

[cd5]

Search for Embarc-Hilton Exchange Group