Hi Sandy
since I dont know the quality or anything at all about RCI resorts - Do I just call- ive them a location- like Yosemite for example, a date- ---and let them roll from there?
Sorry for the basic question, trying to understand the protocol with HGVC/rCI
HGVC has a subset of resorts that they will allow you to exchange into. They limit it to the better resorts, to keep HGVC owners happy with exchanges. HGVC used to produce an HGVC RCI Affliated Resorts Book, but the last one I saw was dates 2006, and I haven't seen a newer one.
There is a limited number of resorts near Yosemite, the one listed in the book that I have is Worldmark Yosemite Bass Lake.
However if you want something near Yosemite, you will have to call HGVC. They will arrange a deposit into RCI for the size and season you are searching for. You will have to pay the RCI fee, which should be $164 (online charge for an RCI exchange), but they might charge you $189 (the new phone charge for an RCI exchange, there is NO Online option for HGVC.) They will take the HGVC points out of your account for the search.
If the search fails to find something, you will get your points back (provided the points are not beyond their HGVC expiration), and your fees back. If your HGVC points have expired before you find a match or give up trying, you have 2 years from the date of deposit to use them in RCI, but you can't put them back in your HGVC account.
See pages 30-31, 141-142, & 147 of the 2009 Guide for detailed information.
http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/mg/