HGVC VIP Package Cancellation

[M8433]

After reading some feedback about difficulties booking Hawaii, I've decided to cancel my VIP Vacation Package. There isn't really any information in the packet about the cancellation policy other than discussing cancelled reservations and it says it is non refundable - I signed something I shouldn't have after saying I would call back with the credit card number once it came in (the no-annual fee Hilton Amex) assuming that was giving me an out but after calling the sales person (who I was supposed to reach out to with the credit card number once it arrived) said it was non-refundable (I haven't even been charged yet on that new hilton amex, and I don't believe they have the number but maybe since they are both under the Hilton umbrella).

I was told to email vipinfo@hgv.com, which I have done but didn't get an auto response, and there is also an address listed to contact them via mail at:

Hilton Grand Vacations
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180
Orlando, Floria 32835

This is just listed on the Grand Vacations packet and at the top of my contract and in a "Miscellaneous" Section saying to reach out to that address. A couple questions:

(1) Even though the contact doesn't explicitly state a time period, I was verbally told 10 days and the contract makes reference as being pursuant to Florida Law. The 10 day rescission is an explicit right in Florida for these kinds of contracts? This is the VIP Trial package and not the timeshare.

(2) Once I mail a letter to the above address certified mail this afternoon (bought yesterday), I can stop worrying?

The package isn't a bad deal but I had a nightmare trying to reserve a date for the basic package which got me into the timeshare meeting in the first place. I would rather not have to deal with that again if easily avoidable.

Thanks everyone for your help, I am way more interested in a timeshare after going through the presentation so will be sticking around to read and learn what may work for me.

 

[Nowaker]

Note: VIP package is a good deal, in general. Availability varies, but before you cancel, you could give them a test call and act like you want to schedule your vacations, and have them look up certain dates for you.

But yes, that package is not a timeshare, therefore the 10 days doesn't apply. But - you were lied to, and you could simply file a chargeback with you CC, and your CC will fight for you. But if you used debit card or check, you're on your own. (Debit only accepts "not authorized" disputes, and you authorized it)

 

[SmithOp]

You should not have a problem staying on the big island at Waikoloa, it's Waikiki that is tough to get in summer. You should always try to book 9 months in advance also.

Why not try and use it? It's a good rate on the points to go to Hawaii if that is your goal.

I think it's non refundable.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[M8433]

I will use it if I can't rescind - but after reading about difficulties in booking have gotten cold feet after checking in on reviews a little worried about getting a trip to Hawaii, flights, etc. planned within the next 5 months in time to hopefully get a good placement.

Also a little frustrated at the "mix up" in how we understood what I was authorizing. Its my fault, I wasn't ready for the last minute sales pitch and got caught off guard. I enjoyed the presentation will enjoy the trip but would prefer more flexibility when spending $1,700 in the future. Worst case scenario I get to have a reasonably priced stay and test out if timeshare is something I want to consider in the future.

 

[M8433]

If I were to book it, I am flexible in my dates and probably wouldn't go in the middle of the summer (avoid school vacation times).

It looks like platinum dates are in the spring and my birthday is in April - are those dates even harder to book Waikiki than in the summer? I would probably shoot for spring 2024.

 

[ksimm]

If I were to book it, I am flexible in my dates and probably wouldn't go in the middle of the summer (avoid school vacation times).

It looks like platinum dates are in the spring and my birthday is in April - are those dates even harder to book Waikiki than in the summer? I would probably shoot for spring 2024.

Call them up and see if they'll tell you availability for this April, or any other dates that you're looking at.

866-836-4482 is the reservation line.

Also try 877-246-1013 and see if they'll talk to you about cancelling (which you might if you didn't give them a CC).

 

[GTLINZ]

I cancelled a VIP package many years ago. I handled it the same way as any other recission - and I did it within a week of signing. It can be done - just depends on whether or not you are within the recission period.

The reason I cancelled was i came home and found TUG. I cancelled the VIP package and used that money towards a resale purchase ! I resisted the purchase but did want to own and needed to do some research.

If i had not been ready to purchase an ownership, i would have just gone ahead and used it. I do think there are limitations on how many trips (2 max?) and where you can book. So it is not as flexible using points as a normal ownership.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

If I were to book it, I am flexible in my dates and probably wouldn't go in the middle of the summer (avoid school vacation times).

It looks like platinum dates are in the spring and my birthday is in April - are those dates even harder to book Waikiki than in the summer? I would probably shoot for spring 2024.

Not sure if your talking about booking your VIP stay or a regular HGV booking. The VIP program has special inventory so it does not always availability most of us talk about here. If you you still have the VIP package, I would just try to book what you want and not worry too much about what is described by the general membership. You will either get what you want or not and have to figure out a different date or location.

 

[RX8]

Because it is a trial package they will want to make sure everything goes smooth so that you will end up spending tens of thousands of dollars to buy in. Because of that, they will likely come up with the date you need. Call them and ask. The sooner the better your chances.

 

[EnjoyingHGV]

I've done two VIPs over the years...like 2014 and 2018.... it really is a good deal (that is when I did it, it covered a week in Hawaii...I did it one in Waikiki and once at Kingsland on the Big Island. Typically May (pre-covid) was one of the quiet times in Hawaii... you should definitely call and use it. Plenty of flights to hawaii once you figure out when your stay will be.

 

[yodaDaenerys]

After reading some feedback about difficulties booking Hawaii, I've decided to cancel my VIP Vacation Package. There isn't really any information in the packet about the cancellation policy other than discussing cancelled reservations and it says it is non refundable - I signed something I shouldn't have after saying I would call back with the credit card number once it came in (the no-annual fee Hilton Amex) assuming that was giving me an out but after calling the sales person (who I was supposed to reach out to with the credit card number once it arrived) said it was non-refundable (I haven't even been charged yet on that new hilton amex, and I don't believe they have the number but maybe since they are both under the Hilton umbrella).

I was told to email vipinfo@hgv.com, which I have done but didn't get an auto response, and there is also an address listed to contact them via mail at:

Hilton Grand Vacations
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180
Orlando, Floria 32835

This is just listed on the Grand Vacations packet and at the top of my contract and in a "Miscellaneous" Section saying to reach out to that address. A couple questions:

(1) Even though the contact doesn't explicitly state a time period, I was verbally told 10 days and the contract makes reference as being pursuant to Florida Law. The 10 day rescission is an explicit right in Florida for these kinds of contracts? This is the VIP Trial package and not the timeshare.

(2) Once I mail a letter to the above address certified mail this afternoon (bought yesterday), I can stop worrying?

The package isn't a bad deal but I had a nightmare trying to reserve a date for the basic package which got me into the timeshare meeting in the first place. I would rather not have to deal with that again if easily avoidable.

Thanks everyone for your help, I am way more interested in a timeshare after going through the presentation so will be sticking around to read and learn what may work for me.

I bought the VIP, cancelled, then decided to keep it. I was skeptical they would give me 2x value if I bought and freeze prices for future buys, but they did both, so I'm glad I kept it in the end. As another said, I think they will bend over backwards to get you a nice room since you will go to another sales presentation.

 

[yodaDaenerys]

I cancelled a VIP package many years ago. I handled it the same way as any other recission - and I did it within a week of signing. It can be done - just depends on whether or not you are within the recission period.

The reason I cancelled was i came home and found TUG. I cancelled the VIP package and used that money towards a resale purchase ! I resisted the purchase but did want to own and needed to do some research.

If i had not been ready to purchase an ownership, i would have just gone ahead and used it. I do think there are limitations on how many trips (2 max?) and where you can book. So it is not as flexible using points as a normal ownership.

I just now found TUG, after doing a couple upgrades through HGVC. How mad should I be about over-paying, LOL? Did you get resale timeshare for well below what HGVC was offering?

I thought HGVC had right of first refusal, so they could control resale prices in some way?

 

[GT75]

I thought HGVC had right of first refusal, so they could control resale prices in some way?

They do have ROFR for many resorts but have been waving it for probably 3 years now. The only exception that I am aware of is the South Carolina resorts. The developer of those resorts (who controls the ROFR, not HGVC) has been very aggressive. You can look at www.rofr.net for a better picture.

btw, welcome to TUG.

 

[dayooper]

I just now found TUG, after doing a couple upgrades through HGVC. How mad should I be about over-paying, LOL? Did you get resale timeshare for well below what HGVC was offering?

I thought HGVC had right of first refusal, so they could control resale prices in some way?

The salespeople say they use it to control prices, but it's really used to reclaim inventory to sell. They exercise their right when they need more inventory to sell, which they really don't need right now. They have to pay the MF's for any weeks they own while trying to get them sold so they really don't want an overabundance of weeks that will take a long time to sell.

 

[GTLINZ]

I just now found TUG, after doing a couple upgrades through HGVC. How mad should I be about over-paying, LOL? Did you get resale timeshare for well below what HGVC was offering?

I thought HGVC had right of first refusal, so they could control resale prices in some way?

HGVC is a great product. TUG is full of folks who did pay retail and after the point of no return just learn to maximize it and enjoy their vacations. No point stressing over something you cannot change - but now you know they won't likely be able to upgrade you again. On the other hand, most do not care about elite privileges enough to purchase retail - but you will find some here on TUG who do. Your points do count towards elite - so you do have an advantage if you have reached an elite level. You have some thinking to do if you are close and want those privs. I think most who go that route though get to a high elite level to justify it.

As for the difference between retail and resale - that varies wildly. I will give you 2 examples from my experience.
1) I paid 35 cents on the dollar for a resale plat unit vs the original developer retail price they offered. That percentage may be lower now - that was in 2005.
2) At an "owners update" they tried to sell me a silver season unit for around 14k (about 5-7 years ago). I could have gotten that unit for virtually free - since silver pays the same MF as plat but only has half as many points, they are virtually worthless.

It really irks me (and others) that a timeshare sales person can sleep at night after selling something to a person for a lot of money that is essentially worthless and often hard to get rid of.

As far as controlling prices - ROFR does have some influence but it is mostly only excercised on plat season units. Resale tends to stay well below retail.

Good luck and welcome to TUG !