HGVC VIP Program 11,500 points and 18 months, is it a good idea?

[vacationqueen]

Hi,
I set through the Hilton Grand Vacations. Club sales pitch and said no, no, but on their last offer, which was the VIP program. I said yes. It is 11500 points and 18 months to use it. There are a few select hotels to stay at. I think the verbiage is I can only make 2 reservations, each with a max stay of 7 days each. My question is how many weeks will I get out of the points? Also, the sales man said I can book in any hilton vacation property after the 1st booking?? I was thinking to go to Hawaii , which is the best resort to book?

 

[jmann]

The way it was explained to me is you purchased a 7 night stay in a 2 bedroom. The points don’t really matter. Now you can break up the week into 2 trips. Book early for what you want as the marketing packages have a limited inventory.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Only 4 and 3 night split. Presentation required again at first visit. Split doesn't work for NYC because it is only 5 nights (or so). They should have given you a booklet which outlines your options for room size and points.

 

[vacationqueen]

Only 4 and 3 night split. Presentation required again at first visit. Split doesn't work for NYC because it is only 5 nights (or so). They should have given you a booklet which outlines your options for room size and points.

They did not give a booklet, just a copy of my signed VIP package contract.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Did they give you a number to call for reservations? If so, call and ask for one. Otherwise, how do you know which resorts and points are eligible?

 

[vacationqueen]

Did they give you a number to call for reservations? If so, call and ask for one. Otherwise, how do you know which resorts and points are eligible?

It was spelled out which resorts in the contract.

 

[vacationqueen]

---

I am not sure how to post a picture if the contract? Anyone know how?

 

[RX8]

They sell you on the program by promoting enough points (11,200) for a two bedroom in platinum season. However, they have limited inventory. If you are looking at a prime period to book you may not find anything, or maybe just a one bedroom or studio, even if you call in right at 9 months.

Using my experience as an example, I was looking for Kingsland nine months out. There was nothing available at all despite the fact that it was wide open on the HGVC website (granted, different inventory). My next choice resort (not Hawaii) was a two bedroom in Gold season. Would have been 8,000 points but I would have been fine with that. Even at nine months, in Gold season, no two bedroom was available. I had to settle for a one bedroom which has a cost of 5,440 points. Had they tried to sell me 5,440 points for $1695 I would have laughed at them but that is essentially what I got. I feel like it was almost bait and switch but I should have known better.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

FWIW...I've bought about 4 of these and never had an issue with securing a 2 bdrm at Kingsland during summer. I reserved right when the window openned so perhaps that is why I have never had a problem.

VIP also enables you to reserve NYC at 9 months when the reservation window opens. Cannot do that unless you own there in Club.

 

[drucifer]

Only 4 and 3 night split. Presentation required again at first visit. Split doesn't work for NYC because it is only 5 nights (or so). They should have given you a booklet which outlines your options for room size and points.

I split with NYC. I used mine for 4 days at W57 and 3 days at Oceans 22. No problem. I was a little slow to make up my mind, so I got stuck with 1BR on both instead of 2BR at Oceans22.
I also did the mandatory presentation on the 2nd use (which you aren't supposed to do) as I couldn't be at the first one.

 

[muscae]

I've used a few of these. I typically book about one month out in platinum season. Once I had to split 4 nights at grand waikikian followed by 3 nights at grand islander. They allowed it because GI wasn't available for 7 nights, even though you are not supposed to use it at GW. Beautifully upgraded ocean views.

 

[4TimeAway]

I bought one and am using it this summer in Hawaii. Its a bit capped due to the low points and availability, but a week in a 2 bedroom (Kohala) for $1,695 seemed reasonable enough to us. No booking fees and I think the changes are easy if you don't miss certain deadlines.

The contract took a couple weeks to "load" I think this was an informal cooling off period, but who knows. We found it frustrating.

Trick is to call 9 months out on the 1st of the month. They load the entire months worth of inventory on the 1st.

If you don't go to the presentation at the stay, I think the contract adds $500. So its go and NO for us. I might mention the resale pricing and how it seems hard to even consider.

 

[Daisydawg]

We bought one and split between 4 nights in Myrtle Beach at Ocean 22 and 3 days in NYC. This is what convinced us to look into buying resale. We enjoyed the properties, but the retails terms were outrageous.

 

[vacationqueen]

---

I am not sure how to post a picture if the contract? Anyone know how?

I bought one and am using it this summer in Hawaii. Its a bit capped due to the low points and availability, but a week in a 2 bedroom (Kohala) for $1,695 seemed reasonable enough to us. No booking fees and I think the changes are easy if you don't miss certain deadlines.

The contract took a couple weeks to "load" I think this was an informal cooling off period, but who knows. We found it frustrating.

Trick is to call 9 months out on the 1st of the month. They load the entire months worth of inventory on the 1st.

If you don't go to the presentation at the stay, I think the contract adds $500. So its go and NO for us. I might mention the resale pricing and how it seems hard to even consider.

How many points would a week in Hawaii be? We bought 11,500 with the VIP package.

 

[vacationqueen]

Would we have any points leftover to go somewhere else for another week?

 

[vacationqueen]

I split with NYC. I used mine for 4 days at W57 and 3 days at Oceans 22. No problem. I was a little slow to make up my mind, so I got stuck with 1BR on both instead of 2BR at Oceans22.
I also did the mandatory presentation on the 2nd use (which you aren't supposed to do) as I couldn't be at the first one.

Wow did they charge you the 500.00 since it wasn't on the first stay?

 

[CalGalTraveler]

For $1600 it's cheaper to use club points if you have a good MF/pt ratio deed e.g. 11,200 pts in Vegas (Blvd, Paradise, Elara, Flamingo) are about $1000. However if you want an extra room for family reunion, or 9 months reservation in NYC because you live x-country and must buy expensive airfare, it is not a bad deal as long as you can say "no" at the presentation.

 

[4TimeAway]

Would we have any points leftover to go somewhere else for another week?

NO.

7 DAY MAX. I heard this, but thought maybe there was a way. Impossible.


It is the points system, so season matters, size of room matters and location matters.

Kohlala- 2 Bedroom any time
King's Land- 2 Bedroom any ttime
Grand Islander- 1 bedroom any time or a 2 bedroom less than a week
Hokulani Waikiki- 1 bedroom any time
Grand Waikikian- 1 bedroom any time or a 2 bedroom less than a week

You'd need to call them to confirm what is possible dates wise and sometimes they offer other locations. 866-836-4482 or 877-246-1013 email: vipinfo@hgv.com

 

[4TimeAway]

Wow did they charge you the 500.00 since it wasn't on the first stay?

N0. We stay this summer and will endure a lesson.

There are pointers on TUG is you look. Mian points they try to make you their friend (i.e. lower your guard). Then confuse you with funny math and use everything you've disclosed against you. Then the T.O. (take over) comes in sometimes called manager, support, etc. That person really tries.

Don't give drivers license. Don't buy. BUY RESALE if you want something.

I bought a TUG T-shirt for under my covering at some point if I get upset I'll just wear it arround the sales floor.

It a bit more expensive that buying share, but its once and done. It also is a good way to learn the process a bit better. I wish it was on the online syststem, but they would get alot more calls and I'm sure this allows them more time talking with prospective customers and they get a higher close rate. Just be aware it is all done to get you to OVERPAY. If you decide you want to, go for it, but please know the reasale value of what is being sold to you might be less than $0.

 

[4TimeAway]

For $1600 it's cheaper to use club points if you have a good MF/pt ratio deed e.g. 11,200 pts in Vegas (Blvd, Paradise, Elara, Flamingo) are about $1000. However if you want an extra room for family reunion, or 9 months reservation in NYC because you live x-country and must buy expensive airfare, it is not a bad deal as long as you can say "no" at the presentation.

Agreed, but its not terrible. Also, you're not borrowing if you plan to be close to going over and its once and done. Some locations with bad MF might be more.

 

[vacationqueen]

For $1600 it's cheaper to use club points if you have a good MF/pt ratio deed e.g. 11,200 pts in Vegas (Blvd, Paradise, Elara, Flamingo) are about $1000. However if you want an extra room for family reunion, or 9 months reservation in NYC because you live x-country and must buy expensive airfare, it is not a bad deal as long as you can say "no" at the presentation.

I don't have any club points, I am not an owner. I just bought the VIP package and still within the 10 days and trying to decide if I should cancel or not. I wasn't sure if I could squeeze a trip to Hawaii and a small trip to Orlando (I live 2 hours from Orlando) out of the points I purchased.

 

[vacationqueen]

N0. We stay this summer and will endure a lesson.

There are pointers on TUG is you look. Mian points they try to make you their friend (i.e. lower your guard). Then confuse you with funny math and use everything you've disclosed against you. Then the T.O. (take over) comes in sometimes called manager, support, etc. That person really tries.

Don't give drivers license. Don't buy. BUY RESALE if you want something.

I bought a TUG T-shirt for under my covering at some point if I get upset I'll just wear it arround the sales floor.

It a bit more expensive that buying share, but its once and done. It also is a good way to learn the process a bit better. I wish it was on the online syststem, but they would get alot more calls and I'm sure this allows them more time talking with prospective customers and they get a higher close rate. Just be aware it is all done to get you to OVERPAY. If you decide you want to, go for it, but please know the reasale value of what is being sold to you might be less than $0.

Love that you like superman can show them your Tshirt of they get too agreesive with you. I am gonna have to get me one of those Tshirts.

 

[vacationqueen]

N0. We stay this summer and will endure a lesson.

There are pointers on TUG is you look. Mian points they try to make you their friend (i.e. lower your guard). Then confuse you with funny math and use everything you've disclosed against you. Then the T.O. (take over) comes in sometimes called manager, support, etc. That person really tries.

Don't give drivers license. Don't buy. BUY RESALE if you want something.

I bought a TUG T-shirt for under my covering at some point if I get upset I'll just wear it arround the sales floor.

It a bit more expensive that buying share, but its once and done. It also is a good way to learn the process a bit better. I wish it was on the online syststem, but they would get alot more calls and I'm sure this allows them more time talking with prospective customers and they get a higher close rate. Just be aware it is all done to get you to OVERPAY. If you decide you want to, go for it, but please know the reasale value of what is being sold to you might be less than $0.

I agree it is nice to be able to dip your toes into the HGVC program without buying in just yet. My husband and I like the concept so we may buy resale down the road but would love to look at the website more and explore how it works. Also learn about the cruises and the last minute deals. I feel like 1699, is a good way to get into things without making a huge commitment. I really appreciate your and everyone's feedback.

 

[jmann]

Would we have any points leftover to go somewhere else for another week?

No not unless you split the week. You bought a week in a 2 bedroom..Orlando, New York, Las Vegas ( I think) and Hawaii. Can’t remember the others. But the marketing department gets a bucket of inventory for the VIP program and that’s it. I booked at 7-8 months and couldn’t get Kingsland. But I booked Hawaii with regular points for a week 30 days before I wanted to go. I ended up in Orlando which definitely isn’t a value for what I spent.

 

[4TimeAway]

No not unless you split the week. You bought a week in a 2 bedroom..Orlando, New York, Las Vegas ( I think) and Hawaii. Can’t remember the others. But the marketing department gets a bucket of inventory for the VIP program and that’s it. I booked at 7-8 months and couldn’t get Kingsland. But I booked Hawaii with regular points for a week 30 days before I wanted to go. I ended up in Orlando which definitely isn’t a value for what I spent.

THey stressed 9 months before 1st of the month to call.