HHI Specific Question

[Bleach Bum]

First - the knowledge and info scattered around the site is great. Like most forums, they are only as good as the users (and their engagement).

I hope the HHI folks can share their specific experiences and opinions.

About me:
I've been to HHI for 5 of the past 7 summers and am heavily considering a timeshare vs buying a condo so we can also visit other locations (ski, Hawaii, Orlando). I am a gold/ platinum Marriott Rewards member so I've previously stayed at the Barony for pts - it was perfect for us. The in-laws now live in HHI so I know we'll be back often. I can be flexible with timing, but really enjoy "summer" vacations.

But, I'm struggling with the right "level" to buy (gold or plat) week through the resale market.

My specific questions about HHI: (mostly interested in Barony & Grande Ocean)

• If I rent my week, should I expect to get the redweek #'s? (or close to it)
• How "powerful" are these two resorts for "prime" exchanges? (to visit Hawaii, Colorado or Orlando in "peak" season). Does plat vs gold make a diff?
• Do gold/ plat Marriott members get any additional upgrades/ benefits upon check-in?
• If I understand it correctly (and this is all new) exchanging at the same resort is not doable (moving from gold to plat season)?
• Resorts extend privileges (beach/ amenities) outside of your week

Thanks in advance for sharing some of your insights

Lastly - just got home from the beach, another week of great weather in HHI!

 

[OutAndAbout]

My specific questions about HHI: (mostly interested in Barony & Grande Ocean)

• If I rent my week, should I expect to get the redweek #'s? (or close to it)

• 
  Rental amount depends on dates, for Gold the best dates are typically Memorial Day, the RBC Heritage PGA TOUR, or the cusp of Gold/Platinum season

  [*]How "powerful" are these two resorts for "prime" exchanges? (to visit Hawaii, Colorado or Orlando in "peak" season). Does plat vs gold make a diff?

  Again, demand for dates drive "trading power" not season

  [*]Do gold/ plat Marriott members get any additional upgrades/ benefits upon check-in?

  Not officially (that I know of), but it doesn't hurt. The pecking order is supposed to be based on ownership (home resort owners first, followed with those with most marriott weeks/points, etc)

  [*]If I understand it correctly (and this is all new) exchanging at the same resort is not doable (moving from gold to plat season)?

  Some resorts have blackout trading back in. I can't say for sure, but I don't believe the HHI properties have those blackout restrictions.

  [*]Resorts extend privileges (beach/ amenities) outside of your week

  Depends on the resort and when the resort does offer amenities access outside of when staying with the resort it is on an as-available basis.

 

[Janette]

I emailed you.

 

[Bleach Bum]

Thanks for the email and feedback. Now I guess I wait for the "right" price.

Until then, I'd love to hear other opinions and experiences.

 

[Janette]

Marriott is exercising their ROFR on HHI platinum weeks so if you see a really good price, they could buy it.

 

[Old Hickory]

I encourage you to buy a home on the island. One where you have rights to rent it, of course. Then share your information to a few of us here so we can rent your home. Your rental income will allow you to travel the world without restrictions.

There. I said it.

 

[Bleach Bum]

Unfortunately that adds too many zero's to the upfront costs and the #'s don't work for condos (been looking and already run them!)

That was definitely my first thought.