Highlands Inn

[WalnutBaron]

I don't sit around the room watching tv either, I was responding to Carmel85 constant cheerleading that Highlands Inn units "have all the modern amenities". They don't. Also, the vacation club is not responsible for paying for all the expenses of the restaurants, they are mostly used by hotel guests & outside diners. The maintenance fees have been adequate to pay for improvements like flatscreen tvs, especially since there are few resort amenities here--very small pool, no tennis courts, limited resort grounds.

Well said, Wilma. For those of us who are paid the extra price for ownership in the Hyatt or Starwood systems (and, to a lesser extent, the Marriott and Hilton systems), we've come to expect a certain level of amenities. I completely agree with the post saying that--when staying at such a beautiful location as Carmel--TV is not going to be a priority. That said, Carmel85 needs to concede that Highlands Inn is not up to par with other resorts in the Hyatt system and needs updating. Its MF's are comparable to what we pay in the Starwood system and owners and guests of Highlands Inn have a right to expect more.

 

[Steve]

Hyatt isn't all that.

Since this thread has gotten into this topic, I think that there has been excessive cheerleading about Hyatt in general for years now on this BBS. It's a good timeshare system with some unique locations, but it's not "all that". I've read so many times overzealous Hyatt owners post about how Hyatt is the "cream of the crop" or it is "so much better than Marriott", etc. Here are my impressions of the Hyatt resorts that I have visited and/or stayed at:

High Sierra Lodge, Lake Tahoe: Beautiful grounds. Nice but not overly impressive resort. Not as nice as Marriott's Timber Lodge which has more upscale decor, better architecture, and a better location.

Highlands Inn, Carmel: Stunning setting with incredible views from some areas of the complex. A bit run down and desperately in need of updating. The resort is, of course, a timeshare conversion from an existing property and that means many limitations. However, I wish I could say that they "did the best they could with what they had to work with". But they haven't. Needs a lot of work.

Pinon Point, Sedona: Sweeping views from the beautiful pool area are extremely nice. Drab brown buildings. Tiny grounds, catwalks to villas, and poor views from many villas are all negatives and reflect the very high density of this resort. Too many villas on too small of a lot.

Mountain Lodge, Beaver Creek: Looks nice on the outside, not so great on the inside. Getting a little worn. Not much in the way of staff or amenities. A nice resort, but boring outside of ski season. Could be better.

Main Street Station, Breckenridge: This is a nice property. Good location for skiing or summer. Easy walk into town. Good architecture and decor. This one is a winner.

Grand Aspen: Packed with luxury features, but not a resort I particularly enjoyed. The furniture was way too big for the rather small rooms. Decor left a bit to be desired. Staff was inconsistent. It's clear Hyatt spent a ton of money on this property, but it misses the mark. Daily maid service is a great plus.

Obviously, I haven't been to all of the Hyatts, but I have been to quite a few of them. Just thought I'd share my opinion of the ones I have visited. Unfortunately, most of my experiences haven't lived up to the hype that is so over the top on this board. Hyatt is a good timeshare system, but a little realism wouldn't be a bad thing if the HOA does, indeed, read this.

Steve

 

[oinksx3]

The comparison with Hyatt High Sierra and Marriott's Timber Lodge misses the whole north shore versus south shore/stateline dynamic. They are really two different kinds of vacations. I own both Mariotts and Hyatts and just finished staying at the High Sierra Lodge. I find HSL very charming and like the north shore location. Very peaceful and quiet. I like the ability to use the neighboring Hyatt Hotel's pools, restaurants, spa, casino and exercise facilities. I would not rush out and upgrade the TV's before their regular maintenance replacement. The problem that I perceive with the Hyatt strategy is that they are trying to be both a good/great timeshare and an upscale fractional property and it makes a strange mix. They definitely need more resorts.

 

[WalnutBaron]

The comparison with Hyatt High Sierra and Marriott's Timber Lodge misses the whole north shore versus south shore/stateline dynamic. They are really two different kinds of vacations. I own both Mariotts and Hyatts and just finished staying at the High Sierra Lodge. I find HSL very charming and like the north shore location. Very peaceful and quiet.

Two comments: 1) I agree that the North and South shores of Lake Tahoe represent much different vacation experiences. That said, I would make a further distinction: the California side of North Lake Tahoe is quiet, classy, embracing the spectacular beauty of one of the deepest and clearest lakes in all of North America. The Nevada side, however, is sadly filled with a lot of run-down, honky-tonk casinos that lend it a trashy look. There is a huge and noticeable difference as soon as you cross the state line; 2) Marriott Timber Lodge is a really first-class resort with a large variety of amenities...a lot of fun and has the usual excellent Marriott staff and service.

 

[benjaminb13]

Since this thread has gotten into this topic, I think that there has been excessive cheerleading about Hyatt in general for years now on this BBS. It's a good timeshare system with some unique locations, but it's not "all that". I've read so many times overzealous Hyatt owners post about how Hyatt is the "cream of the crop" or it is "so much better than Marriott", etc. Here are my impressions of the Hyatt resorts that I have visited and/or stayed at:

High Sierra Lodge, Lake Tahoe: Beautiful grounds. Nice but not overly impressive resort. Not as nice as Marriott's Timber Lodge which has more upscale decor, better architecture, and a better location.

Highlands Inn, Carmel: Stunning setting with incredible views from some areas of the complex. A bit run down and desperately in need of updating. The resort is, of course, a timeshare conversion from an existing property and that means many limitations. However, I wish I could say that they "did the best they could with what they had to work with". But they haven't. Needs a lot of work.

Pinon Point, Sedona: Sweeping views from the beautiful pool area are extremely nice. Drab brown buildings. Tiny grounds, catwalks to villas, and poor views from many villas are all negatives and reflect the very high density of this resort. Too many villas on too small of a lot.

Mountain Lodge, Beaver Creek: Looks nice on the outside, not so great on the inside. Getting a little worn. Not much in the way of staff or amenities. A nice resort, but boring outside of ski season. Could be better.

Main Street Station, Breckenridge: This is a nice property. Good location for skiing or summer. Easy walk into town. Good architecture and decor. This one is a winner.

Grand Aspen: Packed with luxury features, but not a resort I particularly enjoyed. The furniture was way too big for the rather small rooms. Decor left a bit to be desired. Staff was inconsistent. It's clear Hyatt spent a ton of money on this property, but it misses the mark. Daily maid service is a great plus.

Obviously, I haven't been to all of the Hyatts, but I have been to quite a few of them. Just thought I'd share my opinion of the ones I have visited. Unfortunately, most of my experiences haven't lived up to the hype that is so over the top on this board. Hyatt is a good timeshare system, but a little realism wouldn't be a bad thing if the HOA does, indeed, read this.

Steve

Cmon Steve, you mention realism, All timeshares arent what they are hyped up to be- except perhaps Aviara. I used to own at Marriott Timber Lodge and you know as well as I do--- Hyatt is a level classier. Sounds like, you just have a problem with people being hyped over the timeshares they own.

 

[Steve]

Cmon Steve, you mention realism, All timeshares arent what they are hyped up to be- except perhaps Aviara. I used to own at Marriott Timber Lodge and you know as well as I do--- Hyatt is a level classier. Sounds like, you just have a problem with people being hyped over the timeshares they own.

Hi Benjamin,

While the Hyatt timeshares in Colorado are definitely a "level classier" than the Marriott timeshares in Colorado...this is not true of a lot of other locations. While overall they are fairly similar in quality, I think that Timber Lodge is classier than High Sierra Lodge. Everything from the swimming pool...to the decor...to the architecture...to the public areas...is superior at the Marriott. The Hyatt has nicer grounds and is located next to a Hyatt hotel, but I think Marriott has the edge.

A more clear cut example exists when comparing Marriott's Newport Coast Villas to Hyatt's Highlands Inn. This one is really impossible to contend. While both properties have stunning views of their respective coastlines, the Marriott is much newer, purpose built as a timeshare, and has far better decor, architecture, amenities, etc. In this case, even the grounds are far superior at the Marriott.

I don't have a problem with people being enthusiastic about the properties where they own...and I don't currently own either Marriott or Hyatt. What surprises me, however, is the lack of rational perspective that is often in evidence on this Hyatt board. The very fact that so many Hyatt owners seem to be so over the top in their gushing praise for Hyatt...and/or overly defensive about any criticism of Hyatt...makes me wonder what they're so insecure about.

Hyatt is a good timeshare system. But it's not as superior to the other name brands as some people would like to think. Just check out the TUG ratings. There are nine Marriotts in the TUG Top 30...but only one Hyatt. (Mountain Lodge...which is currently No. 13.) That is realism.

Steve

 

[Cathyb]

Steve: One thing we noticed was when we did the Hyatt sales tour in Sedona we were quite impressed with what we were shown; however when Tuggers commented on the LOCATIONS of most of the one bedroom units -- they had miserable views and in Sedona that is crucial.

 

[calgal]

disagree about High Sierra Lodge

There is nothing like staying here in the summer, walking down to the private beach, and having the beach crew set you up for the day with lounges, umbrellas, continuous food service, etc. Incline Village, which is in Nevada, is as upscale and classy as any town in the US. The street the Hyatt hotel is on (one block from the timeshare) is lined with mansions. The South Lake Tahoe location of Timber Lodge has a far greater population/car/commercial presence.

 

[benjaminb13]

Hi Benjamin,

While the Hyatt timeshares in Colorado are definitely a "level classier" than the Marriott timeshares in Colorado...this is not true of a lot of other locations. While overall they are fairly similar in quality, I think that Timber Lodge is classier than High Sierra Lodge. Everything from the swimming pool...to the decor...to the architecture...to the public areas...is superior at the Marriott. The Hyatt has nicer grounds and is located next to a Hyatt hotel, but I think Marriott has the edge.

A more clear cut example exists when comparing Marriott's Newport Coast Villas to Hyatt's Highlands Inn. This one is really impossible to contend. While both properties have stunning views of their respective coastlines, the Marriott is much newer, purpose built as a timeshare, and has far better decor, architecture, amenities, etc. In this case, even the grounds are far superior at the Marriott.

I don't have a problem with people being enthusiastic about the properties where they own...and I don't currently own either Marriott or Hyatt. What surprises me, however, is the lack of rational perspective that is often in evidence on this Hyatt board. The very fact that so many Hyatt owners seem to be so over the top in their gushing praise for Hyatt...and/or overly defensive about any criticism of Hyatt...makes me wonder what they're so insecure about.

Hyatt is a good timeshare system. But it's not as superior to the other name brands as some people would like to think. Just check out the TUG ratings. There are nine Marriotts in the TUG Top 30...but only one Hyatt. (Mountain Lodge...which is currently No. 13.) That is realism.

Steve

You are right about NCV - I still prefer Sierra and Incline to Timber Lodge

when I owned at Marriott-I was excited about Marriott- so I raved about Marriott - in spite of the archaic reservation system. same with HGVC and also Hyatt- Overall I am happier with my Hyatt than I ever was with Marriott. My HGVCs are nice but a level below... I think.

 

[bdh]

While the Hyatt timeshares in Colorado are definitely a "level classier" than the Marriott timeshares in Colorado...this is not true of a lot of other locations. While overall they are fairly similar in quality, I think that Timber Lodge is classier than High Sierra Lodge. Everything from the swimming pool...to the decor...to the architecture...to the public areas...is superior at the Marriott. The Hyatt has nicer grounds and is located next to a Hyatt hotel, but I think Marriott has the edge.

A more clear cut example exists when comparing Marriott's Newport Coast Villas to Hyatt's Highlands Inn. This one is really impossible to contend. While both properties have stunning views of their respective coastlines, the Marriott is much newer, purpose built as a timeshare, and has far better decor, architecture, amenities, etc. In this case, even the grounds are far superior at the Marriott.

I don't have a problem with people being enthusiastic about the properties where they own...and I don't currently own either Marriott or Hyatt. What surprises me, however, is the lack of rational perspective that is often in evidence on this Hyatt board. The very fact that so many Hyatt owners seem to be so over the top in their gushing praise for Hyatt...and/or overly defensive about any criticism of Hyatt...makes me wonder what they're so insecure about.

Hyatt is a good timeshare system. But it's not as superior to the other name brands as some people would like to think. Just check out the TUG ratings. There are nine Marriotts in the TUG Top 30...but only one Hyatt. (Mountain Lodge...which is currently No. 13.) That is realism.

Steve

The comparisons of a specific property of one brand to a specific property of another brand could go on forever as you can pick an apple out of one barrel and an orange out of another and is really pointless as you could do it from now till the end of time and never really come to any significant conclusions (cause you're comparing apples and oranges).

It seems one of the biggest differences between the brands is that there are a lot more unhappy Marriott owners than there are unhappy Hyatt owners - you see that when reading the various TUG posts. I'm not sure if it's because Marriott has more locations/members than Hyatt, but you seldom see a Hyatt thread with the kind of negative comments seen on the Marriott board.

Why do you think that is Steve? Has Marriott burned that many bridges with its owners or is the Hyatt crowd really that pleased with the product or just still drinking the kool-aid?

 

[Kal]

If you just compare the reservation systems that in itself would account for many unhappy Marriott campers.

 

[ecwinch]

It seems one of the biggest differences between the brands is that there are a lot more unhappy Marriott owners than there are unhappy Hyatt owners - you see that when reading the various TUG posts.

It more owners, more resorts, and the respective age of the systems. A greater percentatage of MVCI resorts are now 10-20 years old, meaning more special assessments. And there is a direct correlation to special assessments and angry owners.

 

[Steve]

I agree with the answers that have been given. Marriott is a much older and much larger timeshare system. Most Marriott owners are happy...and the TUG Poll of owners on the Marriott board reflects that. But Marriott entered the timeshare industry in 1984...and older resorts are much more expensive to maintain than newer ones. Also, the larger the group of owners...the greater the chance that some will be dissatisfied.

Steve

 

[benjaminb13]

Hi Benjamin,

I don't have a problem with people being enthusiastic about the properties where they own...and I don't currently own either Marriott or Hyatt. What surprises me, however, is the lack of rational perspective that is often in evidence on this Hyatt board. The very fact that so many Hyatt owners seem to be so over the top in their gushing praise for Hyatt...and/or overly defensive about any criticism of Hyatt...makes me wonder what they're so insecure about.

Steve

Hi Steve
I dont think its fair to say Hyatt owners are insecure. Hyatt is a wonderful timeshare with a great system. Owners are naturally excited, and there are very little complaints compared to other systems. where did you get the idea
They are insecure?