Introducing HGV Max — Our New Membership Program (Official announcement from HGVC)

[Nowaker]

Perhaps, but many people buying developer are financing the purchase for a low monthly payment. They may not be able to pony up for an all cash high end resale week.

Low?

If people don't have cash or CC with enough credit limit, they could get a cash loan at a shitty APR, and use that to buy resale from Ebay, and they'd still end up with a way way way lower payment than purchasing retail and financing through them.

 

[NiteMaire]

A bit off the current topic, but it looks like all retail sales will include max, I wonder if there will be anyone who does not want max will then look to "traditional" or legacy deeds as a better option. I realize a lot of people who buy retail buy the sizzle, and max is designed to be extra sizzley, but might be a bit obtuse to someone who wants a simple this is where I want to go every year kinda deal

Yea, the release said any purchases after April 4th are automatically in HGV Max. I presume it's because all unsold inventory is now Max. It may be also be available outside of Max for reservation, but it's still technically Max inventory. I'm open to being technically (or otherwise) wrong.

 

[dioxide45]

I think Max is just a term meaning "Max Eligible". Eligible to make reservations in "the club" at 6 months. I don't know how HGV becomes eligible for booking inside Max though at 6 months. Does a HGV owner first have to book DRI inventory then their week goes into Max? I don't think HGV just dumps all unreserved HGV inventory into "the club" at 6 months?

 

[NiteMaire]

I don't know how HGV becomes eligible for booking inside Max though at 6 months. Does a HGV owner first have to book DRI inventory then their week goes into Max? I don't think HGV just dumps all unreserved HGV inventory into "the club" at 6 months?

I presumed HGVC owners had normal access to HGVC resorts. Then, if in Max, at 6 months they gained access to inventory that was DRI inventory. I envisioned inventory being available in Max within 6 months while also being available in THE Club. That may be hard to do. Plus, what do you do THE Club owners can no longer reserve their resorts if they taken by Max members? Is it a matter of "well, you had a priority window you didn't use so too bad, so sad"? I fully expect unsold inventory in Max, but I'm still trying to understand what happens to HGVC and THE Club inventory at 6 months.

 

[dioxide45]

I presumed HGVC owners had normal access to HGVC resorts. Then, if in Max, at 6 months they gained access to inventory that was DRI inventory. I envisioned inventory being available in Max within 6 months while also being available in THE Club. That may be hard to do. Plus, what do you do THE Club owners can no longer reserve their resorts if they taken by Max members? Is it a matter of "well, you had a priority window you didn't use so too bad, so sad"? I fully expect unsold inventory in Max, but I'm still trying to understand what happens to HGVC and THE Club inventory at 6 months.

I suspect that Max is just a new 6 month booking window that members have the privilege to use at 6 months (privilege=pony up $$$). Nothing more really. The exchange company (the club) is the vehicle. HGV Max now become members of "the club" and can book at six months only. If something they want is available at six months, they make the booking then their underlying ownership goes into "the club" for others to book. Perhaps HGV seeds the club with some unsold HGV stuff for Max members to book at six months, but it seems everything, that is DRI, left over at six months in "the club" is up for grabs. DRI members had a three month window to book collection then another four months to book "the club". If they lose out at six months, oh well...

 

[NiteMaire]

I suspect that Max is just a new 6 month booking window that members have the privilege to use at 6 months (privilege=pony up $$$). Nothing more really. The exchange company (the club) is the vehicle. HGV Max now become members of "the club" and can book at six months only. If something they want is available at six months, they make the booking then their underlying ownership goes into "the club" for others to book. Perhaps HGV seeds the club with some unsold HGV stuff for Max members to book at six months, but it seems everything, that is DRI, left over at six months in "the club" is up for grabs. DRI members had a three month window to book collection then another four months to book "the club". If they lose out at six months, oh well...

Yes, agree. You said it better. And the same applies for DRI owners being able to get what's left over in HGVC inventory at 6 months.

 

[dioxide45]

Yes, agree. You said it better. And the same applies for DRI owners being able to get what's left over in HGVC inventory at 6 months.

The only thing I don't know though, is will DRI get the same access to HGV leftovers? If a HGV Max member doesn't reserve by 6 months, I guess their inventory could go into "the club". But what does HGV actually deposit? HGV isn't fixed weeks. Even in side of 6 months could a Max member still book a week through HGVC? I guess is is no different than resale DRI collection owners that can't access "the club". They still need to be able to book something inside of 10 months if they didn't do so from 13-10.

 

[NiteMaire]

HGV isn't fixed weeks.

If I'm reading this correctly, neither is DRI's THE Club.

The only thing I don't know though, is will DRI get the same access to HGV leftovers?

I just don't see how they could treat THE Club owners who join Max differently...unless they pull the "you're in HVC, not HGVC" card. Besides, what good would it do for them to join Max if HGV didn't do that? It would be like "Pay all this money to join a club to access inventory you can already access".

 

[NiteMaire]

The 10 points below are from a post in "The Best Hilton Grand Vacation TRAVEL Group" on FB. Someone talked to a salesperson from HGVC - I think on the phone, but not sure - and relayed the following from the salesperson; other comments are mine. Some of these have been discussed ad nauseum, but thought I'd include them:

1. Even though published in the guide, HGV is not selling the $7K membership without purchase
Then why was it published? Maybe for DRI owners who want to join? I find this one difficult to believe
2. The only way to join is to buy a new deed or upgrade, and that Max is "a deeded thing"
Well, to bring in DRI resorts, it'll need to use points...this is, afterall why HGV stated they reset the point values in HGVC. I presume it was meant to be deeded with associated points in line with what HGVC is. At my recent presentation post April 4th, I was offered an Elara deed with associated points.
3. 6 month cross inventory is for HGV to book DRI/HVC and vice versa
This is in line with some thoughts on TUG...similar to how HGVC operates, but additional access to cross inventory at 6 months. This also indicates DRI owners can join, but if you have to purchase a deed (#2) how does that work since DRI THE Club is points based? I can only think this is being presented from an HGVC - not HGV holistic - point of view
4. Minimum investment is $25K
This is counter to what HGVC sales tried to sell to get me to join -- they offered the Elara unit at $9.7K and we would have been in Max
5. No idea why sales is adding up to $1K per deed
No idea either since I don't recall it being published anywhere
6. Max doesn't shorten your booking window for home resorts
7. The loyalty search is no guarantee of reservation
8. A lower level elite in Max could get a booking in front of the HGV Legacy elite premier owner
9. Hard to get properties will still be hard to get
10. HGV Legacy program remains the same
Just as I've been assured that DRI Legacy remains the same.

It seems salespeople are confusing/contradicting other salespeople. I can only imagine what is happening with potential owners.

 

[HuskerATL]

I suspect that Max is just a new 6 month booking window that members have the privilege to use at 6 months (privilege=pony up $$$). Nothing more really. The exchange company (the club) is the vehicle. HGV Max now become members of "the club" and can book at six months only. If something they want is available at six months, they make the booking then their underlying ownership goes into "the club" for others to book. Perhaps HGV seeds the club with some unsold HGV stuff for Max members to book at six months, but it seems everything, that is DRI, left over at six months in "the club" is up for grabs. DRI members had a three month window to book collection then another four months to book "the club". If they lose out at six months, oh well...

The only caveat to this is the fee wording from my contract that stated under the Max fees: $281 Club Fee and the $199 Inventory Activation Fee (1 per contract). I am not sure what the $199 is for unless it is to add the property to Max.

 

[Talent312]

I hope the booking engine for non-Max members (the great unwashed) will filter out the resorts available to the other "side" of things, and not show both DRI (HVC) and HGVC resorts.

Otherwise, each side will have to wade thru a lengthy list other Max resorts with the notation: "This resort is not available for reservation."
.
.

 

[dioxide45]

If I'm reading this correctly, neither is DRI's THE Club.

If HGV is creating a new Exchange Company ("Club"), then they should be giving new buyers into HGV Max an exchange company disclosure like the one attached for Marriott Exchange Company for their DC program. Even if they aren't creating a new club, then they should still be providing said disclosure to new buyers. This should provide more specifics as to the actual club and if there are existing members or no members to start out. Do we know if any new buyers have been provided such a disclosure?

 

[brp]

I presumed HGVC owners had normal access to HGVC resorts. Then, if in Max, at 6 months they gained access to inventory that was DRI inventory. I envisioned inventory being available in Max within 6 months while also being available in THE Club. That may be hard to do. Plus, what do you do THE Club owners can no longer reserve their resorts if they taken by Max members? Is it a matter of "well, you had a priority window you didn't use so too bad, so sad"? I fully expect unsold inventory in Max, but I'm still trying to understand what happens to HGVC and THE Club inventory at 6 months.

Yes, this is what I was alluding to above. HGVC (or HGC, whateer we are these days ) would still get Home Week and Club booking as normal. Then the hordes at the gate get access at 6 months.

Still unclear, as we all are, about exactly what it means to us Morlocks to give the Eloi have searches at 10 months in terms of our 9 month booking. Likely little, as conjectured. But still unclear.

Cheers.

 

[Mongoose]

Sales is probably not offering the $7k option because the want to make more commission on a new sale.

 

[HuskerATL]

Yes, this is what I was alluding to above. HGVC (or HGC, whateer we are these days ) would still get Home Week and Club booking as normal. Then the hordes at the gate get access at 6 months.

Still unclear, as we all are, about exactly what it means to us Morlocks to give the Eloi have searches at 10 months in terms of our 9 month booking. Likely little, as conjectured. But still unclear.

Cheers.

This was just posted in the HGVC Elite FB group that talks about some of this:

Quick on MAX. I talked live to a salesperson today. She said she is not sure why the $7000 price to get in is published in the club guide becssue they are not selling that. She said the only way to get into MAX Is to buy a new deed or to upgrade an existing one. And minimum investment is $25,000. This is a minimum new investment. She didn’t give a minimum cost if you go upgrade route. She also said she has no idea where the paying $450 or $1000 per deed to get in came from. She said this was not accurate.
Also that MAX is a deeded thing. It’s not just points like I thought and some others had posted. Buying a deed now will get you into MAX. It’s your ‘ticket’ to get in. Also if you get into max it doesn’t shorten your 9 month booking window for the HGV deeds you currently own. The 6 mo th window is just for ‘cross pollination’. Meaning HGV that wants to book Diamond or vice versa.
Last. The booking window. She said it was not intended to take benefits away from legacy owners. It was to help owners from having to go in constantly to check for availability. I don’t think I agree with this. As I asked her in theory then. If a 17000 point owner who gets 1 request and the property is available during that 9-10 month window. Then they are automatically booked and get it and how is that not detrimental to us. And She said the search is no guarantee. (In theory it’s like when we put a search in for RCI). So I said in theory then if I an elite premier doesn’t get into max then the lowest level of elite in max could theoretically get a property before HGV legacy. And she agreed yes, This could happen. She said that the hard to get properties will still be hard to get whether it is in a 10 month search or a 9 month booking window. My jury is still out on this. I think this hurts all legacy owners who choose not to go to max.
Just thought I’d share what I heard. Not trying to stir the pot.

 

[dioxide45]

So until HGV comes up with a way to allow people into HGV Max with a $7000 initiation fee, it amounts to an illegal bait and switch?

 

[HuskerATL]

So until HGV comes up with a way to allow people into HGV Max with a $7000 initiation fee, it amounts to an illegal bait and switch?

I don't think that they can charge you to get in until it is actually a thing. Right now it is vaporware. But they can add it as a benefit to a new purchases or upgrade so that is why they aren't "selling" it yet.

 

[brp]

Last. The booking window. She said it was not intended to take benefits away from legacy owners. It was to help owners from having to go in constantly to check for availability. I don’t think I agree with this.

I think that this is reasonable and something I suggested above. For most people, i.e. "normal" people that are not us, checking is not something that they do hawkishly. Having this set for them (similar to waitlists in DVC that auto-fill) is an advantage for them in convenience. For all we know, it may not jump the line at 9 months minus a second and steal from us. The diligent among us may still get is, and the search will fill "around" then is perhaps more geared toward things that are not one-of-a-kind and hard to get, but more of a convenience.

Again, a speculation, but one that makes sense to me in terms of real peoples' ways of handling stuff like this.

Cheers.

 

[tk25]

I think pretty much all HGVC inventory and DRI Hilton approved inventory with very few exceptions will be available at “6 months” for MAX. Parsing about deeds or points will be irrelevant.
So book ASAP - nothing changes in regards to this.
OPEN SEASON and or DRI equivalent (after some total system standardization) will most likely have more inventory options in MAX. HGVC would be smart to enable open season to everyone to increase income.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

@brp has a point. Although there is the possibility of 10 mo., I could envision DRI and HGV owners reserving a week during 9 to 6 mo window or home week, then search for new property eg Valdoro ski week, or Lagoon summer releases, or DRI availability at 6 mos. If their OGS finds the desired property, then they will release their 6-9 mo legacy reservation.

 

[dayooper]

This was just posted in the HGVC Elite FB group that talks about some of this:

Quick on MAX. I talked live to a salesperson today. She said she is not sure why the $7000 price to get in is published in the club guide becssue they are not selling that. She said the only way to get into MAX Is to buy a new deed or to upgrade an existing one. And minimum investment is $25,000. This is a minimum new investment. She didn’t give a minimum cost if you go upgrade route. She also said she has no idea where the paying $450 or $1000 per deed to get in came from. She said this was not accurate.
Also that MAX is a deeded thing. It’s not just points like I thought and some others had posted. Buying a deed now will get you into MAX. It’s your ‘ticket’ to get in. Also if you get into max it doesn’t shorten your 9 month booking window for the HGV deeds you currently own. The 6 mo th window is just for ‘cross pollination’. Meaning HGV that wants to book Diamond or vice versa.
Last. The booking window. She said it was not intended to take benefits away from legacy owners. It was to help owners from having to go in constantly to check for availability. I don’t think I agree with this. As I asked her in theory then. If a 17000 point owner who gets 1 request and the property is available during that 9-10 month window. Then they are automatically booked and get it and how is that not detrimental to us. And She said the search is no guarantee. (In theory it’s like when we put a search in for RCI). So I said in theory then if I an elite premier doesn’t get into max then the lowest level of elite in max could theoretically get a property before HGV legacy. And she agreed yes, This could happen. She said that the hard to get properties will still be hard to get whether it is in a 10 month search or a 9 month booking window. My jury is still out on this. I think this hurts all legacy owners who choose not to go to max.
Just thought I’d share what I heard. Not trying to stir the pot.

Was this the same salesperson as you originally purchased from because there's a fair amount of contradiction with what they said as what you are reporting above (not saying you are contradicting yourself, just what was and is being explained ). Wasn't it, at some point going to be all points? It seems there are multiple salespeople saying multiple different things to get people to purchase. (I always thought the $0.22 per point MF wasn't correct, just said to encourage someone to buy). I guess this is just like normal and timeshare salespeople gotta do what timeshare salespeople gotta do.

 

[HuskerATL]

Was this the same salesperson as you originally purchased from because there's a fair amount of contradiction with what they said as what you are reporting above (not saying you are contradicting yourself, just what was and is being explained ). Wasn't it, at some point going to be all points? It seems there are multiple salespeople saying multiple different things to get people to purchase. (I always thought the $0.22 per point MF wasn't correct, just said to encourage someone to buy). I guess this is just like normal and timeshare salespeople gotta do what timeshare salespeople gotta do.

No, this is what someone posted on the FB group. I don't know who they talked to but it was a lady and talked to a guy at Kings Land

 

[NiteMaire]

Parsing about deeds or points will be irrelevant.
So book ASAP - nothing changes in regards to this.

Agree with booking ASAP.
Disagree with deeds being irrelevant, at least for DRI properties. Deeded units aren't in the THE Club so they won't be in Max. There are some exceptions since points owners can "affiliate" their deeded properties in THE Club so there may be very limited deeded properties associated. HGV had something about this in one of their documents aimed at DRI owners, but I can't remember what it stated.

 

[NiteMaire]

This was just posted in the HGVC Elite FB group that talks about some of this:

That's the same person/post I summarized above in post #309 (the info was in multiple groups). I merged related items and listed additional info that I pulled from the comment section since she stated additional info from the salesperson.

Was this the same salesperson as you originally purchased from because there's a fair amount of contradiction with what they said as what you are reporting above (not saying you are contradicting yourself, just what was and is being explained ).

That's why I stated salespeople are contradicting/confusing other salespeople. Clearly more training is needed, or salespeople need to pay better attention during training. Then again, maybe they know the truth, but decide to say something else. Either way, they're saying things that contradict with other salespeople are saying.

 

[brp]

Then again, maybe they know the truth, but decide to say something else.

Wait! What are you saying? A timeshare salesperson would never say anything that wasn't absolutely true. Just doesn't happen....!

Cheers.