MarBrisa OU

[Chris-ATX]

We arrived at Marbrisa today for spring break week. This is our "home resort" for spring break and have been coming here for years.

side note, we own retail here as we bought years ago before finding TUG (for which we are grateful).

Anyway, room wasn't ready so we were going to hang at the Cove (pool and pool bar area). DW was approached by check in person about an OU. Offered us 100K HH. Said no way. They bumped it up to 127.5K and "that's all we can do". I wasn't real happy cause I know they'd find a way to make 150K work, but decided we'd do it anyway, since room wasn't ready. Left our son at Cove (he's 14 and used to this). In spirit, I was thinking of @JohnnyO 's 1MM HH point goal...

Anyway, this was the most chill OU we've been to. Nice guy, we talked about a few things. He pitched Trust with a series of lies about access to more locations and how "many of my high point HGVC members are adding Trust to balance out their portfolios". We said the MF are silly and no way. He was cool. We did look at a couple upgrade path from what we have with Marbrisa, but it was perfunctory, no pressure and really it wasn't even an offer, just the rack rate for comparison. We were shocked the new "building 67" (new build, supposedly nicer and more premium units) are listed at $120K for the 2 bedroom + (not premier). HAHAHAAHAHA.

I did get a picture of all our deeds with their original purchase prices on them, including the resale deeds we've gotten. (reflection: I'm so happy to have found TUG. I see what we paid retail for the MB deed and then I see what we paid cumulative for ~3x the MB points... and while the retail purchase stings, it's sunk cost and the resale points are just amazing for our current situation).

We were done, even with the "get the 11,200 point special" closing pitch in about 50 minutes. Our son was shocked when we met him back at the pool in under an hour. The HH points are already in our account.

 

[mountainboy]

We arrived at Marbrisa today for spring break week. This is our "home resort" for spring break and have been coming here for years.

side note, we own retail here as we bought years ago before finding TUG (for which we are grateful).

Anyway, room wasn't ready so we were going to hang at the Cove (pool and pool bar area). DW was approached by check in person about an OU. Offered us 100K HH. Said no way. They bumped it up to 127.5K and "that's all we can do". I wasn't real happy cause I know they'd find a way to make 150K work, but decided we'd do it anyway, since room wasn't ready. Left our son at Cove (he's 14 and used to this). In spirit, I was thinking of @JohnnyO 's 1MM HH point goal...

Anyway, this was the most chill OU we've been to. Nice guy, we talked about a few things. He pitched Trust with a series of lies about access to more locations and how "many of my high point HGVC members are adding Trust to balance out their portfolios". We said the MF are silly and no way. He was cool. We did look at a couple upgrade path from what we have with Marbrisa, but it was perfunctory, no pressure and really it wasn't even an offer, just the rack rate for comparison. We were shocked the new "building 67" (new build, supposedly nicer and more premium units) are listed at $120K for the 2 bedroom + (not premier). HAHAHAAHAHA.

I did get a picture of all our deeds with their original purchase prices on them, including the resale deeds we've gotten. (reflection: I'm so happy to have found TUG. I see what we paid retail for the MB deed and then I see what we paid cumulative for ~3x the MB points... and while the retail purchase stings, it's sunk cost and the resale points are just amazing for our current situation).

We were done, even with the "get the 11,200 point special" closing pitch in about 50 minutes. Our son was shocked when we met him back at the pool in under an hour. The HH points are already in our account.

will be there & at GPP & SeaPointe very soon...
I see another Million Miler Quest here @Chris-ATX !
Did they Upgrade you (if Elite status)?
Any other tips for these properties?
(looks like many 1 BR units do not have washer/dryer; + no elevator at Pointe except Bldg 80; Most of mine are booked in Cove)..
We will likely reach there well before check-in time; presume we can use the amenities before we get the room?
TY!

 

[Chris-ATX]

We are in building 80, top floor in the nice 3 bedroom unit. We like it!

We also got the golf cart for the week w exclusive use, which is fun and easy to get to the Cove where the big pools are. But unit 80 is nicely secluded, which also fits us.

We always get here early and they give us an access card for the pools. There are changing stations with showers if needed (this is useful when departing but have a later in the day flight so you can enjoy the day but still leave the property freshened up.

Looks like a great week ahead!

 

[mountainboy]

Awesome! Great tips!
(? similar at GPP &/or SeaPointe)?
TY!

 

[JohnnyO]

We arrived at Marbrisa today for spring break week. This is our "home resort" for spring break and have been coming here for years.

side note, we own retail here as we bought years ago before finding TUG (for which we are grateful).

Anyway, room wasn't ready so we were going to hang at the Cove (pool and pool bar area). DW was approached by check in person about an OU. Offered us 100K HH. Said no way. They bumped it up to 127.5K and "that's all we can do". I wasn't real happy cause I know they'd find a way to make 150K work, but decided we'd do it anyway, since room wasn't ready. Left our son at Cove (he's 14 and used to this). In spirit, I was thinking of @JohnnyO 's 1MM HH point goal...

Anyway, this was the most chill OU we've been to. Nice guy, we talked about a few things. He pitched Trust with a series of lies about access to more locations and how "many of my high point HGVC members are adding Trust to balance out their portfolios". We said the MF are silly and no way. He was cool. We did look at a couple upgrade path from what we have with Marbrisa, but it was perfunctory, no pressure and really it wasn't even an offer, just the rack rate for comparison. We were shocked the new "building 67" (new build, supposedly nicer and more premium units) are listed at $120K for the 2 bedroom + (not premier). HAHAHAAHAHA.

I did get a picture of all our deeds with their original purchase prices on them, including the resale deeds we've gotten. (reflection: I'm so happy to have found TUG. I see what we paid retail for the MB deed and then I see what we paid cumulative for ~3x the MB points... and while the retail purchase stings, it's sunk cost and the resale points are just amazing for our current situation).

We were done, even with the "get the 11,200 point special" closing pitch in about 50 minutes. Our son was shocked when we met him back at the pool in under an hour. The HH points are already in our account.

Proud of you @Chris-ATX for the 127.5k HH points, the 50 minutes, the golf cart and of course just saying NO. Marbrisa is our home resort as well. The family spent years at GPP, CSR, SCBC, CBI, CBC, and we finally bought smallest Marbrisa retail package we could to get HGVC points at all our GPR resorts. We have four weeks via RCI coming up this fall at Marbrisa ... ya think they'll offer us the 127.5 x4??? That's 510k right there before the end of the year. We will be at a couple of other HGVC properties as well. Maybe we'll make the goal!!!!

Have a blast. We love it there. Kings Fish House baby!!!! And post pictures of the Flower Fields.

 

[jp10558]

I am actually at MarBrisa too through Wed. Planning on checking out the Flower Fields this afternoon, after doing the Japanese Friendship Garden Cherry Blossom festival yesterday (what a circus). I'm kind of bummed it's been so cold though - but what do I know about SoCal lol - never been here this time of year before, and only once before for a few hours in summer over 20 years ago.

 

[WaikikiFirst]

new "building 67" (new build, supposedly nicer and more premium units) are listed at $120K for the 2 bedroom + (not premier).

This one?
Hilton Grand Vacations Club - Marbrisa 2BR+ (2BP) 13,440 points - Platinum season
2025 Operating Fee $1167.52 2025 Reserve Fee $255.02 2025 Real Estate Tax $231.00 Total 2025 MF: $1,653.54

That is very close to $9/pt. Is that the new going rate in general, or anything unique about MarBrisa?

 

[mountainboy]

This one?
Hilton Grand Vacations Club - Marbrisa 2BR+ (2BP) 13,440 points - Platinum season
2025 Operating Fee $1167.52 2025 Reserve Fee $255.02 2025 Real Estate Tax $231.00 Total 2025 MF: $1,653.54

That is very close to $9/pt. Is that the new going rate in general, or anything unique about MarBrisa?

@GT75 this is mucho expensive; that Maui 192k for 38k pts seems like a steal, by retail stds...(would never buy retail anything but just saying)..

 

[JohnnyO]

@GT75 this is mucho expensive; that Maui 192k for 38k pts seems like a steal, by retail stds...(would never buy retail anything but just saying)..

Someone has to buy it and then sell it eventually for pennies on the dollar. That's what makes the timeshare world go round and round. Hopefully they find TUG in time to save themselves big bucks.

 

[SmithOp]

Enjoy your time here, a few things you could do, maybe not beach or ocean with our cool winter weather, not really a spring break destination.

Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA - The Best San Diego-Area Attractions | Visit Carlsbad

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a couple’s getaway, you’ll find fun, excitement & adventure in Carlsbad. Explore the best Carlsbad attractions now!

visitcarlsbad.com

Exhibits

www.agsem.org

Catch the Coaster and ride to Old Town San Diego, lunch at Old Town Mexican Cafe.

 

[Chris-ATX]

This one?
Hilton Grand Vacations Club - Marbrisa 2BR+ (2BP) 13,440 points - Platinum season
2025 Operating Fee $1167.52 2025 Reserve Fee $255.02 2025 Real Estate Tax $231.00 Total 2025 MF: $1,653.54

That is very close to $9/pt. Is that the new going rate in general, or anything unique about MarBrisa?

This is our MarBrisa deed we own, 13440 pts and yes on the MF which is a $0.123 MF ratio. Not bad but not Vegas either.

What was weird was he talked about how there is a "premium" 2 bedroom for 15,360. He said we could move to that for about $27K, again no real offer, just a starting point. $27K list price for 1920 points... $14/point! hahahahaa

The $120K deed was for "building 67" (this is the newest building they've done, opened in 2024, I think) which is supposedly more upscale and the standard 2 bedroom and is 20,xxx points (I want to say it was 20,300 but I really don't know the final specifics). (I should have taken a pic of the print out) and the "2 bedroom premium" at building 67 was 23,xxxx points. The $120K list price shown to us was for the 20,xxx point deed, which would be around $5.90 / point list, subject to negotiation. high, but in the range that I've been hearing from other posters about initial offers.

Keep in mind, we didn't actually talk about the deed so there wasn't any real information shown other than the listed price being the "rack rate" type of thing and no actual first offer.

 

[Chris-ATX]

Catch the Coaster and ride to Old Town San Diego, lunch at Old Town Mexican Cafe.

We plan to do this Friday head down to Liberty Station for Breakfast Republic and good vibes, then DW and son will head to Balboa / Zoo while I work remotely.

Weather has been seasonably cool, but we love it. yesterday ended with some fog / rain, but also a beautiful sunset (see pic). The rain interrupted a fierce Connect 4 game between me and my son, though we played it out anyway... MarBrisa has these and ping pong and a pool table in the Cove area. The connect 4 games are the huge ones which make it a lot of fun.

The other pic is taken from our balcony which looks east over the next door golf course. I'll get some other pics and post in the sticky thread later

 

[WaikikiFirst]

$120K list price shown to us was for the 20,xxx point deed, which would be around $5.90 / point list

OK. That was the core of my input / question here. Thanks. I took the one that looked closest on the HGVC MFs stickie

 

[WaikikiFirst]

there is a "premium" 2 bedroom for 15,360. He said we could move to that for about $27K, again no real offer, just a starting point. $27K list price for 1920 points... $14/point!

Everything is "on the margin" with these upgrades, if they're doing it at all intelligently, which I assume they are. So, that "premium" lowers your MFs/Pt which adds to the value to upgrade, raising the $s/Pt to upgrade. I won't bother with the equation. I'm sure you get it

 

[JohnnyO]

The $120K deed was for "building 67" (this is the newest building they've done, opened in 2024, I think) which is supposedly more upscale and the standard 2 bedroom and is 20,xxx points (I want to say it was 20,300 but I really don't know the final specifics). (I should have taken a pic of the print out) and the "2 bedroom premium" at building 67 was 23,xxxx points. The $120K list price shown to us was for the 20,xxx point deed, which would be around $5.90 / point list, subject to negotiation. high, but in the range that I've been hearing from other posters about initial offers.

They were putting the final touches on the new "building 67" in mid December of 2024. We were staying in the building next door. It wasn't occupied yet. And we weren't eligible for the 100k HH tour because we had a promotional tour stay at the HGV Palm Canyon (very old and needs upgrade) in January. So we didn't get the pitch about the "new" building and we didn't get our 100k HH tour points to help launch on our journey to 1 million HH points.. GPR is still the developer, I believe, although HGV took over majority ownership and all the sales. GPR put "luxury" units in at GPP toward the end of that project and charged a premium for those too. It must have worked as they are repeating the pattern. MB has plenty of room to expand. At least ten more building pads I think. So lots of HGVC to sell in the future. They already have plenty of availability on HGVC and RCI. Gotta keep the sales train pumping. There is also plenty of resales and "free" GPR units in the area.

 

[BingoBangoBongo]

We plan to do this Friday head down to Liberty Station for Breakfast Republic and good vibes, then DW and son will head to Balboa / Zoo while I work remotely.

Weather has been seasonably cool, but we love it. yesterday ended with some fog / rain, but also a beautiful sunset (see pic). The rain interrupted a fierce Connect 4 game between me and my son, though we played it out anyway... MarBrisa has these and ping pong and a pool table in the Cove area. The connect 4 games are the huge ones which make it a lot of fun.

The other pic is taken from our balcony which looks east over the next door golf course. I'll get some other pics and post in the sticky thread later

Do you see/hear much air traffic from the airport next to the golf course?

 

[JohnnyO]

Do you see/hear much air traffic from the airport next to the golf course?

That's a constant every time we have stayed at MB or GPP. Not much late at night.

 

[jfleck2020]

Do you see/hear much air traffic from the airport next to the golf course?

When we were there last May they had planes taking off all day long it seemed like. Easy to ignore if you wanted to though as they were all smallish private planes.

 

[jfleck2020]

I am actually at MarBrisa too through Wed. Planning on checking out the Flower Fields this afternoon, after doing the Japanese Friendship Garden Cherry Blossom festival yesterday (what a circus). I'm kind of bummed it's been so cold though - but what do I know about SoCal lol - never been here this time of year before, and only once before for a few hours in summer over 20 years ago.

We caught the last weekend of the Flower Fields last year. It was still really nice even though a fair amount of the field was past flower production.

What was a "circus" about the Cherry Blossom Festival? We have never been to that but sounds like something my wife would love.

 

[BingoBangoBongo]

When we were there last May they had planes taking off all day long it seemed like. Easy to ignore if you wanted to though as they were all smallish private planes.

I've stayed at the resort 2x, always in the Cove area and really don't remember noticing much air activity. Was just wondering if the Pointe area was more exposed. On the first trip, we played 9 holes at the course and the airstrip seemed relatively active. I do enjoy watching planes take off, land and even fly overhead. Air travel has always amazed me.

For those not aware, American started service from PHX to this airport (McClellan–Palomar Airport CLD).

 

[jp10558]

We caught the last weekend of the Flower Fields last year. It was still really nice even though a fair amount of the field was past flower production.

What was a "circus" about the Cherry Blossom Festival? We have never been to that but sounds like something my wife would love.

Well, the parking was a nightmare - something like 1 hour to get from the turn in to a parking lot and lucking into someone leaving at the right time. The line to get in was not marked and had several "ghost switchbacks". It was also extremely long.

There were special tickets, actually you needed 2x per person, one to the park and one to the festival so not cheap. It was literally standing room only, you were pushing through / around people to get around the park. You were in a constant line throughout the whole place. I'm kind of surprised it met the maximum number of people in a place at a time - if ANYTHING happened it would have been bad - no way for emergency services to get to the parking lot, forget about into where the people were - maybe a military helicopter with ziplines lol. It was a lot of up and down hills or stairs, fine for me, but not as easy for anyone with even just general age stamina or mobility issues.

Exiting was just as bad - just in reverse. Took a good 35 minutes to get out (leaving was a little less congested) to the 5 which was then backed up too.

EDIT: Basically there just was no extra planning or crowd control for Baloba park, which housed something like 5 different festivals in smaller sub parks like the Japanese Friendship Garden for the festival. If I was in charge I'd have basically made the entire park handicap parking only (with checks to even try and turn in), worked out a deal with like the San Diego airport for a bunch of huge parking lots and ran shuttles only for the vast majority of people. I also would have had timed admission to each festival to keep the number of people IN the garden manageable. But that would have cost money and taken people to do it.

I've stayed at the resort 2x, always in the Cove area and really don't remember noticing much air activity. Was just wondering if the Pointe area was more exposed. On the first trip, we played 9 holes at the course and the airstrip seemed relatively active. I do enjoy watching planes take off, land and even fly overhead. Air travel has always amazed me.

For those not aware, American started service from PHX to this airport (McClellan–Palomar Airport CLD).

IDK, we have seen good size jets over the Cove multiple times I think.

 

[mountainboy]

They were putting the final touches on the new "building 67" in mid December of 2024. We were staying in the building next door. It wasn't occupied yet. And we weren't eligible for the 100k HH tour because we had a promotional tour stay at the HGV Palm Canyon (very old and needs upgrade) in January. So we didn't get the pitch about the "new" building and we didn't get our 100k HH tour points to help launch on our journey to 1 million HH points.. GPR is still the developer, I believe, although HGV took over majority ownership and all the sales. GPR put "luxury" units in at GPP toward the end of that project and charged a premium for those too. It must have worked as they are repeating the pattern. MB has plenty of room to expand. At least ten more building pads I think. So lots of HGVC to sell in the future. They already have plenty of availability on HGVC and RCI. Gotta keep the sales train pumping. There is also plenty of resales and "free" GPR units in the area.

Will be there soon too (after GPP, both in April).
Will report back re any OUs etc, although I usually would not be interested (as going for extended weekend trips)
I have a stay at SeaPointe in mid May & got an email from GPR for 'confirming that' but surprised that they haven't asked/emailed/reached out to me re my GPP or MarBrisa trips which start in a few weeks and much sooner than my SeaPointe trip? (realize MB would likely be HGV..)

 

[mountainboy]

Well, the parking was a nightmare - something like 1 hour to get from the turn in to a parking lot and lucking into someone leaving at the right time. The line to get in was not marked and had several "ghost switchbacks". It was also extremely long.

There were special tickets, actually you needed 2x per person, one to the park and one to the festival so not cheap. It was literally standing room only, you were pushing through / around people to get around the park. You were in a constant line throughout the whole place. I'm kind of surprised it met the maximum number of people in a place at a time - if ANYTHING happened it would have been bad - no way for emergency services to get to the parking lot, forget about into where the people were - maybe a military helicopter with ziplines lol. It was a lot of up and down hills or stairs, fine for me, but not as easy for anyone with even just general age stamina or mobility issues.

View attachment 107854

Exiting was just as bad - just in reverse. Took a good 35 minutes to get out (leaving was a little less congested) to the 5 which was then backed up too.

EDIT: Basically there just was no extra planning or crowd control for Baloba park, which housed something like 5 different festivals in smaller sub parks like the Japanese Friendship Garden for the festival. If I was in charge I'd have basically made the entire park handicap parking only (with checks to even try and turn in), worked out a deal with like the San Diego airport for a bunch of huge parking lots and ran shuttles only for the vast majority of people. I also would have had timed admission to each festival to keep the number of people IN the garden manageable. But that would have cost money and taken people to do it.

IDK, we have seen good size jets over the Cove multiple times I think.

OMG, sorry you had that experience... Def on my list of things not to do, then..

 

[b2bailey]

Enjoy your time here, a few things you could do, maybe not beach or ocean with our cool winter weather, not really a spring break destination.

Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA - The Best San Diego-Area Attractions | Visit Carlsbad

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a couple’s getaway, you’ll find fun, excitement & adventure in Carlsbad. Explore the best Carlsbad attractions now!

visitcarlsbad.com

Exhibits

www.agsem.org

Catch the Coaster and ride to Old Town San Diego, lunch at Old Town Mexican Cafe.

+1 for trolley to Old Town Mexican Cafe, and Old Town in general.

 

[mountainboy]

They were putting the final touches on the new "building 67" in mid December of 2024. We were staying in the building next door. It wasn't occupied yet. And we weren't eligible for the 100k HH tour because we had a promotional tour stay at the HGV Palm Canyon (very old and needs upgrade) in January. So we didn't get the pitch about the "new" building and we didn't get our 100k HH tour points to help launch on our journey to 1 million HH points.. GPR is still the developer, I believe, although HGV took over majority ownership and all the sales. GPR put "luxury" units in at GPP toward the end of that project and charged a premium for those too. It must have worked as they are repeating the pattern. MB has plenty of room to expand. At least ten more building pads I think. So lots of HGVC to sell in the future. They already have plenty of availability on HGVC and RCI. Gotta keep the sales train pumping. There is also plenty of resales and "free" GPR units in the area.

Looks like Bldg 67 is the empty lot b/w Bldg's 66 & 68 on Google Maps Satellite view (they haven't loaded another aerial image since they built it, presumably)...
Nice...