MAX-if you upgraded are you happy?

[scottc42]

Curious for anyone who bought retail before Max was introduced, do you have to pay to “upgrade” to Max or enrolled automatically? I have a feeling the availability issue in Max is simply the number of members in Max.

I bought retail originally. Then an upgrade got me into Max. Max was not a factor though. I upgraded because I wanted to move from Ocean Towers to Kohala Suites with more points. Max came with the deal but was no influence. I can’t say I’ve ever taken advantage of any of the benefits other than (slightly) reduced hotel stays at Hilton hotels.

 

[RebelR]

Hotel Blake has St. Patty's day weekend in Chicago and the studio room discounted. If I didn't already have plans that weekend, I would have grabbed it. For some odd reason, I really want to see them dye the river green lol. Note: the HGVC also has a studio that weekend and it is also discounted but is 2x the price.

 

[Zenichiro]

Here is a list of all potentially bookable resorts listed on HGVC Max. Some have varying degrees of availability. I also added TripAdvisor rankings, although please take that with a grain of salt as Mill Springs is a 5.0 but only has 1 review.

Interesting takeaway.
Top rated:


Mill Springs Lodge stands out at a perfect 5.0. Tortuga Beach Club follows closely at 4.9. The Innsbruck Aspen and Sanibel Cottages both score a strong 4.8. Valdoro Mountain Lodge rounds out the top group at 4.7, tied with Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta and the two Explorean resorts in Mexico,
Embarc Ucluelet

Lowest rated:
Ocean Tower sits at the bottom with a 2.9. Palm Canyon and Ocean Beach Club both come in at 3.3. Lagoon Tower and Tahoe Seasons trail just behind at 3.5, making up the lower end of the list.

UNITED STATES

• Arizona
Bell Rock Inn - 3.9/5
Kohl’s Ranch Lodge - 4.1/5
Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.6/5
PVC at The Roundhouse Resort - 4.0/5
Rancho Mañana, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.6/5
Ridge on Sedona, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.9/5
Scottsdale Links Resort, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.9/5
Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.0/5
Sedona Summit, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.0/5
Varsity Club Tucson, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.0/5


• California
Carlsbad Seapointe Resort - 4.0/5
Club Donatello - 4.4/5
Desert Isle of Palm Springs - 4.0/5
Grand Pacific MarBrisa, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.2/5
Grand Pacific Palisades Vacation Resort - 4.3/5
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert - 4.5/5
Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort - 3.7/5
Palm Canyon, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.3/5
Riviera Beach & Shores, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.6/5
Riviera Oaks Resort & Racquet Club - 4.4/5
San Luis Bay Inn, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.0/5
South Lake Tahoe, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.7/5
Tahoe Seasons, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.5/5

• Colorado
The Innsbruck Aspen (BG) - 4.8/5
Valdoro Mountain Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.7/5

• Florida - Atlantic
Crescent on South Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.0/5
Daytona Beach Regency, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.0/5
Daytona SeaBreeze (BG) - 4.0/5
Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort - 3.7/5
McAlpin Ocean Plaza, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.0/5
Solara Surfside (BG) - 4.0/5
Surfrider Beach Club (BG) - 4.0/5

• Florida - Gulf
Casa Ybel Resort - 4.1/5
Club Regency of Marco Island - 4.0/5
Eagle’s Nest Beach Resort - 4.0/5
Harbourview Villas at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Plantation Bay Villas at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Plantation Beach Club at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Plantation House at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Sanibel Cottages Resort - 4.8/5
Seawatch On-the-Beach Resort - 4.5/5
Shell Island Beach Club Resort - 4.0/5
South Seas Club at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Sunset Cove Resort - 4.0/5
The Charter Club of Marco Beach - 4.6/5
The Cottages at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
The Surf Club of Marco - 4.6/5
Tortuga Beach Club Resort - 4.9/5

• Florida - Orlando
Alhambra at Poinciana - 4.0/5
Aqua Sol, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.7/5
Bryan’s Spanish Cove - 4.0/5
Cypress Pointe, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.0/5
Grand Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.3/5
Grande Villas, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.4/5
Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.2/5
Mystic Dunes, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.8/5
Orbit One Vacation Villas - 4.0/5
Parc Soleil, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.4/5
Parkway International Resort - 4.3/5
Polynesian Isles, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.6/5
SeaWorld Orlando, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.2/5
Tuscany Village, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.4/5

• Hawaii - Big Island
Kings’ Land, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.4/5
Kohala Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.4/5
Ocean Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 2.9/5
The Bay Club, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.5/5

• Hawaii - Kauai
The Point at Poipu, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.1/5

• Hawaii - Maui
Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach - 4.0/5
Maui Bay Villas, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.0/5

• Hawaii - Oahu
Grand Waikikian, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.1/5
Hokulani Waikiki, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.5/5
Ka Haku, a Hilton Club - 4.1/5
Kalia Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.1/5
Lagoon Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 3.5/5
The Grand Islander, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.2/5
The Modern, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.4/5
The Penthouses at Grand Waikikian - 4.1/5
The Penthouses at Ka Haku, a Hilton Club - 4.1/5
The Penthouses at The Grand Islander - 4.2/5

• Illinois
Chicago Magnificent Mile, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.1/5
Hotel Blake (BG) - 4.3/5

• Indiana
Varsity Club South Bend, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.4/5

• Massachusetts
The Soundings Seaside Resort (BG) - 3.8/5

• Michigan
Mountain Run at Boyne (BG) - 4.2/5

• Missouri
The Falls Village (BG) - 3.9/5
The Suites at Fall Creek - 4.0/5
Wilderness Club at Big Cedar (BG) - 4.3/5

• Nevada - Las Vegas
Cancun Las Vegas, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.6/5
Club 36 (BG)- 3.7/5
Desert Retreat, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.4/5
Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.3/5
Flamingo, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.2/5
Paradise, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.3/5
Polo Towers, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.1/5
The Boulevard, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.1/5
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.4/5

• New Mexico
Villas de Santa Fe, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.2/5

• New York
The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club - 4.5/5
The Penthouses at The Quin, a Hilton Club - 4.5/5
The Quin, a Hilton Club - 4.5/5
The Residences, a Hilton Club - 4.6/5
West 57th Street, a Hilton Club - 4.4/5

• North Carolina
Blue Ridge Village (BG) - 4.0/5
Club Lodges at Trillium - 4.6/5
Fairway Forest Resort - 4.0/5

• South Carolina
Anderson Ocean Club, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.3/5
Carolina Grande (BG) - 4.2/5
Harbour Lights (BG) - 4.0/5
Horizons at 77th (BG) - 4.1/5
King 583 (BG) - 3.8/5
Liberty Place Charleston, a Hilton Club - 4.5/5
Ocean 22, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.5/5
Ocean Enclave, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.6/5
Ocean Oak Resort, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.6/5
The Lodge Alley Inn (BG) - 3.8/5

• Tennessee
Bent Creek Golf Village, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.5/5
Laurel Crest (BG) - 3.7/5
Mill Springs Lodge, a Hilton Vacation Club (BG) - 5.0/5
MountainLoft (BG) - 4.0/5
Sunrise Ridge Resort - 4.0/5

• Utah
Cedar Breaks, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.9/5
Sunrise Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.3/5

• Virginia
Beach Quarters Resort - 3.7/5
Boardwalk Resort and Villas - 3.7/5
Greensprings, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.8/5
Oceanaire, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.7/5
Ocean Beach Club, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.3/5
Patrick Henry Square (BG) - 4.0/5
The Historic Powhatan, a Hilton Vacation Club - 3.7/5
Turtle Cay Resort - 4.0/5

• Washington, D.C.
The District, a Hilton Club - 4.5/5

INTERNATIONAL
• Austria
Alpine Club - 4.3/5

• Barbados
The Crane, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.1/5

Canada
Blue Mountain, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club 4.5/5
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Whistler – 4.2/5
Tremblant, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club – 4.4/5
Embarc Panorama – 4.0/5
Embarc Ucluelet – 4.7/5
Embarc Vancouver 4.6

• England
Thurnham Hall - 4.3/5
Woodford Bridge Country Club - 4.0/5

• France
Le Club Mougins - 4.0/5
Royal Regency Paris Vincennes - 4.2/5

• Greece
Village Heights Resort - 4.0/5

• Italy
Borgo alle Vigne, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.6/5
Palazzo at Soriano - 4.0/5
Palazzo Catalani - 4.6/5

• Japan
The Bay Forest Odawara, a Hilton Club - 4.0/5
The Beach Resort Sesoko, a Hilton Club - 4.0/5
Tradimo Kyoto Gojo, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.4/5
Hotel Harvest Amagi Kogen - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Atami Izusan - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Hakone Koshien - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Hamanako - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Karuizawa - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Kinugawa - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Nasu - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Tateshina - [Add Rating]
Hotel Tangram - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Ito - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Kyu-Karuizawa - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Nanki Tanabe - [Add Rating]
Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama - [Add Rating]

• Mexico
Cabo Azul, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.6/5
Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive - 4.4/5
Fiesta Americana Villas Acapulco - 4.0/5
Fiesta Americana Villas Cancun - 4.5/5
Fiesta Americana Villas Los Cabos - 4.6/5
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos - 4.6/5
Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta - 4.7/5
Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya - 4.5/5
La Pacifica Los Cabos, a Hilton Club - 4.4/5
The Explorean Cozumel - 4.7/5
The Explorean Kohunlich - 4.7/5
The Grand Mayan Acapulco - 4.4/5
The Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta - 4.4/5
The Grand Mayan Riviera Maya - 4.2/5
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Zihuatanej
4.5

• Portugal
Hilton Vilamoura Vacation Club - 4.4/5
Vilar do Golf - 4.4/5

• Scotland
Craigendarroch Lodges - 4.3/5
Craigendarroch Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club - 4.5/5
Coylumbridge Highland Lodges - 4.0/5
Dunkeld House Lodges - 3.9/5
The Kenmore Club - 4.0/5

• Spain
Club Cala Blanca - 4.0/5
Los Amigos Beach Club - 4.0/5
Royal Oasis Club at Pueblo Quinta - 4.0/5
Royal Tenerife Country Club - 4.0/5
Sahara Sunset - 4.4/5
Santa Barbara Golf & Ocean Club - 4.3/5
White Sands Beach Club - 4.0/5

• St. Maarten
Flamingo Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.0/5
Royal Palm, a Hilton Vacation Club - 4.2/5

 

[elaine]

• Florida - Gulf
Casa Ybel Resort - 4.1/5
Club Regency of Marco Island - 4.0/5
Eagle’s Nest Beach Resort - 4.0/5
Harbourview Villas at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Plantation Bay Villas at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Plantation Beach Club at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Plantation House at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Sanibel Cottages Resort - 4.8/5
Seawatch On-the-Beach Resort - 4.5/5
Shell Island Beach Club Resort - 4.0/5
South Seas Club at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
Sunset Cove Resort - 4.0/5
The Charter Club of Marco Beach - 4.6/5
The Cottages at South Seas Island Resort - 3.9/5
The Surf Club of Marco - 4.6/5
Tortuga Beach Club Resort - 4.9/5

I'm guessing that MAX bookings would be rare, as HGVC gets to book at 9 months for the few spots deposited. Interetingly, SW FL was not listed on the MAX map at our Dec. Owners Update.

 

[Zenichiro]

I'm guessing that MAX bookings would be rare, as HGVC gets to book at 9 months for the few spots deposited. SW FL was not listed on the MAX map at our Dec. Owners Update.

Honestly it’s hit or miss. Some have an over abundance and others low to nothing.

 

[cd5]

Honestly it’s hit or miss. Some have an over abundance and others low to nothing.

Given that Max is an exchange system, and that Diamond and HGVC Embarc owners get DEX (better terms for exchanges - #1 being not just 7 months out), what's available in Max depends on how many members Max has and how often they use it.
Pretty sure it's slim pickings because Embarc for example has less than 10% of its members enrolled and only "some" of those will actually use Max - especially since all Embarc members are in DEX (for free).
I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers of members in Max with HGVC and HVC are similar.

 

[Zenichiro]

Given that Max is an exchange system, and that Diamond and HGVC Embarc owners get DEX (better terms for exchanges - #1 being not just 7 months out), what's available in Max depends on how many members Max has and how often they use it.
Pretty sure it's slim pickings because Embarc for example has less than 10% of its members enrolled and only "some" of those will actually use Max - especially since all Embarc members are in DEX (for free).
I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers of members in Max with HGVC and HVC are similar.

Embarc is strange. Some have a lot of availability and others I have never seen, although I don’t look daily. I assumed it’s all points based so why there would be more Zih or Florida availability vs Canada is beyond me.

 

[geist1223]

I have never understood why anyone would buy access to MAX.

 

[kanerf]

I purchased a resale HGVC in Orlando and when it got added to my retail HGVC account I suddenly became Max. Didn't ask for it, didn't pay for it, so I am fine with it. Like others have mentioned, I don't think I would pay to upgrade (is it an upgrade?).

 

[cd5]

Embarc is strange. Some have a lot of availability and others I have never seen, although I don’t look daily. I assumed it’s all points based so why there would be more Zih or Florida availability vs Canada is beyond me.

We don't exchange a specific property - our points are equal "currency" for our all 9 locations (we don't have a "home" resort). So, Embarc can decide which locations they are going to give the points for, as they're not attached to a particular place or size of unit when they are traded. Zih and Florida, except at certain times of the year (about 4 to 5 months), are less in demand with Embarc members so that's why they give availability for those. Also, over 50% of Embarc members are Canadian, so our Canadian locations are more in demand and are year-round generally full. Around 95% of the total Embarc points are sold so that's a lot of members trying to use their points...

 

[Zenichiro]

We don't exchange a specific property - our poi ts are equal for our 9 locations (we don't have a "home" resort). So, Embarc can decide which locations they are going to give the points for. Zih and Florida, except at certain times of the year, are less in demand with Embarc members so that's why they give availability for those. Also, over 50% of Embarc members are Canadian, so our Canadian locations are more in demand and are year-round generally full. Around 95% of the total Embarc points are sold so that's a lot of members trying to use their points...

Okay that explains why the majority is Zih then.

 

[cd5]

Okay that explains why the majority is Zih then.

And it's not Zih in January and February...

 

[Zenichiro]

And it's not Zih in January and February...

True, mainly March - October.

 

[Zenichiro]

And it's not Zih in January and February...

What is the difference in the ocean-view vs beachfront? Assuming beach is on the ground floor?

 

[cd5]

What is the difference in the ocean-view vs beachfront? Assuming beach is on the ground floor?
View attachment 120535

Beachfront is in either building 4 or 8 and not necessarily ground floor. Those buildings are the ones closest to the beach. There are a couple of rooms on the ground floor for each but that is not necessarily what you'll get. It can be 2, 3 floors up. Oceanview 3 bdrm has a large terrace and generally on 2 levels in buildings 2 or 3 above the entrance/lobby area. I've attached a resort plan for you.

 

[Zenichiro]

Beachfront is in either building 4 or 8 and not necessarily ground floor. Those buildings are the ones closest to the beach. There are a couple of rooms on the ground floor for each but that is not necessarily what you'll get. It can be 2, 3 floors up. Oceanview 3 bdrm has a large terrace and generally on 2 levels in buildings 2 or 3 above the entrance/lobby area. I've attached a resort plan for you.

Awesome, appreciate it. May hold this one and hope a December unit opens.

 

[GT75]

What is the difference in the ocean-view vs beachfront? Assuming beach is on the ground floor?

What booking system is that? And how many points required for that 3br/week?

 

[Zenichiro]

What booking system is that? And how many points required for that 3br/week?

This one I’m booking is 5 night June 6-11 (12600) using HGV Max

 

[cd5]

This one I’m booking is 5 night June 6-11 (12600) using HGV Max

June is what is called "opportunity" season (the cheapest timeframe). It's 10,500 points for Embarc members. Those have a great view of the bay as they're at the very top of the resort. There's only 2 of those type rooms.
Did you get the Villa or the regular 3 bedroom? Points below is for the regular. The Villas are in building 4 and interior is different with washer/dryer and full kitchen. The Villas are 150 points more per night.

 

[Zenichiro]

June is what is called "opportunity" season (the cheapest timeframe). It's 10,500 points for Embarc members. Those have a great view of the bay as they're at the very top of the resort. There's only 2 of those type rooms.
Did you get the Villa or the regular 3 bedroom? Points below is for the regular. The Villas are in building 4 and interior is different with washer/dryer and full kitchen. The Villas are 150 points more per night.
View attachment 120545

It says 3YX villa OV so should be that one. Sounds good. There is an SLH Hilton hotel
La Casa Que Canta, near by that I will tag on two nights with.

 

[cd5]

It says 3YX villa OV so should be that one. Sounds good. There is an SLH Hilton hotel
La Casa Que Canta, near by that I will tag on two nights with.

Yes, that's a little down the hill (no access to the beach, I believe) and very expensive when paid with cash! Hope you have a good time! June is very hot!

 

[Zenichiro]

Yes, that's a little down the hill (no access to the beach, I believe) and very expensive when paid with cash! Hope you have a good time! June is very hot!

I’m sure we will. We love hot but would prefer December so will keep watching.

 

[ernststarhemberg]

We are ‘Max’ through retail purchase, but have never used the Max benefits (booking non-HGV properties with points). That’s not to say we never will, the opportunity just hasn’t come up yet.

 

[Zenichiro]

We are ‘Max’ through retail purchase, but have never used the Max benefits (booking non-HGV properties with points). That’s not to say we never will, the opportunity just hasn’t come up yet.

To be honest we never have either and there are very few I would entertain. Embarc and maybe a few BG resorts.