moving points forward

[blueskys]

We are new timeshare owners. We need to move our 2011 points to 2012. But I'm unsure whether we should move them to RCI for 2 years or HGVC for one year. We will still have our 25,200 points for 2012 as well as our bonus points that we got for buying a Hilton Timeshare (over 100,000 bonus points, good until the middle of 2013).

Can anyone fill us in on the pros and cons of RCI vs HGVC? There is so much to learn!!!

thanks so much

blueskys

 

[Intheknow]

Just know that if you rescue them to next year, you can still use them towards an RCI exchange. And, as long as the exchange is confirmed by December 31, 2012, you can travel in RCI in the year 2013. So, my vote is Rescue them to 2012 in HGV.

 

[Remy]

I agree. Pay $69 to move them forward, then you'll have time to make good decisions about where to use them without locking yourself in now to a specific type of use.

That's a lot of points to use in a limited amount of time. I don't know your specific circumstances or plans for use. Maybe you can use 150,000 HGVC points between now and mid-2013. If not, I'd normally not do this, but converting some points to HHonors points might actually make sense simply for the sake of keeping the value from expiring. HHonors points won't expire as long as your account does not go without positive activity in a 12 month period.

 

[pianodinosaur]

I agree with Remy. Use your bonus points up ASAP. Have some great vacations.

 

[Talent312]

Conversions to HHonors are done with next year's points (or bonus points).
That still leaves you with expiring 2011 points. I'd rescue them to HGVC becuz:
-- You can use them for either HGVC or RCI reservations; and
-- Points rescued to HGVC can now be deposited to RCI for the following year.
That gives you the same benefit of an RCI deposit.

But I would not stop there...

Becuz you have a ton of bonus points you need to use up, I'd also go ahead and "deposit" your 2012 point-allotment to 2013 now, not wait to do a rescue. That way, you can make using bonus points a priority. If in 2012, you can see that there's no way to use all the points waiting for you, then by 12/31, you could convert some 2013 + bonus points to HHonors.

 

[blueskys]

Thanks Talent312; could you tell me the difference between 'depositing' points and rescuing points?

 

[blueskys]

Thanks InTheKnow, that's what I will do.

 

[Talent312]

... Could you tell me the difference between 'depositing' points and rescuing points?

"Deposits" are what you do with next year's points.
... Before 12/31 this year, you can deposit your 2012 points to 2013.
... Deposited points can be used for any HGVC purpose ('cept Home Week stays).
... They cannot be rescued, but can be placed in the RCI Program (for a 2015 expiration).

"Rescues" are what you do with current year points.
... Rescued points are limited to Club or RCI bookings.
... There's a new option of moving rescued points to the RCI program for one more year.

I would encourage you to pull out your Members Guide, look at the "Rules" part, and re-read the sections on Point Stretching and Bonus Points several times. Be prepared to take some aspirin. It might help to make your own list of options for (1) Current Year Points, (2) Next Year's Points and (3) Bonus Points.

 

[djyamyam]

Do both of these options apply to bi-enniel ownersips? If so, that would give me the occasional "annual" use of my points when I might need it

"Deposits" are what you do with next year's points.
... Before 12/31 this year, you can deposit your 2012 points to 2013.
... Deposited points can be used for any HGVC purpose ('cept Home Week stays).
... They cannot be rescued, but can be placed in the RCI Program (for a 2015 expiration).

"Rescues" are what you do with current year points.
... Rescued points are limited to Club or RCI bookings.
... There's a new option of moving rescued points to the RCI program for one more year.

I would encourage you to pull out your Members Guide, look at the "Rules" part, and re-read the sections on Point Stretching and Bonus Points several times. Be prepared to take some aspirin. It might help to make your own list of options for (1) Current Year Points, (2) Next Year's Points and (3) Bonus Points.

 

[blueskys]

Thanks, Talent312, I will read up on that pronto. We were considering renting out next year because we have so many points. If we rescue 2011 points, does that mean we get extra time at our home resort next year? If I deposit 2012 points then I couldn't use them to rent out. We get 2 weeks at our home resort, so would we then be entitled to 4 weeks (rescued 2011 and current year 2012 points) at our home resort, and be able to rent out for 4 weeks, if we don't intend to go to that resort?

Thanks so much,
I'll go get the aspirin and start reading

 

[Talent312]

E-O-Y packages have the same rights to move points forward and borrow from the future, so yeah, it should be relatively simple to book a stay in an off-year.

To the OP: You are running out of time to rescue 2011 points or to deposit 2012 points. As others are whining about, the website is breaking under the weight of heavy use, so you may need to call and soon.

Rescued and deposited points can be used at your home resort, but only as a "club" reservation, not a "home" reservation. One is 'sposed to only use "home week" bookings for rentals, so if that's your intent, leave the 2012 points alone. OTOH, some folks book stays with rescued or deposited points and get Guest Certificates for their new-found "friends."