Need help in deciding which HGVC TS to buy

[Ianneyan]

I am hoping that some of you more prolific HGVC owners can help me decide what my husband and I should do. We just got back from our vaca @ Kingsland in Waikoloa. We were duped into purchasing from the builder, but we rescinded right when we got back home (thank goodness!) Our stay at Kingsland and experience at their Hilton resort really helped us to know that we would really like to purchase an HGVC timeshare but on the resale market instead.

Long story short, we aren't sure what location we should purchase. We think that 7,000 annual points would be great for us, and we will more than likely go to Hawaii at least every other year. I am a teacher with a year-round schedule, so our Hawaii vacation can be in October when I have a break (Off-season, right? At least not platinum season.

Should we bite the bullet and pay not only more up front for a Hawaii property but also more on MF? We've looked into the Bay Club @ Waikoloa, which at least has lower upfront costs, but I've read threads that seem to indicate that Bay Club doesn't have free access to the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort. Is that true? We are also looking into purchasing in LV or Orlando for overall lower costs.

What would you advise?

What is your advice?

 

[fillde]

Bay Club does have access to the resort but not water activities, beach lagoon and fitness center.

You have much knowledge of the Hilton system.

One deciding factor would be access to Oahu. If you really need a particuliar week, purchase there. Purchasing at another location would allow you access at 276 days out versus one year out for Oahu members. Waikiloa isn't usually a problem at 276 days out.

So, if you don't need a particuliar week in Oahu, I would go with the Flamingo in Las Vegas 7000 point platinum. No ROFR and they recently had a special assessment.

Good luck.

 

[Remy]

If you have a school schedule and you want to go to Hawaii, I'd buy in Hawaii.

An Every Other Year (EOY) may be a good option for you to keep costs down.

And, as always, don't fill all your available vacation time with timeshare. There are lots of other ways to vacation.

 

[Adrienne]

I think the Bay Club is a good deal despite lack of access to the Hilton Hotel. You can buy a daily family pass for about $80. If you go, say, twice during your week's vacation it's $160 bucks. Chump change compared to the price difference between Kingsland and Bay Club, and the rooms at the Bay Club are just as nice...and bigger.

 

[Ianneyan]

Thanks for all the advice... keep 'em coming if you think your two cents will help us out. We appreciate it!

If you have a specific broker or website you'd recommend, I could use that info, too!

 

[linsj]

Thanks for all the advice... keep 'em coming if you think your two cents will help us out. We appreciate it!

If you have a specific broker or website you'd recommend, I could use that info, too!

I own in Orlando but primarily book Oahu and have gotten what I want 9 months out and even closer. (My schedule is flexible.)

A lot of us recommend two brokers, both of whom offer excellent service and will help you get the best deal for your situation: Seth Nock, www.sellingtimeshares.net, and Judi K., judikoz.com.

 

[dougp26364]

IMHO, it's best to own where you want to go the most. If you really want a particular Hawaiian resort, then own at that resort.

The reason behind this is HGVC salesmen sell the abundant Orlando and Vegas properties with the promise of "easy" reservations into the more popular Hawaiian resorts.

The other piece of advice I would give is to buy the size unit you want to stay in or, the size you believe you may need in the future. I find it easier to find a use for excess pionts than to save/borrow and try to make everything balance out. Basically, don't buy short and try to go big.

We purchased Vegas because, at the time, we believed that's the property we'd visit the most. This was before we ever traveled to Hawaii. If we'd have traveled to Hawaii first and, knowing what we know now, we'd have purchased HHV Lagoon tower as our home resort.

It's MUCH easier to own Hawaii and reserve Vegas or Orlando than the other way around. Vegas and Orlando are very overbuilt and there's always units available. I don't find that same truth when trying to reserve Hawaii. With Hawaiian reservations, I've had to settle for what's available. With Vegas and Orlando I've been able to see and/or reserve what I want anything I've looked.

For instance, we've decided that, when staying in Vegas, we'd rather stay in a penthouse unit instead of the standard two bedroom unit we own. I've always seen availability anytime I've looked.

On the other hand, for Hawaii we prefer staying in the Lagoon tower. This past trip to HHV I found I had to make our reservations at exactly 9 months out and, we had a choice of exactly one style of unit. The only choice was a premier one bedroom Grand Waikakian unit. That unit took nearly two years of our 7,000 points! Ouch!

So, if you think you'll go to Hawaii every other year, you're better off to own what you want in Hawaii vs trying to go small and hope to trade big. In the end, it will cost you more but, you'll find you're more satisfide with your ownership. You won't have to deal with the frustration of not finding the dates you need. You'll have first choice rather than left overs.

 

[jehb2]

So, if you think you'll go to Hawaii every other year, you're better off to own what you want in Hawaii vs trying to go small and hope to trade big. In the end, it will cost you more but, you'll find you're more satisfide with your ownership. You won't have to deal with the frustration of not finding the dates you need. You'll have first choice rather than left overs.

Well said.

 

[Aquaman55]

IMHO, it's best to own where you want to go the most. If you really want a particular Hawaiian resort, then own at that resort.

The reason behind this is HGVC salesmen sell the abundant Orlando and Vegas properties with the promise of "easy" reservations into the more popular Hawaiian resorts.

The other piece of advice I would give is to buy the size unit you want to stay in or, the size you believe you may need in the future. I find it easier to find a use for excess pionts than to save/borrow and try to make everything balance out. Basically, don't buy short and try to go big.

We purchased Vegas because, at the time, we believed that's the property we'd visit the most. This was before we ever traveled to Hawaii. If we'd have traveled to Hawaii first and, knowing what we know now, we'd have purchased HHV Lagoon tower as our home resort.

It's MUCH easier to own Hawaii and reserve Vegas or Orlando than the other way around. Vegas and Orlando are very overbuilt and there's always units available. I don't find that same truth when trying to reserve Hawaii. With Hawaiian reservations, I've had to settle for what's available. With Vegas and Orlando I've been able to see and/or reserve what I want anything I've looked.

For instance, we've decided that, when staying in Vegas, we'd rather stay in a penthouse unit instead of the standard two bedroom unit we own. I've always seen availability anytime I've looked.

On the other hand, for Hawaii we prefer staying in the Lagoon tower. This past trip to HHV I found I had to make our reservations at exactly 9 months out and, we had a choice of exactly one style of unit. The only choice was a premier one bedroom Grand Waikakian unit. That unit took nearly two years of our 7,000 points! Ouch!

So, if you think you'll go to Hawaii every other year, you're better off to own what you want in Hawaii vs trying to go small and hope to trade big. In the end, it will cost you more but, you'll find you're more satisfide with your ownership. You won't have to deal with the frustration of not finding the dates you need. You'll have first choice rather than left overs.

Gee, Doug gave you great advice. I just returned from Kings' Land and I like BI because of all the active things one can do there. I've shied away from Honolulu because I really don't want to spend a Hawaiian vacation in an urban area. But, after looking at Doug's photos of Lagoon Tower (and view,) it's awfully appealing. Resale at the Bay Club is cost effective, but as others point out, you don't get to use the resort. King's Land is expanding like crazy and I have a feeling resale prices there may drop once Phase II opens. (Developer prices in Hawaii are just crazy.) As others mention, ask Seth or Judy. I have purchased from Seth. He is thorough, knowledgable and straight forward. One more thing...unless you live in California...getting to Hawaii is pricey and it feels like flying to Europe!

 

[jlee2070]

I think Doug's advice is sound if you want to go to HHV on Oahu often as it's probably the most sought after resort. King's Land in BI or any of the other BI resorts are easy to reserve at 9 Months out.

So, if Oahu is your target during high season. Then that is where you should own and in the correct season so you can have a 1 year reservation window. Otherwise, I say own where the MF's are cheapest (LV or Orlando) and take your chance at 9 months.

my 2 cents worth...

 

[Bill4728]

I think Doug's advice is sound if you want to go to HHV on Oahu often as it's probably the most sought after resort. King's Land in BI or any of the other BI resorts are easy to reserve at 9 Months out.

So, if Oahu is your target during high season. Then that is where you should own and in the correct season so you can have a 1 year reservation window. Otherwise, I say own where the MF's are cheapest (LV or Orlando) and take your chance at 9 months.

my 2 cents worth...

So just to be clear:
If you plan going to Hawaii often- Buy a TS in Hawaii

BUT if you don't plan to go more than once every 3 years you can likely get by with buying the much cheaper LV & Orlando resorts ( cheaper both to buy and much lower MFs)

Good Luck

 

[fillde]

I would only buy in Hawaii if Oahu was my destination. The availibity is just not there for all weeks. The Big Island generally has good availibity for all weeks.

I would look at Las Vegas if Oahu isn't a major destination for you. Look for a 7000 point contract. Many have bought smaller and regretted it. The maintenance fees are almost the same for 7000 vs 3400.

 

[icul8rg8r]

Great advice given by others! I second two major points:

1. If you want to be able to go to Hawaii every year or every-other year, then buy Hawaii - the location/season/size unit (points) you think you will be using. That's the only way to guarantee you'll have a week at that location in the size you purchased and you'll be able to book 12 months in advance.

2. Get 7000 points if you can! Many of us bought 5000 points and our only regret is that we didn't buy bigger - 7000 points has the same MF's as 5000 points.

We, too, attended the sales presentation, toured Kings Land, bought from the developer and rescinded just in the nick of time. We purchased resale from Seth Nook's company and saved thousands. Very smooth, easy transaction - highly recommend.

 

[rebel]

We own in Orlando and have been to HHV Lagoon Tower three times in the last five years and not had any real problems booking. We went twice in September and this year in June. If you underatnd the HGVC system and book nine nonths out you don't have a lot of problems. You ability to go in the Gold season makes it easier.

 

[linsj]

We own in Orlando and have been to HHV Lagoon Tower three times in the last five years and not had any real problems booking. We went twice in September and this year in June. If you underatnd the HGVC system and book nine nonths out you don't have a lot of problems. You ability to go in the Gold season makes it easier.

Finally, someone else who doesn't disagree with me! I've been to HHV every year since I bought in Orlando a decade ago, twice a year the past 4-5 years.

 

[Ianneyan]

Thank you!

Thanks to all who have contributed such valuable info. You have all been VERY helpful!

 

[janckenn]

If you are buying resale because points are points, then purchase HGVC at Flamingo. No ROFR there. The location is also excellent!

 

[Remy]

If you are buying resale because points are points, then purchase HGVC at Flamingo. No ROFR there. The location is also excellent!

Normally that isn't bad advice, but most have figured out there's demand at the resort and prices are near the ROFR prices at the Strip. Hilton has also been buying back units at Flamingo that are for sale on the open market making platinum units scarce.

 

[wilmetted]

Normally that isn't bad advice, but most have figured out there's demand at the resort and prices are near the ROFR prices at the Strip. Hilton has also been buying back units at Flamingo that are for sale on the open market making platinum units scarce.

Remy, could you please elaborate on this or send me a PM? I've got a 7000 point flamingo package I'm looking to part with in the next month or so. Are you saying hilton may buy it back from me?

Thanks!

 

[npmadsen]

Ok what about bay club
Are the exercising rofr there?
Eileen

 

[Islander7]

Ok what about bay club
Are the exercising rofr there?
Eileen

Bay Club is an affiliate, so Hilton does not have ROFR. A good option if you can handle the MF.

 

[zora]

We own at the bay club (and at other hgvc locations) but stay at least once a year at the lagoon towers (we do NOT own at the lagoon twrs). When we bought at the bay club vs lagoon twrs, I factored in the cost of the maintenance vs the purchase price and it was a no brainer. The bay club is an affiliate and so the rules are a little different. If I want to use next years (2013) points, I just prepay the maintenance fee of 2013 (at the 2012 amount) and I can use 2013 points. We also own seaworld and if I want to use 2013 points I don't have to prepay maintenance fees, I can just pull those points. But 7000 points at the lagoon tower on the resale market is $15,000 to $20,000 and about $5,000 at the bay club. That's a lot of years re the differential.
But I agree with the others who say you may want to buy where you want to stay. It's less stress. I usually book 9 months out at the lagoon tower. So it depends on what you want.
Also I agree with the recommendation of Seth or Judi. I have not bought from either but have friends who have bought from them, I have discussed possible purchases and sales with them (through email), and have found that they are upfront and honest, truly unique traits in their business.
Good luck!