Newbie here: Help me decide!

[slypher25]

I am new to all of this so bear with me. I’ve been to timeshare presentations with HGV before but luckily always resisted. Last year I learned about how cheap “point” are selling for on eBay and I was shocked how much I could save. But I still have questions. So to start, here’s my answers to “the survey”.

1) Is there a vacation destination you wish to visit most of the time or on a regular basis? if so where?

I’m in Southern California so my partner and I like to go to Las Vegas as an easy getaway.

2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?

I could see going either way.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?

Hawaii, New York, Mexico, Miami, the Caribbean

4) How many people do you usually travel with - total, including yourself?

Usually 2, but possibly might have 2 kids with us every once in awhile.

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?

Anytime.

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?

Possibly, but I can only submit PTO officially up to 6 months in advance.

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?

Yes

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?

4 stars

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?

I’m comfortable with up to $2k (but those free listings sure sound nice!)

10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?

I’d like to stick with under $1k

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?

Usually

12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?

Yes, but that’s why I’m here!

 

[CO skier]

An 8,000 points ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations will get you into your top 5 locations (off-season for some) for about $1,200/year maintenance fees.

Timeshare Vacation Resorts | Hilton Grand Vacations

Learn about the upscale timeshare vacation resorts and destinations that Hilton Grand Vacations has to offer. Explore vacation ownership today.

www.hiltongrandvacations.com

Hilton South Beach Info: Points Charts, Booking Windows, Amenities

Learn more about this Hilton Grand Vacations resort. Get Hilton South Beach resales, points charts, booking windows, resort amenitites, overview & more

sellingtimeshares.net

HILTON GRAND VACATION CLUB, ON THE BOULEVARD, 8,000 POINTS, ANNUAL, TIMESHARE | eBay

Hilton Grand Vacations Club On The Boulevard. Hilton Grand Vacation Club. Now, you can A magnificent "Desert Deco" design is showcased throughout the resort's towering architecture and dramatic d cor.

www.ebay.com

 

[slypher25]

I should also mention that we’ve stayed a couple times at the HGV Elara in Vegas and LOVED it, so it would be nice to have that as my “home” property unless that doesn’t make as much sense as somewhere else.

 

[Passepartout]

I should also mention that we’ve stayed a couple times at the HGV Elara in Vegas and LOVED it, so it would be nice to have that as my “home” property unless that doesn’t make as much sense as somewhere else.

That might be a great place for you. The annual nut is a little above your target, and you'd be kind of in the HGV/DIA orbit of resorts. Nothing 'wrong' with that, but it's a little restricting. (imo). For the heck of it, see if you can book a week at Tahiti Village in Las Vegas. It might be a step down from Elara, but could cost less as well. I've seen these (even 2BRs) for free. Might be 'same church, different pew' kind of deal, and then you'd be exchanging via an exchange company (RCI iirc).

Happy hunting for 'the one'. Have fun with it, shop around. Try several systems. Each has their strong or weaker points, but honestly- except for Wastegate- there isn't a bad choice.

JIm

 

[slypher25]

That might be a great place for you. The annual nut is a little above your target, and you'd be kind of in the HGV/DIA orbit of resorts. Nothing 'wrong' with that, but it's a little restricting. (imo). For the heck of it, see if you can book a week at Tahiti Village in Las Vegas. It might be a step down from Elara, but could cost less as well. I've seen these (even 2BRs) for free. Might be 'same church, different pew' kind of deal, and then you'd be exchanging via an exchange company (RCI iirc).

Happy hunting for 'the one'. Have fun with it, shop around. Try several systems. Each has their strong or weaker points, but honestly- except for Wastegate- there isn't a bad choice.

JIm

I appreciate the input. I’d rule out Tahiti Village though… we like to be “on the strip”. Elara isn’t technically on the strip, but it’s connected to Planet Hollywood/Miracle Mile and we love the convenience.

Question: if I got a different HGV property, I can always use the points to stay at the Elara, correct?

 

[Passepartout]

Question: if I got a different HGV property, I can always use the points to stay at the Elara, correct?

Based on availability and having enough points for the unit/view, yes. That comes down to booking early enough (before the thundering mob) for desirable weeks.

I am not an HGV owner, but the above holds true for timeshares in general.

A primary difference between timeshares and hotels is that hotels run on about a 66% occupancy rate. That way if a late arrival or in Las Vegas' parlance, a high roller' calls late in their arrival day and needs a room for one night, a hotel can accommodate them. But a timeshare is owned by it's occupants- or 'members'. In order to keep costs down, TSs work on 7-night bookings. This reduces housekeeping and front desk help, and makes for near 100% occupancy. This results in low availability.

Again, Happy hunting.

Jim

 

[rickandcindy23]

All of my timeshares have higher than $1,000 MF's. I don't think that's very realistic.

 

[Passepartout]

^^^ What she said. $1000 annual fees is unrealistic except for off- season, very small (studio) size units. You would be very unhappy finding that is what you are entitled to, and wouldn't look forward to vacationing there.