Using RCI properties with HGVC points

[prajora]

Is there a good way to use all available RCI properties with HGVC points? Here are some points:
1. Can you use existing HGVC points to book in RCI resorts? That way you don’t have to pay RCI conversion fees. Correct?

2.Is there a way to get access to all RCI properties using HGVC points? Else the HGVC points give access to limited RCI properties.
Looking for some great replies from experience HGVC owners.
Thanks

 

[escanoe]

There are a few (very few) RCI properties that do not show up in the HGVC portal. There are different theories about them not meeting standards ... but I don’t buy it.

You can log on the HGVC website and use the RCI portal to book almost anything available in the RCI system or to set up a search to lock in what you want once it becomes available.

You can book whatever you want and it pulls from the points in the HGVC account. You do not need to pay a conversion fee for doing that.

 

[prajora]

There are a few (very few) RCI properties that do not show up in the HGVC portal. There are different theories about them not meeting standards ... but I don’t buy it.

You can log on the HGVC website and use the RCI portal to book almost anything available in the RCI system or to set up a search to lock in what you want once it becomes available.

You can book whatever you want and it pulls from the points in the HGVC account. You do not need to pay a conversion fee for doing that.

My understanding is that there are quite a few RCI properties which are not showing thru HGVC site. Also it is harded to get bookings thru HGVC for RCI properties.
Anyone who can correct or verify this?

Does is makes sense to have RCI membership or ownership to have wider reach? It is not desirable to do of ofcourse as it costs money to do that.

 

[bogey21]

Years ago I used to do it the other way around. I would deposit low MF Weeks into RCI and exchange into HGVC Las Vegas properties. No fees to dodge in those days. My how the TimeSharing world has changed...

George

 

[prajora]

Years ago I used to do it the other way around. I would deposit low MF Weeks into RCI and exchange into HGVC Las Vegas properties. No fees to dodge in those days. My how the TimeSharing world has changed...

George

Can you use HGVC points to pay MF? What is the point conversion ratio used for this conversion? Is it worth it?

 

[escanoe]

HGVC generally has good trading power in RCI. But it is not the best use of HGVC points in most instances.

When I got my HGVC account, I learned that I liked using RCI Points for a lot of my family’s travels.

To make better use of my travel dollars, I picked up some (1.5) efficient RCI points resale traders. That is a more efficient way to go in RCI for what we do ... but there are some quirks to the system where YMMV.

Have you done checks to see that what you want is blocked from the HGVC portal versus not having units available?

I have heard when something is blocked by HGVC, you can call up on the phone and get an exception. I have never done this, though.

I have an HGVC portal account for RCI and RCI Weeks account. Happy to help you look into certain properties if you would like.

My understanding is that there are quite a few RCI properties which are not showing thru HGVC site. Also it is harded to get bookings thru HGVC for RCI properties.
Anyone who can correct or verify this?

Does is makes sense to have RCI membership or ownership to have wider reach? It is not desirable to do of ofcourse as it costs money to do that.

 

[GT75]

Can you use HGVC points to pay MF? What is the point conversion ratio used for this conversion? Is it worth it?

No. You can use bonus points (points they add temporary) during a retail purchase (10 cents a point)

 

[Talent312]

My understanding is that there are quite a few RCI properties which are not showing thru HGVC site. Also it is hard to get bookings thru HGVC for RCI properties. Anyone who can correct or verify this?

Resorts that don't show up in an online search may be temporarily offline or just not available for some reason. I sometimes get a "no available properties" response when too specific about dates or places. You can use the RCI Directory to find a list of resorts and their codes to initiate a code search. I once had an ongoing search (OGS) for all WDW properties using their 25 or so codes.

However, its usually not difficult to book RCI thru HGVC, unless you are trying to get high-demand resort on high-demand dates. It's rather like finding a parking space at a grocery store close to the door. If you're fixated on the best spot, you may luck out, but more likely, will need to settle for something less.

 

[Sandy VDH]

Like Wyndham HGVC trades with RCI on a fixed points scale based on season and size. So for some really expensive TPU or Points in RCI it would be advantageous to book using the fixed points of HGVC. For resorts that are on the lower side of TPU or Points then it doesn't make much sense to use HGVC again because of that fixed point scale, especially if you have another RCI account.

I have an RCI weeks only account (paid by Wyndham), RCI via Wyndham portal (both weeks and points), the HGVC portal and the HICV Portal. So I have 4 different paths. Most of the portals work the same like HGVC and Wyndham having a fixed point chart, but HICV does a conversion from HICV point to RCI Points, and you pay in RCI points. It is the only one of the 3 portals that I have that operates like that. I do not use it, as I can always price it elsewhere cheaper.

 

[escanoe]

@Sandy VDH has explained well what I meant when I said YMMV, but HGVC is usually not the most optimal way to trade into RCI Points. I think the Manhattan Club (pre-COVID) is the only trade I have made where the HGVC fixed point system worked to my advantage. The upside to the HGVC system is you know exactly what your unit will pull in RCI.

An efficient RCI Points trader will have a lower purchase price than a good, Platinum HGVC unit and generally have a better points/maintenance fee ratio.

 

[prajora]

My understanding is that there are quite a few RCI properties which are not showing thru HGVC site. Also it is harded to get bookings thru HGVC for RCI properties.
Anyone who can correct or verify this?

Does is makes sense to have RCI membership or ownership to have wider reach? It is not desirable to do of ofcourse as it costs money to do that.

Regarding using HGVC points for RCI properties:
1.
Is it better to call HGVC customer service to book RCI resort or is HGVC - RCI online booking inventory same. In my limited experience calling HGVC to book RCI resort better. Any other opinions on this.

2.
Also when you book HGVC- RCI booking they ask if you like to pay $80 as an insurance so if travel plan changes, you still keep your RCI points. Is this worth paying for?