Waiting list

[rmschiltz]

Has any one been put on a waiting list by RCI for Europe? If so, what are the chances of getting something and does being a Hilton owner help? Our plans to Italy came to a screeching halt due to no openings up through the RCI 2 year period.

 

[alwysonvac]

Has any one been put on a waiting list by RCI for Europe? If so, what are the chances of getting something and does being a Hilton owner help? Our plans to Italy came to a screeching halt due to no openings up through the RCI 2 year period.

Did you search TUG's Europe forum to understand your chances of getting an exchange to Italy?

Here are some old threads
"Trading into Italy" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74424
"Best exchange co for Italy?" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63506
"European Cities" - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101828

If you're new to exchanging, it is important to understand that a trade can only be completed if someone deposits a week that meets your criteria and there is not someone “in line” ahead of you for that week. Exchangers only have access to what is deposited and not all weeks are deposited. As someone said on a recent TUG thread, if you assumed that you will simply be able to "exchange" into where you want to go, when you want to go there then you might be very disappointed".

Also understand, all resorts are not created equal. Some resorts will have better locations, better facilities, better quality furnishing, newer vs older, etc. It pays to always find out as much as possible before making a request for an exchange. You'll notice that some resorts will have a RCI Gold Crown designation. Personally, I use the resort designation as a starting point then look at TUG Reviews, TUG posts and Tripadvisor Reviews and Photos as my source for learning as much as possible about a particular resort.

NOTE: The various sighting boards are very helpful in determining what is currently and normally available via RCI - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=741662&postcount=21

Good Luck

 

[rmschiltz]

I will check out the links. I understood most of the information, I just thought someone may have had good or bad experiences with the Hilton system of Europe exchanges.

Thanks.

 

[alwysonvac]

Our plans to Italy came to a screeching halt due to no openings up through the RCI 2 year period.

I just did an online search via the HGVC website and saw some RCI availability in Italy. You have to play around with the dates. Which locations and/or resorts are you looking for?

For example using the RCI Nightly Reservation

Carpediem Assisi Living Club (#3573)
Localita' Pian Della Pieve
Assisi
(PG) 06081
Italy Phone: 075 802442
www.carpediemgroup.com
assisi@carpediemgroup.com

Select Unit Select Unit Type Privacy/Max Occupancy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date Points
1 Bedroom 2/4 Partial 12/05/2009 12/12/2009 2,400
1 Bedroom 2/4 Partial 12/05/2009 12/12/2009 2,400
2 Bedrooms 4/6 Full 12/26/2009 01/02/2010 4,800


Il Poggio (#4182)
Localita' Il Poggio
Celle Sul Rigo
San Casciano Bagni
(SI) 53040
Italy Phone: 0578-53748
www.ilpoggio.net www.gruppolcl.com
info@ilpoggio.net

Select Unit Select Unit Type Privacy/Max Occupancy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date Points
Studio 2/4 Partial 12/12/2009 12/19/2009 1,700
1 Bedroom 2/4 Partial 12/12/2009 12/19/2009 2,400
1 Bedroom 4/4 Partial 12/12/2009 12/19/2009 2,400


For example using the RCI Weeks Reservation

Residence Rio d'Elba (#2962)
Localita'la Ginestra
Rio nell'Elba
(LI) 57039
Italy Phone: 0565-943139

Select Unit Select Unit Type Privacy/Max Occupancy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date Points
2 Bedrooms 6/6 Partial 09/18/2010 09/25/2010 4,800
2 Bedrooms 6/6 Partial 09/25/2010 10/02/2010 4,800
2 Bedrooms 6/6 Partial 05/07/2011 05/14/2011 4,800
Urgent Information:
NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED CLEANING FEE: 40 E PUPW-LINEN CHARGE 11 E PPPW NO PETS ALLOWED OCCUPANCY LIMITS ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED FOR ALL UNIT TYPES RECEPTION HOURS: 9-12 / 17-19! PLEASE ADVISE RESORT IN CASE OF ARRIVAL IN DIFFERENT HOURS( PHONE +39 0565 943139).


Ferienclub Tirolensis (Mondi) (#1537)
Prissian
Prissian/Meran
(BZ) 39010
Italy Phone: 0473-920901
www.mondiholiday.de

Select Unit Select Unit Type Privacy/Max Occupancy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date Points
Studio 2/3 Partial 01/22/2011 01/29/2011 1,200
Studio 2/2 Partial 01/29/2011 02/05/2011 1,200
Studio 2/3 Partial 02/05/2011 02/12/2011 1,200
Studio 2/3 Partial 02/12/2011 02/19/2011 1,200
Studio 2/3 Partial 05/14/2011 05/21/2011 2,400
Studio 2/3 Partial 06/04/2011 06/11/2011 2,400
Studio 2/2 Partial 06/11/2011 06/18/2011 2,400
Urgent Information:
MANDATORY FEE FOR MONDI "FUN AND MORE" CARD OFFERING LOCAL DISCOUNTS. (NOT APLICABLE FOR MONDI OWNERS, OR 1537-55569 RENTALS) 2 EUR PER PERSON PER DAY, CHILDREN UNTIL 15 J. FREE(NON MONDI MBRS ONLY) CONFIRMED OCCUPANCY IS STRICTLY ENFORCED. THE RESORT WILL NOT UPGRADE UPON ARRIVAL ALL UNITS PREFIXED WITH LEAD ARE FOR ITALIAN MEMBERS ONLY


Hotel Villa Igea (#3093)
Via Fuorlovado 36
Capri
(NA) 80073
Italy Phone: 818-380111

Select Unit Select Unit Type Privacy/Max Occupancy Kitchen Check-in Date Check-out Date Points
Studio 2/3 Partial 01/16/2011 01/23/2011 1,200
Studio 2/3 Partial 01/23/2011 01/30/2011 1,200

 

[rmschiltz]

The problem is my wife only has a specific week off each year and she cannot pick it. It is the end of May during the holiday. In 2011 she will get a second week anytime she wants. I will look into what you found. She is really hoping to get to Venice or Rome.

Thanks.

 

[bosco0633]

hey buddy, I have been to Europe every year for the past 5 years. We have done Venice 3 times. We never stay in Venice. Check out the holiday inn express in Quarto d'Altino. It is beautiful and just outside of venice. At the end of the street you can take the train for around 2 euros and go right into downtown venice.

You will be amazed just how cheap the price is for such a well kept hotel. I know its not a timeshare but it is a really nice place to stay. If you need any ideas for other destinations, I have been all over Europe.

Good luck

 

[alwysonvac]

The problem is my wife only has a specific week off each year and she cannot pick it. It is the end of May during the holiday. In 2011 she will get a second week anytime she wants. I will look into what you found. She is really hoping to get to Venice or Rome.

Thanks.

Since you need a specific week, you might want to consider converting your HGVC points to HHonor points for hotel stays in Venice and/or Rome. See this post regarding Hilton HHonors conversions - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=684442&postcount=3

In general, with any exchange company (especially with the smaller, independent exchange companies) you might set yourself up for potential failure if you limit your search to a particular week. Since you need a specific week, you might want to look at rentals (hotels, apts, etc).

From TUG's Timeshare 101 article - http://www.tug2.net/advice/TimeShare-101.htm

Realistic timeshare exchange expectations
"You should also not be too restrictive about your search criteria. Remember that a trade can only be completed if someone deposits a week that meets your criteria and there is not someone “in line” ahead of you for that week. You can increase your chances of being able to successfully make an exchange by increasing the number of resorts (or areas) into which you are willing to make an exchange and/or by specifying a wider range of check-in dates. If you are limited to traveling only during a very short period (as with a school vacation), then you should be sure that there are many resorts that will fit your criteria. Similarly, if you insist on going to a specific location or a specific small set of resorts, you should have a wider range of possible check-in dates. If you can’t meet either of these criteria, you should consider that exchanging might not be a good use of your timeshare, and you should plan on owning a timeshare primarily for direct usage."

Independent exchange companies
"Independent exchange companies are all much smaller than RCI and II, the two large affiliated exchange companies. Accordingly, they do not offer the variety of exchange opportunities that RCI and II do. Also, because their inventory and overall exchange volume is lower, you may have to wait longer before they can complete an exchange. Some independent exchange companies will actively contact owners and resorts to try to obtain weeks that meet your search criteria. Because of their smaller size, many independent exchange companies will specialize in certain niche markets, such as certain geographic areas or certain types of resorts."

According to the RCI Directory, there are six resorts in the Rome area and ten resorts in the Venice area (see below). HGVC has quality filters that prevent exchanges into low quality resorts. You may want to check with the HGVC RCI desk to see which resorts (if any) you can exchange into. For example, Disney's quality filters for DVC members allows no RCI exchanges in Italy.

ROME AREA
CAMPING I PINI (#R140)
Carpediem Roma Golf Club (#4267)
I Cieli di Roma (#5808)
Prime Hotel Roma Cassia -"3 Nights" (#6174)
RESIDENCE DEHON (#A098)
Villa Diana (#2938)

VENICE AREA
Ca' de Venezia (#4250)
CAMPEGGIO PRA DELLE TORRI (#R145)
CAMPING CAVALLINO (#R144)
Domina Home Giudecca Hotel (#6684)
Hotel Mioni Royal San - Half Board (#A267)
Hotel Piccola Fenice (#2811)
I Gioielli del Doge (#3577)
Le Barchesse Di Villa Corner (#1649)
Palazzo del Giglio-Residenza Alberghiera (#3946)
Perle Veneziane (#2837)


FYI...using my non HGVC account, here's RCI's Extra Vacation (cash rentals) current availablity for Rome and Venice.

CAMPING I PINI (#R140) 1 available unit
ROME, 00065 Italy
Available Unit Size: Studio (2 max)
Check-In Date: 04-Jan-2011
Price: $530.99

Carpediem Roma Golf Club (#4267) 37 available units
Guidonia Montecelio (RM), 00012 Italy
Available Unit Size: 3 BR (8 max), 1 BR (4 max)
Check-In Date Range: 01-Aug-2009 - 26-Dec-2009
Price Range: $701.99 - $1,286.99

RESIDENCE DEHON (#A098) 13 available units
ROME, OO165 Italy
Available Unit Size: Studio (2 max)
Check-In Date Range: 08-Aug-2009 - 26-Dec-2009
Price Range: $782.99 - $854.99

Hotel Mioni Royal San - Half Board (#A267) 12 available units
Padova (PD), 35036 Italy
Available Unit Size: Hotel (3 max)
Check-In Date Range: 01-Aug-2009 - 28-Nov-2009
Price Range: $458.99 - $530.99

 

[alwysonvac]

hey buddy, I have been to Europe every year for the past 5 years. We have done Venice 3 times. We never stay in Venice. Check out the holiday inn express in Quarto d'Altino. It is beautiful and just outside of venice. At the end of the street you can take the train for around 2 euros and go right into downtown venice.

Link to Tripadvisor.com review for the Holiday Inn Express Quarto D'Altino -
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...nn_Express_Quarto_D_Altino-Venice_Veneto.html

 

[alwysonvac]

You will be amazed just how cheap the price is for such a well kept hotel. I know its not a timeshare but it is a really nice place to stay. If you need any ideas for other destinations, I have been all over Europe.

Good luck

Do you have one for Rome?

 

[bosco0633]

in rome I have been to Express By Holiday Inn ROME-SAN GIOVANNI. This is less than 1.5 miles to the city center for about 120 euros a night. Really good deal, great hotel and you get holiday inn quality. I am very cautios when booking rooms in Europe. I generally tend to go with larger names when booking. Alot of these smaller chains and individual hotels are nice and all but you never know the kind of quality that you are getting. At least with the holiday inn you know you are getting some kind of standard.

Just my 2 cents some many agree or disagree. I just find it really expensive over there and you dont want a crummy room when you are doing some major traveling.

 

[alwysonvac]

Thanks bosco0633


rmschiltz,
If you're thinking about hilton hotel stays, also see the hilton trip reports and reviews on flyertalk.com (see links below).
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilt...olino-stucky-venice-trip-reports-reviews.html
Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Collection - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/463891-rome-cavalieri.html
Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/617952-hilton-garden-inn-rome-airport.html
Hilton Rome Airport - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/450032-hilton-rome-airport.html

Good Luck

 

[rmschiltz]

That is a lot to reply to. It looks like we will just have to suffer and take two vacations one year. My wife wants to go to Rome real bad so we may have to do something other than a timeshare. We just thought it would be easier to get something with the RCI 2 year out limit. We would consider converting the points to the hotel, but I know the conversion is not good and then we would not get the second vacation.

 

[alwysonvac]

If you're considering converting points....

We would consider converting the points to the hotel, but I know the conversion is not good and then we would not get the second vacation.

With the Rome Hiltons you have the following three options:
HHonors Waldorf Astoria Collection (Rome Cavalieri) - 265,000 HHonors VIP reward for 6 nights (during High Season 3/1 - 12/31)
HHonors Reward Category Level 5 (Hilton Rome Airport) - 150,0000 HHonors VIP reward for 6 nights
HHonors Reward Category Level 4 (Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport) - 150,0000 HHonors VIP reward for 6 nights
NOTE: See the HHonors Rewards chart for longer stays - http://hhonors1.hilton.com/ts/en_US/hh/media/pdf/VIPOnlyRewardsChart2009.pdf

5,000 annual HGVC points converts to either 100,000 HHonors points or 125,000 HHonor points (depending on your conversion request date - see STICKY for more information). If you need extra HHonors points you can purchase up to 40,000 HHonors points each year @ $0.01 per point (if you purchase at least 10,000 HHonor points)

The Rome Cavalieri is a top tier Hilton resort. The resort has an elegant, upscale, romantic feel to it. Everything here is very expensive so it is very important that you read the various reviews so you know what to expect. With 5,000 annual HGVC points, it would take 2 weeks worth of HGVC points but still a great deal compared to the nightly cash rate for a standard room; The standard rooms are very nice. We spent a week here on our honeymoon 12 years ago and have returned here several times via HHonors reward stays but that was before the latest point increase to the new HHonors Waldorf Astoria category. NOTE: I've never stayed at the other two Hiltons in Rome.

In addition to the flyertalk reviews in post #11 above, also take a look at the Tripadvisor reviews and photos for all three Hiltons in Rome
http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/...he_Waldorf_Astoria_Collection-Rome_Lazio.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...ilton_Rome_Airport_Hotel-Fiumicino_Lazio.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re..._Garden_Inn_Rome_Airport-Fiumicino_Lazio.html

 

[ctyatty]

Alot of these smaller chains and individual hotels are nice and all but you never know the kind of quality that you are getting. At least with the holiday inn you know you are getting some kind of standard.

Just my 2 cents some many agree or disagree. I just find it really expensive over there and you dont want a crummy room when you are doing some major traveling.

I have stayed at Holiday Inns all over Germany and always been pleased, with the priority club you get some points and a free room every so often.