What to do with a week in Waikiki when I can't go

[Savarra]

I have a reservation for a week in April at the Hilton Grand Islander in Waikiki (2 bedroom). I made the reservation months ago and now airfare is prohibitively expensive for my family. I did quite a few searches here and it looks like I can't rent my week. Is that true? I don't want to just cancel the reservation as it's likely the points will just stack up. I'm checking here in case there's an option I haven't thought of. I believe I can gift the week to a family member but can't take money for it, right? Many thanks for the help.

 

[Luanne]

You are correct that you cannot rent the unit. You can gift it to anyone (not just a family member), you will most likely need a guest certificate. I may be incorrect, but the "rule" is you cannot make a profit. I think there are instances where units are "gifted" for just the exchange fees. Hopefully someone will correct me on this if I'm wrong.

Can you give the week back? Will points be returned to you?

 

[brp]

As mentioned, you can gift it to anyone you'd like. You will be asked when getting a Guest certificate that this person is "personally known to you" (I think that's the correct terminology, i.e. family, or a "friend." As to the rest of the equation about receiving something in return, as mentioned, the answer is No...according to the rules.

OTOH, you did say it was "a week." If this happens to have been booked during Home Week, you can rent it, even according to the rules

Cheers.

 

[Savarra]

It's a week but not a home week, unfortunately.

 

[brp]

Yeah, then the "rules" say no to receiving compensation from any "friend."

Cheers.

 

[Luanne]

Although the rules may be bent, and broken (in the past I rented out timeshare weeks not knowing I wasn't allowed to do so) if you, or your guests, are caught it could result in the week being cancelled and their stay not being allowed.

 

[brp]

Although the rules may be bent, and broken (in the past I rented out timeshare weeks not knowing I wasn't allowed to do so) if you, or your guests, are caught it could result in the week being cancelled and their stay not being allowed.

Agree. I have no problem with some breakage (because I don't actually agree with the rules, but know full well that I signed up for this rule and am bound by it). However, it should not be common or it could well attract attention, and that could be bad. Unlikely IMO (and without supporting data) to be caught with the occasional oh let's say gift of a thank you fruit cake for the accommodation...

Cheers.

 

[Braindead]

Tips accepted

 

[GT75]

You could also move the reservation to another location or later in the year.

 

[terces]

If you cancel I think you can convert the points to Hilton Honours up to the end of the year. I hope I am right on this. I know it's not a very good option, but it is better than nothing - and the HH points do not expire.

 

[Savarra]

You could also move the reservation to another location or later in the year.

Good point. I'd forgotten about that option.

 

[GT75]

Good point. I'd forgotten about that option.

No problem. That would “save” your reservation fee. There are 3 HGVC resorts in CA. LV is also close to you. Besides that, I think that a HGVC resort will require an airline flight. I really have never used RCI but that is also an option.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Good point. I'd forgotten about that option.

Where are you located in California? Do you have the possibility to drive a car to the resorts in California or Las Vegas?

 

[bevans]

What area of California are you looking at flights? Alaska has a lot of flights out of San Jose in April for instance that are any where from $139-169 each way which is not expensive in my opinion. Curt

 

[GT75]

If you cancel I think you can convert the points to Hilton Honours up to the end of the year. I hope I am right on this. I know it's not a very good option, but it is better than nothing - and the HH points do not expire.

The rules are very restrictive on converting this years points. They are only allowed for an immediate reservation (including reservation fee) and at only 20/1 conversion ration.

Conversion for Immediate Use: On or before December 31 of the current year, Members may convert any number of their current year or next year’s allotment of ClubPoints into Hilton Honors points at the conversion ratio of 1 ClubPoint to 20 Hilton Honors points for a reservation at a Hilton branded hotel for immediate Hilton Honors Reservations. For example: 2,000 ClubPoints = 40,000 Hilton Honors points.

 

[SmithOp]

Interesting thread, the obvious solution with HGVC changeable reservations is to move the booking to a later date / different property.

It also illustrates why every HGVC owner should get into the position of using borrowed points for reservations, even if you have to cancel you only lose the reservation fee, the points go back to the borrowed year giving you plenty of time to use them. Borrowing is FREE!

This is what they should be teaching at the owner education webinars, not converting to HHonors, taking cruises, etc.

I just finished walking a November reservation using 2021 points, I have 0 balance for 2020. Even if I have to cancel it I still have over a year to use the points.


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