Comparing Hilton Grand VC to DVC

[Tigger031266]

We wanted a few extra days for our July DVc trip so we agreed to take the Hilton GVC tour for 3 free days stay at an Embassy near DTD.

Major DVC Pluses
- No pressure sales - Hilton really put on the pressure
- Location if you want to go to WDW
- Cost - For similar points (nights) hilton was about 50-75% more (as far as I could calculate)
- Disney perks

Major Hilton Advantages
- Many more locations (just like DVC other hotels cost more points)
- Ownership is forever

Similarities
- Properties looked about the same in niceness (Layouts were similar)
- Both use point systems

Conclusions
- If you like Disney buy DVC, If you want to travel everywhere consider Hilton or another timeshare

One last observation - The pressure from Hilton was very intense. After we told Hilton we wanted to think about it, they took every piece of paper, said the prices were no longer valid and basically we left with like it was over. At Disney, they don't mind if you think it over. We bought 6 months after we took the tour. I think it is better to act like your product is good enough that you don't need to people, time and marketing pressure.

Hilton seems to playing lots of psycological games like saying "your points" and "you will have these points by...". It was all a game.

 

[kapeman]

What were the point prices and did they vary by location?

Do they do home resorts?

Thanks!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I am very skeptical of purchasing ANY product in a high pressure environment. If I go to a car dealership with that kind of sales...I walk...ummm run out.

What are the resale values for Hilton? Do they ROFR? Do the Hilton resales carry all of the perks with it?

As for the non-expiration...I see that as a plus for Disney. I have no desire to turn my vacation habits into an albatross around my relatives necks once I'm gone.

I don't mean to be steamed, but my family thinks I'm nuts, or at least not financially savvy because I bought a timeshare. IMHO, these high pressure sales outfits tend to devalue DVC because a lot of people won't even dare look at it.

 

[Tigger031266]

well the problem is they actually wrote out the point costs (not printed). Then when we said we wanted to think about it, they took all the documentation.

Hers is what I remember:

- The cost was about 28K for 3 weeks (7 days) in a 1BR (depending on season...)
- They have home resorts but there is no advantage (according to them)
- Later when we said "no" they tried to sell us a 14K deal which give you about 1.5 weeks/yr
- Remember these points don't ever expire

I agree on the pressure thing and was surprised at the level of pressure. After we told the initial sales person and she tried her pressure push, a manager came by and tried to get us to pay $1700 for a one week vacation (hotel) just so we could have time think about it (to lock in the price). It was almost laughable.

Let me just say that I am not ripping Hilton's vacation club. The rooms looked nice (just like DVC) and they have real nice locations. I just did not appreciate the pressure.

 

[Disney_Daddy]

A friend of mine just bought a resale at the Hilton Grand on I-Drive. It was $14K for two weeks in a 2 bedroom. He's not a big Disney fan, but enjoys the variety that Orlando offers.

 

[rkdahl]

I own both DVC and HGVC, they both have pros and cons and you covered some of them. A couple of comments on your topics:

Pressure - Yep, HGVC is way more but don't plan to buy from the developer. Just go there to get your free (insert item here) then go buy a resale. It's about 40-50% less than developer cost and there is almost no difference except for Elite membership (which requires 14,000 points!).

Cost per night - I don't see that much difference between HGVC and DVC, it depends on where you go and when of course but with HGVC a huge advantage over DVC is the 30 day window program. Any inventory left within 30 days of arrival you can get very cheap at almost all locations. It's great if you can schedule quick trips for long weekends and such

Ownership length - yep another big HGVC advantage, it never times out like DVC does. Now a correction on your notes, annual points do expire, as they do in Disney and with HGVC you can bank or borrow. But the real estate ownership does not expire like Disney's does.

Dues - yep different in every location. And with Hilton points are points, so buy where your maint fees are lowest (Vegas, Orlando...not Hawaii)

Affiliation - HGVC wins here because of the HHonors program. You can convert to Hilton Honors points and use them for global Hilton hotel stays, not very good for US hotels due to poor exchange rate but we've used them for Europe hotels twice and saved a bunch of $$.

We see DVC as being our Disney trip timeshare and HGVC as our travel everywhere else timeshare. Although we've used HGVC in Orlando several times too. We've owned DVC since '93 and love it. We expanded to HGVC to broaden our options and we love that too.

One key point with HGVC, never buy from the developer, you get soaked. Go to: http://www.tug2.net/ and check out the HGVC forums for a ton of information, tips, ideas and things not to do. They also have a DVC forum by the way. Great info there!

If you want to see the detailed Hilton HGVC owners 2008 guidebook look here:
http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/mg/

Holler if anymore questions.

 

[Dean]

I am very skeptical of purchasing ANY product in a high pressure environment. If I go to a car dealership with that kind of sales...I walk...ummm run out.

What are the resale values for Hilton? Do they ROFR? Do the Hilton resales carry all of the perks with it?

As for the non-expiration...I see that as a plus for Disney. I have no desire to turn my vacation habits into an albatross around my relatives necks once I'm gone.

I don't mean to be steamed, but my family thinks I'm nuts, or at least not financially savvy because I bought a timeshare. IMHO, these high pressure sales outfits tend to devalue DVC because a lot of people won't even dare look at it.

All timeshare sales are likely to be more pressure than DVC but many of the top companies are not HIGH pressure. Still, one can get an over zealous sales agent and it's happened with DVC as well. While I see the RTU as a negative for DVC, I don't see it as a compelling one as long as you own a top property in a good system for a truly reasonable price. Timeshares can be an absolute bargain or a hideous mistake depending on specifics. As a rule you get your savings in two areas, on the buy in and in learning and using the system better than other people ala DBD bookings. Hilton is likely the closest thing to DVC in many ways from a points ownership standpoint, Marriott is likely the closest from a resort standpoint. I've posted some of my exchange and trip info recently related to trips over the past few years but won't again here. If you want to email me I'll give you some examples to share with your family that might make them think twice about looking down on timeshare buyers. Just a teaser, $2500 total including all indirect expenses with 2 first class tickets to HI from the East, 15 nights, 14 in world class accommodations, rental cars, dining out, etc.

 

[jdg345]

All timeshare sales are likely to be more pressure than DVC but many of the top companies are not HIGH pressure. Still, one can get an over zealous sales agent and it's happened with DVC as well. While I see the RTU as a negative for DVC, I don't see it as a compelling one as long as you own a top property in a good system for a truly reasonable price. Timeshares can be an absolute bargain or a hideous mistake depending on specifics. As a rule you get your savings in two areas, on the buy in and in learning and using the system better than other people ala DBD bookings. Hilton is likely the closest thing to DVC in many ways from a points ownership standpoint, Marriott is likely the closest from a resort standpoint. I've posted some of my exchange and trip info recently related to trips over the past few years but won't again here. If you want to email me I'll give you some examples to share with your family that might make them think twice about looking down on timeshare buyers. Just a teaser, $2500 total including all indirect expenses with 2 first class tickets to HI from the East, 15 nights, 14 in world class accommodations, rental cars, dining out, etc.

How much for 3 first class tickets to HI ... I'll throw in the adoption papers.

 

[Dean]

How much for 3 first class tickets to HI ... I'll throw in the adoption papers.

Sorry, shot the FF mile wad on that trip and my daughters trip to HI last Sept. My guess is about the best you'll do from the East coast will match my total expenses for our trip in jan.

 

[kapeman]

Holler if anymore questions.

Doesn't HGVC have a reciprocal relationship with Club Intrawest?

I have been researching CI, but can't find a lot of resales out there.

Would HGVC be a good choice to trade into CI?

Thanks!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

All timeshare sales are likely to be more pressure than DVC but many of the top companies are not HIGH pressure. Still, one can get an over zealous sales agent and it's happened with DVC as well. While I see the RTU as a negative for DVC, I don't see it as a compelling one as long as you own a top property in a good system for a truly reasonable price. Timeshares can be an absolute bargain or a hideous mistake depending on specifics. As a rule you get your savings in two areas, on the buy in and in learning and using the system better than other people ala DBD bookings. Hilton is likely the closest thing to DVC in many ways from a points ownership standpoint, Marriott is likely the closest from a resort standpoint. I've posted some of my exchange and trip info recently related to trips over the past few years but won't again here. If you want to email me I'll give you some examples to share with your family that might make them think twice about looking down on timeshare buyers. Just a teaser, $2500 total including all indirect expenses with 2 first class tickets to HI from the East, 15 nights, 14 in world class accommodations, rental cars, dining out, etc.

Thanks Dean. I don't think I am at all close about even having the timeshare discussion with family. For now, I'll just have to live with them thinking that I have two heads growing out of my neck. I've warmed one of my sisters up to Disney, and believe that in time she will gain some understanding of why we bought DVC. As for the rest of the family...it's pretty hopeless. They may figure it out when they realize that they can't move the RVs anymore. Maybe the TS companies will clean up their act as well.

I'll definitely send you a pm when and if we decide to start trading out. Destin is calling, though very faintly for now.

 

[Lisa P.]

No timeshare discussion is complete without the TUG mantra... buy resale! Please email or PM for details but generally...

When considering a timeshare purchase, at least investigate resales for that resort or system. Ask actual owners whether and which benefits may not be available to resale buyers and see if the savings is worth that loss. The vast majority of resale buyers lose absolutely NO benefits and they may save 50-90%+ off their purchase price.

 

[Tigger031266]

I really was not that surprised by the pressure and we could handle it. It was the "get out of here, you will never get this wonderful deal again" attitude that surprised me. What if after talking with you fine folks, I determined it was the thing for me? You would think that we would have left on good terms with some numbers to think about?

I just think the Disney method is better for selling "Time Shares", a name that aome people think of a scams.

One other advantage in Hilton is that any points not used role into Hilton Honors (which can be used for tons of stuff). At Disney you can actually lose points.

It is a great point to look at TUG.

 

[Dean]

I really was not that surprised by the pressure and we could handle it. It was the "get out of here, you will never get this wonderful deal again" attitude that surprised me. What if after talking with you fine folks, I determined it was the thing for me? You would think that we would have left on good terms with some numbers to think about?

I just think the Disney method is better for selling "Time Shares", a name that aome people think of a scams.

One other advantage in Hilton is that any points not used role into Hilton Honors (which can be used for tons of stuff). At Disney you can actually lose points.

It is a great point to look at TUG.

The buy now or it is off the table approach is effective and most timeshares use it, even DVC to a degree.