Non-DVC Timeshares

[vascubaguy]

I'm thinking in future terms here, but the other day we were discussing non-WDW vacations. There are many other places we'd like to visit other than WDW and I was considering checking out some of the other timeshares. Specifically, I'd want something that has the flexibility of DVC but many more location choices (US with some international - maybe).

My boss is a member of the Hilton Grand Vacation Club (Williamsburg location) and she seems to like it, though I haven't drilled her for info. One of the locations that sparked my interest was the Hilton New York (which I guess is a HGVC?)...

Anyway, does anyone have a favorite non-DVC timeshare that has similar flexibility? And could you point me toward a site that details how their system works? I looked for HGVC but couldn't find too much, mostly general stuff.

Thanks!

 

[phyllisnnj]

Try Timeshare User Group for info on HGVC
Under Advice is a HGVC Overview - http://www.tug2.net/advice/hgvc.htm.
Discussions about HGVC can be found under hotel based timeshares forum - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30

Here's a comparison to DVC - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=5123241&postcount=5

 

[J and R's mom]

Try Timeshare User Group for info on HGVC
Under Advice is a HGVC Overview - http://www.tug2.net/advice/hgvc.htm.
Discussions about HGVC can be found under hotel based timeshares forum - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30

Here's a comparison to DVC - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=5123241&postcount=5

Thanks for posting those links! On the off chance I ever decide to rent points to go somewhere else, this might be a neat way to go. If it wasn't for DVC and these boards, I would have never know timeshare rentals were possible.

 

[dvc_john]

There is no HGVC in Williamsburg. Maybe he owns at the Marriott there, or one of the others.
As for the Hilton Club in NY, it sort of a special case. Very expensive. If you buy in NY, you can use your points at any HGVC. But if you buy anywhere else, you can only use your points at NY if you are an 'elite' member (meaning a minimum number of points that's usually about 3 weeks or more worth).
HGVC is point based, and nearly as flexible as DVC as far as reserving units at any resort (based on home resort priority), any size unit, any season, and any number of days (3 day minimum until 30 days out, then 2 day minimum).
The main HGVC resorts are Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami Beach, and Hawaii, with affiliated resorts in SW Florida, Colorado, Mexico, Ireland, and Scotland.
Marriott has by far the most resorts in the most places. But they tend to mostly work on a week for week exchange system.

 

[JimC]

We own at Marriott as well. I use Marriott as my primary lodging when I travel and enjoy the consistently well done service and properties. So it became a logical avenue for our non-Disney vacations.

They are a week system (although one may, for a small fee, split their week into 4 and 3 night stays). They have mnay great properties around the world and if you buy a lock-off it can greatly improve your return on the expenditure. Marriott is not as flexible as DVC, but it is a very well run program.

 

[IWantMickey]

Marriott is not as flexible as DVC, but it is a very well run program.

We own two weeks at Marriott's Ocean Pointe in Palm Beach Shores as well as points with DVC. We love both. I agree that Marriott is not as flexible as DVC but it all depends on what you are looking for. I think Marriott gives a good variety of options. It's up to the owner to determine the best way to use them. We bought in the Silver season which limits us at our home resort to the off season in Florida (which is when I like it - not too hot, not too cool). We can lock off our 2 bedroom whenever we want and deposit the efficiency with Interval International (or use another week in it at Ocean Pointe). Because we have 2 weeks, every year we can trade one of the weeks for Marriott points and use them for a big vacation (including airfare) when we've saved enough points. I consider my Ocean Pointe timeshare to be my slice of oceanfront property I could never afford otherwise. Long story short, you have to really understand the unique workings of each timeshare in order to get the greatest value.

Good luck with your search!