TGM Poster Rips HH

[dis-happy]

Okay, thanks for the information, admittedly most of my experience is anecdotal and I defer to your greater experience. Meanwhile, also have visited friends staying at the HH-dvc and thought the theming of the rooms and resort is nice/fun, not to mention the activities, so I'm sure we'll enjoy burning a few of our banked (and otherwise unusable) points there sometime this year.

Looked up GO on the Marriott website, noted South Forest Beach address. Did not realize that gave guests free access to SP as well. Interesting, and somewhat surprising (although a nice perk). You wouldn't happen to know the backround of that agreement, do you?

Thanks for the suggestion for a day pass--I'll keep that in mind. It might be a good way to escape the house guests in the summer! My kids spend their days at either the barn (dd) or the tennis academy (oldest ds), so for the most part I don't get out too much, lol.

 

[Dean]

I did learn something though, did not realize since DVC is at HHI, you could trade out. You can't do that in Orlando can you?

That is correct simply because DVC choses it to be. They have only done so for Orlando and likely because it wouldn't make sense to give up the number of points to stay off site given the plethora or options available in Orlando and the ease of trading in to them. You can buy the cheapest option available, one you would not stay at if you were paid, and still trade to nice places in Orlando most of the year. You may also be interested to know that DVC limits trading in to the system geographically. Say one who owns at and II resort in HH could potentially trade to WDW but not to DVC HHI. If Marriott took advantage of this rule, DVC members would likely not have the exchange options in question.

Looked up GO on the Marriott website, noted South Forest Beach address. Did not realize that gave guests free access to SP as well. Interesting, and somewhat surprising (although a nice perk). You wouldn't happen to know the backround of that agreement, do you?

Sorry, I don't know the background specifically. Members can also get a Sea Pines Bike Pass. GO sits about halfway between Coligny Circle and the Forest Beach Gate on the site of an old Hotel there which i forget the name of. It has two outdoor pools plus an indoor one, Barony and Surfwatch have a similar overall pool setup A Day Pass does not qualify for the Sea Pines Pass though. Your other question likely should be what I'd recommend if you wanted to proceed. I'd suggest you explore the resorts that are the closest to where your property is to see which are the nicest, offer the best pool type experience (Waterside has a mini water park) and which offer day use options. Given they are on the Beach and very nice with fairly extensive pool options, I'm partial to the 3 top Marriott's but you should explore all options to be sure.

If you did decide on a resort, you then have other issues to consider. Is the day pass guaranteed either to be a long term option that will not change and whether it's automatic or space available, how much to spend, buy high or low season. For Marriott even a lowest season (Bronze) will get you day use but will have little II trade value, little rental value and will carry the same maint fees as a summer week. Overall I'd say buy the season you likely would visit but nothing lower than Silver. If you normally travel to HH very off season, just getting an exchange or getaway rental can actually be much cheaper than owning. I know a number of people who live in certain areas where there are timeshares that have bought them just for day use year around. I also know of a few hotels that sell a limited number of summer pool memberships but not in HH or Orlando.

The other thing you might want to look at is some of the other points options that have resorts there. I know by owning Bluegreen, I have day use options at a number of their resorts.

 

[bwbuddy5]

Of course, one big reason as to why DVCers wouldn't consider a different HH location - most would prefer to use their points, rather than paying additional cash that they otherwise wouldn't have to. And, although you could sell your points and use the cash, only a minority of DVCers are comfortable doing that.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

HHI

We're going twice in '07. For Spring Break and mid-July. Taking a WDW break in '07 before going back in '08.

 

[fishermouse]

1) I can see people putting a rip to HH.
)is a totally different experience that WDW, DCL or VB.
3) It still coming do2wn to personal preferences and personal likes.
4) HH is a Big- This Yea, if
. . . you want laid-back,
. . . you want non-beach, non-park activities
. . . you want to explore Hilton Head
. . . you want kids activities throughout the day
5) HH is a Huge-Nay, if
. . . you want non-stop entertainment
. . . you want theme park activities
. . . you want fine dining
. . . beaches or water sports

Your kidding right ! If you can't find fine dining at HHyour standards must be awfully high. Charlies Crab is just one example of the fantastic dining available at HH. There are many many more fantastic resturants in every price range.
Water sports? It's attached to a Marina There's fishing crabbinig boating nature trips through the marshlands. How about a diner cruise or moonlight cruise with cocktails. Deep sea fishing or head boat fishing, maybe just pier fishing or crabbing from the dock. Not to mention it's only a five minute bike ride to the beach house.
There are planned activities for children of all ages every day, I've only been there once but rest assured I'll be going back. We could easily spend two weeks there..

 

[dumbo71]

You may be right. I was just making observations from the reviews I read on travel sites; I probably read over 50 of them, and by far the three reasons I listed were the three that came up most often.

My point was to list those as reasons why my family is now choosing to go, while some others have used the same as reasons not to go.

Ironic, don't you think? (maybe Alanis is reading this)

Points taken. The reasons you gave are two of the reasons I don't like HH but not the only reasons. As Dean stated I look at all of the resorts in HH as a comparison. Compared to the others there are FAR better resorts in FAR better locations.

If you are going to HH to use your DVC points, fine, but don't go there thinking DVC HH is the best because it is not. Just becasue DVC builds it doesn't mean it is good.

Go, enjoy and see for yourself. If you have nothing else to compare it you you'll likely be pleased. I've stayed at three other HHI Condo/timeshares and all exceeded DVC so using my points at a less than top notch resort in that location doesn't make sense to me.

Look, at least I won't be competing for a space at HH DVC........ it is all yours folks. I'll wave from my oceanfront room........ oh yeah you'd have to take a boat to see me from the Cove/harbour. .

 

[sandieb]

We spent a week there a couple years ago and had a fabulous time. We rented bikes and the kids loved cycling to the Beach House. One of us drove with our stuff. A couple times we took the shuttle. It was no big deal. The actual location of the villas is beautiful, and the kids loved to crab and fish. The villa was clean, in good condition and well decorated. The staff was great. We liked it so much that we bought 200 points there in an addon contract this year. Sandie

 

[bwbuddy5]

Look, at least I won't be competing for a space at HH DVC........ it is all yours folks. I'll wave from my oceanfront room........ oh yeah you'd have to take a boat to see me from the Cove/harbour.

Bless your heart - looks like we're both going to be enjoying ourselves. And, why would you be waving from inside of your room? I thought you planned to be on the beach! .

 

[Disneyaholic]

If you are going to HH to use your DVC points, fine, but don't go there thinking DVC HH is the best because it is not. Just becasue DVC builds it doesn't mean it is good.

And just because you, personally, don't care for it doesn't mean it's bad!


We LOVE the location because it gives us two vacations in one -- a more traditional lowlands vacation at the resort and a beach vacation at the same time. If only the beach is important to you, then by all means stay there. But I would suggest you take a look at some of the prime property in the area that is being developed now. Much of it is not on the ocean either, but on the marsh.

 

[dumbo71]

And just because you, personally, don't care for it doesn't mean it's bad!

You got me there.

Apears Dean and I are in the minority. Many love HH DVC. You know where we stand.

 

[dumbo71]

Bless your heart - looks like we're both going to be enjoying ourselves. And, why would you be waving from inside of your room? I thought you planned to be on the beach! .

Sorry, should have been more specific. I'll be waving from my oceanfront balcony with a glass of wine in hand.

I'll then smile at the passing boaters thinking about those staying at the cove.

Boy , life is good when you choose a top notch resort in a top notch LOCATION.

For those that enjoy HH DVC, more power to you. I hope all of your trips are magical.

My review of HH DVC is only one man's opinion, take it for what is worth. (Not much)

 

[Dean]

You got me there.

Apears Dean and I are in the minority. Many love HH DVC. You know where we stand.

LOL, if we only count those that have experienced both at HH, I'm not so sure we're in such a minority.

 

[Sammie]

Points taken. The reasons you gave are two of the reasons I don't like HH but not the only reasons. As Dean stated I look at all of the resorts in HH as a comparison. Compared to the others there are FAR better resorts in FAR better locations.

If you are going to HH to use your DVC points, fine, but don't go there thinking DVC HH is the best because it is not. Just becasue DVC builds it doesn't mean it is good.

Go, enjoy and see for yourself. If you have nothing else to compare it you you'll likely be pleased. I've stayed at three other HHI Condo/timeshares and all exceeded DVC so using my points at a less than top notch resort in that location doesn't make sense to me.

Look, at least I won't be competing for a space at HH DVC........ it is all yours folks. I'll wave from my oceanfront room........ oh yeah you'd have to take a boat to see me from the Cove/harbour. .

That is still subjective though, what is Best for you, is not necessarily what is best for others regardless of the criteria you use to determine, "best".

If you don't like DVC at HHI and prefer to stay elsewhere, then I can respect that and figure you know what you like.

However when you imply that if anyone stays at DVC at HHI they are settling for less than the best, then your opinion insults those that disagree.

 

[RobDoc]

Points taken. The reasons you gave are two of the reasons I don't like HH but not the only reasons. As Dean stated I look at all of the resorts in HH as a comparison. Compared to the others there are FAR better resorts in FAR better locations.

If you are going to HH to use your DVC points, fine, but don't go there thinking DVC HH is the best because it is not. Just becasue DVC builds it doesn't mean it is good.

Go, enjoy and see for yourself. If you have nothing else to compare it you you'll likely be pleased. I've stayed at three other HHI Condo/timeshares and all exceeded DVC so using my points at a less than top notch resort in that location doesn't make sense to me.

Look, at least I won't be competing for a space at HH DVC........ it is all yours folks. I'll wave from my oceanfront room........ oh yeah you'd have to take a boat to see me from the Cove/harbour. .

It's fine to post your personal opinion about what you like or don't like about ANY resort. It's always nice for others to remember that it is your subjective opinion and that your tastes may vary widely from others.

I have been going to HH annually for over 20 years and have stayed in many resorts, timeshares, private homes and condos all over the island. I have stayed in an oceanfront location exactly ZERO times and yet still return to HH. Our first 3 trips were specifically to play tennis - we did not even go near the beach on those trips. It is NOT a beach destination for many who go there and for many who live there.

While some look at HH as a beach destination, it has much more to offer in the way of recreational activities. If a beach is your prime objective, by all means seek a beachfront timeshare. The DVC resort is not and has never claimed to be a beach resort and it is not themed in that way. Anyone who went there and was disappointed that it was not on the beach did no advance research about their destination. The same may be said for onsite dining. If you are one who expects to dine in the same building where your room is located will have few options and will miss out on the wide variety of restaurants located on HH. If you only want to walk down the hall for meals, that's fine - but you're missing out, IMO.

The DVC resort has about 6 restaurants within 400 yards of the resort (and all are within view), but some see that as a negative since they are 50 yards across the bridge. I view some of the objections mentioned as the same personal concerns mentioned when comparing the condo-style WDW resorts with the hotel-style WDW resorts. No right or wrong, just a difference in personal preference.

In all of our pre-DVC vacations at HH, we never stayed on the beach and never stayed in a resort with it's own table service restaurant. If that is important to you, do not stay at the HH DVC resort. (Again, if you plan to only dine at your resort, you are missing out at HH - my personal opinion.) If you do enjoy going to other locations to dine, you are in the same boat with DVC resort guests who need to walk at least 100 yards for dinner or get in their car and drive.

I have stayed all over HH and have found some places as nice as DVC and some that I didn't enjoy as much. Since, in general, I don't care for hotel style resorts I have not found anyplace else at HH I enjoy more than the DVC HH resort. To state that it's a "less than top notch resort" is completely wrong, IMO and to state that "there are FAR better resorts in FAR better locations" is also a gross misrepresentation, IMO.

As for the flexibility of ANY of the other timeshares at HH - regardless which one - you certainly can't simply call at 7 months and find a reservation onsite at WDW and you can't use your DVC points to get a room at any of those resorts with a simple call 7 months ahead.

I'm glad there are other options for those who demand to be on the beach.
I'm glad there are other options for those who will only eat in their hotel.
I'm glad there are options for those who DO enjoy the HH DVC resort.

To each his own.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I have been going to HH annually for over 20 years and have stayed in many resorts, timeshares, private homes and condos all over the island. I have stayed in an oceanfront location exactly ZERO times and yet still return to HH. Our first 3 trips were specifically to play tennis - we did not even go near the beach on those trips. It is NOT a beach destination for many who go there and for many who live there.

To each his own.

Wow, 20 times! I'm envious! Very good description. What we love about HHI is the Nature.

 

[Dean]

To me this thread is more than just a single person or families likes and dislikes. There really are two issues, one is the individual preferences and one is what are the aggregate general preferences of the masses or in this case the timeshare masses. There are also two groups from the DVC standpoint, those who have other experiences adequate enough to form an informed opinion and those who do not. I know people who will only stay at Harbour Pointe and others who will only stay at Monarch, etc. That is their personal choice and I respect that just as much as I do any DVC member who prefers DVC HH. And has been stated previously in this thread, the flexibility is certainly a plus for many, not as much for others.

I think the best way to look at this issue is this. If there were two DVC resorts, the present one plus an identical one on the beach inside Sea Pines, which would be more expensive and more desirable OVERALL. My assertion is on the beach, by a long shot. Still not everyone would agree even then.

 

[RobDoc]

...
I think the best way to look at this issue is this. If there were two DVC resorts, the present one plus an identical one on the beach inside Sea Pines, which would be more expensive and more desirable OVERALL. My assertion is on the beach, by a long shot. Still not everyone would agree even then.

Well, why don't we just compare apples and oranges then.

If Marriott has two identical resorts - one on the beach in HH and one at a ski center in CO, which one would be more expensive and more desirable? How about two identical Sunterra Resorts - one in the desert at Sedona, AZ and another on a lake in TN , which one would be more expensive and more desirable? How about two identical Fairfield Resorts - one in Lake Buena Vista, FL and one in Branson, MO , which would be more expensive and more desirable?

Since each has a very different quality and surrounding and attraction, they are NOT identical resorts, IMO, since even though the physical layout may be the same, the atmosphere of each is different. I would suggest that there is no way for DVC to have "identical" HH resorts since one is located on it's own island with the marsh atmosphere and the other would simply be located on a beach. Even if the physical stature were "identical", the atmosphere of each resort would be vastly different. Personally, I would sure miss being able to watch Dolphin bubble feeding, otters playing and manatee feeding - all in the marsh next to the resort - none of which could be enjoyed from the beach. I would also really dislike the "low country fishing lodge" theme at the beach resort and feel that alone could make the beach resort less desirable.

To each his own.

 

[Dean]

Well, why don't we just compare apples and oranges then.

If Marriott has two identical resorts - one on the beach in HH and one at a ski center in CO, which one would be more expensive and more desirable? How about two identical Sunterra Resorts - one in the desert at Sedona, AZ and another on a lake in TN , which one would be more expensive and more desirable? How about two identical Fairfield Resorts - one in Lake Buena Vista, FL and one in Branson, MO , which would be more expensive and more desirable?

Since each has a very different quality and surrounding and attraction, they are NOT identical resorts, IMO, since even though the physical layout may be the same, the atmosphere of each is different. I would suggest that there is no way for DVC to have "identical" HH resorts since one is located on it's own island with the marsh atmosphere and the other would simply be located on a beach. Even if the physical stature were "identical", the atmosphere of each resort would be vastly different. Personally, I would sure miss being able to watch Dolphin bubble feeding, otters playing and manatee feeding - all in the marsh next to the resort - none of which could be enjoyed from the beach. I would also really dislike the "low country fishing lodge" theme at the beach resort and feel that alone could make the beach resort less desirable.

To each his own.

Actually comparing the same resort for different island locations is the closest you can to eliminating all variables other than location itself. If you want to set up similar comparisons maybe Orlando on vs. off property. Or a ski location ski in/out vs a ways away. But even if you want to compare different types of resorts in totally different areas, there are some objective measures. These include sales prices, rental prices and for timeshares, demand through the exchange company. The idea that this is totally subjective with no possible objective measures is simply wrong. II and RCI compare resorts all the time. They group them into different levels such as 5 star or Gold Crown, but internally, they grade them much more stringently based on exchangers reviews on a scale of 1-100. TUG has a rating system but for resorts such as DVC, the ratio of owners to exchanges is so high to make the ratings not particularly comparable to many others done more by non owners. TST has a rating system as well and they only allow non owners to review resorts.

 

[RobDoc]

...There really are two issues, one is the individual preferences and one is what are the aggregate general preferences of the masses or in this case the timeshare masses. There are also two groups from the DVC standpoint, those who have other experiences adequate enough to form an informed opinion and those who do not. ...

Actually comparing the same resort for different island locations is the closest you can to eliminating all variables other than location itself. If you want to set up similar comparisons maybe Orlando on vs. off property. Or a ski location ski in/out vs a ways away. But even if you want to compare different types of resorts in totally different areas, there are some objective measures. These include sales prices, rental prices and for timeshares, demand through the exchange company. The idea that this is totally subjective with no possible objective measures is simply wrong. II and RCI compare resorts all the time. They group them into different levels such as 5 star or Gold Crown, but internally, they grade them much more stringently based on exchangers reviews on a scale of 1-100. TUG has a rating system but for resorts such as DVC, the ratio of owners to exchanges is so high to make the ratings not particularly comparable to many others done more by non owners. TST has a rating system as well and they only allow non owners to review resorts.

So your "informed" opinion, supported by some (but not all) ratings systems is more valuable than someone else's because of their lack of ability to "form an informed opinion"? What constitutes having adequate experience to "form an informed opinion"? As a non-owner, is your opinion of the HH DVC resort more informed than mine as an owner who has stayed there more than 10 weeks? How about my opinion of the Marriott resorts - or is my experience too inadequate to state that I prefer the DVC resort - in part because of the location? Are all of the ratings offered by TUG and TST made by those with "adequate experience" - thus making them 100% accurate or do some uninformed opinions slip in there at times? Do the ratings made by II and RCI have the exact same results for all resorts or is there some variance in their "informed opinion" due to those without adequate experience sometimes participating ?

BTW- the TST survey is entirely subjective - it uses a 1-10 rating for categories like Furnishings, Cleanliness, Kitchen, Maintenance, Construction, Amenities, Children's Activities (Pre-teens, teens, seniors, handicapped), Restaurant, Convenience store, Security, Hospitality and Staff. No objective directions are provided to complete the survey and the non-owner requirement is based on the honor system. The responses are based on the subjective opinion of the guest - without regard to their ability to "form an informed opinion". Those completing the survey are rewarded with an additional issue for their subscription for their time. None of the DVC resorts are currently included in the TST survey results. I am a subscriber and have participated in the survey - informed or not.

The RCI survey is very similar and often the timeshare will even "remind" guests that they "need" high ratings in the survey. There is no objective discussion in this survey either. RCI uses a 1-5 rating system with simlar categories as TST. The responses are based on the subjective opinion of the guest - without regard to their ability to "form an informed opinion". I am a member and have participated in the survey - informed of not.

I have also participated in TUG reviews and ratings as a member - informed or not.

To suggest that any of these rating systems are the result of the enlightened opinions of the participants is simply wrong. Each participant is offering their subjective opinion of their personal experience at that resort, for that specific trip and based on their personal values - informed or not.

 

[Dean]

So your "informed" opinion, supported by some (but not all) ratings systems is more valuable than someone else's because of their lack of ability to "form an informed opinion"? What constitutes having adequate experience to "form an informed opinion"? As a non-owner, is your opinion of the HH DVC resort more informed than mine as an owner who has stayed there more than 10 weeks? How about my opinion of the Marriott resorts - or is my experience too inadequate to state that I prefer the DVC resort - in part because of the location? Are all of the ratings offered by TUG and TST made by those with "adequate experience" - thus making them 100% accurate or do some uninformed opinions slip in there at times? Do the ratings made by II and RCI have the exact same results for all resorts or is there some variance in their "informed opinion" due to those without adequate experience sometimes participating ?

BTW- the TST survey is entirely subjective - it uses a 1-10 rating for cateories like Furnishings, Cleanliness, Kitchen, Maintenance, Construction, Amenities, Children's Activities (Pre-teens, teens, seniors, handicapped), Restaurant, Convenience store, Security, Hospitality and Staff. No objective directions are provided to complete the survey and the non-owner requirement is based on the honor system. Those completing the survey are rewarded with an additional issue for their time. None of the DVC resorts are currently included in the TST survey results.

A bit sensitive are we? The fact that there is some subjectivity to even the most stringent of scientific study or resort rating system does not remove it's usefulness completely. Even the articles in the top Dental or Medical journal are tainted by big business and Pharmaceutical and hardware companies. And while one might agree or disagree on the ratings of Mobile, AAA or any other system, there is at least some objectivity in most of them and even when there's not and it's all subjective, taking a broader sampling will generally offer a more accurate evaluation. And dollars will ultimately tell the tale in most any area. Try offering a DVC HH rental vs a beach rental and see what happens.

If someone stays at DVC HH and no where else and loves it, that' is fine. They have nothing to prove to anyone else, are free to enjoy that experience and free to say how much they enjoy it. NO one said it wasn't a nice resort only that there were some even nicer overall. However, they have no basis to compare to any other resort or area unless they have some type of experience or specific knowledge to base it on. I believe many DVC members do not, many haven't even been to HH at all.

I don't know your opinion or experience with the Marriott's, I don't recall you've ever said other than you haven't stayed ocean front if I recall eliminating the best Marriott's. But if you have an opinion, I'd love to hear it and what you base it on and can promise you that it won't bother me at all no matter how bad it is. I've stayed at a number of resorts all over HH including DVC and Marriott's Harbour Pointe and Sunset Pointe just across the water, it's easy to compare rental rates within the Marriott system. Yet my opinion is still that, just my opinion. But it is certainly more informed on this subject than many DVC members, likely less than others, why does that bother you?

I suspect DVC resorts are not included in TST because they require non members to rate them and there just aren't that many non members who stay there. Unfortunately TST doesn't get nearly as much traffic in this area and they don't give you how the data was arrived at quite as much as TUG does. Even II and RCI do not do double blind, randomized, controlled, prospective studies in this area so if you want to discount all else but your own feelings, that is certainly your option. BTW, TST's 10 pt rating system used to be a 5 pt rating system.