What do you think?

[Thaifujii Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Thaifujii]

Hi all,
I am new to this timeshare business. And was wondering what you all think about my offer. I am looking at purchasing a 1 bedroom condo in the Kalia tower with HCVC on the island of Oahu. The asking price is $26,000 for platinum season, annual 4,800 points, They were also willing to throw in a bonus of 15,000 points to close the deal. ( maintenance fees were $900 something, can't remember off the top of my head)After doing much research I am thinking of passing on this deal and looking for a re-sale. I am in no real rush, but would like to make an investment in our family.
Thanks so much for your thoughts,
Confused shopper

[PigsDad Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PigsDad]

With HGVC, points are points (in general). That means it doesn't matter where you own -- you have a very good chance of reserving the week you want to vacation in the 9-month reservation window. The going rate for a 4800 point package in Vegas or Orlando is more on the line of $6000 to $9000, depending on what you find.

You are very limited in what you can use your 15K bonus points -- you cannot use them to stay at HGVC properties (except for Open Season reservations, which are only 30 days out). I would value those points at $3-$4K at the very most.

The only advantage of purchasing in Hawaii is that you get the advantage of making a reservation 12 months out at your home resort -- but you must reserve exactly what you own: 1BR in Platinum season in your case. If you want to go during gold season, or less/more than a week, or stay in a 2BR, you would have to wait for the 9 month window as well. Of the HGVC core properties (not affiliates), Hawaii is the only one where there are some times that making a reservation at 9 months might be difficult. But in most cases, getting a reservation when you want it is not an issue.

$26K for 4800 points is a lot of money, and you could purchase that same point package at another location and save $15-20K. Hawaii also has higher yearly maintenance fees than the Vegas or Orlando locations.

Bottom line: HGVC is a great system, but there is no reason to purchase retail as all member benefits apply no matter how you purchase (with the exception of "elite" level, but that starts at 14K point ownership). You can get a much better deal resale -- even if you purchase in Hawaii vs. Vegas/Orlando. Hang around here or over at TUG (they have a much more active HGVC forum), explore resale ads on ebay, and learn a bit more before committing to a purchase.

Kurt

[vistana9605 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vistana9605]

Are you interested in Orlando

Hi
My husband and I own a timeshare in the prestigious Sheraton Vistana -- Vistana Cascades. (removed ad info) get another one nearer where we stay in Maryland/Virginia area as we will use that more often. Name: Sheraton Vistana Resort
Gold Crown - the highest rating a resort can receive from RCI
Week: 25 (Jun 22 -29 for 2008) -- great week!

Spacious, completely furnished one-bedroom villa will give vacation a stylish flair. Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando provides with incomparable villa amenities such as separate living room, dining and bedroom areas, a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, and a washer and dryer. These are just a few of the conveniences that make this an extraordinary destination. Enjoy the comforts of home while surrounded with world-class resort amenities. Each day is an attentiveness to remind that this is time to relax. Surrounded by palm trees, ponds, and lush foliage, this 135-acre resort is five miles from SeaWorld, six miles from Epcot and nine miles from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

[allenh91801 Member Find all posts View Profile Close allenh91801]

Buy resale and save. Points are points unless you HAVE to go to Hawaii every year. If that's the case, spend a little more and buy RESALE at that resort. It's still a huge savings no matter how you slice it.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Hi
My husband and I own a timeshare in the prestigious Sheraton Vistana -- Vistana Cascades. (removed ad info) get another one nearer where we stay in Maryland/Virginia area as we will use that more often. Name: Sheraton Vistana Resort
Gold Crown - the highest rating a resort can receive from RCI
Week: 25 (Jun 22 -29 for 2008) -- great week!

Spacious, completely furnished one-bedroom villa will give vacation a stylish flair. Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando provides with incomparable villa amenities such as separate living room, dining and bedroom areas, a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, and a washer and dryer. These are just a few of the conveniences that make this an extraordinary destination. Enjoy the comforts of home while surrounded with world-class resort amenities. Each day is an attentiveness to remind that this is time to relax. Surrounded by palm trees, ponds, and lush foliage, this 135-acre resort is five miles from SeaWorld, six miles from Epcot and nine miles from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

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