HGVC trade into RCI

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

I bought in mid-2005 into HGVC and decided to deposit enough 2005 points to put in an RCI search for a red 2br in the Keys in early 2007. As of yet I've gotten no hit.
I've also been reading some very discouraging posts about having to schedule 18 months ahead and also about not getting matches...
An HGVC rep said he thought I would not get hits until early fall of this year when folks started paying 2007 MFs.
These are two different stories...
Can I get some experienced opinions about whether I am better to ride this out or swap searches (I have until the end of 2007 to use the RCI week).
Thanks in advance ...

[CaliDave Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close CaliDave]

I've had great luck with RCI/HGVC requests..
Are you searching for any particular resorts?
Its very difficult to get prime 2bd's in any exchange company

HGVC has one the best trading powers in RCI

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

Thanks. I'm trying to get into Galleon.
I don't know if these RCI problems I read about are common to HGVC members since as you say "they are joined at the hip".
I hope the info I got from the HGVC rep is on the money.

[CaliDave Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close CaliDave]

its going to be tough to get one specific resort.. unless you are allowing for maybe an 8 week window.
if you need a specific resort, 2bd, on a specific week.. chances are slim

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

I asked for anything Jan thru April - a 17 week window.

[Bootleg Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bootleg]

Hang in there; The HGVC has first priority with RCI; As the Galleon weeks are deposited (they don't deposit that many), they are held specifically for HGVC owners first. The only problem you might encounter, other than the scarcity of deposits, will be the possibility of another HGVC owner requesting the same place and date.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Hang in there; The HGVC has first priority with RCI; As the Galleon weeks are deposited (they don't deposit that many), they are held specifically for HGVC owners first. The only problem you might encounter, other than the scarcity of deposits, will be the possibility of another HGVC owner requesting the same place and date.

I had heard about this 'special' relationship before...good to know...Thanks

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

I called Hilton again and they reiterated that deposits would likely start showing up with MFs being paid the last quarter of this year. They also noted that since my search has a 4 month window and since it started in Sept of 2005 that my chances were good.

Thanks everyone for the posts.

[jjking42 Member Find all posts View Profile Close jjking42]

i have never used rci points for ongoing serches. Are you guys saying that hgvc gets first crack at weeks before other ongoing searchs are matched up

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

Just to clarify - HGVC has points (currency) and I had of them enough to turn over (like banking a week) to start a standard RCI ongoing search for a red week. I cannot (should not) cancel the search to get the points back because they would return to 2005 and I would lose them. I can change the search and it is good thru the end of 2007. So I am committed to obtaining a unit with this search and using the unit. I can only ask for the FL Keys once every 4 years.
This is not "RCI points" - units rented by night thru RCI. I have also booked using RCI points (SF Donatello 3 nights this year), but there is no ongoing search involved (immediate gratification or call back) and it has to be within 10 months.
Some of this is HGVC rules and some is RCI rules. Not sure where to draw the line.

[Bootleg Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bootleg]

i have never used rci points for ongoing serches. Are you guys saying that hgvc gets first crack at weeks before other ongoing searchs are matched up

Correct. Choice inventory is held for certain specialty programs, such as HGVC, Worldmark, etc. HGVC seems to get the lion's share of all the top locations, dates, etc. before RCI members ever see them.

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

Success!

I wanted to update the thread - HGVC called and I am booked at the Galleon in Spring of 2007. Thanks for the replies.