HGVC and SFX

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

I am a fairly new HGVC (1br Platinum SeaWorld) owner and have been spending time trying to figure out all my options. I have already banked my 2005 points with an RCI search, booked with and HGVC property (Marco) and used the rest of my 2006 points on nightly RCI in San Fran - so I think I have a grip on what I can do thru HGVC with RCI.
Now I have read a few posts about SFX exchanges with HGVC members and still have some questions that were not clear from the posts I read. Please first verify my assumptions:
- I have to join SFX to trade.
- There is a certain level of SFX membership which will allow a free upgrade from 1BR to 2BR
- I have to go ahead and reserve a week with HGVC before calling SFX (and I also read it NO LONGER has to be a home reservation)

So lets just say I want to reserve a 1BR and get a 1BR
- What exactly do I have to reserve on HGVC - Book where, and what season? Will a 1BR gold (not peak) season at SeaWorld trade, for example? Or does it have to be Hawaii? And does it have to be peak season?
- I have seen posts which reference a 3 for 1 deal. I also clicked a link here for $499 which included a free week (which is not 3 for 1). What are my options (cost, and privileges) for joining SFX?

[Bill4728 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bill4728]

thank you for your post.

1. A deposited week can be used at any location subject to availability by paying the exchange fees.

SFX: Subject to availability, that is correct.

2. All bonus weeks are for 1Br units only. They can be upgraded to a 2Br for an upgrade fee.($100).

SFX: Correct. Except the upgrade fee is $149.

3. A Mexico bonus week can only be used for Mayan Palace resorts. The cost can range from $299-$499 depending on promotion. Can I upgrade to Grand Mayan by paying an upgrade fee?

SFX: A Mexico Bonus week can be used for any available weeks at resorts in Mexico, not just Mayan Palace. Price varies with promotional offers and may be less or more than $299-$499. Grand Mayan is not available for bonus weeks.

4. A Regular bonus week can be used at all locations except for home resort and Manhattan Club.

SFX: Home resort and any property in New York.

Incase of Sell off list, if I see a sell off price quoted as $199-$699..

a. Can I pay $199 - $699 and rent the week outright without using my banked weeks?

SFX: Yes.

b. If I use a banked bonus week, do I have to pay extra for the $699 week if my initial cost of the bonus week was $299?

SFX: Any weeks you see advertised on the Sell off list...

you can use for an exchange against one of your current deposited weeks.

Or... as a Bonus Week if you have one in credit.

Or... neither above and just as an additional deeply discounted rental as per the sell-off list pricing.

c. If I use a deposited week, can I can request an exchange for any of the sell off weeks irrespective of the price quoted by paying the exchange fees?

SFX: Yes.

Hope this helps...
__________________
Thank you,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications

Now your question-

What exactly do I have to reserve on HGVC - Book where, and what season? Will a 1BR gold (not peak) season at SeaWorld trade, for example? Or does it have to be Hawaii? And does it have to be peak season?

To get the most out of SFX, IMHO, you should deposit a SFX-prime season 1 bedroom. The HGVC location will not matter as much as prime vs high season.

Good Luck

[Bill4728 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bill4728]

- There is a certain level of SFX membership which will allow a free upgrade from 1BR to 2BR

This should answer your questions about types of SFX memberships.

Please confirm my understanding of Platinum vs Gold Membership

Gold
Free Membership
Deposit First only
$149 exchange fee
$149 one bedroom to two bedroom upgrade fee (if available)
Access to Sell-off list several days after Platinum members

Platinum
Paid Membership ($199 for 3 yrs or $299 for 5 yrs)
Request First and Deposit First (Request First has lower priority)
$129 exchange fee
Free one size upgrade (if available)
Preferred Access to Sell-off list (several days before Gold members)
$20 discount on Bonus Week

Both
Free Guest Certificates (at booking; $39 to change later)
Bonus Week offer (only for a qualified prime week from a Deposit First)
$299 - $499 Bonus Week offer fee (depending on date of deposit - reward those who deposit earlier)

RE 3 for 1
When it says 3 for 1, it means you'll get three weeks of vacation for one deposited week. 1- regular week and 2 bonus weeks. The bonus weeks are from $299 to $499 depending on the time of the year and promo being run.

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

I do believe that sfx has a calendar that lists regions with their prime seasons.

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

Thanks for the info.

Sounds like I just need to know the prime seasons for HGVC according to SFX. If anyone knows where that link it is would be helpfull. I have seen a lot of threads questioning whether SFX would accept certain properties at a certain time. It will be interesting to see the list. HGVC has HGVC built properties (Vegas, Miami, Orlando, and Hawaii) and then ones they manage (Breckenridge, South Florida (lots), Cabo, Cancun, Scotland and Ireland (new)).

The membership info was nice and clear. I wasn't sure about the 3 for 1 - is that just what was available before, and now the deal is 2 for 1 (the deal offered with a bonus week for $499) ? Am I reading this right?

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Thanks for the info.

Sounds like I just need to know the prime seasons for HGVC according to SFX. If anyone knows where that link it is would be helpfull. I have seen a lot of threads questioning whether SFX would accept certain properties at a certain time. It will be interesting to see the list. HGVC has HGVC built properties (Vegas, Miami, Orlando, and Hawaii) and then ones they manage (Breckenridge, South Florida (lots), Cabo, Cancun, Scotland and Ireland (new)).

The membership info was nice and clear. I wasn't sure about the 3 for 1 - is that just what was available before, and now the deal is 2 for 1 (the deal offered with a bonus week for $499) ? Am I reading this right?

Jlhorne - thank you for your post. Here is a link: http://www.sfx-resorts.com/directory.html. Then Click Season Grid in orange to the left of Index - USA.

Our current promotion for high season 2006 deposits is at: http://www.sfx-resorts.com/promo2006.htm.

If you are a new Member since Jan 1, 06... there is a $100 deduction from the current price. The reason for this is... pre-existing Members were given until 12/28/05 to respond to the lower pricing. The earlier you deposit... there are more benefits... and lower pricing.

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

Thanks Mark. I saw the grid - I also noticed for bonus week promotions I have to deposit SFX prime season instead of high season

The only other thing - I noticed some HGVC properties are listed with SFX - do I have to deposit an HGVC property associated with SFX or does it matter? They are all 5 star so I am wondering if you accept ANY HGVC property in an area located in the grid or just the ones already associated with SFX ...

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Thanks Mark. I saw the grid - I also noticed for bonus week promotions I have to deposit SFX prime season instead of high season

The only other thing - I noticed some HGVC properties are listed with SFX - do I have to deposit an HGVC property associated with SFX or does it matter? They are all 5 star so I am wondering if you accept ANY HGVC property in an area located in the grid or just the ones already associated with SFX ...

We accept all HGVC Resorts. Prime time of course get's you the Bonus Week benefit with us.

[Bourne Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bourne]

Mark,

With respect to HGVC deposits, all things considered equal e.g. peak/holiday 1 Br week, does the location make a difference with respect to trading power.

For example, would a HGVC Hawaii week have better trading power than HGVC Orlando.

Also, is there a way to know that a deposit can never pull a specific resort. i.e. A Myrtle Beach week being used for pulling up Mariott Hawaii because there are not in the same class..

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Mark,

With respect to HGVC deposits, all things considered equal e.g. peak/holiday 1 Br week, does the location make a difference with respect to trading power.

For example, would a HGVC Hawaii week have better trading power than HGVC Orlando.

Also, is there a way to know that a deposit can never pull a specific resort. i.e. A Myrtle Beach week being used for pulling up Mariott Hawaii because there are not in the same class..

Bourne - Thank you for your post. One of several attributes to trading power is the demand and supply factors of an area. Both Hawaii and Orlando are very popular and have high demand. There is a much greater supply of space in Orlando than there is in Hawaii. For Hawaii you have huge demand and small supply which may add to your trading power. Location can make a difference in trading power, but other factors play an important part too. One of the positive aspects of the Hilton brand... all their properties are in very high demand locations.

........"Also, is there a way to know that a deposit can never pull a specific resort. i.e. A Myrtle Beach week being used for pulling up Mariott Hawaii because there are not in the same class....."

Although you could say there are different levels of Crown rated and Five Star resorts, for the most part with SFX you don't have the huge disparity in trading power that may exist in other exchange companies systems because of their wider acceptance of quality standards. In the big picture that really isn't an issue with SFX.

Hope this helps...

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

Here is a link: http://www.sfx-resorts.com/directory.htm. Then Click Season Grid in orange to the left of Index - USA.

Our current promotion for high season 2006 deposits is at: http://www.sfx-resorts.com/promo2006.htm.

If you are a new Member since Jan 1, 06... there is a $100 deduction from the current price.

Hi Mark,

I lifted this quote from a March posting. The link to the Prime Resort grid is dead. Is there a new one?

What is the new site for the current 2007 high season deposit promotion?

Also: I am strongly considering buying a HGVC resort. I like the idea I could use points for a hotel if I choose, and do so with a resale, rather than requiring me to buy from the developer. However, I am concerned about the Hilton system vs Marriott or Starwood, if those would be better for me for the timeshare experience, the real reason to buy a timeshare, of course.

I am intrigued by the idea of owning a Hilton property and actually getting into a Westin or Marriott property through SFX. With SFX, is this really probable (as opposed to simply "possible") and if so, what would you suggest would be my best stategy? i.e. Buying at Las Vegas or Orlando is a lot cheaper than buying at the HGVC on the island of Hawaii. These cost about the same as, say the Bay Club, also on the Big Island (the Bay Club uses the same point system). I know you are not in the resale business, but as it relates to SFX, of the 4 properties mentioned above, which would work best? Assume I would only be offering a prime week and I deposited first as a Platinum member. I know I can trade Las Vegas points for the Hawaii resort, if available, and trade that into SFX, but my question is really if I own at either of these 4 resorts and deposit that resort into SFX.

Or is it best to simply own a Westin or Marriott as compared to a HGVC when trading in SFX

Lots of questions due to lots of confusion prior to my first timeshare buy.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Hi Mark,

I lifted this quote from a March posting. The link to the Prime Resort grid is dead. Is there a new one?

What is the new site for the current 2007 high season deposit promotion?

Also: I am strongly considering buying a HGVC resort. I like the idea I could use points for a hotel if I choose, and do so with a resale, rather than requiring me to buy from the developer. However, I am concerned about the Hilton system vs Marriott or Starwood, if those would be better for me for the timeshare experience, the real reason to buy a timeshare, of course.

I am intrigued by the idea of owning a Hilton property and actually getting into a Westin or Marriott property through SFX. With SFX, is this really probable (as opposed to simply "possible") and if so, what would you suggest would be my best stategy? i.e. Buying at Las Vegas or Orlando is a lot cheaper than buying at the HGVC on the island of Hawaii. These cost about the same as, say the Bay Club, also on the Big Island (the Bay Club uses the same point system). I know you are not in the resale business, but as it relates to SFX, of the 4 properties mentioned above, which would work best? Assume I would only be offering a prime week and I deposited first as a Platinum member. I know I can trade Las Vegas points for the Hawaii resort, if available, and trade that into SFX, but my question is really if I own at either of these 4 resorts and deposit that resort into SFX.

Or is it best to simply own a Westin or Marriott as compared to a HGVC when trading in SFX

Lots of questions due to lots of confusion prior to my first timeshare buy.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff - thank you for your post. Sorry about the link, it should end with .html not .htm (http://www.sfx-resorts.com/directory.html).

Here is the link for 2007 Deposits: http://www.sfx-resorts.com/mail/sfxadclick.asp. January 31 is the upcoming deadline.

Jeff, the fact is, I am not going to recommend one brand name over the other that you mention. I think the reasons are pretty obvious why I cannot do this.

However I can say this... First and foremost, own in a place you would always enjoy going to without having to exchange. All the brands you mention are great, and it comes down to your personal tastes, preferences and of course dollars & cents representing good value for your hard earned money.

.........."I know you are not in the resale business, but as it relates to SFX, of the 4 properties mentioned above, which would work best?"...........

Also, look for the brand that has multiple locations that you would enjoy going to for your vacation, whereby you can do an "internal-exchange" that will save you money and also give you a priority others from outside of your brand.

In considering external exchanges, ultimately what is very important to your trading power is the Demand vs. Supply for your location. So instead of me putting a noose around my neck in suggesting one brand over the other, let me say base it on "Location". For example, if you feel there is a greater demand for Hawaii than Las Vegas, and in the event you choose not to exchange, and Hawaii is a place you would enjoy vacationing more than Las Vegas.... Then "Hawaii" should be your choice to have your Ownership.

Hope this helps...

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

Thanks Mark. I appreciate your reply.

Jeff

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

Korndoc - just wanted to respond with my opinion to your question about which property is best to purchase.

I looked at Westin and Marriott before buying HGVC. Beside the fact that most HGVC owners seem very happy, the driver was that HGVC does not penalize you for purchasing resale as Westin and Marriott do. I liked the Marriott property mix the best and love some of the Westin properties, but the HGVC flexibility made it look to me to be the best bang for your buck. You are free to push or borrow points as needed. I also never wanted to be locked into the same place or the same amount of time (one week) so I never bought a timeshare before. And since I bought, HGVC has provided additional access to properties like GPR Marbrisa in Carlsbad and Palm Desert/Destin/Canada thru Club Intrawest. Burmuda is rumored to be on the way.

I might be a different type of person in my reasons for purchasing, however. My HGVC property is the only one I own and most HGVC properties are in Fla while I live in GA. Vacations are precious to me and the HGVC investment has brought me a lot for the money. If I do own another property I would likely get another HGVC property to increase my points. I have limited experience with RCI but what I have read about them has not been good. I like having the ability to do internal exchanges without having to deal with RCI (and the more I read about them the less I like). If I do want to use a property outside of HGVC I just call HGVC and they deal with RCI.

Anyway, just my 2 cents worth. I think you likely can work the system for less than I invested but I have been extremely pleased with HGVC. In my 2 short years (started late 2005) I have booked a 3 BR week on Marco Island, 3 nights in San Fran in a studio, and I have reservations in Breckenridge for 5 nights and also in Key West for a week this year (my 2005 points done thru RCI).

[zdxlc9p6 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zdxlc9p6]

I agree with jlhorne.
We have one HGVC from the developer, and 3 aftermarket at HGVC [B]managed[B]properties. Each has some unique rules on converting to points, but the points from any can be used to reserve at any HGVC property, or exchanged with RCI thru Hilton.

My main escape when I go to other sale presentations is "HGVC gives me a lot of flexibility. If I want another TS, why would I buy yours and have to deal with another system?" They give up; especially when I tell them some of the aftermarket prices I paid.