im still learning the timeshare world. Salesperson mentioned that i could use $$ for rci resevations with aulani. Does that have to be within 45 days? Do we still have to pay the resort fees and parking fees??
The exchange company RCI offers last minute reservations (within 45 days of check in) referred to as "Last Call". But you will not find high demand resorts such as Disney or peak travel times (summer beach weeks, winter ski weeks, etc) in Last Call. Last Call is made up of leftovers that basically have no demand (lower tier resorts during off peak times). I suggest doing some research before booking these resorts since many may not be up to Hilton quality standard (if that matters to you). Some folks are willing to sacrifice amenities, quality and/or location for Last Call prices.
See this old thread -
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/last-call-perk.225807/
Is there a step by step in how to use the rci?
Here's a link to an article I wrote that covers the RCI basics -
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/hgvc-overview-article-final.208324/#post-1605364
With exchanging, it's best to start your search early and be as flexible as possible with your travel dates (multiple weeks/months). Keep in mind you're competing with the masses. With any exchange company it's best to setup an ongoing search to get in the queue. Generally what you see online are the leftover weeks after all ongoing searches have been satisfied. The exception is RCI nightly stays (aka RCI points inventory) which are not satisfied via ongoing searches (aka OGS).
Also see this these threads -
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/hgvc-overview-article-final.208324/#post-1605364
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-set-up-rci-ongoing-search.220554/
http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/hgvc-rci-portal.245509/#post-1919239
I guess i dont know where to start! I also wanted to help a friend out for a cheaper price for the week in california using $$ with rci. If at all possible?
Or, use my points? And have it paid? Help! Tia
Honestly, if your friend is looking to go to California during peak travel times (traveling this summer when the majority of kids are out of school) you're out of luck unless perhaps they're willing to visit places in less demand (like the CA desert resorts during peak summer). You also have access to something called "RCI EXTRA VACATIONS" but HGVC members don't have online access and the costs of these weeks are generally higher. For RCI EXTRA VACATION reservations, you basically need to look through the RCI Directory and select the resorts you're interested and a range of potential travel dates (weeks to months) and call up HGVC to see if there is RCI EXTRA VACATION availability and at what price.
You can use your HGVC point to book a HGVC reservations at the California resorts but peak summer weeks when the kids are out of school (June thru mid August) were probably booked as soon as the Club Booking Window opened which is 9 months before checkin. But you can try checking for last minute cancellations.
https://club.hiltongrandvacations.com/en/resort/california
Your friend can also rent from the timeshare exchange companies via their public website without being an owner.
(
NOTE: All resorts offered on these sites may not be up to HGVC quality so you need to research before booking. All resorts are not available via the Public website and some rates may be a little higher than the rates offered to timeshare owners.)
(a) ResorTime -
http://resortime.com/explore/
ResorTime FAQ -
http://resortime.com/help/faqs/
(b) Trading Places International (TPI) -
http://www.tradingplaces.com/Rentals/suite-deals-Weekly-Stays
TPI Rentals FAQ -
http://www.tradingplaces.com/my-tpi/faqs#rent
(c) Interval International’s Rental Site -
http://www.condodirect.com/travel/welcome.home(only a small subset of the rental pool)
(d) RCI Endless Vacation Rental -
http://www.endlessvacationrentals.com/ (only a small subset of the rental pool)
(e)Wyndham Extra Holiday -
https://www.extraholidays.com/