We just sat through an owner's update at Parc Soleil. The sales person was very pleasant, and besides making 2 mis-statements, he really wasn't the big problem. The big problem was the guy from "corporate," who "closed" us out. He tried to sell us on HGVC's "new" VIP Program; the one where you lock in HGVC's current prices for 15 months by paying $1500 for a 4800 or 7000 pt. vacation, even if you end up not purchasing a timeshare. He said this was a "new" program being offered in light of the current recession. I guess nobody at "corporate" told him HGVC has been offering this program for years, even before the recession started.
We've been owners for 3 years, and you'd think he would know that we've heard about the VIP program before.
Also, the original sales person told us (1) that HHonors points can be used directly for airline tickets and (2) that 10,000 HGVC pts. translates through HHonors to 1 week at ANY Hilton Hotel in the world. Both are incorrect: (1) HHonors pts have to be turned into airline miles before being turned into airline tickets, and the exchange rates are not very good; and (2) given the new HHonors regular award values, 10,000 HGVC = 250,000 HHonors, which equals 1 week at only category 1-5 Hilton family hotels thus excluding category 6, 7 and Waldorf level hotels. Even if you use point stretchers, you are unlikely to get 1 week at a category 6, 7 or Waldorf level hotel with only 250,000 HHonors points.
I luv HGVC and Hilton, but would really appreciate (1) not being lied to, or (2) even giving these two guys the benefit of the doubt, discussing my options with employees who are fully informed and knowledgeable about the various products.:annoyed:
PS - on the way out of the presentation we were able to preach the resale sermon and TUG membership to a couple who were considering upgrading their ownership. After speaking to us they went back to the sales office to tell HGVC to forget it. That, and the discounted Disney tickets, was well worth the 2 hours we spent in the presentation.
We've been owners for 3 years, and you'd think he would know that we've heard about the VIP program before. Also, the original sales person told us (1) that HHonors points can be used directly for airline tickets and (2) that 10,000 HGVC pts. translates through HHonors to 1 week at ANY Hilton Hotel in the world. Both are incorrect: (1) HHonors pts have to be turned into airline miles before being turned into airline tickets, and the exchange rates are not very good; and (2) given the new HHonors regular award values, 10,000 HGVC = 250,000 HHonors, which equals 1 week at only category 1-5 Hilton family hotels thus excluding category 6, 7 and Waldorf level hotels. Even if you use point stretchers, you are unlikely to get 1 week at a category 6, 7 or Waldorf level hotel with only 250,000 HHonors points.
I luv HGVC and Hilton, but would really appreciate (1) not being lied to, or (2) even giving these two guys the benefit of the doubt, discussing my options with employees who are fully informed and knowledgeable about the various products.:annoyed:
PS - on the way out of the presentation we were able to preach the resale sermon and TUG membership to a couple who were considering upgrading their ownership. After speaking to us they went back to the sales office to tell HGVC to forget it. That, and the discounted Disney tickets, was well worth the 2 hours we spent in the presentation.
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