HGVC for International Owners ?

Hi all

I'm an owner of Worldmark in Australia and my family (four of us) have enjoyed trading to the US many times - through them and utilising both II and RCI.

I'm interested in more certainty, trading power and quality of resorts/bookings and so are thinking about buying HGVC via resale. We are looking at Hawaii, and are thinking Platinum with around 7000 points. I'd be interested in any opinion as to :

i. Is there any restriction on international owners buying into HGVC ?

ii. Any difference applied to them once they become owners (such as fees or booking windows) ?

iii. What HGVC resort would be recommended considering prices and that we are a long way from every HGVC resort (whether it be Hawaii, Las Vegas or Orlando) ! We were thinking that we would happy to pay a higher premium for say HGVC Waikoloa given we'd probably go to Hawaii more times (but I read other HGVC resorts such as LV or Orlando would be more cost effective with lower management fees).

Whist a disadvantage from Australia is the distance (and airfare), one advantage is that we do have different school holiday seasons throughout the year and so many times we can come across in less peak seasons.

Many thanks in advance - TUG help and information is invaluable and very much appreciated here in Australia ! Thank you

i. Is there any restriction on international owners buying into HGVC ?

No. Many for'ners buy into HGVC.
With the HHonors tie-in and the option of converting points (b4 January 1st of the year), you'll have better access to H-Hotels world-wide.

ii. Any difference applied to them once they become owners (such as fees or booking windows) ?

Aside from $40 more in annual dues, it makes no difference.

iii. What HGVC resort would be recommended considering prices and that we are a long way from every HGVC resort (whether it be Hawaii, Las Vegas or Orlando) !

Hawaii maintenance fees are higher than Las Vegas or Orlando resorts, but some folks will buy there becuz you get a 12-month reservation window for your home resort, and only a 9-month window for every other resort. Hawaii is sometimes difficult to book, so if specific dates are important to you, having that extra 3 months will help.

But if you are flexible about where or when you go, and willing to wait until 9 months out, then you may as well buy where MF's are lowest -- Las Vegas or Orlando. "Points are points,' and many HGVC owners never darken the doors of their home resort.

Welcome to HGVC

The only difference I am aware of is the annual club dues. They are $99 for US members and $139 for international members.

Hope this helps

I live in Australia too (on the Gold Coast).

Three years ago I wanted to buy a Hawaiian timeshare, and I ended up choosing the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas (North) and it has been a wonderful purchase. You can get great ocean view 2 bedroom units on the resale market, the only problem is that the maintenance fees have doubled in three years.

Hawaii is a great timeshare buy for Australian families, not least because during our September school holidays it is ultra-low season there!

koruman said:

I live in Australia too (on the Gold Coast).

Three years ago I wanted to buy a Hawaiian timeshare, and I ended up choosing the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas (North) and it has been a wonderful purchase. You can get great ocean view 2 bedroom units on the resale market, the only problem is that the maintenance fees have doubled in three years.

Hawaii is a great timeshare buy for Australian families, not least because during our September school holidays it is ultra-low season there!

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Personally, as a starwood resort owner, I would NOT touch westin in Maui. It is a beautiful resort, but MF is almost 3K. Also it is an easy trade by using staroptions even during summer season.
HGVC is far more flexible, you are not set for 7 days vacation, and MF is very reasonable. If you want to use HGVC points during off season (fall), then buy Orlando or Vegas for low MF.