Can't seem to decide if I should bid on the EBay offer for the Bay CLub. It's for a 2 BR, 7000 Hilton points EOY. This is definitely the type of week I'd like to own: like that's it's EOY, I like it's 2 BR. I have read a lot about the resort--know where it is and really like the location. I would use it most of the EOY. So, what is the downside? I know the MF are high b/c it's Hawaii. Is there a chance it will no longer be a Hilton property? Any other concerns. Please give your advice. Thanks.
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EBay Offer--Bay CLub--Please give opinion on purchasing
- Thread starter loosefeet
- Start date
benjaminb13
newbie
whats the most you would pay for the unit?
I can't give you any advice on the resort. But keep in mind what you're willing to spend and don't get caught up in the action and overbid.
Good luck.
Sue
Good luck.
Sue
Thanks--They do have a buy it now price of $3995--so I will try to stay under this.
But any concerns about this property??
But any concerns about this property??
tahoeJoe
TUG Member
Yes, the MF at this resort are REALLY high. Also, this property in not in HGVC so to join it will be another $400. Lastly, we were at Bay club back in January and the units and property seemed a little run down. I would be concerned about a special assessment coming.
-Tj
Elsie Mae
TUG Member
Bay Club
I own at the Bay Club and I love it. I have owned for 5 years and have not experienced any special assessments. You can buy direct from the Bay Club Resales. I know the 2 bedroom, every year was going for around $9,000 when I was there in January 2009. So I would guess the every other year would go for around $4,500.
It is very nice owning a hilton affiliated property. You can convert those 7000 points to 175,000 hilton honors points and use them at any Hilton Hotel.
Also, you can exchange it for other hilton grand vacations club properties.
I heard that they are thinking about doing a major renovation in 2010 - probably to bring it up to Hilton standards (i.e. higher end finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms). I think the accomodations are very nice and not run down but that's my opinion. The furniture is not old, the drapes and carpet are pretty new. The only old things are the bathroom fixtures and kitchen counters, cabinets.
I own at the Bay Club and I love it. I have owned for 5 years and have not experienced any special assessments. You can buy direct from the Bay Club Resales. I know the 2 bedroom, every year was going for around $9,000 when I was there in January 2009. So I would guess the every other year would go for around $4,500.
It is very nice owning a hilton affiliated property. You can convert those 7000 points to 175,000 hilton honors points and use them at any Hilton Hotel.
Also, you can exchange it for other hilton grand vacations club properties.
I heard that they are thinking about doing a major renovation in 2010 - probably to bring it up to Hilton standards (i.e. higher end finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms). I think the accomodations are very nice and not run down but that's my opinion. The furniture is not old, the drapes and carpet are pretty new. The only old things are the bathroom fixtures and kitchen counters, cabinets.
Thank-you, Elsie for your reply. Can you share w/ me if a 2BR Deluxe B unit is lesser than a 2 BR Deluxe A unit (thus less desirable). As I have looked into this, there are different 2 BR configurations. What should I look for in a unit at this resort?
alwysonvac
TUG Lifetime Member
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Bay Club gets mixed reviews
I suggest checking with our recommended HGVC resale agents to see what they have to offer regarding the Bay Club.
See http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88428
Someone had a similiar experience back in April 2008 and documented it on Tripadvisor
Titled "Worst Vacation Experience" http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser..._Resort-Waikoloa_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html use link to see photos associated with this review
"We have been HGVC owners for 6 years, and I must say this was our worst vacation. It did not meet my standards, so I don't understand Hilton rated it "Gold Crown".
Our room was large, had new carpet and new furniture. There were more closets than you could use. It had a nice walk-in closet by the front door that we kept empty suitcases & beach bags in. Our bed was comfortable, except the fitted sheets didn't fit, and every morning you woke up with your face on a bare mattress - gross!
The kitchen and bathroom are in dire need of remodeling. We had broken and filthy cabinets (food stuck on the outside) and mildew in the shower. The bathroom faucets were plated brass, at one time. The ceiling of our patio was falling off, so you had to be careful where you sat. The kitchen was missing a lot of basics. I had to call for a dustpan, spatula, kitchen towels, and potholder. The landscaping was...dead. No other way to describe it. Not exactly tropical paradise. Pools were in the parking lot, surrounded by a wrought-iron fence. Want a drink? There are two vending machines at each pool. No food available unless you go to the Hilton Hotel. Want to sleep in? Good luck, every step your upstairs neighbors took, you could hear. We were never able to sleep past 6 am!
The island was great, and we got to experience new things, but we will never be back, and cannot in good conscience recommend this "resort" to anyone.
Bay Club Resort Manager Call - April 2008 http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=499702&postcount=19
Bay Club Owner Update - Sept 2008 http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=601311&postcount=30
Bay Club Annual Mtg - Nov 2008 http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=646986&postcount=9
Your Resort Has Never Looked Better - Winter 2008 http://thebayclub.hgvc.com/pages/BayClubNews FINAL.pdf
Bay Club Owner Update - Jan 2009 http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=653026&postcount=1
I suggest checking with our recommended HGVC resale agents to see what they have to offer regarding the Bay Club.
See http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88428
tahoeJoe said:
Someone had a similiar experience back in April 2008 and documented it on Tripadvisor
Titled "Worst Vacation Experience" http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser..._Resort-Waikoloa_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html use link to see photos associated with this review
"We have been HGVC owners for 6 years, and I must say this was our worst vacation. It did not meet my standards, so I don't understand Hilton rated it "Gold Crown".
Our room was large, had new carpet and new furniture. There were more closets than you could use. It had a nice walk-in closet by the front door that we kept empty suitcases & beach bags in. Our bed was comfortable, except the fitted sheets didn't fit, and every morning you woke up with your face on a bare mattress - gross!
The kitchen and bathroom are in dire need of remodeling. We had broken and filthy cabinets (food stuck on the outside) and mildew in the shower. The bathroom faucets were plated brass, at one time. The ceiling of our patio was falling off, so you had to be careful where you sat. The kitchen was missing a lot of basics. I had to call for a dustpan, spatula, kitchen towels, and potholder. The landscaping was...dead. No other way to describe it. Not exactly tropical paradise. Pools were in the parking lot, surrounded by a wrought-iron fence. Want a drink? There are two vending machines at each pool. No food available unless you go to the Hilton Hotel. Want to sleep in? Good luck, every step your upstairs neighbors took, you could hear. We were never able to sleep past 6 am!
The island was great, and we got to experience new things, but we will never be back, and cannot in good conscience recommend this "resort" to anyone.
Elsie Mae said:
Bay Club Resort Manager Call - April 2008 http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=499702&postcount=19
Bay Club Owner Update - Sept 2008 http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=601311&postcount=30
Bay Club Annual Mtg - Nov 2008 http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=646986&postcount=9
Your Resort Has Never Looked Better - Winter 2008 http://thebayclub.hgvc.com/pages/BayClubNews FINAL.pdf
Bay Club Owner Update - Jan 2009 http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=653026&postcount=1
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hockeybrain
TUG Member
Wow, sounds like a creepy motel with a $1.99 special. I assume when they remodel it will be at reasonable Hilton standards.
alwysonvac
TUG Lifetime Member
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There are just as many good reviews as there are bad reviews. It just seems that some units/locations may be better than others which may be the reason for the mixed reviews.
For example, here's another Tripadvisor but a positive one. Titled "Don't be scared off by those bad reviews" dated Sept 2008
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser..._Resort-Waikoloa_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html
"My parents own a timeshare through Hilton, and let my husband and I use their points to book a hotel for our honeymoon. We really wanted to go to Hawai'i, and the Bay Club was the only hotel available for the time period that we wanted to go. We booked the trip in January, and we were nervous because of the bad reviews we had read on this website.
When we got to the hotel, we were pleasantly surprised. The room was beautiful! We had a one bedroom suite, and the condos are very nice and private. The entrances are on the outside, which makes it feel much more like an apartment than a hotel. The living room was very spacious, with room to seat 5 (one 3 person couch & 2 chairs). The hotel provided a few current magazines with things to do on the island, which definitely came in handy when looking for places to eat. The lanai was nice and private, we were on the second floor which was better than being on the first floor because it felt more intimate. The kitchen had EVERYTHING in it! Blenders, crock pots, Tupperware containers, salad bowls, everything you could ask for... but the dishes were a little hidden.
The staff was absolutely PHENOMENAL. From the minute we checked in until the moment we left, everyone did everything they could to make things comfortable. Leslie Smith at the concierge desk was amazingly helpful in booking things to do on the island. She went out of her way to find a nail salon to have my gel nails from the wedding removed, and even called and made an appointment for me! Any time I had a question for the front desk (like where our dishes were), they answered them quickly and nicely, and didn't think any question was too silly.
The only few minor complaints I have are that yes, the kitchens are a little run down. The stove and microwave and oven are all perfect, it's just minor details like the kitchen cabinets and countertops look a little rundown and could be touched up or replaced. Also, they seem to have a problem with stray cats in the area. Not a big deal, just something to be aware of."
Here are some of the Tripadvisor photos associated with this review
For example, here's another Tripadvisor but a positive one. Titled "Don't be scared off by those bad reviews" dated Sept 2008
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser..._Resort-Waikoloa_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html
"My parents own a timeshare through Hilton, and let my husband and I use their points to book a hotel for our honeymoon. We really wanted to go to Hawai'i, and the Bay Club was the only hotel available for the time period that we wanted to go. We booked the trip in January, and we were nervous because of the bad reviews we had read on this website.
When we got to the hotel, we were pleasantly surprised. The room was beautiful! We had a one bedroom suite, and the condos are very nice and private. The entrances are on the outside, which makes it feel much more like an apartment than a hotel. The living room was very spacious, with room to seat 5 (one 3 person couch & 2 chairs). The hotel provided a few current magazines with things to do on the island, which definitely came in handy when looking for places to eat. The lanai was nice and private, we were on the second floor which was better than being on the first floor because it felt more intimate. The kitchen had EVERYTHING in it! Blenders, crock pots, Tupperware containers, salad bowls, everything you could ask for... but the dishes were a little hidden.
The staff was absolutely PHENOMENAL. From the minute we checked in until the moment we left, everyone did everything they could to make things comfortable. Leslie Smith at the concierge desk was amazingly helpful in booking things to do on the island. She went out of her way to find a nail salon to have my gel nails from the wedding removed, and even called and made an appointment for me! Any time I had a question for the front desk (like where our dishes were), they answered them quickly and nicely, and didn't think any question was too silly.
The only few minor complaints I have are that yes, the kitchens are a little run down. The stove and microwave and oven are all perfect, it's just minor details like the kitchen cabinets and countertops look a little rundown and could be touched up or replaced. Also, they seem to have a problem with stray cats in the area. Not a big deal, just something to be aware of."
Here are some of the Tripadvisor photos associated with this review
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Elsie Mae
TUG Member
The only difference is that some of the units back up to the golf course and some back up to the road. You would want the golf course view. If you buy the units that back up to the road, then when you go to make a reservation, if one of those units is not available, you won't get a reservation.
I know there are mixed reviews about the Bay Club out there but I wouldn't worry about that. I met alot of other very happy Bay Club owners when I was there this past January 2009. The only real problem is that the noise carries thru the floor to the unit below. Hopefully when they upgrade the units they will add soundproofing. It is only a minor annoyance to me. I wear ear plugs to sleep normally anyway.
I know there are mixed reviews about the Bay Club out there but I wouldn't worry about that. I met alot of other very happy Bay Club owners when I was there this past January 2009. The only real problem is that the noise carries thru the floor to the unit below. Hopefully when they upgrade the units they will add soundproofing. It is only a minor annoyance to me. I wear ear plugs to sleep normally anyway.
alwysonvac, those pictures changed my view of Bay Club after reading so many negative reviews of it.
I'm also a (new) Bay Club owner, although can't offer much as I have not yet stayed (xmas this year will be our first visit). We were however at HGVC Waikoloa which shares the property with Bay Club, and wandered around looking in on units. It seemed that they may not be the luxury of Hilton, but I believe with the "top to bottom" upcoming renovation they will be. The space/size is what sold us. I remember being jealous of the size of the lanai's. Ours at Waikoloa was cramped - these were spacious. If you look at the Bay Club Resales website, you will find floor plans (to see the difference between A & B); and a map of the property.
As you probably have read, if you stay at the BC you cannot use the pool (at no charge) like you could if you were staying at Waikoloa. However, after staying at Waikoloa and not using the Hilton resort pool once (as we enjoyed the timeshare pool at night and were busy sightseeing during the day), we discovered that did not matter to us. And, if we wanted to spend a day at the Hilton Resort enjoying the pools, etc, then we would gladly pay for a day pass.
Good luck with your decision!
As you probably have read, if you stay at the BC you cannot use the pool (at no charge) like you could if you were staying at Waikoloa. However, after staying at Waikoloa and not using the Hilton resort pool once (as we enjoyed the timeshare pool at night and were busy sightseeing during the day), we discovered that did not matter to us. And, if we wanted to spend a day at the Hilton Resort enjoying the pools, etc, then we would gladly pay for a day pass.
Good luck with your decision!
alwysonvac
TUG Lifetime Member
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From Bay Club Resales website - http://www.bayclubresaleshawaii.com/
Property Map - http://imagepro1.com/17732/BayClubSitePlan.pdf
Floor Plans - http://www.bayclubresaleshawaii.com/Floor_Plans/page_1796691.html
Slideshow - http://imagepro1.com/17732/BayClubSlideshow.pdf
NOTE: The Bay Club property map on the TUG Resorts Database shows the location of each villa by unit number - http://tug2.com/RnR/TabResortDescription.aspx?Tab=D&ResortGUID=3e4a6c9d-e3bc-4fcb-969a-365f2ca567cc (using the link select "Additional Information" under the Resort Description Tab then select "Site Map Large" and click on the actual image to make it larger; scroll up and down to view all units)
The Unit Number format is as follows:
- 1st number is the building
- 2nd number is the floor
- 3rd number is the unit
- 4th number is the floor plan
Property Map - http://imagepro1.com/17732/BayClubSitePlan.pdf
Floor Plans - http://www.bayclubresaleshawaii.com/Floor_Plans/page_1796691.html
Slideshow - http://imagepro1.com/17732/BayClubSlideshow.pdf
NOTE: The Bay Club property map on the TUG Resorts Database shows the location of each villa by unit number - http://tug2.com/RnR/TabResortDescription.aspx?Tab=D&ResortGUID=3e4a6c9d-e3bc-4fcb-969a-365f2ca567cc (using the link select "Additional Information" under the Resort Description Tab then select "Site Map Large" and click on the actual image to make it larger; scroll up and down to view all units)
The Unit Number format is as follows:
- 1st number is the building
- 2nd number is the floor
- 3rd number is the unit
- 4th number is the floor plan
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Elsie Mae
TUG Member
Bay Club
My guess is that after they upgrade the Bay Club, they will start aggressively marketing those units because they are "bigger" than the adjoining HGVC Waikoloa property and the price will be higher for new owners. I wish I could buy more time in the Bay Club but I already have two weeks in HGVC and I think that is enough.
My guess is that after they upgrade the Bay Club, they will start aggressively marketing those units because they are "bigger" than the adjoining HGVC Waikoloa property and the price will be higher for new owners. I wish I could buy more time in the Bay Club but I already have two weeks in HGVC and I think that is enough.
alwysonvac
TUG Lifetime Member
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JMHO
I won't count on that and I won't suggest that anyone buy hoping that prices will be higher later.
I won't count on that and I won't suggest that anyone buy hoping that prices will be higher later.
The B unit is on the side of the building, with a smaller lanai than A units and mostly face another buiilding. The A units facing the golf course are preferable. Penthouse units are top floor with higher, cathedral ceilings. There is a renovation planned which will substantially upgrade the desirability of Bay Club. There will be an assessment coming to pay for the renovation. On April 3rd, an eBay auction closed at $1700 for a 2BR EOY. That is the lowest I have seen. Average is around $3000.
If you pay $399 to join the HGVC club, you can use the 7000 points to reserve your 2BR but type of unit and floor is not guarantee. You can always make a request with the front desk. You would be able to use the points for the Hilton Hawaiian Village and other HGVC resorts as well. It is a very inexpensive way to get into the club.
If you pay $399 to join the HGVC club, you can use the 7000 points to reserve your 2BR but type of unit and floor is not guarantee. You can always make a request with the front desk. You would be able to use the points for the Hilton Hawaiian Village and other HGVC resorts as well. It is a very inexpensive way to get into the club.
I have been a Bay Club owner for 10 years and last year we purchased a second unit-- a grand villa resale. I absolutely love the Bay Club. The Bay Club lacks granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. So yes, the kitchen looks like 1980s decor. However, units are exceptionally clean and well maintained. The housekeepers do a better job than HHV Lagoon Tower where we also own.
Additionally, the units are just so darn spacious and comfortable. And I absolutely adore the wrap-around lanai. If you own there you won't be disappointed.
My understanding is that most Bay Club developer units are sold with the exception of 1-bdrm units which they were attempting to market in Japan--which hasn't been successful since the Japanese prefer 2-bdrm. But who knows.
Additionally, the units are just so darn spacious and comfortable. And I absolutely adore the wrap-around lanai. If you own there you won't be disappointed.
My understanding is that most Bay Club developer units are sold with the exception of 1-bdrm units which they were attempting to market in Japan--which hasn't been successful since the Japanese prefer 2-bdrm. But who knows.
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Owner for 11 years
We go every year and have very good units. I have been asked to run for the board but turned down. Overall we love it.
We go every year and have very good units. I have been asked to run for the board but turned down. Overall we love it.
alwysonvac
TUG Lifetime Member
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Previously: FSRC & DVC
Another Owners Perspective
From another TUG thread posted in 2008 - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81599
From another TUG thread posted in 2008 - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81599