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Reduced RCI availability to HGVC members??

tschwa2

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I would call and ask about the specific resort you are interested in again. I still think the filtering in your case might have been unintentional and both RCI and HGVC are unaware or refusing to acknowledge that it happens.
They are telling you how the system is supposed to work. I do believe that is the case. But what they may be failing to acknowledge is the system doesn't always work the way it supposed to work. The question is can they book that resort for you. If so maybe it was just a part of their quality filtering system.
 

SHG

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I would call and ask about the specific resort you are interested in again. I still think the filtering in your case might have been unintentional and both RCI and HGVC are unaware or refusing to acknowledge that it happens.
They are telling you how the system is supposed to work. I do believe that is the case. But what they may be failing to acknowledge is the system doesn't always work the way it supposed to work. The question is can they book that resort for you. If so maybe it was just a part of their quality filtering system.
Your concerns are valid, but in fact I went over these details with the HGVC RCI exec. She was even familiar with the specific resorts I pointed out and was a little surprised these were filtered. That is why she made the comment about the filtering sometimes taking out things that it should not. I also made this point with the HGVC exec. She accepted that point and was going to take it up with her upcoming exec meeting with RCI.

So yes, it makes no sense why any Gold Crown resort should be filtered. Just like it makes no sense that we should call 2 separate times and encounter counselors who had no idea of this problem. There are absolutely some problems that HGVC/HGVC RCI have to work out. I hope that my interaction with these 2 execs has gotten the ball rolling on the much needed corrective actions.
 

CalGalTraveler

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I very much appreciate your follow up on this.

So when we search the 'full' "Resort Directory" (not searching for availability) on the RCI site through the HGVC portal, is that filtered too? or is that the full unfiltered RCI directory?

i.e. this directory is accessed via the drop-down under "RCI Exchange Reservations" on the top right of the screen when you enter via the HGVC portal.
 

SHG

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I very much appreciate your follow up on this.

So when we search the 'full' "Resort Directory" (not searching for availability) on the RCI site through the HGVC portal, is that filtered too? or is that the full unfiltered RCI directory?

i.e. this directory is accessed via the drop-down under "RCI Exchange Reservations" on the top right of the screen when you enter via the HGVC portal.
The RCI directory is UNFILTERED. This is verified because if you access RCI through your HGVC portal or by going to rci.com directly, and look at the RCI directory, in both cases the directory is the same! So, you can always see the full directory. You just have to call HGVC RCI if you are interested in something that is not readily available....

I will make one other point. The HGVC RCI exec pointed out that you can use the chat feature when doing your RCI search. These counselors are also supposed to be able to help you. And this can be done while you are on line doing your searching...
 

CalGalTraveler

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Thanks @SHG for clarifying. This makes my life easier. :)
 
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alwysonvac

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Thanks for the update. :thumbup:
 

CalGalTraveler

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One more clarification: If I find a resort in the RCI directory and then click on "Available Units." Will that show all available units? or will that availability be filtered because I am searching via the HGVC portal?
 

tschwa2

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One more clarification: If I find a resort in the RCI directory and then click on "Available Units." Will that show all available units? or will that availability be filtered because I am searching via the HGVC portal?
It will be filtered. Resorts that HGVC considers not good enough will not show as available to you.
 

SHG

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One more clarification: If I find a resort in the RCI directory and then click on "Available Units." Will that show all available units? or will that availability be filtered because I am searching via the HGVC portal?
Cal Gal, it will NOT be filtered. If you are able to see the resort and availability, it is not filtered. The filtering eliminates these lesser resorts so you will not be able to see them.
 

tschwa2

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If you are clicking on a particular resort you will either see it or not see it. If you don't see any available units it may mean there are none or it may be filtered out. If you see some units available at a particular resort you should see them all, they wouldn't filter out some and not others at a single resort. There are other factors that may also hold back inventory from your view. If a resort is 1 in 3 or 4 and you have been within that time you may not see availability even if there is availability.
 

SHG

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One more clarification: If I find a resort in the RCI directory and then click on "Available Units." Will that show all available units? or will that availability be filtered because I am searching via the HGVC portal?
OK, after pondering your question for a minute, I can see opportunity for more clarification. When using the directory, you get to see ALL resorts that RCI has to offer. However, when you click for availability, if it shows availability, it will show all of the availability. The problem comes in if it shows no availability. In this case, you will not know if there is no availability because RCI has non available, or because it has been filtered. This is where the problem occurs. The only work around for this is calling HGVC RCI, or try using the chat feature...
 

SHG

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If you are clicking on a particular resort you will either see it or not see it. If you don't see any available units it may mean there are none or it may be filtered out. If you see some units available at a particular resort you should see them all, they wouldn't filter out some and not others at a single resort. There are other factors that may also hold back inventory from your view. If a resort is 1 in 3 or 4 and you have been within that time you may not see availability even if there is availability.
tschwa2 and I are now on the same page....
 

Talent312

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I was about the chastise SHG for missing the obvious, when he caught it.

So... If a resort doesn't appear in a standard search, but is in the Directory...
The only way to know if it's available will be to call, but don't take "no" for an answer.
The CS rep may not "see" it either. You may have to ask them to contact RCI about it.
.
 
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tschwa2

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or you can compare yourself if you have a non HGVC RCI account or you can ask on TUG for someone to check.
 

CalGalTraveler

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Thanks all. Argghhh...I hate having to call for this and for available getaways. Very inefficient use of time.
 

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OK, after pondering your question for a minute, I can see opportunity for more clarification. When using the directory, you get to see ALL resorts that RCI has to offer. However, when you click for availability, if it shows availability, it will show all of the availability. The problem comes in if it shows no availability. In this case, you will not know if there is no availability because RCI has non available, or because it has been filtered. This is where the problem occurs. The only work around for this is calling HGVC RCI, or try using the chat feature...

Where is the chat feature in the RCI portal? I'm logged in right now and do not see where there is a chat feature
 

Mosescan

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Where is the chat feature in the RCI portal? I'm logged in right now and do not see where there is a chat feature
I think when I was on the other night I saw a little box come up on my screen to the right that said chat. I’ll confirm after I have the kids in bed! Lol!
 

SHG

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Where is the chat feature in the RCI portal? I'm logged in right now and do not see where there is a chat feature
I have confirmed that there is a little tab that to the right (see the graphic). However, note that this feature is only available during business hours, which does not include night time..... I have never used this feature so this might be a great item for someone to use and report back on....
 

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Mosescan

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I have confirmed that there is a little tab that to the right (see the graphic). However, note that this feature is only available during business hours, which does not include night time..... I have never used this feature so this might be a great item for someone to use and report back on....
Lol! By the time I had the kids in bed and went online to confirm it was there I couldn’t find it. I suspected it was only during business hours. Glad to see that confirmed.
 

CalGalTraveler

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Glad to know about the chat. Hopefully that should save some time instead of calling.
 
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