How my Hilton Grand Vacations journey began
I am thrilled to celebrate 25 years as a Member and even more excited to share my travel stories as a new Hilton Grand Vacations Explorer! My passion for travel began in high school, with the awesome opportunity to visit France as a freshman. Travel is a priority in my budget, starting when I self-funded another trip to France in my senior year. Since then, I have earned over 2.3 million miles through both business and personal travel.
Why I chose vacation ownership
In November 2000, I stayed at the beautiful Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort for a work software conference. (Pro tip: If you volunteer to be on a conference panel or write a paper, your company will most likely pay ALL of your travel expenses!) This was my first trip to Hawaii, and little did I know that my all-expenses-paid business trip would happily end up costing me thousands of dollars personally.
I signed up for the HGV information session, lured by a complimentary dinner certificate. At 27, single, curious and cost-conscious, I found it worthwhile to spend my time learning about Lagoon Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club under construction. I was impressed by the spacious 2-Bedroom Condos and stunning ocean views and mesmerized by the worldwide resorts through HGV and RCI Exchange®. A few things sealed the deal for the purchase of an every-other-year ownership:
A timely gift from a distant relative fortuitously matched the initial investment for vacation ownership.
I could earn credit card reward points on my purchase.
Experiencing bragging rights of ownership in gorgeous Hawaii and flexibility to explore so many other destinations.
Let’s not forget the dinner certificate with two complimentary bonus beach towels and beach bags, which saw plenty of use!
The flexibility that made membership worth it
In the first few years, I made multiple return trips to Hawaii. I enjoyed exploring the island of Oahu: The Polynesian Cultural Center, Byodo-In Temple, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, ABC Stores (water rafts and Alohamacs), Waimea Falls (bird sanctuary/botanical gardens) and the beaches of Hanauma Bay (snorkeling) North Shore (watching surfing). I shared the experience with family and friends while exploring Oahu, the Big Island and Kauai and even gifted a honeymoon trip to my sister and brother-in-law.
Hilton Grand Vacation Club’s flexibility has been perfect for solo trips, friends’ getaways and family vacations. I have creatively maximized my benefits by borrowing points, saving points and using RCI exchanges. Rising annual maintenance fees is a common concern mentioned on social media, but here is my perspective:
Travel is always a priority in my budget.
Maintenance fees are preferable to the various costs of owning a vacation home in a single location.
Fee increases are similar to property tax increases on my primary home.
Making the most of my HGV Points over 25 years
In 2014, I more than doubled my points with a yearly membership by transferring and investing in The Boulevard, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. The key to using my additional points is planning. I booked specific dates for a dream trip to Thailand, with the help of Club counselors. I reserved wonderful resorts in Phuket and Koh Samui on the first day the inventory was released.
Unforgettable experiences around the world
This HGV journey has been amazing, and I look forward to every new year of adventure as the Club offerings expand. The variety of accommodations and locations for both relaxation and exploration has exceeded my expectations. Some unforgettable experiences:
Sailing on a tall ship schooner in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and learning about Māori culture.
Local market shopping and cooking class to make pad thai and tom kha coconut in Thailand.
Exploring Balmoral Castle, Cairngorms National Park and Culloden Battlefield while visiting Craigendarroch, Scotland.
Snorkeling with turtles, walking the lava fields and watching people train for an Iron Man in Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Celebrating my 40th birthday in an overwater bungalow with fantastic snorkeling and kayaking in Moorea, Tahiti.
Hiking in Glacier National Park, traveling to Canada and seeing a group of Ford Model Ts traversing Going to the Sun Road from Kalispell, Montana.
Downhill skiing and lakeside hiking in Lake Tahoe, and touring the amazing Hoover Dam on a visit to Las Vegas.
Experiencing “living” colonial history in Williamsburg, Virginia and seeing U.S. Navy ships in Norfolk.
Running the Disney Princess 5K at EPCOT and relaxing at Tuscany Village, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Orlando.
Whale watching, snorkeling and ATV riding on the desert dunes at sunset in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Where will your next adventure be?
Key Takeaways
Hilton Grand Vacations Club ownership offers long‑term flexibility for travelers who prioritize experiences over owning a single vacation home.
Strategic planning unlocks high-value global travel: Tips include booking early, borrowing points and using exchange programs.
Maintenance fees can be viewed alongside the broader costs of traditional vacation home ownership and recurring travel expenses, offering a more comprehensive perspective on long-term value.
HGV works well for solo travelers, couples, families and milestone trips across multiple life stages.
Member experiences and long‑term use provide valuable insight into whether vacation ownership is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hilton Grand Vacations Club worth it long term?
A: For travelers who prioritize regular vacations and flexibility, Hilton Grand Vacations Club can offer long‑term value — especially when points are planned strategically and used across multiple destinations.
Q: How do Hilton Grand Vacations points work?
A: Members receive an annual allotment of points that can be used to book stays at Hilton Grand Vacations resorts or exchanged for travel through partner programs, depending on availability and planning.
Q: Can you travel internationally with Hilton Grand Vacations Club?
A: Yes. Members can use exchange programs to access international destinations, including Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, when reservations are made early.
Q: Do Hilton Grand Vacations maintenance fees increase over time?
A: Maintenance fees can increase, similar to property taxes or homeownership costs. Members compare these fees to the ongoing costs of owning a second home or booking repeated hotel stays.
Q: Who is Hilton Grand Vacations Club best for?
A: Hilton Grand Vacations Club is often a good fit for travelers who vacation consistently, enjoy planning ahead and want flexibility to explore multiple destinations over time.
