As an educator, I believe you should learn something new every day. However, knowledge doesn’t have to come from a book. If you want to learn more about ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations, for example, read about the experiences of real Owners. Here is my journey with HGV.
When Did My Ownership Begin?
In 2014, I purchased a presentation package for Las Vegas and made Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, my home property. The proximity to Miracle Mile Shops was a plus. At the time, I could only afford ownership every other year. However, my son enjoys attending the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas, so I needed ClubPoints every year.
In 2015, I attended a presentation and upgraded. I added my son’s name on the title in 2018. Since then, we split ClubPoints and costs. I upgraded to HGV Max in April 2022.
What Is My Goal For Ownership?
I utilize my membership better when I set a goal at the beginning of the year. This year, I want to make a reservation for at least one property in every domestic and international destination. Before I upgraded to HGV Max, I’ve stayed at every property in Las Vegas and Orlando at least once. As an HGV Max Owner, I now have access to even more properties and destinations.
For 2023, I have reservations at Liberty Place Charleston, a Hilton Club, in Charleston, South Carolina, and Flamingo, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, in Las Vegas. Even though I have not booked yet, Indiana and Lake Tahoe, California, are on my radar.
When I upgraded to HGV Max, I liked the idea of being able to drive from one destination to the next. I want to vacation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for a few days and hop in the car for an extended vacation in Williamsburg. It will also be great to visit my son in Phoenix, Arizona, and then drive to Sedona for a few days. In addition, he and his wife can now take a staycation.
Where Have I Traveled With Hilton Grand Vacations?
Elara is my favorite property in Las Vegas and SeaWorld® Orlando, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, in Orlando. Over the years, I’ve also made reservations in
Where Have I Enjoyed My Ownership?
My most recent reservation was in Park City, Utah. I don’t ski, but I love Park City in the off season, which is where I hosted my 60th birthday celebration in November 2022. I reserved a 4-Bedroom Suite at Sunrise Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, for the seven of us.
We utilized the complimentary shuttle to pick up groceries, spend a day on Main Street and visit a local shopping center. Back at the resort, my crew enjoyed hot chocolate daily in the lobby and time in the outdoor heated pool. We patronized Drafts Burger Bar and Dos Olas, both within walking distance of the resort.
The birthday celebration included making charcuterie cups in the kitchen and drinking mimosas in the dining room. My family and friends surprised me with a birthday cake. However, the best times were spent in the living room playing games and watching sports in front of the fireplace.
In 2021, I returned to Elara for a weekend in September to attend my son’s wedding. I used Open Season to reserve a 3-Bedroom Suite and hosted the bride's mother and maid of honor.
How Many ClubPoints Do I Have?
I have 9,240 ClubPoints. When I travel solo, I try to book a Studio. I reserve a 1-Bedroom Suite if I travel with my companion. When family and friends travel with me, I book a 2-, 3- or 4-Bedroom Suite. I have enough points to enjoy several vacations a year.
Although my initial goal for ownership was to upgrade to Elite, it's no longer the tier for me. Because I want my son's family to enjoy HGV Max ownership in the future, I’m intentional about how and when I upgrade. Although I will pay off the new loan in April 2023, I do not want to leave my son with an asset he cannot afford later. I’ve learned how to supplement my ClubPoints with Open Season and take an extra trip almost every year.
Read “From Bucket List Trips To Retirement Plans, One Hilton Grand Vacations Owner Proves A Solid Points Strategy Is Everything” for more ways to maximize ClubPoints.