Posts: 301
From: Denver, Colorado, USA Resorts: Villas de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM, Birch Studio Wk 27, Marriot Streamside at Vail; HGVC points Flamingo-LV
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 12-23-2004 09:46               

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After using our 2004 points for 6 nights at the HGVC Flamingo (we're there now), we have 480 2004 points left. I pushed the 2005 points to 2006, so now have 9600 points to borrow or use in 2005/2006. Would it be worth it to deposit the 480 points in RCI? I believe the fee is $49. Can I then combine these 480 points with other future HGVC points for an RCI exchange in the future? I figure that would bring our point total to 10,080, which is close to 3 RCI 1 bedroom exchanges. Any thoughts?

The Flamingo is a beautiful property. However, I am disappointed about a few things: no DVD player, no CD player (we brought DVD's and CD's with us). In addition, the mattress on the sofa bed in the living area is awful - so thin you can feel the springs. I expected better from Hilton. Otherwise, the unit is very nice.

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Posts: 450
From: NE Indiana
Registered: Oct 2001

posted 12-24-2004 14:05               

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I just read the guide. This is a new rule. I thought the only way you could use your 480 points left over for 2004 is to request an ongoing exchange (for a full week - cannot do an ongoing on days) and pay the RCI exchange fee of $149 for a domestic exchange.

I definitely would not pay the $49 if it is for 480 points, but do a "very diffcult" on going exchange and pay the $149. My philosophy is that you will have to pay the $149 for the weekly exchange anyway.

Next year, in 2005 it will cost $69 to deposit your points.

[This message has been edited by got4boys (edited 12-24-2004).]

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Posts: 762
From: Rancho Dominguez, CA
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 12-24-2004 16:37               

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I have 260 points remaining and have come to the conclusion that there is really nothing I can do with it except just let it expire...wish we had some more options for small amounts like this.

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Posts: 1890
From: So California, USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-24-2004 17:18               

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quote:

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Originally posted by ricoba:
I have 260 points remaining and have come to the conclusion that there is really nothing I can do with it except just let it expire...wish we had some more options for small amounts like this.

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I'd be nice if you could transfer them to another account. I have 300 points left over..

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Posts: 53
From: Harrisburg, PA HGVC Seaworld Sunterra Powhatan Plantation
Registered: Aug 2004

posted 12-24-2004 20:01            

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I have 1940, but I still have a hard time paying the $49 fee, and then another $139 for the exchange when I do so later in the year. Hilton acts like this new option is a favor to it's members. In reality it's just another way for Hilton to use it's ONE FEE ($49) FITS ALL policy.

Imagine a world where everything is $49, but in keeping with the greed theme, I'm sure this world will be $69 before long.

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Posts: 450
From: NE Indiana
Registered: Oct 2001

posted 12-24-2004 20:06               

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In my very first year as a HGV Club owner, I lost 400 points. Ever since them I've learn to borrow, borrow, borrow. It doesn't cost anything to borrow from future years, but it costs you to transfer to future years.

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Posts: 46
From: Edmond, OK
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 12-28-2004 22:38               

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I agree with got4boys. Borrow was my plan to so I wouldn't have to pay the $69 fee. But do to a series of events I have ended up with 560 points for 2005. Which I can deposit until the end of the year. I can't decide if I want to pay the $69 to bank the 560 points. We already have 2 vacations booked for 2005.
Any advice on what to do with the 560 points.

Jim

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Posts: 301
From: Denver, Colorado, USA Resorts: Villas de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM, Birch Studio Wk 27, Marriot Streamside at Vail; HGVC points Flamingo-LV
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 12-29-2004 11:54               

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It sounds to me by the previous replies that the solution is to start an ongoing search with RCI in 2004; then the 2004 points can be combined with future points if the exchange is obtained. The RCI exchange fee will have to be paid up front in order to do the search, but the fee to deposit the points won't have to be paid. Of course, if the search is later abandoned or changed, the points would probably be lost. Do I understand this correctly?

I assume one calls the Hilton desk to get the ongoing search started.

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