How Does Hilton Vacation Club Operate?

When looking at vacation ownership programs, the Hilton Grand Vacations Club (HGVC) often comes to mind as a leading choice for many travelers. With its roots tied to the well-established Hilton brand, it promises a luxury vacation experience that stands out in the timeshare industry.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club is the timeshare arm of Hilton, one of the most recognized names in the hospitality industry. HGVC gives its members access to a variety of world-class resorts and travel experiences. Unlike traditional timeshares where one commits to the same resort location for a set period each year, Hilton's club model is more flexible and oriented towards the contemporary traveler's needs.

Here, we examine how Hilton Vacation Club operates, from its unique point-based system to the benefits it offers to its members.

Point-Based Hilton Vacation Club System

HGVC operates on a deeded point-based system. When a member buys into the club, they are purchasing a certain number of points that are deeded to a particular Hilton timeshare resort, known as the home resort. These points can be used for booking accommodation at the home resort, other Hilton Grand Vacations Club resorts and other affiliated properties.

Flexibility: One of the important advantages of this system is flexibility. Members can choose when, where, and how long they want to stay, depending on the number of points they own. They can opt for a long stay at a luxurious resort or multiple short breaks throughout the year.

Accumulation and Borrowing: If members don’t utilize all their points during their use year, they can roll them over to the next year. Conversely, if they wish to plan a grand holiday that requires more points than they currently have, they can borrow from the subsequent year.

Multiple Tiers of Hilton Vacation Club Membership

As with many timeshare programs, Hilton offers multiple tiers of membership, each providing a unique set of benefits:

Standard Membership: The level which provides access to Hilton timeshare properties and the ability to use the point-based system. Also gives members Silver status in the Hilton Honors rewards program (which we’ll explain later)

Elite: When an owner surpasses the 22,400-point level, they advance to the Elite level. Along with the standard benefits, members get additional perks such as Gold status with Hilton Honors, 10 percent discount on Open Season rates on specific dates and priority reservations in certain seasons.

Elite Plus: This is the tier of membership when exceeding 38,400 points, where members enjoy all the perks of Standards and Elite tiers, along with special privileges like 15 percent Open Season discount and points conversion to Hilton Honors points at a 1 to 16 ratio.

Elite Premier: The top tier of membership when you own over 54,400 points. Members have all the advantages of the other tiers, along with Diamond Elite Hilton Honors status, requesting specific units, 30 percent Open Season discount and $250 Lyft Pass for transportation.

Please Note: Open Season refers to the ability of members to rent units beyond using their ownership points. Within 30 days of a desired check-in date, based on availability, members can book accommodations at Hilton properties at cash rates that are significantly discounted.

HGV Max Membership

This is the new membership level introduced by Hilton Grand Vacations in 2022 following the company’s acquisition of Diamond Resorts. Existing Hilton Grand Vacations Club owners can become HGV Max members at no additional cost. However, new Hilton owners, owners at other timeshare resorts acquired by Hilton and Hilton timeshare resale buyers would need to purchase access to the HGV Max level.

HGV Max members have benefits such as:

• Access to resorts beyond the Hilton timeshare network but considered in-network through acquisitions.
• Priority access to timeshare accommodations
• Ability to convert points to Hilton Honors points
• Use points for travel products such as cruises 
• Multiple annual complimentary guest certificates

Seasonal Flexibility

Hilton Vacation Club’s point-based system also takes seasons into account. Resorts are categorized under various seasons – Platinum (the highest demand peak season), Gold, Silver and Bronze. This classification allows members to maximize their points during off-peak times or indulge during peak seasons.

Expanding Portfolio of Resorts

HGVC continues to expand its portfolio of properties, which is now up to 150 resorts within its network - ensuring members have a range of destinations to choose from. Whether it's the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, the serenity of Hawaii, the slopes of the Rockies, or the tropical allure of the Caribbean, Hilton Vacation Club ensures it has a presence in coveted vacation spots.

Exchange Opportunities

Hilton Vacation Club is affiliated with the RCI timeshare exchange network, which is one of the largest timeshare exchange companies globally. This association allows HGVC members to exchange their points for stays from over 4,000 RCI-affiliated properties worldwide, greatly expanding their travel options.

ClubPartner Perks

Beyond just resort stays, Hilton offers ClubPartner Perks which allow members to use their points for experiences such as cruises, guided tours, RV outings, and even yacht charters. This program accentuates Hilton’s emphasis on offering diverse and exciting travel experiences.

Maintenance Fees and Dues

A concern that some potential timeshare owners have is the associated annual fees. The fees are primarily determined by the home resort and are based on factors such as the size of the preferred unit type and season.

The total amount primarily consists of maintenance fees that go towards the upkeep of the properties, and club dues which fund the HGVC booking program. When owners no longer can vacation like they used to, annual fees are one reason why they decide to sell Hilton timeshare following years of great vacations.

Resale and Exit Strategy

Owners can sell their Hilton timeshare points in the resale market, which is relatively active given Hilton’s excellent brand reputation. One of the safe and efficient ways owners can exit their ownership when the time comes is by using the services of SellaTimeshare.com.

As a member of ARDA and vetted by the largest timeshare association in the world, our no upfront fee approach allows owners to put their Hilton points up for sale through our automated, self-service program.

The Link Between Hilton Vacation Club and Hilton Honors

The Hilton Grand Vacations Club and the Hilton Honors Program are two distinct programs under the vast Hilton umbrella. However, they are interconnected in several beneficial ways, allowing Hilton Vacation Club members to reap rewards across both platforms.

1) Dual Membership

When you buy Hilton Grand Vacations Club points, you are automatically enrolled in the Hilton Honors Program if you aren't already a member. This dual membership grants you access to an extensive network of Hilton properties worldwide and the opportunity to earn and redeem points across different experiences.

2) Point Conversion

One of the most substantial advantages of this relationship is the point conversion feature. Hilton Vacation Club members can convert their Club Points to Hilton Honors points, opening up a world of possibilities. This conversion enables members to book stays at any Hilton property worldwide, including those not part of the Hilton timeshare resort network.

3) Exclusive Promotions

Throughout the year, both Hilton Grand Vacations and the Hilton Honors Programs roll out exclusive promotions for their members. Occasionally, they offer collaborative promotions where members can earn additional points, discounts, or benefits that can be utilized across both platforms.

4) Seamless Booking and Availability

Thanks to the integration between the two programs, members can enjoy a seamless booking experience. Whether you're using Club Points, the booking platforms offer real-time availability, ensuring members can plan their vacations efficiently.

5) Loyalty Accrual

When Hilton Vacation Club members stay at Hilton timeshare resorts using their Club Points, they also earn Hilton Honors Points for any additional expenses incurred during their stay, such as dining, spa treatments, and more. This dual earning mechanism speeds up the accrual of Hilton Honors Points, allowing members to reach higher tier statuses quicker.

Now That You Know About Hilton Vacation Club

Hilton Grand Vacations Club operates with the philosophy of blending flexibility, luxury, and diverse experiences. Its point-based system, tiered membership benefits, affiliation with RCI and Hilton Honors all ensure that members have a wealth of travel options at their fingertips. Whether it's a beachfront condo, a city escapade, or a cruise on the high seas, members can carve out their ideal vacation with ease and assurance.

If you already have a Hilton resort in mind, you can click here to enter it into the search field to find that specific resort. If you would like to browse the selection of Hilton Vacation Club pages in our system, click onto our Hilton timeshare page here to see the significant discounts available on the resale market.

Of course, you can always put your Hilton points up for sale using our no upfront fee, automated platform.

Find out how to sell your Hilton Vacation Club points here.