My wife recently received an offer from Hyatt Residence Club to stay at their property on Ka’anapali Beach in Maui.
The offer is for 5 nights in a two-bedroom suite for $149 per night. Plus in classic infomercial marketing style if we call now (or before October 28th), we’ll receive 10,000 Hyatt Gold Passport Bonus Points.
There is a catch, of course. And in this case we’re only able to book the offer if we commit to sitting through a 90-minute timeshare presentation. There are also a host of other eligibility requirements related to employment, income, etc.
I’m really conflicted about the offer because we have absolutely no interest in a timeshare purchase. Miles and points take us where we need to go and I don’t want the added hassle of dealing with timeshare rules and availability (award space is enough of a challenge).
The deal, however, is hard to beat. The suites are nearly 1,200 square feet and have been recently renovated. Looking at the pictures from the property’s website, it appears they’ve done a nice job with the renovation.
Making this even more difficult is the fact this is the area of Maui my wife and I prefer.
Online reviews of the property are generally positive. The real complaints I see are from people who took Hyatt up on the offer we received.
As you’d expect, Hyatt’s team is in the business of selling timeshares and do everything they can to accomplish that goal. Apparently their sales techniques rub some people the wrong way.
Personally, I think the people complaining about the presentation are being a bit unreasonable. While there should be some professional standards for the sales team, the offer is pretty upfront that the great deal comes with strings attached.
If you’re willing to give up 90 minutes of your vacation, go for it. But, don’t take the offer and then expect to get a pass when it comes to living up to your end of the deal.
And that’s exactly why I don’t think we’ll be booking this. Maui would be great but it doesn’t exactly fit into our travel plans. And while we could squeeze it in, I don’t think the deal is worth it with the sales presentation requirement.
What do you guys think? Would you take the deal and just put up with the presentation? Or are vacations too valuable to waste time on the sales pitch?
I got the offer as well (in 2018), I must not be as valuable of a target. $995 for 5 nights/6 days, car rental + $75 resort certificate. To me to spend $1000 plush have to sit in a time share presentation isn't worth it.
Holiday Inn Resorts offered me roundtrip airfare (NY to ORL, for 2 + 2) and 3 days hotel at Walt Disney World resort if I paid $40 and agreed to take a 2 hour tour of their new facility in Massachusetts (HIR took it over from another co. last year). It is just over the CT border. Deal was offered by sales rep at Jacob Javitts Convention show (auto show) in NYC.
I need to...
Holiday Inn Resorts offered me roundtrip airfare (NY to ORL, for 2 + 2) and 3 days hotel at Walt Disney World resort if I paid $40 and agreed to take a 2 hour tour of their new facility in Massachusetts (HIR took it over from another co. last year). It is just over the CT border. Deal was offered by sales rep at Jacob Javitts Convention show (auto show) in NYC.
I need to go with my wife during the week to get this particular offer. If I go on the weekend or by myself, the most comp is a dinner or show tickets. I have no interest in a time share (attended one in LV, it was pushy; 1 in Vermont was okay, as was one in Bahamas - in those 2 cases neither sales team was very experienced; nice Russian immigrant in VT, locals in Bahamas).
Any reviews on Holiday Inn Timeshare tours in MA? Thanks!
Can someone please help with out with how to get one of these offers? I just booked a trip to Maui for Jan 22-25 (airfare price were too good to pass up) sitting throw a 90 minute presentation doesn't bother me at all and I really need to save on my lodging. Help please.
Double check your offer, mine is $149 per person based on double occupancy. So $298 per night.
i can't believe people still get suckered into buying timeshares. *maybe* they make sense purchased on the secondary market for pennies on the dollar. But this deal sounds good, just make sure you say no!!!
Take the deal. Just tell them upfront that you are only there for the "award" and have no intention of buying.
They won't waste much of their time on you.
I have been to many in the past. But only a few in the recent past. My most recent one ended with the philosophical question, "How much would you pay to buy this same unit back from me today?" When you find that the buyback price is a mere fraction of the selling price, you have the perfect reason to say no many times over.
Works every time. If they still resist, insist that your...
I have been to many in the past. But only a few in the recent past. My most recent one ended with the philosophical question, "How much would you pay to buy this same unit back from me today?" When you find that the buyback price is a mere fraction of the selling price, you have the perfect reason to say no many times over.
Works every time. If they still resist, insist that your accountant and lawyer look over the contract prior to signing. Its the Voldemort of any negotiation.
I took them up on the offer. The room was fantastic. The building is brand new, it was built on the old parking lot for the Hyatt Regency which is right next door so the rooms are not recently renovated they are brand new. Presentation was very low key and no pressure at all. If you go to Maui annually which I have many friends who do, it is actually a great deal. We toured...
I took them up on the offer. The room was fantastic. The building is brand new, it was built on the old parking lot for the Hyatt Regency which is right next door so the rooms are not recently renovated they are brand new. Presentation was very low key and no pressure at all. If you go to Maui annually which I have many friends who do, it is actually a great deal. We toured other properties that were selling timeshares in the area and this is by far the nicest property. It is basically on the water while the others were set back farther and it has the lowest number of units of any property. Most are over 300 I believe the Hyatt only has 180 +/-. If you re into timeshares,or if you travel to maui every year then you will love this place. We go to maui often but just not enough to take them up on the deal.
I enjoy getting value of attending time share presentations, I never purchase but depending on which brand you go with you can go somewhere amazing for a fraction of the cost. As others said be prepared to hold them to the time and be firm if you do not intend to buy.
@Skoropi I have cancelled a Hilton presentation before when some friends cancelled my plans. I just called and said that I wouldn't go...
I enjoy getting value of attending time share presentations, I never purchase but depending on which brand you go with you can go somewhere amazing for a fraction of the cost. As others said be prepared to hold them to the time and be firm if you do not intend to buy.
@Skoropi I have cancelled a Hilton presentation before when some friends cancelled my plans. I just called and said that I wouldn't go to the presentation. They fully refunded my money stating that they can't charge you if you don't agree to the terms (which are sitting through the presentation) prior to arrival even though I did pay. I had been on presentations before and still am, actually doing Elara for New Years.
The offer is worth in my opinion. The resort is brand new opening earlier this year and built from the ground up.
I stayed there a month ago and have a review of the Hyatt Residence Club Maui: http://www.thefamilytravelguy.com/2015/10/review-hyatt-residence-club-maui-kaanapali.html
The sales presentation isn't high-pressure sales, but again likely depends on who your particular salesperson.
We have done a couple of timeshare presentations. In this case is it worth it depends on the amount you are saving and if the money saved justifies 90mins of your life. We will never go for timeshare, not worth never actually owning anything and the lack of flexibility it a disadvantage. Anyhow, each to their own, we saved quite a bit of $$$ and in the process learned a lot of nifty sales tactics....
We have done a couple of timeshare presentations. In this case is it worth it depends on the amount you are saving and if the money saved justifies 90mins of your life. We will never go for timeshare, not worth never actually owning anything and the lack of flexibility it a disadvantage. Anyhow, each to their own, we saved quite a bit of $$$ and in the process learned a lot of nifty sales tactics. Take it easy and don't be hard on those guys, they are just doing g their job and after all its your choice if you want to spend 90mins with them.
Trip report!
Nice floorplan http://www.hyattresidenceclub.com/content/dam/hvc/Properties/Hyatt_Kaanapali_Beach/Maui_2Bdr.pdf
Is the property completed yet? The Hyatt Residence Club web site says "Upon completion, the Hyatt Ka’anapali Beach resort is expected to provide a spectacular tropical setting". Maybe some of the amenities are missing?
How can I get these offers? I'd be interested in doing one in Colorado or Hawaii...I can say no all day. LOL
@Apu:
I said roundtrip airport transportation, so to and from the resort to the airport, NOT airfare.
Obviously your call, but I'd avoid it. I hate high pressure sales tactics and stupid psychological games (like a salesman walking really fast so you have to keep up, putting you at a disadvantage). The presentations almost always run substantially longer than advertised, and you often have to fight at the end to get what you were offered in advance. The whole thing always feels sleazy, and my wife hates them more than I do,...
Obviously your call, but I'd avoid it. I hate high pressure sales tactics and stupid psychological games (like a salesman walking really fast so you have to keep up, putting you at a disadvantage). The presentations almost always run substantially longer than advertised, and you often have to fight at the end to get what you were offered in advance. The whole thing always feels sleazy, and my wife hates them more than I do, so you may want to consult with yours before doing this.
@Daniel M - RT air transportation from where? SFO? BKK? Moon?
My wife and I did one of these years ago in Newport, RI. The sale was a hard sell. Once we had said no many times to the first salesmen, he called in his supervisor. When he realized that we were only there for the freebies, he wrote down on a napkin some of the places in which they had properties, like this:
Miami
Orlando
Oahu
Chicago
Honolulu.
I just smiled.
We just got back last week using this offer on Maui. Go! It was a great deal, great location and very nice condo. The presentation was no too high pressure and actually informative and fun. We were pretty clear from the beginning with the salesman that we were not interested and that was OK. They even threw in a $100 voucher as we left the sales mtg to use against purchases (not lodging). Only caveat,...
We just got back last week using this offer on Maui. Go! It was a great deal, great location and very nice condo. The presentation was no too high pressure and actually informative and fun. We were pretty clear from the beginning with the salesman that we were not interested and that was OK. They even threw in a $100 voucher as we left the sales mtg to use against purchases (not lodging). Only caveat, they first put us in a condo overlooking the parking lot and golf course. When we complained that we signed up for the ocean front, they replied that there was no availability. After calling in to say we were checking out, they managed to find an opening for us with an ocean view. Not the best way to start out a 30 yr anniversary trip, but it all worked out in the end. Using AS companion fare, the 5 nights, ocean front vacation with car rental and meals (we brought in most food) came in at a little under $1,600. Not bad.
I was a member of Diamond Resorts and one of the cool things was every 6-12 months when I stayed at a property they would offer me an "owner update" on check in which was another presentation. They would offer $125-200 in goodies (gift cards being the best option). I found you could negotiate for a higher level if you show you are really walking away from the first offer. Make sure you imply that...
I was a member of Diamond Resorts and one of the cool things was every 6-12 months when I stayed at a property they would offer me an "owner update" on check in which was another presentation. They would offer $125-200 in goodies (gift cards being the best option). I found you could negotiate for a higher level if you show you are really walking away from the first offer. Make sure you imply that if it was more worth your time you would re-consider.
The update was an opportunity to upsell to more points and we were usually able to extract ourselves on time but my wife was upset by some of the tactics used. You just have to not get drawn into the crazy arguments they try and start. Again, you MUST check the box to not share your information for marketing purposes!! I am swamped by 5+ robocalls PER DAY currently even though I am on the federal do not call list. The list is NOT enforced. I use my phone's auto reject feature to screen out calls.
I also had good luck with the Hilton presentations, its just a risk to book a time and place that works for you AFTER you pay the upfront fee but it worked out for me OK. Do beware the bait and switch on the specific property you will stay at. They often put you at nearby older properties and you tour the newer property.
Read the offers carefully. Wife and I have received several offers from Hyatt on Maui. While some were for stay at the residence club (2 bedroom condo), others were for visit to the residence club, but the actual stay is at the Hyatt Regency standard hotel room nearby. It was not easy to tell the second offer from the first one. I realized something was up when I called in on a Hyatt Regency offer...
Read the offers carefully. Wife and I have received several offers from Hyatt on Maui. While some were for stay at the residence club (2 bedroom condo), others were for visit to the residence club, but the actual stay is at the Hyatt Regency standard hotel room nearby. It was not easy to tell the second offer from the first one. I realized something was up when I called in on a Hyatt Regency offer and they had way too many dates available. The Residence Club offer books up fast, and they are usually 6-8 months out.
We've done about 5-6 of these over the years. My wife hates it and officially refuses to do another one. I love a deal and will happily sit through the 90 min presentation for free stuff. I even enjoy the game of the negotiation a little, but my wife has put her foot down so no more timeshare deals for us.
Timeshare discount offers ($199 for 3 nights, etc) are nice, but free stays if referred by an existing timeshare owner are even better.
I own with Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) Asia Pacific and can refer people for a free 4 day 3 night stay at Marriott Vacation Club Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. These are 2 bedroom suites (with kitchen, laundry, etc) including round trip airport transportation. No cash outlay required. Just sit through the...
Timeshare discount offers ($199 for 3 nights, etc) are nice, but free stays if referred by an existing timeshare owner are even better.
I own with Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) Asia Pacific and can refer people for a free 4 day 3 night stay at Marriott Vacation Club Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. These are 2 bedroom suites (with kitchen, laundry, etc) including round trip airport transportation. No cash outlay required. Just sit through the presentation. MVC Asia Pacific has its ups and downs, but free = free.
PM me on Flyertalk at "lhs323" if you want a referral.
Funny that this topic came up today, because I got talked into a Hilton Vegas timeshare presentation yesterday. $99 for 2 nights and a 2-hour presentation. After talking it over with my wife I called back and wanted to cancel. They wouldn't do it. Is there a way to cancel this anyway? Now it's not so much about the money, but their attitude on the second call. Just as a matter of principle I want...
Funny that this topic came up today, because I got talked into a Hilton Vegas timeshare presentation yesterday. $99 for 2 nights and a 2-hour presentation. After talking it over with my wife I called back and wanted to cancel. They wouldn't do it. Is there a way to cancel this anyway? Now it's not so much about the money, but their attitude on the second call. Just as a matter of principle I want a refund since I have not inconvenienced them in any way, yet they will not do what any other business in the US would do and refund the money. Thanks.
We did something similar in Portugal. We stayed multiple times at the Pine Cliffs Resort and on the first visit we visited the sales team (because we are actually interested in moving to Portugal) and they gave us a tour of the different apartments and we of course said no (because of the insane prices) but then they offered us a tryout package for 2 weeks in a three bedroom apartment with free golf if...
We did something similar in Portugal. We stayed multiple times at the Pine Cliffs Resort and on the first visit we visited the sales team (because we are actually interested in moving to Portugal) and they gave us a tour of the different apartments and we of course said no (because of the insane prices) but then they offered us a tryout package for 2 weeks in a three bedroom apartment with free golf if we come back the end of the two weeks and just talk whether the apartment is still an option or not. We took them up on the offer and enjoyed the vacation and at the end we just said that we are not in the situation to make such an investment right now and we were out again after 15 minutes.
Yes, yes, yes. Almost universally yes. Just know how to say, "no," before you go.
I've attended these in the past. Probably five before I got into miles and points and one since then. The last one was the easiest to say, "no," to, and it was the hardest to actually escape from. The salesman spent an hour banging on about how timeshare properties are so much better than hotels. When we told him we...
Yes, yes, yes. Almost universally yes. Just know how to say, "no," before you go.
I've attended these in the past. Probably five before I got into miles and points and one since then. The last one was the easiest to say, "no," to, and it was the hardest to actually escape from. The salesman spent an hour banging on about how timeshare properties are so much better than hotels. When we told him we preferred hotels, he backed up and told us how our week could convert to points, and he showed us a catalog of hotels where the points could be used. When we told him that his catalog lacked most of the aspirational hotels in any given location, he changed the subject.
What I learned is that, if you get an aggressive salesman, don't give him an assailable reason why you're saying no. "No, I don't feel like it," is good enough and should end your ordeal.
Have done many timeshare presentations and have found the deal extremely worthwhile. I agree with another commenter here to be upfront with the sales person. Once the allotted timeframe is over, say a firm no and leave.
I also received the Maui timeshare offer in the mail, but if memory serves me correctly it was $149/person/night, based on two people in the room. Double check as I threw mine away.
Just definitely do not...
Have done many timeshare presentations and have found the deal extremely worthwhile. I agree with another commenter here to be upfront with the sales person. Once the allotted timeframe is over, say a firm no and leave.
I also received the Maui timeshare offer in the mail, but if memory serves me correctly it was $149/person/night, based on two people in the room. Double check as I threw mine away.
Just definitely do not let a 90 minute timeshare presentation push you away from a good deal in general!
I received this offer a while back. I was tempted I must say, but decided against it. Having previously been subject to one of these high pressure time share sales pitches my usual cool and calm nature was close to exploding in rage. For those who are genuinely interested in it I think it's a fantastic deal, but for a cheaper room rate the price may ultimately be too high for some.
How do you get targeted for these? I think it's a great offer if you want to travel there.
Done one of these with Hilton before for a can gift card, was worth it for the small time involved. Anyone know a way to get offered one of the Hyatt Maui ones mentioned here though? I've got flights booked for a holiday there next year and would love this sort of offer!
I believe I was targeted because of my Hyatt gold passport membership and possibly because of my address as being a homeowner which is one of the requirements.
We did this last December and it was totally worth. We had a slightly different offer of $299 for 5 nights. Regarding the presentation, we were very up front with them and told them we wouldn't be purchasing a timeshare. He still did his job and tried but was not pushy. We were in and out in about 60 minutes. I'd go back in a second. Loved the deal and property.
What can I do to increase my chance of getting contacted by a major chain about one of their timeshares?
I purchased 4 timeshares in my life, still have two of them. All purchased resale. I get a great value out of these. I often attend timeshare presentations, I usually tell them up front how much I would be willing to pay for their timeshare (based on the secondary market). They never agree to sell them that low, but they get the message that I am unwilling to over-pay for their timeshare.
Too much worry here. Take he vacation package as its an excel net offer, sit through the presentation, get 10k points, and decline the timeshare. Simple as that. We are taking advantage of it next April. Reading the reviews says the timeshare sales is not pressuring and that was most of the comments in trip advisor.
I did one of these with Holiday Inn Vacations in Cocoa Beach, FL a couple of months ago. We paid $250 upfront and then were refunded $250 after the presentation. We were told we would be staying on property at the very nice timeshares for 3 nights. However, it turned out they put us in a HIX (!) for 3 nights. Needless to say we were very upset (and we had to pay $41 in...
I did one of these with Holiday Inn Vacations in Cocoa Beach, FL a couple of months ago. We paid $250 upfront and then were refunded $250 after the presentation. We were told we would be staying on property at the very nice timeshares for 3 nights. However, it turned out they put us in a HIX (!) for 3 nights. Needless to say we were very upset (and we had to pay $41 in hotel taxes). The actual timeshare presentation was very low pressure. But we hated the bate and switch after we paid the $250.
Over the years I have done maybe 4 or 5 of these when the offer has been right. I would do this one if it fit into my travel plans. One thing I learned (after wasting about 4 hours the first time) is to be honest right up front when you go to the presentation. Tell the sales presenter, we are here to fulfill the requirement, but there is absolutely no way we are buying...
Over the years I have done maybe 4 or 5 of these when the offer has been right. I would do this one if it fit into my travel plans. One thing I learned (after wasting about 4 hours the first time) is to be honest right up front when you go to the presentation. Tell the sales presenter, we are here to fulfill the requirement, but there is absolutely no way we are buying today or ever. This has been successful for me and once the sales person even thanked me for being upfront, gave us our "gifts" and told us we could skip the presentation. The other times we sat through the 90+ minutes, thanked them, told them it still a "NO" and left without much hassle.
I have done dozens of these. I think they are worth it. I have owned two timeshares but since sold them. They are not a good choice for the type if traveling readers here do but certainly take advantage of the tours, sometimes they are even fun. I have found some to offer great childcare during the tour. Make sure to check the box to but share your information or you will be robocalled 5 times a day!
Practice saying "no" beforehand, these can be pretty strong sales pitches. Have done a Hilton one in Vegas and a Starwood one in Hawaii. Timeshares may be a good deal for some, but it was not for us. There is a pretty big market for used timeshares (Google that) and you'll see that those prices can be much lower for the same properties offered. For us it was worth the 90 minutes to get what we did from each property though.
It's a hard choice. I did one in Breckenridge CO a few years back. We got a great deal, 2-bedroom suite, ski passes, and breakfast for $50 a night for 5-nights. The total package was worth at least $5k. We had a 90-minute presentation and the salesperson was great. Only thing that I was opposed to was that they drove you to a few different properties to show you what they had to offer. It...
It's a hard choice. I did one in Breckenridge CO a few years back. We got a great deal, 2-bedroom suite, ski passes, and breakfast for $50 a night for 5-nights. The total package was worth at least $5k. We had a 90-minute presentation and the salesperson was great. Only thing that I was opposed to was that they drove you to a few different properties to show you what they had to offer. It made the car ride back very uncomfortable (when we said no).
Overall, I actually considered buying into the timeshare (shockingly). They brought up a lot of great points. If you want to go to Maui, do it. Otherwise skip.
Take it. I have owned a few times shares - Westins and Marriotts. They worked fairly when when the kids were younger. We've been getting rid of them of late as we contemplate a second home instead.
You have a watch. Be open to the presentation and learn something. Then be honest that it's not for you - there are a lot of reasons - you prefer to travel all over the world, Hyatt's...
Take it. I have owned a few times shares - Westins and Marriotts. They worked fairly when when the kids were younger. We've been getting rid of them of late as we contemplate a second home instead.
You have a watch. Be open to the presentation and learn something. Then be honest that it's not for you - there are a lot of reasons - you prefer to travel all over the world, Hyatt's transfer to miles is poor, they don't have a large enough timeshare footprint, etc. At 90 minutes, you're done. They know that some people will buy who don't plan to but most won't. You won't but you will get a great vacation in an incredible suite at a ridiculous price. Go for it!