Once you become a Hilton Grand Vacations Owner, you'll continue to have the opportunity to attend presentations called a Membership and Portfolio Review, where you can upgrade your membership. You'll get a call inviting you, and you may ask yourself, "do I only go when I'm ready to upgrade?"
In my opinion, even if you're not planning on upgrading, you should still absolutely go, especially if you want the gift.
What to Expect
Recently, I went to a Membership and Portfolio Review in Las Vegas, which was much different from any other reviews that I've attended.
For example, they took me into a room with many other Owners, versus a one on one experience. It was also more educational. They talked about travel tips, booking flights, including which days are best for cheaper flights and traveling in the Hilton portfolio of brands. I agreed with the entire presentation.
"They're giving away my secrets," I thought to myself with a chuckle.
They also discussed my number one travel bucket list item: staying in an overwater bungalow. "Now we are talking," I said to myself. It was worth the update already.
After the 15-minute presentation, a Sales Executive came out to talk with us. First, she asked if we had an Account Manager. Hilton Grand Vacations Owners will start having Account Managers who can answer questions or help with reservations. All you would have to do is call or text your Account Manager. I think this is a great idea.
So, if you've never been to Membership and Portfolio Review or it's been a while, expect to learn about traveling better overall, not just Hilton Grand Vacations stays. In my opinion, you should go and maximize the experience.
3 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Membership and Portfolio Review
Prepare
If I'm not planning to upgrade, I make these presentations a time to get ownership updates. I put any questions on a list and have them ready during this update.
Time it Right
I always schedule my review first thing in the morning to not interrupt the day I've planned on my vacation. Once, I had a very nice Sales Executive ask me why I would come if I wasn't planning on upgrading. So, I simply told him the truth: the gift.
Be Strategic About Your Gift
I honestly believe Hilton Grand Vacations wants me to come to the presentation whether I plan to upgrade or not. Otherwise, they wouldn't call me and offer me these tempting gifts. Since my vacation time is valuable for me, it only seems fair.
I have tons of Hilton Honors™ Points, so the Points aren't a big incentive for me anymore, but some of the other gifts are. Two of my favorite are:
- $250 towards my maintenance fee gift
- Gifts cards
Insider tip: Double-check the expiration dates on the gift cards to ensure you'll be able to use it
Read "4 Things Worth Considering Before You Upgrade With Hilton Grand Vacations" for more Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare presentation tips.