5 nights at the Hyatt Regency Maui for $300 – would you do it?
I love getting mail, for lots of reasons. One is that I’m friends with the mail delivery person. Since I often work from home, he sometimes knocks on the door and hand-delivers my mail. Then we chat for awhile and gossip about the neighbors. 😉
Today, I was thrilled to get an incredible offer hand-delivered from Hyatt. It’s five nights at the Hyatt Regency Maui, plus 10,000 Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points.
The catch is this:
All we ask is that you join us for a tour of our new property that we’re creating next door, which will be the new face of Hawaiian Travel – Hyatt Ka’anapali Beach, a Hyatt Residence Club Resort.
In other words, we would need to listen to a Hyatt timeshare presentation.
Should we do it? Would you do it?
I’m not even sure we can make it work, timing-wise. That’s one of the drawbacks of points and miles collecting – after awhile, you can’t squeeze in any more vacations! Not that I’m complaining. But seriously, I’ve never been to a time-share presentation before, and I’m a little apprehensive about signing up for this.
Does anyone have any experience with these things? What could we expect? Is this “worth it”?
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I’ve stayed there and think it is totally worth it if you bring the kids. That resort was under construction while I was there, so glad to hear it is done (I was not so big on the view of the construction site).
The construction is not finished.
Jeanne and Michael – I would not be thrilled about a view of the construction site, but we would probably not spend too much time in the room!
Yes, these offers are great. I received the same mailing. If you can fit the time in do it. Be sure to do a Hyatt Diamond Trial if you are not Diamond yet. Also try to use a suite night award. Of course never buy a timeshare from a developer.
Michael – Josh is a Diamond member but I got the offer. Hmmm…I wonder if they would let me book under his name.
Back when we didn’t have two nickels husband and I would go to some timeshare sales pitches for the gifts. We did pretty well.
I say definitely go, but remember to look bored and have reasons other than financial for why you are not buying. If you say it is financial they will just keep talking and changing figures.
Anne – GREAT advice. And I don’t think I will have a problem looking bored!
Are these usually targeted offers? Do you know how I can get on their mailing list? Or do they just randomly mail them out to passport members?
I am heading to Hawaii later this year and I would totally do this. With that said, the timeshare tours I’ve sat in are no joke. I wanted to kill myself and couldn’t wait for it to end. It was a lot of nodding, uh huhs and fake smiles, but this was in Florida so maybe Hyatt will do it in a more classy way.
Ang – Yes, these are targeted. I have no idea how I got on their mailing list.
Yikes, your description of the timeshare tours I’ve been on is exactly what I’m scared of!!
Hyatt timeshare presentations are very professional. Considering you need an income of 125,000 to even tour that tells you something.
Gomike has a point. They verify your credit rating before you tour…so you might get there and not even get the chance to go on the tour, but you get a vacation for 299 plus airfare.
How does Hyatt verify our credit score?
I received their 6 nights 5 day $299 offer for Maui, does that mean Hyatt screened me for by my credit score/income requirement?
Thanks
M. – Yes, I think so!
Was there a certain deadline you need to go by? I see it says book by July 3rd? Are you a diamond?
MSPDeltadude – We need to go by December 18. Josh is a Diamond!
I received this offer also… Seriously considering it but one of the fine print items says you need to make either $100K or $110K per year. That potentially would disqualify us…
Is that something that is asked about during the acceptance process? Is that verified?
Thanks for any with experience…
Would someone be so kind and please post the number to call? I would like to call and see if I can get in. Thanks.
Lanny and Ang – The number on the mailer is 1-800-665-8455. Good luck!
Thanks Kendra =)
Ang – I know this is a late post but I wanted to know if you were able to get the same promotion or figured out how to get targeted for these special offers after you called the number?
Call the number on the invitation and give them my contact info!!! 🙂
I know this is super late. I’m about to call (if it’s still active). If it helps you in some way, I’ll give them your contact info.
Go but make sure you will never be susceptible to buying a timeshare. We have done it for gifts a few times and we did get what was promised. It is a hard sell and hard to get away from them. They always require H/W to both be there. To deflect the pressure to buy I have always found that a financial reason works best but since they require a high income level you would need to frame your excuse along the lines of “we have the income but it goes toward a large mortgage and high taxes” so we could not take on any more debt.
It sounds like a great offer.
Claire – Thanks for the advice and tips!
I wouldn’t do it. Yes, you can say that you won’t buy and you can mean it (we did not buy), but it was a MISERABLE hard-sell experience where we were literally hostages in a little room. They would not let us out of there way beyond when we were told we would be free. Unless this is the only way you can afford to vacation it is so not worth it.
Lynn – Ugh, sounds terrible.
I doubt that was with Hyatt
Stayed there last year. Place needs some work and rooms need updating for sure. Pool and location rock. For 300.00 and 10K points it’s a good deal as long as you can stand the hour.
Antignos – Thanks for the input. It’s hard to decide!
@Lynn…Was that as this place? I’ve done Hilton and Marriott Timeshares on rainy days and I simply say. “Your wasting your time, I’m not going to buy anything today as I don’t see the value in it and never will” they usually understand”
I have booked this offer. Was already scheduled to stay at the hotel for a friends wedding at $235/night so this was a no brainer. Will try and upgrade the room when we get there because the rooms do overlook the construction area. Rep told me that if one is doing a Diamond trial, the nights should count towards the twelve. Wouldn’t do this if I wasn’t already planning to be there though.
Jpgisbd – If the nights count toward next year’s Diamond status this would be a REALLY great deal for us. I’m going to call and confirm. Thanks for pointing out that possibility!
Got the original version of this a few months ago – $800. Not interested. Got the $300 and 10K offer last month and pulled the trigger – 7/25-7/30. Never going to buy a timeshare but it is a great deal (including resort fee).
As this comes from a block of rooms for the sale of the vacation club – I doubt that a suite upgrade certificate will work. But who knows?
jackw – I am interested to know the outcome of the suite upgrade question as well.
I would do it if it were me… you’d spend at least that much time searching for a good deal like this. So you spend it in a conference room looking bored… no big deal.
I received an offer much like this for a property in Puerta Vallarta years ago. They served us breakfast and made a group presentation before separating us out into couples to give us the final sell. It wasn’t too “high pressure” at all. My husband and I just kept repeating the same variation of the truth. “We’re always interested in a great travel value, but we can get better deals on our own.” They finished their spiel, and then we left… no problem.
If it doesn’t bother you to negotiate and walk away from a deal (like when buying a car), then this will be fine. If it will ruin your day because you don’t like confrontation, then don’t do it… it will ruin a large part of your trip.
Robin – Sounds like if we prepared ourselves for this in advance and knew what to expect, it could be okay. Thanks for your input – helpful as always!
The short answer is “it depends.” The trip is a great bargain, and if it’s an incentive to get you to a timeshare presentation, it’s a genuine offer! Know that many (not all) of the sales people in timeshare sales are among the best and most effective high-pressure sales people in the world! They are EXTREMELY good at convincing you to buy what will likely, in time, feel like a raw deal, but in the moment, feels like the greatest bargain since the Louisiana Purchase!
If you’re not VERY, VERY GOOD at resisting sales-speak from a truly smooth operator with an almost hypnotic appeal, you’ll likely come home, having spent a small fortune for your $300 trip. (Maui timeshares often sell in 5 figure prices! – sometimes HIGH 5 figure or even 6 figures!!!)
If you go, always remember that the smooth-talking, ultra-friendly sales person who claims to be your helpful friend and promises “no high pressure sales here”, stands to make a HUGE commission if you buy! Frequently, they’ll make low 5 figure commissions on your higher 5 figure purchase! If you ultimately say “no”, you’ll notice right away that their desire to be your best friend diminishes to almost nothing quickly. (That is after your FINAL “no”)
You also need to be aware that after relentlessly pushing their package to you and wearing you down for 2 or 3 hours (of your 90 minute presentation), they’ll finally accept your answer of “no”, but then just happen to think of a package that they “don’t usually offer people, but which might be perfect in your case.” If you don’t stop them quickly, you’ll be the last people at the office, looking all ragged and worn, still trying to get away and get your gift signed off, and you might even buy, just to be left alone!
That’s what you’re up against. If you can handle it, go for the trip! It’s legit! You really will get a good room and the points as they claim. Here’s my very best secret weapon for you: The sales people have heard EVERY objection before, and they have a well-rehearsed reason that your objection won’t be a problem for you to buy in. Believe me, there’s NOTHING they haven’t heard!!! (except this brilliant line!) Instead of offering them an excuse for them to negate, I like to say, “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to buy in right now, due to a situation which I’m not at legal liberty to discuss with anyone.” (They can’t negate an objection if they can’t find out what it is!)
Hope this is helpful. I’m sure I’ve been to, at very least, more than a dozen of these presentations, so I know the routine well.
John W – THANK YOU. I love the “brilliant line!” Sounds like you really know your way around these things. Very helpful!!
While we have sworn off timeshare presentations forever after a harrowing experience in Cancun in ’06 when I truly thought we were going to be left for dead in the jungle after saying no, I would totally do this presentation – just make sure you keep your eye on the clock and at 90 minutes (or however long they say it will take – get a firm answer when you sign up), stand up and say “Thank you so much for this information. We’re not interested now but we’ll keep you in mind if we decide to buy in the future.”
They will try everything they can to keep you longer, but you’re absolutely allowed to get up and walk out when their time expires. Don’t feel bad about it or think you’re being rude – just think of it as freeing up their time to go after the next mark…
We’re staying here next Feb for three nights using Chase UR points. Woohoo!
Susan – Your experience sounds like an amazing story. 😉
Hope your trip to the HR Maui is great. Maybe I will see you there!
I would do it. I’ve purchased similar deals for the Hilton Grand Waikikian and the Westin Kaanapali Resort Villas. The Hilton tour was about 90 minutes and they did not pressure us to buy. The Westin was the best because they do not require you to tour. If you do take the tour, they give you another 6 night offer. At least they did in 2008.
Dustin – I would love to get another offer AFTER I took the tour. That would be a fantastic deal. Thanks for the info about the Hilton no pressure situation – good to know.
I would absolutely go for it, but my husband refuses to do anything that has to do with timeshares. My in-laws did a bunch of those, and got some free hotel stays and gifts out of it. However, they stopped doing it when last time the rep got visibly depressed at their refusal to purchase the timeshare. They work on commission, you know. Hmm, that sound familiar! 🙂
Leana – Luckily you know how to maximize points and miles. 🙂
Do it if you have the time, want to spend it on hawaii, and can say no. I’ve declined similar offersvin the past ķand had them return) due to not having time to visit Hawaii in the 9 month window offered. Miles and points (plus limited time) make the decision primarily one of schedule priorities in my opinion.
Matt – Yes, I agree about the schedule priority issue. At a certain point, if you collect miles and points, you just can’t squeeze any more trips onto the calendar – even if they are almost free.
There are 2 kinds of people when it comes to these, if you have any interest in morals…
The first group isn’t sure about timeshares, and has never been on a presentation, which you fall into….The second group are the people above who know what it is, have been on several, and would rather spend 2-3 hours going thru one for a free gift. Those people are disingenuous and are scumbags in my book.
I used to sell timeshare out of college before I really knew what they were. And to be fair, the company is sending out the offer so they are the ones who ultimately are responsible. But the way they work is you come into work, and you are assigned a couple. Based on length of a day, you will see 2-3 couples. The pay is always commission, so if you don’t sell anything, you don’t make money. So if you have 2-3 people coming in and saying F U, im just conspiring for the free gifts, then you are taking an opportunity away from someone who may be there to actually buy one.
So if you are hard up to get a gift, are cheap, or have no morals, then take the offer. If not, then book your vacation in peace and don’t waste 3 hours of your family’s time, or the salespeople who are trying to earn a living. It’s really not worth it. And Id also add, that timeshares are a complete ripoff, and never to buy one.
AC Slater – Thanks for the comment. It’s good to hear from someone who has been on the other side of the offer.
so in your estimation people that truly feel buying a timeshare but are nevertheless interested to hear the details should buy just to make the sales person feel good that he made money???
LOLOL NO WAY!!!!
“Those people are disingenuous and are scumbags in my book. “-
Totally agree, I only did it once for the free lunch, and decided as a decent human being, I have hard time to play the cheating game with each other.
If you know you are not going to be buying the timeshare, then don’t sell your soul to scoop up a few night pleasures.
And don’t buy the time share!
AC Slater, have you EVER, even once, gone into any store to look around, with no intention to buy, and talked to the salesperson? If so, by your own description, you are also a “Scumbag!” You were taking up the salesman’s time, with no intention of buying anything! In reality, no store puts up a sign that reads, “Please don’t even step in our door unless you have already decided you might buy something from us, or else you’re a scumbag!” They, in fact, INVITE everyone in, including those who will never buy. in hopes of not offending those who might make a purchase! Timeshare is the same thing.
When someone receives an invitation such as she did, they offer them a gift in return for ATTENDING. They never even mention anything about not coming unless you fully intend to consider the purchase, only the giving of your time so they can present the offer to you – a fair trade.
If you were an utter failure as a timeshare salesperson, that’s nobody’s fault but your own!!! That’s no different than going fishing with bad bait, and then being mad at the fish for not considering eating it! When you throw in your line, are the fish who don’t even try to bite your bait “scumbags”, AC???
IMHO, you have no business calling someone who accepted a legitimate offer a “scumbag”, regardless of their intent! More likely, it was YOU who was being the scumbag salesperson, trying to push something on people, regardless of whether or not they needed nor even wanted it, just so you could get your “entitlement commission!” You actually qualified the very fact that you even worked for timeshare as being, “before I really knew what they were”, so I’m quite sure you don’t look back on it now as having been on the moral high ground of salesmanship.
Know that the truly SUCCESSFUL timeshare salespeople – those with real EFFECTIVE selling skills NEVER go home without big commissions every month!!! (Just look at their fancy cars, their huge rings and their $4,000 custom made suits!) There are two main reasons for this.
First, they have the learned skill of “selling ice to the Eskimos”, as they say. They know their craft of sales, and they are exceptional at it. They actually took time & effort to study sales, and didn’t just wander in from college, expecting to be an instant sales God!
Second, and this will probably come as a blow to you, AC, but almost all sales floor bosses don’t RANDOMLY distribute the prospects as they come in. You, in fact, as a “wet behind the ears” anateaur salesperson who thinks he’s hot stuff, are given those people they determine are LEAST LIKELY to buy! The most likely to buy are routed to the best, most experienced salespeople. This makes sense for the company, as giving a beginner one of the best prospects is, to them, virtually wasting that prospect! You never even had a chance to be effective! They just needed beginners to whom they can pass off the duds, and you were it! Maybe once in a while, you got lucky.
To the timeshare company, it’s just a game of numbers. They know there are enough people among those who THOUGHT they wouldn’t buy, but who are weak-minded, and can be force-sold by masterful salespeople to make it worthwhile to run the promotion. The company sends those prospects to people with a proven conversion record. You get the crumbs. People who accept the gift, but absolutely won’t buy are not “Scumbags”, they’re just crumbs.
I just got back from doing a similar stay with Marriott Vacation Club! I would totally do this. I have sat through many timeshare presentations and the hotel ones do not give you nearly the hard sell treatment that the other ones do.
At the Marriott last week, I told the guy of my miles and points hobby and he was absolutely clueless about it. He just couldn’t understand. He thought to redeem a stay at a Marriott for 35,000 points meant I had to spend $35,000 on the credit card.
It was easy to say no (I don’t pay for travel) and be in and out of there in 90 minutes. It’s a small piece of your vacation to give up for awesome accommodations! Go for it!
Laura – Thanks for chiming in. Sounds like the hotel presentations really are okay.
Kendra, we’ve never responded to one of these invites, although I’ve received them from Hilton, Marriot and Starwood. I sometimes wish we could take advantage because some of the offers are really good, but can’t because my husband has told me he will not sit through a timeshare sales pitch. And he’s a top direct sales guy who really knows how to close sales himself, so he understands salespeople, their mindset, strategy and techniques. Since he does sales for a living, I think he doesn’t want to have anything to do with sales while on vacation. (Side note: When we first started traveling in the mid-80’s we did go to a timeshare presentation in Cancun – they are slick!! We were a bit naïve, but managed to extricate ourselves, not without difficulty.)
But just want to pass along some info that I got first-hand from a Marriott timeshare owner – my good friend, and her sister, both own Marriott timeshares, and she has told me that Marriott is absolutely no pressure in their presentations. She said if you go, and indicate you are not interested in purchasing, they are OK with that. So that would go along with the comments above about Marriott. Perhaps Hyatt, being pretty classy, is similar in how they treat prospects.
Good luck deciding what to do. We’re headed to Hawaii in December, but we’re using points and certificates for our stays…..
I attended a timeshare presentation once in Hawaii. It was a condo resort in Poipu. I actually ended up signing up as it sounded like a good deal and at the time I was traveling to Hawaii annually. However when i got home and thought about it, talked with my parents, I realized I shouldn’t have signed up. Well i was sure to find out the cancellation clause and i had 30 days to cancel, so that’s what I did. Not saying you should do this, but there may be the option to cancel if you sign up and decide you don’t want to do it.
I would probably do it to check out what their deal is and who knows, it may be fantastic!
Do u have the code offer that’s listed on the card you got ?
Hi Kendra! My husband got the same offer and we are seriously tempted to do it! I am a Hyatt Diamond but he is not. Do you know if we can book under my name and get Diamond benefits? And are you going to book?? 🙂
For the Hyatt offer where a certain income level is one of the requirements to accept the offer – how and when does your income get verified?
I did it. It was awesome. Yes, we had a view of the construction, but it was actually interesting to watch. We could also see the ocean from our room. We didn’t spend too much time in the room, so the construction wasn’t a problem. Totally worth it for $300! We had a great time.
katherine – That is great info! Thanks for commenting to share.
Hello,
Where can you get the info for the Hyatt deal?
Thank you!
Would like more information on time share Maui, Hawaii
Just started reading the threads yesterday. We’re planning a trip in July and would love this deal. I called today and since they couldn’t find our name and phone number, they cannot honor it. Bummer!!
We’ve done the marriott timeshare thing, they weren’t a pushy sales force. We are vacation club owners and can easily say “no thank you.” If anyone knows of a way to get this deal, please share, I’d love it.
I know this is a late post, but I’m really hoping you had the chance to go. My husband and I went last year and it was fantastic! The property is great and the sales person, Henry, was not pushy at all! From what he told me, Hyatt is not pushy they would rather spend more time with someone that they know is there and ready to purchase then to waste your time on an island. Definitely go! I’m glad I did. I think I spent more time waiting for car rental service at the airport then at the presentation.
I had a VIP package and am staying in the 2 bedroom residence. There is no hard selling. I’m one to easily say no and walk away. No pressure here – I bought one because my parents are retiring and I travel at least once a year. The other offer were a plus ad well. Finally, I’m huge Hyatt fan. It’s a good invitation and there is no need to dread the presentation.
Does anyone know what the blackout dates are for the special deal?