Hilton Grand Vacations Club Grand Waikikian Honolulu

“First Stay with Hilton Grand Vacations: A Mediocre Experience. Memorable Staff and a Good Location”

We stayed at Hilton Grand Waikikian at Hilton Hawaiian Village for the first time using our Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare points. Booking with HGV points wasn't the easiest process, but we were able to reserve a 2-bedroom Ocean View unit. Overall, we had a pleasant stay. The unit was spacious e… more

We stayed at Hilton Grand Waikikian at Hilton Hawaiian Village for the first time using our Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare points. Booking with HGV points wasn't the easiest process, but we were able to reserve a 2-bedroom Ocean View unit. Overall, we had a pleasant stay. The unit was spacious enough for our family of four, and the full kitchen and amenities made it easy to prepare meals during our vacation. While the room was advertised as an Ocean View, it felt more like a partial ocean view, which was a little disappointing. I was especially looking forward to enjoying the Friday night fireworks from our room, but the view wasn't as open as I had hoped. The unit showed some normal wear and tear, and housekeeping could be improved. When we checked in, there were crumbs left on the floor, suggesting the room hadn't been cleaned as thoroughly as expected. For guests staying a full week, it would also be nice if housekeeping service were offered more than once every seven days. The entire HIlton Village hotels and resorts had one small gym. It was so busy, machines were broken, this was not good at all. Although the staff were often very busy, several team members made a lasting impression. David, who checked us in late at night, was warm, courteous, and took the time to explain everything clearly. Jay and Mose at the bell desk were consistently the highlight of the lobby. They always greeted guests with a smile and genuinely asked how everyone was doing, creating a welcoming atmosphere every time we walked by. Linh, who assisted us with checkout, was wonderful. She patiently answered my questions about an upcoming stay in January and was extremely helpful. On July 4, a Japanese manager (wearing distinctive red, white, and blue earrings) kindly approved a one-hour late checkout after two front desk agents were unable to accommodate the request. I truly appreciated her willingness to listen and find a solution. Unfortunately, another front desk employee interrupted the conversation and wasn't very flexible, which left a less positive impression. Before arriving, I had requested a high-floor room. While we were placed on an upper floor, there were still many floors above us, so I wasn't quite sure what qualified as a "high floor." What was more disappointing was the reservation experience leading up to the trip. As a Hilton Diamond member who used a significant number of Hilton Grand Vacations points for this stay, I repeatedly heard, "Your requests are not guaranteed." While I understand policies exist, hearing that over and over was discouraging. I also wasn't aware that Saturday-to-Saturday stays generally have better availability than Sunday-to-Sunday, which would have been helpful information during the booking process. As an HGV owner, I had expected to have the same booking opportunities as owners with deeded weeks, but I was told that deeded owners receive higher priority. That was disappointing to learn after making the investment in HGV ownership. It was my first year as HGV member and it was HARD Overall, this wasn't an extraordinary luxury timeshare experience for the number of points and value we invested, but it was a comfortable property in a good location. The staff members tried to make a real difference, and despite a few areas where both the property and the HGV booking experience could be improved, we enjoyed our stay and would return.

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“As an owner, Underwhelming.”

Starting from check in, no one helped me with the bags. The second I stepped on the check in line a lady approached me to give me my surprise “gift” (the surprise part was already messed as the card was open already). It was 750 points. When I tried to redeem those, I was told I needed to attend a … more

Starting from check in, no one helped me with the bags. The second I stepped on the check in line a lady approached me to give me my surprise “gift” (the surprise part was already messed as the card was open already). It was 750 points. When I tried to redeem those, I was told I needed to attend a time share presentation. I declined. The elevators in this tower are superrrrr slow. To make matters worst, TWO of them keep going out of service. The lines to get in were MASIVE, so I took the stairs during most of my stay. The one bedroom that I chose as a owner was nothing compared to what I was shown before. I was also told that most, if not all those rooms, were going to have a soaking tub and a shower when I signed up, which got me excited, and this one did not. The room was in a low floor, didn’t even have a nice view. Right now, I am staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, Waikiki. Where I was greeted with water, helped with the bags, get my room cleaned DAILY, and get water, receive bottles of water daily, got those 750 points as soon as I checked in, no need to watch that boring presentation when I am already an owner. In the end… very underwhelming, considering i’m an owner. I wish I had came straight to the Garden Inn.

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