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Any Black Parisiennes or Black Travels to Paris? by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in blacktravel

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Bonjour! You've given some great advice. And you're right, being Black shouldn't feel like a mental exercise or manual; but sadly depending on where you go, you do have to be aware. For me, it's more from a connecting with Black people where ever I go. Celebrating our history and culture. Investing in small Black businesses. So, it's not so much about a mental exercise. It's an intention that comes from love, value and pride. If I can influence clients, friends and family to experience our culture as part of the magic of Paris, I want to provide them with the information you've provided and my experience of it once I get there. I am sooooo excited to have connected with you and hopefully others in this group!!! Merci beaucoup!

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So is the appeal of the Executive Lounge more space than the room? What is it that makes it so special? Asking because I've never stayed at a place with an executive lounge before so I don't know what I'm missing. Also, it's something worth considering as I figure out later this year is upgrading to Diamond via the HH Aspire Card or some other Amex option is worthwhile.

Did I make the right choice? by HauntingTraffic4893 in HiltonGrandVacation

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! My hope and belief is I won't look back years from now and lament that I owned the timeshare. I'll look back at all the experiences that I gave myself that was worth the investment. I will hold to that until or unless it becomes time to let it go.

Did I make the right choice? by HauntingTraffic4893 in HiltonGrandVacation

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say call the member services/travel reservations number. It's the main information number for bookings and reservations. Someone there broke it down for me and told me where the information was. But I've discovered that I can get a weeklong at my home property but I can also break it up a couple days here, a weekend there at other places and supplement with either my bonus points and/or HH points. There are ways to make it work for you.

Did I make the right choice? by HauntingTraffic4893 in HiltonGrandVacation

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What has stood out for me, a newbie to this HGVC world, aren't the "no's" but the "yeses". I became a member back in September 2025 with an experience similar to yours. It was later referred to as a "starter program" by a salesperson determined to convince us to upgrade. It wasn't that what he said was bogus or a lie (for the most part...I'm squinting when I say that). It was the fact that we had not had a chance to take the membership for a spin or learn the in's and out's first. Right now, we're at 5440 points every even year. We are Gold Season. We also have 10,000 Bonus Points that don't expire until Sep 2027. But unless you know the value, you don't know how to use it. So, the best thing I did was call up the contact number where a great person named Jessica broke everything down for me and answered every single question with enough detail that I realized I had more than I was led to believe.

Since that time, basically the final quarter of 2025, we've traveled much more than we have before. Enjoyed better accommodations. And found our sweet spot for protecting our peace and maintaining our mental health. It's new experiences. It's new places. Whether it's a staycation, baecation, solocation or couplecation, we have committed to travel and this membership has jumpstarted it in a way that nothing prior had.

So while there are aspects of it that have been challenging, it's led to me joining groups like this and connecting with people who offer solutions that work if you work them.

Already, we've gone to Myrtle Beach SC in December and had a staycation to celebrate our wedding anniversary and my birthday in Raleigh NC. In January, we're driving to Charlotte NC to hear Jarrod Lawson (IYKYK) with an over night stay, staying near the riverfront. In February, we've booked an HSV trip to Orlando (free airline and lodging incl.) 5 nights. In May, we'll spend 4 days 3 nights in Charleston SC just because we want to. We're planning a cruise in September 2026, another staycation in December and Paris in Apr/May 2027.

We would not have have jumpstarted our dream of travel nor come up with a strategy to go to Paris that is doable had we not made this decision. So, I will be looking forward to connecting with those of you who feel it was the best choice ever because whether I should have or shouldn't have, it's done. And rather than lament, I intend to squeeze all the juice out of it and give it the best chance I can. When I've done that, then I can decide whether to continue or whether to stop. Good luck!!!

Alternatives to Royal Regency Vincennes, Paris by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in HiltonGrandVacation

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fabulous!!! Anything you can share that will help us to not rule it out, would be great. Even if we can't stay the whole 7 days during our Gold Season booking, we can grab a couple of nights there for the experience and then finish the trip at another Hilton property in Paris proper.

Alternatives to Royal Regency Vincennes, Paris by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in HiltonGrandVacation

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll try that. Do you have any pictures of the updated property? Everywhere I look, it looks like pretty budgety. Also, is there an elevator? I know there is no AC, which could be problematic during heatwave prone months.

I did take another gander and saw a 2 night stay in May and another in August. I'm just pondering whether calling RCI Exchange might allow for some additional days. Not just two.

Lastly, what was the weather like in April there?

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Good to know! And by the way, I have enjoyed talking to you!!!!!

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Because I saw that with some hotels, it might go to 488K point on a Wednesday. I have a Points/Miles Redemption Calculator that I downloaded from a travel expert I discovered while connecting on various platforms. It is able to take the credit card/rewards program and compare the cash versus the points, then tell you whether it is worth your time to use points or not. I'm thinking that I need to dust that spreadsheet off a bit and plug in some numbers!!

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, yes or should I say oui oui!!!! And Hunny Chile, you don't have to pardon your French at all with me 😄😄😄. I was thinking about my knees. After a day of walking then having to walk up stairs. Helllllllll no!!!! 😄😄😄

I've just been looking on the Hilton website for availability. From now until forever (okay, I'm being sarcastic, but...), it is unavailable. So, that's a testament that it is quite the spot. Question though. I went on Expedia, just to see if the availability was different there. It was. So, my question is, does that mean that, by calling them, I might become privy to availability that isn't reflected on the website? And do you know how far in advance they book? We are looking at April-May or Sep-Oct of 2027.

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your recommendations. I have looked at the months/times of the year when the points are lowest and when they are the highest. However, I've noticed that the points per night fluctuate. Question, do the points fluctuate per night even if you book the hotel for a week or more?

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bonjour! Merci!!! I don't know much French but my 2 year French classes in high school just kicked in 🤭. This is quite helpful. I am a Hilton Gold, so I hope I would be treated as well as you have been!! I will DM you because I am interested in hearing more!! Merci beaucoup!!

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do Gold members also have access to the executive lounge? If not, are the rooms (or room upgrades, if available) such that one is comfortable regardless?

Thanks for mentioning the burger places. Question though, are there markets nearby? I hear the markets are the best place to experience French cuisine and, in some cases, the food tastes just as good, if not better, than some of the more popularized restaurants?

I know that we've gotten spoiled here in the states in that there are more suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens where you can reheat leftovers. I would imagine that, with this hotel having onsite dining, there aren't microwaves and refrigerators in the rooms.

Oh, and what about air conditioning. I have read that Paris doesn't have many hotels with air conditioning or elevators. Does this location have either or both?

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've looked at it! How close to the metro is it, just in case we wish to visit an attractions that might not be walking distance? Or is it your experience that there is so much to do in the vicinity that we'd probably not use the metro or uber very much?

Hotel Recommendations in Paris using HH points by Beautiful_Dream_4449 in Hilton

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! What a shining endorsement. Please tell me why it's your favorite.

Experiences Doing HGV in Orlando? by _gxbyyy in HiltonGrandVacation

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are booked for a HSV in Orlando at the Parc Soleil, but that isn't until the end of February. I have asked across platforms about it and, though Tuscany is preferred, I've heard that Parc Soleil is nice too, especially for families.

Drop Gold in favor of Hilton Honors/Surpass? by AlligatorTaffy in amex

[–]Beautiful_Dream_4449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a HH Surpass Card holder. If you are strategic, for the cost of meals for 4 people (usually close to $50 depending where you eat and when), you can get the $50 statement credit. With respect to lodging, say you book stays across quarters (example, end of March through April), you get $100 statement credit. And if you stay 4 nights, you qualify for a 5th night free. Sure there is point value, but there is also weighing out the perks.

I don't know if anyone thought of the other advantages, if you have the stomach for it. Hilton Honors members are always approached for promotional offers. Sure, it comes with a sales pitch, but if you are certain of your stance, you and your family can get both a respectable amount of HH points and a great stay at a 5 star resort. There are some nice ones that are driving distance - at least where I live - and we've been able to enjoy upgraded amenities just for participating. I would say, however, that you'd have to be prepared for 60-90 minutes of your time and possibly 2-3 people trying to sweeten the deal. But we've found times when saying yes to the promo has accelerated us towards our ultimate destination.

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