If you ask Hilton Grand Vacations Owner Mary Jo what her number one passion is, she'll say travel — without hesitation. On most days that she's not working, you'll find her boarding a plane heading toward her next great adventure, a lifestyle that she enjoys because she owns Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare.
Mary Jo explains, "My journey began in Las Vegas as a new Owner at Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. I soon discovered that I'm less of a sit-by-the-pool person and more of a city person."
On one of her frequent trips to New York City, she visited West 57th Street by Hilton Club and decided it was a great fit. "I still own in Las Vegas, but now I also own in New York City," says Mary Jo. Not long after, when The Residences by Hilton Club opened and stole her heart, she transferred her ownership there.
As the first Owner ever, her first stay at the property was a memorable one. Mary Jo shares, "Normally when I travel, I dress on the professional side. But this time, I went to the gym and then hopped on a red-eye to NYC in my gym clothes."
"I arrived at The Residences at 7 a.m., so I was the very first guest to walk through the doors. There I stood in the gorgeous lobby, welcomed with photographs, flowers and champagne — wearing gym clothes and red eyes," Mary Jo explains, amused.
The stunning property and memorable, warm welcome were just the beginning. "Everyone was so friendly, and I got to meet a lot of people during my stay. It already feels like a second home," says Mary Jo.
For Mary Jo, vacation ownership at The Residences is unbeatable. Everything from the service, such as the front desk staff and housekeeping team, to the social and welcoming Owners Lounge, and the modern rooms complete with incredible skyline views is in a class of its own.
When in the Big Apple, Mary Jo takes advantage of the great places to eat nearby the property. "Delmonico's is one of my favorites. If you're in a large group or just really hungry, you should check it out," adds Mary Jo. "I also go to the theater each time I visit the city, and I love how close it is to The Residences."
While she still enjoys traveling to Las Vegas, she cites the opportunity to use her points across the Hilton portfolio of brands as an important benefit of Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare. "A few years ago, my home-away-from-home was Europe, and I loved that I could use my points to travel there as well," says Mary Jo.
Beyond converting her ClubPoints to say at Hilton properties, she also uses the Last Call program with RCI® vacation exchange to satisfy her wanderlust. Mary Jo explains, "RCI's Last Call Vacations are such an amazing value. The accommodations have all been top-notch, and you can't beat the price."
"I booked a trip to Whitefish, Montana to ski and paid less than $300 for the entire week at RCI," says Mary Jo.
As for her travel bucket list, Mary Jo hopes to plan a trip to Hilton Vilamoura Vacation Club in Portugal with her son and experience Hilton Grand Vacations' Hawaii resorts one day.
When it comes to the benefits of timeshare, there are a few things that Mary Jo says she can count on with vacation ownership through Hilton Grand Vacations.
Mary Jo says, "I know when I ask a Team Member a question that I'll always get a genuine response. Teams Members are accommodating, and they always know the best places to visit and eat when I'm on vacation."
Read Build Your Travel Bucket List and Plan Your Next Trip Nowfor another Owner's story of realizing her travel goals through Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare.