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Would you buy a timeshare package from Hilton Grand Vacations? I did. In June 2025, while passing through the Palmer House in Chicago, I signed on the dotted line. To seal the deal, I paid an initial $299, with a remaining balance of $149 due once I selected my dates. What’s the catch? In exchange for a 4-night stay, I agreed to attend a 60-minute presentation. The reward? 75,000 Hilton Honors points and a significantly discounted vacation.
While reading the fine print, I realized my $449 package didn’t include Arizona. No problem. I had such a blast at the 2025 HGV Tournament of Champions that I wanted to return to Orlando. This became the first of seven calls I made between December 8, 2025 and January 24, 2026. During the process, I received an email to upgrade to the TOC Ultimate Access Package for an additional $99. This upgrade promised 25,000 extra Hilton Honors Points, a $100 gift card, tournament access, entry to the HGV Suite on the 9th hole, and tickets to the Thursday night concert. Naturally, I said yes.
I booked my nonstop round-trip flight in late December, using a $172 flight credit and paying the $79 balance with my Hilton Honors card to take advantage of a $50 airline credit before the end of the year. After applying all credits, my flight to Orlando cost only $29 out of pocket. I also had to select my seats—a reminder that we are officially in the Southwest era of assigned seating.
When I called HGV for the third time to confirm my upgrade, a kind representative moved my stay from Aqua Sol to the SeaWorld property. If you aren’t renting a car, a rideshare from MCO can cost $30–$40 for a 20-minute trip. Aqua Sol is double that distance. Upon arrival, my 5th-floor unit in Building 7 was fantastic: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. It was spacious, well-maintained, and could easily accommodate five people. However, check-in wasn’t without drama; there was some confusion regarding my Ultimate Access credentials, but I was assured it would be handled the next morning.
The next morning, Julio (the onsite lead) didn’t see my name on the list. He handed me a badge and told me to enjoy the tournament while he investigated. As it turns out, because of a glitch between my 4-night stay and their 3-night promotional upgrade offer, no one ever processed the $99 charge. Technically, I wasn’t scheduled for the tournament or the concert. However, thanks to the screenshots I had saved of my six weeks of correspondence, Julio honored the points and the $100 gift card. A huge thank you to Julio for letting me enjoy the tournament on Thursday while he followed the paper trail.
I actually won two tickets for Saturday, January 31, by answering a question on the Hilton Grand Vacations Instagram page. These tickets provided course entry, allowing me to walk the grounds and follow Chicago Bears Legend Brian Urlacher. I made it to the 6th hole, snapped a photo with Brian, and saw some incredible action before catching the shuttle back to the resort. Most celebrities will take a picture with you if you ask nicely.
I noticed a few changes this year. In 2025, Suite 18 on the18th hole was the place to be—a VIP lounge with live DJs and a high-energy atmosphere. This year, the DJs were gone, and the vibe was a bit more subdued. Additionally, the dedicated Hilton Honors American Express Tent (which previously offered complimentary drinks and snacks for cardholders) was replaced by a Party Tent open to all attendees. While Hilton usually knows how to treat its own, the exclusive perks felt a bit more crowded this time around.
I posed for pictures with celebrity golfers like Charles Woodson, J.R. Smith, and Brian Urlacher. I missed Dylan Dryer. I was eating near the 9th hole at the Ultimate Access Tent when she came by, and I thought I had time to catch her at the beginning of the 18th hole. Dylan posed with me for several pictures in 2025.
Even if you aren’t a die-hard golf fan, the HGV Tournament of Champions offers enough entertainment, celebrity spotting, and luxury to make it a great getaway. I didn’t have the tournament in mind when I initially bought my package. When I checked the Hilton website, my 4-night stay would have cost $1233. If you want to attend the tournament, plan early if you do not purchase a timeshare package. Spectator spots are limited, and the logistics (as you can see) take some patience to navigate. By the way, I was also offered a voucher for a one-night stay at a budget-friendly Hilton property. Instead, I chose 15,000 additional Hilton Honors points. The next time you’re considering attending a major event, consider purchasing a timeshare package to save money while enhancing your experience. By the way, the presentation lasted 60 minutes, and I did not upgrade.
