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Secrets of New York
An insider's guide to the best places to sleep, eat, drink and shop during a stay in Midtown Manhattan.
The View From Here
Stellar vistas from Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Borgo alle Vigne.
City Slicker
How to spend the best 48 hours in Washington, D.C.
Welcome to the Club
Everything you need to know about your membership this quarter.
Thrills and Chills on The Big Island
From extreme adventures to total zen, discover how Hawaii caters to every type of traveler.
Welcome Letter
Stan Soroka shares his views about travel in light of COVID-19 and your future vacations with HGV.
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from Stan Soroka
WELCOME
C
Stan Soroka
Chief Customer Officer
magazine was created to serve as an aspirational tool for you — our Club Members. Our purpose is to encourage you to Dream, Plan and Go on your dream vacation, creating the memories of a lifetime.
is published by Hilton Grand Vacations Club and is distributed exclusively to Club Members. All rights reserved. The publisher is not responsible for omissions or errors. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine in any format or medium without written permission from Hilton Grand Vacations is prohibited. is published three times a year by Hilton Grand Vacations, 5323 Millenia Lakes Boulevard, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32839. Hilton Grand Vacations disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions expressed in each article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hilton Grand Vacations. Hilton Grand Vacations does not make any representation regarding the availability of or endorse any of the products or services provided by third parties. Hilton Grand Vacations® and Hilton Grand Vacations Club® are a registered trademark of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. or its subsidiaries licensed to Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc. Hilton Grand Vacations and its ownership properties and Club programs are operated under the Hilton Grand Vacations name pursuant to a license agreement with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ©2020 Hilton Grand Vacations
To submit suggestions or for advertising opportunities, contact julie.capps@hgv.com. For all Club Member inquiries, contact input@hgvc.com.
Maresa Manara Antonella Bordone George Hilton Alexandra Arroliga TVC Group
FOR TVC GROUP Editor Senior Art Director Senior Designer Account Director Editorial & Creative Management
Mark Wang Stan Soroka Hannah Vazzana Raquel Filipek Julie Capps Naomi Hession
FOR HILTON GRAND VACATIONS President & CEO Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer & Publisher Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Communications Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Production Coordinator
TVC Group is an independent contractor
Club Traveler Club Traveler
lub Traveler
Travel Updates webpage as we make adjustments to our Club policies. And once our situation improves, use these stories as inspiration to plan your next dream vacation. I wish good health and safety to you and your loved ones.
Club Traveler
online Club Member Webinar archive or
magazine was created to serve as an aspirational tool for you — our Club Members. Our purpose is to encourage you to Dream, Plan and Go on your dream vacation, creating the memories of a lifetime. As we worked on the spring issue, news of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak began to evolve. And as we were about to publish this magazine, the health implications of the pandemic were already impacting many of us, with travel restrictions and recommendations implemented around the globe to lessen the outbreak’s rapid spread. It’s often easy to take for granted life’s everyday liberties, one of those being the ability to travel where we want, when we want. Travel has gifted us with expanded horizons, allowed us to cross borders, gain insight and experience many different cultures. Now, the advice we are given is to isolate ourselves, withdraw from large gatherings and limit our exposure to others. But this raises the question: How do we even begin to inspire our Members to travel when current advice is to do the exact opposite? We’ve been through situations like this before, defining moments that changed our lives in ways we could never have foreseen. The days after September 11, 2001, first come to my mind. Following that event, it took a while for everyone to figure out how to get back to doing what we love and defining what would ultimately become the new normal. I have no doubt we will persevere through this situation. As we all do our part to flatten the curve, my wish is that you’ll use this time of self-isolation to access our online tools to keep up-to-date with our Club programs, whether it be the online or , and follow along as we continue to make adjustments to our Club policies. Speaking of adjustments, we have extended previously saved Points through 2021, and extended expiring Bonus Points. And don’t worry if you still need to cancel a reservation using previously saved Points. We will extend those for you automatically once your cancellation is processed. Details about our policy adjustments are found on our . Once the situation improves, I hope that you can use the stories in this issue as inspiration when planning your next dream vacation. I wish good health and safety to you and your loved ones.
or Travel Updates webpage as we make adjustments to our Club policies. And once our situation improves, use these stories as inspiration to plan your next dream vacation. I wish good health and safety to you and your loved ones.
As we worked on the spring issue, news of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak began to evolve. And as we were about to publish this magazine, the health implications of the pandemic were already impacting many of us, with travel restrictions and recommendations implemented around the globe to lessen the outbreak’s rapid spread. It’s often easy to take for granted life’s everyday liberties, one of those being the ability to travel where we want, when we want. Travel has gifted us with expanded horizons, allowed us to cross borders, gain insight and experience many different cultures. Now, the advice we are given is to isolate ourselves, withdraw from large gatherings and limit our exposure to others. But this raises the question: How do we even begin to inspire our Members to travel when current advice is to do the exact opposite? We’ve been through situations like this before, defining moments that changed our lives in ways we could never have foreseen. The days after September 11, 2001, first come to my mind. Following that event, it took a while for everyone to figure out how to get back to doing what we love and defining what would ultimately become the new normal. I have no doubt we will persevere through this situation. As we all do our part to flatten the curve, my wish is that you’ll use this time of self-isolation to access our online tools to keep up-to-date with our Club programs, whether it be the online or , and follow along as we continue to make adjustments to our Club policies. Speaking of adjustments, we have extended previously saved Points through 2021, and extended expiring Bonus Points. And don’t worry if you still need to cancel a reservation using previously saved Points. We will extend those for you automatically once your cancellation is processed. Details about our policy adjustments are found on our . Once the situation improves, I hope that you can use the stories in this issue as inspiration when planning your next dream vacation. I wish good health and safety to you and your loved ones.
I have no doubt we will persevere through this situation. As we all do our part to flatten the curve, my wish is that you’ll use this time of self-isolation to access our online tools to keep up-to-date with our Club programs, whether it be the online Club Member Webinar archive or Travel Updates webpage, and follow along as we continue to make adjustments to our Club policies. Speaking of adjustments, we have extended previously saved Points through 2021, and extended expiring Bonus Points. And don’t worry if you still need to cancel a reservation using previously saved Points, we will extend those for you automatically once your cancellation is processed. Details about our policy adjustments are found on our Club News webpage.
I have no doubt we will persevere through this situation. As we all do our part to flatten the curve, my wish is that you’ll use this time of self-isolation to access our online tools to keep up-to-date with our Club programs, whether it be the online Club Member Webinar archive or Travel Updates webpage, and follow along as we continue to make adjustments to our Club policies. Speaking of adjustments, we have extended previously saved Points through 2021, and extended expiring Bonus Points. And don’t worry if you still need to cancel a reservation using previously saved Pointse will extend those for you automatically once your cancellation is processed. Details about our policy adjustments are found on our Club News webpage
One of the apps I cannot travel without is Yelp. Before I arrive anywhere, I need to know the best places to eat. I also love having access to quick and reliable recommendations from locals. You can filter searches to fit your needs, such as if it’s kid-friendly or if it accommodates groups.
Hailing from Perris, California, HGV Explorer Marilyn M. has been a Club Member since 2017. Here, she shares her favorite travel tip.
Member Tip
The Hilton Grand Vacations app allows you to make reservations, view trips, book an Uber, share advice with Members and request concierge services. Download the app today on Google Play
The HGV Mobile App
minutes or less. Check out the webinar archive if you can’t make it to one of our live sessions.
Club Member Webinars
Exclusive gatherings that offer Members the chance to mingle with resort staff and one another, while scoping out the hottest news and latest Club program developments.
Owner Socials
Club Member Exclusives
Stay Connected
Learn about the new services and events available to you as part of your Club membership
ClubPoints needed to become a Club Member with Elite status
James Beard Celebrity chef dinners enjoyed throughout 2019
The number of Hilton Grand Vacations Owners worldwide
owned and managed properties in the HGV resorts portfolio
Club Membership by numbers
55
9
14,000
328,217
A
Everything you need to know about your membership this quarter, from unbeatable Member exclusives to new openings across the Club network
The need to know
If you’re new to Hilton Grand Vacations, here are some things you may not know about your Club membership
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For everything you need to know about your Membership visit our Club Navigator page
t first glance, Barbados’picturesque streets (above) and Chicago’s windy streets seem to have little in common, but add the buzz of New York City and the spectacular desert-meets-ocean landscape of Los Cabos, Mexico, and there’s no denying a truly covetable vacation list begins to form. Luckily, these destinations are all accessible through your Hilton Grand Vacations Club membership. With these openingscome new services, discounts and ways to boost your ClubPoints, meaning that traveling to far-flung places and making new memories with friends and family is easier than ever. Take the exclusive Owner Check-In, for example, which offers a fast and personalized arrival for Club Members. Or take advantage of HGV’s discounted offer with Luggage Forward, a door-to-door delivery service that sees your luggage whisked straight from your house to
your desired resort. The Leisure Pass Group Go City Cards, meanwhile, will connect you to the best local attractions and tours in your chosen vacation destination, wherever that may be. You’re now part of the Club, so read on to make the most of the exclusive opportunities that come with your Hilton Grand Vacations Club membership.
Last year, 1,800 Members took part in our live Club Member Education Webinars, which explain different aspects of your HGV membership in 60
offers, you can now book a 2020 or 2021 stay online by May 31, 2020, and pay no reservation fees (Club booking windows apply).
and the Apple App Store.
to your desired resort. The Leisure Pass Group Go City Cards, meanwhile, will connect you to the best local attractions and tours in your chosen vacation destination, wherever that may be. You’re now part of the Club, so read on to make the most of the exclusive opportunities that come with your Hilton Grand Vacations Club membership.
t first glance, Barbados’ picturesque streets (above) and Chicago’s windy streets seem to have little in common, but add the buzz of New York City and the spectacular desert- meets-ocean landscape of Los Cabos, Mexico, and there’s no denying a truly covetable vacation list begins to form. Luckily, these destinations are all accessible through your Hilton Grand Vacations Club membership. With these openingscome new services, discounts and ways to boost your ClubPoints, meaning that traveling to far-flung places and making new memories with friends and family is easier than ever. Take the exclusive Owner Check-In, for example, which offers a fast and personalized arrival for Club Members. Or take advantage of HGV’s discounted offer with Luggage Forward, a door-to-door delivery service that sees your luggage whisked straight from your house
Check out the webinar archive if you can’t make it to one of our live sessions.
Last year, 1,800 Members took part in our live Club Member Education Webinars, which explain different aspects of your HGV membership in 60 minutes or less.
In addition to Bonus Point opportunities, ClubPartner Perks and
Perks and exclusive travel offers, you can now book a
and exclusive travel offers, you can now book a 2020 or 2021 stay online by May 31, 2020, and pay no reservation fees (Club booking windows apply). We’ve brought back our HGV
In addition to Bonus Point opportunities, ClubPartner Perks
ClubPartner Perks
2020 or 2021 stay online by May 31, 2020, and pay no reservation fees (Club booking windows apply).
Urban, big and bustling, Midtown Manhattan is known for its skyscrapers and corporate lifestyle. But lately, this square strip of neighborhood, hemmed between 34th and 59th streets, has been enjoying a renaissance, with independent coffee shops, refined cocktail bars and luxury hotels opening their doors, including The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club. And that’s not forgetting those quintessential New York establishments, like the game-changing Museum of Modern Art or the iconic Grand Central Terminal (above). Yet, with so much to see, it can be difficult to know where to start. To make the most of your trip, follow this local’s guide.
Midtown Manhattan:
A NEW TWIST
old classic
on an
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It’s no secret Grand Central Terminal is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Saved from demolition in the 1970s by Jackie Onassis, on any given day 750,000 commuters pass through to catch trains across 63 platforms. But despite its heft, this century-old train terminal — the largest in the world — still has a few surprises of its own. Take the elevator up to the fourth floor to the Vanderbilt Tennis Club, which has a junior court and a main court (complete with U.S. Open official surface DecoTurf), plus a fitness area. Court hire isn’t cheap — $315 an hour for early risers and $240 throughout the day. They also tend to book out a year in advance, but last-minute lessons are available on fitness app ClassPass.
Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St
Later, head downstairs to the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Set up in 1913, this beloved 450-seat New York institution has been serving market-fresh seafood to New York’s highest rollers for over a century. This is straight-up, old-school New York: no bookings, no half and halfs, no fancy coffees (espressos only, thank you very much). Take a seat in the saloon area for a classic city lunch: a plate of oysters, a bowl of Manhattan clam chowder and a house martini. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a daily-changing list of traditional desserts, alongside seasonal plates such as New York State apple pie. Interiors reflect the restaurant’s art deco aesthetic, with curved ceilings made from laminated terracotta tiles and polished marble bar counters. As waiter Ty Paz-Kaiser so perfectly puts it, “We’re New York, without trying to be New York.”
Y
Midtown’s not short on cocktail bars, but Valerie stands out from the crowd with its bottles of spirits, bitters and infusions on brass-and-marble shelves, and suave Art Deco interior. This is a favorite with the after-work crowd, who tend to go for the signature citrus gin and tonic (London Dry Gin, maraschino liqueur and thistle tonic), while snacking on plates of black fig and smoked bacon-topped flatbread and crunchy whitebait during happy hour (5 p.m.–8 p.m). The tattooed mixologists may seem brisk, but they’re always up for a cocktail chat during (rare) downtime.
Valerie, 45 W 45th St
There’s so much to see at MoMa, but those on a tight timeframe should make a beeline for Meret Oppenheim’s Surrealist Object (fur-covered cup, saucer and spoon), which comes with a most intriguing purchase story. “MoMA Director Alfred Barr wanted to buy it in 1936, but the trustees disagreed,” Ann Temkin, chief curator of the Fifth Floor Painting and Sculpture Galleries, told magazine. “Barr was so convinced ... that he bought it with his own money for $50. Ten years later, enough time had passed that the trustees agreed. All that time it was in the museum, under the label ‘extended loan,’ kind of in this purgatory. It’s one of the great stars of our Surrealism collection; to think that our director had to sneak it in!”
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), 11 W 53rd St
For Midtowners, Ground Central Coffee is so much more than a coffee shop — it’s a second home. Everyone from writers to local artists come here, drawn to the décor (copper lampshades, wall sketches of the neighborhood), the service (the staff know locals by name) and, of course, the Joe. The order-at-the-counter area lets customers choose their coffee blend and milk (almond, oat, macadamia, hemp), as well as light bites (smoked salmon bagels, fennel raisin scones).
Ground Central Coffee Company, 155 E 52nd St
Polished floorboards and plush velvet chesterfields will add an aristocratic air. However, it’s the artwork and design pieces (a chess board by American pop artist Keith Haring here, MoMA’s granite and aluminum Cube Collection there) that truly make the hotel stand out. The Quin has a storied art history of its own, with American artist Georgia O’Keeffe once calling the hotel home. No surprise, then, there’s an artist-in-residence program in the pipeline, and all Owners get a year-long membership to MoMA when they buy. Keep an eye out for the in-room water bottles, which forgo standard bottle labels for beautifully illustrated sketches. Owners, Club Members and guests will be able to head to the sleek downstairs library, where they can thumb through Taschen design bibles, while reclining on ever-so-comfortable mid-century-style tub armchairs.
There’s no property quite like The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club, Hilton Grand Vacations’ soon-to-be-opened New York property. Located on Manhattan’s ultra-luxurious Billionaires’ Row, The Quin will enjoy a newfound shine, thanks to its recent multi-million dollar renovation. Rooms and suites will be bright and airy, with high ceilings and big, expansive windows, where cream linen blinds roll up to reveal stellar skyline views all the way to Central Park. Suites have their own separate sleeping quarters, but even the smaller rooms, once completed, will feel homely, with stylish worktables and chaise longues that seamlessly transform into a private dining area.
The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club, 101 W 57th St
Start planning your next New York vacation now.
Words: Maresa Manara Images: Ricky Rhodes
The Grand Central Oyster bar has been serving fresh seafood to New Yorkers for over a century
Meret Oppenheim’s Surrealist Object (fur-covered teacup, saucer and spoon)
Ground Central Coffee is known for its friendly service and freshly roasted coffee beans
Book Now
The Tiffany Information Booth Clock is one of the most iconic timepieces in Manhattan
Vanderbilt Tennis Club is located inside Grand Central Terminal
The luxurious lounge at The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club
Grand Central Terminal is a major commuter hub, with around 750,000 commuters passing through each day
Locals love Valerie for its cocktails and nightly happy hour
Time Out
The Late Show
Start planning your New York vacation now.
A place of perfectly stepped vineyards, trimmed olive groves and undulating hills in every shade of green, Tuscany ticks all our boxes. And nowhere else provides a more quintessential Tuscan experience than Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Borgo alle Vigne. Located on a sloping hillside not far from Pisa, Borgo alle Vigne — which translates as village of the vines — is a luxurious palazzo divided into one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, all with panoramic views over the countryside. Take a daytrip to the Renaissance cities of Florence and Pisa, perfect your tee at the nearby golf courses or simply relax in one of the property’s ever-so-smart suites.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Borgo Alle Vigne
The view from here
Discover Italy now by booking your next vacation at Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Borgo alle Vigne.
Your Window
Click on the pins below to discover more
Click on the pins for total relaxation.
Nicknamed the Healing Island, Hawaii was a health retreat long before they existed, with the kupuna (elders) drawing on the tranquil settings, medicinal plants and aloha spirit in their healing practices.
Click on the pins to discover adventurous activities.
Adventure isn’t hard to find on the Big Island. Whether you choose to take part in one adventure activity or all of them, Hawaii is sure to add some adrenaline-fueled fun to your next vacation.
What are you looking to go big on?
Whether you’re after adventure or some serious rest and relaxation on your next vacation, Hawaii will not disappoint
It’s no surprise the island of Hawaii, or the Big Island as it’s also known, attracts almost 2 million travelers every year. Go for the shortest of hikes and you’ll pass crystal waterfalls tumbling into jungle pools. Or, head to one of the island’s golden beaches and it won’t be long before you’re snorkeling alongside technicolor coral reefs. Whether you’re after luxury or relaxation, choose your own adventure today.
Words: Vicky Lane
Experience Hilton Grand Vacations’ renowned hospitality today. Visit our website to book your next stay.
48 HOURS IN ...
Washington, D.C.
It’s election year in the U.S. capital but, from stellar food to world-class museums, there’s more to The District than politics.
Start the day by strolling down the eastern half of the National Mall (also known as “America’s front yard”), a green lawn stretching two miles from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Of the 17 free, local museums run by the Smithsonian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest and a must visit. The museum’s Sweet Home Café serves delicious takes on classic African-American dishes.
Energy levels replenished, find a Capital Bikeshare station and head west on two wheels. Scope The White House and Washington Monument, then loop south via the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, skirting the Potomac River, en route to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in time for sunset.
Freshen up at The District by Hilton Club, then hail a cab to Le Diplomate, a French brasserie that exudes the charm and style of Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. Look out for celebrity faces enjoying a bowl of bouillabaisse.
Hank’s Cocktail Bar, only a few blocks away, is a classy, but casual, Dupont Circle watering hole, which opened in 2019 above the flagship Hank’s Oyster Bar. Can’t decide what cocktail to choose? Ask for the Dealer’s Choice and let the bartenders do all the work for you.
Day one
9 A.M.
2 P.M.
7 P.M.
10 P.M.
Day two
10 A.M.
After feasting on omelettes at The District, take a 10-minute stroll to the Post-Impressionist and modern art museum The Phillips Collection, home to Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party. Don’t miss landmark indie bookstore Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café just around the corner.
1 P.M.
Take an afternoon to eat your way around the cobbled streets of Georgetown, D.C.’s oldest quarter. The Mangia DC Georgetown Foodie Tour takes in five under-the-radar food stops such as the Dog Tag Bakery and doubles as a history lesson, passing the former abodes of the Kennedys and legendary Californian cook, Julia Child.
5 P.M.
Discover Cady’s Alley, an outdoor shopping mall in Georgetown’s design district, full of cute cafés and boutiques. Enjoy an aperitif by the C&O Canal or stroll to the enchanting 27-acre gardens at stately Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art museum Dumbarton Oaks.
8 P.M.
Blues Alley, founded in 1965 in a Georgetown carriage house, has hosted greats such as Dizzy Gillespie and Eva Cassidy over the years and is now the nation’s longest running jazz supper club. Reserve ahead for big-name artists, and enjoy cocktails and authentic Creole food on the night.
Words: Clodagh Kinsella
Experience the best Washington D.C. has to offer by booking a stay with Hilton Grand Vacations today.
Beautiful cherry blossoms frame D.C.’s Thomas Jefferson Memorial perfectly.
Deeded interests are offered. Prices range from $30,990 to $499,990, subject to change. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation to purchase to any person who is a resident of any state in which registration requirements of that state have not been met. Hilton Resorts Corporation is the developer and the sales and marketing agent (dba Hilton Grand Vacations) located at 6355 Metrowest Blvd. Orlando, FL 32835. Indiana C.P.D Reg. No.: 19-09509. Hilton Grand Vacations® is a registered trademark of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. or its subsidiaries and licensed to Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. Hilton Grand Vacations and its properties and programs operate under the Hilton Grand Vacations name pursuant to a license agreement with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. © 2020 Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
THIS MATERIAL IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING TIMESHARE INTERESTS IN HILTON GRAND VACATIONS RESORTS IN NEW YORK. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM THE DEVELOPER.
THE NEW YORK ADDRESS YOU'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF
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