I Made $300 While On Vacation! Here’s My Experience at a Hyatt Residence Club Timeshare Presentation

Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.

My sister wanted to celebrate her birthday in Sedona, Arizona, and my birthday gift to her was to organize and plan the trip using miles & points.  I ended up using Chase Ultimate Rewards points for tickets on United Airlines and a stay at the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Piñon Pointe.

It’s great being able to use a single type of rewards points to book both flights and hotels.  It’s why many of the best credit cards for travel are Chase Ultimate Rewards points earning cards!

Along with getting nearly free flights and accommodations, we ended up scoring $300 in “free” money for attending a timeshare presentation at the hotel.  Here’s more about my experience!

While checking in to the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Piñon Pointe, I noticed a sign in the lobby that mentioned something about a $100 gift card.  Signs like these always catch my eye, and after further examination, I realized that the resort was offering up a Visa gift card in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation.

I hadn’t thought much about it when booking the room, but then remembered the hotel was part of the Hyatt Residence Club.  Hyatt describes the Hyatt Residence Club as “a collection generously appointed luxury residences in exclusive des­­­ti­­n­a­­­tions, it’s an enticing alternative to a va­ca­tion or second home.”  So yes, we were staying at a timeshare resort!

What Happened During the Presentation

This wasn’t my first timeshare presentation, but it was a first for my sister and my mom!  I gave them a bit of a pep talk before entering the conference room and explained that all they had to do was politely say “no” to everything.

During the presentation, they showed the group a slideshow of the different Hyatt Regency Club properties.  This part was at least slightly interesting because it gave me an idea of other ways to use my Hyatt (or Chase Ultimate Rewards) points.  After the presentation is when things got a little more uncomfortable.

Similarly to other timeshare presentations I’ve attended, a sales rep came over to go cover the ins and outs of purchasing a timeshare with the Hyatt Residence Club.  I explained that we were visiting Sedona to celebrate my sister’s birthday, and while the concept seemed interesting it didn’t fit with our regular travel style.  Once I mentioned that we were actually staying at the hotel using points, I think they realized they didn’t need to waste any more time on a hard-sell.

After only ~45 minutes in the presentation, we were able to escape with our rebate forms in hand.  We filled them out, turned them into the front desk, and were able to pick up our gift cards a few hours later after enjoying an afternoon hike.

Was It Worth Our Time?

I’d definitely say so!  The 3 of us only spent a short time in the presentation and ended up with $300 in Visa gift cards.  The sales pitch was aggressive, but interestingly enough, it seemed like we were let off easier because a) we were using points for our stay and b) we were all single.  I guess they target guests they feel are more likely to have the money for a timeshare?!  Who knows.  Given we all walked out with “free” money, I couldn’t care less if I don’t fit into their target audience!

We used the money to have an amazing birthday dinner at one of Sedona’s best Mexican / Southwestern restaurants, Elote Cafe.  The food was incredible, and even better were the margaritas.  They don’t take reservations, so you’ll definitely want to order a margarita (or two!) to enjoy while you wait for a table!

I can honestly say that the $300 we earned from attending the timeshare presentation allowed us to enjoy ourselves and celebrate the occasion in a bigger way than we normally would or could have.  We weren’t worried about the cost of ordering top-shelf tequila and even ordered dessert at the end of the meal!