Complaint Review: Resorts International Unlimited

If there is anyone out there who has actually rented or sold a timeshare through RIU, let him or her stand up now or forever hold his/her peace.

Like everyone who has had the unfortunate experience of RIU, I received the attention of Jaime Wolfe who gave me the usual sales pitch: my timeshare would be advertised to travel agencies, pro sports teams, major corporations, etc. It would also be advertised on the Web. I was only interested in renting the timeshare so I was also assured that I could put it up for sale at a later date without an additional fee. In addition, if my unit did not rent within 180 days, I would receive two roundtrip airline vouchers to one of 19 locations through out the world.

Sounded good to me.

When the unit didn't rent in over 180 days I called RIU and requested the vouchers. Very reluctantly I was given the phone number of Worldwide Travel Center which handles this piece of the action. After numerous calls and numerous disconnections, I finally spoke with someone at Worldwide Travel Center. I was sent a booklet from which to choose my vouchers. Surprise!! The airfare was indeed free. However, in order to get the airfare I had to agree to stay at a hotel of WTC's choosing (they would tell me later) AND I had to pay for the hotel stay. Furthermore, the vouchers and airfare had to be redeemed within 16 months of the date of issue. Further calls to WTC were answered but mysteriously disconnected.

My timeshare is, indeed, being advertised on the Web - if you can call it advertising to simply list a timeshare as one of perhaps two dozen others. If anyone is interested in renting my Sedona, AZ timeshare, try calling 866-8975. It's the general RIU number. Maybe I should try renting it myself.

So, timeshare owners, beware. And who IS Jaime Wolfe?? A gremlin? A robot? An intergalactic alien? Since all calls go unreturned, it makes me wonder.

Ann Marie
New Haven, Connecticut
U.S.A.