Universal Vacation Club Dazed and Paid, now Anguished. San Diego, CA , California
I cant believe they are still swindling innocent peoples money into their shameful business. I am the recent victim and I want my money back.
When I was in Villa del Palmar in July 11, I was among many people at the timeshare presentation. I did say no to 30-year contract (THANK GOD), but failed to say no to 2 year Gold Trial Membership.
When my normal senses came back to me while I was looking at the papers back in my hotel room, I started having a bad feeling about it, but since the salesman, Charles Gavin, said the deal is irreversible, I thought I could not get out.
I decided to concentrate on my remaining vacation. It wasnt until when I came back home and read the fine copies that I started noticing discrepancies between what the papers were saying and what I was informed by Charles Gavin at Villa del Arco.
I sent him an email asking him to clarify my understanding but no reply for 3 weeks. Another reminder email was sent. Many phone calls to customer service, but no straight answers. At this point, I strongly feel that they are not going to be helpful. So here is the misinformation I received:
Charles said it was irreversible, but the contract says I have 5 days to get full refund.
No maintenance fee for Trial membership unless I want to extend it. On Contract: Maintenance fee ($590) must be paid at point of reservation.
I can stay anywhere in the world especially at expensive hotels for only $28/38 a night. On Contract: There is additional fee to pay Interval International in order to trade your timeshare.
Bottom line: Why would anyone want to pay $750 (membership for 1 yr.) + $590 (maintenance fee/yr.) + $ 210 (Nightly rate/wk) to stay at a hotel like Villa del Palmar for a week? I paid $506 for 5 nights through Costco Travel. Why would I want to spend 3 times more? $1000 for 2 extra nights?
I also dont want to pay extra fee to stay somewhere else, not to mention the uncertainty of availability to trade, plus, the hideous maintenance fee!
It is my fault that I did not calculate right there before I paid, but it is more wrong for them to sell something hiding fine prints and being dishonest about it.
I am surprised there has not been a class action lawsuit against them despite of numerous complaints I found on website as early as 2008.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Jen
Dublin,California,
United States of America
Resolved!!!
#2Author of original report
Sun, February 05, 2012
I just saw my $$$ back in my bank account! I still can't believe it's true that they did refund my money. I have been trying to get them hear my story and return my money for over seven months. Thanks to God for helping me get my monty back. It is another miracle in my life knowing how some people still trying to get refunded for years...! So for anyone out there still fighting with this company, this is what I did. I truly hope that your issue will be resolved too. In summary, I was persistent to keep raising my problem with them. I can't remember all the details now, but emails after emails explaining my case and also requesting them to investigate it with the salesman in Cabo whom I had the direct problem with, I asked for a supervisor. The initial representative connected me with the Club director and she emailed that a Developer's Representative will be my contact. His name is Mr. Sergio Calderon. He asked for the last time why I wanted/needed to cancel my membership then agreed to refund my money. I had to wait another month but finally it is refunded! I can't believe it. All thanks to my God who always takes care of me. Even when I was purchasing it, there were warnings and signs, but I ignored them. I learned my lesson the hard way, but He never forsake me. Praise the Lord!