We visited Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club in February taking my brother and sister-in-law and my husband's brother and sister-in-law, through an RCI timeshare trade, paying an all-inclusive fee of $799 per night or almost $6000. We were in a three bedroom villa, beautiful pool, gardens, with daily maid service including in-villa breakfast cooking, etc. Restaurants were fairly good, particularly the VIP room.
We have been timeshare owners since the late 80's and had not been 'suckered' into any other deals. We have never been disappointed with a 'trade' though it did get harder each year. Because of the increased trading difficulty, we started doing all-inclusives. Even though more expensive we have had good experiences in Mexico and considered that we were just getting a reduced rate rather than the good deals over the years.
When we got to LHVC, we truly loved the villa experience and through a sales presentation which took most of the morning, decided to purchase a Platinum package. The opportunity of sister resorts, easier trades, unlimited time, etc. Was very appealing as trading had become more difficult. The sales rep assured us we could fiance completely through Bank of America. The end result was that we ultimately charged a portion through BofA with the bulk remainder on American Express. My husband did ask for a cancellation clause to which they quickly agreed.
When we returned, I immediately sent an email to their customer service department and received a welcome. Again I immediately sent an email requesting several vacations. Needless to say this was the end of the 'concierge treatment' promised. We were never able to get a trade even when I suggested that I could plan a year or two out - no response. After six weeks of no responses, we sent an email requesting cancellation as indicated in our agreement; again no response.
We contacted the credit card companies. We had paid AMEX in full while BofA was offering a '0' interest so it was not paid in full. BofA called and had a discussion with my husband. They issued a full credit.
AMEX was another story. At first they indicated that if LHVC did not respond, it was their policy to credit our account. Then they rejected the claim. They indicated that they could not interfere with companies outside the US. (Why did they let us make a charge outside the US if this was the case?)
We spent countless hours back and forth with AMEX via email and phone through September. One AMEX representative was helpful in getting LHVC to agree that the contract had been put into their re-sale pool as of September 5. She forwarded us a copy of the email verifying this.
AMEX continued to reject the claim because of the foreign involvement. I even contacted their Vice President of the Open Business Division. Finally in September when they threatened to report our credit negatively, we gave up. Our credit rating is in the 800s so we are never delinquent.
We are now planning to contact an attorney. After researching the Net to see if there are others out there I find that we are not the only ones. It would appear that combining forces may be helpful. Is there any way to do this.
This is a terrific website - unfortunately I think consumers only find it when they have already been 'Ripped Off'
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