Several months ago we used a portion of points from another timeshare company to obtain accommodations at El Cid in Mazatlan. This was a complete mistake because there has been nothing but a series of misrepresentations, deceit, and headaches since!
Upon arriving at El Cid we were required to attend their "common sales presentation" during which El Cid representatives shoved the possible purchase of points from El Cid down our throats. After listening to the sales presentation, we decided that we would be interested in purchasing 200,000 points to add to our 308,000 existing points from the other company so that we could achieve "Gold Status" with the other company and receive additional rewards. Our whole line of thinking was discussed with the El Cid salesperson at length. Our intention was made uniquely clear that the only reason for our purchase of the points was to add to our existing points and for no other reason. The sales manager, who we have since been told was let go, continually misrepresented the true nature of the points we were purchasing and their use in the El Cid Vacations Club program. The value of the El Cid points was drilled into our heads over and over again for a two day period, adding to the misrepresentation.
In fact, we were led to believe that El Cid and the other company were operating as one and the same! El Cid provided us with brochures and other pamphlets with the other company's logos and trademarks misrepresenting their true relationship with the company. This was only the beginning of misrepresentations by El Cid.
After opening up a credit card and paying for the additional points which we were told could be combined, it became clear that El Cid had misrepresented as to what we were actually purchasing. Not only were we told that we could use the points to achieve "Gold Status", we were told that obtaining accommodations using El Cid points would not be a problem. Again, this was wrong.
The other company basically told us that they had no real relationship with El Cid and that the points could not be used in combination with their points. We were also unable to get the Gold Status treatment because our points did not rise to that level. Additionally, we soon found out that getting reservations would be a problem. We were eventually told to contact someone by the name of "James" at a strange number to make future reservations. All of this was very awkward and unprofessional.
Upon learning of the true nature of their business, we contacted El Cid over and over only to be given the run around. No matter who we contact, they are either busy, out to lunch (lunch must last for hours), or we are sent directly to voice mail. Almost no one calls us back - in fact, the only person that has shown us any respect is Benjamin Goon in Customer Service. Other than that, no one has ever even attempted to resolve our issues. We have been told that the contact person in charge is Mr. Jorge Henderson, however Mr. Henderson is either a fictional character or physically unable to answer letters, emails, or phone calls.
This story is one of several comparable stories we have seen since the sales tactics of El Cid became clear. Check the internet for yourself - this is an ongoing practice to misrepresent and deceive their customers. We are seeking a full refund and intend to contact the appropriate governmental officials to rectify this situation and, if necessary, consult legal counsel regarding our remedies. Don't be like usdon't bother with El Cid.
0 comments