I purchased a deluxe studio at the Villa Del Arco in 2006. I wanted to share my dissatisfaction up to this point. Starting from the beginning, I was taken for the tour by my sales person, " Fernando Azcona". I was informed Fernando was someone "high up in the companies" son and this would be his first sale. Fernando presented the timeshare in a way which made me believe that I was guaranteed to stay at Villa Del Arco once a year during my slot, with the OPTION of using Interval Internation to travel somewhere else. I bought the time share after reviewing all the documents and after having a full understanding of all legalities involved. I did think, however, that I would not run into the same problem every time I attempted to make a reservation to stay at Villa Del Arco.
I attempted to make my first reservation in 2007 and was told the hotel was booked. I found this hard to believe as no hotel is truly ever "completely full". Based on my beliefs, I contacted the hotel directly and asked if they had rooms available for the time period I was looking for. Amazingly enough, they had plenty of rooms available. Apparently, my UVC reservation assistant was unable or unwilling to make the reservation, or more probably, those rooms were being saved for some other special offer. Regardless, I was under the impression that my membership allowed me a first come first serve based on room availability. Rooms were available but I was not getting one. So, long story short, I complained and after 3 days, and several phone calls, amazingly I got my room. Question is, why did I have to work that hard?
I found myself in a similar position in 2008. I contacted UVC reservations and they have told me once again that my time slot is unavailable. I went ahead and made reservations at Villa Del Palmar instead of going through the hassle. I did however, do some checking, and with absolutely no problem what so ever, I was able to make online reservations for Aug 21 - 28th at Villa Del Arco (and at a discount rate). I think if the Villa Group owners were in my shoes they might wonder what game is being played and why I am not getting a room I paid over $12,000 plus 500 a year for but, someone else can reserve it for 83.00 a night.
I then contacted the Director of Customer Service at UVC, who told me the following. Only 35% of the hotel is open to time share members. The rest has not been released by the builder (The Villa Group?). Of course, this was not shared during my little champagne driven sales celebration. It's apparent, greed has set in and they are trying to make money on both ends. I bought a timeshare to not have vacation stress, unfortunately, UVC / The Villa Group, has made using my timeshare the biggest stress of the year.
I went to Cabo on the last trip and wandered over to the Arco, only to find it virtually deserted. I tried to use the pool, but told I could not as I was not staying at the hotel. How would the owners of the Villa Group feel if they paid $12,000 for something and were not told they could use it???
I have reported all my problems to UVC, who are at the forefront of this mess. They have done nothing to assist me. I want to sell this time share back to The Villa Group and be done with it. They missrepresented the sale, have not treated me fairly, and have done nothing to try to make me happy in any way. I have asked for the contact information for the CEO / President, to which I recieve no replies. I did however, receive an email address entitled: myboard (at sign) myuvc.com. I sent them an email. No response as of yet.
Recently, I was able to learn UVC president, Robert Kristner's email address: [email protected]. I emailed him with this complaint and received a phone message stating he agreed with some of my complaint, but not other parts. He left me a message to call him back (which I have not done as of yet). I think Mr. Kristner needs to hear from more folks so he can be a little bit more agreeable.
I emailed the U.S. Consul in Mexico: (Pike, Craig T) PikeCT@state. Gov, who said he could only educate Americans entering the country. I think he needs to hear more complaints.
I have contacted the San Diego BBB who are unwilling to assist me since the signing of the contract occured in Mexico.
I emailed two of the owners of The Villa Group: [email protected] and [email protected]. I have yet to recieve a reply, but I think they need to hear from more of you.
I contacted the California State Attorney General: http://ag.ca. Gov/consumers/general.php
I contacted the Federal Trade Commission and filed an online report: http://www.ftc. Gov/
I am planning on filing a complaint with the Mexican Gov't equivalent to the BBB. Http://www.profeco. Gob. Mx/consumidor/extranjeros.Asp
As everyone can see, I do not like being taken advantage of. I am only one complaint and by myself I make little diffence. If you have similar complaints, please contact the same groups I did. Email the owners of the Villa Group and let them know what their company is doing. Contact the Attorney Generals Officer, Email Mr. Kristner and the U.S. Consul in Mexico. Do not let this (these) companies ignore us.
Lastly, make sure your complaints are not only against UVC. They are a front and not the only people who bare the blame. Contact The Villa Group, ResortCom International, and constructora los arcos del cabo. These companies all appear to be conjoined and are possibly just one big conglomerate. Regardless, they all bear responsiblility for taking advantage of us.
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