Diamond Resorts
Reviews and Complaints

Twhirl,

Sorry to hear about your loss,

Welcome DRI magic points

Where your money magically appears in DRI executive pockets and feeds the acquisition beast. What DRI execs do not spend on Louis Vuitton and lavish lifestyles is used to acquire new resorts to pillage. I think that is what they mean by the Diamond Difference.

Again sorry for your loss, your mom wanted to do something good for you; however she did not know she was dealing with low moral, unethical, cheaters that would probably swindle their own mothers, but they do have pretty good legal council. My opinion Thank your mom for loving you and tell the greedy DRI guys to pound sand. The contract is not in your name you do not want to be saddled with this company for life and beholden to their greed and fund their retirements.

RUN, do not Walk to the nearest exit...

CVO

P.S. Glad you told the ugly guy no, probably made him even uglier...

Mr. Cloobeck founder and CEO of Diamond Resorts made political contributions in 2008 of $89, 340.00 and $198, 730.00 in 2010 all this in the middle of the worst economic crisis in 80 years, and 2008 was the same year my maintenance fees started heading up at a rate which to this day has not slowed. something smells fishy in Denmark if you ask me...

according to the website;
http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/stephen-cloobeck.asp?cycle=08 2008 contributions

http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/stephen-cloobeck.asp?cycle=10 2010 contributions

That is more than most people make annually, and we still wonder why this industry is allowed such latitude. I am curious why a big company Like DRI is allowed to operate like this, regardless of the LEGALITY on the issue, forcing people in to foreclosure as fees -not mortgages- are raised to the breaking point of most families in order to finance the DRI beast a company can have this many folks up in arms around the world over the treatment they receive from Diamond Resorts International. Still nothing is done, where is the consumer protection. It is possible that some people may think that donation dollars are worth more magic points than tax dollars when it comes to justice for the people.

My two Cent

CVO

The Irony is uncanny dont you think...

Mr. Cloobecks empire is falling down ohhhh that is tooo bad I'll shed a tear the day they slam the cell door.

CVO

In doing a bit of Research on Diamond Resorts CEO Stephan Cloobeck I found an interesting quote;

The setting;
During an interview after a very heated board meeting with regents for the Navada University system regarding instate tuition fee. The article is interesting and gives more background on THE MAN himself, but the quote tells the story of the man...

Direct quote from an online article from the Las Vegas Sun.
Heather Rawlyk
Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 | 11:14 a.m.
...
In the hallway Cloobeck told a small group that if his business had overcharged people and refused to pay them back, there would be a criminal complaint from the attorney general's office.

Where's the criminal complaint against them? Cloobeck asked. This is so wrong and incorrigible that we would have elected officials acting like an (expletive) circus. Its simple, give all of the people their money back...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2004/jan/30/regents-reduce-in-state-tuition-standard/

see the article yourself, just want to share with everyone what a great man they have running Diamond Resorts hypocrisy and self importance.

CVO

Uh huh. And the "Center for Legal Justice" wants their money upfront before they will even consider helpingyou. I say it's yet another version of the same scam that stole your money in the first place. And "antiscamangel"? If you work for the Center for Legal Justice, why are you using a gmail account? I'm pretty such the Center (if it was real) would have actual email addresses for their employees.

If you've been scammed and want to try and recoup your money, and you used a credit card to pay off the original thieves, contact the credit card company directly. Include names, dates, phone numbers, amounts - whatever info you can give them. You might get your money/credit card refunded, you might not. But you don't need a lawyer or special company to do this.

Also, be aware of yet a third (or fourth) level to the timeshare scams. This occurs when a "courier company" calls you, saying they have a check and need to deliver it within 24-48 hours. They, of course, want an upfront fee to do so, and want it wired via Western Union (which is impossible to stop or recover).

Your friendly (formerly) scammed bystander who now just wants the ###s to stop calling

These crooks are not just in Santa Fe they are ripping folks off globally

Vacation Owner...

Thank you Ms. Bell...

A complete forencic audit was completed on your account on June 9, 2010. The findings;

1) • The address in Atlas on Ms. Mary B. Bell’s account was changed to the P.O. Box address indicated in her e-mail below in October of 2009 however, the address
history does not indicate that the address on 1469482 was ever the same as similar named account.

2) • Now Ms. Mary Beatrice Bell is claiming to have made payments that were misapplied to another account for the last three years yet we have not received proof of payment as requested from MBB and/or Mr. Phillip Bell on Dec 11, 2009/ Feb 23, 2010/ Mar 4, 2010

3)• There is no record of Ms. Mary Beatrice Bell attempting to contact us regarding her account between 2004 and December 11, 2009?

4)• The account balance for 1469482 was $5, 035.45 when the property went to auction on June 2, 2010. It was foreclosed on and the property has been transferred

We advised Mr. Phillip Bell via email on June 3, 2010 that I was having the account audited, I emailed him on June 9, 2010 to advise him I was ready to discuss the account and requested a time to call him. He has not responded and as such I am closing ticket number [protected]. When/if he responds I will advise him of the account status

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to your account clarification.

Yours cordially,
Patrick C. Duffy
Chief Experience Officer

Dear Mrs. Bell,

Thank you for this request for information. We will action this ASAP and be back with you to verify your concerns, and correct as necessary and required.

Patrick C. Duffy
Chief Experience Officer

they are so bad, i got divorce almost 4 years my ex husband did not pay this thing and now when i tried to make a plan payment they are just ignoring me. this is terrible and i am just trying to clean my credit report.

Hi all
Some good news from the UK. eg - TCA http://www.timeshare.org.uk/news.html
" Kings Ransome Holidays (Peachy Leisure) yesterday took a large number of its Members to Court in Manchester. Kings were attempting to claim back management fees and other monies from said Members.The Judge STRUCK out every claim, and told Kings they were liable for ALL defence costs, and ALL Legal costs."
It seems the LAW does not like scamming timeshare! It also just so happens that this company had the same contract type as the company for this thread. Shame on them!
Wheres duffy?

Why not email Mr Cloobeck personally apparently he answers every mail he receives! Oddly though no one I know has ever had a response when they have done this! Maybe he has crawled under the same rock as Duffy!

Hi all
I have stopped calling your representatives salemen - conboys is better suited. They con the buyers and a man wouldnt do this, hence boy.
Some interesting events taking place in the UK courts re misrepresentation and a lack of cancellation rights with timeshare contracts. Keep sending the demand letters, US based phone demands and debt collector demands Mr Duffy. They are all recorded and kept as evidence for later haressment use in the courts.
[censored] and fan come to mind...

Hey Dick07

Did you get that money back yet? I think I see vultures circling a dying carcass somewhere in Nevada. Unfortunatly when this ugly beast does die (none to soon) we the consumers will be left holding the bag o' cr@p they leave behind as they scatter to the four winds with our money. Is there a line on my 1040A where I can deduct as a loss on an investment? The guy at the presentation said it was an investment didn't he?

CVO

Hi all
I WANT MY MONEY BACK NOW!

My husband passed away 6 months ago and I just received a bill for our timeshare. I am no longer able to pay or travel - 89 year old. How do I submit or relinquish the timeshares back to you? We purchased it for $18, 000 in Williamsburg.

Dear Aninep,

We are happy to assist you...The number you are calling is our Collection Department...Do you need the services of this department?

If I can assist, please email me your contact information at---patrick.duffy@diamondresorts.com

Yours sincerely,
Patrick C Duffy
Chief Experience Officer

Hmmm...so what happened?

Hey Datrick,

Webster asked me to help...

Libel --[lahy-buhl]

–noun
anything that is defamatory or that maliciously or damagingly misrepresents.

MISREPRESENTS being key here, if it is the truth then it is not Libel.

CVO

George Associates,

The only thing Datrick O' puffy can do is help convert you to more points and less money in your pocket.

CVO

Nikodog1

DRI TOOL! or someone else is paying your fees like a spouse or parent.

CVO

DRI is the best thing that ever happened to my family! They are a great company there contacts are clear and if we ever forget or have a question we take the steps that or command since to call or email! We get answers in minutes or with in a day!

George Associates,

Well, you just spent the last few hours in wasted futile effort.
You did come across my name...However, I've received no email... Do you think someone on this web rag is going to assist you? Other than me, if at all possible.

My email is above, if I can assist, please email me.

Cordially,
Patrick Duffy

Jojobee,

If you only can libel a person on this board...then I am afraid you are too far gone to assist.
However, if your situation has a remedy that is congruent to your signature on your contract and paperwork, please send me an email at;

patrick.duffy@diamondresorts.com

If you have permitted your situation to go too far...Well, email me anyway.

Best,
Patrick Duffy

I have just spent the last few hours reading through various pages on this site, all relating to DRI. I bought timeshare in the UK, many years ago from GVC which was then 'taken-over' by Sunterra & finally DRI. I was always assured that if my personal circumstances changed & I could no longer afford to pay fees then I could 'sell' my points & exit from ownership.

So not true. That may well have been the case when I signed my original contract but with each transition has come an ever increasing array of constraints & of course, fees. In accordance with DRI rules, I am not permitted to 'sell' the points (except to existing owners), besides NO-ONE wants them, everywhere you look people are trying to get rid.

I am now retired, gone through a divorce & living off my work pension & still trying to pay off a mortgage so I cannot afford to take a holiday aboroad, let alone pay over £800 a year in fees. I have lost thousands of pounds to these companies in purchasing points & I now owe DRI over £1800.

Their answer? 'Pay up or we will pass the debt to a collection agency!' Well you're going to have to and we WILL have to sort this out in a UK court. I agree with a previous post; there are many people in the same position as I am, if ALL of those disgruntled owners refused to pay their fees maybe DRI would pack it in, sell off the real estate (bought using OUR hard earned cash) & go into some other business more suited to the talents of their sales teams.

I wonder when the authorities in the UK & US are going to start taking notice & react to what is going on out here?

Patrick Duffy huh you are a liar just like the rest of them. Your business tactics at Diamond are DISHONEST and just flat out WRONG. The Diamond Difference, YES so different that you will never get the truth and just get the run around like the rest. Horrible COmpany and just out right CHEATERS

Dear Sir/Madam:
I can assure you no one will assist you on this forum except me...On behalf of DRI.
We do care, a great deal.

If what you write about is concrete, please contact me and identify this occurance.
Thank you for the opportunity.

patrick.duffy@diamondresorts.com

Patrick Duffy
Chief Experience Officer

Pretty sad when a customer gives praises for a good job for something that should not have been a problem to begin with. Like saying what a good job the phone company does by providing phone lines, oh great job AT&T for selling phone service and providing it too...

What a pathetic attempt to put a good face on an ugly monster...

CVO

It's only fair that I follow up my complaint with what DRI, specifically Patrick Duffy, has done.
Briefly summarizing, I submitted my complaint Tuesday night here.
The very next day around lunch time, Patrick Duffy emails me to acknowledge he has read my complaint.
That same night I check my account on the DRI webpage and see a zero balance, meaning the $305 collection fee had been waived. I also received a voice mail from Mr. Duffy himself this morning confirming the removal of the collection fees.

I have to give credit where credit is due. If Mr. Duffy is representative of the customer service provided by DRI then I must admit that it is without doubt one of best performing, most responsive customer service dept I've encountered. These days when we have to tolerate shoddy customer care from the likes of ATT, Citibank, etc., it is comforting to know that there are still companies that actually have customer service.

I am not saying I am completely sold on the business practices of DRI. There is still the issue of mailing out late notices 2 days after the large collection fee has kicked in, giving the member no opportunity to correct the problem, whether it's due to oversight or in my case, a delivery problem. And I am certain only a very small percent of owners are aware of this 25% collection fee kicking in 14 days after the maintenance fees are officially late. There is also the issue of transparency regarding the >30% increase in maintenance fees. These maintenance fees have completely erased the incentive for buying and keeping timeshares. If I am to continue paying a maintenance fee that can be used to pay for a similar size unit, then I need to be convinced that my initial 12K investment for lifetime vacations with DRI actually has some long termvalue. I know many feel the same way.

Dear ppaz98,

Responded to your email ay Yahoo.com...Look forward to assisting you.

Best,
Patrick

Same here joined GVC 9 yrs ago plenty of availability now with DRI virtually non where I want to go. My expectations are no higher than was promised when i signed up 5* accommodation wherever i went this is patently not true! Now not only do they want to tie me in for life but also claim that that even under exceptional circumstances before they will allow you to get rid of your points there has to be no family who the points can be transferred to! And before we have one of the DRI spin doctors dispute this I have a letter from DRI saying so! The lies keep coming from these people what we were sold and what DRI now claim we have are two different things! They are a bunch of shysters and sooner or later they will be called to justice! As for Mr Duffy's comments all i can say it HOGWASH! That is of course putting it politely!

Thank you for your candid thoughts...We both appreciate and work every day to earn these thoughts, sentiments and always based on our customer-centric actions.
We will always continue to provide you, and all our members the effortless holidays you are looking for.

Yours faithfully,
Patrick Duffy
Chief Experience Officer
Diamond Resorts International

If you're a Diamond Resorts International victim that wants to end your nightmare... We can help.

Call the Timeshare Exit Hotline: [protected] to learn more and avoid paying anymore maintenance fees.

My Husband and I invested in the Grand Vacation Club, back in the 1990's initially with £5000.00 and then with a further £7000.00 because we were so impressed and everything appeared to live up to the sales pitch. Beautiful Resorts and excellent service. We usually went to Santa Barbara in Tenerife and we were delighted. Gradually however we became disenchanted, as we realised that not all was sweetness and light.
1) At the time of purchase we were particularly encouraged by the " arrangements the company had with airlines, for cheaper flights.
This was withdrawn about 2 years after we were sold our points. We complained and were told it wasn't their fault the airlines pulled out. Therefore they were not able to help.
2) At the time of purchase, we were told that ALL sites advertised in the GVC catalogue, were wholly owned by them and that the locations were exclusively available to GVC members.
We found that ALL resorts were not exclusive and that Thomsons, Cosmos and even self catering individuals were staying on the site. When asked about this we were advised that the sites were not exclusively owned, as we had been told, but only certain rooms were.
As time went by my mother became seriously ill and I had to give up work and become her full time carer. I told the Company ( initially GVC then Sunterra and Diamond resorts) each time the Company changed hands, about the difficulties we were having, the Children didn't want to go, because they were harassed by sales people, and that the clientele was deteriorating, and we were left to pay Annual membership fees that we could not afford, and we were getting nothing in return. I cannot recall the last holiday we were able to go on, even.
We had to pay the fees plus late fees by credit card and now, we are still paying these off, a little at a time.
Eventually we were able to relinquish our Points, as my husband developed Skin Cancer and despite several appeals, this was the only way we could get out of the scheme.
We complained about the system not living up to the sales pitch we had been given at Pine Lake on several occasions, but were dismissed each time.
The Company even tried to say that despite us not being able to travel we could still use the pool and facilities at Pine Lodge so it was still usable for us. Then even that facility was withdrawn. I have just watched undercover boss, and feel that Steven J Cloobeck, seems a really nice and understanding guy, but I don't think he realises the full extent of dissatisfaction and problems the Companies he has taken over, have caused to long term customers, who are now rooing the day they ever heard of GVC, Sunterra and eventually Diamond Resorts. I hope he does do more undercover work, particularly in Europe.

I originally signed up with Pacific Monarch Grand Vacations. They sold me on the fact that even tough they only had 9 resorts that They had a deal with DRI on transferring points to be able to use their 300+ resorts with only a $100 transfer fee. Now DRI has bought out Pacific Monarch. Even tough they now own all the resorts I have to buy into another program at the cost of $8000 to be able to use those 300+ resorts again. So my original $18, 000 was not enough. I can only use the original 9 resorts. On top of that the quarterly fees of just over $100 is now over $300. I have completely paid for my resort fees at a cost of over $30, 000 Fees/interest and only have 9 resorts to show for it and not the 300+ I was sold on.

I may be able to help get you out of your timeshare [protected]

OF COURSE the performance on Undercover Boss was just that ... a performance. You think they're going to be exposed to national TV with the truth of their company? Heck no! I don't see where any one questioned Mr. Pat Duffy's title: "Chief Experience Officer." What in the world is that?! I've been in the corporate world for many years and haven't seen that before. That's like a title a child would create on a play date. This isn't a play date - this is real people, real clients with real money. This IS a scam and it's a shame we can't do anything about it. If anyone comes up with a good solution, I'd be the first to try it out. In the meantime, try to discourage anyone you know from falling in this pit.

Please read this article http://nyti.ms/1K1GAVG. Very interesting reading. Their stock dropped after this article.

I tried to post again but was blocked

I truly hate reading this about DRI. I watch Undercover Boss every time it's on. I have see dozens of CEO's go Undercover on the show but I must say MR Cloobeck truly brought tears to my eyes with the way that he truly cares about his employees, his properties and his guest. To pay for his customers wedding cause a desk clerk wasn't properly trained was very heart warming. The way he treated his employees was truly impressive. I just hope it wasn't, just for TV ratings. I hope I find a resolution in our bad experience at one of his properties. I guess time will tell. I will report back as soon as I hear from someone from DRI. Kengholdonjr@gmail

I recently seen Mr Cloobeck on Undercover Boss and I must say I was very impressed with the way he handled situations he faced while Undercover. He definitely takes care of his employees an it looked as if he cared about his guest. Since then the family and I stayed at the Beach Quarter Resort at Virginiabeach. What an experience. I have tried contacting the HR Dept to no response. So far all I get is the run around. If I don't hear from Mr Cloobeck shortly I'm going to try calling once again. I will update my situation an any response if any that I get. At that time I'll go into the details of our week at this resort . ken Gholson. Marysville Ohio

Your concerns are duly noted...
Fees are decided/budgeted/agreed and voted by HOA's...Not Diamond Resorts International...

I can help you re-learn how best to use your membership...No one on this board can do that for you!

Email me at your convenience------patrick.duffy@diamondresorts.com

Thank you for the opportunity.

Patrick Duffy
Chief Experience Officer
Diamond Resorts International

JC this may explain what I have seen in Tenerife. Perhaps they have a systematic policy of doing thisand that is why the open market rental rates are so far below the maintenance charges. In your case the difference is relatively modest. I found one case in Tenerife where maintenance charges exceed open market rental by 180% ... in other words nearly three times as much. I think that we all feel ripped off.

Dear JC,

I would ike to help you or assist in most any way...I however need to know your concerns to be able to action for you. Please email me your contact information at;

patrick.duffy@diamondresorts.com

Patrick Duffy
Chief Experience Officer
Diamond Resorts nternational

hi all it seems that DRI are rent out almost all the unused appartments for less than our MFs as we own at Garden Lago and for Sept 2011 was going to none members for only £841.51 when we paid just under £1000 for this years MFs so not only where we ripped of when we first got our 2 weeks at £22000 with a lie that we had a 14 day cooling off but are get ripped off with
J C

Hi "Fedup"

Can you point me towards the French case? A precedent may be very useful. Diamond are certainly sensitive about any discussion concerning the use of maintenance fees. They react aggressively if anyone suggests that they are using them for other purposes. See this link: http://www.canyoutrustthem.com/index.php?go=details&id=5899&adv=yes

They also ignore detailed questions about the weekly cost of maintaining any appartment.

It seems to me that Diamond Resorts International must be in a dire financial situation - I certainly hope so! They are unable to maintain their membership as people either die, get declared bankrupt or simply default on maintenance fees that are indefensibly high.

A recent case in France issued punitive damages against a similar company after it was demonstrated that they were using maintenance fees to cover company running costs. This is completely illegal but seems increasingly obvious that of Diamond Resorts may be guilty of the same thing.

This company needs to be brought to account and their immoral practices made even more public. Members, we have all been ripped off, the product we were all sold is not of merchantable quality. If it were, they would be happy to redeem even a fraction of the purchase price paid for points. Instead they seek to enforce an immoral and unethical contract apparently for the 'benefit' of its members...

We need to fight for what is right and decent and see this company exposed for what it really is. - Diamond, you are cheap peddlers, extorter's and completely unethical in your operations. Nothing less than organised crime targeted at the middle classes.

Dear Mr Duffy:

Dear Mr Duffy

I have read the various comments on this blog and would like to ask a simple question.

There has been much discussion about the rises in management fees. Concrete facts seemed to be in short supply. I therefore did some research.

I found that Expedia were offering appartments for rental at the Santa Barbara Golf and Ocen Club in Tenerife. One two bedroom appartment cost £510 for one week at Easter next year (2011). This is far enough in advance that it should reflect standard prices and not any form of special offer.

Looking in the DRI points calendar, one week in a two bed appartment at the Santa Barbara Golf and Ocean Club "costs" members 6500 points. Looking at the invoice that you sent to me for maintenance fees, this would equate to more than £800 in maintenance charges.

It seems from this that you charge around 60% more for maintenence that casual holidaymakers would pay to rent... without the costs of buying points and the annual commitments to DRI.

Looking through the various blogs containing complaints about DRI, it would seem that this is not an isolated situation.

Can you explain why your maintenance charges are so high? I would have expected members to be paying substantially less than casual travellers given that they have paid so much to buy points in the first place and that they are committed to holidaying with you.

I think that we would all appreciate a breakdown of the expenses incurred in maintaining one of your appartments for a week.

Regards

Robin

Have you corresponded with Diamond Resorts? Reads as if you are corresponding with parties that cannot help your situation.
Who did you purchase from? Did you look at the property before buying (Toppers restaurant)?
Who is responsible for the MFees? You or the person you purchsaed from? How did Diamond Resorts come upon your credit card? Did you get a bill from Diamond Resorts International?

Before you write misinformation, your facts should be clear. Please email with your contact information to

patrick.duffy@diamondresorts.com

Patrick Duffy
Chief Experience Officer

For myself and my husband we managed to get out of the ONE room (over 4 hrs - to which they accused us of wasting their time when we kept saying no and would like to leave) of high pressure tactics (after having to polity decline the constant parade of sales persons) only to be hit again when trying to leave and gain our so called gift. when we where assaulted again to BUY BUY BUY ~ to get out of there we did under pressure get the 4 day /3 night that we where told can be combined with the "Free 3 day/ 2 night invitation"! ha what a laugh called 7 days later to book the two 11 months from now and the FIRST thing out of the booking agents mouth was THEY COULD NOT BE USED TOGETHER! ~~ we where Lied to and I have requested a refund and Truly hope to get it but I am very fearful that I have a LONG fight on my hands.

They may have great properties but the way in which it is sold and the unethical tactics used GREATLY takes away from anyone that may want to buy.
we asked for time to think, to review the properties and rating online --- when constantly pressured to BUY NOW should have sent me running because an honest business would not do that! Its sad very sad!

I agree with the complaint. So far my experience is horrible the customer service of trying to book, and alll the false information provided at the presentation. I contacted Mr Duffy via email and phone call but no response. The Sampler they talked me into getting is not what they said it would be. They informed me I would have the same benefits as if I was buying a TS and even showed me a book with all the resorts I could go but well it's not true. Also I was dumb enough to talk my brother into it, because they said we would have the Club select like if we were getting the TS and get discounts in affiliated hotels and flights, but not true either. The cruise they gave us as a gift also they stated it would be available for my family of 4 but also false it's apparently only for 2 adults. At this moment by what I'm reading here I should go the legal way to cancel this sampler that I will not use. In reality I would just want to get out of this and they can even keep the down payment I gave. So I've heard that in Texas they are not in good standings too.

Every post prior to mine is correct. The pressure, the so many people coming to your table to pressure you and even following you to the restroom to check who you talk to. The presetation for me lasted 3+ hours and I was promised that by me getting The Sampler I would have the amenities as if I was already buying, they showed be a book with all the resorts I could go and that made us decide that well yeah we could attend several of them so we could use this. Also that we would have the Club thing which would give us discounts in affiliated hotels and flihhts. But none of it is true. Added on that cruise thing I asked if I could take my two kids and they said that yeah it would be for all of us which is not its only for two adults. Since they had told me all of this I convinced my brother to get it too and they reassured him everything they told me which apparently it would benefit him when he goes to see his kids at Hobbs, NM. I know there is not a resort there but he could use the club thing to get discounts at the hotel he stays. Overall so disappointed with everything, I received a call from someone and just to pretty much tell me that it was on the contract n that I sign and I'm pretty much screwed, not helpful at all. I even tried booking for next March 2017 and nothing was available only in Virginia I believe, but I have no business over there. What can I do, would I have to go the legal way since no one seems to want to help from DRI.

DRI - Cancellation
We attended their presentation in January, and were talked into the sampler packet tryout. However the next month we contacted the main sales guy (bold dude) and told him we do not want it. He insisted we keep and try out. And he said if we still dont want it, we can cancel it. we called back in April, and told him we dont want it. in the mean time i had paid 300 or so into it, but never made a reservation. he still insisted we keep it, and give it a shot. he even told us the best way to use sampler is by going to florida. we have been calling since then, every month to cancel it. the reps are so rude, and they hang up on you. This is just not a good time for me. i would have thought about purchasing DRI maybe, but after my experience this time around, hell no. its sad the kinda customer service they provide. they claim its mortgage loan. its not a mortgage loan, and i do not owe you anything. this was a service tryout, which i do not want to try out anymore. please cancel this and stop ruining my credit. i would appreciate a call or email from someone who can take care of this. its so frustrating. i simply do not want to try out their sample package, and i do not intend to invest into their timeshare anymore. if they can work with me peacefully this time, maybe by next year i can re-think their package...but its so hard to talk to their rude reps. in this hard economy people do not even know how to appreciate good customers.

please DRI, if you care about your costomers a bit, call me or email me:
s_anand@comcast.net
[protected].

My name is Dana Close. My husband, Steve, has been going back and forth
with you regarding the mix up with what we were sold by Diamond
Resorts. We would like to obtain a refund of our 2700.00, unless we are
able to go to Maui this June, as we were told.

Bottom line: As with the people in the above complaints, we were sold something that does not exist.

I overheard my husband talking with you. As I expected he was very
polite and easy to deal with. I think you can tell by now that we are
intelligent and reasonable people with an understanding of business
transactions. We know that unfortunately you have our initials on a little
line.

But, I would like to you to hear my perspective on this. This is one
that my husband did not, and would not, share with you. I am making
every effort to appeal to your humanity at this point. I respectfully
ask that you look at this case as a human being, and not as an
individual charged with looking at details of a contract.

Here is what you don't know: As we explained to our sales rep initially,
we have a son who has been quite ill and physically challenged all his
life. This trip was for him and the timing was critical. Our son was
born with an immune deficiency which caused him to have severe allergic
asthma, as well being unable to fight off viruses. He has been in and
out of the hospital and on breathing machines and copious amounts of
drugs all his life. He was also born with a deformity in his lower legs.
Last summer we began the reconstruction process of realigning his
bones. Needless to say, he spent much of his first year of high school
in a wheel chair with pins and metal plates holding his legs together.
That was only phase one. Phase two requires rebuilding both feet. And
then back in a wheel chair for another school year. (I will certainly
show you our hospital bills and his xrays in case you think I am lying
to you.)

Steve and I promised our son that we would take him to Hawaii where he
could breathe fresh air and snorkel around before he goes in the
hospital again.

You can not imagine the level of disappointment we feel knowing we spent our precious vacation money with your company.

I just shared with you the amount of medical challenges our son faces.
Believe me when I tell you that the financial burden (even with health
insurance) is staggering.

So you see, to you, this trip is just another vacation that you sell.
Just another 2700 bucks. Another contract and some strangers on the
phone that changed their minds. It's nothing.

To us, it was a way to offer a bit of paradise to our child, who has been through hell.

So, again I appeal to your humanity. Please, don't drop the ball with
this. Please give us our money back or, help us to get to Hawaii this
summer like we were sold. But, do not take away our ability to provide
our son with relief from this nightmare.

I hope you now see that this is much more than managing a problem
customer. This is where things get real. I implore you to do the right
thing.

Thank you for your consideration,

Dana Close

It continues to this day. I just returned from a 4 hour "Owners Update". Again they are using misleading tactics about the benefits of switching from a deed to a trust. They are really pushing the ease of getting out of your time share contract for your survivors upon death. They are reluctant to acknowledge that the full benefit of the trust is mainly for DRI to be able to take control of your asset at your death and resell it promptly. For me to give up this asset I only have to buy 2500 points at $5.03 a point. Hey if I use their
loan deal the interest rate is only 16.99%!

Unlike some I am fairly flexible so I have only had isolated issues with booking. My original purchase was through Sunterra in Hawaii. Thank God Hawaiian law is pretty good for timeshare deeded owners. Do not lose your deeded ownership. I am not an attorney but without a deeded ownership the real estate laws are much more gray. Here are a couple of questions to ask should you decide to go to an "update".

1. Are you and your survivors a named "trustee" in the Diamond Trust that they are requesting you transfer your deed into? If not you and your survivors are transferring your asset to DRI.
2. Is this a "quit claim deed" transfer?
3. Where is the deed transfer to the trust being recorded? If you bought in a particular state and like the laws of that state the deed transfer needs to be recorded in that state. Otherwise, DRI might transfer it into a state with laws that benefit the DRI Corp verses the owner.
4. Who pays the maint fees while the deed transfer is completed? Probably you and/or your estate.
5. Can your survivors still book through DRI during the deed transfer process?
6. What happens to current reservations and point value on the year of your death in the trust?

I hope this helps. There is a time to consult a real estate attorney. If I had a larger investment at DRI I would be on the phone to one.

I was just in Sedona June 20 for 24 hours
My sisters and I were inquiring with various jeep tour companies the cost
At the end of the strip we came across a red jeep tour co. Rep...we thought
Asked questions about a jeep tour and was invited to receive free jeep tour in exchange for a 90 min commitment to diamond resorts tour...declined until offered that and free lodging that night
Next morning I did my part but then was greeted by a nice young man who recently lost his daughter ... Among other tragedies! I felt like we made a connection
Tho the offers were attractive I cont. to say NO, I CAN'T
then in comes the manager, we too made a connection... I was offered a friends and family pkg...too good to be true
I said no
Then lastly, a corporate rep enters...I was special...I cave... It was all in a hurry
I kept saying...my head is spinning
My family waiting on me
Then I get a whole in my stomach
Signed contracts...
I read these posts
Now I am sick
I think I have 3 days to rescind
I plan to notify them and do just that
It was too fast and I am in no position
If they were genuine as I believed surely this can be resolved

Dear Les Mulvania:
Thank you for contacting Diamond Resorts International®.
We are sorry to learn of your negative experience at our newly acquired Mystic Dunes Resort. However our records indicate you participate in our Trial Membership Program, Sampler.
Although we would like to help make this situation better, we are not able to from this department. We apologize for this inconvenience . For the most accurate and efficient assistance, we ask you to direct all inquiries to the Sampler Department directly. They may be reached, toll-free at 1.888.208.6025.
Should you have further questions regarding this or any other matter, you may reply to this email or contact our staff at [protected] from the US or [protected] from the UK. Thank you for your request, and we look forward to serving your future vacation needs.
Sincerely,
Joseph Scott | Direct Guest Correspondent | Diamond Resorts International® | Tel: 877.374.2582
Original Message Follows: ------------------------

Hello Robert;

I would like to share my first unpleasant experience at the Mystic Dunes Resort, Celebration, FL.

I understood that I must stay at one of the 13 Sampler locations to enable the access to ‘The Club Select’.
>We arrived at the resort at 4 PM and were in the room at 5 PM.
>It was about 95 degrees F and we wanted to relax with a beverage.
>The freezer was turned off, I turned it on and expected ice in about 12 hours.
>I could not find an ice bucket so I used a pitcher and went to the building vending...no ice machine.
> I called the desk and explained the off freezer and requested ice to be delivered.
>After 45 minutes of waiting I drove to the check-in and asked the concierge for ice...he said he does not do ice...and sent me to the club house.
>The bar tender at the club house(contract service) gave me a bag of ice.
>I returned to the room at 6:30 PM, and someone had placed a bag of ice in the freezer.
>I turned on my computer and found private WIFI only, the office said they do not have WIFI, and to use the ethernet. The ethernet was so slow I turned it off.
>The next morning I opened the freezer to find the ice had melted...
>At 7 AM I went to the check-in and asked for a new room, and we packed_up and moved.
>The ethernet was laboriously slow, 15 minutes to open a MapQuest graphic...
>We went to the obligatory meeting a 1:30 PM, in a room with a dozen tables, back_ground music and children.
>I asked if I could have access to Interval’s 2000 locations and was told I would have to purchase a Membership, the Sampler was good for Diamond Club Select only on a week basis.
>We told Milessa that we did not plan any week long visits in the near future and wanted 2 & 3 day stays. We found that we must pay for 8 days...
>Milessa simply wanted to discuss the power of points, she never asked if we were having a pleasant stay at Mystic.
>So, for $11, 000 we get 2500 points and must spend $787 for HOA (at 5.38 dollar conversion HOA costs 4234 points, per year and no price protection).
>We told her that the Membership did not fit into our plans and we wanted out of the program. I asked about the $2295 I paid for the Sampler and was told I could use the points...
>She said I must sign a release, I asked why and release from what... she then left, so my wife and I went to the Golf Course for an attitude adjustment.
>At 6PM when we returned to our room, our access card did not work. We went back to the check_in and asked for new cards, some gal for the back returned and asked us who changed our rooms, I told here about the freezer and the clerk at 7 AM that morning.
>I checked_out the next morning and asked for an ‘evaluation sheet’, I was told I would receive it in my E-Mail folio. There was no evaluation sheet.

All in all, it was an unpleasant experience, and my wife and I have no desire to return to a Diamond Resort.
If anyone asks me about Diamond Resorts, I will explain my $2295 Sampler experience.

Les Mulvania

My wife and I attended an Update session a few days ago and declined to purchase additional points. Then the "Corporate Guy" came in and told us that if we purchased his Sampler for $2295 we wouldn't need points in the future since we could use the Club Select resorts for cash at deeply discounted rates. The Sampler provided 15, 000 points (applicable to a specific sub-set of the Diamond properties, valid for 18 months which he said would be extended if needed). After the first Sampler points vacation we could book any resort within Club Select for cash. He stated Club Select access would be valid forever, even if we sold our existing points. The business rationale cited was we would draw new members to the system when friends/family vacationed with us over the years.

I am concerned that resort availability will be a problem when I actually try to book, both the 15K sampler points and Club Select, that the Club Select access will be altered or costs much higher than rates cited in the book corporate showed us (which included resorts from Marriott and several other companies). Does anyone have specific experience with the above issues? I can still cancel my purchase for a few more days.

I have had several good experiences with DRI resorts, but do question whether the value is commensurate to the cost incurred. I realize many people are disgusted with the TS industry in general (and DRI in particular in light of recent events). I also own a Hilton Grand Vacation Club timeshare, Hilton seems a little less sleazy to me than DRI.

I have attended w/ my husband a DRI presentation today. We were promise over the phone a spinning wheel prize that would consist of one of the following prizes:
1) Tickets for Disneyland.
2) Tickets for Carnival Cruise.
3) Three days, two nights to Las Vegas.
BE AWARE...this is not true. The receptionist that was suppose to make assist us with those prizes told us that they did not did the spinning wheel anymore. Can you imagine, if they are already lying to you from the start...I can't really imagine what else can they be hiding once you purchase their time share.
Sooo HAPPY I got out from it before they could convince me.

GOOD LUCK to all the honest people that got involved with this scam.

Aysha