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Elite Island resorts "give" trips away to fundraisers. The people attending bid A LOT OF $ on what they believe is a "win."
I wanted to relay something that resulted from a recent event.
Elite Island Resorts was one of the top prizes. Myself and a friend poured in more than $150 to obtain a chance at this “prize.” There WAS a disclaimer provided to alert anyone bidding that they were responsible for addtl charges and cost were involved, airfare was also the responsibility of the “winner.” We understood all that.
What we didn’t understand was, if we went directly online(minus the $150 plus we invested to “WIN”…a complete waste), we could easily get the whole package(including airfare for some dates) MUCH cheaper. In fact, the “winning” prize was more of an advertisement for the company and NO GAIN at all to the “winner”. I can’t say that this is true for ALL dates travelled since I did not check 2014. But from the time of “winning” through Dec 31st, there is not ONE TRAVEL week where the “winning prize” is any benefit.
I urge you NOT to use this company for ANY EVENTS. I know everything was done with good intentions. However, this is incredibly disappointing.
I contacted Elite Island Resort directly. I spoke to and emailed the President, Steve Heydt([protected]@eliteislandresorts.com). He was smug, pompous and actually giggled while I expressed my concern and disgust for the advertising. He noted the disclaimer. I was and am aware. He also noted I could use the certificate at another time when the rates may be higher? Really? When might that be? For a 6 period time---there is NO cheaper advantage or winning.
I see as a “scam.”
The owner of the company-Elite Island resorts-laughed(literally...a loud chuckle) when contacted about the feelings the "winner" had. He was pompous, arrogant and confirmed that, IN FACT...; you could get the whole package cheaper ONLINE rather than the "winning" bid. I URGE you to do your homework and do better research. Semantics or not---it is a SCAM.
Additionally-the response from elite is further incorrect (again, do better homework). air fare was not included. hence, your full packages online are cheaper. this is not a win. its a loss!
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Dear guests & consumer,
Please know that we strongly disagree with the complaint left by this individual.
Elite island resorts has been providing world-class caribbean vacations — and supporting charities and non-profits — for over 25 years.in the past few years alone, we have helped thousands of non-profits with their fundraising efforts on a local and national basis.
This is absolutely not a scam.
The non-profit asked us to donate a free week at one of our caribbean resorts, and we were happy to do so.
All the guest had to pay for was their food and beverage. they received a beautiful room, on a fantastic beach, and all the activities and amenities — and they helped a very worth non-profit at the same time.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to visit us online or give us a call directly. we full stand behind all our resorts, and our longstanding support of non-profits.
Sincerely,
Elite island resorts
I disagree with the scam claim placed here. I purchased a certificate at a christian pre-school fundraiser. the certificate is for "up to 2 rooms" for a week and clearly states that the $125.00 upcharge per person per day for the all inclusive must be paid. time had lapsed and when I was finally able to plan a trip for just one of the rooms, after getting my plane flights locked in and paid, for dates that the resort had open online, I then went to reserve the room and my certificate had expired about a month prior. I contacted the headquarters via email and the staff was more then pleasant and accommodating. honored my certificate, booked for 9 nights instead of 7 to meet my airfare booking with no extra charge for the extra nights except the all inclusive fee. I upgraded to a beach front room and paid the upgrade fee which was very reasonable along with the all inclusive fee. the staff was not only pleasant but responsive in a very quick fashion also. when I received email communications back after the booking, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my second week will still be honored at a later date for another booking at any of the elite island resorts. let me also add that my booking in antigua is during the busy season of spring break march. I checked all travel sites and there is no way I could book this same hotel room for the same amount I am now paying. even with the upgraded room my cost is about 50% of the current published available rates on expedia, trip advisor, orbitz and the rest. the only hiccup that I see is that the better restaurant will have a surcharge per person every time we want to eat in it. the surcharge is probably close to what a meal would cost. we are traveling there in about 6 weeks and I have no concerns, worries or feelings that someone scammed me or ripped me off as people have said here. and I paid - donated - a lot more money for my certificate then the person here did. I wonder if the person here called with an attitude to start and possibly got the attitude back? not condoning that for service but my experience is just so so different. I thank elite islands resorts and the rep chrissy that helped me. now lets work on that upcharge for eating in a restaurant after you pay the all inclusive fee. I won't mind it if the inclusive restaurants are fine, or the surcharge isn't actually full price for the dinner served.
This just happened to me and my friends! its a complete scam. elite is giving you nothing! it is cheaper to book on your own than the "prize". no one should use this company. I will be spreading the word! scam scam scam scam
Oh god. I just donated $3500 to a charity for 2 of these certificates! How could a respectable charity like Hospice present this prize?! Im afraid to even go down there. What can I do to get out? Write me klemmo384@gmail.com
Tina W, , As you can see from my previous statement, I would disagree. However, your statement doesn't provide much detail for the "scam' claim. I still have another week of unused vacation for Elite Island Resorts and do plan on using it. Maybe you have information that would change my mind?
Its obvious you are employed by Elite
I think the complainers are missing the purpose of the fund-raiser...
We have used Elite Island Resort for our annual gala and fund raiser and have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support our programs.
The purpose of bidding on the package is to support the organization. The fact that you get a trip to Antigua or another island for your donation is a "plus".
Most items, including the Elite Island Resort package, that we auction in both our silent and live auction sell for more than their listed value.
What am I missing? I read the complaints above and not one of them mentions that their not-for-profit organization benefited from the auctioning of the Elite Isand package.
Agree with JM Boston. My friend's mother 'won' an Elite Island package from a silent auction with the expectation that she would be giving it away as a gift. Therefore, my friend and I got the trip, and even were able to invite another couple, only having to pay $125/night per person for an ill inclusive wonderful vacation, while she was able to write off the donation for charity.
Which resort?
My trip certificate was not won but was purchased willingly with all of the knowledge of having to pay the 125.00 per person per day additional and airfare and local transportation, etc etc. yes the christian preschool made some money from my purchase at their fundraiser. and yes I was happy with the trip to elite resorts in antigua for a week. I have another week remaining and will try another resort of the elite group. quite honestly, I may have never stayed at elite resorts if it wasnt for this charity's event and the purchase of the certificate. you may ask if we have experience with all inclusive resorts, and I would say that for the last 20 or so years we have stayed at 3 a year scattered all over the caribbean, mexico and costa rica and elite did not disappoint.
The difference is that there would typically be some type of additional benefit for being involved with a charity (such as including all water sports or including the other restaurant that would typically cost additional money). I have seen better deals with timeshare presentations than some charity events. The point of the charity is to raise the most money by make the item appealing to the bidder for a win-win situation. The bidder has donated to a great cause and they get a great vacation. No one wants to feel scammed. The company (Elite) should do a better job at making sure the winning bidders do not feel scammed. Paying more than the advertised price is no way comfortable for anyone. It would make sense to match the advertised price at least. I will be sure to let the charity that I got mine from know of the buyer remorse that comes with this item.
I was scammed last night out of about $2, 300 total and appreciate your candor. I will be putting the word out myself as a volunteer of many charities over the last 16 yrs... I will also be writing articles since this scam does more damage than good. -One of the Golden Rules of Marketing is "Do a good thing and a customer tells another, do a bad thing and they tell a hundred..." - Elite is to busy lining their pockets to learn this and I hope they get what they deserve. My bad experience from last night's charity event is in the comments below.
For sure notify your charity of your feelings. my attitude is exactly the same as yours that the charity makes it sound as good as possible to raise as much as possible, and sometimes that does distort the actual wining item. the charity that I purchased mine from was clear in the description that it did not include airfare and an all inclusive fee had to be paid. I purchased mine for the charity and received something of value even if it was not the value I gave to the charity. sounds to me like the charity that auctioned your package, must have polished the package up a little and possibly did not disclose the true cost of using it. it certainly was not a free trip and when I bid on mine I knew that so my outlook is quite different then yours. my wife and I went to antigua st james club and even paid additional for a room upgrade and we did enjoy it. it was a delightful resort.
The idea is that it is a special package. The resort should not package a value for the hotel stay to the charity such as (This is valued at $2, 100) when there is actually no value. The winning bidder is purchasing the item at the same rate if not higher than a general consumer that buys a hotel package online. And who knows if the resort is actually claiming these "donations" as tax-cuts (when they are actually not giving anything away). That is the issue here. All they did was use a charity to get consumers to book their hotel. You are better off just donating the money to the charity and booking the hotel online at a cheaper rate. Then donate your certificate to the next charity so they can use the piece of paper to raise money (however, do not recommend actually using the actual paper- because it is of no value). It is like advertisers who say "EVERYDAY LOW PRICE" but the item is actually higher when compared to the store across the street. Or the buy one for $1.99 or 3 for $6 that people fall for all the time.
I just won one. I paid 500 bucks for 7 nights. The flyer on display at the event stated in very fine print that additional charges might apply...something like that. It also stated it would cost 100 bucks more to get certain dates and upgrades they didn't say per person. When we got home and read the little card they actually gave us we learned it would be an extra 125.oo per person, per night (there are five of us) That if 4275.oo for a seven day stay not including the 3500.00 air fair. All together 8370.00 for vacation, not including excursions. I am not sure what I won exactly when I checked the site the room is only 355.00 a night. They paperwork claims it's 1200.00 a night to stay there. I would rather not have the all inclusive package but they force you to take it. We do not eat 650.00 worth of food a day and I can pack my own snorkel. I am feeling sad and duped, that was a lot of money for our family, we thought we were supporting a good cause (we were) and getting a much needed family vacation but I am feeling sad and duped. I am calling them on monday, hopefully they will make it fair...
I recently purchased two packages from Elite, I have yet to book and I have three years in which to use them. I was a little disappointed that I only received additional information after I paid for the vouchers (although this is not necessarily the fault of Elite). I have not travelled much and when I read the 115 USD per day per person, I thought no problem, great deal since this was my gift to myself for graduating my masters and I am travelling solo. However, after I purchased, I was told that no, it would cost me 230 per day for the all inclusive as the minimum is two people. So this was disappointing, since there is no way I can eat and drink 230 worth a day, I wouldn't even eat and drink 115 per day.
Another to note, before you purchase the package because you are enticed with the activities, do a quick internet search. One of the trips is to Panama at the beautiful little boutique that has been given great reviews for the most part. I was excited because I could do the hike to the volcano and waterfalls, only to find out that the trips require you to be in top shape. I have been to Costa Rica and did hiking there and had no problem, but in Panama it looks like it will be a bit too dangerous for me given I have bad knees from an injury. Now I am disappointed that I won that auction item and wish I could exchange it for something else.
The other trip is to St. Lucia (same double occupancy rules when paying daily inclusive fee), when I went online I found that I didn't save much money buy bidding on the voucher (there were minimum bids set), however, I am not paying any more either and a part of the proceeds went to charity.
I think a lot of the problems here can be solved by the people holding the auctions providing better information at the time of the bidding; this would reduce buyers remorse, and bring expectations in line.
Does anyone know the possibility of exchanging a voucher with Elite? I really don't feel able to do the Panama trip now, but would be willing to accept another vacation instead.
My "prize" was displayed in a frame during the auction time. the front portion of the card in the frame stated that I was bidding on 7 nights of accommodation for up to two rooms double occupancy at a four star caribbean all inclusive resort. sounds fantastic for a grand prize right? a trip for four with two free rooms at an all inclusive caribbean resort?! wow! all of the other information about the trip however was on the back of the card. since it was in a frame, all the information regarding any additional fees/, and any other important things that I should have known before bidding were not viewable... such as the required extra all inclusive fees portion of the package that you have to pay for yourself which is a total of $115 per person/ per day for 7 days, and that the 7 night accommodation room fee that seemed like you were getting for free for a week only goes up to $1, 050 dollars per room (but looking at random booking dates i've seen some of the least expensive rooms during non peak periods go for $3, 500 or more — so I would also have to cover the rest of that room amount too), as well as being required to pay for my airfare, transport to and from the airport, and any taxes. if I wanted to go during certain peak weeks that's an additional $100 per person/ per night, and if I wanted an upgraded room that's another $30 per night plus tax. when you go to a silent auction and bid on prizes, you physically win the whole prize. it's all yours. if it's a gift certificate - it's for the amount it says. if it's a ps4 you get the ps4 — no fees, no catch, no additional purchases needed. when a grand prize is a vacation that says you are getting a 7 night accommodation to an all inclusive resort... you expect to get that. I can see paying the additional airfare because there are different pricing points depending on the airline, class, time, and where you are traveling from, I can see paying an upgrade fee for a suite. I might even understand a peak period fee, but the whole total for the cost of a room whenever you decide to go, the all inclusive fees and the transport fee should be included. either that or the information that you will not receive any of that and that and it is your responsibility to pay for those things as well as how much those fees cost should be very clear on the front of the prize card too so that you know while bidding exactly what you are bidding on. otherwise I would have bid on a ps4 or something that I didn't have to pay extra money for to use. this "prize" is basically a bait tactic to get me to vacation there when I normally wouldn't. it's essentially a coupon... but it's not even really a coupon because you aren't actually getting a deal. here's my point: there is a package deal with a 45% discount on the resort website right now that includes everything that's not included in my prize. the website deal includes a fully paid room, two non stop roundtrip flights that had $300 off because you book through the resort, two all inclusive fees paid for the week, and transport paid for all for a grand total of $3, 800! that is less than I would have to pay just to cover the extra costs of the trip not included in the prize coupon! do you remember me saying that when I looked at the rooms alone, the cheapest I found was $3, 500? to book that room with the "prize" code it will only cover $1050 of that $3, 500 room so i'd be paying $2, 450 just for that room! then i'd have to pay the $115 all inclusive fee per person/ per 7 days which is an additional $1, 610. I read online that taxi's to the hotel are $80, and back to the airport another $80 — so that's another $160 bucks to add on to my "prize" trip. so... to use this "prize" i'd pay $4220 and that does not include the additional airfare that the resort package is including. through researching purchasing airfare for my prize during all different times, months, and years on my own i've seen roundtrip flights vary from $600 to $1200 per person economy class with no non stop flights! some flights were 14 hrs with layovers. they were more expensive than the non stop airfare included in the resort website package deal from the hotel! so theoretically I could be paying $6, 620 for this "prize" rather than the $3, 800 hotel website 45% package deal! why would I use the coupon prize? if I don't use my prize... then why would I pay $3, 800 to go on a vacation there when I wasn't thinking of going there anyway unless it was something I won and maybe only had to pay extra for the airfare? that's why people feel scammed! yes I went to a fundraiser, but the fundraiser gives out real prizes. I could have put my ticket in the 50 inch screen tv bucket and maybe walked out with the tv and nothing else to pay for, or a coach bag, or a watch, etc etc! it's not okay to portray the prize as a deal with no hidden fees before bidding, and it's not okay to offer an extremely cheaper rate on the resort page rendering the prize even more useless. it's insulting. it's the equivalent to someone leaving a flyer on my door or windshield to advertise using their landscaping company or eat at their restaurant... only I had to spend $20 to get them to leave me the flyer.
Agreed! It is nothing more than advertising for the company that WE get duped into paying for. Deceptive indeed. Please do contact the place that supplied you with this "prize" to share your feelings.
I won one last night and all is said was ThenVerandah Resort & Spa (7 night stay) . I did not know it was an all inclusive with a fee. I did not expect airfare to be included either, but I did call today and voucher is good for 3 rooms, all have to pay the $125 plus 15% tax. It was still a savings of $1460 per couple. Now in retrospect I was under impression that I won a week with no small print. Still deciding if I want to invest in another Caribbean vacation.
I won 3 auction bids on these All Inclusive trips minus air fare last night only to find out exactly what this article is saying... My credit card company will be getting a call when I am done crying... I've not had a vacation in 15 yrs with the family caregiving along with a severe injury in which I could not work during both
I received (5) trips through Elite to use for our non-profit's auction coming up later this month and I work for a hotel, so I feel I may have a bit more of an understanding here than some others who've held fundraisers for their non-profit. Elite clearly stipulates on all the promotional materials that the non-profit organization receives that there are additional fees - including airfare and a per person surcharge. In fact, it's outlined in several places...on the award letter, the trip placards, and the certificates, themselves. I read this and immediately realized that fees could cost people several hundred dollars and it was very apparent that we can't "auction" these vacations to the highest bidder. It would have been wonderful to see that income for our organization, but as many of you have said, it seems your paying for a vacation twice (at least). Instead, we are going to raffle each trip at $25 per ticket. I think that people will certainly feel that they supported our cause by contributing a modest $25 to our organization & won't feel duped. The point of my post is simply that I believe the resort is providing the information to the non-profit...but it may not be registering with those running the event. Often, these events are run by well-meaning volunteers. It may not be clear just how much the "winner" has to shell out in order to claim their trip.
I am sorry that so many negative replies have been posted here - and I would feel EXACTLY the same way had I donated a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to an organization and then have to shell out the same money again in order to take the trip. I hope I'm on the right track opting to proceed with a raffle -- clearly disclosing the additional fees. Your comments and feedback have been helpful. Should you happen to read this post and want to offer any additional advice, it would be welcomed. Thank you.
I am very curious how your event turned out. Were the people who won the trip in the raffle happy about their prize? Did many people participate in the raffle knowing about the additional fees? My organization wants to use the Elite Islands Resorts donations since we have them, but we are unsure if the packages will actually sell or be of much value to the winner since they will have to put in so much money just to take the trip. I really feel duped by Elite as they never disclosed these astronomical fees on their website when they are offering donations to non-profits. The organizations only find out about them after they receive what they believe is an amazing donation. It is really disappointing.
Thank you for this. My organization just received this to use at an event. I was trying to find reviews to figure out how exactly to use this. Personally, I think it sounds wonderful. I leave next week for a semi-inclusive trip where we paid about $2k per person for my family of 5 ($10k for 7 nights for semi-inclusive [breakfast and dinner included], not counting air-fare). The donation we received will cost the winners $115-$140 per night per person for an all inclusive stay. It says this covers taxes and gratuities. So a 7 day trip for two could cost at most $1960 (plus airfare). This is 7 nights at a nice resort, breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcohol! Less than $1000 per person! I know first hand that it is a wonderful deal. Airfare is very seldom included in a vacation package unless you go through a website that bundles everything. Even if they paid $500 for the certificate, that would still put the cost at $1250 per person for the room, all food and drink and taxes and gratuities. I can't help but compare this to my trip to the Bahamas next week and know it's a great deal. But given our event, we will likely follow suit to what your event did and just raffle them off for a lower dollar amount. It will still help our foundation AND will provide a great prize for someone. And I would like to say, we as the foundation are very aware of the costs. If people knew about the cost in advance, and did some research, they would see that this is in no way a scam, but a fantastic opportunity for a family seeking a vacation.
I think that if you are going to offer this "prize" then you must be very transparent with the hidden fees. Otherwise your patrons will end up feeling deceived like I did. Had I known it would cost me $3, 000 per room to redeem my "prize" I never would have entered the raffle. Who would in that case?! Especially when you can go online and book the trip through Tripadvisor for the same rate without a prize certificate.
I just went to a fundraiser, and bid $200 on one of these trips. I am a teacher, and wanted to support the private school for which I work. I am disappointed and I feel misled by Elite Island Resorts. I understand the card at the silent auction table said there would be additional fees and taxes to pay, but I can give the school the $200, get an all inclusive package in the Dominican Republic with airfare and taxes included, and still come out with more money in my pocket. This is a scam, and I am surprised that this company hasn't been closed down. The resort location I "won" is so secluded that it is very expensive to fly to in addition to the $120 per guest per night plus taxes! I would recommend that no one use this company! Give the money to the non-profit organization, and don't allow this company to make another dime off the backs of legitimate places looking to fund worthy causes!
I just got back from one of these trips from Elite Resort Travel and it was fantastic. We got it at an auction for a nonprofit. We paid $1000 for the week all of which went to AFSP. I knew exactly what I was getting and knew there were additional expenses and airfare . We paid $115 /day/person. That included 3 delicious meals, beer, wine, soda, water 24/7, and 6 amazing excursions. We went to a coffee plantation, bee farm, zip lining, bird watching, hiking the hanging bridges and white water rafting. We did a few extra and paid a little more but they were well worth it. The staff was so nice and accommodating. I would definitely do this again. I think the company is not at fault. The nonprofits are responsible to explaining the auction item. I think the key here is 100% of your donation goes to your nonprofit. The trip was a bonus!
Which resort? We prefer adults only and are having a hard time choosing! Would appreciate your input.
I agree 100% with LaurenNJ of Ridgewood, US. It is now 2023 and this unethical business is still doing the same thing! Ripping off consumers trying to do a good thing by bidding then getting told its much more ! They are a crappy company and the responses I received were unprofessional. BiddingForGood will be my next call!
This "prize" is really just free advertising for the resort. I won this "prize" yesterday and was SO EXCITED thinking I had won a trip. What I really won was the right to pay $6, 000 for my family of 5 to take a trip. Between the $230/ per day charge per double occupancy room plus taxes & airfare - this is no prize. In fact, I went onto TripAdvisor and can get this same price without my special prize certificate code. I feel deceived by the people who held this fundraiser and I've contacted them to strongly suggest they stop offering this "prize" going forward.
Do not offer this at your fundraising event, it is deceptive. There is nothing special about "winning" a trip that you have to then pay thousands to redeem.
And I'd be willing to bet that these positive reviews are by the same people who run the resorts that offer these "prizes"
jtay451 negative. I work with a non profit in madison ohio . We recently raffled 2 of these vacations off. I checked out the company and the resorts before doing so. I also made it very clear on the paperwork of the additional fees. So I see where some people are upset of the additional fees, probably not presented as such to them. But when fundraising you do everything you can to get the exciting packages to raffle off to make the most money for your charity. Most people would not just give the charity $1200 dollars but will give $5 for a chance to win a trip they have to pay $1200 dollars for. Just my observation. I hope my winners use their certificates and let me know if it was a good time and was worth it.
We received this packet at our non-profit - and, even though it says "per your request"... we never requested it. there's a lot of back and forth here - but, while it might not be a full-on scam (it actually does exist) it is an advertising and marketing scheme that is purposefully enticing - but, as others have stated, doesn't really save the person any money over purchasing the package themselves online. I give them credit - it's brilliant. good people who work for non-profit social agencies are generally trusting people... and, won't do the additional research. any donation that comes with this much fine print is one that a non-profit should stay away from. even with fully stating the extra charges up-front to your donors - if they find out they could have bought this on their own, cheaper, you will have lost credibility. it's not an illegal scam, but it certainly is short on ethics. never take a chance on something that smells even slightly off...
Unfortunately I got stung by this too!
Elite island Resorts donated nothing. This deceptive and they are playing unethically.
I agree with OP. Scam. I "won" this silent auction and no where in the listing did it read $125 per person/per night charge, it only said "additional fees". When I looked online later to review hotel "won" I found you can book direct same price. So it's basically just giving your charity/organization a donation which was the purpose of the "fundraiser" to begin with but this company is absolutely not "DONATING" anything. Scam!
Yes! It’s a scam and I paid a very high amount of money for basically a piece of paper because Elite values the voucher at a high price. I’m so mad at myself for letting this happen. How is this a deal if the supplement cost is basically the price of the trip if you book online? If you go to any travel sites like Cheap Caribbean or Expedia it’s the same price as the supplement charges! If you book early enough you lose more money missing out on promos. Elite tries to say they cover the room with the voucher and the supplement is the food, drink and entertainment but what they don’t understand is that we can all do math and it’s not a deal! We bid in the auction $$$ plus the cost of an entire trip in the supplements so it’s not a deal. It’s a loss a huge loss for me. Shame on you!
WHAT A SCAM!
$115 per person per night additional fees.
Cannot get customer service on the line. Threatened to call the better business bureau.
I just got scammed last night on 3 trips at Love for Kids Charity benefit in Dallas. Once I was home, I opened the vouchers to read this BS about the ALL INCLUSIVE 'nightly supplement of $125 to $150 per person per night on ALL THREE TRIPS! I could actually choose my destination from my 'Bucket list for this amount as stated by the author of this article. (Thank you for your candidness by the way so I can call my credit card company to have this disputed. It is unfortunate that they are still doing this) I am calling my credit card company to dispute along with looking into legal pursuings since I was given the actual brochure of each from the auction that clearly shows false advertisement. Canceling on a credit card is not difficult by any means so I encourage others to do so after speaking with their charity that had these at auction. - Unfortunately, I was a volunteer at the at the event and not a wealthy Dallasite. I thought my years of volunteering paid off and caregiving for family had rewarded me in more than personal growth only to find myself wiping away tears at 2am in this morning...
Elite Island certificates is definitely NOT a scam. All I see here is a bunch of cheapskates trying to get a week all inclusive stay in the Caribbean for minimal cost. Elite Island Resorts has great resorts and lovely people working there to make your trip wonderful.
I have supported local charities and been lucky enough to have won 7 Elite Certificates. Each time the certificate was displayed and the fine print was pointed out. Maybe the issue is the charity not making you aware of the fine print. That blame does not fall on Elite Island.
I cannot believe people have the audacity to complain about $125 per night per person for all inclusive. The amount of food and/or cocktails alone is worth more than $125 pp/pn. Not to mention the room and free water sports/activities that are included. Their best prices online are $300 plus pp/pn.
Dependent on the island, I’ve actually paid more for airfare than the 7 night stay with with one of the Elite Certificates. Those who are complaining clearly do not understand the expense that it takes to travel all inclusive to the Caribbean. If you find a better deal than $125 pp/pn for a 4 or 5 star resort then please, by all means, post a picture to back your claim of a “scam.”
These certificates are not a scam. A bidder needs to read the fine print and make an appropriate bid knowing the details. I am heading on my fourth elite trip tomorrow and so excited to go. I am actually saving significant money vs going online to book. Every Elite hotel I have stayed at has been lovely. The food quality varies a bit. Bid accordingly knowing there are additional costs. It is not Elites fault people don’t read the fine print.
Anybody want to pool together for class action fraud? I have a copy of the flyer for the two rooms I won and the valuation does not equate to anything. The nightly room rate cost is identical whether I bid at the charity auction or not.