The quest to identify the worst timeshare companies has brought up multiple sources highlighting those with a high volume of customer complaints, legal issues, and overall dissatisfaction. Based on detailed analyses from Money Inc and the Centerstone Group, the worst timeshare companies include a mix of large and small players in the industry, each with its own set of issues that have led to customer grievances. Here’s a consolidated overview based on the findings from these sources:
- Wyndham Vacation Resorts: This company has faced lawsuits for misleading information about benefits and aggressive marketing tactics. Customers have reported being defrauded both during and after signing contracts.
- Diamond Resorts: Known for violating the Consumer Fraud Act, this company has been sued for providing misleading information during sales presentations and for its aggressive sales practices.
- Westgate Resorts: Accused of misleading customers during the sales process and overselling timeshare units, leading to booking difficulties for customers.
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations: This company has faced lawsuits for selling timeshares that were difficult to book and had significant annual increases in maintenance fees despite claims to the contrary.
- Bluegreen Corporation: Known for being unresponsive and engaging in high-pressure sales activities, this company has also faced legal actions for reporting timeshare delinquent accounts as foreclosures.
Other notable mentions include:
- Timeshare Owners Relief LLC: Criticized for illegal aggressive selling tactics and providing misleading information.
- Marriott Vacations Worldwide: This company has a high volume of complaints related to locking customers into timeshare deals with little to no exit options and high-pressure sales tactics.
- Timeshare Users Group: Though it operates as a forum for timeshare information, it’s been accused of favoring certain companies and misleading customers.
- Shell Vacation Club and Vida Vacations: Both have been called out for issues like high renewal fees, misleading sales presentations, and lack of transparency in contract terms.
These rankings were established considering factors like customer complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau, financial stability, FTC complaints, and legal problems. While not all timeshare companies engage in questionable practices, these particular ones have been identified as posing significant risks to consumers. If you’re considering a timeshare, it’s advised to conduct thorough research and consider alternatives to avoid potential pitfalls.
