Hotel Bel-Air Puerto Vallarta

belaire golf resort and spa

Feb 13, 2013

would like to know more.


Frank V.
Feb 18, 2013

I agree that Juridico Providencia - Fraud Investigation Unit of Mexico is most likely in cahoots with the people of Hotel U. I also received a call from a Mike Fisher of the that company who said that they had the stolen funds from the original owners. He emailed to me an info sheet, Confidentiality Agreement and Signature Form to be part of the restitution. The 3 forms are identical word for word, except for the address and signature, as those received from the Mexico Advocate Team last November. Both firms are in Guadalajara and claim to have our money.


Malcolm M.
Feb 18, 2013

I would be interested in proceding with action against Belaire as long as there is no cost involved. My email is nmfvice1@msn.com.


Frank V.
Feb 18, 2013

Ditto - got the same phone call today from Mike Fisher. I am skeptical also. If they have our info documents and money and really care and want to do their job, give us our money! I will gladly THEN reward them with a cut...after that!!!!


Mara R.
Feb 20, 2013

Just to let you know that I phoned Belaire in S. USA somewhere (apparently their USA office. I was informed no work is being done on the resort, nor will there be in the future. There is no money to pay owners for a buy back, and there will not be any money in the future. The man said "too bad".


Auli A.
Feb 21, 2013

Michael Fisher called again today and said that breaking news was on the website for Vallartauno ,a news source, about the fraud with Bel Air/Hotel U and it's breaking open wide ...so said Michael Fisher. It names John Kerrigan and Jonathan Tomasello and many others. Then I called and spoke with someone from Hotel U and was told that the Hotel U group is still up and running but no work will be done through the end of 2013 ...taking the rest of the year off. Very interesting...


Mara R.
Feb 22, 2013

Read the article in Vallartauno and it amazes me that the government allows these crooks to continue operating around numerous resort areas and over the Internet. The whole mess makes me think that the chances of collecting a dime from these crooks is remote. I trust that the lawyers of the class action suit are doing their best but the problem is they are honest and abide by the law and the crooks don't. Since the government doesn't give a crap and particularly don't want to give up the graft that they get, I don't see much happening beyond a possible judgement that will be almost impossible to collect.

These crooks are affiliated with drug lords and criminals that hide their ill-got monies. The best we could hope for is that they will be criminally charged and sentenced to prison, but even that is not very likely.

One of these jerks was caught trafficking meth in Washington state. He was sentenced to prison but got the sentence reduced to probation and was let go. They have our money to hire expensive lawyers so even when they are in the US they can commit felonies and then get a "get out of jail card".

When will our government get involved? When will our own government stand up for it's own citizens who are being ripped off by foreign entities that have the support of the Mexican government?

My wife and I will never visit Mexico again and we tell everyone to avoid going there and spending one dime in a corrupt country.


Bob K.
Feb 22, 2013

My wife and I were on the next to last day of a pleasant, sunny vacation in February of 2007. We were enjoying a nice dinner at the Italian restaurant across from the Sea Garden in Nuevo. During the meal we were enticed into attending a presentation at the former Belaire by a gentleman who was simply making his way around the restaurant as people dined. I distinctly remember that we hesitated because we wanted to just relax by the pool on our last full day. But eventually, because of some real salesmanship, we agreed. It turned out to be a $40,000 mistake on our part that we have regretted ever since. My heart breaks for everyone who has been taken advantage of. My wife and I have moved on from that distasteful decision and rarely even discuss it anymore. I have forgiven the people who perpetrated this injustice and have turned it over to the Almighty God. May He have mercy on them. I hope all who are involved can also find solace in the fact that, and I assure you this, no one, even if it seems like it, ever gets away with anything. We always reap what we sow in life. I actually pity people who must stoop to this kind of behavior as they negotiate life, as I'm sure many of you do. May God bless each of you, and help you to move forward, however you choose to handle it.


ben smith
Feb 22, 2013

I too have been contacted by the same "legal" unit, regarding the pursuit prosecution of the BelAir folks, suggesting they can get perhaps 70% of the money back. Sent me three documents, will call me back on Monday to discuss, no mention of need for funds, yet. As soon as they do, I will know it is yet another scam. When does it stop? Any word from your visit to the Mexican lawyer in Mazetlan?


Curtis M.
Feb 23, 2013

bobk244 - it is sad to say, but our government now can turn to us and shovel on our face that we should have spent out money in our own country instead of traveling to Mexico... I don't see we will get any protection from our government. It is a pretty 'small' deal to go to that level. I may still visit Mexico because I love the country but will never get involved in any timeshare or similar scams. Well, I hope so... You fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice... shame on me... But in reality we started to visit Europe instead...


Hovhannes A.

Last edited by hovhannesa on Feb 23, 2013 08:16 AM

Feb 24, 2013

Think about what you post. To blame the whole country of Mexico because you made a mistake is so unfair. Thousands of Americans have retired in Mexico and millions visit every year, including myself and my wife, long time owners at Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta. Criminals operate in the U.S. also, for instance, Bernie Madoff and many like him with ponzi schemes. We love our vacations to Mexico and we go every year, from Mazatlan to Cozumel to Merida and points in between. We have never had a bad experience in our 20 years there. We feel safer in Puerto Vallarta at night than in Seattle where people are shot every week. We might take a cruise next year but we won't bad mouth the cruise industry because of a engine failure on one ship like what just happened. Things can and do go wrong in life. What shows your character is how you react to problems. Instead of telling people to avoid Mexico, how about just telling your story and warning people to be very careful about buying into a program. There are some very well run timeshare places in Mexiso. We are so very happy we bought in 15 years ago. Hal and Colleen in Seattle.


Hal H.
Feb 25, 2013

Hal & Colleen, You are very correct about Mexico. Don't paint the whole country with the same brush. I too was taken by Belaire/Hotel U, however, don't forget that Antonio Copola is an American not a Mexican. I also own 2,000,000 points at El CID Resort in Mazatlan. I have owned here for many years. I can honestly say that I'm very pleased with the program being provided by this resort. They have honored every part of my contract and have done so for many years. In addition I have driven all through Mexico from east to west coast as well as north to south. I find the people to be extremely friendly and exceptionally helpful. The press is what gives Mexico a bad name. I spend several months down here every winter and will continue to do so in the future. For those of you who bad mouth this country, well, you are missing out on a very enjoyable and friendly country.

Kevin


Kevin K.
Feb 25, 2013

So you have had a good experience in your many trips to Mexico. Congratulations and you have been very fortunate. We live in Arizona where we have to deal with the immigration problems and drug trafficking as well as kidnappings. If the Mexican Government truly wanted to make changes it needs to start within it's own ranks. It's well known that there is corruption within the government and until they make changes there will always be drug lords, scam artists and criminals out to screw trusting vacationers. It's folks like you who give not so frequent travelers a sense of security when they should be far more cautious. It is a fact that US and Canadian travelers are targets for all sorts of crime including violent crimes.

While I agree that the general population consists of very good people, I blame the government for turning a blind eye to the corruption, scams and criminal actions that have been going on for years with no attempt to do what is right. Until I see some sort of Governmental action on the part of the Mexican Government to improve things in Mexico I will not, nor recommend to anyone, to spend one red cent in Mexico. The Mexican Government will do nothing till they feel the pinch in their wallets. When the legitimate Mexican business owners, who rely on the tourists and vacationers, stand up and start speaking out to their own leaders to do something will there be change. Till then I'll vacation in the States and keep my dollars at home and encourage others to do the same.


Bob K.
Feb 25, 2013

Hi my wife and I also purchased at Belaire Golf & Spa , I was also contacted by Juridico Providencia Fraud Investigation Unit of Mexico . I know that every time I contact the Belair Golf & Spa all I get is the same old runaround with a new twist . Now I am wondering about Juridico Providencia Fraud Investigation Unit ,or any class action Law Suite against the Belaire . Please contast with any info that might be helpfull . OneJayFlash@aol.com


James G.
Feb 28, 2013

I had the opportunity to visit with Michael Logan, an American from Vegas, for almost an hour on February 15th. He recently took over overseeing the buildings and there to answer any questions. I had a chance to visit the property on the previous Sunday. I noticed some digging had been done since last year and the arrival of a large piece of equipment that was sitting in the dust, shrink wrapped. Mike told me it was a escalator that was delivered several weeks before but he had no idea why it was sent in. He thought it had been ordered months ago. There is a new guard at the front and this time it was a woman. Also I saw only one other person and that was a young man who was watering the grass and shrubs. The resturant and hair salon is still there. There had been a big Valentines Party the night before.

He mentioned that the "owners of U Hotel" were casino operators from Monterey. The still plan on building a casino maybe. It will be on a small scale. They also plan on putting in show rooms and they will put on lavish shows. I questioned how something like that could be put into such a small space but he said again that it would be on a small scale.

The former person who I met with last year, who said his name was Mario, left about for months ago and along with him went the names of all the investors. I believe that is why we are geting hassled again. I had an opportunity to talk to another timeshare salesman here in Cabo and he said that Antonio, the original person who started this scheme, is well known in Mexico. This sales person told me that Antonio sold in excess of 49 million dollars to the over 1200 buyers. He contends that all timeshare projects are required to pay into an insurance that pays out to the buyers when the project is not completed in a proper timeframe. He told me that the distribution will be paid out after 72 months at the rate of 75% of purchase price. I believe it when the check gets to me. According to his figures that would be about $36 big ones. Have you ever heard of an Mexican operation returning any money?

Back to my inerview with Michael Logan. His suggestion was to take my equity and invest into another property in Punta Mita. It would cost $3500 plus $6000. Sounds like a familiar amount. Did I write out the check? NOOOOOOO.

Antonio is still around and pops in every once and awhile. Michael said he knows him and that he almost died from I cannot remember awhile back. I questioned why no newsletter this month. But he had not heard anything about it.

All I can say about the interview is that at least the interview was not full of lies. Refreshing to say the least.


Lois J.
Mar 03, 2013

We too have been taken by Belaire,now hotel U.This was back in 2008. would very much like to join,and try to at least get some of it back.Have received phone call to pay more money so they can re-imburse us.Right,when has the mexican gov't ever repaid anyone.

Please let us know what can be done. Marlies Perrotta


Marlies P.
Mar 05, 2013

Did anyone get a letter by email that was a Waiver and Release agreement that is between my name and Antonio Castellas? It is signed by a Laura Davies at the bottom. It is from the Consorcio Juridico del Country A.C.

We are not sure what it means? Can anyone clarify?


Susan L.
Mar 06, 2013

Yes I too received a copy of the letter. I believe that they were suppose to call us to say that if we do not respond then we are to submit that letter to give up all rights to collecting any part of our money. It is pointless if we do not have a contract with them. And, I don't believe that they are ligit.


Malcolm M.
Mar 06, 2013

I was contacted today to send them $1495 so they can send me a transfer of money directly into my account. I am not comfortable giving them my bank info. Has anyone received any money from this fraud unit???


Ron S.
Mar 06, 2013

These people are criminals if you send them your money after reading all these posts then they have found the right person to scam.


Rena T.

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