Timeshare Companies

Diamond Resorts reduces owner benefits again!

May 09, 2019

People know how Diamond Resorts International works and that is why they are unhappy! There was another Charles on this forum who was always defending Diamond, are you the same guy? The username is slightly different. When the maintenance fee is more that it costs to rent the place as a non-owner, people are not happy.

Stephanie, the people that offer to get you out of your timeshare for money are fraudsters just as bad as timeshare salesmen. Don’t lose more money to them. I wish I had an easy answer for you. Keep reading in this forum.

Does anybody know anything about the Timeshare Users Group that Charles is referring to?


Robert R.
May 09, 2019

robertr558 wrote:
Stephanie, the people that offer to get you out of your timeshare for money are fraudsters just as bad as timeshare salesmen. Don’t lose more money to them. I wish I had an easy answer for you. Keep reading in this forum.

Does anybody know anything about the Timeshare Users Group that Charles is referring to?

Yes. Timeshare Users Group (aka "TUG") is a public forum like this one that has many veteran travelers and timeshare owners discussing the ins and outs of traveling and timeshares. Many are happy to answer questions. As well, many will recommend what Robert just recommended. Do not use any of these outfits that claim they can "cancel" or get you out of your timeshare. TUG will allow you to advertise for free in its Bargain Deals section that you want to give your unit away.


Lance C.
May 10, 2019

Stephanie, Diamond Resorts just concluded a lawsuit with one timeshare exit company. The news release, which Diamond published on "PRNews" is a piece of fluff, touting that they stopped another exit company. I'm not so sure. What is interesting about the article is that Michael Flaskey, Chairman of Diamond Resorts, stated that Diamond will assist people who have "had a change of circumstances" and want out of their timeshare. You might want to read the article and pursue Diamond directly. Mr. Flaskey's comments seem to say that they will help you. Let us know what you find out. You may be able to help others....

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diamond-resorts-pleased-to-announce-settlement-with-timeshare-exit-attorney-in-efforts-to-protect-customers-300846745.html


John I.
May 10, 2019

We are checking out EXEXITNOW.org right now. I have an appointment today. This sounds different than other scammers. It is a Christen based company based in Houston, TX


Richard S.
May 10, 2019

Come back and let us know how much money they take from you .


Don P.
May 10, 2019

deborahs604 wrote:
I have an appointment today. This sounds different than other scammers.

How are they different from other scammers? And if they are scammers, why would you agree to an appointment with them?

What are you hoping to accomplish with this company?


Lance C.
May 10, 2019

ok folks, here is the scoop. EZEXITNOW.org-I had a typo in there earlier today and didnt catch. Sorry This company takes your yearly maintenace fees x7 and that is what they want to get us out of the timeshare. They are the only firm that is rated highly by the BBB, and it all checks out. I went looking for negative comments and found none anywhere including on here that I looked. Nothing comes up when you do a search on the forums on multiple sites. There was no pressure to buy in and they looked over our current contract. I was offered a discount, since we are Silver owners and have a lot of points. We did not pay what they want (premium price) for what we own, but got deals to upgrade along the way that put us at this level. They LIED to us every single time in one way or another. We were shocked when our bill arrived for 2019-it had gone up another $300. This is NOT a scam, but its a way out. I did not sign up at all. This was a meeting to discuss what they do and how, etc. I intend to do more research. I want proof-hard proof that this is legit and that it works before giving anyone any money at all. I have asked for testimonials, names and numbers of satisfied clients, not sure if they will give that up or not. We'll see. We have enjoyed our timeshare for 14 years. We have watched our maintenance fees rise every year and now, Diamond puts the owners up in the same units-the least nice units at most of their resorts and rents on the open market on rental sites, like booking.com, and expedia and a host of others. The best units go to those they are trying to sell points to-only the best for the potential new owners will do. The owners are getting no VIP treatment other than their VIP checkin they call it, with free sodas and snacks-BIG DEAL!

I have been told there is no availability and yet there are rooms available on these rental sites for the same dates. I have gotten rooms afterall by complaining up the ladder to higher ranking supervisors at the company and demanded service and gotten it! but you have to get NASTY to hold them accountable these days. It is something that has made me so mad that I am trying to find out my options. The industry has changed so much in the past 2 years, I am quite surprised they are able to sell anything at all! I feel like Diamond is screwing everyone over again by the way they are running the business, on our backs, when we helped to build this company to what it is today by our ownership and contributions to help keep it beautiful and a place I wanted to vacation. I had 2 experiences in Florida at two different resorts last fall. One nice and the other so disgusting that I am determined to DO something!! We all need to get together and maybe we can make a difference-I don't know how to get the ball rolling, but for sure, everyone posting on here sounds pretty unhappy like me. I feel that I got my money out of what I was paying for those first few years. Our lodging was 5 star and worth way more on the open market than what I paid in yearly maintenance fees. Now the pendulum has totally swung to the other side. Anyone can book at these resorts, even low class, obnoxious rude guests who have no regard or respect for the other guests-the OWNERS-who just want to have a quiet relaxing stay at the poolside reading a book and listening to the waterfall! I have no interest in getting stone drunk and acting inappropriately. Complaints went unaddressed and I simply stayed in my suite more than I had planned to-which totally sucked. ALL of those rude obnoxious guests were NOT owners-and paid NO Maintenence fees at all. I am MAD as heck and not taking it anymore!


Richard S.
May 11, 2019

Why don't you contact Diamond about its Transitions program where it is taking back a select limited number of units from owners for a small fee. This small fee is definitely less than what EZ-Exit is wanting to charge you. The e-mail you can try is lossmitigation@diamondresorts.com.


Lance C.
May 11, 2019

deborahs604 wrote:
ok folks, here is the scoop. EZEXITNOW.org-I had a typo in there earlier today and didnt catch. Sorry This company takes your yearly maintenace fees x7 and that is what they want to get us out of the timeshare. They are the only firm that is rated highly by the BBB, and it all checks out. I went looking for negative comments and found none anywhere including on here that I looked. Nothing comes up when you do a search on the forums on multiple sites. There was no pressure to buy in and they looked over our current contract. I was offered a discount, since we are Silver owners and have a lot of points. We did not pay what they want (premium price) for what we own, but got deals to upgrade along the way that put us at this level. They LIED to us every single time in one way or another. We were shocked when our bill arrived for 2019-it had gone up another $300. This is NOT a scam, but its a way out. I did not sign up at all. This was a meeting to discuss what they do and how, etc. I intend to do more research. I want proof-hard proof that this is legit and that it works before giving anyone any money at all. I have asked for testimonials, names and numbers of satisfied clients, not sure if they will give that up or not. We'll see. We have enjoyed our timeshare for 14 years. We have watched our maintenance fees rise every year and now, Diamond puts the owners up in the same units-the least nice units at most of their resorts and rents on the open market on rental sites, like booking.com, and expedia and a host of others. The best units go to those they are trying to sell points to-only the best for the potential new owners will do. The owners are getting no VIP treatment other than their VIP checkin they call it, with free sodas and snacks-BIG DEAL!

I have been told there is no availability and yet there are rooms available on these rental sites for the same dates. I have gotten rooms afterall by complaining up the ladder to higher ranking supervisors at the company and demanded service and gotten it! but you have to get NASTY to hold them accountable these days. It is something that has made me so mad that I am trying to find out my options. The industry has changed so much in the past 2 years, I am quite surprised they are able to sell anything at all! I feel like Diamond is screwing everyone over again by the way they are running the business, on our backs, when we helped to build this company to what it is today by our ownership and contributions to help keep it beautiful and a place I wanted to vacation. I had 2 experiences in Florida at two different resorts last fall. One nice and the other so disgusting that I am determined to DO something!! We all need to get together and maybe we can make a difference-I don't know how to get the ball rolling, but for sure, everyone posting on here sounds pretty unhappy like me. I feel that I got my money out of what I was paying for those first few years. Our lodging was 5 star and worth way more on the open market than what I paid in yearly maintenance fees. Now the pendulum has totally swung to the other side. Anyone can book at these resorts, even low class, obnoxious rude guests who have no regard or respect for the other guests-the OWNERS-who just want to have a quiet relaxing stay at the poolside reading a book and listening to the waterfall! I have no interest in getting stone drunk and acting inappropriately. Complaints went unaddressed and I simply stayed in my suite more than I had planned to-which totally sucked. ALL of those rude obnoxious guests were NOT owners-and paid NO Maintenence fees at all. I am MAD as heck and not taking it anymore!

I know that you’re looking for a way out and want to believe this Christian based company is going to help you. However, I must tell you that this is not the avenue to pursue. You will more than likely throw away good money. There is a resource on Facebook called Diamond Resorts Owners Advocacy. These are owners and former owners who help other owners with problems with their Diamond Resorts timeshare, up to and including getting out from under it. They have been successful in helping WITHOUT CHARGE. In addition, Diamond does have an exit program. There has been discussion about it on Timeshare Users Group by other owners. They have shared their experience with it and have successfully gotten out of it. I hope this helps.


Charles S.

Last edited by charless345 on May 12, 2019 02:21 PM

May 11, 2019

robertr558 wrote:
People know how Diamond Resorts International works and that is why they are unhappy! There was another Charles on this forum who was always defending Diamond, are you the same guy? The username is slightly different. When the maintenance fee is more that it costs to rent the place as a non-owner, people are not happy.

Stephanie, the people that offer to get you out of your timeshare for money are fraudsters just as bad as timeshare salesmen. Don’t lose more money to them. I wish I had an easy answer for you. Keep reading in this forum.

Does anybody know anything about the Timeshare Users Group that Charles is referring to?

I am not sure if I am the same Charles to whom you’re referring. I have not changed anything. However, I have read many posts on this site over the years that provided lots of evidence that people did not understand or know how the system works. I don’t have a deeded week with Diamond. I have points. I am able to get what I want and I can certainly tell you that I get the maximum from Diamond. I usually go in the summer since I am an educator and for what I pay in maintenance fees, I cannot get off of booking.com and the likes. I usually use my Diamond points for Hawaii and I saved a lot of money. I also own with Marriott and have done so for many years. I own weeks with them and they now sell points. Sadly, since Marriott went to points, the salesmen are more aggressive like Diamond’s salesmen. That’s not good. Like all things, there is the good and the bad, timeshares are not different. There are many who get good value for their ownership. There are a couple of Facebook groups that share and discuss both the good and the bad of Diamond Resorts. One is Diamond Resorts Members and the other is called Diamond Resorts Members Group. They seem to be a lot more productive than the negativity that is bred on this site.


Charles S.

Last edited by charless345 on May 12, 2019 02:24 PM

May 11, 2019

I will check this out and thanks for the information. I did not sign up with the Christian company at all. We are waiting and it is a lot of money-way more than I expected. If diamond truly does not charge to take our points that would be way better than paying out a ton to have it done by a legal team and we just dont' plan to vacation every year and we have too high yearly fees to justify it when they have cheapened our ownership up now by denying us access first in line-instead of on a percentage of units within that particular resort. I have not had much trouble booking last minute under 60 days to get the hefty discount in the amount of points to get a week. we like to go off peak anyways in high tourist areas, befause it is much more enjoyable when it is not crowded on the hiking trails or every restaurant has a 2 hr wait to eat dinner out, etc.


Richard S.
May 12, 2019

Do not sign up with the Christian company. I know who they are if they are in Missouri.

I have interacted with more Alzheimer diagnosed seniors buying Diamond points than I did when I served on an Ombudsman Advisory Board advocating for patients in nursing homes. The Lusk family sold at age 89 was reported by USA Today and Diane Burkhart's father sold $250,000 in points from age 86 to 88. https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/3310015002 https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/diamond-resorts-still-cant-explain-why-it-sold-250000-worth-of-timeshare-points-to-an-88-year-old-032919.html

The link to our Diamond Member sponsored Facebook: This Facebook was launched by an economics professor. We have 3,000 members, including Diamond employees, even one of the worst DR repeat offenders. https://www.facebook.com/groups/DiamondResortsOwnersAdvocacy/

A recent Diamond complaint received is from a single senior lady. A sales agent who earned $2.4 million a year (has a lawsuit filed against Diamond in which he admits creating reasons or problems why existing members needed to buy additional points) switched her from HI to US Collection. Another repeat offender sales agent in HI switched her back to HI twice. There were four switches in three years. She had to cash in her entire retirement annuity of $350,000. She lost everything and is now broke with no retirement. Her daughter is beyond horrified.

She is one of 83 Platinum members who report being up-sold into insolvency. Ten of them will be protesting outside the FL DBPR office Friday May 17 and near Disney World May 18 and 19 Sat and Sun. Of the 83, 42 fell for maintenance fee relief programs that do not exist. The agent takes a legitimate 30/30 program and says, "You can book cruises, hotels and pay maintenance fees at $.30 a point." The agent advises, "Don't say anything to QA because the program has not yet been announced. I could get fired." When the member learns later and complains only Platinum members can turn in points at $.04 a point, which is worthless, the customer service rep explains the 30/30 program and informs the member "You signed a contract" and/or "We are not responsible for what our sales agents says."

Of course there are honest sales agent and members who bought from them. Those duped include two counter-terrorism experts (one is running for Congress), a professor with a PhD in Criminology, an ICE agent with a MS in criminology, two private detectives and a contract specialist for ConEd. What chance has the vulnerable? The contract specialist said, when he saw my look, "I know, I know but when you buy cars and houses throughout your life, you don't expect to be bald face lied to." The AZ AG alone received over 900 complaints, prompting the AG's office to support a pro-consumer timeshare bill that would have offered buyers 24 hours to review before signing. This was successfully defeated by ARDA ROC. I'm in a bad mood after four hours on the phone yesterday with another single senior, Diamond complaint #717 and Platinum member #83 financially devastated. #83 had been happy Gold Key members for decades, now financially ruined.


Irene P.

Last edited by irenep59 on May 12, 2019 11:11 AM

May 14, 2019

lancec13 wrote:
Why don't you contact Diamond about its Transitions program where it is taking back a select limited number of units from owners for a small fee. This small fee is definitely less than what EZ-Exit is wanting to charge you. The e-mail you can try is lossmitigation@diamondresorts.com.

DRI's "small fee" is $750 as of yesterday. That's what she was told when my sister-in-law called Diamond wanting to relinquish her EOEY deeded week that she bought from the developer several years ago. Interesting how you must pay them to take your deed so they can resell as points.


B S.
May 14, 2019

bruceb306 wrote:
DRI's "small fee" is $750 as of yesterday. That's what she was told when my sister-in-law called Diamond wanting to relinquish her EOEY deeded week that she bought from the developer several years ago. Interesting how you must pay them to take your deed so they can resell as points.

Yeah, I realize it's not pretty but it's still a lot less than what these so-called "exit" or "cancel" companies will charge. Her other option would be to just stop paying maintenance fees and let it go into foreclosure. The down side would be the many collection calls/letters and a possible ding on her credit rating.


Lance C.
May 15, 2019

bruceb306 wrote:
DRI's "small fee" is $750 as of yesterday.

Yes, I realize that $750 is no small fee, but you or your sister-in-law can look at it this way. The $750 deed back fee is cheaper that paying the next maintenance fee.


Lance C.
May 15, 2019

Very true!


B S.
May 15, 2019

It's a small price to pay to be free of maintenance fees and assessments for the rest of your life .


Don P.
May 21, 2019

Diamond is increasing the Transition fee to $1,000 effective June 1.

This would be okay for those who have used and enjoyed their timeshare for many years, but I have heard from 728 Diamond families reporting how they were up-sold into insolvency based on unfair and deceptive sales practices, sometimes just minutes after the rescission period, so paying $1,000 to take it back does not seem benevolent like what happened to this recently retired investment banker:

I said my wife bought this Monarch timeshare 18 years ago. I have hated it. I'm only here to know how to get rid of it. The agent should have said, "Go to your log-in page and click Transition." Instead he said you have to convert to points and sold him $12,000 in points for no reason. The guy has a lot of money so decided just to eat the $12,000, but when he called Diamond they told him he had to wait six month to be eligible so they could ding him for the 2018 maintenance fees!


Irene P.
May 21, 2019

The Christian company is in Houston. Thanks for all the information. I did look for and found the Transitions program on Diamond resorts website. This was added recently or I never noticed it. The rules state you cant be in default or foreclosure or if you have already contracted with a timeshare exit company you dont qualify for this program. Once again they have restrictions to exclude people. Glad we are researching before makijng another dumb mistake. Diamond is hoping to avoid negative publicity by offering a small solution to a big problem. I found Liki Tiki Orlando Diamond resort offered on Groupon for $45 a night this past weekend so like I posted before ANY lower class rude obnoxious Motel 6 person now has access and affordable rates to the same resort I can book my points at. This is WRONG way to treat OWNERS


Richard S.
Jul 28, 2019

21 years owner. Great 20 years ago but today the maintenance fee 300% increase. Benefits degreasing and more owners. Not worth the annual cost. Want to sell points and get out of DRI lying and greedy.


Alan B.

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