You’d think…if there was anyone the timeshare industry would treat with dignity and respect, it would be retirees.
After all, retirees make up a significant share of timeshare owners. And…they have more time than the rest of us to vacation.
Plus, the Code of Ethics of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the trade association for the timeshare industry, states, “All Members shall conduct their activities honestly and fairly in compliance with applicable laws, and with professionalism, integrity, dignity and propriety.”
And yet, we keep discovering examples of how Diamond Resorts and its parent company Hilton Grand Vacations violate ARDA’s ethics code by disrespecting seniors. We’ve found their stories time and time again in lawsuits and complaints to state regulators. Now we can add another case, filed with the Better Business Bureau, to the list.
“We are requesting your assistance in filing a complaint against Hilton Grand Vacations/ Diamond Resorts.”
“Our decision to purchase the timeshare was made under significant distress and pressure during the initial sales presentation, which lasted approximately four hours. Despite our repeated attempts to refuse the offer and leave the presentation, the sales representatives were insistent and did not allow us to leave.”
Distress and pressure?
That doesn’t sound like professionalism.
But that was only the beginning.
“This situation was exacerbated by our medical conditions. Both of us have diabetes and adhere to strict eating schedules and medication routines. By the time we finally agreed to the purchase, we were physically unwell due to hunger and missed medication.”
“The entire process, including paperwork, lasted from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.”
Nine and half hours…when they needed medication?
Where’s the dignity in that, Diamond?
“Throughout this ordeal, we were not given adequate time to read through the documents we signed, further indicating an attempt to rush us through the process.”
Or the integrity?
After all, ARDA’s ethics codes also states, “The consumer should be provided with a reasonable opportunity to review the contract documents before signing.”
“Additionally, we live on a fixed retirement income.”
“We are financially incapable of sustaining the payments associated with the timeshare, particularly the maintenance fees, which were not disclosed to us at the time of purchase.”
Sounds like propriety is pretty much out the window, too.
That’s a pretty long list of ethics violations. It should give ARDA’s Ethics Committee plenty to consider, except…
…it just so happens that appointments to the Ethics Committee have to be approved by Gordon Gurnik, the Chair ofARDA’s board of directors…and chief operating officer of Hilton Grand Vacations!
Essentially, it’s a long overdue “bill of rights” to prevent timeshare consumers from being sold a dream and delivered a nightmare.
ARDA’s Code of Ethics doesn’t seem to have any real impact on its member companies, which makes Timeshare Transparency Act (S.3502) even more important. This long overdue “bill of rights” was introduced in Congress last December by U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA). And it sets out clear, commonsense requirements for timeshare companies, so consumers understand exactly what they are purchasing.
It’s main provisions include:
If you agree, contact your U.S. Senators and U.S. House Representative. Tell them you support the Timeshare Transparency Act (S.3502). Share your own timeshare horror story. Tell your representatives you’re tired of seeing families “misled and flat-out lied to” by an industry that seems to value profits over fairness and transparency.
And don’t forget Jason Gamel, ARDA’s CEO and President. He’s a member of the Ethics Committee. Let’s email him at jgamel@arda.org to see if he has the integrity to follow up.
Are the leaders of your timeshare company acting propriety? If not, use this list of ARDA VIPs to contact them.
Have a story that makes you wonder if timeshare ethics is an oxymoron? Share it with us at info@timesharefacts.com
PS: Follow us on social media. Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Threads
After all, retirees make up a significant share of timeshare owners. And…they have more time than the rest of us to vacation.
Plus, the Code of Ethics of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the trade association for the timeshare industry, states, “All Members shall conduct their activities honestly and fairly in compliance with applicable laws, and with professionalism, integrity, dignity and propriety.”
And yet, we keep discovering examples of how Diamond Resorts and its parent company Hilton Grand Vacations violate ARDA’s ethics code by disrespecting seniors. We’ve found their stories time and time again in lawsuits and complaints to state regulators. Now we can add another case, filed with the Better Business Bureau, to the list.
“We are requesting your assistance in filing a complaint against Hilton Grand Vacations/ Diamond Resorts.”
“Our decision to purchase the timeshare was made under significant distress and pressure during the initial sales presentation, which lasted approximately four hours. Despite our repeated attempts to refuse the offer and leave the presentation, the sales representatives were insistent and did not allow us to leave.”
Distress and pressure?
That doesn’t sound like professionalism.
But that was only the beginning.
“This situation was exacerbated by our medical conditions. Both of us have diabetes and adhere to strict eating schedules and medication routines. By the time we finally agreed to the purchase, we were physically unwell due to hunger and missed medication.”
“The entire process, including paperwork, lasted from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.”
Nine and half hours…when they needed medication?
Where’s the dignity in that, Diamond?
“Throughout this ordeal, we were not given adequate time to read through the documents we signed, further indicating an attempt to rush us through the process.”
Or the integrity?
After all, ARDA’s ethics codes also states, “The consumer should be provided with a reasonable opportunity to review the contract documents before signing.”
“Additionally, we live on a fixed retirement income.”
“We are financially incapable of sustaining the payments associated with the timeshare, particularly the maintenance fees, which were not disclosed to us at the time of purchase.”
Sounds like propriety is pretty much out the window, too.
That’s a pretty long list of ethics violations. It should give ARDA’s Ethics Committee plenty to consider, except…
…it just so happens that appointments to the Ethics Committee have to be approved by Gordon Gurnik, the Chair ofARDA’s board of directors…and chief operating officer of Hilton Grand Vacations!
Essentially, it’s a long overdue “bill of rights” to prevent timeshare consumers from being sold a dream and delivered a nightmare.
ARDA’s Code of Ethics doesn’t seem to have any real impact on its member companies, which makes Timeshare Transparency Act (S.3502) even more important. This long overdue “bill of rights” was introduced in Congress last December by U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA). And it sets out clear, commonsense requirements for timeshare companies, so consumers understand exactly what they are purchasing.
It’s main provisions include:
- Total Cost Disclosure: Requires a single document itemizing all acquisition and maintenance costs (including fee increases).
- 14-Day Cancellation Period: Grants buyers in all states a 14-day, penalty-free period to cancel contracts.
- Exit Options: Requires clear, documented procedures for exiting ownership.
- Review Period: Allows buyers to review documents privately without high-pressure sales staff present.
- FTC Enforcement: Empowers the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these regulations.
If you agree, contact your U.S. Senators and U.S. House Representative. Tell them you support the Timeshare Transparency Act (S.3502). Share your own timeshare horror story. Tell your representatives you’re tired of seeing families “misled and flat-out lied to” by an industry that seems to value profits over fairness and transparency.
- Find your Senator: senate.gov
- Find your Representative: house.gov
And don’t forget Jason Gamel, ARDA’s CEO and President. He’s a member of the Ethics Committee. Let’s email him at jgamel@arda.org to see if he has the integrity to follow up.
Are the leaders of your timeshare company acting propriety? If not, use this list of ARDA VIPs to contact them.
Have a story that makes you wonder if timeshare ethics is an oxymoron? Share it with us at info@timesharefacts.com
PS: Follow us on social media. Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Threads