In theory, timeshare ownership shouldn’t be that complicated.
In return for the money you give your timeshare company, the company gives you access to beautiful properties in beautiful locations when you’re ready to go on vacation.
Simple.
And that’s what timeshare companies like Hilton Grand Vacations promise, with every sale.
So it’s pretty telling that hundreds of complaints against Hilton filed with the Better Business Bureau are stories about all the ways Hilton finds ways to complicate timeshare ownership.
Complex point schemes…
…availability (really, unavailability) problems…
…bewildering financing and inexplicable maintenance fees and upgrades.
Still, for one owner, it all comes back to the basics. Here’s the very simple complaint they made to Hilton, which they shared with the Better Business Bureau.
“I am writing to demand the immediate cancellation of our timeshare contract with your company.”
“We are deeply frustrated and disappointed. We purchased this timeshare in May 2021 after a manipulative sales pitch.”
Manipulative sales pitches: another way Hilton complicates things.
“We were promised a wide range of properties and flexible vacation options…”
The simplest of timeshare arrangements except…
“…but these promises were false.”
Oh.
“We have found it nearly impossible to book a property, while non-owners can easily secure accommodations.”
In other words, Hilton simply failed to deliver on its basic timeshare promise. “Given these issues, we demand the immediate cancellation of our timeshare contract and a full refund of all associated fees and charges.”
That’s it. A simple plea.
That’s all the owner had to say.
And, truly, it’s all the owner should have to say.
But with stories like this, no wonder somewhere between 70% and 85% of timeshare owners regret buying a timeshare. But there may be some hope on the horizon.
U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) recently introduced the Timeshare Transparency Act. Essentially, it’s a long overdue “bill of rights” to prevent timeshare consumers from being sold a dream and delivered a nightmare. You can find out more by clicking on this link: S.3502.
The Timeshare Transparency Act sets out clear, commonsense requirements for timeshare companies, so consumers understand exactly what they are purchasing. But this bill needs more support in Congress.
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.
