There are numerous timeshare complaints that come through consumer activist websites every single day. The timeshare industry is one of intense speculation and criticism, and this is usually on the part of consumers. While large corporations may be impressed by this section of the real estate market, customers are not nearly as pleased with these business practices. The timeshare industry has perhaps one of the most negative stigmas within the consuming public, and many feel that this is justified. Consumers file timeshare complaints for a variety of reasons, but some stand out much more than others.

Perhaps the most common timeshare complaints have to do with timeshare cost. This is a subject of considerable consumer outrage, particularly because many of these costs are not known by the consumer by the time the contract is actually signed. Timeshare salesmen are very good at what they do, and neglecting to mention the fact that there are certain fees associated with a timeshare purchase is one of their most commonly used tactics. While this is the focus of many timeshare complaints, this practice is a legal gray area. The case for fraud can certainly be made, but it can often be hard to prove that a legal document was signed under false information or misleading statements. Whether or not this timeshare complaint can be used against a timeshare company, it can certainly be assumed that the great number of these are valid.

When the entire industry is based on a legal document that was signed under circumstances that are highly suspect, there is likely to be many complaints associated with it. This is why the timeshare industry enjoys such a reviled reputation among consumers. Even though these business practices may technically be legal, many consumer timeshare complaints argue that they are not morally right. While the laws may protect timeshare companies from the complaints, it certainly does not feel justified.

Other than cost complaints, including hidden fees and rate hikes, there are actually many other common consumer complaints that, while not apparent, are nonetheless very widespread. It seems as though the public is highly negative regarding timeshare companies, and countless complaints come through every single day.

A very common consumer complaint has to do with the timeshare presentation, and these complaints are very often made by those who do not even own a timeshare with a resort. These timeshare complaints come from consumers who are told they will receive a very attractive gift for attending a very short and appealing sales presentation. Many are aware that they will be sold to during this time, but the reality can be quite shocking. Many timeshare complaints come through by those who have been traumatized by the experience. Apparently these timeshare presentations can be quite traumatic, as consumers are mocked, insulted, and humiliated for hours on end. These hard selling tactics are the focus of a great number of timeshare complaints. Many attendees are threatened, told that they will not receive their gift, and are “held hostage” by timeshare salesmen. This seems quite outlandish, but the sheer volume of timeshare complaints that claim this to be a reality lends credence to this idea.

Many timeshare complaints that come through these websites actually accuse large companies such as Marriott, Westgate, and Wyndham of committing timeshare fraud by telling consumers that they would be able to sell their timeshare for a profit if the cost became too much to handle. Those who are familiar with the real estate market know that this is an outright lie, and it would be quite telling about the industry if this is actually the case. The timeshare resale market is extremely depressed, and selling a timeshare is incredibly difficult. It seems as though many consumers are under a different impression at the time of signing, which results in one of the most common timeshare complaints, perhaps even constituting fraud.

Wyndham timeshare reviews can be found everywhere on the internet, and these have been mixed over the course of time. In certain times of year, for example, a Wyndham timeshare review could be much more negative than others. This is probably due to fluctuations in vacation time and when customers use their vacation and timeshare rentals more often. While each Wyndham timeshare review can be different , ranging from very negative to overly positive, the general consensus is that these timeshares are generally a bad idea, and certainly not an investment one should be interested in. This is no surprise, as timeshare reviews almost always have a negative consensus on the internet. While many Wyndham timeshare reviews were indeed fiercely negative, there are those that offer a more balanced insight into exactly what they offer. One such timeshare review was competent, coherent, and offers a reasonable explanation of why many timeshare reviews are overwhelmingly negative.

Wyndham is a hotel and vacations giant that markets their timeshares as “vacation rentals.” This rebranding is almost certainly an attempt to move away from the negative stigma that comes along with the timeshare industry. One particularly negative Wyndham timeshare review made the assertion that this rebranding is indicative of the entire company as manipulative, using certain terms to mislead customers into thinking they are not really buying into a timeshare. Wyndham owns timeshares and hotels in the United States and Canada as well as Mexico and the Caribbean. In July of 2006, they became Wyndham Worldwide, which incorporates many other companies such as Group RCI. RCI (Resort Condominiums International) is a timeshare exchange company that allows its members to trade timeshare rentals on a point based system. Many consumers have accused RCI in engaging in timeshare scams, which has lent further credence to many negative Wyndham timeshare reviews.

Wyndham Worldwide is a massive company, and the timeshare division is branded as “Wyndham Vacation Ownership,” rather than using the term “timeshare” in the name. Wyndham is the largest vacation ownership company in the world. These corporations are incredibly massive, and, like most online timeshare reviews, they carry a lot of negative consumer remarks with them. One Wyndham timeshare review criticized the timeshare presentation aspect of the company, which is often considered to be unpleasant, nerve racking, and sometimes humiliating:

“...the anger and insults for not buying are a big turnoff. They said it would be 90 minutes. They picked us up in a van...that was a mistake as they then kept us hostage and would not let us leave at the end of 90 minutes even though they had promised and we needed to be somewhere else then. They insulted us to no end for not purchasing.”

While timeshare companies can offer wonderful prizes for attending these presentations, it is generally advised to not attend. In many cases, the insults and hard-selling tactics leave attendees scarred and wishing they had never gone through with it. Many Wyndham timeshare reviews are negative and cite these reasons for having horrible experiences with the company.

“...the bigger players in the timeshare industry prefer to use is "vacation ownership." Unlike the term "timeshare," I think "vacation ownership" more accurately reflects that you are committing money annually to vacationing through a specific company. This can be helpful in that it forces individuals to plan to take the time -- use it or lose it. Otherwise, it's easy to take a much more casual approach to planning vacations that may never happen.”

While this Wyndham timeshare review does little to alleviate the negative experiences while attending a timeshare presentation, it does offer a more balanced outlook on the ideals and habits of the company. Many consumers despise Wyndham, citing an inability to use their own timeshare. If the points are not used, they are lost, leaving many customers out of luck. As this Wyndham timeshare review points out, by purchasing a timeshare, you are committing to paying each year for a vacation that you must use. It is often advised to avoid these altogether if you cannot fully commit.

The modern world has connected the public like never before. We are able to digest an immense amount of information and advice in a very short amount of time. This has revolutionized the way we are informed of news events, political activities, and business fluctuations. One area that has been particularly affected is the financial and business world, as we are able to receive updates in nearly real time. The “information age” has opened the floodgates for nearly anyone to offer advice or insight on a particular subject. While this has many benefits, the drawbacks are obvious as well, for much of this advice is can be offered without evidence and presented as fact. Wikipedia, for example, is an incredible tool with a vast amount of valuable information about virtually any topic one can think of. However, any person with access to the internet can make changes to whichever page they like. This double-edged sword permeates the entire internet, and this is especially true of advice offered to consumers.

Advice offered online that relates to business should always be examined with a skeptical eye, and this is even more important in regards to the timeshare industry. While the advice may be put forth by a knowledgeable consumer with deep experience and insight into a subject, it could also be from an individual who has a vendetta against or personal issue with a company. Furthermore, this advice could be offered with a hidden motive to sell, as many salesmen have been known to leave fraudulent reviews in favor of a company in order to make the concept more palatable to consumers. This is a very unfortunate occurrence, and it occurs far too often, much more so than many think.

While this is true of all business information, this is particularly relevant in timeshare advice. The entire industry is based on sales, and a good deal of these sales occur at timeshare presentations where consumers are lied to, bullied, and pressured into signing a contract. This sets the tone for the entire industry, even down to the timeshare advice that is posted on the internet. Any written material should be taken with a grain of salt in order to ensure one is not being fooled into accepting timeshare advice that comes with an ulterior motive.

There are a few general rules when seeking timeshare advice online, and this can be true of reading any information on the internet. Making sure to keep these tips in your mind will allow you to sift through timeshare advice much more effectively, helping you in your research rather than detracting from it. The internet can be amazing tool where you can access insightful timeshare advice from reputable sources, but one must take care to place heavy weight on the quality of this information.

As we mentioned earlier, timeshare advice online should be taken with a grain of salt, and the source of the information is the greatest indicator of quality. There are websites which make no profit from the consumer forums they provide, and these are perfect places to start when looking for timeshare advice. Since the organization has no motive or means to profit from certain reviews, you can trust that there is a lower level of bias. Once the website is shown to be objective, pay attention to the tone of the actual reviews or advice. The source deals with both where the information is located and the voice behind it as well. You will often be able to tell if this is legitimate timeshare advice or a sales pitch in written form.

Finally, fact-checking is absolutely essential when seeking timeshare advice. Reading one review and taking it as truth is often a mistake, and research should be thorough. Did many consumers have this same experience or offer similar advice? When searching for timeshare advice, you will often be able to see trends emerge. These trends offer much more valid timeshare advice than a singular review. Asking a specialist or one with experience within the industry is also recommended. This double-checks the timeshare advice from actual customers and those who have dealt with the industry beforehand. Timeshare advice can be found nearly everywhere, and it is up to the reader to make sure that this information can truly help.

Resort Condominiums International may be a very large company, but many consumers have claimed that they perpetrate many timeshare scams within the industry. The internet is filled with alleged scams the RCI is involved in, including a new point system that leaves many timeshare owners unable to redeem exchanges. One consumer claims this is just one of many RCI timeshare scams that plague the marketplace. Retaining unused units in order to bolster their available inventory and boost their profitability is just another alleged element of fraud that has caused the timeshare exchange company to become synonymous with timeshare scams.

Timeshare scams are not a new discovery or allegation, and RCI has been under scrutiny for many years. Resort Condominiums International is the largest timeshare exchange program in the world. Founded in 1974, the company has over 6,000 affiliated resorts in over 100 different countries. With 3.8 million subscribers, it is not a surprise that there are cries of RCI timeshare scams from at least a few members. However, there is a very large amount of timeshare complaints against RCI, many claiming that the massive company is rampant with scams and fraud.

Not only is RCI a gigantic organization, they are looked upon favorably in the business world, even if this does not take alleged timeshare scams into account. The NYSE has recently upgraded RCI to “buy,” a positive label stating that the company is profitable. With so many customers upset with supposed RCI timeshare scams, why is RCI still reaping great profit in the business world?

RCI’s timeshare program works by allowing timeshare owners to join their membership and exchanging their timeshares with other members. At first, this hardly seems like RCI perpetrates timeshare scams. Infact, it seems like a brilliant idea. Timeshare owners grow tired of using the same vacation location every year, so they trade RCI weeks or RCI points with other members for an exchange. RCI does not develop or sell timeshares, which is one reason that many people accuse RCI of timeshare scams. The confusion between timeshare exchange and timeshare ownership has caused much anger within the consuming public. Some accuse RCI of doing little to make this distinction, and thus scam members by claiming they can sell timeshares. Despite the label of RCI as a collection of timeshare scams, are there any truth to these allegations? 

The RCI timeshare scams may have some validity to them, as such a large constituency of their members complain about their confusing program and tactic of giving customers the run-around when they have issues with it. This is one of many very old timeshare scams, and RCI is not the first one to employ it. While customers are attempting to make an exchange or trade, they cannot get a hold of representatives from RCI, and their desires go unfulfilled.

A great number who claim RCI is involved with timeshare scams assert that they profit from an annual membership fee, an exchange fee for any successful trade, and hidden deadlines. Every move a member makes seems to cost them money. Customers complain that these exchanges are rare, and the RCI timeshare scams work mainly by a claim of unavailability to boost profit.

A serious allegation against the RCI timeshare program is that their fees stay the same or increase over time, while the value of a timeshare decreases. If this is true, members seem to have every right to claim that RCI commits timeshare scams, because this is an unscrupulous business practice. Customers may be able to make a successful trade while the timeshare is new and beautiful, but the longer the ownership, the less value is attributed to a timeshare, and the less likely one would be able to make a reasonable exchange. RCI may not truly be a violator of the law with respect to timeshare scams, but when there’s smoke, there’s fire. 

Timeshare owners, who are often financially stressed, find it difficult to believe that they have a voice against the massive timeshare industry. Many are surprised to learn that their own timeshare reviews are absolutely necessary for change within the industry. In difficult economic times, timeshare scams have multiplied, making this awareness and change all the more important. Countless families have recently fallen prey to timeshare companies by getting involved with these bad investments, believing timeshares to be a solution for their financial troubles. Many of these families could have been saved from further turmoil by reading valuable timeshare reviews.

Timeshare owners are encouraged to submit as many timeshare reviews as possible to many different websites, in order to help warn others against the dangers of timeshare ownership. The internet has become the primary source for news and information, and those considering purchasing a timeshare will almost certainly read user-submitted timeshare reviews. Those who have experienced timeshare ownership firsthand can offer the deepest insight into particular resorts as well as timeshare companies in general. Furthermore, every timeshare review takes valuable internet space away from timeshare advertisements and other biased sources. The more factual information available online, the more healthy the consuming public becomes.

While it is true that timeshare owners are doing a great public service by posting timeshare reviews online, there are benefits to the witerr as well. Well-written, thorough timeshare reviews can become a powerful force for change. After being spurred by another timeshare owner’s words, more owners will share similar experiences. A collective group of timeshare reviews on a prominent website can uncover an illegal practice or evidence of timeshare fraud. In these cases, especially if the website is dedicated to consumer activism, a formal complaint will be filed. Not only will these timeshare reviews hurt the company’s bottom line, but a complaint could be picked up by the FBI or Federal Trade Commission. These organizations have made timeshare fraud a priority, and many of these cases began with one owner submitting a timeshare review. 

Consumer experiences with the timeshare industry are overwhelmingly negative, but positive timeshare reviews can be just as valuable for consumers. Knowing if a timeshare company is actually advertising a wise investment can help many families during these stressful economic times. If utilized properly and researched thoroughly, timeshares can, albeit rarely, produce a profit or provide a quality vacation experience. Not every member of the timeshare industry is a scam artist, and some do not want to see their clients suffer. Even though positive timeshare reviews are rare, they do happen, and these companies deserve to be recognized. If a timeshare company has allowed an owner to get out of a burdensome contract or has made concessions due to a particular set of circumstances, these reviews are extremely important. If one has had a positive experience with a resort or company, the internet community wants to hear that timeshare review more than anything, because they are indeed quite rare.

Negative timeshare reviews are far more common, because far too many families fall into a deadly financial trap than can swiftly cause bankruptcy. Positive timeshare reviews are extremely rare because in this industry, profit is often more important than the consuming public. However, positive and negative timeshare reviews can both provide deep insight for other timeshare owners in similar situations. Negative timeshare reviews are more common, but equally important, because they serve as a warning towards your fellow consumer. This warning can save a family years of financial hardship, as well as an uphill battle against a powerful company. Furthermore, an owner may feel at a loss, powerless in their position. Even if the timeshare review is a heated rant, other reviewers may offer solutions to the very same problem. Likewise, these discussions can become something much more as similar timeshare reviews gain momentum, exposing cases of fraud throughout the industry and affecting real change. 

Timeshare owners constantly deal with fraud and deceit in this industry, which has become a hotbed for misrepresentation. The timeshare business has become synonymous with misrepresentation and financial hardship, which has wreaked havoc on the financial security of families throughout the real estate market. Fraud is replete throughout the timeshare industry, but a great majority of  this misrepresentation occurs at the timeshare presentation.

Timeshare contracts are very often signed by honest consumers who are nonetheless unaware of how rampant timeshare misrepresentation actually is. Timeshare presentations can be grueling experiences where attendees are subject to several hours of misrepresentation, fraud, and immense pressure from salesmen. A large part of the effectiveness of timeshare presentations comes from the fact that these salesmen are very well trained and are able to sell the timeshare without the consumer logically thinking about the realities of the industry. However, the majority of timeshare contracts are actually sold because timeshare salesmen fully misrepresent the nature of the industry and the real estate market.

Attendees are mislead into believing that timeshares are quality investments that can lead to a large profit for the consumer. Furthermore, salesmen often claim that the market for timeshares is easy to navigate and flooded with buyers. This is the ultimate misrepresentation, as the timeshare market is actually extremely depressed, as the potential buyers are well aware of the fraudulent nature of the industry. Salesmen also speak of the ease of ownership and how timeshares offer great flexibility for family vacations. This is also timeshare misrepresentation, as these vacations are often cemented and can be very difficult to use effectively, especially with children.

Timeshare misrepresentation is undoubtedly negative for the real estate market, and for the consuming public in general. However, this is some small comfort for timeshare owners who have become victims of the timeshare misrepresentation that has become all too common in the industry.

While timeshare companies use misrepresentation to coerce consumers to purchase timeshares, owners can actually use this to their advantage when attempting to get out of a timeshare. The inherent nature of fraud and misrepresentation makes the “legal contract” that owners have signed highly suspect. While salesmen often use rhetorical devices to sell products in our society, timeshare misrepresentation has become so blatant as to bring the entire industry into question.

Timeshare misrepresentation is well-documented, and this has drawn the attention of consumer activist groups, legal entities, and the federal trade commission. Timeshare misrepresentation is so rampant and widespread that all timeshare contracts can be questioned. When attempting to get out of a timeshare contract, the greatest weapon that an owner can utilize is leverage against the timeshare company. The problem with timeshare misrepresentation is that it can be somewhat difficult to prove. It is a very good idea to document, in detail, all forms of timeshare misrepresentation experienced at the timeshare presentation. These lies constitute fraud and are a great way to build leverage against timeshare companies. Even if this misrepresentation is merely a consumer’s word, the industry has come under such fire that this may be the leverage you need to nullify the contract.

Timeshare companies do not let owners break contracts easily, but timeshare misrepresentation is truly just cause for breaking a contract, and timeshare companies know this. Furthermore, timeshare companies are under such scrutiny at the moment that they will often let an owner out of a timeshare contract if they fear legal repercussion. It is essential to use all of the weapons at your disposal when getting out of a timeshare, and misrepresentation is perhaps the most potent way to accomplish this feat. Timeshare misrepresentation is destructive and underhanded, but can be turned against the very company that has sold you a product under false pretenses.

Timeshare scams ensnare the best of us, and you are not alone. If you are a new timeshare owner, you are likely doing research on your very recent purchase. Furthermore, you have likely discovered that you are caught up in a major scam. Much too many timeshare contracts are signed under intense duress, and very few read the fine print and understand the timeshare scam that they are getting themselves into. However, most soon learn how terrible this scam can be, causing financial destruction and legal entanglement that can easily span a lifetime.

What may be even more ludicrous is how difficult the timeshare scam is to unravel. Most timeshare owners come to a point during the scamming process where they would love to sell their timeshare and be rid of it. However, most do not know that the market for timeshares is extremely depressed, and that selling timeshares is an incredibly difficult process with an extraordinarily low chance of success. Timeshare companies commonly misrepresent the type of investment timeshares are, and part of the scam is that consumers often believe they can sell at any time for a profit. This is a result of the timeshare presentation, which you are very likely aware of.

These scams also make it seem as though timeshare contracts are very easy to cancel. In reality, this can be even more difficult than renting or selling a timeshare. While you can rent a timeshare with frustration and financial loss, unravelling a timeshare scam is nearly impossible without outside help and a long fight with a timeshare company. You will likely need help from an expert source that understands timeshare scams.

However, for new owners, there is a kink in the timeshare scam, and this word of advice is incredibly important. If you have recently purchased a timeshare and are already realizing how deeply you are involved in a scam, you can  be rid of your timeshare quickly, before the true timeshare crisis even starts. 

It is well very well known that too many timeshare contracts are signed under distress, without customers understanding that they are even part of a timeshare scam. Many states have decided to offer a “cooling off” period for new timeshare owners, during which you can read the contract thoroughly, with legal counsel. One can then do the necessary research needed  to decide if this is actually a wise idea. Almost always, this is a timeshare scam, and you would be wise to take the offered truce.

During this period, one can decide to circumvent the timeshare scam without the massive frustration involved with a long and hard-fought legal process. One will first find need to find the cancellation clause expressly written into the scam-filled contract, and understand all of the clauses. This is precisely where you will find your state’s individual time limit for the “cooling off” period. You will also find the correct legal course of action to cancel this scam. This must be followed without hesitation. To defeat the timeshare scam, you must follow all guidelines and notification procedures to ensure that the timeshare company cannot find a single loophole.

The next step should be followed throughout the scam-defeating process. The timeshare company will be notified of the potential cancellation and will do everything within their power to to prevent the scam from unraveling. Stand firm, and remember that timeshare scams are designed to generate profit without regard to your well-being. These representatives have  no regard for your financial state. Agents of the scam will attempt to persuade you at any cost. Do not waver, for you are making the best financial and legal choice possible.

If the cooling off period has ended, you can still attempt to defeat the scam. A quality choice of action is making a list of misrepresentations and fraud that you experienced during the timeshare presentation. Highlight the pressure, bullying, and duress you were put under while being lied to: this was the entire point of the presentation. This is exactly what constitutes timeshare scams.. Notify the timeshare company of this by any means necessary. This will often have a deep effect, especially if the the cooling off period has just ended. Companies cannot afford to have their timeshare scam exposed, even though that is exactly what we are doing here at Timeshare Consumer Bureau.

Nearly all timeshare owners seek to sell a timeshare eventually. This can come from lifestyle or family changes, but it nearly always arises out of financial burden and hardship. The great majority of timeshare owners seek to sell a timeshare because of the massive hidden fees and high maintenance costs, including property taxes.

However, as many timeshare owners soon learn, this process can be extremely difficult. Many owners first seek to sell their timeshare, as they were promised a great return on their investment by representatives at the the timeshare presentation. However, this is very far from the truth, and owners quickly realize how difficult it is to actually sell a timeshare.

If the timeshare cannot be sold, owners want to simply get out of their timeshare contract. This can actually be more difficult than selling a timeshare. Timeshare laws are in place to protect the industry, and the key to these laws is the timeshare contract. These contracts are legally binding and are nearly impossible to break without the help of an outside source.

So what exactly are your options as a timeshare owner? There are a few routes that owners take when they want to get out of their timeshare. All have their benefits and drawbacks, and only you can decide what is best for your family. The first step is simply deciding you finally want out of a timeshare. 

As mentioned earlier, selling a timeshare is a very difficult undertaking. Timeshare representatives mislead customers at presentations to get consumers to blindly sign their contracts. In reality, the market for timeshares is flooded, for so many owners are seeking a way to sell a timeshare. When selling a timeshare, you must first accept that you will not turn a profit on your timeshare.

Timeshare owners must then learn the market and price their timeshare accordingly. Timeshare owners must note that in order to sell their timeshare, most have to be priced at about half their original value. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee success, and a timeshare buyer is extremely rare. 

This is an interesting option for those who are seeking to sell  a timeshare. Often, the owner is more burdened by hidden fees and maintenance costs than anything else. The market for timeshares is so depressed that there is very little value in selling, so why not do some good by donating the timeshare to charity?

This can be a viable option to get out of a timeshare. However, many charities are very aware of the dangers associated with timeshare ownership. Many timeshare donations are refused, and the owner is still stuck without a way to get out of their timeshare. 

This is often the last resort by timeshare owners when attempting to get out of a timeshare. However, it is often the right one. The timeshare industry is massive and not beaten easily, but timeshare advocacy groups and attorneys know all the keys to help you finally get out of a timeshare.

This may seem like giving up to many timeshare owners, but nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, this course of action often leads to success in getting out of a timeshare, even though it is a long and difficult process. If you have exhausted other options and decide you finally need real help getting out of a timeshare, find the right organization and let them help you fight back against the timeshare company. 

Consumers are often very desperate when they seek timeshare advice. The industry is so massive, and those offering timeshare advice come from a variety of different sources. Some of these sources truly offer great timeshare advice, and many do not. Unfortunately, fraud and deceit have become rampant in the very industry that was created to help timeshare consumers.

Timeshare lawyers, timeshare listing specialists, and timeshare resale agencies all promise great advice for consumers who need to do something about their contract. It is difficult for consumers to do much on their own, so seeking this timeshare advice is necessary. While many consumers have decided they just need advice for breaking out of their contract, some opt for other solutions that will hopefully derive some value from their timeshares. The most common of these alternatives are timeshare exchange programs. 

Timeshare exchange programs advise timeshare customers to trade their timeshares between members of their own service. The company is essentially a massive computerized reservation tool which is licensed as a travel agency. When a consumer signs a contract with a timeshare resort that is affiliated with a timeshare exchange company, they are allowed to join the exchange service. They are then allowed to deposit the week they own and trade with another customer’s week as long as they are a member of the same timeshare exchange program.

However, there are many limitations with the timeshare help and “advice” these programs offer. First of all, another week must be available in order for the customer to receive any help with their timeshare at all. Secondly, these programs only help customers trade an equally rated resort or week for one with lesser value. Finally, these exchanges are often very hard to come by and any timeshare help comes with a hefty price tag and hidden fees.

Most true timeshare advice does not come with the same hidden fees and deceitful tactics used to lure customers into timeshares in the first place. Timeshare exchange programs are somewhat upfront about their timeshare services by outlining an upfront membership fee and a recurring annual fee. However, the hidden fees for any real timeshare help often come out later. Any exchange comes with a fee, there are hidden deposits for reservations, and massive late fees for failure to pay before certain dates that are often unknown to customers. Instead of providing timeshare help, these companies often end up hurting customers who are already reeling.

The largest timeshare exchange programs are II (Interval International) and RCI (Resort Condominiums International.) While some exchange programs can offer real advice for timeshare value, these large companies have long been the focus of outrage by consumers. Many members view these companies as scam-artists who charge even greater fees than the timeshare resorts themselves. For any real timeshare help, consumers must use every tool at their disposal and learn as much as possible about the contract they are signing. Some companies offer true help, but many are there to trick consumers who are already the victims of fraudulent tactics and hidden fees.

Starwood timeshare reviews are overwhelmingly negative, much like most large timeshare companies, but these reviews are especially visceral. timeshare reviews are posted every day across the internet, and those who are thinking of purchasing a timeshare have an unlimited resource for researching a potential company. However, it seems as though timeshare owners do not take advantage of this resource, as more and more owners report misrepresentation and fraud committed by the Starwood Timeshare Company. If only these victims would investigate the many timeshare forums across the internet, they would learn that Starwood Timeshare reviews expose a dark truth. 

Starwood is notorious for outrageous rate hikes and hidden fees. All timeshare companies have the legal right to increase their fees due to inflation and rising maintenance costs. However, Starwood timeshares have the reputation of using this excuse to raise their payment levels every year, to the point where most timeshare owners are paying more than twice the amount that was originally agreed upon.

Starwood is a global timeshare company in the mold of Hilton and Marriott timeshares in that they are all also global hotel giants. Starwood timeshares is under the same umbrella corporation as such renowned hotels as Westin and Sheraton, which are fantastic resorts located in pristine locations. 

Much like Marriott and Hilton timeshares, Starwood reaps the benefits of the grand reputation and position these companies enjoy in the hotel business. This is often a very dangerous combination, as consumers are misled by the incorrect notion that because these companies are so well-respected in the hotel industry, their timeshares must be legitimate. The level of public trust in these companies is soon betrayed as customers realize that the timeshare business is completely different than the hotel industry. 

The very nature of the timeshare industry breeds fraud and misrepresentation, and success in the hotel business means very little compared to the timeshare side of the company. Starwood timeshare reviews are plagued with the same complaints as these other timeshare companies as well. 

While Marriott and Hilton are notorious in the timeshare industry for outrageous pricing and an inability to book a reservation months in advance, Starwood timeshare reviews focus on rate hikes and hidden fees more than anything else. While all timeshare companies raise their rates, Starwood does this nearly every year and uses low initial prices to lure potential owners into buying a timeshare. The rates can be raised immediately, and the timeshare owners is already too late. Many Starwood timeshare reviews complain of an aggressive payment policy that becomes increasingly expensive every single year. The longer a consumer has a contract with Starwood timeshares, the more devastating the hidden fees and maintenance costs become. Timeshare owners sign up with Starwood believing they will be paying a reasonable amount for their resort destination. Nothing is further from the truth.

One particularly angry Starwood timeshare owner posted in his review that he had signed a contract where fees were originally $1,300 per year. Starwood timeshares has raised his fees to over $2,500 a year, and have no intention of slowing down. Doubling the annual fee for a timeshare is a brazen move that even Marriott and Hilton do not commit often. Starwood uses their low initial price to bring customers into a trap, and many remain in financial chains for years. Starwood timeshare reviews paint a disturbing picture for any timeshare owner, and these stories should serve as a major warning to potential victims.