Tom Wrote 3/26/2007
I am impressed by your web site and am quite interested in getting “justice”. In December of 2004, I bought two time share contracts of two weeks each from Sole Vacation Club. Each contract included in addition to the two weeks, 42 bonus days per year. I purchased them for use by employees and customers–of course there have not been enough Sole Vacation Club rooms/weeks available at the resort to accommodate either the regular weeks nor the bonus days. I was at Dreams last week, using three rooms, one of my own RCI weeks, I bought back. The resort, as it has every time I have been there treats me fine, however, I cannot get all the time I request, I am still paying maintenance fees and I am not getting the maintenance fee credited to the all inclusive fee. The resort tells me they will credit the all inclusive if Sole Vacation authorizes them..of course, Sole Vacations always has some excuse. Last week, Alejandra, who I met with twice, assured me that at check out, I would receive some credit–she had gone through mumbo jumbo math relating to weeks deposited in RCI and other factors that are not in the contract and which I had no clue about, but the result was, I would receive about 1/2 of the all inclusive back, as a credit to my credit card given at check in. I figured that was progress and she said I would receive additional credit when I return in November-I already have reservations in November. At check out, the resort had no authority to give me a credit; I had already become known by the Concierges and they got Alejandra on the phone-the story was the check was sent to cover my credit, but had not been deposited yet. Of course, I had a plane to catch and had to leave. She said she would follow-up and see the credit was issued. Not hearing from her after a week, I emailed her yesterday.
Alejandra tells me that Sole Vacation gets 10 weeks/units per week from the resort for use by Sole Vacation Members. I don’t know whether Sole Vacation buys them or what, the resort manager told me last October that as far as he is concerned, Sole Vacation is simply another “buyer” that buys blocks of time from the resort and that he and his staff do not know who the buyer is, that anyone that shows up with a reservation gets a room at the rate specified in the reservation and all are otherwise treated the same. That fits my experience.
I wonder, why Sole Vacation continues to have a presence at the resort, they have an office and both Alejandra and Elba show up from time to time, why they maintain a relationship with Resorts International in Miami for making reservations and collecting maintenance fees. If the deal is a total fraud, why have they not packed up their tent and moved on?
I have a continuing relationship with several Sole Sales agents–they have filed a law suit against Sole Vacations. I talked with them last week while in Tulum. Individually, they don’t know much.
I am interested in working with you, but would like to know a little about who you are. Please advise.
My wife & I purchased a (fractional ownership right) Jr. Suite in 2002. We were told that the original purchaser had defaulted on his payment and we were being offered the resale at a reduced price. We own two time share units (one in Cancun) so were somewhat familiar with the arrangement. We were told that future development would include one and two bedroom units which we could reserve simply by paying the appropriate maintenance fee for the selected unit. We were told that the “all inclusive” fees would become optional by the time the new development was completed. We paid the maintenance fees for the first two years we were eligible to book a reservation but never made a reservation because we were waiting for the new addition to be completed.
Curious, we visited Sole Vacation Club in 2004 while at our time share in Cancun to inspect the progress of the new addition. Of course, it was still in the planning stages and we were strongly advised by the sales staff on-site that we should upgrade to a one or two bedroom unit as we would have little chance of upgrading based on our current Contract. We declined.
During our normal week in Cancun in 2005, hurricane Wilma prevented our annual visit. The next year, on November 8, 2006, we decided to drive down to inspect the Sole Vacation Club. I drove right on by the entrance as the name was no longer on the gate. When we turned around and entered the facility we found that Dreams now operated (and owned) the facility. We met with Alejandra who explained the reason for the expansion cancellation was unknown cenotes existed and the government halted construction. We were told that our options included using our current contract to book hotel rooms through Dreams, exchange our ownership with an alternative time share operation, or request our money back. We elected to ask for our money back and drafted a letter demanding the return of our money based upon a default by Sole Vacation Club. We signed the letter and Alejandra said she would deliver it to Elba Machado in Playa del Carmen the next day. She said we may have to wait up to seven months to receive our refund. Since our return to the USA, I have sent an email to Ms. Elba Machado at emachado@solecapital.com at least once a month asking for information regarding the status of my request. I have not received a reply as of today, March 27, 2007. I sympathize with those who have suffered losses greater than our own and hope we will be able to recover our losses. On the brighter side, we have owned a time share in Cancun through “The Royal Resorts” for 15 years and recently purchased another 30 year contract and couldn’t be happier!!!
What I have read so far matches our experiences. It is clear to me that Sole is sitting on about 20 million and cannot finish the timeshare building because the federal government will not allow the construction to continue without proper permits.
In order to keep people somewhat happy and not pay out all their capital, they are purchasing only 10 rooms per week from the Dreams resort and giving them out to those who are first in the door and complain the loudest.
Of those 10 rooms, 5 go to RCI, so in reality, only 5 rooms are available per week. We were told that 10 was all the resort would give them but I met with the Dreams Sales Manager who told me that they could buy as many as they wanted, just like any other travel agency. I even offered to pay a higher all inclusive fee if Sole would purchase more rooms for me, but this was refused.
I am assuming that they maintain a presence at Dreams because this is an attempt to forestall legal action by members. If they can keep some people somewhat happy, with a minimal outlay, it keeps the money in the bank drawing interest.
I am sure many members will shy away from a group effort to reconcile with Sole, because they may lose everything. It appears to me, from my discussions with several others, that there is a large group of members who have already given up and are no longer paying their maintenance fees.
There are also many who simply transfer their weeks to RCI and go elsewhere (which is another ordeal).
We would like to see the original plan completed, or get our money back. I would like to see the group get enough strength to have Sole at least communicate with us and let us know what plans they have to go forward.
Personally, we have enjoyed our times at Dreams and will return as much as we can.
I’m really glad to hear that this web site is up and allowing others to share our pain. My wife and I purchased a 2 bedroom timeshare in 2004 and have been getting the brush-off every time we inquire about construction progress. All my stories from them mirror what is being said by others here. I’d like to keep communicating throught this web site and helping to do whatever I can to get what we signed up for.
My wife and I just returned home from Dreams.We were there from 4-21-07 to 4-28-07. We purchased a 1 bedroom unit in feb.2004. When we arrived they didn’t even have our reservation from Resorts Advantage. It took us about 4 hours and a phone call to Alejandra before we had our room and of course the room was in the old hotel units. Also we were charged full price for our all inclusive fee. We met with Alejandra on Wednesday and spent 2 hours with her,and she told us about the same thing that has been said on this web site.Also that we should have a credit of our maintenance fee of $450.00 toward our all inclusive fee. Alejandra e-mailed the front desk to credit our account and by Friday afternoon we received our credit,this added stress on our vacation. The food and staff were still good.
I would like to know why Sole and or Resorts Advantage did not let the membership that this was happening! We need one of the principals to take ownership of the mess that they have created at Dreams,whether it be Sole,Dreams,RCI,Amstar,and or Resorts Advantage. John
After reading all those sad stories, mine mirror exactly the same, struggling with this Alejandra Izaguirre, but I learned about the Mexican government site and they say they’re willing to help, I filed a complaint with them just a few days ago, I’m waiting for response, if you are good in spanish language…fine, if not click the ENGLISH VERSION on top right of the page and you are on, explain them your problem about Sole, perhaps if each of us push by this mean we can get a good result on our demands, this is the web site: www.presidencia.gob.mx (we wish good luck to ourselves recovering our dough)
My family stayed at Dreams in the Spring of 2007 after quite an ordeal in acquiring a confirmation from Resorts Advantage (RA) and the hotel. I attempted to get a confirmation for 2008 and again received delays. At that point, I had a US-based attorney write a letter to Resorts Advantage with a copy to Sole Vacation, the confirmation process suddenly went more smoothly. RA still refuses to abide all of the provisions of my contract, and I was treated with distain by the front desk in 2007 when I asserted my rights. My attorney indicated that we probably need to engage a Mexican attorney. The chances of hiring an effective Mexican counsel, however, are probably poor.
Other alternatives may be through a complaint under NAFTA or some intervention by the Commerce Department, but at this point I’m just brainstorming.
This site makes me feel a little less alone in the world - thanks.
I purchased this for use for clients and employees and they had a absolutely “great” plan for my needs - but when I tried to book the weeks for the next next year for the group, I learned it was just a fabricated story. I did receive a 50% rebate for the “confusion” - but it took me 3 years to just to book a an over priced family vacation.
I’m off to my for my first stay with my family (not enough time available to book a group). I’ll share this info with others at the resort. I’m expecting a similar experience - but hoping for the best.
How do I get more info on what the costs are to join the battle? I need all the facts so I can decide which way to go. I am fed up with the way things have been handled at Sole and tired of paying a maintnce fee when I can’t use the facilities. I haven’t submmited my contract info yet just my email address and name. Can anyone let me know how to get more information.
Hi
curious if there has been any progress with the lawsuit or what other recent experiences any has had. We are going in a few weeks. We have had all the same problems others outlined in their stories over the past 4 years. how long can this go on?
We returned from our vacation this month. We were told by Alejandra that they are planning on starting 4 of the timeshare units this year. She also refunded our maintenance fee.
My wife & I purchase 2 week gold timeshare with additional bonus weeks. But our experience has been like everyone elses. We have corresponded with Elba, Allejandra & others to no avail and have never had a single week at Sole Vacation Club - Dreams. I am interested in participating in the legal case using the local Cancun attorney.
The hotel was closed at the end of September by the Mexican EPA, but reopened November 15th. The “action” is on hold due to the legal issues. I would like to have the photos of the junior suite, if you can email them to me. For reservations, try this:
All reservations after the first of 2009 are done through Resorts Advantage. You will need your contract number and it works best to just call them.
Resorts Advantage
9500 S. Dadeland Blvd Suite 300
Miami, fl 33156
I am so gald that I found website. My husband and I bought the time share in 2005. We found out there is not going to be buidlings of memebrs when we went back to Tulum in 2007. Right now, we are thingk about contacting the profeco. I thik it doesn’t male a sence to pay my maintenance fee because there isn’t a building to maintenance. Can anyone tell me the name of the local attorney of this case?
Thank you,
Is anything currently being done? Is anyone monitoring this website? I submitted all my information two years ago to you, but have never heard anything. We are still being billed for maintenance fees. Roxanna
Dear All,
Please see below a recent email from Alejandra regarding changes that are coming to our contracts later this year. We are not sure exactly what she means but will keep you all posted when we get ours.
______________
Yes. There is an adjustment that will take place for all the contracts of Sole. The office will be informing me by december in order to contact the members and start the process by January or February next year. Please be patient (more patient, I know) and wait for me to contact you in this regard.
I am a timeshare member since 2004 and used the Tulum resort only twice. It is always a problem getting a room and I paid the maintenance fee for what maintenance I don;t know. Since Februrary 2010 I have been trying to reserve a room and Resort Advantage told me try later the hotel didn’t release the rooms. Now 3 months later They are msking a new contract and $950 fee is being charged. This is a bad contract and the resort wants to hold money in a fund for repairs, it looks like the maintenance fee will be very high in the future. Also the rooms are in the worst part of the hotel, no gardens or terraces nest to the kitchen.It seems the resort wants to get rid of all timeshare members. I won’t give them any money or agree to a new contract. I agreed to a 30 year contract and only 6 years later this company is breaking it in only 5 years. Maybe we need investigative T.V. in the U.S. and Canada to report on the owners of this criminal company.
Fellow members,
Sorry that I have not been more active on the site.. The time has come for us to become active in our defense of our contracts with the Sole Vacation Club. Mr. Sandretto is clearly trying to dump all the members with the latest scam, a contract and new fees.
Do not sign the new contract. It eliminates all your rights under the legal agreement you have with Sole. The letter from Sandretto (club owner) claims that PROFECO has approved this sidestep that allows him to eliminate the old legal agreements. This is a lie. He has merely applied for and been granted a new case file to create a new timeshare company…nothing more.
In the last week of May, I and several others are meeting with management of the timeshare companies and hotel management in Tulum. We will be accompanied by a representative from US Consulate and hopefully a Profeco exec. We will lay all the cards on the table and see what comes out. We have a Mexican Attorney attending as well.
In the meantime, do not sign the agreement. Send no money. Here is what you can do;
Write the US Consulate Office in Merida and complain. They have opened a case file on us and the more names we have, the more weight we have. Here is the address; playausca@gmail.com
Att: Samantha Mason
This is the US Consulate office in Playa Del Carmen
And also write:
To the Consulate office in Merida at; meridacons@state.gov
And finally, write to;
Laura Mejía
Department of Conciliation
Services for Foreign Residents PROFECO
**UPDATE** May 17, 2010 – I just called Sole Vacation Club to schedule a vacation at Dreams Tulum in July and was told that they have halted all reservations and that I need to call the hotel. They referred to the letter sent out concerning the extra fees and would not give any more information. It seems our timeshare has been FROZEN until further notice. Also my maintenance fees are paid current.
For all Canadian owners, this is the feedback we were given by the Canadian Consulate in Playa Del Carmen. Please feel free to contact us if you wish (starno1234@sympatico.ca or 450-458-1234). We have also been to the Profeco but they cannot help us either. We are grateful that Jim has taken the lead in getting a meeting organized.
Dear Ms Dougherty and Mr St. Arnaud. My name is Leon Lajeunesse and I am the Consular Agent for Canada in Playa del Carmen. Our office was recently opened (January 2009) and is responsible for the entire Riviera Maya (Puerto Morelos to Tulúm) and Cozumel region.
Your email was forwarded to us by the Consular Officer for the United States, Samantha Mason. Ms Mason felt it important that we be made aware of the situation with Sole Vacation Club as numerous American and Canadian clients seem to be in the same situation of yourselves. I understand from Ms Mason that owners have organized a meeting and that legal counsel has already been secured. I am however not sure if this has been done on behalf of all owners or a group of owners.
Regarding your request for assistance in correcting this situation – you should note the Government of Canada (Consular Services) cannot become involved in legal disputes in Mexico or any other foreign country. In cases such as these, we suggest Canadians seek legal consul so as to ensure their rights and benefits are respected. If you do not already have legal consul and/or are not part of the group which has apparently already secured legal services – we can provide you a list of lawyers which have been recommended by other Canadians in the region. Please let us know if you wish to receive the list of lawyers.
We also recommend clients who have been defrauded to make a formal complaint with PROFECO. However, according to your letter you have already done.
We thank you for bringing this matter to our attention and please feel free to keep us posted to any new development regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Leon Lajeunesse
Consular Agent / Agent consulaire
Consular Agency of Canada/Agence consulaire du Canada
I have written my experience, similar to all above, to the three addresses Jim has provided. This entire scheme, obviously, was and ontinues to be a fraud.
I hope the meeting on May 26th makes a difference, but I don’t expect any big changes. I believe we are all simply going to lose the money we invested in the hotel.
Please keep me informed about the meeting and its results.
I called Advantage today, June 1 to have a week deposited to my RCI account, and was told that my account was blocked and I had to call the resort. Left a message to Alejondra and am still waiting for a response. I bought in 2004, have visited in 2008 and 2009 and was able to get one additional room for a fee, had a great time, and my fee was reimbursed. I was not aware that this mess was going on. I have not received any contracts, and any information of new owners. I bought a unit that someone supposedly defaulted on. Rafaels
I’m in the process of filing with Profeco - sorry slow to act.
Funny we were there mid January and nothing was said. We were not placed in a Jr. Suite but the original hotel side and per the original contract were given back our 2009 maintenance fee. nice surprise!
but as noted above - have been unable to book rooms for this fall.
I appreciate the postings and will have to check the site more often.
I’m new to the forum. I have not been there for the last few years and I’m trying to setup a reservation. What number should I call?? Based on the last note from Mr Marvin other people had the same experience. I like to know who I can join forces with you guys since I seems I would be in the same boat. I already start the letters you suggested above. What else should I do. Do we have any updates after the meeting in Tulum on May 26??
We called today 6/21/2010 to “Resorts Advantage” in attempts to obtain an explanation why we have been unable to reserve our week in “Sole Vacation” for the last 90 days. The representative we spoke with has informed us to pay an aditional $950.00. We are not going to pay because money that is outside the terms of our contract! We have contacted the Better Bussiness Bureau, in Florida, where Resorts Advantage is located. We are recomeding everyone flood their office with complaints… #561.842.1918… the BBB’s records indicate an A+ record with no unresolved complaints let them recieve an outpoor of complaints. Navigating every avenue for our success!
• Timeshare purchased “Platinum Time”, hotel unit, 30 years with renewal 60 years, 14 additional days per year.
• After one month… First surprise… charge Credit Card without authorization
Disputed, then returned all, after several weeks except $61.09 still owed (6yrs. later)
• Nov 2004… “Vacation”, terrible unit with cracks in walls/ceiling, toilet loose very unsafe, safe unsecured with no resolution. Exposed rust throughout balcony, very unsafe for children and filthy. All information provided is documented with video! Complained to change or fix room and received no help, same time they began to build the new hotel (loud construction and destroyed complex)Again, all information given documented with video! Noisy, un-restful caused arguments with family very disappointed.
• We contacted Rocio Priego (representative from Sole vacation club) who promised us next time we would be given all inclusive food and beverage for our compensation and ruined vacation. We paid in cash maintenance fee and reservation for the next vacation… then after few months billed for the same payment and sent fax of invoice to satisfy. Ms. Priego disappeared and Sole Vacation did not honor what was promised. We were forced to transfer our reservation to RCI.
• To this day, we ask for a reservation at the “Resort Advantage”… for reservation this year for the third time with no answer!
• We are furthermore owed $240.00 for additional weeks reservation, which has become mandatory to reserve and then still after we pay receive no reservation. Resort Advantage charged additional fees not associated with our original contract. With no answer to the approval for the charges applied without our authorization.
• According to the contract sole vacation club must pay to RCI fees for 2 years and did not honor this portion of the contract, which we were forced to pay against our will.
• Per contract our new unit would be completed by 9/2004
• Per our contract children under the age of 7 will be free, now sole vacation is breaking our contract and only accept children under 4
• According to the contract we are entitled to an assembly… for the past 6 years we have not assembled and cannot receive word as to why.
• Now this “Club” wants us to sign a new contract and yet again pay additional fees, it is a scam!
The above mentioned is a small brief description of a portion of the complaints we have against the Sole Vacation Club for dishonoring our contract. We do not wish to waste your time with every occurrence. Please help us fight for justice in these matters.
What a nightmare this has been for everyone.I just got the e-mail today asking for the 950.00. It sounds like they send this notice out randamly. Just found this site today and glad I did.Thanks everyone for your horror stories.
This is Bullshit, they even know how to keep these post off line. Never again well I go to the Mexico I had been to at least 50 times. Just more money not spent at your resorts. Go USA
Has anyone other than Jim and Tom signed up for the “new” contract? Please let other members know if you were able to negotiate any kind of deal.
Thanks
Hello,
I just learned a couple of weeks ago what is going on. Do you know if a lot of members signed up the new contracts? If we decide not to sign, I guess that it means we are going to lose all the money we have invested… ? That is frustrating because who knows if they will not decide to change the name of the company again in a year or two for their own profit.. For me, the fact it has been approved by Profeco doesn’t mean that what they are doing is legal… What can we do… ?! We have not a lot of options.
First of all, thank you Jim for your commitment to persevere, on all of our behalf, with these impossible contract negotiations. We intended financially chime into your efforts when more information unfolded (sorry, it was impossible to join you in the beginning). Unbelievable that we could all be this dead-ended. We own a 2BR, so are highly invested in this process. With the Winter all-incl. going up 2X & no MTF refund, it out-prices what our family of 4 is able to afford, not to mention the fact that what we signed up for was 1week mandatory incl. and 28 days of free choice, meaning when retired we could stay quite reasonably for 4-5 weeks in the winter.
We lose our entire investment if we don’t sign, and our ability to sell it. We are leaning towards signing also in the hopes that we can recoup some of our investment in the future. We absolutely adore the place and the area, our children have grown up here with incredible memories of exploring the area. We’re leaning towards trying this one last year, pay the $950 for the contract. It just kills us they can’t negotiate any part of this contract & we have the same major concerns about any recourse of our MTF going up in case of a hurricane. We are good friends with owners who go the same time each year that we do. Jim, can those of us who do sign use some medium to converse?
p.s. We assume when the long list of folks trying to sell now (sellmytimeshare.com etc)
have defunct contracts? Also that TC Servicios (based in Costa Rica?) may offer these units for sale in time? Assuming Dreams can rent our units out, why are we responsible for such a high MTF? Do we have any separate living room area between the 2 Bedrooms (your 1BR didn’t show a separate living area–I know we’re giving up the unit they bribed us with flat screens, kitchen, leather furniture–but at least there should be an adjoining Living Rm?)
Thank you for any advise–I’d really like to stay in contact with others who decide the $950 signing is worth it to stay in the game & not lose everything.
After trying since August to get a copy of the new contract proposal, I finally just received an email with the new contract.
It looks like the cost of everything went up (From Maint Fee to the /day all inclusive rate). I also can’t tell if the $950 management fee is a one time or annual expense.
It now looks like I can book a holiday through a travel agent for less cost. I’ve not yet decided whether to walk away or sign.
Really like the resort when I stayed there but have actaully had more luck trading the weeks with RCI.
I’m curious to see how many people decide to sign.
We would like to share with you our experience of dispute with Resorts Advantage via mediation of Better Business Bureau (hereafter - BBB).
We sent complaint against Resorts Advantage to BBB regarding unlawfully charged booking fee of $25.00 per week.
After a long correspondence with BBB regarding the above complaint we received their answer. They closed our case as disputed and didn’t make any final decision.
Our attorney believes that reason of such ignorance could be explained by sparsity of complaints against Resorts Advantage. Solitary complaint won’t call for BBB’s attention as it could do a number of them.
We are going to continue our struggle for justice.
Please, share news if anyone of you sent any complaint(s) to BBB against Resorts Advantage.
“Sole Vacation Club” replaced by “Tulum Vacation Club” (now administered by TC Servicios Riviera)
at Dreams Tulum; previously also known as “Sunscape Tulum” and “Grand Sole”
————
Oh my god, it’s even worse than I thought as I was writing up my contract evaluation below.
The timeshare units have never even been built and they have just been buying rooms from the Hotel like any other travel agent! Heck, one year I even paid a fee to an agent they recommended to “rent out” our timeshare week. Luckily I refused to pay another annual fee to try to rent it after the 1st year of not being successful in renting it!
If anyone ever gets the email or address of someone who can do something about this, please let me know!
I’ve written all the names at the top in the hopes this can get found by google searches better.
————–
1) THE PROBLEM
a) All web information indicates that they have structured this change so your 2000-2004 prior purchase agreement is unenforceable even though it appears it is still owned by the same people.
b) The new contract email offer is advertised as “$950 for a new contract with similar terms”, but when you read the details you are on the hook for more than the $950 due with your signed contact and the terms are not the same.
2) OBVIOUS CONTRACT CHANGES
a) Our original $21,248 purchase contract was for a Hotel Unit Gold-Week with $0 annual fee if we stayed at the resort and a small fee if we traded it on RCI or similar. We owed absolutely nothing if we didn’t use it that year. Now for the same hotel unit, we owe a $500 maintenance fee per year, whether we use it or not.
b) The all-inclusive rates are daily, not weekly, and much higher than previous.
c) While the new purchase agreement is for 5 years with up to 5 renewals until your original 30 years expires (which sounds reasonable) on the surface.
3) HIDDEN CONTRACT COSTS
a) Due to the 5-year contract term, I was concerned that the $950 might need paid again every 5 years at the time of renewal, but I think it is worse. I believe the $950 management fee will be due every year in addition to the maintenance fee! Here’s why:
i) The membership type is listed as “Annual”.
ii) The $950 is a management fee. They list in the contract as covering “Office expenses and stationery US$ 100.00, Integration System US$ 200.00, Incentive Fee US$ 200.00, Hotel compensation US$ 200.00, Legal fee US$ 250.00”.
iii) The maintenance fee and management fee are both conditioned to Exhibit-1 (which they provided) and to specific sections of the “Rules and Regulations” which they did not provide.
iv) The contract and Exhibit-1 both refer to “office” as an annual expense. Exibit-1 #24 “Costs Determination” allows for the costs to be determined for the first and annual years
v) If the management fee was one-time, why would it need to be conditioned on “cost determination” every year?
b) Your new contract is a new Purchase Agreement. There is a new “closing fee” of $1,499 and the “Total purchase” is exactly that amount higher than your “initial deposit in cash” that you paid back when you bought it the first time. While they don’t ask for it at signing, you are on the hook. I’m not sure, but if at the time of the 5-year renewal you are required to sign a new purchase agreement, you might also be on the hook for an additional closing cost fee.
4) CAN I TRUST THEM?
a) While they go to great lengths to give you the impression that they have done things to protect you going forward, since I believe this is really the same people, I think that’s all bull and there is probably nothing to protect an owner from them doing this to us again. Heck, they even have the same club manager in place!
5) DO THEY CARE IF I “RENEW” with a whole new replacement contract?
a) NO! They win either way.
b) If you renew, they have you on a better terms with hidden fees. If they need to, they can close the club again, reopen under another name with a new purchase agreement, and charge you a closing fee! Heck, it’s Mexico!
c) If you don’t renew, they are completely clear to sell your week to another unsuspecting sucker! This is supported by the web report on Jan 6, 2011 of the hotel once again enlisting a sales team to sell timeshares. Kind of coincidental that I received a new offer on Jan 8, 2011.
6) EVALUATING THE OFFER
a) IF I ignore the trust issue, and IF write off the initial investment as a loss, and IF I ignore the open-endedness to the fee changes, I could still evaluate this offer as a stand-alone decision and here’s how it looks to me.
b) Even if I Even in the best but least likely scenario, I can still get a week for less money on Expedia.
Hotel Unit
1-Week
no meals Prorated Annual Cost Estimate
(without increases)
Per Contract Evaluation per email text
Fee Type Listed Fee Likely Hopeful Not Likely
1-closing / 5-years 1-mgmt /
5-years no closing
Closing Costs $ 1,499 $ 300 $ 300 $ -
Management $ 950 $ 950 $ 190 $ 190.00
Maintenance $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500.00
TOTAL $ 1,750 $ 990 $ 690
7) IF YOU DO DECIDE TO SIGN NEW AGREEMENT
a) Get a copy of the Rules and Regulations.
b) Take a close look at Sections-2.3, 2.3.1 for confirmation of you future financial obligations. WHY DID I WRITE THIS?
a) After seeing that others were trying to keep me informed though a web site info from fellow timeshare owners at www.solevacationclub.org (thank you, thank you, thank you!), I felt an obligation to live up to their example. I hope this is helpful to you.
b) In writing this, I guess it also gives me some kind of closure to my wasted Mexican Timeshare Investment.
March 27th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Tom Wrote 3/26/2007
I am impressed by your web site and am quite interested in getting “justice”. In December of 2004, I bought two time share contracts of two weeks each from Sole Vacation Club. Each contract included in addition to the two weeks, 42 bonus days per year. I purchased them for use by employees and customers–of course there have not been enough Sole Vacation Club rooms/weeks available at the resort to accommodate either the regular weeks nor the bonus days. I was at Dreams last week, using three rooms, one of my own RCI weeks, I bought back. The resort, as it has every time I have been there treats me fine, however, I cannot get all the time I request, I am still paying maintenance fees and I am not getting the maintenance fee credited to the all inclusive fee. The resort tells me they will credit the all inclusive if Sole Vacation authorizes them..of course, Sole Vacations always has some excuse. Last week, Alejandra, who I met with twice, assured me that at check out, I would receive some credit–she had gone through mumbo jumbo math relating to weeks deposited in RCI and other factors that are not in the contract and which I had no clue about, but the result was, I would receive about 1/2 of the all inclusive back, as a credit to my credit card given at check in. I figured that was progress and she said I would receive additional credit when I return in November-I already have reservations in November. At check out, the resort had no authority to give me a credit; I had already become known by the Concierges and they got Alejandra on the phone-the story was the check was sent to cover my credit, but had not been deposited yet. Of course, I had a plane to catch and had to leave. She said she would follow-up and see the credit was issued. Not hearing from her after a week, I emailed her yesterday.
Alejandra tells me that Sole Vacation gets 10 weeks/units per week from the resort for use by Sole Vacation Members. I don’t know whether Sole Vacation buys them or what, the resort manager told me last October that as far as he is concerned, Sole Vacation is simply another “buyer” that buys blocks of time from the resort and that he and his staff do not know who the buyer is, that anyone that shows up with a reservation gets a room at the rate specified in the reservation and all are otherwise treated the same. That fits my experience.
I wonder, why Sole Vacation continues to have a presence at the resort, they have an office and both Alejandra and Elba show up from time to time, why they maintain a relationship with Resorts International in Miami for making reservations and collecting maintenance fees. If the deal is a total fraud, why have they not packed up their tent and moved on?
I have a continuing relationship with several Sole Sales agents–they have filed a law suit against Sole Vacations. I talked with them last week while in Tulum. Individually, they don’t know much.
I am interested in working with you, but would like to know a little about who you are. Please advise.
March 27th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
My wife & I purchased a (fractional ownership right) Jr. Suite in 2002. We were told that the original purchaser had defaulted on his payment and we were being offered the resale at a reduced price. We own two time share units (one in Cancun) so were somewhat familiar with the arrangement. We were told that future development would include one and two bedroom units which we could reserve simply by paying the appropriate maintenance fee for the selected unit. We were told that the “all inclusive” fees would become optional by the time the new development was completed. We paid the maintenance fees for the first two years we were eligible to book a reservation but never made a reservation because we were waiting for the new addition to be completed.
Curious, we visited Sole Vacation Club in 2004 while at our time share in Cancun to inspect the progress of the new addition. Of course, it was still in the planning stages and we were strongly advised by the sales staff on-site that we should upgrade to a one or two bedroom unit as we would have little chance of upgrading based on our current Contract. We declined.
During our normal week in Cancun in 2005, hurricane Wilma prevented our annual visit. The next year, on November 8, 2006, we decided to drive down to inspect the Sole Vacation Club. I drove right on by the entrance as the name was no longer on the gate. When we turned around and entered the facility we found that Dreams now operated (and owned) the facility. We met with Alejandra who explained the reason for the expansion cancellation was unknown cenotes existed and the government halted construction. We were told that our options included using our current contract to book hotel rooms through Dreams, exchange our ownership with an alternative time share operation, or request our money back. We elected to ask for our money back and drafted a letter demanding the return of our money based upon a default by Sole Vacation Club. We signed the letter and Alejandra said she would deliver it to Elba Machado in Playa del Carmen the next day. She said we may have to wait up to seven months to receive our refund. Since our return to the USA, I have sent an email to Ms. Elba Machado at emachado@solecapital.com at least once a month asking for information regarding the status of my request. I have not received a reply as of today, March 27, 2007. I sympathize with those who have suffered losses greater than our own and hope we will be able to recover our losses. On the brighter side, we have owned a time share in Cancun through “The Royal Resorts” for 15 years and recently purchased another 30 year contract and couldn’t be happier!!!
March 28th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
I appreciate the information people are submitting.That way I do not feel that I am the only sucker being duped.
I thank the individuals who are working for my benefit.
You will have my financial support when requested.
March 28th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
What I have read so far matches our experiences. It is clear to me that Sole is sitting on about 20 million and cannot finish the timeshare building because the federal government will not allow the construction to continue without proper permits.
In order to keep people somewhat happy and not pay out all their capital, they are purchasing only 10 rooms per week from the Dreams resort and giving them out to those who are first in the door and complain the loudest.
Of those 10 rooms, 5 go to RCI, so in reality, only 5 rooms are available per week. We were told that 10 was all the resort would give them but I met with the Dreams Sales Manager who told me that they could buy as many as they wanted, just like any other travel agency. I even offered to pay a higher all inclusive fee if Sole would purchase more rooms for me, but this was refused.
I am assuming that they maintain a presence at Dreams because this is an attempt to forestall legal action by members. If they can keep some people somewhat happy, with a minimal outlay, it keeps the money in the bank drawing interest.
I am sure many members will shy away from a group effort to reconcile with Sole, because they may lose everything. It appears to me, from my discussions with several others, that there is a large group of members who have already given up and are no longer paying their maintenance fees.
There are also many who simply transfer their weeks to RCI and go elsewhere (which is another ordeal).
We would like to see the original plan completed, or get our money back. I would like to see the group get enough strength to have Sole at least communicate with us and let us know what plans they have to go forward.
Personally, we have enjoyed our times at Dreams and will return as much as we can.
April 6th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I’m really glad to hear that this web site is up and allowing others to share our pain. My wife and I purchased a 2 bedroom timeshare in 2004 and have been getting the brush-off every time we inquire about construction progress. All my stories from them mirror what is being said by others here. I’d like to keep communicating throught this web site and helping to do whatever I can to get what we signed up for.
Tom in Seattle
May 1st, 2007 at 5:21 pm
My wife and I just returned home from Dreams.We were there from 4-21-07 to 4-28-07. We purchased a 1 bedroom unit in feb.2004. When we arrived they didn’t even have our reservation from Resorts Advantage. It took us about 4 hours and a phone call to Alejandra before we had our room and of course the room was in the old hotel units. Also we were charged full price for our all inclusive fee. We met with Alejandra on Wednesday and spent 2 hours with her,and she told us about the same thing that has been said on this web site.Also that we should have a credit of our maintenance fee of $450.00 toward our all inclusive fee. Alejandra e-mailed the front desk to credit our account and by Friday afternoon we received our credit,this added stress on our vacation. The food and staff were still good.
I would like to know why Sole and or Resorts Advantage did not let the membership that this was happening! We need one of the principals to take ownership of the mess that they have created at Dreams,whether it be Sole,Dreams,RCI,Amstar,and or Resorts Advantage. John
June 30th, 2007 at 4:42 am
After reading all those sad stories, mine mirror exactly the same, struggling with this Alejandra Izaguirre, but I learned about the Mexican government site and they say they’re willing to help, I filed a complaint with them just a few days ago, I’m waiting for response, if you are good in spanish language…fine, if not click the ENGLISH VERSION on top right of the page and you are on, explain them your problem about Sole, perhaps if each of us push by this mean we can get a good result on our demands, this is the web site:
www.presidencia.gob.mx (we wish good luck to ourselves recovering our dough)
November 22nd, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Hello,
My family stayed at Dreams in the Spring of 2007 after quite an ordeal in acquiring a confirmation from Resorts Advantage (RA) and the hotel. I attempted to get a confirmation for 2008 and again received delays. At that point, I had a US-based attorney write a letter to Resorts Advantage with a copy to Sole Vacation, the confirmation process suddenly went more smoothly. RA still refuses to abide all of the provisions of my contract, and I was treated with distain by the front desk in 2007 when I asserted my rights. My attorney indicated that we probably need to engage a Mexican attorney. The chances of hiring an effective Mexican counsel, however, are probably poor.
Other alternatives may be through a complaint under NAFTA or some intervention by the Commerce Department, but at this point I’m just brainstorming.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:02 am
This site makes me feel a little less alone in the world - thanks.
I purchased this for use for clients and employees and they had a absolutely “great” plan for my needs - but when I tried to book the weeks for the next next year for the group, I learned it was just a fabricated story. I did receive a 50% rebate for the “confusion” - but it took me 3 years to just to book a an over priced family vacation.
I’m off to my for my first stay with my family (not enough time available to book a group). I’ll share this info with others at the resort. I’m expecting a similar experience - but hoping for the best.
I’ll add my comments after my return.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
How do I get more info on what the costs are to join the battle? I need all the facts so I can decide which way to go. I am fed up with the way things have been handled at Sole and tired of paying a maintnce fee when I can’t use the facilities. I haven’t submmited my contract info yet just my email address and name. Can anyone let me know how to get more information.
April 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Hi
curious if there has been any progress with the lawsuit or what other recent experiences any has had. We are going in a few weeks. We have had all the same problems others outlined in their stories over the past 4 years. how long can this go on?
June 8th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
4 Members have engaged a local attorney from Cancun. We are now waiting for a response from him and the hotel.
6/8/2008
July 7th, 2008 at 7:03 am
We returned from our vacation this month. We were told by Alejandra that they are planning on starting 4 of the timeshare units this year. She also refunded our maintenance fee.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:09 am
My wife & I purchase 2 week gold timeshare with additional bonus weeks. But our experience has been like everyone elses. We have corresponded with Elba, Allejandra & others to no avail and have never had a single week at Sole Vacation Club - Dreams. I am interested in participating in the legal case using the local Cancun attorney.
The hotel was closed at the end of September by the Mexican EPA, but reopened November 15th. The “action” is on hold due to the legal issues. I would like to have the photos of the junior suite, if you can email them to me. For reservations, try this:
All reservations after the first of 2009 are done through Resorts Advantage. You will need your contract number and it works best to just call them.
Resorts Advantage
9500 S. Dadeland Blvd Suite 300
Miami, fl 33156
October 29th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Do you know what`s the name of the local attorney for this case?. We are in the same situation since may, 2005. thanks for the information.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I am so gald that I found website. My husband and I bought the time share in 2005. We found out there is not going to be buidlings of memebrs when we went back to Tulum in 2007. Right now, we are thingk about contacting the profeco. I thik it doesn’t male a sence to pay my maintenance fee because there isn’t a building to maintenance. Can anyone tell me the name of the local attorney of this case?
Thank you,
February 25th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Well written, comprehensive…great post.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Is anything currently being done? Is anyone monitoring this website? I submitted all my information two years ago to you, but have never heard anything. We are still being billed for maintenance fees. Roxanna
Please respond.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:49 am
Dear All,
Please see below a recent email from Alejandra regarding changes that are coming to our contracts later this year. We are not sure exactly what she means but will keep you all posted when we get ours.
______________
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:26:08 -0500
Subject: Re: FW: From: izaguirre.a@gmail.com
To: starno1234@sympatico.ca
Hello madame,
Yes. There is an adjustment that will take place for all the contracts of Sole. The office will be informing me by december in order to contact the members and start the process by January or February next year. Please be patient (more patient, I know) and wait for me to contact you in this regard.
Sincerely,
Alejandra I.
(984) 1389621
Sole Club
May 2nd, 2010 at 5:32 pm
We are very interested in any and all legal pursuit. Please keep mposting so we may be informed as to current status.
May 4th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
I am a timeshare member since 2004 and used the Tulum resort only twice. It is always a problem getting a room and I paid the maintenance fee for what maintenance I don;t know. Since Februrary 2010 I have been trying to reserve a room and Resort Advantage told me try later the hotel didn’t release the rooms. Now 3 months later They are msking a new contract and $950 fee is being charged. This is a bad contract and the resort wants to hold money in a fund for repairs, it looks like the maintenance fee will be very high in the future. Also the rooms are in the worst part of the hotel, no gardens or terraces nest to the kitchen.It seems the resort wants to get rid of all timeshare members. I won’t give them any money or agree to a new contract. I agreed to a 30 year contract and only 6 years later this company is breaking it in only 5 years. Maybe we need investigative T.V. in the U.S. and Canada to report on the owners of this criminal company.
May 10th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Fellow members,
Sorry that I have not been more active on the site.. The time has come for us to become active in our defense of our contracts with the Sole Vacation Club. Mr. Sandretto is clearly trying to dump all the members with the latest scam, a contract and new fees.
Do not sign the new contract. It eliminates all your rights under the legal agreement you have with Sole. The letter from Sandretto (club owner) claims that PROFECO has approved this sidestep that allows him to eliminate the old legal agreements. This is a lie. He has merely applied for and been granted a new case file to create a new timeshare company…nothing more.
In the last week of May, I and several others are meeting with management of the timeshare companies and hotel management in Tulum. We will be accompanied by a representative from US Consulate and hopefully a Profeco exec. We will lay all the cards on the table and see what comes out. We have a Mexican Attorney attending as well.
In the meantime, do not sign the agreement. Send no money. Here is what you can do;
Write the US Consulate Office in Merida and complain. They have opened a case file on us and the more names we have, the more weight we have. Here is the address;
playausca@gmail.com
Att: Samantha Mason
This is the US Consulate office in Playa Del Carmen
And also write:
To the Consulate office in Merida at;
meridacons@state.gov
And finally, write to;
Laura Mejía
Department of Conciliation
Services for Foreign Residents PROFECO
extranjeros@profeco.gob.mx
In every letter, describe your circumstances and ask that they attend the meeting with Sole Club management in Tulum on Wednesday, May 26, at 11 AM.
Were Mad as HELL and we are not going to take it anymore.
May 17th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
**UPDATE** May 17, 2010 – I just called Sole Vacation Club to schedule a vacation at Dreams Tulum in July and was told that they have halted all reservations and that I need to call the hotel. They referred to the letter sent out concerning the extra fees and would not give any more information. It seems our timeshare has been FROZEN until further notice. Also my maintenance fees are paid current.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
For all Canadian owners, this is the feedback we were given by the Canadian Consulate in Playa Del Carmen. Please feel free to contact us if you wish (starno1234@sympatico.ca or 450-458-1234). We have also been to the Profeco but they cannot help us either. We are grateful that Jim has taken the lead in getting a meeting organized.
Dear Ms Dougherty and Mr St. Arnaud. My name is Leon Lajeunesse and I am the Consular Agent for Canada in Playa del Carmen. Our office was recently opened (January 2009) and is responsible for the entire Riviera Maya (Puerto Morelos to Tulúm) and Cozumel region.
Your email was forwarded to us by the Consular Officer for the United States, Samantha Mason. Ms Mason felt it important that we be made aware of the situation with Sole Vacation Club as numerous American and Canadian clients seem to be in the same situation of yourselves. I understand from Ms Mason that owners have organized a meeting and that legal counsel has already been secured. I am however not sure if this has been done on behalf of all owners or a group of owners.
Regarding your request for assistance in correcting this situation – you should note the Government of Canada (Consular Services) cannot become involved in legal disputes in Mexico or any other foreign country. In cases such as these, we suggest Canadians seek legal consul so as to ensure their rights and benefits are respected. If you do not already have legal consul and/or are not part of the group which has apparently already secured legal services – we can provide you a list of lawyers which have been recommended by other Canadians in the region. Please let us know if you wish to receive the list of lawyers.
We also recommend clients who have been defrauded to make a formal complaint with PROFECO. However, according to your letter you have already done.
We thank you for bringing this matter to our attention and please feel free to keep us posted to any new development regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Leon Lajeunesse
Consular Agent / Agent consulaire
Consular Agency of Canada/Agence consulaire du Canada
Plaza Paraíso Caribe
Modulo C, Planta 2, Oficina C21 - 24
Av. 10 Sur, entre Calle 3 y 5 Sur, M-35, Lote 1,
Colonia Centro
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo CP 77710 México
(011 52 984) 803-2411) Fax: (011 52 984) 803-2665
playadelcarmen@canada.org.mx
May 20th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
I have written my experience, similar to all above, to the three addresses Jim has provided. This entire scheme, obviously, was and ontinues to be a fraud.
I hope the meeting on May 26th makes a difference, but I don’t expect any big changes. I believe we are all simply going to lose the money we invested in the hotel.
Please keep me informed about the meeting and its results.
June 1st, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I called Advantage today, June 1 to have a week deposited to my RCI account, and was told that my account was blocked and I had to call the resort. Left a message to Alejondra and am still waiting for a response. I bought in 2004, have visited in 2008 and 2009 and was able to get one additional room for a fee, had a great time, and my fee was reimbursed. I was not aware that this mess was going on. I have not received any contracts, and any information of new owners. I bought a unit that someone supposedly defaulted on. Rafaels
June 1st, 2010 at 10:39 pm
I’m in the process of filing with Profeco - sorry slow to act.
Funny we were there mid January and nothing was said. We were not placed in a Jr. Suite but the original hotel side and per the original contract were given back our 2009 maintenance fee. nice surprise!
but as noted above - have been unable to book rooms for this fall.
I appreciate the postings and will have to check the site more often.
June 4th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Hi:
I’m new to the forum. I have not been there for the last few years and I’m trying to setup a reservation. What number should I call?? Based on the last note from Mr Marvin other people had the same experience. I like to know who I can join forces with you guys since I seems I would be in the same boat. I already start the letters you suggested above. What else should I do. Do we have any updates after the meeting in Tulum on May 26??
June 21st, 2010 at 8:32 pm
We called today 6/21/2010 to “Resorts Advantage” in attempts to obtain an explanation why we have been unable to reserve our week in “Sole Vacation” for the last 90 days. The representative we spoke with has informed us to pay an aditional $950.00. We are not going to pay because money that is outside the terms of our contract! We have contacted the Better Bussiness Bureau, in Florida, where Resorts Advantage is located. We are recomeding everyone flood their office with complaints… #561.842.1918… the BBB’s records indicate an A+ record with no unresolved complaints let them recieve an outpoor of complaints. Navigating every avenue for our success!
June 21st, 2010 at 8:38 pm
• Timeshare purchased “Platinum Time”, hotel unit, 30 years with renewal 60 years, 14 additional days per year.
• After one month… First surprise… charge Credit Card without authorization
Disputed, then returned all, after several weeks except $61.09 still owed (6yrs. later)
• Nov 2004… “Vacation”, terrible unit with cracks in walls/ceiling, toilet loose very unsafe, safe unsecured with no resolution. Exposed rust throughout balcony, very unsafe for children and filthy. All information provided is documented with video! Complained to change or fix room and received no help, same time they began to build the new hotel (loud construction and destroyed complex)Again, all information given documented with video! Noisy, un-restful caused arguments with family very disappointed.
• We contacted Rocio Priego (representative from Sole vacation club) who promised us next time we would be given all inclusive food and beverage for our compensation and ruined vacation. We paid in cash maintenance fee and reservation for the next vacation… then after few months billed for the same payment and sent fax of invoice to satisfy. Ms. Priego disappeared and Sole Vacation did not honor what was promised. We were forced to transfer our reservation to RCI.
• To this day, we ask for a reservation at the “Resort Advantage”… for reservation this year for the third time with no answer!
• We are furthermore owed $240.00 for additional weeks reservation, which has become mandatory to reserve and then still after we pay receive no reservation. Resort Advantage charged additional fees not associated with our original contract. With no answer to the approval for the charges applied without our authorization.
• According to the contract sole vacation club must pay to RCI fees for 2 years and did not honor this portion of the contract, which we were forced to pay against our will.
• Per contract our new unit would be completed by 9/2004
• Per our contract children under the age of 7 will be free, now sole vacation is breaking our contract and only accept children under 4
• According to the contract we are entitled to an assembly… for the past 6 years we have not assembled and cannot receive word as to why.
• Now this “Club” wants us to sign a new contract and yet again pay additional fees, it is a scam!
The above mentioned is a small brief description of a portion of the complaints we have against the Sole Vacation Club for dishonoring our contract. We do not wish to waste your time with every occurrence. Please help us fight for justice in these matters.
August 11th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
What a nightmare this has been for everyone.I just got the e-mail today asking for the 950.00. It sounds like they send this notice out randamly. Just found this site today and glad I did.Thanks everyone for your horror stories.
August 26th, 2010 at 1:26 am
This is Bullshit, they even know how to keep these post off line. Never again well I go to the Mexico I had been to at least 50 times. Just more money not spent at your resorts. Go USA
August 26th, 2010 at 1:28 am
10,000,000 down the drain, have a good life you shit heads
September 7th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Has anyone other than Jim and Tom signed up for the “new” contract? Please let other members know if you were able to negotiate any kind of deal.
Thanks
September 8th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Actually, Tom has not signed up yet, only me.
September 28th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Hello,
I just learned a couple of weeks ago what is going on. Do you know if a lot of members signed up the new contracts? If we decide not to sign, I guess that it means we are going to lose all the money we have invested… ? That is frustrating because who knows if they will not decide to change the name of the company again in a year or two for their own profit.. For me, the fact it has been approved by Profeco doesn’t mean that what they are doing is legal… What can we do… ?! We have not a lot of options.
Claudia
October 28th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
First of all, thank you Jim for your commitment to persevere, on all of our behalf, with these impossible contract negotiations. We intended financially chime into your efforts when more information unfolded (sorry, it was impossible to join you in the beginning). Unbelievable that we could all be this dead-ended. We own a 2BR, so are highly invested in this process. With the Winter all-incl. going up 2X & no MTF refund, it out-prices what our family of 4 is able to afford, not to mention the fact that what we signed up for was 1week mandatory incl. and 28 days of free choice, meaning when retired we could stay quite reasonably for 4-5 weeks in the winter.
We lose our entire investment if we don’t sign, and our ability to sell it. We are leaning towards signing also in the hopes that we can recoup some of our investment in the future. We absolutely adore the place and the area, our children have grown up here with incredible memories of exploring the area. We’re leaning towards trying this one last year, pay the $950 for the contract. It just kills us they can’t negotiate any part of this contract & we have the same major concerns about any recourse of our MTF going up in case of a hurricane. We are good friends with owners who go the same time each year that we do. Jim, can those of us who do sign use some medium to converse?
p.s. We assume when the long list of folks trying to sell now (sellmytimeshare.com etc)
have defunct contracts? Also that TC Servicios (based in Costa Rica?) may offer these units for sale in time? Assuming Dreams can rent our units out, why are we responsible for such a high MTF? Do we have any separate living room area between the 2 Bedrooms (your 1BR didn’t show a separate living area–I know we’re giving up the unit they bribed us with flat screens, kitchen, leather furniture–but at least there should be an adjoining Living Rm?)
Thank you for any advise–I’d really like to stay in contact with others who decide the $950 signing is worth it to stay in the game & not lose everything.
Best, Kathryn
November 5th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
After trying since August to get a copy of the new contract proposal, I finally just received an email with the new contract.
It looks like the cost of everything went up (From Maint Fee to the /day all inclusive rate). I also can’t tell if the $950 management fee is a one time or annual expense.
It now looks like I can book a holiday through a travel agent for less cost. I’ve not yet decided whether to walk away or sign.
Really like the resort when I stayed there but have actaully had more luck trading the weeks with RCI.
I’m curious to see how many people decide to sign.
Regards,
Lance
November 17th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Dear friends,
We would like to share with you our experience of dispute with Resorts Advantage via mediation of Better Business Bureau (hereafter - BBB).
We sent complaint against Resorts Advantage to BBB regarding unlawfully charged booking fee of $25.00 per week.
After a long correspondence with BBB regarding the above complaint we received their answer. They closed our case as disputed and didn’t make any final decision.
Our attorney believes that reason of such ignorance could be explained by sparsity of complaints against Resorts Advantage. Solitary complaint won’t call for BBB’s attention as it could do a number of them.
We are going to continue our struggle for justice.
Please, share news if anyone of you sent any complaint(s) to BBB against Resorts Advantage.
Sincerely,
Lidiya
January 9th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
“Sole Vacation Club” replaced by “Tulum Vacation Club” (now administered by TC Servicios Riviera)
at Dreams Tulum; previously also known as “Sunscape Tulum” and “Grand Sole”
————
Oh my god, it’s even worse than I thought as I was writing up my contract evaluation below.
The timeshare units have never even been built and they have just been buying rooms from the Hotel like any other travel agent! Heck, one year I even paid a fee to an agent they recommended to “rent out” our timeshare week. Luckily I refused to pay another annual fee to try to rent it after the 1st year of not being successful in renting it!
If anyone ever gets the email or address of someone who can do something about this, please let me know!
I’ve written all the names at the top in the hopes this can get found by google searches better.
~Bill
billspurchases@gmail.com
————–
1) THE PROBLEM
a) All web information indicates that they have structured this change so your 2000-2004 prior purchase agreement is unenforceable even though it appears it is still owned by the same people.
b) The new contract email offer is advertised as “$950 for a new contract with similar terms”, but when you read the details you are on the hook for more than the $950 due with your signed contact and the terms are not the same.
2) OBVIOUS CONTRACT CHANGES
a) Our original $21,248 purchase contract was for a Hotel Unit Gold-Week with $0 annual fee if we stayed at the resort and a small fee if we traded it on RCI or similar. We owed absolutely nothing if we didn’t use it that year. Now for the same hotel unit, we owe a $500 maintenance fee per year, whether we use it or not.
b) The all-inclusive rates are daily, not weekly, and much higher than previous.
c) While the new purchase agreement is for 5 years with up to 5 renewals until your original 30 years expires (which sounds reasonable) on the surface.
3) HIDDEN CONTRACT COSTS
a) Due to the 5-year contract term, I was concerned that the $950 might need paid again every 5 years at the time of renewal, but I think it is worse. I believe the $950 management fee will be due every year in addition to the maintenance fee! Here’s why:
i) The membership type is listed as “Annual”.
ii) The $950 is a management fee. They list in the contract as covering “Office expenses and stationery US$ 100.00, Integration System US$ 200.00, Incentive Fee US$ 200.00, Hotel compensation US$ 200.00, Legal fee US$ 250.00”.
iii) The maintenance fee and management fee are both conditioned to Exhibit-1 (which they provided) and to specific sections of the “Rules and Regulations” which they did not provide.
iv) The contract and Exhibit-1 both refer to “office” as an annual expense. Exibit-1 #24 “Costs Determination” allows for the costs to be determined for the first and annual years
v) If the management fee was one-time, why would it need to be conditioned on “cost determination” every year?
b) Your new contract is a new Purchase Agreement. There is a new “closing fee” of $1,499 and the “Total purchase” is exactly that amount higher than your “initial deposit in cash” that you paid back when you bought it the first time. While they don’t ask for it at signing, you are on the hook. I’m not sure, but if at the time of the 5-year renewal you are required to sign a new purchase agreement, you might also be on the hook for an additional closing cost fee.
4) CAN I TRUST THEM?
a) While they go to great lengths to give you the impression that they have done things to protect you going forward, since I believe this is really the same people, I think that’s all bull and there is probably nothing to protect an owner from them doing this to us again. Heck, they even have the same club manager in place!
5) DO THEY CARE IF I “RENEW” with a whole new replacement contract?
a) NO! They win either way.
b) If you renew, they have you on a better terms with hidden fees. If they need to, they can close the club again, reopen under another name with a new purchase agreement, and charge you a closing fee! Heck, it’s Mexico!
c) If you don’t renew, they are completely clear to sell your week to another unsuspecting sucker! This is supported by the web report on Jan 6, 2011 of the hotel once again enlisting a sales team to sell timeshares. Kind of coincidental that I received a new offer on Jan 8, 2011.
6) EVALUATING THE OFFER
a) IF I ignore the trust issue, and IF write off the initial investment as a loss, and IF I ignore the open-endedness to the fee changes, I could still evaluate this offer as a stand-alone decision and here’s how it looks to me.
b) Even if I Even in the best but least likely scenario, I can still get a week for less money on Expedia.
Hotel Unit
1-Week
no meals Prorated Annual Cost Estimate
(without increases)
Per Contract Evaluation per email text
Fee Type Listed Fee Likely Hopeful Not Likely
1-closing / 5-years 1-mgmt /
5-years no closing
Closing Costs $ 1,499 $ 300 $ 300 $ -
Management $ 950 $ 950 $ 190 $ 190.00
Maintenance $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 $ 500.00
TOTAL $ 1,750 $ 990 $ 690
7) IF YOU DO DECIDE TO SIGN NEW AGREEMENT
WHY DID I WRITE THIS?
a) Get a copy of the Rules and Regulations.
b) Take a close look at Sections-2.3, 2.3.1 for confirmation of you future financial obligations.
a) After seeing that others were trying to keep me informed though a web site info from fellow timeshare owners at www.solevacationclub.org (thank you, thank you, thank you!), I felt an obligation to live up to their example. I hope this is helpful to you.
b) In writing this, I guess it also gives me some kind of closure to my wasted Mexican Timeshare Investment.
Sincerely,
Bill
Jan. 9, 2011