Resort fee at Massanutten effective 6/29/18 :(

[arlock]

I got the same email for a trip at the end of July that had been booked in January without any mention of this fee. Anyone have any suggestions on how to proceed?

Talk to customer service at Massanutten by phone ahead of time? Loud argument while in line checking in? Take it like a man?

I am a RCI exchanger, so threats of never coming back are as effective as threatening an armed robber with a feather duster.



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[Heron]

You may want to try Mountainside Villas, they are independent of the Masssanutten developer and have a very good HOA and management company. Their units while dated, are the biggest at Massanutten.

The fee also aplies to Mountainside Villas.

 

[bluehende]

The fee also aplies to Mountainside Villas.

That is a big darn.

 

[tschwa2]

The problem is the developer kept control of all of the recreational facilities. So instead of it being shared (and paid) in common with the full time home oweners and the 7 timeshare HOA's, The developer pays for them and then each year they would charge access fee to the various HOA's. This has always covered all year for the full time home owners and their renters and guests, use during occupancy periods for owners and RCI guests and all year access to gold card owners- those that bought at least one unit direct from Massanutten. Since it is great Eastern denying entry to the facilities for RCI exchangers there isn't anything that the independent board at Mountainside can do. The other timeshare boards are fully controlled by Great Eastern. Mountainside might be able to make the fee voluntary for RCI exchangers but that would mean no access to any pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, rec centers, etc.

 

[arlock]

So I have managed to talk to people both at RCI and Massanutten. RCI has no control over what Massanutten says and does. RCI further stated that they had spoken to Massanutten management and the fees will stay, even for those who exchanged months ago. Massanutten states that RCI approved the fees.

Big old circle where they each refer you to the other one. And each says there is nothing you or they can do about it. Obviously, RCI will not refund points and exchange fee. Massanutten won't let us in without paying the fee that was just now created. I'm not too keen on losing $800.00 more or less (Exchange fee and value of points) by just staying home.

What is my probability of success if I were to seek a chargeback after the fact. Any other ideas?

 

[tschwa2]

RCI says they have no control over what Massanutten says or does because that has been their mode of operations. If a resort wants to add a fee, RCI let's them do it. Approval might be a little strong of a word. If my son goes to a school that has a liberal dress code with a very few specific exceptions and he wears a t shirt of a boy wearing an nfl team peeing on the mascot of a rival team and the school doesn't make him go home and change, does that mean the school approved of the shirt?

What you can do is to try to make as big a stink as possible. I've been banned from posting on their facebook but others can continue to do so. Complain loudly when checking in. Make sure you rate them very low on RCI and with Trip Advisor. You can try disputing the charge after the fact but I am sure Massanutten will have you sign something acknowledging the fees and RCI always has the resort fees subject to change so I am not sure if you will have any luck. Normally I am not a fan of those punishing resorts with resort fees with lower scores. That is as long as the fee is disclosed at time of booking. Yes it sucks but you can choose not to exchange there is if you have a problem with it. That is not the case with this fee.

 

[Panina]

So I have managed to talk to people both at RCI and Massanutten. RCI has no control over what Massanutten says and does. RCI further stated that they had spoken to Massanutten management and the fees will stay, even for those who exchanged months ago. Massanutten states that RCI approved the fees.

Big old circle where they each refer you to the other one. And each says there is nothing you or they can do about it. Obviously, RCI will not refund points and exchange fee. Massanutten won't let us in without paying the fee that was just now created. I'm not too keen on losing $800.00 more or less (Exchange fee and value of points) by just staying home.

What is my probability of success if I were to seek a chargeback after the fact. Any other ideas?

Just not fair. The fees were changed after booking. What if the resort decided to charge even more? Unfair practices, each blaming the other.

I would write a letter to RCI to higher ups. I would write a letter to Massanutten higher ups but first would write a letter to the Better Business Bureau attaching this letter to the other two. The BBB probably can’t do much but both RCI and Massanutten will know you will be a squeaky wheel and could pursue further. I would go on the principle of bait and switch and after they changed the terms that were agreed upon you are not allowed to get a refund.

 

[bbodb1]

Just not fair. The fees were changed after booking. What if the resort decided to charge even more? Unfair practices, each blaming the other.

I would write a letter to RCI to higher ups. I would write a letter to Massanutten higher ups but first would write a letter to the Better Business Bureau attaching this letter to the other two. The BBB probably can’t do much but both RCI and Massanutten will know you will be a squeaky wheel and could pursue further. I would go on the principle of bait and switch and after they changed the terms that were agreed upon you are not allowed to get a refund.

Add the State Attorney Generals to your list of correspondence (both the state your reside in AND Virginia for Massanutten).

 

[arlock]

Add the State Attorney Generals to your list of correspondence (both the state your reside in AND Virginia for Massanutten).

I was thinking the same thing. I was typing a response when yours came through:

I am almost tempted to research class action lawyers in VA. Both RCI and Massanutten have deep enough pockets, I presume, and I suspect that enough people were affected to make a half-way sizable group. People are going to pay the fee in order to not lose other money they have already paid. (Duress). Any provisions in the original booking saying that fees are subject to change would at least legally be tough to enforce (Illusionary Promise or an "agreement to agree"). Gotta be some sort of consumer protection laws available to sue federally.

 

[arlock]

It seems like Massanutten turned off the ability to write posts or respond to posts.

I've been banned from posting on their facebook but others can continue to do so.

Yup.....I got banned from posting, commenting, or even contacting them directly, too. That said I was being a complete and utter ass.

 

[bluehende]

All of my comments and their answers have been deleted too. I guess after rereading they realized how weak their replies were.

 

[Miss Marty]

Q:

Has anyone checked in over the past weekend
Were you charged the new resort fee?

 

[shagnut]

I called and got thru complaining about the fee, since I booked it before they implemented it. The poor girl said would you like the manager to call you so you can discuss this??? Oh yes, that will be fine. Well, he called this morning. I almost fainted. He said there was nothing they could do about it but he would make a note of my displeasure and bring it up at the next meeting. The 1br's are 10 a day and 2 br's & up are 20 a day. They have had a lot of complaints about this . I pity the fool who gets me in the ts presentation as I need to get some of my money back. I asked about the owners being charged and he said they paid for it in their mf's but starting next year they will also be charged. I even asked if he could give me a discounted rate at a restaurant or activity. Nope.

I will be going July 29th for the week, so will report back. If anyone is there and wants to meet up just let me know.

 

[shagnut]

I called and got thru complaining about the fee, since I booked it before they implemented it. The poor girl said would you like the manager to call you so you can discuss this??? Oh yes, that will be fine. Well, he called this morning. I almost fainted. He said there was nothing they could do about it but he would make a note of my displeasure and bring it up at the next meeting. The 1br's are 10 a day and 2 br's & up are 20 a day. They have had a lot of complaints about this . I pity the fool who gets me in the ts presentation as I need to get some of my money back. I asked about the owners being charged and he said they paid for it in their mf's but starting next year they will also be charged. I even asked if he could give me a discounted rate at a restaurant or activity. Nope.

I will be going July 29th for the week, so will report back. If anyone is there and wants to meet up just let me know.

I called and got thru complaining about the fee, since I booked it before they implemented it. The poor girl said would you like the manager to call you so you can discuss this??? Oh yes, that will be fine. Well, he called this morning. I almost fainted. He said there was nothing they could do about it but he would make a note of my displeasure and bring it up at the next meeting. The 1br's are 10 a day and 2 br's & up are 20 a day. They have had a lot of complaints about this . I pity the fool who gets me in the ts presentation as I need to get some of my money back. I asked about the owners being charged and he said they paid for it in their mf's but starting next year they will also be charged. I even asked if he could give me a discounted rate at a restaurant or activity. Nope.

I will be going July 29th for the week, so will report back. If anyone is there and wants to meet up just let me know.

 

[pedro47]

So now you must pay a resort fee and an activity fee. Is that correct and the new revenue funds goes into the developer account.

 

[tschwa2]

So now you must pay a resort fee and an activity fee. Is that correct and the new revenue funds goes into the developer account.

The resort fee is mandatory. The activity fee only applies if you are doing a particular activity that has a fee or if purchasing an activity card that gives discounts on various activities. The fee goes to the developer.

 

[dominidude]

I made a $159 one week reservation into a 2bdr at the woodstones before they announced this resort fee.
It seems their resort fee would be $140 in my case.
I honestly rather lose my $159 if that's the case.
Following is the list of complaints I'll be filing complaints with:
1) credit card company
2) RCI (they charged me so they could refund me if they wished)
3) the Virginia attorney general https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/index.php/file-a-complaint
4) the federal trade commission ftc.gov

Please post your experience and results when complaining, I'll post mine as well.

 

[tschwa2]

I made a $159 one week reservation into a 2bdr at the woodstones before they announced this resort fee.
It seems their resort fee would be $140 in my case.
I honestly rather lose my $159 if that's the case.
Following is the list of complaints I'll be filing complaints with:
1) credit card company
2) RCI (they charged me so they could refund me if they wished)
3) the Virginia attorney general https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/index.php/file-a-complaint
4) the federal trade commission ftc.gov

Please post your experience and results when complaining, I'll post mine as well.

If it is a 2 br sleeps 6 (1/2 of the full 4 BR deluxe or luxury units) your resort fee will be $54 (half of a full lock off unit be it 1 BR or 2 BR) If it is a 2 br sleeps 8 (full lock off- both sides in woodstone Casa), the resort fee will be $108 (full lock off unit be it 2, 3 or 4 BR). Doesn't address the complaints side of it but to give you an idea of the fee to expect.

 

[Miss Marty]

In addition to the new Resort Fees

Discovery (or Adventure) Pass

MASSANUTTEEN RESORT
ADVENTURE PASS FEES

$99 • Adult - $79 • Child (17 & Under)

1 FREE USE FOR EACH:

• 1 All-Day WaterPark Admission
• 1 Round of Golf/FlingGolf™ (Greens fees only)
OR 2 Large Bucket of Range Balls
• Brewery Tour
• Tuesday & Wednesday Shows
• Wine Seminar
• Tie-Dye (Standard project)
• Teen Night
• All Arts & Crafts @ Ski Lodge: Level 1
• Virginia Museum of the Civil War
• Scenic Chairlift Ride
• Summer Tubing @ Fam. Adv. Park UNLIMITED:
• Heartbeat Aerobics
• Resort Yoga
• Zumba®
• Tennis Equipment
• Racquetball Equipment
• Pickleball • Shuffleboard 50% OFF:
• Additional WaterPark Admissions
• Additional Golf Greens Fees
• Arts & Crafts Classes @ Le Club Arts & Crafts
• The Mega or Kids Combo @ Fam. Adv. Park
• 2 Local Caverns: Luray & Grand
• Spa Classes
• Cell Phone Photography Class
• Golf Simulator: 1-Hr OTHER DISCOUNTS:
• $35 off Uncorked Art: A Wine & Paint Exp.
• $30 off Canopy Tour OR $30 off Mountain Biking Pathway Program: 3 Hrs
• $25 off Cooking Demonstration
• $20 off Scuba Diving Class
• $10 off Horseback Riding - Trail Rides: 1-Hr
• $10 off Massanutten Adventures Wash. DC Tour
• $5 off River Tubing • 25% off Nature Center Arts & Crafts Classes
• 10% off at Piney Mountain Gifts & Shoppe V
• 2 for 1 Wine Tastings at CrossKeys Vineyards

Source:
https://www.massresort.com/upload/photos/page_537_summer-pass-flyer-2018-web.pdf

 

[Miss Marty]

Regarding: New Resort fees at
Massanutten - Effective 6-29-18

Maybe timeshares sales are down
@ Great Eastern Resorts timeshares

Q: If you were in charge, what would you do
to make Massanutten Resort McGaheysville
a better resort without charging resort fees
to RCI Exchange guests? (resort owners)

Note: You can’t keep all your customers happy,
and when you raise fees/prices, you’re bound
to upset some of them.

 

[bluehende]

Regarding: New Resort fees at
Massanutten - Effective 6-29-18

Maybe timeshares sales are down
@ Great Eastern Resorts timeshares

Q: If you were in charge, what would you do
to make Massanutten Resort McGaheysville
a better resort without charging resort fees
to RCI Exchange guests? (resort owners)

Note: You can’t keep all your customers happy,
and when you raise fees/prices, you’re bound
to upset some of them.

I would think time share sales hits the nail on the head. Massanutten's reputation of obnoxious sales people is getting more and more known with one story out that they physically prevented a woman and child from leaving. Yelp and trip advisor are checked by everyone now. A business will do anything to not report slowing sales. A captive audience is easy to milk for more and more. If they opened their books and actually showed how this fee was needed it would be easier to swallow. Or a plan to show future improvements. The telling thing is that the maintenance fees certainly didn't go down with this. There are 2400 units with most being lockoffs. This is a lot of money.

 

[Panina]

Massanutten is off my list of places to trade into. If I choose to pay extra fees it will be into a Disney resort.

 

[bluehende]

Massanutten is off my list of places to trade into. If I choose to pay extra fees it will be into a Disney resort.

I have already passed on a week I would have jumped on before this fee.

 

[Lisa P]

We were planning to visit Massanutten in 2019 but it's off our list now too.

 

[Miss Marty]

paidemt31

How much did you have to pay
Massanutten Resort Fees?