• The TUGBBS forums are completely free and open to the public and exist as the absolute best place for owners to get help and advice about their timeshares for more than 30 years!

    Join Tens of Thousands of other Owners just like you here to get any and all Timeshare questions answered 24 hours a day!
  • TUG started 30 years ago in October 1993 as a group of regular Timeshare owners just like you!

    Read about our 30th anniversary: Happy 30th Birthday TUG!
  • TUG has a YouTube Channel to produce weekly short informative videos on popular Timeshare topics!

    Free memberships for every 50 subscribers!

    Visit TUG on Youtube!
  • TUG has now saved timeshare owners more than $21,000,000 dollars just by finding us in time to rescind a new Timeshare purchase! A truly incredible milestone!

    Read more here: TUG saves owners more than $21 Million dollars
  • Sign up to get the TUG Newsletter for free!

    60,000+ subscribing owners! A weekly recap of the best Timeshare resort reviews and the most popular topics discussed by owners!
  • Our official "end my sales presentation early" T-shirts are available again! Also come with the option for a free membership extension with purchase to offset the cost!

    All T-shirt options here!
  • A few of the most common links here on the forums for newbies and guests!

Diamond Resorts?

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
I went to a travel show and purchased what I thought was just 3 different vacations for a great price of $299. 3 night trip, 4 night cruise(Carnival, Norwegian Royal Caribbean ect.) and a 7 night resort stay that I was told could be used in Hawaii. I knew there was a 120 minute seminar on the resort you had to attend at the end of the first trip but the person helping made it seem like it wasn’t a big deal.

Upon further research the seminar is very high pressure. Anyone have experience with this?

I’m curious if I don’t decide to sign up if I’ll still get my other trips.
 

goaliedave

Guest
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
1,298
Reaction score
854
Points
123
Resorts Owned
Raintree, Diamond (bought by Hilton), Shell (bought by Wyndham), Sheraton (bought by Marriott), Palace Resorts, a few independants
Very common. They are called OPCs - off property concierges. Every large ts chain sells this way. They find non-members, charge them a fee for those trips that they give free to members for attending the presentation. I've got so many unused 3 nighters and cruise certs i now refuse them. (Careful of the booking restrictions).

Your obligation is simply go to the 120+ minute presentation in return for the low price. No obligation to buy more.

Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
 

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
Very common. They are called OPCs - off property concierges. Every large ts chain sells this way. They find non-members, charge them a fee for those trips that they give free to members for attending the presentation. I've got so many unused 3 nighters and cruise certs i now refuse them. (Careful of the booking restrictions).

Your obligation is simply go to the 120+ minute presentation in return for the low price. No obligation to buy more.

Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
Thanks!

I’ve heard some horror stories about Diamonds presentations like that they basically spend 3 hours after the 120 minutes trying to get you to sign up or that they require you to give them a CC and ID to get into the presentation so they can run a background check on you and sign you up for a Barclays CC.

Are they all like this?

Also Do they typically give ones out that can be used in Hawaii? I was told the 7 night one could but after asking for advice on the presentation in a frustrated group for Diamond members someone said to look into that claim as she’d never heard of it. I know someone who specifically bought it for their honeymoon as they had planned to go to Hawaii anyways.
 

geist1223

TUG Member
Joined
May 20, 2015
Messages
5,974
Reaction score
5,728
Points
499
Location
Salem Oregon
Resorts Owned
Worldmark 97,000 Credits
DRI Cabo Azul 50,500
Royal Solaris San Jose del Cabo
We are asked for picture ID. They do not make a copy of it or of Credit Card. The big thing is read anything they ask you to sign at the beginning make sure they are not asking for permission to run a Credit Check. Wyndham may also try to sneak this in at the beginning of a Wyndham Sales Presentation. If it was promised to be 2 hours then at the end of 2 hours get up and walk out. Free lunch or breakfast does not count as part of the 2 hours.
 

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
We are asked for picture ID. They do not make a copy of it or of Credit Card. The big thing is read anything they ask you to sign at the beginning make sure they are not asking for permission to run a Credit Check. Wyndham may also try to sneak this in at the beginning of a Wyndham Sales Presentation. If it was promised to be 2 hours then at the end of 2 hours get up and walk out. Free lunch or breakfast does not count as part of the 2 hours.
Thanks for your response!

I was told that at Diamond presentations you can’t just get up and leave after the 2 hours. They have to sign off that you attended and sign off on your other trips or they’ll report you as a no show and you get charged for your 3 day stay.

Did you get multiple trips out of it? I’m wondering if they’ll revoke my other trips for not signing up to do a timeshare.
 

geist1223

TUG Member
Joined
May 20, 2015
Messages
5,974
Reaction score
5,728
Points
499
Location
Salem Oregon
Resorts Owned
Worldmark 97,000 Credits
DRI Cabo Azul 50,500
Royal Solaris San Jose del Cabo
They can only keep you for the promised time up front. If the time is up they will try and get you to stay. Be firm. Ask for a Manager. Make a scene.

We are DRI Members. We have had more problems with Wyndham then with DRI.
 

Fredflintstone

TUG Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2018
Messages
1,928
Reaction score
2,525
Points
324
Resorts Owned
Rent only
Thanks for your response!

I was told that at Diamond presentations you can’t just get up and leave after the 2 hours. They have to sign off that you attended and sign off on your other trips or they’ll report you as a no show and you get charged for your 3 day stay.

Did you get multiple trips out of it? I’m wondering if they’ll revoke my other trips for not signing up to do a timeshare.

If they told you it’s 2 hours, hold them to it. You may need to be very firm.

Personally, I avoid all presentations and find a good deal with no strings attached. To me, I go on vacation to relax; not be put in the meat grinder by slimey sales staff. That’s not my understanding of VACATION.

Oh, and I never give any ID, sign anything when attending. I would argue that that was not part of the deal. I was to simply attend for 2 hours.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

goaliedave

Guest
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
1,298
Reaction score
854
Points
123
Resorts Owned
Raintree, Diamond (bought by Hilton), Shell (bought by Wyndham), Sheraton (bought by Marriott), Palace Resorts, a few independants
Thanks!

I’ve heard some horror stories about Diamonds presentations like that they basically spend 3 hours after the 120 minutes trying to get you to sign up or that they require you to give them a CC and ID to get into the presentation so they can run a background check on you and sign you up for a Barclays CC.

Are they all like this?

Also Do they typically give ones out that can be used in Hawaii? I was told the 7 night one could but after asking for advice on the presentation in a frustrated group for Diamond members someone said to look into that claim as she’d never heard of it. I know someone who specifically bought it for their honeymoon as they had planned to go to Hawaii anyways.
Yes, all ts chains have salespeople who keep you to wear you down. Bring the paper that says it is 120 minutes and tell the reception and the salesperson that you are only staying 120 minutes. On checkin, get the name of the sales manager and pick up both business cards from the counter ... the resort manager and the CEO. place all these papers on the desk in front of you when you go to the salesperson's office. Bring some work to do for those times when they leave and pretend to talk to their manager (similar to a car dealership)... i used to take my laptop :) Feel free to go to the restroom or to get a coffee or snack to break up the time.

There are various certificates handed out ... most have strict activation and usage dates and restricted access to trips. You likely have to attend another sales presentation as a condition of use. Most of them require that you haven't attended a presentation or EOL for the previous 6 months so i never can use them. I used a 3 nighter at Royal Kona Hawaii once to add onto a regular week vacation nearby so that was good.

You'll give your cc on checkin, don't let thrm charge it again. They might want to briefly look at it and your ID is all. Don't sign up for Barclays card, dont sign permission for them to do a credit check.

Just be in charge of the discussion. Most people don't understand the sales process. Google Grant Cardone... he is the sales trainer Diamond uses. Steer the discussion don't let them steer it. Make them answer your questions. I bring a list of questions for them to answer. Be polite. If they yell and berate smile and remember the times your young kids did that. If they ask why you are smiling ask them how old they are then tell them they remind you of your 8 year old daughter.

Anyway i've just come back after a great EOL here at Mystic Dunes, free bar and gourmet food during the 'pairings party' for Diamond's LPGA tournament with performances by musicians Colt Ford then BoyzIIMen. So i'm rambling.




Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
If they told you it’s 2 hours, hold them to it. You may need to be very firm.

Personally, I avoid all presentations and find a good deal with no strings attached. To me, I go on vacation to relax; not be put in the meat grinder by slimey sales staff. That’s not my understanding of VACATION.

Oh, and I never give any ID, sign anything when attending. I would argue that that was not part of the deal. I was to simply attend for 2 hours.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yeah I plan to set a timer on my phone and hold them to the fact they said only 2 hours. I’ll definitely argue that. They don’t need any of it because I’m not planning on buying one.

I’ve got up to 10 days to cancel so I may end up doing that. Just making sure I get an idea of everything before I do.
 

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
Yes, all ts chains have salespeople who keep you to wear you down. Bring the paper that says it is 120 minutes and tell the reception and the salesperson that you are only staying 120 minutes. On checkin, get the name of the sales manager and pick up both business cards from the counter ... the resort manager and the CEO. place all these papers on the desk in front of you when you go to the salesperson's office. Bring some work to do for those times when they leave and pretend to talk to their manager (similar to a car dealership)... i used to take my laptop :) Feel free to go to the restroom or to get a coffee or snack to break up the time.

There are various certificates handed out ... most have strict activation and usage dates and restricted access to trips. You likely have to attend another sales presentation as a condition of use. Most of them require that you haven't attended a presentation or EOL for the previous 6 months so i never can use them. I used a 3 nighter at Royal Kona Hawaii once to add onto a regular week vacation nearby so that was good.

You'll give your cc on checkin, don't let thrm charge it again. They might want to briefly look at it and your ID is all. Don't sign up for Barclays card, dont sign permission for them to do a credit check.

Just be in charge of the discussion. Most people don't understand the sales process. Google Grant Cardone... he is the sales trainer Diamond uses. Steer the discussion don't let them steer it. Make them answer your questions. I bring a list of questions for them to answer. Be polite. If they yell and berate smile and remember the times your young kids did that. If they ask why you are smiling ask them how old they are then tell them they remind you of your 8 year old daughter.

Anyway i've just come back after a great EOL here at Mystic Dunes, free bar and gourmet food during the 'pairings party' for Diamond's LPGA tournament with performances by musicians Colt Ford then BoyzIIMen. So i'm rambling.




Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
I’ll definitely bring the paper. I also am setting a timer for 120 minutes on my phone as a visual and plan to let them know during our talk once it goes off they’re singing everything and I’m leaving.

So you think the usages will be so strict I won’t be able to use the other trips? My main concern is they wouldn’t uphold the two other trips but now it sounds like they make the requirements so specific it’s hard to use them.

I’m trying to get an idea of everything before I decide wether to keep or cancel(have 10 days). My sibling also purchased one for their honeymoon(because of the Hawaii promise) and I’d hate for them to do the trip/presentation and not be able to go to Hawaii. They purchased because they heard from me about the deal.
 

goaliedave

Guest
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
1,298
Reaction score
854
Points
123
Resorts Owned
Raintree, Diamond (bought by Hilton), Shell (bought by Wyndham), Sheraton (bought by Marriott), Palace Resorts, a few independants
Ok i'm guessing you don't have the 3 trip certificates yet? Bring a magnifying glass so you can read the small print.

Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
 

RLS50

TUG Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2015
Messages
647
Reaction score
253
Points
173
In general I don't attend timeshare presentations anymore, even when they offer me $300 or whatever. Although when the kids were much younger, and before we got into timeshares, we took a few trips like this. 4 or 5 Night trips in a 2BR/2BA somewhere decent for like $299, but 2hr presentation required. Haven't done it for years, but recently decided to do a Marriott presentation and trip to Frenchman's Cove in St Thomas later this year. 6 nights for $1,200. We used our Marriott Points to add additional nights at Westin St John.

So done selectively...to the right destination at the right price...these trips can be maximized to your advantage. You just have to be firm and stay disciplined, not everyone is capable of doing that. So I think the most important element is that you need to know yourself and be honest about that with yourself...if that makes sense. If you can't be firm and walk away then you shouldn't go and no deal is good enough to risk going to a presentation. The sales reps are well trained to convince you that you need to buy something from them. If they can't convince you, some timeshare companies have a bad reputation of trying to guilt or bully you into a purchase. Some may even give you a sales pitch based on total fabrications, and only later will you find out that what you thought was your main reasons for buying with them was never real to being with.
 

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
Ok i'm guessing you don't have the 3 trip certificates yet? Bring a magnifying glass so you can read the small print.

Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
Not yet. I don’t think they gave them out at the travel show. I have a carbon copy of my receipt which states I get a $100 visa, 4 day/3 night hotel 5 day/4 night cruise and the 8 day/7 night resort stay. I essentially have to call to book my first trip.
 

goaliedave

Guest
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
1,298
Reaction score
854
Points
123
Resorts Owned
Raintree, Diamond (bought by Hilton), Shell (bought by Wyndham), Sheraton (bought by Marriott), Palace Resorts, a few independants
Not yet. I don’t think they gave them out at the travel show. I have a carbon copy of my receipt which states I get a $100 visa, 4 day/3 night hotel 5 day/4 night cruise and the 8 day/7 night resort stay. I essentially have to call to book my first trip.
If it is just one number to call,it is likely a regional call center. I would call right away to ask details of each trip. They should offer to email you details. If you don't get perfect answers, msg me which call center it is and i will find a manager to help. I have in person access to them all for 3 more days... the are all here in Orlando at the pro golf tournament they sponsor.

Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
 

presley

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2011
Messages
6,313
Reaction score
1,121
Points
448
It can turn into half a day event because they don't count any of the sitting around waiting or small talk as your presentation. When you go to check in, you should tell them that you have a reservation somewhere else at a particular time and that you need to get out in time. They won't help you track your time, but if you let them know out the gate that you have to be somewhere else, they will hopefully get to the point rather than make you wait for this person or that person, etc.

Also, don't ask any questions at all about anything! That adds to your time and they will think that you interested and it will be a lot harder to get out of there.
 

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
If it is just one number to call,it is likely a regional call center. I would call right away to ask details of each trip. They should offer to email you details. If you don't get perfect answers, msg me which call center it is and i will find a manager to help. I have in person access to them all for 3 more days... the are all here in Orlando at the pro golf tournament they sponsor.

Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
Thank you!

I called the destination exchange team twice. One in Vegas and once in Orlando. Vegas wasn’t too helpful she basically just gave me the bare minimum for an answer and didn’t offer to email me. I decided to call again, and Orlando was actually pretty helpful. She actually pulled up my info and said that my package is a bounce back package and once I complete the timeshare presentation that they’ll give me the cruise as the gift and then destination exchange as well as the $100 GC.

I wasn’t told this in my purchase but in the phone call she said if I book within 60 days that I get an extra night free. I also asked for everything to emailed to me which she offered to do. But in my email it states differently than I was offered. She’s stating the resort package is 5 day/4 night stay which isn’t true. It’s supposed to be 8 day/7 night. I have her email so I’ll just email her back and ask.

Sounds like your having fun at the LPGA tournament!
 

goaliedave

Guest
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
1,298
Reaction score
854
Points
123
Resorts Owned
Raintree, Diamond (bought by Hilton), Shell (bought by Wyndham), Sheraton (bought by Marriott), Palace Resorts, a few independants
Ok its Destination Exchange. This is a new internal exchange program for Diamond weeks owners ... it has average access to Diamond properties so keep your orlando contact's name handy and don't be shy to ask for more than she offers, over several convos.

I hadn't heard of 8/7 but if you have it in writing they will honour it.

They have an OPC booth selling basically the same package here in Orlando at the Diamond sponsored LPGA tournament. It should all work out for you just keep on top of the terms and conditons.

Yes i am having a great time, basically free food and booze and amazing concerts all week.

Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
 

easyrider

TUG Review Crew: Elite
TUG Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2005
Messages
15,046
Reaction score
8,002
Points
948
Location
Palm Springs of Washinton
Resorts Owned
Worldmark * * Villa Del Palmar UVCI * * Vacation Internationale*
Never had a problem with a Diamond or Wyndham Presentation. Never bought a contract with either. Always received our gifts. Always listen and rarely ever ask questions.

We like to see different resorts and the presentations give you a good idea of whats what.

Bill
 

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
Ok its Destination Exchange. This is a new internal exchange program for Diamond weeks owners ... it has average access to Diamond properties so keep your orlando contact's name handy and don't be shy to ask for more than she offers, over several convos.

I hadn't heard of 8/7 but if you have it in writing they will honour it.

They have an OPC booth selling basically the same package here in Orlando at the Diamond sponsored LPGA tournament. It should all work out for you just keep on top of the terms and conditons.

Yes i am having a great time, basically free food and booze and amazing concerts all week.

Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
The first trip I was told isn’t in a Diamond resort. Probably because of the timeshare presentation but the 8 day/7 night trip is.

I spun some sort of wheel and landed on the “honey moon 8 day/ 7 night” but to be fair the sales person also gave it to my friend who landed on a golf thing. Was told the 8 day/7 night trip could be at any resort Diamond owns barring availability.

Thank you so much for your help! I hadn’t even thought about calling until you brought it up.
 

gwberg

TUG Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
113
Reaction score
35
Points
138
Location
Boston
I purchased the exact same Diamond package last Sunday at the Boston travel show. Reading the posts about Diamond and the package deal, I want to cancel and get my $299 back. Should I just dispute the credit charge? (I don’t see anything in the paperwork about how to cancel.)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

W0nderstruck

newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
17
Reaction score
8
Points
3
Never had a problem with a Diamond or Wyndham Presentation. Never bought a contract with either. Always received our gifts. Always listen and rarely ever ask questions.

We like to see different resorts and the presentations give you a good idea of whats what.

Bill
Do you find it difficult to book your free trips where you want?

One of my worries is it’ll be too hard to book. Plus with my sibling buying it for their honeymoon, I’d hate for it to be too hard to book for them.
 

easyrider

TUG Review Crew: Elite
TUG Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2005
Messages
15,046
Reaction score
8,002
Points
948
Location
Palm Springs of Washinton
Resorts Owned
Worldmark * * Villa Del Palmar UVCI * * Vacation Internationale*
Do you find it difficult to book your free trips where you want?

One of my worries is it’ll be too hard to book. Plus with my sibling buying it for their honeymoon, I’d hate for it to be too hard to book for them.

It is anything but a sure thing. If you want a sure thing take on a timeshare and book the weeks you want. My last five were free and what I like.

Bill
 

goaliedave

Guest
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
1,298
Reaction score
854
Points
123
Resorts Owned
Raintree, Diamond (bought by Hilton), Shell (bought by Wyndham), Sheraton (bought by Marriott), Palace Resorts, a few independants
Was their setup as this? I see a wheel. This is the one at this week's golf tournament
3c6c8f37c9a644d3bd252f5d65c1f9c4.jpg


Sent from my SM-A505G using Tapatalk
 

gwberg

TUG Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
113
Reaction score
35
Points
138
Location
Boston
I don’t see a wheel in the photo.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

gwberg

TUG Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
113
Reaction score
35
Points
138
Location
Boston
I decided I WILL dispute the $299 credit card charge for the Diamond package. One reason is that the salesman said I could get confirmation ONLINE of the details of the free cruise and resort stay. But there is no website in any of the paperwork and only his handwritten notes on the form we signed). So that means a phone call to confirm the details. I’m dubious that it will be as easy to book the two “gifts” without purchasing anything or going through more sales pitches as he said. That’s my decision but maybe you will make a different one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Top