[Hiawatha Manor] Closed??

[thomassontag]

Subject: Notification of Resort Closure Due to Employee Layoffs​

Does anyone have more information on this?? Dear Hiawatha Manor Owner, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally advise you that due to unforeseen circumstances involving the layoff of essential resort employees, we are required to temporarily close Hiawatha East effective 9/27/2024. Unfortunately, the decision to lay off employees was made without prior notification to Hiawatha Manor Association, Inc. or to Lemonjuice Solutions, leaving us unable to maintain the necessary staffing levels to operate the resort. While this development was unexpected, we are taking immediate steps to address the situation and ensure that all guests and owners are informed of the closure. We are working to resolve this matter and will notify you as soon as we have a clear plan for reopening. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this challenging time. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us at HIawathaEastReimagined@lemonjuice.biz. We will also be updating Frequently Asked Questions with the latest information: https://hiawatharesort.info We are committed to finding a resolution and will keep you updated as we move forward. Sincerely, Archie Dolby, President Hiawatha Manor Association, Inc.

 

[dioxide45]

So who laid off the employees?

Was this property working toward converting to whole ownership condos or otherwise trying to divest itself of the timeshare structure?

 

[amycurl]

This is intriguing. Lemonjuice is the new management company. All I can think of is that the current staff was still being paid/employed by the old management company (Vacatia) through a transition period, and Vacatia decided to lay off all the staff without notice to the HOA or the new management company. Lemonjuice appears to be a pretty transparent and upright company, which makes this even more confusing. I'm guessing they didn't want to throw anyone under the bus by saying more. Stay classy, Vacatia!

 

[tpedwards]

Wow, this is news to me. I do not own at Hiawatha Manor East, but I do own two weeks at Hiawatha Manor West. Does anyone know if/how West is affected?

 

[bdemerchant]

wow- surprise, surprise, thank you for posting this, I happened to stumble across it while looking for something else. I'm rarely ever here. We own at Hiawatha Manor West as well. We haven't stayed there in years, electing to stay at Fairfield Glade instead, but we do love the Hiawatha Manor West golf course (Lake Tansi) so we play there often when in the area. In my humble opinion, the best thing that could happen here is bulldoze the timeshare units and turn it into a beautiful condo area. The area has grown spectacularly since we first started traveling to this area from NJ around 25 years ago. Please post if you hear anything new from Hiawatha East and I will as well if I hear anything from Hiawatha west.

 

[tpedwards]

Thanks for the post. I reached out to Lemonjuice, the firm that has taken on management of Hiawatha Manor East and asked about West.

I have not tried the owner number. I do not know how long this has been posted, but probably as long as East was first closed.

Here is their response:

At this time, we do not manage Hiawatha West.

Here are phone numbers for owners and guests:

Thank you and have a nice day!

 

[tpedwards]

I am hoping Lemonjuice is able to take on Hiawatha Manor West as well. They seem to be able to turn around stressed resorts, but they must be in a high-demand area and the current owners must be in a position to welcome the new management. For other properties, they have offered to accept deeds for $250 + 1 year maintenance. I would certainly take that offer.

We last stayed there - only time we stayed there since owning for twelve years - in 2020. It was in pretty rough shape then with very low occupancy. Then again, it was in the midst of the COVID panic. I will post more here if I learn more.

 

[Topcop77]

wow- surprise, surprise, thank you for posting this, I happened to stumble across it while looking for something else. I'm rarely ever here. We own at Hiawatha Manor West as well. We haven't stayed there in years, electing to stay at Fairfield Glade instead, but we do love the Hiawatha Manor West golf course (Lake Tansi) so we play there often when in the area. In my humble opinion, the best thing that could happen here is bulldoze the timeshare units and turn it into a beautiful condo area. The area has grown spectacularly since we first started traveling to this area from NJ around 25 years ago. Please post if you hear anything new from Hiawatha East and I will as well if I hear anything from Hiawatha west.

Hi I’m new and first time posting. I do own at Hiawatha West and have been trying to sell for a while before I got this news.
Is this good news for owners like me who have been trying to unload our timeshare? I paid a lot of fees over the years and seldom used it.
Not sure what to make of this new situation. If anyone wants to be a good deed do-er I would appreciate any insights, advice, or information you can share with me. I’m a Florida resident btw. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

 

[Topcop77]

I am hoping Lemonjuice is able to take on Hiawatha Manor West as well. They seem to be able to turn around stressed resorts, but they must be in a high-demand area and the current owners must be in a position to welcome the new management. For other properties, they have offered to accept deeds for $250 + 1 year maintenance. I would certainly take that offer.

We last stayed there - only time we stayed there since owning for twelve years - in 2020. It was in pretty rough shape then with very low occupancy. Then again, it was in the midst of the COVID panic. I will post more here if I learn more.

Hi just reaching out because I saw your post on Hiawatha West. I’m seeking the latest information and you seem to be informed. Please let me know if you hear anything new.

Thanks