Worst timeshare resort you've stayed in?

[bellesgirl]

Sheraton Vistana too

Sad to say, I have to agree with Glenn on the Sheraton Vistana. I know they have some lovely units but we had a really old, tired one in the Courts. We could hear every step the people above us made. I think the only supplies included were a couple of rolls of toilet paper. The grounds and amenities were nice though. We had heard so many good thngs about this resort and we had built it up to our kids. Needless to say, we were all disappointed.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Older Vistana units are pretty awful

We stayed in an older unit with an II exchange and thought it needed updating. The furniture was pretty worn, the trash compactor's door kept falling off, and the kitchen was pretty beaten up. We also stayed in a newer unit through RCI and had an entirely different opinion of the resort.

 

[chemteach]

I have to agree about the San Clemente Inn. It was small, dark, worn out, and smelled of smoke. In fact, the whole complex smells like smoke. It amazes me how this resort is rated as high as it is.

You may be confusing the rating for San Clemente Inn with the rating for San Clemente Cove. The Inn has a rating below 7. (Maybe even below 6 - haven't checked recently.)
But we stayed there with 4 other families this summer. It wasn't anything special, but it sufficed for having great weather and being in SoCal in the summer. It deserves its low rating when comparing the actual unit with other timeshare units. I have heard that the Cove is quite nice.


Edye

 

[Jaybee]

Our very worst ts experience was at Wolf Run in Dubois, PA. I chose it because it's within driving distance for my son, who lives in Butler, PA.
I wrote a review on it. It was in Aug. of '03. We checked in on Friday, and left on Weds. We did have a lovely day of golf on Sunday, and the grounds are very nice, but it's old. Our unit was musty, and very hot and humid on the ground floor, while the basement, where the bedrooms were located, was cold and damp, like a dungeon. There was wood rot inside and out, and it just felt creepy.
We may have just had a rotten (so to speak) unit, because other people have been delighted with it. We don't consider ourselves picky, but that was just really unpleasant.

 

[Whitecapper]

We have stayed in a lot of different timeshares, from 1 star to 5 star, but there are two that really stand out as the worst ever.

#1 is the Vidafel in Mazatlan. We were really impressed when we saw the exterior of the resort, but the suite we were assigned was dark, musty and uncomfortable. One of the bedrooms, and the bathroom had no windows (and were about the same size, too). The TV was small and placed high on the wall. The beds and sofa were your "cement-block" specials. We requseted a change, but were not even given the time of day by the extremely impolite staff. The suite next door was occupied by spring-breakers, who considered it their "party headquarters" for the week. I would never, ever go back to this resort, and would NOT recommend it to my worst enemy!

#2 is the Chateau LeGrand in Biloxi, MS. The unit that we were assigned had suffered considerable damage from a hurricane, and should have been shut down. There was mold everywhere. The furniture was on its last legs. When we left (earlier than scheduled), we were told that we had to clean the unit and wash the linens. I couldn't believe it!

 

[Fern Modena]

Imperial of Hawaii. I used to own there, don't anymore. Last time we were there was about four years ago. At the time they were about 1/3 of the way thru the current renovation. The unit we were in faced Lewers. We'd never stayed in such a unit before. It was noisy beyond belief. It was one of the Hala units, a rare two-bedroom unit. Had I known that I'd be climbing over the bed to get out of the room (it was that small) and that there wasn't even a dresser in it, I'd have taken a Koa, the 1 bdrm "deluxe" which actually is better situated (and doesn't face Lewers). With the ongoing construction on Lewers, I can imagine that things are even worse now.

The unit's white-washed bamboo furniture was all peeling, and the sofa was so saggy as to be unusable. I had to remove chair cushions and place them on the sofa to sit. The walls were nasty-dirty from the floor level up about two or three feet, and the carpet was very soiled.

I'd previously enjoyed several visits there in a Koa unit, and had been looking forward to it, but I was really, really disappointed.

Fern

 

[Mary]

My vote would be for the Ramada Vacation Club in Las Vegas. Although, they have had 2 owners since then and are now the Summer Bay resorts. Technically I did not stay there even though I had an exchange there. I ended up giving it to my sister when we got an exchange for the Fairfield Grand Desert. I was horrified when we went to their condo. It was so bad, run down and definitly uninhabitable. After much complaining we were able to get my sister and her husband another room, but I have never seen such a horrid condo. I hear that they have done some remodeling and I am going down in October (staying at the Jockey Club) so I'll check it out again to see if things have changed. Yes, I did write a review dated March of 2002 and it starts with the sentence "THIS IS THE WORST TIMESHARE I HAVE EVERY SEEN"

Mary

 

[boyblue]

Last year I was being frugal with our points, I reserved a studio unit. I was shocked when I opened the door and the bed was right there. I guess it would have been ok if there was a foyer but nope, the great outdoors was right there.

 

[Mary]

Last year I was being frugal with our points, I reserved a studio unit. I was shocked when I opened the door and the bed was right there. I guess it would have been ok if there was a foyer but nope, the great outdoors was right there.

Which resort were you talking about?

 

[boyblue]

I was afraid I was going to get that question. I was hoping no one would notice that I didn't mention the name. That's because the Resort was not bad at all. It was clean & comfortable.

As a matter of fact we had so much fun we lost track of our check out day and went off all day and then that evening to a junior league hockey game to see the rockets (big clue for you). When we got back that evening they had arranged an extra night for us. We were embarrassed but relieved that they did not leave us homeless.

Please don't make me tell

 

[Steve]

Fun Topic...and helpful, too

My worst exchange has been to the Park Plaza in Park City, Utah. Dark, drab, dated, noisy, and we had to change rooms twice due to maintenance issues. I know some TUGGERS like the place, but I would not go back. There are much better places in Park City.

If you count the exchanges my parents have made and invited me along for...then the worst would have to be The Pines in Bayse, Virginia. Ironically, this was the timeshare resort they purchased back in 1980 which introduced our family and me to timesharing. They don't own there anymore, but last summer thought it would be fun to exchange in and stay at the old place. I went with them...and sometimes you just can't...or at least shouldn't...go back. The whole Bryce Mountain area has gotten really run down, and The Pines is in need of major updating.

Steve

 

[NJDave]

The Links in Myrtle Beach. It was one of my first exchanges. The resort wasn't bad. The others (mostly Marriots) were just much better. I know the qualtiy of resorts much better now (thanks to TUG!) and would no longer accept The Links (we exchanged into the new Marriottt this trip). When RCI told me that they did me a favor by giving me The Links for the last week in August in exchagne for my Fourth of July / Race week in Daytona, I knew it was time to sell the Daytona week.

 

[susieq]

By far the Cathedral Ledge Resort in Bartlett, N.H. has to be one of our worst experiences ever!!

 

[LynnW]

Playa El Agua Beach Hotel Margarita Island. We were new at timesharing and an RCI VG conviced us it was a nice resort and a good location because of the weather. She was right about the weather but nothing else. We couldn't keep any food in the unit as there were bugs everywhere. If we set a glass on the kitchen counter that had been used for juice or anything sweet the bugs were all over it. We were forced to take the AI package or you couldn't eat at the resort. The air conditioner which was mounted on the wall in the living room broke down so that had to remove it and we were left with a gaping hole in the wall. We were stuck in this place for 2 weeks as RCI couldn't find us any other accomodation on the island. Also the phones were out for most of the time we were there and my mother was in the process of selling her house and moving into a condo and we wanted to keep in touch with her agent. Of course that was impossible. And on top of all these things the only other people at the resort that spoke English were a couple from Detroit and his parents from Georgia and their children, one couple from Germany and some of the resort staff. Needless to say we couldn't wait to get home! RCI did refund our exchange fee and give us a free week.

Lynn

 

[wise one]

Hollywood Beach Tower, Hollywood, Florida, August 2002

Unit smelled, hall had trash, swimming pool closed for repair in August, furniture, especially the mattress, should have been replaced at least five years before we stayed there, parking was in city garage across the street, view from the unit was of parking garage. Resort was ocean front, but because of work at resort, had to walk around the resort one and and half blocks to the beach. Resort had a restrauant, but was only serving breakfst until 10 am becaue of construction.

 

[lamb]

Our worst was also La Renaissance in Atlantic City NJ!! It was very small and extremely tired looking. I didn't feel safe there and we stayed only a day before heading out.

With respect to Vistana, we love it there. We have only stayed in the Fountains sections so I'm sure that an earlier poster must have had an older unit. I had heard they were renovating the older section but I have no idea if that ever transpired.

 

[Whirl]

WORST -- Borderlinks/Atlantic Resorts in Ocean Pines (Ocean City)...3 BR off season with a gaping hole in the ceiling that had dripped onto and stained the comforter and soaked right though to the sheets and mattress in the 3rd bedroom. Yuck. Just generally felt icky. We just went for a long weekend with our ~5 mo daughter and I had to scrub everything down...If she had been crawling at the time...we would have left becuase there was no way I would ever ahve put her down on the carpet!
Redeeming qualities: A fireplace, and located in a lovely wooded community...back deck opens to a golf course with nice well-maintianed grounds and nice for taking a walk in the stroller. Oh and the only reason we accepted was that Pets are allowed for a fee so we could take the dogs. They like to walk along the beach and doggies need vacations, too! Pre babym these things were forgivable as I had low expectations going in and chose them mostly becuase we could take the dogs. Now...won't go again.

Other WORST incidences but other redeeming values make them not the worst overall exchanges....



Galleon Key west -- master bedroom rug was filthy. White socks turned black when you walked across it just once. Rest of unit generally very clean, but fixed rugs in any humid location are generally a bad idea. I am very squeamish about public pools anyway (cleanliness issues in general) and was 7 months pregnant at the time and believe me I was looking forward to just bobbing weightlessly in the nice cool pool...until as I boobing the first day,I looked around the edge and saw the RING O' SCUM. Never got in past my waste the rest of the week. Just sat on the edge and read a book. Location was great, though and I actually would exchange there again...I suspect the carpet has since been changed/removed and maybe it was just a poor week for pool maintenance...or I am too sensitive.

Fairfield Alexandria...Smoky, Smkoy, smoky... We ahve been there about 4 times for libg weekends...perhaps more and used our points to send friends and family many times, too Love it and will go back but at least twice the smoke was bad enough we had to change rooms...other times they sprayed the place down...reducing the smell but leaving us with the damp carpet, so youu couldn't take off your shoes. Friends complained of same problem, so it wasn't just me, the clean freak! Another visit I didn't have the energy to complain complain, but I actually travelled with air freshner and mini travel air purifier in anticipation of the problem. Won't stop me from going, though. Love Alexandria!

I have learned to just let go sometimes...it is vacation and if you spend the whole time obsessing about waht is not perfect, then you ruin youir stay....We even Stayed at the lauded Westin St John and had a litany of issues (kitchen window broken, front lock to villa patio/pool area broken, toilet not working, hot tub heating element gave out first day and then very loud mating, croaking from 11:30-1, evry night, laid eggs which were little swimming tadpoles in our tepid hot tub by the end of the week) while there, but otherwise had a great time..we really did...just disappointing given how much we paid to stay in our 3 +BR villa and expectations.

So despite the complaints, no real regrets!

Cheryl

 

[Jan]

I also second Chateau La Grand in Biloxi. This was even pre-hurricane..the pool was totally green and black with mold. We had a 3bdrm that had the louver doors broken, no plates to cover socket plugs and the worse of all was pee on the floor around the toliets. Living room furniture was broken and dead bugs filled the runners of the patio door. Horrible. They were unable to change our room. Jan

 

[Texasbelle]

Hiawatha Manor at Lake Tansi Village. In their defense, the units were clean and had new carpeting, furnishings--but they were tiny. 2 bedroom had only 1 very small bath with no counter space. The kitchen was like a cabin. No dishwasher. The close pool required a fee. We drove to the lake and swam there--could use the pool near the lake for free. The thing that annoyed us was that we had traded a large 2 bedroom with 2 large baths. Not an equal trade at all. Then RCI offered this to us as a trade several times after we said on our evaluation that we would never return.

 

[Liz Wolf-Spada]

I guess we have been very lucky, plus used Tug reviews of course. Some of these stories make me wonder how these places could even be in business, much less part of RCI. They sound like they would be shut down due to public health concerns. Doesn't RCI maintain some quality assurance control? That they don't is scary and may be part of what can give timesharing a bad name.
Liz

 

[Diane]

Jackson Pines, RCI 6381

Primarily because of extreme street noise, but also because of its tiny bath room and lack of windows.

Diane

 

[PA-]

The worst timeshare I actually spent the night in is Champion's Run in Riudoso, NM. Bathrooms and Kitchen were terribly grungy, there's a few timeshares mixed in with wholly owned condos in a low-rent complex, no hot tub or pool. Large units though. It wasn't as scary as some of the ones below, but almost.

I've been fortunate enough to not ever have stayed in anyplace worse, as we're picky and have been lucky, and we use the TUG reviews. However, I make it my business to check out timeshares everyplace I go. Here are a few of the places I've been inside, but would never stay in.

1) Twin Rivers, Indian Peak, Silverado, Lions Gate, and Meadow in Winter Park (all managed by the same company) - They all have the feel of a cheap apartment complex, no resort features
2) Sweetwater at Park City - Looks like it's 50 years old, and hasn't been updated (GREAT LOCATION, though). Skier's Lodge (it's sister resort) was described by the staff as being worse, so I didn't bother looking
3) Orofino in Dillon, CO - Residential neighborhood, no resort amenities, VERY tired. Circa Brady Bunch furnishings.
4) Christie Lodge in Avon, CO - clean, decently outfitted, great location, but EXTREMELY small. It's much like staying in a sleeper car on a train. Hundreds of units in a large building. Like staying in a prairie dog town with hundreds of families in the same tunnel.
5) Ski Time Square in Steamboat - Grungy to the max, tired furnishings, great location, terrible hot tub. Yuch.
6) Wolf Creek Village I - Building 2 and above are managed by worldmark and aren't luxurious, but building 1 is standalone managed and is BAD. Amenities (shared with Worldmark) are fine.

 

[EileenSRN]

Nottingham Village at Friar Tuck

July '04 visit. The T/S units are a good 1/4 mile from the rest of the resort. It's still in the 50's. It was so damp that the sheets felt like they were wet. Clammy. It had that basement musty smell. It's only 15-20 min from Hunter Mtn. Maybe it's OK when the heat's on. They played disco music at the pool all afternoon - loud! They did have an indoor pool, but much too cool for my taste. The only nice thing was was the hugh "hot tub" - it was the size of a small pool! The impresson they gave was that they were the closest TS to NYC (other than Manhattan Club) and were full all the time. He said he couldn't understand how I managed to trade into it with a white week.

 

[ctyatty]

a lot of good info - should have square feet in listings

Always wondered why square feet wasn't a standard part of a listing, I've seen 2 bed and 2 bath converted from two adjoining old style motel rooms with a total of maybe 400 square feet.

Can't remember the name, we were nearby and walked through this little gem in Daytona after a big banner advertising vacancy attracted our attention.

 

[rickandcindy23]

PA, I don't disagree completely with you

but I have to say that we have owned Twin Rivers for 24 years, our first timeshare and our first ever temptation to purchase (from the lousy developer, who didn't use quality materials). We liked the resort because the units are very spacious, ours has three bedrooms and two baths. It was a great resort back then, and we toured many resorts before we bought. But it is not the definition of RESORT anymore, since new timeshare developments have redefined all of our expectations of a resort, and we are well aware of that fact.

We dislike the management company and are hoping that I (Cindy) can get on the board this fall, at the HOA meeting. We are tired of being treated like idiots by Jon DeVos, the owner of the management company, anytime we disagree with what he says.

You're right, this is not a resort with amenities like some, but we have spent about $75,000 per unit in recent years, updating our unit interiors. It was a very impressive place in its day and will become impressive once again, at the cost of those of us who own there.

We have two hottubs in a clubhouse facility, which is about the only amenity. The units have new kitchens with granite counters and ash cabinets and and are in the process of getting beautiful new bathrooms. Each unit has a gas fireplace, but the furnishings are never what I would choose for a timeshare. I would like to be able to help with decisions, but we are stuck with Jon's horrible taste for decor and furniture. YUCKY!

The reasons that people stay there is to ski in the winter at Winter Park or enjoy summer activities in the mountains. You can fish on the property--Fraser river is a fast-moving, wide river that is full of trout. You can put on your waders and head out in the morning, just beyond the parking lot, to fish. We used to enjoy that when the kids were little.

We have seen the resort in the last month and were impressed with what has taken place, especially the kitchens and the decks, which were entirely rebuilt with TREX decking materials for the wear that harsh winter conditions were causing to the old redwood.

What can an owner do but pay up when things need fixed and updating? There is another thread "Do timeshares last forever?" My answer to that question would be, only until the owners get sick of rebuilding every inch of the resort, over and over again. So many of our owners are trying to bail out right now. They have their units listed on the twinrivers.org website. I laugh every time I read Jon's words on the Available Weeks page--"prices are expected to double." He is trying to keep owners by insisting that these updates are going to double our property values, or that the values are climbing because real estate in Grand County is skyrocketing. These are not real estate purchases, they are timeshare weeks. GET REAL!

We care about staying in a nice, clean unit. The updates to Twin Rivers will ensure that we get at least those points on our II comment cards. As for amenities, you can't add swimming pools to old resorts, plus there would be no room.

The units are supposed to feel like you are in the mountains while inside as well as outside, didn't you get that, PA?

As for the other resorts managed by Allegiant, I think most of them are similar; owners are trying to maintain their various trading powers with II and RCI by doing what is required to accomplish this. At least that is what Jon is telling them in every newsletter and HOA meeting.