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Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas review: Misleading information 53

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7:03 am EST
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11 April 2015, my wife and I arrived in Phuket, Thailand and were approached by a salesperson telling us about Anantara Vacation Club (AVC) and a special offer for attending a presentation. On 14 April 2014, we met with representatives at the Anantara resort area. We were offered a membership in which the representative stated the regular annual points would not expire. One of the managers stated that 9, 000 bonus points would be offered if we signed up for the membership that day that would give us enough points to be able to go to the Maldives. I found out later that our level of membership/ ownership did not allow us to go to the Maldives until after the first year in which the bonus points will have expired. None the regular points expire. We did not receive access to the Anantara web site until 24 April 2015 when an email was sent to us providing the log in information. By this time I was back at my work place and did not have much free time to review the web site. It was also past the “5 day cooling period”. My work requires me to put in 12 hours a day, 7 days a week until my next approved vacation time which is anywhere from 2 to 3 months after returning from my previous vacation. So I am very limited on planning future vacations to about 3 months in advance; this fact was stated during the presentation. Once I had received access to look at the web site, I found that Koh Samui, Thailand did not have available accommodations until about 6 months; our ownership/ membership level was not eligible for the Maldives and I found that the regular points had an expiration date. My wife is a Philippine citizen so we are limited on what countries we can go to; this fact was also made very clear to the representatives during the presentation. I am used to being able to make last minute decisions to book a trip through Expedia and was left with the impression that being an Ananatara Vacation Club owner/ member would be the same or better. I was not informed or aware that AVC Vacation Club was a timeshare until after talking with Capital One sometime in July 2015 while dispute the AVC Vacation Club charges. If I knew that it was a timeshare I would never have signed any paperwork. It appears that the Annatara Vacation Club “ownership” is not an “investment” as advertised. I have mentioned several times that I would not be able to use their services as I was lead to believe. Insufficient information was provided to me in order to make an honest and sound judgment to what was actually being offered. Michael Kosmas, VP Marketing Alliances, Ananatara Vacation Club states that AVC is a vacation lifestyle investment. However, I have found that AVC does not fit my lifestyle to be considered an investment. I have stated many times that I cannot book or plan my vacations more than 3 months in advance due to the requirements of my work and even 3 months in advance is not always possible. Request for a refund/ cancellation was sent on 3 June 2015 and again on 6 June 2015 (less than 1 month from the date the documents were signed). Told that a refund was not possible.

53 comments
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Linda_Mai
, US
Mar 27, 2023 5:33 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I already paid the contract at first time and we fund that the hotel is less for me to choose, I want to cancel my membership! Could any one help?

When I found that the hotel is too less for us to book, in 1 day, I raise to cancel my membership, which that I am not know at the time I sign my contract. This is so sad for me, I don't want paying anymore.

Buy the way, info@exitvacationclub.com this email can not work. Does anyone get the refund?

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Barak Wyse
, US
May 21, 2020 7:15 pm EDT

Hi,

I read through the post but I do not see anyone posting of being able successfully terminate their membership.

Can I check if anyone has tried stopping all monthly payments? Has the club been able to take any legal actions? Because I am considering just terminating my payments, I have given up all hope of getting back any money. :(

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Guyuerican
Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jan 19, 2021 7:59 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Barak Wyse

Hi Barak... how r u? have u manage to terminate the membership? I would like to cancel the membership too. Please advice..

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Evohn
, SG
May 05, 2020 12:24 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I’m trying to cancel my contract to AVC also but they said they will take legal action if cancellation without Valid reasons? I agree with all your concerns!
Anyone can help?

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Nivedita Balaji
xxx, IN
Jul 09, 2021 2:48 am EDT
Replying to comment of Evohn

Same here - this is such an unfair practise. They take the full payment upfront and we are stuck with it. How do we handle this?

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badluckyougotscammed
new york, US
Feb 05, 2022 11:23 pm EST
Replying to comment of Evohn

They won't take legal action. they will threaten, but they are so dodgy they wont proceed . Stop paying immediately

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Jay TY
, US
Mar 08, 2020 3:41 am EDT

Hi. My parents also got scammed with this. I am willing to be part of a class action lawsuit put together for what is clearly predatory sales activity. Is there anyone on this forum willing to take the lead here or has a lawyer that we can all speak to?

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Gangadhar Papasani
, US
Apr 03, 2020 1:20 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Jay TY

Hi Jay, Mee too one of the victims and facing issues with AVC team

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A-Lee
, US
Feb 12, 2020 11:41 pm EST

I just joined the Elite Jade 30 Dec 2019 and I want to cancel it and get refund, anyone can help?

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AncaC
, RO
Dec 09, 2019 4:48 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Let's all AVC members talk in private and find a lawyer to represent us all. If we are a team we will succeed, I think.

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Frustrating customer
, HK
Jul 04, 2019 2:28 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

We are another victim of this stupid Anantara club membership. Tried to complain about the misleading information we received from the presentation and stated that we did not want to continue with the purchase, but the customer service just replied asking for payment without addressing to all our concerns and constraints of the membership. Does anyone know an effective way of getting out of this crap?

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Joey Cheung
, HK
Jun 19, 2019 11:53 am EDT

Also, I read from the above comments there's a website called exit vacation club. I tried to go to that website to seek useful info but it's only a new website with no info uploaded yet. Any idea please? Thanks again.

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Joey Cheung
, HK
Jun 19, 2019 11:50 am EDT

Hi all,

I'd like to seek help from here about my AVC membership which was signed up last year April. I'd like to resale it which I was told in the presentation that I could do that and transfer the membership in the future. Anyone has ideas how? Thank you so much. Or I'm fine to cancel and get some refund as well. Please kindly share with me if you have ideas. million thanks.

Joey

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Akira & Kayla
, US
Dec 28, 2021 10:43 pm EST

You can use website like redweek.com to sell your club membership. Good luck! Raymond

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Dayakristelle Ty
, US
May 03, 2019 9:09 am EDT

Hi. Inwant to cancel but they dont want me to cancel. Its hard totalk to them, they dont hear me out but just replies with please update your payment blah3. Why are they forcing me to pay whem im no longer able?

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Phils123
, US
Apr 12, 2019 10:52 am EDT

Anyone here successful in cancelling the membership? With or without refund? Please help us too.

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David A. Morris
, US
Apr 12, 2019 6:29 am EDT

I just stopped paying them. They can’t do [censored] but cry about it.

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Phils123
, US
Apr 12, 2019 10:45 am EDT

Sir, we are also in the same situation. Is it okay to just stop paying? Will we be in trouble because of that? We really need help. :(

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Chaz3989
, US
Mar 14, 2019 11:47 pm EDT

Hi. Has anyone been successful canceling and getting a refund? We signed up Feb. 8 (high pressure sales) and paid $1, 249 down and our first monthly installment of $349(first 12 months). Finding discrepancies after finally getting a chance to look into program. Any suggestions is appreciated. I guess I can just cancel my card and eat the $1, 500?

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Melanie Smith
, US
Feb 18, 2019 3:31 pm EST

Heidy, email me at info@exitvacationclub.com, and I will assist you. Visit www.exitvacationclub.com

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Di Chow
, US
Feb 18, 2019 2:52 pm EST

Hi,

Can anyone help me too? As I lose my job just begining of this month, I requested to cancel the membership to Anatara Club, and the club said that they dont have arthorization to hold or cancel my account, what they response was so unbelivable and rediculous. Im decide to look for lawyers or Police station to show all my email coversation. Also since 2016 became of this membership, I finished my deposit and continuely paying club fee plus monthly fee until now, I was just using 2-3 times only during this 3 years and currectly still have 13000 points, the thing is with this club you are super difficult to fit your life style and your vacation, what I feel more like is I keep paying money there but I get a big hard time return me back, and now I was sad to lose my job this begining of the month, they still being too harsh to me like need my bank proof and company resignation proof. Honestly Im not guilty, first I never take their advance points for enjoy, second who want to lose their high pay job? I need someone to help me cancel this extreamly un-friendly club to make my life easier please!
I live in Hong Kong.

Heidy

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Adefunke
, US
Nov 22, 2018 1:20 am EST

AVC is a biggggg Scammm! Please don’t do it. I don’t know how they are allowed to continue scamming innocent people like they did to us. Legal action needs to be taken. Shouldn’t this be illegal.They take advantage of the excitement people on vacation are feeling and sell you lies of a dream yearly vacation. Liess! Don’t even fall for it. It’s almost impossible to cancel it. We spent over one year trying to cancel the membership. We eventually got frustrated, accepted we lost huge amount of money and cancelled our credit card. Yes we canceled it.

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Beeek
, US
Dec 01, 2018 12:43 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Adefunke

Hi adefunke,
I am in the same situation. My husband lost his job and now we're going off of my income. We can't have any this over our heads when we are trying to survive in the bay area. I am in the process of trying to cancel the contract but no one is really helping. The only option they gave us was Deferment. Deferment is not an option for us bc we don't know what will happen in the next few years. Did you lose your deposit or what actions did they take on you? I really need some advice...
Thank you

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Dec 02, 2018 6:42 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Beeek

I can help you. Firstly, stop your monthly instalments. Secondly do not mention financial hardship again. Thirdly contact me on info@exitvacationclub.com and i will help you. https://web.facebook.com/Vacation-Club-Exit-Team-1701769703275829/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Dec 02, 2018 6:43 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Adefunke

Adefunke, did you receive a refund of any sort. If not contact me on info@exitvacationclub.com and i will see if I can assist you.

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Meemspho
, US
Jun 16, 2019 6:12 am EDT
Replying to comment of Adefunke

Hi adefunke,
I am in this exact situation now where I want to cancel due to personal issues and they've lied about what I am able to do with my "membership." I asked twice how to cancel and I've only been told that I'm basically not allowed to. Utter BS. It's only been 3 months but I cancelled my card so that they can no longer process further payment.

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Pukumu
, AU
Oct 23, 2018 10:03 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Same problem. We found so many hidden points after coming back from Thai vacation where this was marketed.
The presenter was very good but they are trained to speak half truth, I guess part of their job description.
Main issues for us:
- Jade membership has extremely limited resorts available to book.
- Interval membership resorts: we were told it would be a exchange fee of $18 but in fact it is $108 to $128 ! That is my hotel cost for 1 night so why would i pay them for a short stay?!
- Hilton group was mentioned very proudly by them and that was main selling point for me but it does not allow access to most Hilton hotels, only few of them!
We realise all this many days later because you start working straight after vacation and checking out the membership gets last priority in busy life.

If I don't get refund, I will take more serious steps and take to all- Twitter, FB, WhatsApp.

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Beeek
, US
Dec 01, 2018 12:44 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Pukumu

Have you followed on what actions they can do to you, since it's a different company. Bc my husband and I are going through the same crap.

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Dec 02, 2018 6:44 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Pukumu

contact me on info@exitvacationclub.com and I will assist you.

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Chaz3989
, US
Apr 04, 2019 1:40 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Pukumu

In same boat. They offered to cancel my contract and give me a 3 day vacation stay but not refund. I paid $1, 249 deposit for Jade Level. Still fighting with them. The contract says it is governed by Singapore law section 9.4 of my contract but when I contact Singapore they say there is not Anantara registered in Singapore. Mess!

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Phils123
, US
Apr 12, 2019 6:17 am EDT
Replying to comment of Beeek

Hi, were you able to cancel? We are in the same situation now.

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Meemspho
, US
Jun 18, 2019 1:12 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Chaz3989

I'm in the same boat. I stopped paying 3 months ago and if they offered to just cancel my contract, they can keep the money the made from me! I just want out of the contract!

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Jessiepeguero
, US
Oct 13, 2018 9:23 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This Anantara resort is nothing but scam please please people don’t get it. We just lost money. So angry they don’t know how much you have to work to get money and they just don’t care. SCAM SCAM SCAM!

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Dec 02, 2018 6:45 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

If you need help cancelling please contact me on info@exitvacationclub.com

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Ayeni Anthony
, US
Sep 17, 2018 5:39 am EDT

Same problem I have with anantara vocational club I was being mislead by the soo called presentation while I was on Holiday in Phuket Thailand with my wife. I bought the jade programme which till date I have not been able to utilize u have 20000 points I tried several time to book the hotel around my region but that isn’t always available..so why get clients to pay way in advance for a service you cannot give! Im still paying for this and to be honest I don’t want anything to do with it anymore. The company offers no help what so ever to refund or help sell off the package at this point I would just like to count my losses and move on lessons learnt...

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Beeek
, US
Dec 01, 2018 12:35 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi ayeni Anthony. I am in the same situation. My husband lost his job and now we're going off of my income. We can't have any this over our heads when we are trying to survive in the bay area. I am in the process of trying to cancel the contract but no one is really helping. The only option they gave us was Deferment. Deferment is not an option for us bc we don't know what will happen in the next few years. Did you lose your deposit or what actions did they take on you? I really need some advice...
Thank you

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Dec 02, 2018 6:46 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Please stop your payments via your bank, and contact me on info@exitvacationclub.com and I will advise how I can assist you

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Chaz3989
, US
Apr 04, 2019 1:38 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Beeek

Did you ever get a refund

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Melanie Smith
, US
Sep 03, 2018 1:37 am EDT

Messaged you David, happy to assist

www.exitvacationclub.com
info@exitvacationclub.com

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Prowting
, GB
Aug 28, 2019 8:00 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Can you also help me, i cant get onto the web address above as this doesn't work...

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David A. Morris
, US
Aug 25, 2018 5:25 am EDT

I'm in the process of trying to cancel my membership... I don't uinderstand why it's such a pain in the A$$

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Dec 02, 2018 6:47 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Have you been able to cancel David, if not drop me a note and i'll see if I can assist. info@exitvacationclub.com

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Jul 18, 2018 4:34 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Jeevan Mainali, I've just sent you an email...
www.exitvacationclub.com

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Jeevan Mainali
, AU
Jul 17, 2018 6:22 pm EDT

I am into the similar situation where i wanted to cancel my membership. We found out so many hidden points that were not explained earlier. We were told that points can be accumulated and used anytime we want but i was so surprised to get an email about the points expiry. Another thing was Interval Travel which was never mentioned as well. We would have to pay extra for each stay made through interval travel. This was also not explained.

One of the flaws i can see in the contract is "We can cancel this application within 5 days" but nowhere it mentions that we cannot cancel the membership.

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Poison Ivy Eric
, SG
Sep 08, 2018 7:40 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi can share with me how u cancel? I just signed up but having so much doubts. Pls assist. Tq

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Dec 02, 2018 6:48 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Have you been able to cancel @Jeevan Mainali?

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anantaraclub
, US
Nov 26, 2017 8:30 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Dear Anjalee,

We've acknowledged your situation, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. In order for us to look into this for you, could you kindly send us your owner ID, name, and contact info to feedback@anantaraclub.com, so we can assist you as soon as possible. Thank you.

Anantara Vacation Club

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Poison Ivy Eric
, SG
Sep 08, 2018 7:40 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi. So are we able to cancel within 5 days from signup? Please advise. Tq

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Geethanjalee Ganegoda
, US
Nov 25, 2017 8:03 am EST

Hi, How to cancel Anantara vacation club membership.
When we were on holiday (Phuket) one of the sales rep in the Jungceylon shopping centre adk us to visit one of their hotel opening. Just to drop in they will pick you up and drop you and free two tickets to one of their Fantasia show.
Next day we haven't had anything in the morning...so we decided to go. To be honest very good sales person approach us the holiday hotel package. And when we thinking take it or not they said sign the contract today and pay (US$2800 something) down payment and then the rest we can pay as a instalment.
At that time everything was good we paid and sign the contract.
This is how they made us to sign the contract.Sales person gone thru everything and then quality assurance person read the points in contract same as sales person mentioned and ask us to sign. We ofcourse...signed trusting their words.They never mentioned or never read in contract points about cancellation.
Once we go home after holidays, we decided thats package is not the right one and why we pay so much money for upcoming vacations for 40 odd years?
Then I took the contract and start reading how to cancel. In contract it is mentioning, if we want to cancel within 5days of signing the contract we can do so. Then the last day(5 th bussiness day) I sent an e mail saying we want to cancel. Didn't get get a reply for that and after another 5days sending me a msg saying you can cancel but you don't get the refund cz we haven't contract them within 5 days.
Can someone help me regarding this and need to get my refund.
I live in Australia.
Anjalee

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Feb 26, 2018 3:59 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

i can help you... Please contact me via http://www.exitvacationclub.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/exitvacationclub/

I can help you.

Exit Team
Exit Team
, HK
Dec 02, 2018 6:51 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Have you been able to cancel? If not contact me at info@exitvacationclub.com and I will assist.

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Prowting
, GB
Aug 28, 2019 7:59 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Exit Team

Hello, we just signed up 3 weeks ago, now I am regretting it...Can you help?

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anantaraclub
, US
Mar 04, 2016 12:22 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Dear Reviewer45744, please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused. Our team is looking into your case right now. In order to facilitate the process and to provide better service, we ask that you send an email to feedback@anantaraclub.com with your Club Owner number and contact details. Thank you for your kind patience and please let us know via email if we can help you in any other way.

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