Menu
Raintree Vacation Club [RVC]
Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Customer Service Phone, Email, Contacts

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC]
reviews & complaints

www.raintreevacationclub.com
www.raintreevacationclub.com

Learn how the rating is calculated

3.6 55 Reviews

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Complaints Summary

36 Resolved
19 Unresolved
Our verdict: With a good resolution rate, Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] generally handles customer issues well. However, it’s important to be proactive. Familiarize yourself with their processes and services. Reading through various customer experiences will provide valuable insights into how they handle complex issues.
Verified
The authenticity of the customer service contact information for Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] has been meticulously verified by representatives from ComplaintsBoard using our proprietary verification system.
Get notifications about new complaints and reviews of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC]. We promise not to send you any unrelated messages.
Share
Claim Your Business
Take control of your profile: address complaints and engage with reviews
Write a review File a complaint

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] reviews & complaints 55

Sort by:

Newest Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] reviews & complaints

ComplaintsBoard
A
10:03 pm EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] disappearing developer weeks

We just got back from Cabo Sn Lucas, bought into the RVC concept. We were promised 7 developer weeks with rent of $1, 400 per week, to be paid within 60 days of when we turned them over to the marketing company, Premier Property Management. I was given guarantees that when we got back and made the call, we would see $9800 within 60 days. Now they want $499 to activate, and say we had to have the weeks to them by September 2010. Now they don't know when we could see the rent. Turns out the guy who works PPM also answered the phone for Resort Equity Solutions, the company that was to take our whole ownership week in trade. He too wanted another $500. And no contracts have come. Now I am getting hangups at these two entities and no one returns calls at RVC or emails.This was all on our AMEX card and has been put in dispute. Need help going after these crooks.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
P
P
Poppy66
Mooresville, US
Feb 02, 2012 6:46 pm EST

HK Holdings or HR Holdings sound familiar to anyone? To make the sale of an "every other year UPGRADE" from our yearly contract, they wanted $8000 USD. We said NO. They came back with the idea that they would get our Melia Real property sold/transfered! When I asked how and why, they said it was part of their marketing and would be able to turn it over. They promised in writing that it would be done in 120 days for $499 USD. As instructed, we contacted HK Holdings (which is now HR Holdings!). We paid $499 USD and waited. At 90 days we got a call stating the final transfer is in the works, but to finalize it, we were to pay $529 USD for Title Search and Attorney filings! We argued, but we paid the $529 USD figuring that if we got rid of it for $1000USD we would still be happy since we haven't used it in 7 years! At 125 days I called Raintree in Cabo. Spoke to a lady that said that contract wasn't going to be completed- it wasn't going to happen. Now my horns were showing! After much emailing and calling, we have reached an agreement- I get all I paid to Raintree refunded. It was credited to my CC yesterday. I will loose some currency exchange fees, but that deal is over. Now I will go after Raintree for the fees paid to "THIER AGENT" as I view it, since we would never have had the occasion to deal with HK or HK!.

ComplaintsBoard
J
6:03 pm EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] we want out

We bought a points type vacation package from raintree in club regina mexico. We were convinced that it was everything we ever dreamed of.
So far we have paid in full the package price plus maintenance fees since 2008. (it is now 2011)

We have never used any part of our package... because We either never had enough points, or the additional fees are equal to the cost of booking ourselves and paying full price in a differant hotel, or nothing was available at the time.
As I sit in my home (now a 18foot travel trailer) I reflect on the fact that I can not just walk away from this. I am held under contact to keep paying year after year for something that shames me. I will be paying my loan for years to come. I will never use this package and so far have not found a way out. Every time I remember about this I feel my insides recoil. ...I feel like such a fool, I am ashamed and embarassed ...a feeling I would pay to be rid of, but instead pay to keep.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
J
J
John W
Pensacola, US
Oct 21, 2011 12:21 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I had to admit my mistake for buying this timeshare deal, lick my wounds, and assume my loss (i.e approx $13000 in initial costs and maintenance fees) as a 100% write-off. If the attorney's are successful in just nullifying Raintrees Collection attempts and removing their ability to continue financing their Ponzi scheme (i.e. putting them out of business), I will be happy. I have just received and responded to their collection agencys first letter in September stating that I have no intention of paying either the Maintenance fee or Special Assessment fees (After not paying either since Jan 2009). Odd however, is the fact that they seem to be only attempting to collect on the unpaid Maintenance Fees - the Special Assessment fee seems to have been left out. I responded to the Collection Agency (i.e. Concord Collections) stating that I am not paying past Maintenance Fees since I am not being allowed use of the Property, due to not paying a Special Assessment fee, which is a breach of contract.

It must be remembered that any paid Maintenance Fees & Special Assessment Fees will be used to pay their attorneys to fight those who dont pay, not for actual maintenance costs of the property. The financial impacts of any settlements will also be recuperated by future Assessment / Maintenance fee increases in existing and new members, while they withhold right to use and threat of credit ruin over their heads.

ComplaintsBoard
J
10:06 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Raintree

Just wanted to post the lastest corspondence with Raintree regarding the special assessment and various other questions regarding there pactices. This is the most information I have been able to receive from anyone at raintree, I still am going to hold firm in my decission to not pay there special assessment fee and if that means I have no further use of my time share then I also will quite paying my maintenance fees which means for the next 2 years they will loose that income also. I really do not want to be a part of this orgination anymore and so even if they were to change things I could never trust them again. I just see that they will continue to keep raiseing our Maintenace fees and anyother fess they can to offset there poor management of not only the company but most importantly our monies we have all spent with them. I would encourage anyone with questions and wants a real answer to contact this Daniel Keeney via his email, because he does at least respond and get back to you in a timely manor. As you can and will see by my questions below I have alot of concerns and issues with Raintree, I think if enough people hold firm to not paying this special assessment and then there maintenance fees they will either be forced to go into bankruptcy or sell to someone who will truly manage the place properly and have there members best intrest at heart. I feel that they truly on the brink of looseing it and what ever any adds to it will be lost. Dainel does a good job of addressing and skating the true issues at hand.

From: Daniel Keeney, APR [[protected]@keeneypr.com]

Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 5:11 PM

To: 'World Wide Abrasives'

Subject: RE: Raintree Resorts

John:

The decision was made to call this a “special assessment” because it is a temporary (and not a permanent) increase in your annual membership fee (described in the Multi-Resort Regulations which are part of your purchase agreement). You will find reference to your annual membership fee in your contract. You won’t find reference to the term “special assessment.”

If you review the original notice of the special assessment (http://www.raintreelistens.com/en/art/53/) dated 10/30/09, you will see in paragraph three that it states, “…we are issuing a temporary increase in your annual member fee. We refer to this increase as a special assessment because this will not be a permanent annual increase.”

I can arrange to order a copy of your contract documents – I believe there is a fee for ordering a copy, since Raintree does not manage those documents in-house. Have you called Member Services (800.424.6532) to order a copy of your contract? They should be able to help you with that.

Regarding Member attrition – my understanding is that the organization typically experiences a small attrition rate of approximately 3% in Membership each year. After two years of non-payment, Memberships are reclaimed and resold and all past-due maintenance fees and annual member fees are recouped for the Club to ensure there is no negative impact on Members. If you are wondering about the impact of the special assessment on attrition, we will not know that for another couple years, since contracts allow Members to be delinquent for two years prior to Memberships being reclaimed. Additionally, a large portion of the Membership took advantage of the 12-month flexible payment option.

The Member surveys are typically reported to Members later in the year – the organization gathers the information in one report, although the data is gathered throughout the year. My understanding (I have not seen the data) is that the feedback has not been substantially different from past years. That is not to suggest that we are deaf to the negative feedback we have received about the special assessment and other matters, but it has been expressed by a relatively small percentage of Members. At least that’s my understanding.

Regarding votes of Members, you might benefit from reviewing http://www.raintreelistens.com/structure, which explains the structure of Raintree Vacation Club and its parent company. The Club in which you purchased a Membership is a private company. To be blunt, Raintree Vacation Club is not a democracy and is not operated by Member votes. It is a private enterprise. Now, for the past several years, it has not been a particularly successful private enterprise, writing off approximately $10 million and, in the process, waiving management fees. The Club has a duty to do what’s necessary to keep the standards of the resort properties at the level expected by Members. With aging properties, that can be a challenge, and that’s the situation – annual fees have not kept pace with the need for capital repairs and renovations, which caused a backlog of needs that went unfunded.

Regarding increases in maintenance fees, contracts allow for increases of 10% PLUS the rate of inflation. The calculation for figuring the compound annual growth rate is: (820/465) (1/9) - 1. If you’re like me, you don’t have a fancy calculator to do that, but I found on online at http://www.calculator.com/calcs/calc_sci.html. It comes out to an annual growth rate of 6.5%. You are right that it is more than inflation, but it was not enough to keep up with the increasing costs of upgrading the aging resort properties.

Your final question is a judgment call, I guess. We have a large percentage of Members who have paid and a small percentage who have not. The organization has always had a policy that prohibits Members who are delinquent to enjoy the benefit of the Membership if they have not kept their payments current. That is only fair to the Members who HAVE paid their fees. This is not new – it is in the contract that if fees are not paid you can’t use your Membership. Knowing that the special assessment was difficult for some, the organization delayed enforcing this rule for four months from February 25th until July 1st. The easiest way to avoid this is to sign up for the flexible payment option, which is still available. It allows you to stretch payments over 12 months at no interest.

Sincerely,

Daniel Keeney, APR

DPK Public Relations

DFW: 214.432.7556

Houston: 832.467.2904

E-mail: [protected]@dpkpr.com

Web: http://www.dpkpr.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dpkpr

Blog: http://www.theprcounselor-blog.com

From: World Wide Abrasives [mailto:[protected]@lewiston.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 5:05 PM
To: 'Daniel Keeney, APR'
Subject: RE: Raintree Resorts

Daniel,

Once again thank you for your response, I think this the most and quickest responses I have received since I have been trying to get information from Raintree. I have been trying and have requested a copy of my contract dated 3/30/2001 and with this request ask to specially show me in my contract where it states the special assessment fee, I have asked for this over the last 2 months and still have yet to see it so maybe you will be able to assist me in getting this. I also would be curious to know and would like to receive a Customer Satisfaction Index/ Questioner in regards to how satisfied Raintree customers are currently, also what percentage of membership you have lost over the past 1-2 years not only do to the economy but all circumstances surrounding them either leaving or just plan quieting, In my earlier comment on line I have and had no intention of offending anyone but have felt like that we(customers/members) have had no vote or discussion in this matter and based on today’s economy this cannot just be shoved down people’s throats without any discussion, now if you can show me where and when this was discussed and minutes from a meeting with the members involved in it I would truly welcome that information. I have also tried to understand what you are calling up grading to some of this should of been covered under the normal and yearly maintenance fee’s (which I am sure you are aware of has gone up from $ 465.00 to $ 820.00 which is a 76.5 % increase over 9 years or 8.5 % which far exceeds inflation or cost of living increases). One final question to you is does Raintree honestly feel by locking people out of using their membership in Raintree for not paying this special assessment that this is going to be to your advantage, since I like many others not only spend money getting to these resorts but also spend allot of money while I am there in many of the resorts facilities and related services you are affiliated with so does this not mean even bigger looses in the future? I look forward to hearing back from you and addressing these issues I mentioned. Again thank you for your response, this truly is the most information I have received to date.

John Kirkpatrick

From: Daniel Keeney, APR [mailto:[protected]@keeneypr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 1:15 PM
To: 'World Wide Abrasives'
Subject: RE: Raintree Resorts

John:

Thanks for the note. We only have a couple rules for posting comments, but one is that we can’t allow comments that accuse the organization or individuals of wrongdoing – as doing so could have legal consequences. As you can see, we do post comments that criticize the organization as long as they don’t allege wrongdoing or threaten legal action. Out of thousands of comments submitted, we have not posted fewer than a couple dozen.

We keep Raintree leadership appraised of what’s being communicated on the various online boards. We don’t minimize the interest and passion of the people who have posted complaints online, but we also consider that less than 1% of Raintree Vacation Club’s 38, 000 Members have expressed concerns about the special assessment or other matters. Member surveys continue to show that Members give high marks to their vacation experiences, which is where the rubber meets the road.

That said, the organization’s leadership has acknowledged that it has made a number of missteps in the past and they are committed to improving aspects of Member communications and Member involvement in decisions. Nonetheless, we understand that some Members remain unhappy and we are working to help the organization re-earn your trust. Thanks again for expressing your thoughts and I will be sure they get to the organization’s leadership.

Sincerely,

Daniel Keeney, APR

DPK Public Relations

DFW: 214.432.7556

Houston: 832.467.2904

E-mail: [protected]@dpkpr.com

Web: http://www.dpkpr.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dpkpr

Blog: http://www.theprcounselor-blog.com

From: World Wide Abrasives [mailto:[protected]@lewiston.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 2:45 PM
To: 'Daniel Keeney, APR'
Subject: RE: Raintree Resorts

I figured as much, I appreciate your response, but I would also encourage you to pass along to them to go out to Complaints blog sight and see how angry and upset people are with Raintree, I know they truly are not listening or they would open there comment sight open to hear true feedback but since they don’t they will just have to find out by loosing clients or customers. But again thanks and if you would also pass this one along I would respect you for it, no one really seems to care within the origination so you really cannot get to anyone who cares or can make a difference.

John Kirkpatrick

From: Daniel Keeney, APR [mailto:[protected]@keeneypr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 12:07 PM
To: [protected]@lewiston.com
Subject: RE: Raintree Resorts

Hi, John:

I help Raintree with the Raintree Listens website and wanted to thank you for expressing your thoughts. I will pass them along to the organization’s leadership, but I also wanted you to know that for legal reasons, we can’t post allegations of wrongdoing on the forums – so I can’t approve your comment as submitted.

Sincerely,

Daniel Keeney, APR

DPK Public Relations

DFW: 214.432.7556

Houston: 832.467.2904

E-mail: [protected]@dpkpr.com

Web: http://www.dpkpr.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dpkpr

Blog: http://www.theprcounselor-blog.com

From: KIRKPATRICK, JOHN [mailto:[protected]@schipul.net]
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 1:35 PM
To: [protected]@keeneypr.com
Subject: Raintree Resorts - New Comment for the CMS Module: Special Assessment Forum / Cuota Especial Foro

New Comment Posting for Raintree Resorts on http://www.raintreelistens.com/Special-Assessment-Forum-Cuota-Especial-Foro/index.asp#1380

Submitted by: JOHN KIRKPATRICK ([protected]@lewiston.com)

User Comments:
What a great way of spending money which should of already been taken care of by our maintenance fees. To me this is nothing short of a scam and you have got so many angry clients that if we could get out of these we would. I am sure that if you check with the FTC, BBB and look at all the compliant blogs out there you will soon find out how upset people really are with you and your origination.

Comment is Currently Pending Approval

Click here to Approve Comment.
View a list of all Comments Pending Approval for this item.

Webmaster
[protected]@raintreeclub.com
Raintree Resorts6/2/2010 1:35:11 PM

http://www.raintreelistens.com/policy/

Tendenci® Membership Management Software
Schipul Web Marketing

Raintree Resorts - 10000 Memorial Drive, Suite 480 Houston, TX 77024 (policy)

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 3 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
J
J
John W
Pensacola, US
Oct 21, 2011 12:33 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I had to admit my mistake for buying this timeshare deal, lick my wounds, and assume my loss (i.e approx $13000 in initial costs and maintenance fees) as a 100% write-off. If the attorney's are successful in just nullifying Raintrees Collection attempts and removing their ability to continue financing their Ponzi scheme (i.e. putting them out of business), I will be happy. I have just received and responded to their collection agencys first letter in September stating that I have no intention of paying either the Maintenance fee or Special Assessment fees (After not paying either since Jan 2009). Odd however, is the fact that they seem to be only attempting to collect on the unpaid Maintenance Fees - the Special Assessment fee seems to have been left out. I responded to the Collection Agency (i.e. Concord Collections) stating that I am not paying past Maintenance Fees since I am not being allowed use of the Property, due to not paying a Special Assessment fee, which is a breach of contract.

It must be remembered that any paid Maintenance Fees & Special Assessment Fees will be used to pay their attorneys to fight those who dont pay, not for actual maintenance costs of the property. The financial impacts of any settlements will also be recuperated by future Assessment / Maintenance fee increases in existing and new members, while they withhold right to use and threat of credit ruin over their heads.

D
D
dlndavid
Pittsburg, US
Aug 02, 2010 10:19 pm EDT

So the bottom line...do we have to pay this special assessment fee?
I thought they could only add a special assessment in a small percentage of your annual fee. NOT double it.

M
M
mschmitz
Salt Lake City, US
Jun 28, 2010 7:46 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

At the Cancun resort (Club Regina), Raintree always puts the RCI guests in the VERY best beach front rooms, so they can sell them timeshares. As for this 17 year member, they ALWAYS put me in the back of the hotel, near the highway.

ComplaintsBoard
R
1:44 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] special assessment

I would like to join any class action law suits against Raintree vacations or Club Rebina Puerta Vallarta.
I am opposed to the special assessment, as well as the one way nature of the original purchase contract.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC]
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
J
12:40 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] scam

Dear members, Raintree Resorts International, in my opinion, is a scam. I bought at the Cancun site originally with the Hilton and Vacation ownership club, where the members were part of the board of directors and budgets were approved by a board of directors that was transparent. We received notices and minutes of the meetings and financial statements that were certified by independent auditors. Then it was changed to Club Regina, but we kept "renting from them ", you have no ownership rights... as they kept the members informed with financial statements... Then Raintree Resorts started managing the resort which was developed by Bancomer, a private bank in Mexico that changes hands and at the moment I do not know who owns it, ...It has been chaos for the members since then. You pay your fees but you can never get to the resorts especially during the spring or summer and winter months. They can accommodate you in the fall but that is all you get unless you pay upfront but they do not guarantee you a reservation, even if you pay your resort fee. They have never provided members with notices or meetings of their meetings and no detailed financial statements are ever produced even though my contract with Bancomer states that my club at the time VOC, needed to provide financial statements every year and that members had a right to vote on assessments. In my opinion, if we do not get financial statements, is because of mismanagement or possible fraud. Raintree has hired damage control PR individuals, so send all you complaints to the Texas Attorney General since they are in Houston, just like Enron was. Do not expect much from Texas as they blew the Enron case...So if you are in California go to the California Attorney General...they do a better job then Texas on consumer issues and lastly to the Federal Trade Commission with all your complaints...Post all your complaints every week and beware of the Raintree damage control individuals ...keep trying to get Financial information from Raintree and document everything that you send them and that they send you . We need to flush out the rats and get our money or club back.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
E
E
ednivi
Blue Bell, US
Nov 25, 2010 6:34 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I would be interested to join any class action suit against Regina. I bought Regina in 1996, when it was Hilton and since then, things have change a lot, as they've taken every single change in ownership as a way to reduce the value of old members. As a result, what I bought is not even close to what I am getting from them today, the cost has gone up, options reduced, time to use it reduced as well, etc. Almost every single item has been changed so they can sell more property to new owners without benefiting old ones. When I bought in 1996, the exchange value in RCI was supposed to be great. Now I can hardly can get availability where I want to go or get something of a much lower value. I would assume RCI is also part of this. In sum, I have so many issues and horror stories that I would gladly join any class action lawsuit against them.
email enieto777@gmail.com

ComplaintsBoard
D
4:03 pm EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] maintenance fees

We have owned our Timeshare, purchased from Club Regina (Mexico) in 1995 for 15 years. The Reguar Maintenance fees have escalated greatly over the last 15 years. And, especially, since Club Regina was incorporated into Raintree Vacation Club. This year the regular Maintenance Fee was $846.00...AND... another additional "special maintenance fee" of $846.00 was also assessed. In all $1.692.00 in fees for this year (2009). In addition, we cannot go to any resorts other than Cancun, Puerto Vallarta & Cabo. They threaten to ruin our credit if we do not "ante up" the total fees. What can we do to fight these people? We are 69 and 70 years old and Mexico is no longer our vacation of choice. So, we put our time into RCI (another fee for one year $89.00). And then, another $194.00 to book a vacation. I think we could have had a decent cruise ticket for the $1, 975.00 it cost us this year. Linda Cormier, Menifee CA

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 18 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
18 comments
Add a comment
D
D
dude7707@gmail.com
, US
Feb 01, 2018 3:18 pm EST

Member since 2002!, on a Even/Gold plan so billed every even year...current assessment for 50k pts for 44 frigging years! So what can
a person do, if there financial condition is very bleak? What would be the legal recourse of RVC, contract has been paid off, just the maintenance
fees payable until 2046. File personal bankruptcy? Tried to give away, sell, course always have the scammers who claim to get rid of your
maintenance fee for only $5k. What guarantees this will work? Course, if your MF keeps going up, seems to me I would be better off to pay 5k and be rid of future MF assessments? Anyone else in my situation or has told them to no more payments and will deal with any repercussion RVC may impose?

Y
Y
yessi111
, CA
Nov 23, 2016 12:44 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello everyone, I am a victim of this time share as well, I highly recommend you to forward your complain to PROFECO, we need to be listened, here is the information http://www.profeco.gob.mx/Folletos/Queja_ing.pdf

J
J
j Austin
, US
Jan 27, 2016 12:35 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I bought at Club Regina Cabo in late 90s. I have tried several times to get out of the timeshare yet I still own it. I just paid a fee of $1800.00 us dollars. I am in Canada and that hurts. I haven't used my timeshare in over 5 years but I continue to pay. Last year I stopped paying and told Raintree that I was giving my timeshare back. They hired a collection agency to get my fee and threaten my credit.
When I purchased the timeshare I asked the salesman if they would buy back once units are sold and he assured me that they would. Of course that was not true.
I like many people are completely stuck. Class action I am in! J Austin Canada

S
S
seriously disillusioned
, US
May 15, 2018 8:52 am EDT
Replying to comment of j Austin

Broken record here... but same experience. Bought in Club Regina, Cabo, in 1999 for $19, 500, paid in full and upgraded in 2000. I was told could sell back to them at any time, that they are so popular that they would have no problem reselling, to look at it like an investment. Maintenance was $575, I was told it would not increase more than inflation and Today Maintenance is $1800... and I am stuck until 2046.
Now I am broke, on social security, and I told them I can not pay any more. They said not their problem, they can not take back and they can't sell it for me, told me to go online and sell it. They also said they can not be held responsible for what a salesperson TOLD me -who probably is not with the company anymore!
I have tried to sell for over a year, to give away, even pay transfer fee etc., and no luck. If their maintenance fees had not grown so substantially... I might have a chance. But no one wants those fees when they can just go online and pay way less for a week. So now it is a ball and chain...
Now I have had my credit card company deny the Maintenance fee charges (on auto pay) because I had reached my limit. So now... I will be going into default.
They do not care... will not take back because they say they are not sold out of their inventory yet. So we are competing with their current sales. Offered to pay them to take it back. No... Zero empathy, zero ethics! This why soooo many scammers are taking advantage of our fellow timeshare holders, we are getting desperate! Again, they don't care, just say to watch out for this and that company.

I had another timeshare, bought at the same time, Playa Grande, and they were understanding. They just took back 2 weeks I had with them and did not charge a transfer fee. The difference of a successful company?!

Raintree has such a problem with backlash on these timeshares sold with a specific timeframe, that they came up with a new program 7, and 15, that does not lock new buyers into a perpetual system. We should have been grandfather in!
We need to publicize this ruthless organization through social media and warn people not to buy from them but to buy from us... and in the meantime...
CLASS ACTION, I am in!

T
T
Teri Gomm
Clinton, US
Apr 11, 2014 9:06 am EDT

I bought in to Raintree Vacation Club in 2004 with my husband. Like everyone else the "eyecandy" was just too much not to buy in to . For the first 4 months of belonging to Raintree, joining up in Park City, Utah we were able to have one of the largest rooms available and use the pool that they had with all of our children come and stay with us. It was absolutely wonderful. I booked another time with friends and had the same experience. Being able to book the larger facility that wasn't in our contract. THEN, BAM! We booked in Washington State and had to pay a entrance fee when we went to one of Raintree's vacation spots...WHAT! We already have payed maintenance fees, NOT to have to pay this. I complained at the front desk and afterwards to Raintree, and of coarse got the same answer...upgrades! We were assessed like everyone else the special maintenance fee and got behind because we were unaware at the time that we were assessed this amount and we had our credit ruined along with hours on the phone...I have detailed written conversations with SEVERAL of their people telling me that they were taking care of it, only to have it NOT done. It was a total nightmare.
Last year they offered for the members to pay an extra 1, 000.00 to sell back their time share to them and you were able to use the rest of your points over the next 15 years. GOD tell me why I didn't do this. My husband after much thought told me to go ahead and do it...2 days after the deadline of being able to do it. I told him several times that we need to pay the money and just get out. TO LATE. I have read all of your comments and have had the same experiences that almost everyone of you have had. Calling and not being able to get in ANYWHERE when we wanted to go.
I talked with a Raintree representative just yesterday and told her about my disgust with everyone of our compaints and of coarse she was very helpful with telling me to get on a waiting list etc. etc. ect.
I also called a company that gets people out of their times shares...he asked me which one I belong to and the minute I said Raintree, he said..."I'm really sorry but we don't deal with that company, they are to nasty and very hard to deal with. We have not been able to help anyone in getting out of their timeshares with that one so we have given up on trying to help people with them, good luck"
WHERE do I go from here!

J
J
JamalOmar
Vancouver, CA
Jan 28, 2014 5:21 pm EST

I too have the same complaint. When I emailed memberservices as suggested above, I was arrogantly told that it is within their right to jack it up as much as 10% per year, what a Fricken jobe this timeshare scam is. So frustrating that there is nothing we can do...

B
B
Britt334
, US
Jul 31, 2013 12:28 pm EDT

It seems like this is a very common problem in Mexico. My wife & i bought into a Royal Elite Timeshare in Playa del Carmen. We stayed in sandos caracol resort & signed contract for royal elite. we've found out in the last few months that availiablity of resorts that we require are very limited (sales person shown us extensive range of hotels). flight deals are no better than booking myself. we enquired to stay lanzarote sandos dec 2012 the ai rate is in total $1900 for the week. i feel that this is going to be costly in the long run, not the ideal deal that was sold to us. This is a forum with more complaints about this company:

http://www.timesharescam.com/timeshare-complaints-resorts-black-list/6-royal-elite-sandos-timeshare-complaints/

I'm in the process of calling the BBB and PROFECO and seeing what they can do. Possibly the attorney General also!

B
B
Bech's Worst Nightmare
Renton, US
Sep 15, 2012 12:51 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have considered this also. The quickest way would be to have picketing outside their office, after alerting media. I would also inform the media of the various lawsuits that have had to be settled. I own stock in Holly Frontier. Need to tell the Board of Directors that one of them, Bech, is involved in other activities that might prove embarrassing for them...

J
J
justbecause 1
Suisun City, US
Jun 04, 2012 11:11 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I would like to form a group of Raintree/RCI (or any other name they use) victims to go to the corporate office with news media and demand justice. If we can't all go, let's make a video a sort of play for justice, #1 refund of special assessment fee, there were no upgrades. #2 for those who bought into the Westin facilities should get at least half their money back since now you can't use any part of the Westin. A fence? Please. We can try to sue, it won't work. It's time to take it nation wide and viral. If any of you are interested, please email me at srb934@yahoo.com. Taking this matter to the Internet WILL go viral and maybe just maybe we can have justice by shutting them down.

P
P
ppolson
Peoria, US
Sep 16, 2011 3:51 am EDT

Same complaints as above. We bought in 1996 and have upgraded several times ...to emerald now I think. We did so so that we could have unrestricted time and better rooms...Bahaahahah...The maintenance fees have tripled and that doesn't include the mysterious "appraisal fees." As everyone else has stated we are not getting out money's worth as a-matter-of-face I'd say we are getting bambuzelled! Now when we refused to pay these ridiculous prices they threaten to report to credit bureau and ruin our credit. I am very interested in joining a class action law suite. Anyone in progress please email me at pwaldrip@cox.net

T
T
TimeshareSocial
Oldsmar, US
May 26, 2011 3:12 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

As a timeshare owner we can all end the misery of the RCI membership by going to http://www.timesharesocial.com . This site is free to join and you can upload videos of the resort and talk to other timeshare owners as well.

ComplaintsBoard
B
1:56 pm EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] assessments

On top of the "Special Assessment" Raintree wants to charge all owners, they now want to charge the following:
RVC’s Club Regina Puerto Vallarta
Gym facilities per person, per day: USD $7
Tennis court day time (per hour): USD $20
Tennis court lighted (per hour): USD $25

We spend 10 to 12 weeks here every year and work out every day. They want to charge us [for 2] $14/day. When we bought, and we have paid them a lot of $$, the gym and tennis courts were part of the amenities.

I am pissed
Bruce Wallace

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
M
M
monkey45
Calabasas, US
Feb 07, 2010 12:13 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Agree. Let's demand that they convert sales office to gym. Parting with the Westin not well thought out. These were also part of the amenities that we were promised when we bought in Cabo in 1998

ComplaintsBoard
M
11:20 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] 2nd request for special assesment

I just got the revised letter for the special assesment from RVC at the end of November. In the cover letter, there is mention of a Member Advisory Committee. Does anyone know where a list of these members might be located or how they were chosen - or if there truly is a committee? I was told I cannot access the RVC "members only" section because I have a B-share ownership. Is there a way to contact this "members committee"? I have a few comments/suggestions!
Also, B-Share members rules and regs section 1.2.3 has no wording indicating that special assesments may be charged. The wording doesn't even include the term "maintenance fee". It just says fees for use/upkeep of units.
I have never had problems with reservations or being "lied to" like a lot of the other postings. My vacations have always been great, but being charged a double maintenace fee in one year is a real hardship. The extra charge is what I would spend in airfare. It takes the amount I spend for a one week vacation well over the cost of an all inclusive package - in some cases 2 packages to the same resort towns!
If you pay the regular maintenance fee but not the special assesment, what are the consequences?
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
mlh

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 5 comments
Hide full review
5 comments
Add a comment
A
A
amelia608
Madison, US
Mar 18, 2010 7:00 pm EDT

Hello All,

My husband and I foolishly bought into the Club Regina Puerto Vallarta in 2006. Cost us $10, 000 for a "gold" level in the every other year rights. Maintenance fees are $900 every other year and then there is some sort of annual fee of about $150. We have only been there a total of 2 weeks since then, costing us about $12, 000. We have not been able to afford to return.

This special assessment fee is unacceptable and I would agree it may be fraudulent. I will only be happy if they will by back "this wonderful vacation package for a lifetime" for the original purchase price.

R
R
refuse to pay
, US
Mar 02, 2010 9:17 pm EST

I cannot believe that they had the nerve to send another request for special assessement. I really hope that people do not respond. I contacted a lawyer and they said there is no where in the contract that says they can require us to pay a special assessement. We have been lied to so much. From the minute we sat down to the table to listen to their spill. We have been a member since 2006, we have only been able to use 3 days, and that is because we ended up going to Park City in Sept, no one goes to Park City in Sept there is nothing to do then. We have tried so many times to book vacations, but to no avail. And now they want more money, its is such a scam.

S
S
Screwed by Raintree
Huntsville, US
Feb 22, 2010 8:43 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Raintree has been using maintenance fees for over 10 years to buy other properties, evidently, and have done nothing as far as upkeep on their current timeshare properties. They (along with Starwood) are about to lose a lawsuit for defrauding buyers of Raintree's Grand Regina properties In Cabo San Lucas, MX., and are facing another major one concerning lack of institutional control and fraud of several hundred other members.
I would advise anyone to stay away from this Houston based company. Google Raintree and you'll find hundreds of complaints concerning them and their management team.

U
U
Upset with Raintree
, MX
Feb 08, 2010 5:16 pm EST

As a member of Raintree Vacation Club since 2001 I am also surprised and appalled by this "special assessment" and also the new "Blue" membership. These are both ploys to separate us from our money. How foolish does the sales & marketing department think we members really are? We are love to come to Cancun's Club Regina and other resorts. But at Regina the dishwashers are actually falling out of their mountings and the stoves don't work, but we do have a nice new $18 coffee maker and all this for over $900 in annual maintenance fees.

I will say that the hotel staff are wonderful and the sand/beach is great but that is why I joined in the first place. Why a ruin such a wonderful place and vacation concept with these ploys to get more of our hard earned money?

DanielKeeney
DanielKeeney
Colleyville, US
Dec 03, 2009 1:03 pm EST

I am helping Raintree connect with members. The members of the committee have chosen not to release their names or contact information because some members have made threats. They volunteered to make sure the voice of the Members was heard as the organization considered its options related to a special assessment. They are not a representative body and are advisory only.

This is from the Raintree Listens website (as a B-share member, you should have access to the Raintree Listens website if you've provided your e-mail information):

Raintree Announces Member Advisory Committee

As promised this summer, Raintree Vacation Club has established a Member Advisory Committee. The committee is composed of nine Members from various backgrounds and locations, with a range of membership history and use of various resorts.

The purpose of the Member Advisory Committee is to give voice to the varied opinions of the Members and to advise Raintree leadership on matters related to the special assessment and thereafter on matters affecting Raintree Vacation Club. From the many Members who contacted the organization with concerns about the Special Assessment issued last summer, Raintree invited Members with financial, real estate management, communications and related backgrounds to join the committee. None of the management of Raintree knew any of these Members prior to hearing from these individuals in connection with the previously withdrawn special assessment.

The committee has held two conference calls and plans three more before Raintree issues a Special Assessment, expected to be by the end of October, as previously announced, for payment during 2010.

Following are the members of the Member Advisory Committee with brief information about their backgrounds. The committee members are identified by first name and state only at their request.

John - New York
John and his wife have been Raintree Vacation Club members since 2003 and have visited nine of the Raintree Vacation Club resorts. John retired in 2007 after 25 years as a managing director of large international law firm. John is also owner of a retail business.

Richard - Utah
Richard and his wife have been members of Raintree Vacation Club since 1995 and have visited four Raintree Vacation club resorts and have exchanged through RCI to travel to other resort destinations. Richard is a CPA and has his own accounting firm, advising clients in real estate and timeshare transactions. Richard also owns and manages multiple real estate ventures including multi-unit locations.

John - Minnesota
John and his wife have been Raintree Vacation Club Members since 1996 and have visited four of the Raintree Vacation Club resorts. John has a management consulting practice that provides counsel in areas of marketing, sales, operations and technology.

Javier - Mexico
Javier and his wife have been Raintree Vacation Club Members since 2002 and have visited six of the Raintree Vacation Club resorts. Javier works as a Quality Manager in the automobile industry. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a masters degree in Manufacturing Administration. His wife is an Odontologist, but Orthodoncy is her specialty.

Tommy - Texas
Tommy and his wife have been members since 2004 and have generally used their membership in Los Cabos. Tommy is an architect and leads the project management group for the South Region of a major commercial real estate services firm. His wife is a commercial interior designer.

Kathleen - Michigan
Kathleen and her husband first acquired their Membership at one of the Club Reginas in the early 1990s. They have visited six of the Raintree Vacation Club resorts and exchanged with RCI to five other destinations. They are both veterinarians.

Kevin - Texas
Kevin and his wife have been Raintree members since 2003. Kevin has had a long career in the radio/TV business and is now a partner in a multimedia automotive marketing business with operations in two states.

Brian - Texas
Brian and his wife have been members since 2005. Brian is engaged in the energy consulting business, with a financial background.

Kathleen - Ohio
Kathleen has been a Raintree Vacation Club member since 1996 and has visited six Raintree resorts with family and friends. She is an Associate Provost at a major university in Ohio and has served in various roles on Townhouse Associations.

ComplaintsBoard
R
2:17 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] fraud, illegal activity

To moe,
Thank you for all your input... You are right on.
I called my friend that is a realtor in los cabos and she is also a member of club regina in los cabos. She stated as you have, that in no way are we owners of any property in mexico. No matter what they tell you. Because of the fideocommisso you can "lease" the property from them for a time and they have the right to take it back at any time the feel the need. It's mexico...
She compared this to membership in a country club, you may use the club, but you do not own it. You pay your yearly fee to maintain the club, but you do not own it. She even said that when selling the "fractional ownerships" they are nothing more than "glorified timeshares" there again they lie and tell you that you are an owner, but you do not own it. It is against mexico fiedocommisso rules. Especially any property 100 yards from the oceanfront.
Even in mexico if your buy property you would have received a deed of trust for that property. I have been an owner for 12 years and never received a deed of trust and I upgraded. I have three different contracts and they all say "right to use" and "lodging rights." look up the word lodging... Room for hire, room hired for temporary residence... Hire... Paying a set sum once or at regular intervals for the use of a dwelling or room.
Does not show ownership..
We were "buyers of a membership only"
Anyway the responsibility lies with the management company to us our monies wisely and effeciently. To do the necessary upgrades on a yearly basis and to maintain a reserve fund for times that the fees may not cover everything that year. The reserve fund is to be replenished with the following maintenence fees and is only to be used for maintenence fee purposes.
She was very precise in the ownership issue.
We need to continue to communicate with the texas attorney general for the misappropriation of monies.
I told my friend for all the money I have put in to this
Club now and for the monies I will in the future (I have a 50 year contract) I could have bought a condo in cabo and been farther ahead.
Rose h

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 2 comments
Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
J
J
jk123
Sandy, US
Feb 01, 2010 9:29 pm EST

Raintree Vacation Clubs should be ashamed of themselves. They are now assessing a second "Special Assessment" fee. They first tried this last summer, and the member rose up and revolted. And now they are trying it again. If there is anyone out there that can help me get out of this nightmare of a timeshare, please let me know. If you are looking to get into a timeshare this is not the one. If you stupidly bought this timeshare, do all that you can to get out!
Thanks.
Jenny

DanielKeeney
DanielKeeney
Colleyville, US
Feb 02, 2010 9:16 am EST

Hi, Jenny: I help the team at Raintree with communications with the Members. You may want to consider visiting www.raintreelistens.com where literally hundreds of Members have had their questions addressed by the organization. If you no longer want your Membership, you might consider selling it, transferring it to a friend or family Member or donating it to charity. You can reach me directly at dan@dpkpr.com.

ComplaintsBoard
D
8:32 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] special assessment fee/bait & switch

We upgraded our membership in Cabo San Lucas in 2008 where we originally bought in 2002. We were told money was already set aside to do upgrades to all units. Not only have the upgrades not been done, they are trying to assess us a "special assessment fee" after paying for an upgrade and paying maintenance fees and keeping them current. Since then after going on another update we have found out they have downgraded the update that we paid for!
On top of that they are telling us we now own at Birch Bay in Washington State which we have NEVER been to because there are no more units available in Cabo to OWN. We didn't pay Birch Bay prices which are probably less, due to the fact that Cabo is one of their very top destinations. We feel we have been defrauded, the bait and then switch tactic.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 3 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
DanielKeeney
DanielKeeney
Colleyville, US
Mar 15, 2010 4:50 pm EDT

youmustbekidding: In a club such as Raintree Vacation Club, the timeshare interests are pooled. There is no "home resort" per se. What you own is a Membership in a Club with usage rights to the resort properties that fly the Raintree banner. There are no "Birch Bay owners" as you say. There are Raintree Vacation Club Members whose timeshare interests are backed up by real estate at Birch Bay. They purchased a Club Membership because it gives them ultimate flexibility in terms of what resort property they can visit. No Member has preference over any other, regardless of where their timeshare interests are backed up. Reservations are made on a first come first reserved basis. We recommend planning 10-12 months in advance.

Y
Y
youmustbekidding
, US
Aug 12, 2009 3:57 pm EDT

Dan,

There is a downside to what you propose. If my home resort is Club Regina Cabo and I have purchased at Club Regina Cabo rates why would I want or even allow Birch Bay owners (who have purchased at far less cost than me) to have priority or preference at my home resort.

Your thoughts?

DanielKeeney
DanielKeeney
Colleyville, US
Aug 06, 2009 10:47 am EDT

Dennis: I am helping Raintree Vacation Club Members resolve their problems. Please contact me at dan@dpkpr.com and I can connect you with someone with Member Services. Based on your note, it appears you may not have a clear understanding of what you bought. There are significant differences between a traditional fee simple timeshare interest in a specific property and a Raintree Vacation Club Membership.

The Raintree Vacation Club purchaser acquires a beneficial trust interest/membership in a particular resort property (in your case, Birch Bay in Washington State). But WHERE your timeshare interest is purchased isn't really important because at the time of purchase, the buyer simultaneously deposits or assigns that beneficial trust interest/membership with Raintree Vacation Club in exchange for a Raintree Vacation Club Membership and the associated usage rights and responsibilities. These include usage rights to all Raintree Vacation Club resort properties in 16 destinations in Mexico, the United States and Canada as well as access to RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange company.

So just because your timeshare interests are backed up by real estate at Birch Bay doesn't in any way influence what resort properties you can reserve within the Raintree Vacation Club system. You have equal access to Cabo as the Members whose timeshare interests are backed up by the Cabo properties. All Club Members have pooled all their timeshare interests. It is a lot different than purchasing a timeshare at a particular property -- much more flexibility to go where you want.

You may want to visit www.raintreelistens.com for more information on these and other issues.

The process of first purchasing timeshare interests in a particular property and then assigning those interests to Raintree Vacation Club in exchange for a Club Membership is a common practice that has been reviewed and approved by the agencies that have jurisdiction over timeshare sales. By doing this, the Club is able to pool all the interests of all the Members to provide usage to all the resort properties to all Raintree Vacation Club Members and offer a wide variety of exciting vacation options all Raintree Vacation Club Members can enjoy.

ComplaintsBoard
J
10:41 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] flim flam

In the conversations with the sales rep. At the club regina, we discussed trading in two previous owned timeshares. Over and over again we were assured that all was going smoothly and taken care of. We had no intention of keeping 3 timeshares, and opted to keep the new location in mexico for the location and exchanges. Well, low and behold we now own 3 timeshares and the people in mexico can't be reached.

I do get e-mails from the mexican location to hurry and pay off the sale price with different options. When we reply and question, again no reply to our questions.

I guess one way to get their attention, don't pay their bill. Do you think they'll call than?

I would never recommend this vacation club and affiliates.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
DanielKeeney
DanielKeeney
Colleyville, US
Jul 22, 2009 6:36 pm EDT

John: I help Raintree Vacation Club with Member communications. I would like to better understand the situation. Were you intending to trade-in/exchange Raintree Vacation Club timeshare interests? Did you have an agreement in place for the exchanges? Was it reflected in your contracts? Send me your Member number via e-mail to dan@dpkpr.com and I'll see if I can clear up your issue.

ComplaintsBoard
G
10:57 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Trying to charge Special Assessment

The special assessment is one of many problems that RVC and prior to that Club Regina is guilty of. I have been a member since 97, I can't tell you the number of times I have been told that they are upgrading the resorts. I have complained numerous times, at the resort, by phone, letter and email. I never received the type of unit that I bought (they have changed unit names sine '97). The activities have been cut at the resorts, the units have been in need of repair for years. The big upgrade at Cancun (not much of an upgrade), is what was promised and shown in 97. After all my complaints, they gave me free points. My wife and I are 60 years old and have this unit almost 40 more years, what am I going to do with more points. I doubt that I will be able to walk up the Cancun hill at 100.
Last winter, my wife and I spent a week in an all inclusive on a beautiful beach in DR for less then the cost of a years maintenance at RVC. We are being ripped off-ANYTHING that we can do to address the issue of not only the SA but the second class resorts at first class prices I will be a part of.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
J
J
Julie Hill
, US
Jul 04, 2009 1:15 am EDT

Thank you Amy T for good direction.

A
A
Amy T.
, US
Jul 03, 2009 5:38 pm EDT

There are 15 pages of "Special Assessment" complaints over on Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. Also included are instructions on how to file complaints with the Houston BBB, FTC, Texas Attorney General and your state AG. Examples and details are available at http://groups.google.com/group/raintree-vacation-club-members. You have to file the paperwork if you want to get rid of the corrupt practices and corrupt RVC board members.

In addition to mismanaging the annual maintenance fees, the attempt to levy the SA (now momentarily withdrawn) was really blackmail in the beginning revealing not only their desperation, but a spirit of complete disregard for contracts and obligations. If the AG can find that RVC was diverting named funds to other uses, they will require them to be repaid by Raintree Resorts International. Daniel Keeney was hired by RVC as damage control when many members expressed interest in a class-action lawsuit. Unfortunately PR cannot cover up fraud.

ComplaintsBoard
L
4:38 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] special assessment

There is nothing in our contract about the special assessment we are
Told we need to pay. This is on top of our maintenance fee.
If we need to make an exchange through rci we need to go through
Raintree and they never have any trades for us. A big rip off.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
L
L
lloyde
Chippewa Falls, US
Jul 09, 2009 6:57 pm EDT

There is more on this at Google, it sounds to me they are trying to scam all the members for more money! Without letting all members vote on these so called improvements! We have been members since the middle 90's at no time wre we told that they can just send out request for more money above the annual maintenance fee! Which has been adjusted up over the years for the same reason they are using now!

Lloyd

A
A
Amy T.
, US
Jul 03, 2009 5:30 pm EDT

There are 15 pages of complaints over on Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. Also included are instructions on how to file complaints with the Houston BBB, FTC, Texas Attorney General and your state AG. Examples and details are available at http://groups.google.com/group/raintree-vacation-club-members. You have to file the paperwork if you want to get rid of the corrupt practices and corrupt RVC board members.

In addition to mismanaging the annual maintenance fees, the attempt to levy the SA (now momentarily withdrawn) was really blackmail in the beginning revealing not only their desperation, but a spirit of complete disregard for contracts and obligations. If the AG can find that RVC was diverting named funds to other uses, they will require them to be repaid by Raintree Resorts International.

ComplaintsBoard
O
4:54 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] special assessment fee & contract dispute

6/25/2009
Hello everyone,

Are we all in agreement that Raintree is out of line with this special assessment fee being charged and due July 15th? Have you written to the Texas State Attorney General about this nonsense?

Are you in agreement, that since this property is in Mexico, we are NOT owners but Right To Use Members or renters?

Thank you and please respond.

[protected]@yahoo.com

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 6 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
6 comments
Add a comment
L
L
loulee
Bayport, US
Sep 18, 2010 11:55 am EDT

WE got ripped off, not only did the raintree sales person (Cabo San Lucas & $30, 000. later.) say we could rent our 2 weeks when we didn't use it. He said Raintree would rent it for us! Unfortunately it's not in the contract like he said. Full of lies. It's sad to think there isn't a way to get out of it! I don't know how people in ther 70's & 80's are managing the maintence fees. This should be against the LAW! My husband & I would be on board with a class action suit,
Linda & David

L
L
loulee
Bayport, US
Sep 18, 2010 11:47 am EDT

I agree!Help lets get out of this, there has to be a lope hole! lhrealm@optonline.net
Linda

L
L
Lizhen
Houston, US
Jul 07, 2009 1:37 am EDT

I agree
I Purchase RVC since 2007. The maintenance fee had increase since I purchased . I never use yet but already paid $1000 . Now I received $380 Special Assessment Fee.

C
C
CEBU
, US
Jul 01, 2009 1:12 pm EDT

RAINTREE IS REALLY OUT OF LINE HERE. WE DO NOT OWN THE PROPERTY FOR US TO PAY FOR IMPROVEMENTS . WE ARE JUST RENTERS THAT PAID SO MUCH MONEY FOR IT ALREADY AND STILL PAYING FOR THE RIDICULOUS YEARLY ASSESSMENT FEES AND NOW, SPECIAL FEE? FOR WHAT? IF THEY SELL THE PROPERTY, THE MONEY THEY MAKE FOR IT DON'T COME TO US! WHAT GIVES THEM THE RIGHT TO JUST BILL US FOR ANYTHING THEY CAN THINK OF. IMPROVEMENTS OF THE PROPERTY IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, NOT OURS. WE ALREADY HAVE PAID OUR DUES. LETS FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THEM. ANY LAWYER IN THE GROUP?

A
A
albet
Brooklyn, US
Jun 29, 2009 8:02 pm EDT

same problem they ruin your credit they are scammer we must open class action suite they will tell you that you must pay until 2042

my eamil drall1964@yahoo.com

J
J
Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 1:45 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread. Thank you.

ComplaintsBoard
J
11:58 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] - Letter to Doug Bech

Mr. Doug Bech, I am a member, in good standing, at the Club Regina Resort Los Cabos. I have left several messages with Sharon Racine about some questions regarding the Special Assessment notice that the membership recently received, and also about next year’s regular maintenance fees. I have not received a return phone call. I am distinctly under the...

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 8 comments
ComplaintsBoard
R
10:50 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Special Fee

I got a statement from Raintree Vacation Club for an annual Special Fee. I live in Mexico and have seen other members of this timeshare in the US asking if this charge applies for members in Mexico, Yes it does. I have sent emails to RCV letting them know that there is no clause in the contract stating that they can charge special fees. From my point of view if this is a legal charge they don't need to "offer free points with RCI" they just apply what is mandatory by the contract. I got an email answering the same text that was included in the letter with the statement that some members had called for improvement in the facilities and internet at rooms. I was also warned that if I didn't pay this special fee I was not going to be able to use RCV's facilities and charges and fines would apply if I didn't pay on timely basis.

I tried calling their customer service call center in Mexico and they gave me a phone number in Houston, they claimed there is nothing they can do.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 8 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
8 comments
Add a comment
T
T
tony martinez
Albuquerque, US
Jul 22, 2010 2:07 pm EDT

On June 4, 2005, my wife and I were in Cancun, Mexico vacationing when we decided to look into buying a timeshare with Club Regina . After much thought and consideration we decided to buy two units since we could travel with our children. This units weren't cheap we ended up paying 40K for both units . After getting back home we decided to pay off the contract. When signing the contract there was nothing said of having a special assessement fee all the contract said that we needed to pay the yearly fee which started at 810.00 yearly and since then has gone up to 1, 106.00 . Now we get a special fee to be paid before we can use our timeshares of the same amount of the yearly fee. which we can't afford to be paying . I have tryed talking to this people at Club Regina and they pass the buck to someone else and they never give you the answer you need to hear from them. I am really piss off with this people and I am ready to join a CLASS ACTION SUIT against them for being such crooks, first of we should never have bought this timeshares, second we should have never paid it off. and third we won't be going back to Mexico which we used to go at least twice a year.

TonyF.Martinez, Retired Magistrat Judge

D
D
Da Har
New Britain, US
May 29, 2010 9:55 pm EDT

Raintree has done nothing but charge fees since I joined them. The value is poor for the cost. I have been unable to use the points. My wife and I consider this the worst financial decision we've made, and we think we were scammed by pros. These guys employ predatory salesmen and we were taken in. I would gladly join a class-action suit.

C
C
Cedric Santizo
, MX
Apr 13, 2010 1:25 pm EDT

Have you tried going to PROFECO? Otherwise I doubt Raintree would stop trying to charge SA

C
C
costrow
Kansas City, US
Feb 01, 2010 1:00 pm EST

Please go to Raintree trying to charge a special assessment.

G
G
Good Figaro
, MX
Jan 06, 2010 12:35 am EST

Hello. I am another owner who does not agree to pay the special fee or ‘Special Assessment". Please let me know how can I join the other owners in this fight against Raintree Vacation. My emails are:
jfigueroa@sisevende.com
jgfigueroa@hotmail.com

M
M
MrD
Oakland, US
Jun 30, 2009 12:11 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Below is an email that a member sent around to other members. It pretty much sums up why RVC is charging this SA: They are in dire straights, with no money and are on the hook for $25M for another failed fiasco:

"Haven't talked to you in a while...2006 to be exact. That was the year we made the fatal decision to trade our Club Regina for Grand Regina Villas, another RVC ripoff. Turns out, Raintree never built the Villas, sold the project to Starwood, who never did anything either. There is now a group of 154 Villas owners that have put up money and retained an attorney to fight/sue Raintree & Starwood in an attempt to get our money back.

I noticed your name floating around some of the emails from disgruntled Club Regina owners over the "special assessment". I'm sure I'd be furious over something like that, too. To put it mildly, Doug Bech is pretty much of a slime-ball. I'm one of a 6-member owners committee that met with our attorney, Doug Bech and his attorney and Starwood attorneys in Chicago a couple of weeks ago. We spent most of the time listening to "we just don't have the money to return everything". By his own admission, RVC had sold around $25M worth of weeks, yet didn't put the money into an escrow fund pending construction. Supposedly, he only has around $5M to return. They made one offer after the meeting, but it was piss-poor. Supposedly, another offer will be sent on Monday. If it's not, or if it's not any better, a lawsuit will be filed in federal court on Wed.

I had a thought that maybe this special assessment was an attempt to raise money to pay us back, then figure out how to deal with all of the irate Club Regina owners. Do you have a copy of the special assessment letter you could email or fax me? I think we might be able to use it as ammunition in the lawsuit. Oh, did you know that Doug spent $4.5M buying another resort in Puerta Vallarta right across the street from Club Regina, I believe it was last Sept. We figure he used some of our money to buy that. All I know is that we have a bunch of owners in our legal group that want to see him in jail, and he knows it.

I've been getting copied on emails from your group. All I can say is, good luck! You'll need it. Might as well get ready for a fight. We've pretty much figured out that he uses maintenance fee income to buy more properties, instead of using it for maintenance of the existing ones. They probably all do to some extent."

J
J
Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 1:53 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread.

Thank you.

O
O
oregano7
La Jolla, US
Jun 26, 2009 12:01 pm EDT

Please go to Raintree Vacation Club blog. We are trying to coordinate everyone there on 1 blog.

Thank you.

oregano7@yahoo.com

ComplaintsBoard
H
3:09 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] - special assessment fee for every other year memebership

I'm agreement with everyone about unfair assessment charge. What's more infuriating is that I have a Gold even year membership and Raintree is charging me a full assessment fee $820 for a half year membership. When I called Raintree and asked about the full assessment fee for a half year membership, they said I have to pay the full assessment and I’m being...

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 5 comments
ComplaintsBoard
H
9:21 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] - special assessment fraud

Just received an $820 special assessment bill in the mail from Raintree Vacation Club, this on top of the $820 we paid for our yearly maintance fee which has doubled since we bout in the late nineties. This is supposedly for membership driven requests for Internet in every room and new cushions for the chaise-lounges. No one ever asked me if I wa...

View 0 more photos
Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 4 comments
ComplaintsBoard
M
9:55 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Special Assessment

Levy of a special assessment with no contractual obligation to fulfill planned improvements to the resorts.

Email sent to RVC special assessment email address awaiting response:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Sirs:

We received the special assessment letter and invoice through the U.S. Mail.

The letter states this assessment is required to make improvements desired by the members, but it does not state that these specific improvements will be accomplished, only that you "plan to undertake" them with no timetable for completion.

What guarantee do we have these funds will be used to make these improvements? What is the timetable to complete these improvements?

In the past, we have witnessed an inordinate amount of funds expended unsuccessfully in marketing efforts by paying prospective buyer to attend a "presentation" at the resorts. Matter of fact, we could not use el Set at Cabo in the mornings because it was reserved to entertain prospective buyers. Club members were inconvenienced at the expense of these sales efforts!

The past two years, I came to the club lobby and used the wireless access every morning... While checking my email, I witnessed this first hand along with a lot of other early rising club members. Remarks were made poolside as the deteriorating conditions of the club units and reduction of amenities available to the members on the club side of the resort.

I must ask if this practice is going to continue? What guarantees us club members that these funds once raised will be used solely for the purposes stated in the mailing?

I would appreciate a formal response signed by Douglas Beech, CEO, Raintree International, LLC. In addition, I would appreciate some sort of a binding document coinciding with the payment of this Special Assessment.

Thank you,

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
D
D
dboolde7
Beaverton, US
Aug 17, 2009 11:49 am EDT

I need to join your group. I have been a member of Raintree since 2001 and have been able to trade my weeks, but always upset when I get there as to the the conditions of the units. I want to help in anyway I can to get Raintree to tell me or where these fees go. What I am afraid of is they have "Madoff" with our money
Lee

J
J
Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 1:56 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread.

Thank you.

ComplaintsBoard
R
9:43 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Raintree Special Assessment

This is a vacation resort ownership in which there was an up-front payment of approximately $14, 000, and a contract for the payment by the purchaser annually of a "service fee". If payment of the "service fee" is not made for two years all ownership rights cease. All purchasers agree to this. This is the only contractual obligation for purchasers.

Raintree Vacation Club instituted a "Special Assessment" equal to approximately one year's "service fee" which is beyong the contract. Additionally, Raintree has implied and in some cases stated that the non-payment of this "special assessment" will have the effect of a non-payment of the "service fee", a cessation of ownership rights.

We have contracts to organize the conduct of business. If any company can for their convenience breach a contract because they have a need, agreements and business is doomed.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 3 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
M
M
M. HUMPHREY
Wallkill, US
Sep 16, 2010 8:39 am EDT

I was told I could make monthly payment on my Special Assessment fee so long as I pay the fee by feb 2011 now I see that I have late fee's and collection fees that ad to an additional $150.00 when does this maddness stop

D
D
dlndavid
Pittsburg, US
Aug 03, 2010 10:30 am EDT

I sent in my regular maintenance fee and Raintree applied it to the Special Assessment fee. Now they are saying I owe the regular fee and want to charge me penalties.

J
J
Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 1:56 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread. Thank you.

Trust badge
Collect Your Trust Badge
Be recognized for outstanding customer service

Contact Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] customer service

Phone numbers

1800 424 6532 1800 994 2193 More phone numbers

Website

www.raintreevacationclub.com

Your Voice Matters: Our Commitment to Genuine Reviews

Empowering Real Experiences

At ComplaintsBoard, we believe in the power of true customer stories. Our platform is a space for authentic voices, where experiences, both good and bad, are shared openly and honestly.

Dedicated to Authenticity

ComplaintsBoard is vigilant in our fight against false reviews. Our team employs robust verification methods to ensure every review reflects a real customer experience, upholding the integrity of our platform.

Encouraging Detailed Feedback

ComplaintsBoard values reviews that come with real evidence. Whether it's a photo, a detailed account, or additional documentation, such substantiation adds credibility to your story, helping others make better-informed decisions.

Balanced and Constructive Conversations

We're more than just a complaints board; we're a community for balanced dialogue. ComplaintsBoard encourages reviews that not only highlight issues but also acknowledge positive aspects, fostering a fair and comprehensive understanding.

Free and Fair Platform

ComplaintsBoard's commitment to maintaining a free and unbiased platform is unwavering. Every review is treated equally, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected, regardless of the nature of your experience.

Is ComplaintsBoard.com associated with Raintree Vacation Club [RVC]?

ComplaintsBoard.com is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Customer Service. Initial Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] complaints should be directed to their team directly. You can find contact details for Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] above.

ComplaintsBoard.com is an independent complaint resolution platform that has been successfully voicing consumer concerns since 2004. We are doing work that matters - connecting customers with businesses around the world and help them resolve issues and be heard.

Use this comments board to leave complaints and reviews about Raintree Vacation Club [RVC]. Discuss the issues you have had with Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and work with their customer service team to find a resolution.