Universal Vacation Club International / UVC International
reviews and complaints

We upgraded our UVC membership to access the World of Hyatt. One of the mentioned "benefits" is the Flyback program. After reading the details on my return home, it was totally mis-represented to us. First, we were told it was included. It is not included. It costs $1799 plus tax per certificate. Then it cannot be used for a year. It also cannot be used for any travel to World of Hyatt sites - it is ONLY for AMR resorts.

This part of the membership program is a ripoff. No one should buy into this. I can't believe UVC and Hyatt support this scam.

My boyfriend and I signed up for a "White Pearl" UVC Membership last June 2021.

During the convoluted, high pressure, sales meeting, we were verbally promised things that after paying $6,000 down with $5,000 left to pay, that were simply not true. Later when asked about those promises while trying to book a stay at Secrets the Vine in Cancun, we were told NO and denied automatic Preferred statice and the 25% discount if we could find the same vacation priced lower than what they were offering. In the sales meeting, we were asked if we always booked "Preferred" we said "yes" and that option was very important to us. They said "no problem" and that just by signing up, we would automatically get "Preferred" level in any booking. Not true. When I found the exact same vacation package on Priceline for lower, I sent them proof from Priceline and they came back saying that the price on Priceline can not say VIP on the quote. That they will not match and then give a 25% discount (as promised verbally and stated in the contract) a price quote from a company that I am a member of or have VIP statice with. Hello? There is no membership with Priceline! Priceline automatically gives me a VIP/ escalated discount on hotel bookings because I have used them a lot. Not for ANY OTHER REASON. I do not pay Priceline a membership fee or an upgrade fee. They just automatically give me a higher discount rate. It says absolutely NOTHING in the contract about UVC's inability to match the Priceline quote and then give the 25% discount on top of that if a VIP price is quoted from Priceline. That was our main incentive to sign up with UVC and pay them $7,000 so far, and for a service we have NEVER used. Not once. Not even extra services such as transportation Ect. We ended up going with the Priceline quote because it was $300 hundred dollars cheaper and when I tried to talk with a UVC sales manager while staying at the same place we signed up, the sales manager was a complete jerk. He was arrogant and rude and acted like we were bothering him. Never even made eye contact with us. Nothing got resolved or has ever been resolved. We want our money back. $7,000 thousand dollars is a lot of money to give someone without getting anything in return. I mean NOTHING. What do we do? I have been slow to start this process because I am unaware of who to contact and because the contract is under Panamanian law. So frustrating.

Beware don't join the club it's truly misleading and free days are never available as per my contract, empty promises on pricing and air! My wife is in social media and plans to campaign this! Total rip off we tried to book and seems they never have the space unless we upgrade I wanted to use my free days for my daughter and not available but if we paid they would be huge mistake with this place stay away!

Every year I ask if my maintenance fee can be prorated and paid monthly and it's fine at beginning and then whammo, it stops and I get charged the fee and a fine. Now of course, with Covid, being my age of 72 and respiratory problems I can't go anywhere, especially since I came home from Cabo the last time with Pneumonia. I asked if I could sell my timeshare and they claim that I can only surrender. I am supposed to be able to trade with Interval and the whole system is confusing and expensive. I am better off without any timeshare and if I am lucky enough to travel in the future then I will do on my own.

1) I have found it virtually impossible to make reservations in any type of reasonable fahsion and timeframe. I have a number of accounts and the typical agent has little/no/incorrect ability to understand how they work - any type of "complex" transaction (borrowing, more than 7 night duration, using more than one account for a week + stay) is a time consuming and error ridden disaster. I have to hang up and call back multiple times to get the one or two agents in the call center who actually have a clue as to the system.

2) Every single year I receive erroroneous accouting bills where prior payments have mysteriously "disappeared" and I am told that they never received them and late fees apply. Are you kidding me? They seriously try to tell me year after year that when I borrowed a week, made a reservation with it and used it I was never charged. Really? Have you ever in your life received a confirmation from these people without paying for it? I have to spend hours arguing and attempting to find someone who can actually understand the issue, do an audit and (sometimes) correct the problem.

3) So we are supposed to be able to deposit our weeks with an exchange company if we wish - right? Think again. This week I was told that even though there was plenty of space for me to book 2 unused 2019 weeks late in the year, if I did so and tried to bank them with RCI they would reject it. HUH?! Yes, they only would "approve" late deposit/low trading power September weeks. How can this possibly be legal/legitimate? These are my weeks - I should be able to use or deposit them as I see fit. Of course they would be more than happy to have me pay them to bank them with UVC instead... I was so desperate that I said fine and took September reservations and deposited them with RCI - and UVC still rejected the deposits. So more time consuming arguments and phone calls to come.

4) In numerous occasions dealing with all of the above I have asked to speak to a supervisor when it is clear that the phone rep is comepletly inept and unable to even understand my issue. I am told each time that a supervisor will call me back. And they never do. Not even once...

I want to surrender these cotracts as it is virtually impossible to use them. Short of hiring a lawyer to argue the obvious (that their complete ineptitude voids the contract) is there any way to negotiate out of the exit fees? I cannot in good faith even attempt to give these things away to anyone else. I just want out.

On April 2015 as I was vacationing to Villa Del Mar in Pueto Vallarta, I attended a timeshare presentation at Villa Del Mar Flamingos in Nuevo Vallarta.

I was told I could use my Maine timeshare as part of my down payment for the Nuevo Vallarta property. After a “free” breakfast and countless mimosas, I was swayed into doing just that. Since the value of the exchange was not enough, I was convinced me to put the rest of the down payment by taking an Interval International Bank of America credit card for the sum of $ 3, 957.50.
I was given directions on how to proceed to get my timeshare in Maine transferred to them by going through their transfer company called Value Traders on May 14, 2015 at the tune of $ 695.00 transfer fee. I was given all the forms including a Power of Attorney to make the transfer.
Unfortunately I discovered all this is a big scam. The Power of Attorney allows this company to say they are taking over the property, but they try to get out of paying the maintenance fee for the property. As a result I went back and forth for months between my timeshare company in Maine and Value Traders trying to figure out how my timeshare in Maine could be transferred using the Maine timeshare process. I told Value Traders what the problem was and I asked them repeatedly to get in touch with my timeshare company in Maine to see what could be done. Value Traders NEVER attempted to get in touch with them and they hounded me with their process request which did not match my Maine company process. It was getting very clear to me that’s what they do; getting out of paying maintenance fees for timeshare they“buy” or “trade”.
During those months I was paying my Bank of America Interval International card until it became very clear that this transfer would not happen. After 9 months of paying, I stopped paying my Bank of America credit card bill after several months of trying to resolve the matter.
I called Bank of America several times to explain and I was told it was too late. This has a time limitation to complain. I sent a whole bunch of documentation; including all my emails to prove what I was saying; to no avail.

I complained to Value Traders over and over to get reimbursed for my transfer fee. I did not get anywhere until I told them that I knew I probably would never get my $ 695.00 back, but I would make my life goal to write about my experience to warn future customers of what happened. I guess that did it and it proves it is a scam. They offered to reimburse my fee in exchange for a letter promising I would not talk about my experience on any website. I did write the letter and received my refund.
I wrote to UVC International located in Las Vegas location in early August 2016, but to this day have not received an answer. I sent them another email recently asking to mediate this before I try to sue them in small claim court.
My credit score was excellent and it has been downgraded as a result.
Don't buy from them. They lie!

Like most people coming to Mexico we were hounded by multiple people who wanted me to watch a timeshare. We were on our honeymoon and just wanted to get to our hotel so we agreed to get it over with. We left the next day to the Flamingos location, there we were greeted by the sales team. Once met the team bombarded us with sales pitch after sales pitch. Finally beaten and tired we agreed. The Contract amount was small a little over $7500 plus interest. We went home and thought this isn't for us and we should cancel, when we arrived back at flamingos we were told we would lose our deposit and that the timeshare is non negotiable. Learning today that was a LIE, we had 5 days according to (NOM-029-SCFI-2010) of the Mexican consumer protection clause.

My rights were violated and still I continued with the timeshare, I have even used the product but come to find out the payment plan is not what was agreed upon. Being changed more then 50% interest when the total due after the 15 year contract was roughly $7900. After two year enough was enough of being robbed. In the contract it stated if I chose to default I would lose the timeshare and would no longer be required for payment. Now I am being harassed to pay when the contract clearly stated I would no longer have to.

This has been a nightmare from the start. Lie after Lie and now this nonsense.

My rights have been violated and still are being violated, I have reached out to PROFECO, and awaiting information from them. I loved Mexico and the people who I have meet. Its the timeshare people who have ruined this experience for me. I may never go back.

Hope this keeps people from wanting to purchase a timeshare from these crooks!

I visited the Villa Group's Flamingos location in Nuevo Vallarta to undergo a presentation as the company claimed they had changed their product and fired all the criminal sales staff. I had done a presentation there a few years ago and was conned by a pair of lying con-men Jimmy Munoz and Gareth Jones. The membership paperwork was written in a confusing, illogical fashion and when I realized I'd been lied to I tried to cancel. What a hassle. para x says contract may be rescinded while para p says no refunds. None of their paperwork was "legal" by U.S, standards and I evenutually got my money back but with a lot of hard feelings. However, it IS a nice resort and when the airport shill said that everything had changed at the property I decided to give them a second chance at my business.
First person I see at the reception was Jimmy Munoz, now a manager. I was taken to the sales room and who was in charge? Gareth Jones. Sure, the program has changed to the benefit of the Villa Group but the same crooks not only hang out there but now run the place. They still play the same fake price game then drop it under false pretences or find a "foreclosure" that has $50, 000 of equity you can buy for $25, 000 and sell it in two years for $75, 000. Absolute, total B/S. Avoid the Villa Group/Universal Vacation Club at any of their locations - Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallara, Cancun, Cabo and now Loreto as each one is run by a cartel of thieves and liars from top management down.

I called UVC today 6/1/11 in order to deposit a week from a previous year that we had banked. I was advised that because our quarterly maintenance fee had not posted yet, I could not do anything with my account. I had proof from my bank that the payment was made but they would not accept it and had to wait until it posted. Mind you, we were coming off a long holiday weekend and the payment due date showing online was today. It is ridiculous that I was not able to deposit a week from a prior year that I had already paid for and that I have to be at the mercy when their maintenance department gets to the payments. I was told to call back tomorrow...why so I can hold for another 1/2 hour! This company doesn't care about their customers because it is a revolving door and once you are in it, it's hard to get out. We have not gotten our money's worth as the exchange program availability is a joke. There is never anything available even up to a year in advance!

In Oct 2010 we had an "update" meeting with Rod Lynch, Villa Del Palmer salesperson. We wanted to lower our maint fees and to consolidate our 2 contracts. No problem--we could consolidate our contracts and our maint fee for both would be 1688.00 a year. This little moved cost us 13000. When we returned home we found out that we could not consolidate the 2 contracts and the maint fee of 1688 was for only for 1 contract. No one will return phone calls, no one will acknowledge there is a problem--I refuse to pay the maint fees that are now higher then before. I am at the point to contact our credit card company and have the money refunded. Has anyone else had this problem?e

I am writing in regards to my time share contract with Resort Communications International for the Villa Del Arco property in Los Cabos Mexico. My boyfriend and I toured the property in July 2010. We were impressed with the grounds and the time share opportunity and decided to purchase. We were told that there were two properties Arco and Palamar that we could choose to stay at, but our time share was with the newer property Arco. However should Arco be booked we could stay at the Palamar and still be able to use Arco’s amenities, the pools and gym. We were ok if there was overflow that we stay at Palamar as long as we could use the pools and gym at Arco since they were newer and much nicer. Also, Palamar caters to children, and we do not have any.

I was excited to book our first stay, but first was a bit shocked to find out Arco is booked all the way through August. I find that hard to believe since this isn’t the high season. Further, I can book a room outside of my timeshare. We were told we’d have priority since we were time share owners. It’s a bit disconcerting that we cannot book at Arco.

Secondly, when I accepted a booking at Palamar I was told we cannot use the facilities, the gym or pools at Arco. This again is a VERY contradicting statement from what we were told when we purchased. Had we known this, we would not have purchased the time share, as Palamar’s gym is subpar to Arco.

Lastly, it’s extremely frustrating trying to reach anyone at Resort Com. They are often rude, unknowledgeable and transfer you to the wrong phone number. When I asked to speak to someone about my contract they transferred me to Panasonic. Very odd.

I am beyond frustrated, and am at the breaking point of taking legal action. I’ve been searching the internet and have discovered I am not the only one with these problems I found another gentleman’s post who is having the same exact problem I am having ID: DBlake dated January 17, 2009. This is very concerning as are the other numerous reports against this company.

I am happy to maintain our time share as long as we were given what was promised. An honest answer whether Arco is truly booked (which I don’t believe it is) and if it should be booked (as I know it may truly be in the future if we book short notice), that we are able to use the facilities at either hotel without an issue. Otherwise, it is fraud (bait and switch) from what we were promised and agreed to purchase at the time share presentation and I want a full refund.

Don't get involved with this company. It is a scam and they won't let you out of your contract. I have emailed them, called them, faxed in requests to cancel my contract and I still get bills from them. I paid up my maintenenace fees last year and was told that satisfied my obligation to them and now I am getting maintenenace fee bills again. I called and was told I could cancel, as long as a paid a partial maintenenace fee (for a week that hasn't even happened yet).

I have paid up yet again what they tell me I owe and supposedly that will be it.

This company is way more trouble than it is worth. If you are thinking of getting involved, DON"T!

On March 28, 2008, my two daughters and I attended a timeshare presentation for properties at Villa Del Palmar and Villa Del Arco. Robert Mabon was our sales representative. I decided to purchase a one bedroom unit after hearing about all the wonderful amenities and ease of exchange. The following day, after a restless night, I returned to say I had made a mistake. I should not have purchased the property without the knowledge and approval of my husband who was not traveling with us. I was crying and upset and asked to have my contract revoked due to buyers remorse. Robert Mabon tried to have me reconsider. I was inconsolable and asked to be able to forfeit the miniscule amount of money that was unrefundable and be free of the constraints of the contract. Mr. Mabon brought in his supervisor and we went into an adjoining room. I was pressured me into keeping the contract but they changed it to every other year to try to ease my stress.
In their persuasive arguments, I was promised that Cabo was a highly sought after vacation spot that I would be able to exchange to vacation anywhere in the world. The process was easy and the availability high at other locations world wide. It was this reason that I allowed them to talk me into keeping the contract.

I was never explained the process of exchange. I called in May to see if I could use my week. I was told that there was NO AVAILABILITY in ALL of Europe. I tried again today, 12/16/10, to see if I could exchange my "highly sought after" week in Cabo for a week in Hawaii. I was told again, there was NO AVAILABILITY. I have owned this timeshare for over 2 years and have not been able to exchange it for any place I wish to travel. Their promise of "ease of exchange" was false.

I have done some research online only to realize that this is a common complaint. I would love to be a part of a class action suit and welcome any attorney who is gathering clientele.

I was not told at the time of purchase that Univeral Vacation Club only owns 35% of the facility and that they limit the rooms available for ownership use. Interesting how they left out that information.

If there is any information on a class action suit, please call me.

Yvette Buich
[protected]

Universal Vacation Club a ripoff!

After paying hundreds of dollars in maintenance fees that rose every year, we are signing the timeshare over to Universal Vacation Club . We misktakenly bought a summer week in Villa Palomar several years ago. The maintenance charges are too high and not worth it. We used it once in six years. Their customer services is terrible.

We hate to lose the money, we tried selling the timeshare but you know how that goes! So Universal Vacation Club gets to re-sell our timeshare and make even more money.

We have had enough of it and they made plenty of money on us.

"We have been members with the Villa Group for 5 years. We have the Gold Membership. We recently upgraded to their Villa Preferred Access membership and were very happy with our decision. Months later, we brought issues to the attention of the Developer's Rep which needed to be addressed. He listened to our issues, proposed a proper solution for both parties and we still remain very happy members with the Villa Group. Despite some of the comments on this site, I believe the Villa Group will genuinely make things right given the situation...we are living proof."

Joy and Greg
Villa Group Members Since 2005

Our family purchased inventory from the Villa Group in March of this year. There were some issues we felt needed to be addressed so we sent a letter to the Developer’s Representative in Puerto Vallarta regarding our claims. The Developer’s Representative was very responsive and handled our issues in a timely manner. Our issues were handled rightfully and the Villa Group satisfied our claim 100%. We encourage anyone with issues related to the Villa Group to contact the Developer’s Representative in Puerto Vallarta or Cabo to handle these issues.

Tim and Holly
Minnesota