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Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club [LHVC]

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club [LHVC] review: fraud and cheating! 261

K
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12:00 am EST
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My husband and I bought into the Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. The sales rep Kelvin and the manager promised all kinds of exchange opportunities, Captain's suite on all cruise lines, hundreds of sister resorts all over the globe. But when we try to book a villa at the home resort, we are always told they have none available, even 10 months in advance. After relooking at our contract, we noticed a clause that says they can't be sued for sales misrepresentations. In other words, they can tell you anything and none of it needs to be true. We've tried contacting the sales manager but we can't get past customer service. We are now stuck with 52 weeks of junior suites, not the villas we were promised we could always get at a cost of $699/week.

Update by kkourie
Feb 01, 2009 2:06 pm EST

We are planning to return to the resort to use 5 of our 60 weeks. We tried to book a villa but were told we can't, even though in our contract it says we can at $699. Anyway, we were "allotted" 2 x 1 bedroom apts. and 3 jr. suites for our group. I've requested a ground floor accomodation for my 90 year old mother in law and was told they'd "request" it. They don't give out rooms until you arrive. I am hoping for the best but am very concerned about her getting around this huge resort complex. We were also told when we signed the contract we'd get a golf cart to use. Of course, now that we are returning and requested at least one for our 10 person group, they said they are only for villas, which they wouldn't rent to me. I hope the food has improved. Not sure what passes as beef at this resort...

Update by kkourie
Feb 04, 2011 12:11 am EST

Oster, you sound very special. Not only had they gotten you to buy a Gold membership, you actually paid them more when you received terrible service and accomodations and upgraded to Platinum! I have a bridge to sell you... You seem very pleased they will take your email for suggestions to redecorate? Email away and please, hold your breath.

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261 comments
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Jims Pissed Off
Fort Saskatchewan, CA
Mar 14, 2013 9:43 am EDT
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Good to hear! Your very Lucky. I've tried the selling vacations online...who is going to send a complete stranger a couple thousand dollars to book a villa before going on vacation with no way of knowing if it's legitimate or not. I haven't had one inquiry on booking in 2 years. They also threw the same story when we were buying about "oh the lady right over at the other table is just putting in her villa for resale at a reduced price" I was so tempted to walk over and ask her when our salesman left for a minute, oh how I wished I would've done that now and caught them in a lie. G Davis consider yourselves very lucky, go out and buy a lottery ticket, if you would have taken those upgrades and still backed out they back charge you for all they provided.

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gatti11
Deer Park, US
Mar 21, 2013 12:29 pm EDT

To all the disappointed guest at LHVC... You were conned but do something about it and make it work for you... The same thing happened to me and I am now upgrading through someone because we can't afford to be platinum by ourselves for a small fraction of the costs... Be happy to know that you have a place where people do indeed are at you every need... Just thing USA where and what can you do with the price of a membership forty + years.. unlimited. Come on guys be logical. These people have to eat and feed there families too... By the way just like in the USA did you get it in writing...Would you like to buy the Brooklyn Bridge at a small discount ? If you want some info on what I have done and how I am very Happy now and will be getting everything I need just ask.. I'll be happy to fill you in on all the details...email me at gatti11@aol.com.. would like to help... Once in a while you find people that try to help you so its only fair that I pass it on...Lets face it the Dominican is Beautiful. *** PS have exchanged with RCI and went to Hawaii for 2 weeks for less that stayed at beautiful resorts for less than $850.

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Jims Pissed Off
Fort Saskatchewan, CA
Mar 21, 2013 1:17 pm EDT
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Hang on to your hat gatti11, your about to get it again. I was there at lifestyles in Jan '13 and personally talked to a platinium member as well as a shareholder on the resort and they are both pissed off that they are not getting what was promised to them in their contract. Just wait gatti11, same as happens to everyone, they will slowly cut back the benefits and start telling you that you should upgrade again to get all those perks. I sure as hell won't put more money into it if they can't live up to their first contract. Yes it is in writing, I printed the rules of occupation and showed it to customer service managers in a meeting and they said "oh you need to go by the new rules that have been updated" also even showing them the clause that says they can't change the rules to which would take away any benefits. They lie in everything they say. Again I have nothing bad to say about the service, food, and the way we are treated by front line staff when staying there, it's the lies and booking gong show that goes on with customer service and each year we get another benefit that isn't available any more. So no there is no chance in hell that I will give them another dollar. Good Luck to you

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gatti11
Deer Park, US
Mar 24, 2013 11:19 pm EDT

Hi pissed off.. I'm going on a shareholder's Certificate...I'm not stupid.. That is the top and and if there becomes a Shareholder Supreme its in his contract that he is automatically upgraded. He has been going down with his family since 2007... He's a Doctor and this is very up and up.He's just a good Samaritan trying to help us out... There should be more people like that in this world.. He doen't have to add all these names on his contract but it bothers hi m that all these people have been jerked around... Where can you go to a resort stay for month at 259 a week and they take you to buy the groceries... A whole month when we retire for less than a $1000.. Its worth the extra $5, 000. investment... I talked to LHVC customer service and it's all up and up... While I was there I met 4-5 couples from Brooklyn and they too did the same think and put just about the same amount of money into it... Thank you for the Luck . I let you know how it works out... TD. If you want more info email me at tonia_delli@yahoo.com

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Disappointed!!
US
Mar 25, 2013 1:30 pm EDT

We just came back from a week at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club in Dominican Republic. There is definitely a huge sales push for hooking the visitors to buy membership packages. First, there are sales reps everywhere; the minute they spot you, they will ask nonstop whether you have received your welcome package, and a tour of the facilities. All this is a front for their sales presentation which can easily waste part of a day. The salesman will tell you that you have to decide whether to buy a membership package before you leave - part of their pressure sales tactics - but think about it, just what kind of due diligence can you do about their business organization while you are supposedly on vacation in a foreign country? Basically, they are saying to you, trust us! Just sign the sales contrast without doing any due diligence like checking their organization out for any frauds or complaints, surveying their members or shareholders for their experiences and recommendations about doing business with this organization. Also don't forget that being foreigners in Dominican Republic, how are you going to resolve any contractual problems or fraudulent practices should they not live up to their promises? Will your problems be resolved by suing them in your home country? Will you find an honest and impartial judge in Dominican Republic if you bring suit vs them in DR? We recognized their high pressure sales tactics and also recognized that we would have very little recourse if this turned out to be a scam, therefore, we declined to join. As for our vacation experience, there were other problems. 1) We had a 2 bedroom suite. The room was spacious, but on arrival we noticed that the bathroom had a residual urine smell that severely bothered us. This was subsequently cleaned up and resolved by the next day. 2) The brochure says the place has a multitude of restaurants, but we found out that only 2 or 3 of these are available to visitors each day for dinner reservations; in other words, unless you are a Member, don't think you will be able to access all of their restaurants. Also, you have to make dinner reservations in person at the lobby every day at 9AM. 3) Food - The Casablanca and The Pearl serve all you can eat buffets daily. However, you will find out that the food quality is no better than 3 stars. We shook our heads so often after tasting their different foods that it would take too long to explain. Suffice it to say, that you can eat as much of what they offer, but don't expect gourmet food or gourmet quality. Just one minor example, at the Indochine Asian Fusion restaurant, we were served a Sushi Boat that consisted of just 4 pathetic looking and plain tasting small pieces of sushi. Their dumplings dish was served with unrecognizable dumplings. Their beef with broccoli had not a piece of broccoli. You get the point? Drinks - there are bars everywhere, so you can get drunk if you want, but again, the alcohol drinks served were of low quality. I assume that Members have access to better quality Food and Drinks. Attitude - some staff were friendly, and others had an obvious look of resentment on their faces. So this is variable from staff to staff. We also noted that the young male staff members are also very flirtatious with the young female guests. Overall, we were made to feel that visitors were second class citizens in this resort; the whole point is to sell you Membership packages so that they can give you better treatment, better quality food and drinks, and better amenities. We won't be going back there for sure!

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ClarkA
US
Mar 25, 2013 9:20 pm EDT

Yes, I too feel like I was scammed!
The salesman promised all kinds of things that are already a lie, especially regarding RCI
He told us we could stay VIP anywhere for one price, even mentioned the Venetian in Vegas or Paris. Right, just tried to book and got the Quad or Riviera on the dead end of Strip
I emailed back and forth and get non emotional generic replies from customer rep
You cannot get to a manager
Great way to start when I purchased in February
Stay away from these crooks

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maryemg55
US
Oct 11, 2021 12:42 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of ClarkA

ttps://proconsumidor.gob.do/formulario-de-denuncias-y-reclamaciones/
porfavor hacer su reclamo en este link, directo en proconsumidor en Dominican Republic

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Need some Help
Los Angeles, US
Aug 15, 2013 2:12 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Our Trip to the D.R in July of this year. was exciting since we were Celebrating our 6 Year Wedding Anniversary. We book thru R.C.I. and was looking for an all Inclusive Resort and was led to believe The tropical at Lifestyle Puerto Plata was the place so we booked. Upon arrival we were told we had to pay $45 for transportation when in fact it was suppose to be free . After refusing we were told just go get in the shuttle and tip driver something so people were helping load luggage and one said to my Husband he was the driver my Husband paid him $20 later to find out he was not and had to give the real driver $20. When we arrived we were told they had upgraded us and we ended up paying $200 less then we were quoted sounded good so we forgot about the previous deception. After Realizing the Liquor was low class they directed us to the V.I.P. Beach which we loved . On Monday we were shuffled to the Tower for the Big Tour and Speech about buying into the L.H.V.C and receiving Gold Bands, access to all the Private Beaches, Choice Liquor, Cigars.& Better Restaurant's but best of all they would pay off our existing Timeshare. Even after we said we would not we let them talk us into anything that sold us and we bought in not knowing they were lying about EVERYTHING. We borrowed and gave then cash and ask how long will we have to pay on the old timeshare and they replied just a few more months just send in your Contract and we will do the rest, So we got our Gold Bands and Enjoyed our stay until we got home and found out they were lying when we e-mailed them to see had they received the Contract they said yes and then we wondered how much longer it would be and someone e-mailed us and said no one told you that we were paying off your timeshare we can't pay off your time share that's your problem not ours and then I told them that I feel they had Scammed us and they said just read your Contract. So now we are stuck with 3 Payments because we have to pay off loan that we borrowed and two timeshares. I was so angry I wrote a nasty letter to R.C.I. accusing them which they felt it wasn't there fault. Then Lifestyles call to talk after they stop communicating with me and The Lady in Customer Service Stacy Smith representing Bally Skinner was so Rude she said if I try to do something it would be he say she say and this conversation is over and hung up. I read all complains and see this have been going on since about 2008 or before and it's still happening if there is an up to date solution please notify me at Whatacat@msn.com Thank You

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Jennlo
Richmond Hill, US
Aug 20, 2013 6:07 pm EDT
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I fell for their scam. Please include me in the class action against them. My email is marisleida@yahoo.com. I just signed the contract on August 7th and after researching, we have determined that it is not a right fit for us. We have tried to terminate the contract, but they won't let us.

Has anyone been successful terminating their contract with them? If so, who was your attorney?

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Vicky86
Jersey City, US
Oct 04, 2013 11:21 am EDT

Please, please, please let me know about this class action against Lifestyle. I was also scammed. Nothing they said was in the contract. My name is Vicky llerenavicky@gmail.com

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Jwanna
Honey Brook, US
Oct 10, 2013 1:50 pm EDT
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I would also love to cancel my membership and recoup the money I spent back in Nov. 2011. Their sales tactics are very questionable. Yes, they show you the best of the best, they promise VIP treatment such as the limo and helicopter, not explaining that you must invest nearly 100K to receive such treatment. You don't find that out until your next trip, of course. My sales rep had advised that rates were just getting ready to increase, and urged me to lock in the rate of $199/week for the junior suites as soon as possible! Funny that I see comments nearly 2 years since I bought from people offered the same rate. Even more comical that when I emailed my Customer Service rep again about how I can sell my membership (which she said they cannot assist me with, even though they supposedly sold me a membership that had been returned and still had 50 years on it), she listed the junior suite rate was now $499.00. Yeah, what happened to my locked in $199/week? No one can justify that being a member of this vacation club is worth it. Look at it this way... $800-1200 dollars for a flight (Yes, they of course had promised discounted airfare when giving their pitch), $499 for the week stay, another $600 if you wish to add on the all inclusive (at $89/pp... sure has gone up alot since I purchased)... You're looking at a total cost of around $2000 for one person. Why do that when you can buy a deal from a place such as CheapCarribean that includes the resort, the all inclusive, and the airfare for $800 or so?
If anyone has insight into how to cancel the membership and recoup my money, or if there are any legal actions being taken, please let me know by emailing jawanna martinez at hotmail dot com.

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AuntFrahn2
Florence, US
Oct 22, 2013 2:42 pm EDT
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We agree with all of the complaints and wish we had thought to borrow one of their computers to check out false claims as G. Davis had done.
We have tried for a year now to get several different locations and times both close to home and not. The ONLY one we could actually get was in a dump in San Diego that would give Motel 6 look like a resort.
What a bunch of lies when they said we could book specific resorts that we knew about in New England and the West Coast. However, we could get none of them no matter what dates I gave them. Even whole date ranges like a whole month.
We thought we had a great deal for Hawaii but they somehow didn't get my email with the form filled in for that resort. Then when I called again, they said wasn't available. I had missed out.
They told us that we could make money by selling our weeks. We thought about it, but don't want to be in the middle when a deal goes wrong.
I don't believe we will ever get resorts like promised. We want to sell.

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AuntFrahn
Florence, US
Oct 25, 2013 4:03 pm EDT

I wrote to my representative at Lifestyle telling him I wanted to sell my membership. I detailed all of my issues. This new customer service rep forwarded my concerns to his manager who called me the next day.
He explained how Lifestyle is evolving and that many of my issues are being addressed.
He agreed the website needs more work to make it more like Expedia for members.I can see there are many more resorts added to the sister resorts listed.
He let me know I could request a phone call at any time. They don't have an 800 number because of the complexity of getting one in the DR. But, they will certainly call when I request it.
I'm willing to give them a chance to win me back as a satisfied customer.
I"ll keep you posted.

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Curious George1
DO
Dec 24, 2013 10:14 am EST

I'm currently staying at the lifestyles hotel. I'm sitting by the pool and posting this message from my ipad. My family and I rented through a member and were also asked to come to the sales pitch. We were offered a shareholder membership that usually costs $250K for $168K because "an owner that has 7 shares is selling one of them." We too were told of the opportunity to make money through our membership. We have not signed anything but are considering it. As of now we have told them we are not interested.

I've read all of the complaints and comments. From what I've gathered...it's only worth it if you buy a shareholder membership, because that way you are top priority and don't risk the chance of being told they don't have availabilites for months at a time. Plus shareholders own it forever and it passes to children. The lower memberships are basically timeshares and you can be blocked out by the sharholders because they have priority, so it's clearly not worth it.

A few sketchy things:
-they won't let you see the contract outside of the management office
-they won't send the contract to our lawyer for review - I mean, it's a $160, 000 investment, you should be protected and be smart about it

Are there any shareholders that can share their experience with this membership + shareholdership.
-do you think it's a safe investment?
-do you rent your space to others as a source of income?
-is it hard to obtain bookings/for the resort to have availabilites?
-do you use your membership to book at sister resorts and hotels around the world?

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queenofshoppers
26501, US
Jan 03, 2014 7:17 pm EST

OMG! I thought I was the only dummy who was scammed! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE...if anyone knows how to get our money back or sell the timeshare back to them or file a lawsuit...CONTACT ME AT queenofshoppers@yahoo.com..Thank you so much and I pray someone can help...Marsha

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Diana Vasquez
Manahasset, US
Jan 05, 2014 10:42 pm EST

I just came back from the this lifestyle resort. It is a complete scam. I made the reservation for a villa a year ago and when we got there for the Christmas holidays we were nicely surprised to find out that they could not give us a villa anymore. They gave us a hotel room with a broken shower, broken toilet, smelly closet, hundreds of aunts around, broken air conditioner (freezing cold and could not turn it off. We called for repairs everyday and we were told they could not fix it.), facing a noisy street. We were waken up every morning by 6 am by all the loud workers coming in to work. We had to call the cleaners for four consecutive days to pick up some clothes. They will not give a lock for the safe box. They do no let you talk to anyone worth while, customer service is the best you can. There are no sister resorts worth while, none of the ones they said they had. Ah and the dinner reservations for the restaurants are restricted, telling you that the restaurants are not available. There is no one reputable person in this organization. They do not want you to go to some of the better restaurants because there is no space but when you walk by, they are half empty. The workers are very good in lying (great job) and acting at the sale seen, they are artists and for sure they should try to go to hollywood (all liers). Many people walk around the premises complaining and very upset. They entice you by showing things that they cannot provide you with. They do not show you the contract at the time of the sale, therefore you cannot fully read it until it is late. I asked for the contract and all they showed me was one page that they claimed to be the only piece of paper. Later you get the remaining. It is a big mistake to buy. Ah, and my cell phone and my son's were stollen. We were able to get his back through our own efforts. They acted concerned about mine but you can tell it was not real. We should get together for a class action law suit. There is an attorney in the city trying to put one together. You can email me at presmedical@aol.com (subject lifestyles). I will go all the way with this matter. I want o suit for my money back, mis representation, not giving you a full contract at the time of signing, interest on my money, ruining my holiday vacation three times, 21k in flights, pain and suffering.

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ashlee.r
Brampton, CA
Jun 18, 2014 6:44 pm EDT

Has anyone successfully got a refund from LHVC? I too have been a victim of their scam. We purchased a JR suite membership in March 2014. I'm wondering if we could get our down payment back ($5000) and stop our monthly payments. Please contact me via email ashlee.r@hotmail.com if anyone has been successful with this action against LHVC.

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j stella
Grovetown, US
Jun 22, 2014 1:31 pm EDT

Has anyone been able to get any of there money back for this fraud? In Feb. 2014 my wife and I paid $9, 500 cash down, and still have a monthly payment for years to come for a 2 Bedroom suite. We were lied to and told it would be 1 set price to visit anywhere in the world. That is not the case, it really hurts knowing all the money we saved up while serving active duty Army is now gone due to such cold hearted scammers. I know we are not alone on this, if anyone has any knowledge on how to get any sort of money back, I would appreciate it so much, my email is jcstella@live.com

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NKT2014
Annapolis, US
Jun 29, 2014 11:56 am EDT
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What happens if you just stop paying the fees? We live in the US and were told by someone on the "inside" of the resort business that because it's in another country - they can't hurt your credit and will eventually send you letters and calls using "scare" tactics - but that it won't affect anything. Has anyone done this? Thanks!

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PEREZ,YVONNE
Rosamond, US
Jul 04, 2014 12:48 pm EDT
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MY HUSBAND AND I ALSO WENT ON A VACTION TO THE DOMINICAN REP. AND ALSO WE CONNED INTO BUYING THE RESOURT CLUB PKG. PAYING 4000 DOLLARS AND THEY STATED WOUDL GET 25 WKS TO USE RIGHT AWAY OR AS LONG AS 25YRS, THEY ALSO STATED WE COULD USE THIS CERTIFICATE ANYWHERE IN DIFFERENT HOTELS AND RESORTS IN EXCHANGE FOR THE WKS USED, WE HAVE NOT USED ANY AS OF YET, BUT LIKE THE ONE PERSON SAID GETTING PASS THE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A BIG HURTLE, I AM LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, WHAT CAN WE DO, TO GET OUR MONEY BACK AND FORGET ABOUT THIS NIGHTMARE, IF ANYONE KNOWS WHAT CAN BE DONE I WOUDL LIKE TO PLEASE LIKE TO KNOW., I AM GOING TO CONTACT A LAWYER FRIEND OF OURS.

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onixc
Milwaukee, US
Jul 21, 2014 2:27 pm EDT

to Perez, Yvonne ! if you know a lawyer that can help with this situation please advise, lifestyle promise us that they will buy our existing timeshare and now they said it is not possible. People they said you can cancel the membership only in 4 days! this is absolutely insane, in 4 days we were still there. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING!

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JfFig
New York, US
Aug 06, 2014 9:29 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

STAY AWAY FROM LIFESTYLE HOLIDAYS VACATION CLUB
We contracted for a Platinum membership in April 2014 and actually canceled within the allotted time frame after doing much online research. We thought we were out of this mess, but unfortunately not. They acknowledged and accepted our Letter of Cancellation but require us to sign their Letter of Cancellation, which we cannot sign due to its stated stipulations; which include retaining our charge card deposit monies; for the administration fees and the 'retail costs' of the member services that we used after signing the contract. We have detailed and debated each of their itemized 'member services' for the amount that we would have paid while vacationing there and are willing to pay; for we did indeed utilize these services. However, we will not pay their exorbitant 'retail costs'. They have refused our agreement to pay the monies we have proved appropriate, and in effect, still consider our membership as active. We filed disputes with the credit card companies of American Express and Barclay Bank. In the interim, we are filing small claims suits against both credit card companies. We will continue to fight!

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Kocos Mom
Bayside, US
Aug 19, 2014 11:48 am EDT
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OMG did I dodge a big bullet. I went to this "Lifestyles" VIP BS in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. I guess because I'm a New Yorker and believe in the "If its too good to be true RUN AWAY' These people put pressure selling you the luxury with a Rolls Royce parked in front of the building where all these transaction happen. As soon I they took us to a "sample" Villa which was the only one we saw that style, which had a private infinity pool, all glass with modern "South Beach/Miami" style furniture and design, I said YEAH RIGHT! They'll show me this one, where are the rest? Then when I asked to see that contract, that's not possible, I thought HELL NO, I am not signing or committing to anything without reading it myself without outside interference. I was told the contract is drawn in "British Law" I thought WTF - We are in the Dominican Republic and I'm a US Citizen - how would British Law be applicable. I was also skeptical because the sales agent Mr. Unibrow (seriously guy only had one eyebrow across his forehead) kept telling us how we can go to Dubai... Honestly, I'm going to spend $5K on airfare to go to a place that realistically I cannot afford, Nah!
AGAIN STAY AWAY IT'S ALL A SCAM, Nothing that is worth it will pressure you to hurry up and by. These guys are WORSE than Used Car Salesmen and a matter of fact they bring a whole new meaning to sleazy business practices. At the end of the day I'm Glad I didn't get suckered in.

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MikelovesLHVC
Millville, US
Sep 02, 2014 8:45 pm EDT

I also have been to and bought into the Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club. I have been to the resort 4 times before ever going to a sales presentation. I loved the place without being a VIP member. Having said that, I purchased a membership and two months after I left, I called to book a room for the end of September 2014. I ran into no problems. The room is booked and I will be going back this time to enjoy the benefits of membership. Some people spent $5000 up to $45000 for a membership. I did not pay this amount. I negotiated and got a fantastic price. Those who paid the crazy prices need to do their homework and get their negotiating skills perfected. I can't wait to get back to my family at the Lifestyles Resort in Puerto Plata. It's a shame that people complain about the place. It truly is wonderful.

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Vicky86
Jersey City, US
Sep 08, 2014 4:55 pm EDT

Hi All,

It seems that LifeStyle Holiday Vacation Resort is involved in many fraudulent acts and they have been scamming people for thousands of dollars. I have been in contact with several people in the United States who have experienced the same issue, and we are all sending our documents and complaints to ABC show 20/20 . HEre are the instructions if you want to send, which I encourage you all do. It is the only way to expose LifeStyle. Please be sure to include LIFESTYLE SCAM on the envelope.

Instuctions:

To submit a story idea to one of the ABC News shows listed below, write a single page letter including your name, phone number, and address. Include photocopies of backup information. On the outside of the envelope, write "Story Idea." If a producer is interested in your story, he/she will contact you. Here are the show addresses:

20/20
147 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023

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vacationers dream
Brooklyn, US
Oct 13, 2014 12:05 am EDT

I don't understand why people are saying Lifestyle and RCI are liars and scammers. Did not you realize that you were dealing with salesmen who will say anything for their commission. A verbal contract won't hold water. Did anyone read a contract before forking over their money. Do you know most contracts have a buyers remorse or free look period which would have given you time to fax the contract to a lawyer. It seems you all made bad choices based on being shown the model 6 bedroom villa. I have had used my RCI points to go anywhere with no problems and have had no problem getting what I want at Lifestyle. Most of you complaining probably purchased a trial membership thinking you can get what you want but not so Shareholders get first choice then villa owners are guaranteed a villa you at the Jr Suite level are only guaranteed a Jr. suite. Next time do your research they did nothing wrong but sell you a dream they didn't force you to sign the contract. Try to make your money back by finding people that are looking for Jr. suite. School break would be a great time college kids would love the Tropical or Cofresi where all the action is. Also beware there are people on this site claiming to want to help but are looking to make money by charging you a $200 finders fee and they then charge the buyer more than what it cost so they are paid by you and the buyer

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vacationers dream
Brooklyn, US
Oct 13, 2014 12:38 am EDT

People keep saying scam and fraud but so far no one has proved anything everyone is saying they willing gave money and signed a contract without reading it. These sales people were low to no pressure they gave me the tour made me an offer, I countered they agreed I then asked a lot of questions his verbal answers were great I then asked if I can get it in writing he hesitated I said I had to do some research and think about it got up and left and was not approached again.

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P3nny
US
Oct 27, 2014 12:30 pm EDT

I would also like to get in on the class action suit. We purchased January of 2007 and recently have stopped payments. They are difficult to deal with. Is it possible for them to ruin your credit? Terrible Resort.

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Sybrash
Cedar Creek, US
Nov 22, 2014 1:28 pm EST

While I wouldn't say this is a total scam, they definitely take advantage of people. For those who have said that one just needs to read the contract - that isn't entirely true. Sometimes, you don't know what you don't know. True, nobody forced me to sign the contract, but I did read it and it did seem to cover the critical information. The only reason I agreed to the purchase is because they agreed to take my timeshare off my hands. This is where it gets tricky. To be honest, I don't know if that is in the contract or not as an actual condition - HOWEVER, the contract does include the purchase price which included my timeshare as part of the down payment. So, from a legal aspect, I may not have a leg to stand on but please don't tell me I'm an idiot for not understanding the difference. Obviously, if my timeshare is part of the purchase price, the realistic assumption would be that the timeshare goes to them. It's been 3 years and I still have it because they insist I use Global Resort Transfer company which seems shady, at best. Finally, for all of you state you love this company and act like everyone else is just a bunch of idiots or whiners, just because they may not have done anything LEGALLY wrong, it doesn't mean they haven't done anything ethically or morally wrong and who wants to do business with someone like that whether you were able to negotiate or not?

Classaction.lhvc
Classaction.lhvc
DO
Feb 28, 2018 4:09 am EST
Replying to comment of Sybrash

Dear member,

We are a law firm specialized in protecting consumers and have been recently receiving complaints about fraud by LHVC (Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club) in the US and the Dominican Republic.
As we have seen on the forum, that you could also be a victim, we wanted to inform you that we will be preparing a class-action lawsuit and are getting in touch with people willing to share information and participate in the lawsuit.
We have filed criminal charges with the relevant court in Austria already (as the owner of LHVC is an Austrian Citizen), and will now be starting legal action in the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Should you be interested in supporting and joining us in the pursuit, please let us know as soon as possible. We will be acting quickly, in order to make sure this business model is stopped, and the money returned to the people.

Very important: Please note, that there are no financial implications for you.

We will be sharing all information about progress with you. We just need to know if you want to join this cause and would appreciate your earliest response.
If you have any question or concerns, call us or please email us.

LHVC Action Group

+49 (0) 30 [protected]
classaction.lhvc@weyerlegal.com
www.weyerlegal.com
Lützowufer 1,
10785 Berlin

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Relieved!
Reading, US
Dec 14, 2014 3:15 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

So glad that I found this site before our trip in a couple of months! Buyer BeWare!

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jenny300
NG
Jan 06, 2015 10:24 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

PLEASE! I'm Jennifer mills and want you to know anyone commenting here should beware of and avoid comments about spell caster that can use their magical power in helping you out with your problems.i don't want anyone to be fooled because i was a victim of this fraudsters who claimed to be spell caster.I was having a difficult time in my relationship as i couldn't give birth to a child.Although my husband loved me very much as it were, we kept on hoping and for 6years there weren't any sign of breakthrough.As days goes by, i will always weep because at that time i was really down.Even though my husband tried to always be by my side, only time will tell as he couldn't cope with pressure from friends and had to leave me for another lady.i was now left to face my problem alone even though my mom would always talk to me and console me on phone.Things became worse when i was sacked from the private organization i was working because been happily married was a criteria that was needed and that i was now lacking owing to my barrenness.kept on searching and hoping i will find a solution to my problem but there wasn't any coming.contacted lots of spell caster as i saw them on the internet but all were fraudsters as they demanded money from me frequently and nothing happened.i had to relocate from Texas city United state to south Africa where my mom was staying and because i became racially abused because of my color.I spent 4 months with my mom and together we kept on looking for solution, still to no avail.There came a faithful day when i met my high school mate who knew i was happily married and living in Texas city United state with my husband and had to ask while i flew back to South Africa.I explain my problem to her and she led me to DR JAMIN ABAYOMI.Although i was doubtful but soon as i explained my problem to him, he laughed and gave me a maximum of 3 days for me to become pregnant.I did all i was asked to do and on the 3rd day i felt something different in my body and quickly went for a check up and to my greatest surprise, i was pregnant.How possible could this be but it happened and am very thankful.As if this wasn't enough, dunno how my husband got to know about it but know it was DR JAMIN'S ABAYOMI solution too.He called me and pleaded for forgiveness and told me to accept him back.although the decision was tough but i accepted him back and we are now happily married again.
ARE YOU BEEN FACED WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM OR ANY KIND OF PROBLEM..DR JAMIN ABAYOMI isn't on the internet so kindly contact him via EMAIL:drjaminremedy@outlook.com

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Marc2015
PL
Feb 11, 2015 6:31 pm EST

The same story happens in Cancun, Oasis Hotel. Beatiful resort and crooks being allowed on site tempting people for sales presentation. They wasted good half an hour of my holidays.
1st promising info about trips and tempting to "luxurious' room for meeting / like a drink bar with smart waiters/
2nd making a sales presentation and offering a John walker blue label drinks - drink as much as you can before 2nd calls for
3rd so called director who discloses prices. 5k to 100k USD same story unlimited use of suites villas and helicopters
I told it's great offer I don't need to buy my own and I can buy membership and move straight away and use helicopters.
Please show me the contract so I can understand what are my obligations and what yours. This moment both blokes stood up and kept searching for new prays.

The saddest part is that brutal cheating has been happening since 2008 and now it's 2015 and the fraud is well established and doing well.

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Babsandco
Stafford, US
Mar 23, 2015 2:02 pm EDT

So we too are victims here. I do have a question. Since it was signed in the Dominican and payments are coming out of Miami, can't we just stop the payments? what could they do since it isn't in their country where the contract was executed?

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vms133
Bay Shore, US
Mar 27, 2015 8:18 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Has anyone had any success with a lawsuit or class action? Please email me at ronnie.silghigian@gmail.com

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jose claudio barbudo
BR
Apr 08, 2015 9:04 am EDT

Acabo de assinar um contrato no México Oásis Palm Beach, no qual foi prometido Day use no Gran Oasis e translado de limusine para o aeroporto que aconteceria no dia seguinte, pois iriamos para mais quatro dias em Miami, , após assinar o contrato cerca de uma hora depois descobri que não tinha o direito de desfrutar do outro resort que fora me prometido, retornei imediatamente ao vendedor e gerente, que diz que por conta do Spring Break não era possível, então pedi o taxi que ele prometeu para que eu fosse conhecer a Coco Bong, o mesmo diz não ser possível pois ele já havia reservado a limusine para manhã seguinte, no manhã seguinte esperamos a limusine que estava estacionada em frente o hotel e nada, fui informado que o motorista não apareceu e só ele poderia pegar as chaves, fomos transportados até o aeroporto juntamente com minha esposa e bebê de apenas oito meses sem ter espaço para o bebê conforto pois não cabia as malas no porta malas e sem ar condicionado, o motorista pegou nosso telefone e disse que os responsáveis nos ligariam, mas nunca o fizeram, também não consegui o cancelamento e ainda tenho sessenta prestações que ainda iniciaram além de quarenta por cento já terem sido pagas no ato

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AKum
Brookline, US
Apr 13, 2015 3:51 pm EDT

I agree with you all. I have similar issues and challenges with the club. I bought the club membership this February. Whatever the sales guy, O'Connor, told me is untrueand their customer service is awful. I have filed a claim to dispute the Life Style Holidays club program and membership with the credit card company (Barclays). I’m not satisfied with the program/membership and the benefits and services that I was promised by the sales team when I bought the contract is incorrect. My frustrations and challenges with them have grown significantly since I purchased the membership. Also, the customer service team is not helping to resolve the issues. I wanted to connect to the sales team or the management team, but I was never able to talk to them.

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KC Steve
MX
May 13, 2015 6:28 pm EDT

I stayed at the Grand Palm Oasis and was approached by the LSHV people. Asked many questions and it all sounded too good to be true. After taking 4 hours and too much alcohol that they were more than happy to provide-and under severe duress, I agreed to sign the paper work if, and only if, I could have the 5 days to cancel with 100% of my money refunded. I had my brother-in-law as a witness -asked three different LSHV people -qualified the dollar amount which I expected back. All said no problem-we will return all of you money.

On the 3rd day after they ran my credit card - we soon discovered there was no value in the VIP bands at the Palm Oasis property. You don't receive any benefits on Grand Oasis Palm bars/ restaurants which were promised in the presentation. I went to cancel and that is when I met the muscle Maria -the reality of verbal promises made by the sales group of LSHVset in. Although the LSVH sales group made verbal promises-Maria in VIP customer service wasn't interested in even bringing those people into the conversation. When I walked 100 feet and spoke to Manual Pinelo, one of the LSHV sales team, wouldn't get involved.

Long story short -the fine print in the contact says that even within 4 days after signing -you in essence get about 50% of you money back. They keep the "membership fee" which having been a member for 3 days-is a scam. You are also out taxes.

I would have never signed the contact had I not verified, verbally with 3 different LSVH, that I could not get my money completely refunded. Again I was 3 days post signing the contact-what scam. If this doesn't speak to the hoax this company is-enough said.

I'm disputing it with documentation to my bank. I'll let you know the outcome. Anyone have a similar circumstance in canceling within window stated in contact? Will the CC company back this?
Kansas City Steve

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Johnny Kim
Braintree, US
May 15, 2015 8:46 am EDT

We have been going to lifestyles for the last. 5 years and we have nothing bad to say we have a wonderful vacation all the time it does matter what level you buy in at to make sure you get what you want you need to have everything in black and white. The one thing to remember is no one can promise all these accommodation in peak season if you come on the off times they do treat like a King and can't do enough for you... John & Kim

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JCBN123
Poland, US
Jul 01, 2015 7:17 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

If anyone has stopped their payments to them, what has happened? My husband and I bought into this on our honeymoon and have really had a change of heart. We recently bought a house, and nothing regarding this came up on our credit reports. So, I'm wondering, what would happen if we just stopped making the payments.

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Miltonluna
Johnston, US
Jul 01, 2015 8:23 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I just bought the vip royal thing they have a week ago I wonder if I can get my money back. I see to many negative comments.

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Laprea
Hawthorne, US
Jul 15, 2015 1:43 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

We also got duped into signing into this Lifetime. First of all, we were wined and dined and then given the spiel. We fell for it, and signed up for the whole lifetime service. Our adviser called all of our banks in the United States and managed to get most of the money up front (had us sign up for two credit cards without us even knowing that we were signing up for credit cards, we signed at least 50 pages, and were given only 5 pages, and then sent to the villa with a golf cart. Our villa was terrible, it had no internet service, it was next to a construction site, we had no telephone service (so no ability to contact the outside world). When we left the office the first day and went to our villa in our golf cart, we basically stayed in the villa the whole night and went into town the next day, to see the area. This timeshare is under construction, so there are a lot of construction workers around and a lot of streets that are broken up or just dirt roads. We did partake of the buffet and had dinner that night, and then went home to the villa. The third day, Wednesday, we decided that this really was not worth the money they wanted, and we decided we wanted to cancel. We had no working phone, so again we had to go into town. Unfortunately the night before they had a big party (right across from our Villa) and there was no way to make an appointment. We made it for the next day Thursday. We went in to the office to speak with our account manager and told her we wanted to cancel our contract. She informed us we could not, and instead told us if we could not afford it, she would set it up like a "pyramid" scheme and have one or two other parties go "under" our membership. We really did not want to do this, but she informed us we had no other method to get our money "back". We signed her "updated" contract which gave us the ability to have 2 people under us, but we were not happy with this. Mind you, we never received any document which told us we could cancel without four days. That next day we returned back to the States, and I called my banks and tried to cancel all of the charges, informed that we were "duped" into signing an agreement . I sent an e-mail to our account representative telling her we wanted to cancel this contract and that we had no written contract that gave us the amount of days to cancel. Turns out she found a document (which we never received a copy of) which miraculously said we had FOUR days to cancel (mind you we were in her office to cancel the THIRD day) and that therefore we could not. I will not go into more details, but I will tell you that right now my bank of over 30 years wants to sue me because I do not have the money in my account to pay back the amount that they "temporarily" put into my account after my complaint. I will now be forced to acquire an attorney to fight for us against both this Lifestyle Company and MY BANK. SO, IF ANYONE IS THINKING ABOUT SIGNING UP FOR THIS LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE DO NOT DO IT. THEY ARE VERY UNDERHANDED, AND I BELIEVE THEY OPERATE THE SAME WAY AS A PYRAMID SCHEME. I will give updates on my situation as time goes on. It has been two months since we had signed, and I am still fighting. I see many more months of fighting in my future, and, probably many more attorney fees.

  1. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club [LHVC] Contacts

  2. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club [LHVC] phone numbers
    +1 (809) 970-7777
    +1 (809) 970-7777
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  3. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club [LHVC] emails
  4. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club [LHVC] address
    P.O. Box 608, Lifestyle Tower, Cofresi Beach № 1, Puerto Plata, 57000, Dominican Republic
  5. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club [LHVC] social media
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    Nov 06, 2024