Vacation Timeshare
Vistana Signature ExperiencesThis business is NOT BBB Accredited.
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This profile includes reviews for Vistana Signature Experiences's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
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Average of 127 Customer Reviews
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Review fromBrendan M
Date: 10/17/2023
1 starBrendan M
Date: 10/17/2023
This company is a total scam. Not only are their timeshares unusable, but their treat their customers like garbage. Once I caught on to the ruse, I wanted to cancel my ownership. They realized I wouldn't be won over or intimidated, so they offered me the opportunity to deed my property back to them. After I agreed, they contacted a law firm to try to bully me into resuming payment and now they are foreclosing on my timeshare. How these criminals stay in business is amazing!Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/31/2023
I'm truly sorry to hear about your negative experience with your timeshare ownership. It's essential to address your concerns and clarify some points. It's important to note that we have over 500,000 owners who are successfully using their ownership and enjoying the benefits of their timeshare. A deed back option is something we offer to our owners, provided they meet the necessary criteria. The deed back process is often managed by a separate company, and we do not directly intervene in this process. I understand your frustration and concerns, and it's regrettable to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.Review fromIrma C
Date: 10/09/2023
1 starIrma C
Date: 10/09/2023
This company is unbelievable. I was scammed into buying a timeshare, and now they won’t close my account. Not owning it would relieve so much stress from my life. The money spent on this can be put towards an actual vacation that would cost much less. I've passed on so many trips this year just because I can't spend more on vacations than the almost $3,000 I'm paying Vistana, and that's not including maintenance fees. I honestly lose sleep over this just thinking about how bad it can get after this year. It's constantly in the back of my head that this is going to cost me a fortune if I continue with this. I want to live my life and not have this haunting me every day. Buyer beware - if you are considering getting a timeshare through Vistana, DON’T!!!!Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/25/2023
I'm truly sorry to hear about the stress and concerns you're experiencing in relation to your timeshare ownership. Your feelings of being scammed and the financial burden this has placed on you are genuinely distressing. I'd like to share some general information that may be relevant to your situation:
Timeshare Ownership: If you're looking to exit your timeshare, you should start by reviewing your original purchase agreement and understanding the terms and conditions of your ownership, including any exit options or procedures. Exit Options: Some timeshare contracts may offer exit options, but these are typically subject to specific conditions and might not be guaranteed. The availability of such options can vary based on the developer's policies and business conditions. Maintenance Fees: Maintenance fees are typically outlined in the purchase agreement, and they are essential for covering the ongoing costs of property maintenance. You may want to review the terms of your agreement to understand your obligations regarding these fees.Review fromEm H
Date: 10/06/2023
1 starEm H
Date: 10/06/2023
A class action law suit should be filed against Vistana! In 2019, we spent $11,000 on a vacation flex plan! We were specifically told, there is always a buy back option and it’s the ONLY reason we purchased the package because we paid for it that day and were told as owners that we could sell it back without issue and at any time! I attempted to start the sell back process today as we never even use it and they told me they don’t buy back and that isn’t a thing with them! On top of the $11,00 we paid on the day we bought it, we also pay around $700 a year for “maintenance”. They make it seem very legit by giving you a deed and calling you an “owner” but this is a scam!! It’s a waste of money! We are devastated by finding out we were scammed, lied to and mislead! Please someone sue them! We are out of a lot of money for something we can’t use!Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/25/2023
I understand your frustration and disappointment with your timeshare purchase, and I'd like to provide some clarification: Buyback Option: While you were informed of a buyback option, it is crucial to note that this option is not guaranteed and is subject to business conditions. This should have been outlined in your original purchase documents. It's unfortunate that your expectations were not met, but it's essential for potential buyers to understand that buyback options may vary. Maintenance Fees: Maintenance fees are typically determined by the owner's association and not by Vistana. The fees are established to cover the ongoing costs associated with the property. The disclosure of maintenance fees and their determination should have been provided in your purchase documents.Review fromJohn B
Date: 10/03/2023
1 starJohn B
Date: 10/03/2023
What started as a free vacation to Orlando, FL turned into quite an ordeal as we were asked by Vistana Signature Experiences to attend a timeshare presentation. Let me tell you that the timeshare sales presentation we endured was an appalling display of deceit and exploitation. What was promised as a one-hour session extended into an excruciating three-hour “Signature Experience”, as Vistana’s sales team shamelessly employed manipulative tactics.
False urgency was their favorite weapon, pressuring us to make immediate decisions by falsely claiming the deal was exclusively available that day. They repeatedly misled us about reservation availability, painting a rosy picture that bore no resemblance to reality.
The most egregious offense was their attempt to present the timeshare as a wise real estate investment. Which it is not.
Shockingly, the sales team conveniently failed to mention the rescission period, denying us the right to reconsider their decision. They also neglected to disclose maintenance fee inflation and truth in lending obligations, leaving us clueless about the long-term costs and implications of the mortgage loan.
Let our experience serve as a stern warning to potential vacationers and timeshare buyers. Beware of these deceptive practices, conduct thorough research, and remain cautious. Do not fall victim to their twisted game and safeguard your hard-earned money.Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/25/2023
I understand the distressing experience you've had with the timeshare presentation, and I'd like to provide some information to address your concerns: Duration of Presentation: The discrepancy in the duration of the presentation is regrettable. While there is typically an obligation for a sales tour, its length can vary depending on the questions and information shared. It's essential for consumers to be prepared for the possibility of longer presentations and ask questions if they need further clarification. Reservation Availability: I appreciate your concern about reservation availability. Availability in timeshares can fluctuate based on owner occupancy and other factors. While it's ideal for companies to provide accurate information, it's crucial for potential buyers to conduct thorough research and set realistic expectations.
Real Estate Investment: It's vital to clarify that timeshares are primarily intended for personal use and not as real estate investments. This information should have been disclosed in the original purchase documents. Buyers should fully understand the nature of timeshares before making a purchase. Rescission Period: The rescission period is a fundamental right for buyers to reconsider their decision without any obligation. It is indeed concerning that this right was not mentioned, and buyers should always be made aware of this option. Maintenance Fees and Obligations: Maintenance fees and obligations are typically determined by owner association agreements, not the developer. The disclosure of these fees should be detailed in the purchase documents, and it's essential for buyers to review this information thoroughly. Your feedback is crucial, and it emphasizes the importance of transparency and accurate disclosure in the timeshare industry. Consumers should be cautious, conduct thorough research, and seek legal counsel when necessary to ensure their rights and interests are protected. Your message serves as a valuable warning to potential buyers, urging them to be vigilant and informed.Review fromDiane D
Date: 10/03/2023
1 starDiane D
Date: 10/03/2023
No considerations for pandemic whatsoever. Misled on two things;
1) since I purchased in late September 2019 I was told I would only owe a prorated portion of the annual maintenance fee, turns out I had to pay for the entire year of 2019;
2) was told I would not have any problem "selling back" if I chose to since I purchase in Maui and it is premium location - what they neglected to say is that the account must be paid in full and they do not "buy" back you basically just surrender it. I have always been current with monthly payments as well as annual maintenance fees as I'm not going to risk my credit for THEIR wrong doing!?
Customer service is terrible. They don't provide any assistance or any help at all and never return phone calls or respond to emails.
If I could leave 0 stars I would.Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/25/2023
I truly understand your concerns and frustration regarding your timeshare experience. It's disappointing to hear that you've encountered these challenges. I want to provide some clarification and context to address your points. First, it's essential to recognize that the terms and conditions of your timeshare, including details about maintenance fees, are typically outlined in the original purchase documents that you signed at the point of sale. Unfortunately, these documents typically do not account for unforeseen events like a pandemic. These agreements are legally binding, and while we empathize with the difficulties you've faced, we are bound by the terms and conditions outlined in those documents.
Regarding your specific concerns: The proration of annual maintenance fees: I understand that you were led to believe you would only owe a prorated portion for 2019 due to your late September 2019 purchase. If you ended up having to pay for the entire year, it may have been a misunderstanding or a miscommunication. The specifics of proration can vary, and this would typically be outlined in the purchase documents. However, I acknowledge your disappointment. The "selling back" or surrender process: I'm sorry that you felt misled in this regard. It's important to clarify the process for relinquishing a timeshare, which may indeed involve paying off any outstanding fees or balances. As per the purchase documents sate, we do offer exit options however, it is not guaranteed and depends on business conditions. I also hear your concerns about customer service and communication. While I cannot speak for the specific interactions you've had, I do recognize that timely responses and assistance are crucial for addressing owner concerns. It's important for our team to provide clear and helpful guidance. Your feedback is valuable, and we are committed to addressing your concerns as best we can within the bounds of your legal agreements. I encourage you to continue communicating with our team to explore potential resolutions to the issues you've raised. We are here to work with you in finding a resolution that aligns with your needs and circumstances.Review fromGiosvania E.
Date: 10/03/2023
1 starGiosvania E.
Date: 10/03/2023
I am deeply disappointed and frustrated with my experience with our timeshare. From the outset, there were limited locations and a constant struggle to find availability. I can confidently say that the benefits are practically non-existent. Instead, we are bombarded with constant pressure to attend meetings. This timeshare is exerting a serious financial strain on our family of five. With the increasing challenges of making ends meet at home, keeping up with the monthly payments and the ever-inflating fees is becoming untenable. As a one-income, active-duty military family, we find it more and more difficult to use and maintain this timeshare. It's time these issues are addressed.Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/25/2023
I genuinely understand and empathize with your disappointment and frustration regarding your timeshare experience. Availability of locations can be a challenging aspect as it is primarily dependent on owner bookings and can vary. I'm sorry to hear that you feel there are limited options. It's important to note that we offer over 90 premium villa options, not to mention the Explorer Collection options, which are designed to provide a wide range of choices for our owners. However, I appreciate that you may not have found these options to be as flexible as you hoped. I also want to acknowledge your concerns about the pressure to attend meetings. While we do offer owner update tours as part of our services, attendance is not obligatory, and it is regrettable if you have felt pressured in this regard. Regarding maintenance fees, it's essential to clarify that Vistana does not have control over these fees, as they are typically determined by the owner's associations where the fees are collected. The fees can indeed vary and may pose financial challenges for some owners. I'm deeply sorry to hear about the financial strain your timeshare is causing, especially considering your family's unique circumstances as a one-income, active-duty military family. Your concerns are valid and warrant attention. We are committed to addressing these issues to the best of our abilities within the parameters of our contracts and obligations.Giosvania E.
Date: 11/06/2023
Terminating our account is within your parameters since your company holds our open loan. If we stopped payments, you would foreclose our account, therefore taking it from us. Why can we not give it back? There may be 90 villas, but they are not in places we'd like to visit. Locations are very limited. And finding an availability is difficult. The prices offered on any internet booking site are very similar if not the same price as using a timeshare. We feel taken advantage of, lied to, and scammed. This ownership is more of a burden and stressor than anything else. The salesman took advantage of our vacation mindset that day and turned our few days of family fun into a lifetime of uncertainty. When and if our family decides to vacation should be decided by us and not by being forced because of the timeshare. Nothing about this timeshare has brought us any benefits that any nonowner can receive.Review fromGil L
Date: 09/29/2023
1 starGil L
Date: 09/29/2023
have been told that I have no options to cancel other than forking out more money to cancel
my timeshare ownership. The timeshare company has sent me paperwork essentially releasing
me from my ownership then come back to tell me the paperwork will not process. I have tried to
seek other alternatives and been denied at every opportunity. I am very sick and need my
ownership canceled. I would not recommend doing business with Vistana. -Gil ********Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/25/2023
I understand your frustration and concerns regarding the cancellation of your timeshare ownership. I want to emphasize that, as per the purchase documents, exit options are not guaranteed and depend on business circumstances. While I empathize with your situation, it's important to note that the process can be complex and subject to various factors. If you are determined to relinquish your ownership, one option is to consider selling it externally. However, I strongly advise that you exercise caution and ensure you engage with a reputable company in the process. You can visit arda.org to find information and resources to help you connect with trustworthy entities for resale.Review fromCarl P
Date: 09/29/2023
1 starCarl P
Date: 09/29/2023
We cancelled our reservation at the Westin Kaanapali Resort also, I have given up trying to reach them. I find it hard to believe "As an ownership resort, we are legally bound to adhere to our cancellation policy". Vistana/Marriott write the policy and I'm certain it is their prerogative to make exceptions under unique circumstances such as these. Its simply putting company needs ahead of customer needs. I have always held the Marriott Corportation and its management in high regard but either they are not aware or don't care. Surprising. I believe each time a company puts the customer last it accumulates and will at some point come back to haunt them.Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/25/2023
I understand your concerns and the unique situation presented by the Maui fire disasters. While we sympathize with the challenges this event created for many owners and the people of Maui, it's important to clarify that Vistana and MVW are legally bound by our cancellation policy. We have a fiduciary responsibility to all of our owners, and this policy serves as a framework to ensure fairness and consistency. In such unprecedented situations, like the Maui fire disasters, we recognize the exceptional circumstances and the impact they had on our owners. It's important to note that owners who had purchased travel insurance while the resort was closed had the opportunity to open a claim and potentially receive compensation through that avenue. Additionally, if an owner decided to cancel within 60 days of their arrival date while the resort was open, their options or points would typically go into hold status with a 60-day booking window. We also made accommodations for owners with deeded weeks by offering Interval International certificates without restrictions. While we understand the challenges and inconveniences these situations may have caused, our commitment to our fiduciary responsibilities and the policies in place are essential to maintaining the fairness and consistency of our operations. If you have any specific concerns or questions regarding your situation, please feel free to reach out, and we will do our best to assist you within the confines of our policy and legal obligations.Review fromSarah Anne B
Date: 09/29/2023
1 starOur experience with Sheraton Flex started in December 2022, and has been everything except satisfactory! We’ve discovered numerous lies and broken promises made by the ‘trusting staff’. We were promised disposable income, easy and more affordable vacations, and hotel availability across the world within their network. None of which has been true! This “more affordable way to travel” has cost us 10x more than a normal vacation would. We quickly learned after the fact that we could stay longer periods of time, at nicer resorts/hotels for less than what we pay for this unusable timeshare. In our attempt to cancel this contract Sheraton has been unresponsive to our concerns, and we feel this ‘relationship’ is beyond repair and we simply want to be released at this point and want nothing more to do with their company/business.Review fromRodshekia N
Date: 09/24/2023
1 starRodshekia N
Date: 09/24/2023
Vistana kept us at a sales presentation for 4 hours despite the promise that it would be far less. Yes, you read that right, 4 hours. We did not want to be there that long, but the sales representatives kept us there and bombarded us with false information, one rep at a time. We grew so tired of it, that we decided to purchase since it seemed that was the only way they would let us leave. Considering what we were told, we thought there would be no harm in purchasing, but there was. Everything we were told was a lie. For example, the tax benefits, annual fees, and total price of timeshare. Do not get me started on the vacations. Ever since we purchased this timeshare, my family and I have been subjected to intrusive and persistent timeshare presentations any time we take a vacation. Vistana should be ashamed of themselves considering how they treat paying owners.Vistana Signature Experiences
Date: 10/20/2023
I'm truly sorry to hear about your challenging experience with the Vistana sales presentation and ownership. It's important to emphasize that there is no obligation to attend a presentation or purchase into ownership. If you were required to stay for 90 minutes to receive a tour incentive, you should have had the option to leave after the required time with your incentive. If you have any concerns or doubts regarding your ownership, I strongly recommend that you review the original purchase documents. These documents should contain comprehensive information about your ownership, so you can have clarity on the terms and costs involved.
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