Universal Vacation Club Dazed and Paid, now Anguished. San Diego, CA , California

I cant believe they are still swindling innocent peoples money into their shameful business. I am the recent victim and I want my money back.

When I was in Villa del Palmar in July 11, I was among many people at the timeshare presentation. I did say no to 30-year contract (THANK GOD), but failed to say no to 2 year Gold Trial Membership.

When my normal senses came back to me while I was looking at the papers back in my hotel room, I started having a bad feeling about it, but since the salesman, Charles Gavin, said the deal is irreversible, I thought I could not get out.

I decided to concentrate on my remaining vacation. It wasnt until when I came back home and read the fine copies that I started noticing discrepancies between what the papers were saying and what I was informed by Charles Gavin at Villa del Arco.
 
I sent him an email asking him to clarify my understanding but no reply for 3 weeks. Another reminder email was sent. Many phone calls to customer service, but no straight answers. At this point, I strongly feel that they are not going to be helpful. So here is the misinformation I received:

Charles said it was irreversible, but the contract says I have 5 days to get full refund.

No maintenance fee for Trial membership unless I want to extend it. On Contract: Maintenance fee ($590) must be paid at point of reservation.

I can stay anywhere in the world especially at expensive hotels for only $28/38 a night. On Contract: There is additional fee to pay Interval International in order to trade your timeshare.

Bottom line: Why would anyone want to pay $750 (membership for 1 yr.) + $590 (maintenance fee/yr.) + $ 210 (Nightly rate/wk) to stay at a hotel like Villa del Palmar for a week? I paid $506 for 5 nights through Costco Travel. Why would I want to spend 3 times more? $1000 for 2 extra nights?

I also dont want to pay extra fee to stay somewhere else, not to mention the uncertainty of availability to trade, plus, the hideous maintenance fee!

It is my fault that I did not calculate right there before I paid, but it is more wrong for them to sell something hiding fine prints and being dishonest about it.

I am surprised there has not been a class action lawsuit against them despite of numerous complaints I found on website as early as 2008.