consieone
map-marker Santa Clara, California

Vida Vacation scam

Updated by user Mar 01, 2012

Vida Vacations resolved all of my issues in a timely professional manner.

Original review Feb 13, 2012
I was misinformed during the presentation at The Grand Mayan Los Cabos. Not only did we lose an entire day of our vacation, but were conned into purchasing a marketing plan that is not legitimate. I was told it would be easy to trade those units for airfare. Being able to afford the airfare to Mexico was one of my main concerns. They convinced us. I repeatedly asked about the marketing portion of the contract and where it was in writing that I could market back the units. While at the resort, I continued to ask for information on marketing portion, given excuses and avoided. Upon returning to the states, I found that they all charge for the possibility of marketing, with no guarantees. I gave Vida Vacations the benefit of the doubt to its credibility. I have determined that I no longer wish to be associated the people who take advantage of families who are just trying to take a hard earned vacation, with what little money they have, by conning them out of more money with a "too good to be true" scam.
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6 comments
Guest

I was able to get away with a free breakfast and tickets for a cruise,who is the scanner now.*** salesman!!!!

Guest

Thats what i went through, starting in the Cancun airport, but we didnt go yay

Guest

Whitin five labor days of your purchase please contact PROFECO in Mexico.

With only a call to the Mayan Palace they are able to have your money back.

But Mayan palace ask you to sign that you are not going to tell anybody what really happened

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-450192

Yes, that seems to be the pattern.

Good thing that Mexico has 5 days to cancel the contract.

The fact that these people stay in business so long doing this should be a warning to others.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Do not believe what you are told.

The written contract is the ONLY truth.

And even that is suspect.

consieone

Vida Vacations resolved all of my issues in a timely professional manner.

consieone

I am currently in contact with the customer service department of Vida Vacations and am in the process of resolving this issue.

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madcor A
map-marker North Providence, Rhode Island

MYAN PALACE SCAMMED ME DO not Purchase!

I am Very upset!!!. I am willing to participate in a class action lawsuit to stop this from happening to others. Misrepresenting what they are truly selling. Together I believe we have some say-so to these type of sales tactics". If we join together and all work to together we might have a chance'. If we try by ourselves we;ll be bulldozed, I have been hung up on multiple times by the same people who were all smiles the day I met them in person. Tell me what you think. We'll see if enough people want to participate I have a lawyer that is willing to help! Please send me an e-mail and we'll get the ball rolling! melissasuch@***.com
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Loss:
$28
1 comment
Guest

Dear "Madcor":

We kindly ask that you reconsider your position. We are pleased to intervene and find a suitable resolution to your needs as soon as we are contacted, as we would like to investigate this further as this does not reflect the way we treat our guests.

Moreover, if you have pending concerns with us, we have confidence they can be addressed as soon as we are contacted to continue this dialogue as part of our daily quest for improvement and high regard for customer satisfaction.

Give us the opportunity to help you by contacting us at grupomayanblog@***.com or by telephone at 1-80*-***-****. We would like to know who you are to provide you the personalized assistance you deserve.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to helping you.

Sincerely,

Xavier Ambrose

Customer Support Representative

knute R
map-marker Washington, District Of Columbia

Grand Mayan Resorts

To all--"Beware". Our family has purchased upgrades several years ago into the Grand Bliss in NV which has allowed us to continue to be Grand Mayan users. We were there over Presidents Week last month-- We did as told; called in to reserve our room at the Grand Bliss...calling in 8 months in advance and at 12:01 AM. Surprise, Surprise...again no room at the inn. We were" told" we would be upgraded to a comparable room with ocean view and we would have 2 additional tee times. We were also told that as Grand Bliss "owner" we could email in our reservation 9 months earlier...wrong. So our arrival had us with a lovely view of the parking garage; pressure to be updated as to what is new for the owners. I asked why one would need to bribe the owners to attend a 90 minute presentation if they were not intending to sell us more. No response was given. So, needless to say, we were not the only ones in this boat. Grand Luxe owners were stuck with us, too. No golf to be had--thanks for nothing as I would have saved the transportation fees if some one was at least straight forward. The killer was the guy who checked in with his family; his reservations for the Grand Mayan were lost and they put him up at the Grand Luxe...does this make sense?
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Loss:
$60
Anonymous
map-marker Norwood, Massachusetts

Grand Mayan In Nuevo Vallarta**Lies

To all thinking of buying into the Mayan..Think again! They trick you into thinking it is such a great deal and then PRESSURE you to buy while you are on vacation and have no means to research this purchase. They want Cash up front. Why ?so you do not cancel the check... Once you sign they tell you,let me DHL the package because it is too big to carry on the plane and it will be on your doorsteps when you return. Right...Not true the package was light. The reason they do that is they do not want you reading up while on vacation and that would give you time to cancel. The promises they make seem to be not true. I was told I would be contacted about my other timeshare and they gave me a list of places I could also call to resell. Only to find there was one working number which is part of VIDA. We were never told about the 5 day cancellation window or I would have went to the internet to verify what I got. I had to wait to get the details in my package. 1 week after I returned. I am now requesting to cancel this and get a full refund. Everything they have said to date is untrue and basically is a HARD CORE selling tacktic to get you to sign up. I want out of this contract. If others are feeling like they have been lied to please let me know. I am willing to open up a class action suit if I do not get a full refund. You may email me at paulette0808@***.com
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1 comment
Guest

Dear “Anonymous Blogger”,

We have read your comment with interest and great concern.

Please give us the opportunity to work things out with you; you must agree that it would be preferable to resolve this matter in an amicable way. Kindly contact us at 1 (80*) ******* or by email at grupomayanblog@***.com.

We are committed to offer you the most memorable vacations at the top resorts and destinations of Mexico.

Together we will be able to find the best solution to your needs.

We truly appreciate your time.

Alin Gines

Customer Support Representative

Anonymous
map-marker Fort Myers, Florida

Do Not Buy at Grand Mayan, Los Cabos

This company promised many things--including access to the Manhattan Club in NYC. After speaking to the Manhattan Club, I found out they have never done business with the Mayan Group. I was also told I could get weeks at Small Luxurious Hotels of the World. That was also a lie. I have stated my displeasure with the company and requested a refund. I received a short curt response that they would not refund anything. I am sorry I ever did business with this unethical company. Also VIDA is not a private residence club as they claimed but a hotel.
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2 comments
Guest

I went out of my way to make a comment to this website called PISSED CONSUMER.com. I made my complaint about Wal-Mart working with Kimberly-Clark the manufacturers of Scott's tissues thousand sheet toilet paper.

Then, somebody made a comment responding to my original post. And then I tried to make a comment about that persons commenting on my comment and once I typed in this:...."I am not completely naïve and I do understand this is happening in certain areas of the retail business such as clothing, sports memorabilia, etc., but I never thought that Wal-Mart Corporation would be fully participating in this Bait and Switch crappie tactic which is a legal way of stealing consumer's money! Yes, STEALING! " And once I finish typing in the above comment to respond to the person's comment regarding my post this website would not allow me to enter it so that my comment would be added to this post.

Why?!

The system said I did not enter the secret code properly. I did five times in a row!

()()()() Now, I have just posted a complaint about this website because I am a PISSED CONSUMMER about this website altering my posts and not allowing me to make comments about others' comments about MY POST COMPLAINT.

Guest

Dear "Anonymous" user:

We have been informed about your comment as it was pointed out by some of our faithful clients. We care deeply about our customers and we will be pleased to clarify the information about the exchanges available through your membership with us.

We will be pleased to assist you by having you contact us through the proper communication channels at grupomayanblog@***.com or by telephone at 1-80*-***-****. We would very much like to know who you are to provide you personalized assistance, as with the information provided in your comment we have been unable to find you in our system’s files.

We are devoted to provide the most spectacular vacations on the best beach locations available in Mexico. We encourage you to give us the chance to assist you properly.

We truly appreciate your time.

Sincerely,

Xavier Ambrose

Customer Support Representative.

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Anonymous
map-marker Stanton, California

Mayan Grand Timeshare SCAM

The Grand Mayan Scam My wife and I were also duped with gifts to come and see this timeshare scam. I kept asking for a guarantee or proof to everything they promised. They just kept double-talking and repeated themselves over and over again. After 5 hours, the price went from $90K to $9K and we bought (temporarily). Back at our hotel, I looked up the Grand Mayan and two days later we went back to cancel. They refused to let us cancel (which is illegal). They wanted us to make an appointment the morning before our flight left. I didn't have 5 hours to argue with them again so we sent an email cancellation from the hotel. I got home and sent a fax cancellation then sent a certified letter to the hotel. Fortunately, I realized soon enough what a scam this place is. For your family's money- DO NOT BUY AT AT THE MAYAN.
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2 comments
Guest

Dear Robert C (Anonymous on this entry), We have been alerted about your comment from your recent sojourn at one of our resorts. We are glad you were able to have your request processed once you followed the instructions noted in your contract for the cancellation procedure.

Rest assured that your comment will be taken into consideration as it is through our clients' feedback that we are able to provide quality service; although, it would have been preferable to receive this information through our proper communication channels. We prefer to be hands on with this type of situations as monitoring the internet is an impossible task for anyone. Gladly as you note, as soon as we were contacted as clearly noted in your contract's paperwork, things were taken care of more effectively. We value and respect both our members and non-members and we take pride in hosting at our resorts thousands of happy clients that can safely attest to our dedication to our members and guests.

Our goal is to address all of our client's concerns to preserve top customer service.

Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Xavier Ambrose Customer Support Representative Email: grupomayanblog@***.com Toll free telephone number: 1-80*-***-****

Guest

Just check this same page for all the ads wanting to cancel your timeshare (for a fee). Avoid all timeshares, world wide for the good of your money.

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Sherie Zee
map-marker San Marcos, California

Don't be scammed by Grand Mayan

Don't be scammed! A trip to Cabo can be wonderful but beware of one location that goes by the Vida Vacation Club, Grand Luxxe and Mayan Palace.

While at Payless car rental, the person helping us said he would like for us to attend a timeshare presentation at Vida Vacation Club. We agreed since the incentive was a $300. credit towards our $400. car rental for our time.

We also own timeshare in Cabo and under the right conditions would consider adding to our portfolio. The next morning we followed this individual to what was the Mayan Palace. I told the person I did not want to attend because of the poor reputation Mayan Palace has. I have been visiting Cabo for about 25 years and people talk at the pool.

One common phrase is "if you are buying, they are lying and if you are not buying you are crying". Others have stated that they were there for hours and not given the gifts they were promised at the end. I was told that the Mayan Palace changed their name because they were under new management and was promised a much better experience than the proceeding reputation. Unfortunately, the new names Grand Luxxe and Vida Vacation Club were the only changes.

After spending 4 hours at our 90 minute presentation, we said we were not interested. The price was much higher than what we paid for our other timeshare and we did not see the value in it. We also did not trust the Mayan Palace because of their poor reputation. The sales manager then came over and pushed very hard.

After again saying "no" the insults began. The sales manager insulted both my husband and I and the United States, where we live. He made comments about the US economy being bad because people like us make bad financial decisions by not seeing the value in what he was presenting and he continued on even after I asked him to stop insulting us. The bottom line was that we were asked to leave without receiving the gift we were promised.

There was a man in front of us that was promised a $400. fishing trip and he too said that he did not receive his gift. There are beautiful timeshares and honest companies in Mexico. It is a shame that the Mayan Palace shows the worst of Mexico.

This is the kind of place that gives Mexico a bad name. Enjoy Mexico, check out a timeshare but beware of the Mayan Palace and all of the new names they are using to lure you in!

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1 comment
Guest

I was scammed, dollar rent a car, Cancun refused to rent car without full insurance, then conned into giving a deposit of 40 dollars, for the Mayan Palace. I was *** at 55 years.

Beware dollar rent a car Mexico, Cancun not such a good deal. Rent from a reputable company worth the "extra"

F.

..... Mexican and *** gringo moreno

davenlsn N
map-marker Bellevue, Washington

Class Action Lawsuit

I am PISSED. I am willing to partisapate in a class action lawsuit to stop lairs, cheaters, conmen/women from misrepresenting what should be a very wonderful experence.

The experence of a Mexico Vacation without the hassle of cheaters, liars, and con-artists. As a group i believe we have some say-so to these type of sales tactics. If we join forces and all stick to gether we might have a chance. If each one of us try by ourselves we;ll be bulldozed.

Tell me what you think. We'll see if enough people want to partisapate we'll find a lawyer to help.

Please send me a e-mail and we'll get the ball rolling. daven@***.net

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6 comments
Guest

We to are ready to work with the attorney general and find an attorney to file a class action. Have you a list of people interested.

I have seen many posts we just need to.organize. Mayan needs to pay for these fraudulent practices and scams

Guest

I'm blown away. We fell for this scam in 2008, paid way more then I've read anyone else paying and we're told we could go ANYWHERE a Mayan resort was "Even the brand new one in Cabo" the man said.

So we did it. Came to find out, we can only go to 2 of the resorts. Once in Cancun and another in Puarta Vallarta. And to be honest, they're both not like the one's they walked us around and showed us models of.

These people lied, and pressured us with false information and we fell for it. They also raised the maint. fees and just told me this year that I have to pay some sort of BUILDING fee for the new one's (That I cannot go to by the way…) isn't that so lovely.

I'm in for a class action lawsuit. Even if I get only 20% of what I paid, it will at least shut these people down for a while.

Guest

I have been asked for Bethany's contact info. Here it is.

bethanybarba@***.com

Aridan K

Dave,

Do you have the contact information for BethanyB so others can get their Mayan Nightmares resolved as well?

A.

davenlsn N

After the post here I was contacted by 2 people. One was just a form letter the other was by e-mail wanting to resolve my issues.

At first it seemed like just another scam to get me to quit ***. A lady by the name of Bethany help get things done in a timely manner. A few e-mails back and forth and I truely believe we have eveything ironed out to my satisfaction. I was unsure at first because of the way the sales process went but after about 8-10 emails we're satisfied we are on the right track.

Get a hold of Bethany B.and she'll help. Thanks Bethany for you help resolving this issue Dave

Guest

Dear "Davenlsn",

We kindly ask you to reconsider your position. We would like to be given the chance to work this out in the best possible manner for all parties involved.

Even though this kind of observations are intended for other customers, we prefer to be hands on with the current clients that for some reason allege there was a failure on our part to clearly communicate the terms and conditions associated with the purchase of our products. Although the information is clear in the signed documents, we continue to work towards an even clearer communication.

Give us the opportunity to work things out with you; you must agree that it would be preferable to resolve this matter in an amicable way. Kindly contact us to provide us the details about your case at grupomayanblog@***.com or by email at 1 (80*) ***-****.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Karen Rose

Customer Support Representative.

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Robert M Ucm
map-marker Evanston, Illinois

Grand Mayan Resort Cabo Timeshare

DO NOT GO THERE!!! WE rented a car at Thrifty at the airport and a clerk there told us if we looked at vacation resort property we would receive a $150 dollar coupon against the car rental cost for giving them 90 minutes to show us around and explain their vacation package. We went there and looked and listened (3 hours) and it was all a joke put on by what appear to be inept *** men; we got up to leave when the train of "salesmen" would not end and we were told "we could not leave". The "salesmen" (Thugs)blocked the door and refused to allow us to pass and threatened us with arrest by their security guards who were just outside and Mexican police. WE were told we could do this the hard way or the easy way and they wanted us to sign a credit card approval for $97,000....this is no joke.... we kept moving and got out a side door as well as the resort but not without some upsetting and confrontational moments that included a ride in a locked van through a service alley of the resort....what a presentation. We complained to the US Embassy and suggest everyone else do the same... Nothing else will help those that follow us to Mexico.
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Loss:
$20
jstwin
map-marker Lombard, Illinois

Grand Mayan/Grand Bliss/Luxxe - All they care about is upselling AND they are rude!

It is an unfortunate custom (from this guest's point of view anyway) that the Grand Mayan, ask people to see a short, 90 minute presentation in order to induce them to upgrade their current ownership status (although, in our experience it takes much closer to 4 hours than 90 minutes). We initially said no, but when we started asking questions, were told that the only way to find out was to attend. In order to induce you to do just that, they then offered us, among other things, the standard 10% off, as well as free Swedish massages and free breakfast buffets. When we showed up the next morning, they overheard me saying that we were not going to upgrade (what would the point be of upgrading again since what we had JUST upgraded to, didn't, as far as we knew, even exist yet?), they refused to let us go and would not give us the 10% discount or any of the other things offered to us. An argument ensued wherein I informed them that we were obviously willing to go, as we were all there, bright and early, but that we absolutely would not be upgrading. We tried to explain to them that we had just upgraded at our last visit and that none of those resorts were even built yet (at least not to our knowledge), but we would still be interested in attending so that we could find that information out. The staff was RUDE and incredibly unprofessional, and, obviously, completely unaware of the axiom "the customer is always right!"
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4 comments
Guest

My husband and I attended a time share presentation at the Grand Mayan the end of November. We are time share owners in Cabo, but were interested in other properties.

They offered us #300. cash and reduced rates at a local golf course.

The 90 minute presentation went on for 4 and 1/2 hours. When we told them we were not interested in upgrading at this time, the salesmen became belligerent telling us to sit down. They were rude, deceitful liars.

Obviously, we never received any of the incentives. Very shady, indeed. Don't go to ANY presentations with VIDA, Grand Luxxe, or anything at the Grand Mayan.

They are criminals over there. Wish the Mexican Government could stop this fraud.

Guest

This past Sept I upgraded to a grand luxxe. Part of the sales pitch was that an organization known as Global Network would contact me by letter and offer me an opportunity to sell some or all of my weeks at the rate of $4500 per week.

So far I have not been able to identify who this glbal network is and if the offer is really legitimate. Any help is appreciate.

Guest

WOW! I had a similar experience recently.

I loved our vacation in Puerto Penasco, and we went to the timeshare presentation, and I actually upgraded to the Bliss. One of the Bliss benefits was to get free Internet for your stay. I showed the front desk my contract after plopping over $13k in the upgrade cost. The front desk looked at the agreement and laughed - they said that Bliss benefits only count if you pay the Bliss maintenance fee (which was the exact same downgrade price as I paid for my unit).

I was also given a $100 credit for doing the timeshare presentation of which about $30 was still remaining at my checkout time.

Upon checking out I asked if I could use the remaining balance as a credit on my card or use it at the gift shop. He just laughed at me and told me that the account was now closed.

I was so dissappointed with the treatment that I decided to rescind my updated contract.

Guest

Dear Jstwin,

We comment you have posted on this site has been brought to our attention. As you can imagine, monitoring the internet is an impossible task for anyone, so we sometimes rely on the help of our committed clients to inform us about this type of remarks when we are not contacted through the proper channels.

We would like to be given the opportunity to investigate this further as this does not reflect the way we threat our members. If you received such treatment from any member of our staff, we would like to be able to report it and take the necessary actions to prevent this from happening again.

So forth, please contact us and allow us to resolve your issues. You can call us at 1-80*-***-****. We would very much like to know who you are to provide you personalized assistance.

We value and respect both our members and non members. Allow us to provide you the quality service you deserve as honoured members of our brands that continuously receive recognitions throughout the international travel industry.

We are grateful for your time.

Sincerely

Karen Rose

Customer Support Representative.

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