Marriott holiday owner scheme - beware of hidden maintenance fees!

Dave65

Hello

A returning forum contributor here!

Back in 2007, we registered in the Marriott Vacation Club, and purchased one of their holiday homes under their ownership scheme. What was not made clear was the maintenance fee clause. Unfortunately due to financial problems, we have never actually used the scheme or enjoyed the benefits of the club, even though we have been paying towards the purchase and have never missed a payment. However, we have not been able to afford the maintenance fees, as they always want it in lump sums which, in our situation, with children and all, can not afford. We have now been threatened with expulsion from membership at the end of July (in a few days!). There has been several communication, and negotiations on scheduled payments. I have asked for 12 monthly payments, but they are only willing to offer 8. We just haven't got the money as other priorities have come into play. Obviously, we think this is unfair. Do we have a case for complaint, on the basis that we have not missed our purchase payments, and have never used the villa or enjoyed the benefits of the membership, due to financial difficulties? Has anyone else had similar problems, particularly on the issue of these so-called maintenance fees?

Just to add, that we have not actually been able to afford a family holiday since signing on the club. It's like a curse!
HELP!! :mad: :eek:

King_Of_Bling

Dave65 wrote: »

Hello

Do we have a case for complaint, on the basis that we have not missed our purchase payments, and have never used the villa or enjoyed the benefits of the membership, due to financial difficulties? Has anyone else had similar problems, particularly on the issue of these so-called maintenance fees?

What does the contract, you signed, say?

terriandaaron

weve got a timeshare and we use it so it works for us but its not for everyone....you must have been told about the maintenance fees/ annual dues, its how the scheme works,
Ive sat through a few presentations and it is always well explained.....??
the money you paid(or didnt if you bought it second hand or gifted it) was for the actual unit then theres fees every year on top....we pay our by direct debit and most offer this service ...i cant understand why they havent let you do this.....unless your in arrears then you lose the right to direct debit.....im sure if you bought them up to date you could then do direct debit.....
You can always hand it back and have no payments for this, but would have nothing to show, you could try to sell it but depending on your timeshare this could be difficult or give it away if you no longer want to use it.

Dave65

when we first had our first statement for maintenance fees, we asked to pay by DD, and they refused. I paid a lump sum, and a year later i tried to pay by DD but same response. The initial presentation and subsequent meeting was not clear about maintenance fees.

budgetflyer

You must have either weeks or points banked if you haven't used any yet.
Can you not rent those out to cover your fees?
Im not 100% sure how Marriott scheme works, but most timeshare/ vacation clubs allow members "guests" to use their membership allowance although with maybe a small charge for a guest certificate.

i.e You could easily get £1200 + PW in high season for a 2 bed unit @ Marbella or Estepona resorts

Current price via Marriott for a 2 bed apt in Estepona for 1 week OCTOBER is 1800 Euro

Marbella is around 1450 Euro

If you can , Id be renting my allowance out every year and just maybe using bonus weeks for myself.

P.S

Can you not wack the plastic to pay the fees, and then just pay the card balance over 12 months. Same thing really