Sunterra Resort

We purchased points with this timeshare and have not been able to book into the resort that we purchased at since 2007 (2/07 date of purchase) This year we attended an "owners meeting" to find out that it was a sales pitch to get us to buy more points. The sales person called me a lier when I said that I could not book into that resort, he threatened us with taking away benefits that we received at the time of our original purchase if we did not buy additional points and he refused to give us a copy of the paperwork that he wanted us to sign.

We have invested over $13,000.00 in something that keeps on costing us ever increasing maintenance fees for which we are not receiving any benefit. There is no one who will talk to us about the problems that we have had and there is no way for us to recoup even a reasonable portion of what we spent in two years.

This is more a cry for help than a complaint. In Jan, 1998 I purchased a timeshare from the above company. I pd the resort off in 2005. From time of purchase to now I have never stayed in the resort or any of it places. I have been trying to sell it for the past 5-6yrs with no success, but a lot of advertising fees. I did try to book a week last yr only to be told they had no openings left.

I've read everything possible regarding timeshares, and have heard every sales pitch from the crooks that prey on us. My only question / request is there any way of truly getting rid of a timeshare legally?

We attended a presentation by Sunterra Corporation, September 17, 2007 in St Maarten and paid $27,116.50 by credit card,relinquished two time share units valued at $9924.00 (purchase price in St Maarten 2005)for membership in THE CLUB for 30,000 points annually. We also agreed to pay $2265.71 per month for the next 12 month. Our membership actually started January 2008.

We received a brochure from Diamond International stating they have completed the acquisition of Sunterra. We had no need to use any of the 30,000 points until June 23, 2008 when we attempted to obtain airline tickets to Aruba. We were asked to pay a fee and were quoted a price 18% above the on-line booking price for 2 coach tickets along with the loss of the entire 30,000 points for 2008.

We sent a letter to the Chairman & CEO and received an unfavorable response suggesting we contact their buy-back department if we were dissatisfied. We cancelled the remaining 3 credit card payments. After paying a total of $57,431.89 in return for a promise to be able to use points for cruises, flights, hotel and shopping at discount prices, we now receive threatening phone calls (although we are on the do not call list) all day from employees of Diamond Resorts International. They promise to continue calling until we pay the outstanding balance and our credit will be ruined.

We have lost $57,431.89 of our savings in a bait and switch scheme and the loss of 2 time share weeks in St. Maarten in exchange for continuous harassment by Diamond Resorts International.

I originally purchased my Timeshare through Pelican/Flamingo Resorts in 1990. My original contract states that I am responsible for an annual maintenance fee only, the resort carries all other insurances which are included in my fee. Sunterra is now the current owner of this resort. When they first took over they attempted to charge a special assessment fee, for hurricane damage. I refused to pay it due to my contract agreement. The company is now charging a reserve fee in addition to my maintenance fee. I am again refusing payment due to my contract agreement. They are now stating that my original contract is null and void since they are now the owners. I have never received or signed a new contract with this company. They are claiming that I do indeed have a new contract but are unable to provide me with a copy. I informed them that I plan on paying the maintenance fee only until they are able to show me legal documentation of my responsibility to pay any other fees. I have since paid only the maintenance fee. The company has accepted my check, however they are not allowing me to use my timeshare. They have not contacted me nor given me a copy of the bill or contract that I have requested. I have no problem paying this fee if they can provide me with the documentation that I requested. Am I responsible for this additional fee? Is my original contract voided under new ownership?