ComplaintsforClub Destin Condominium Assoc., Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  06/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  No viable way out of a timeshare. I literally feel the weight on my mental state of mind as I get older.

  Business response

  06/04/2024

  Dear Ms. *****,

  After doing a title search, I found that you purchased your deeded property from an individual in 2004. The association did not engage or facilitate this sale therefore we cannot be subject to any communication, or miscommunication, you may have encountered during the transaction. If you are interested in selling your week, please reach out and we can provide you resources. 

  Sincerely,

   

  Management

   

• Initial Complaint

  01/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Dear Better Business Bureau, We are writing this complaint to express our frustration and disappointment with Club Destin's unethical business practices. As long-standing customers, we must bring to your attention the significant issues we have encountered with this company. First and foremost, Club Destin has recently implemented significant increases in their annual maintenance fees without any prior notification or explanation. This sudden and excessive rise in fees has placed an unnecessary financial burden on us, especially considering our fixed incomes. It is unacceptable for a company to impose such drastic changes without providing clear justification or allowing customers to voice their concerns. Furthermore, in 2023, Club Destin assessed an additional fee of $380.64, which was not anticipated when we initially purchased our timeshare. This unexpected financial burden has caused significant distress and strain on our limited budget, leaving us deceived and exploited. To make matters worse, when we initially bought the timeshare, we were assured that we would have access to RCI (Resort Condominiums International), a vacation exchange program. However, shortly after our purchase, Club Destin terminated their affiliation with RCI, effectively eliminating our access to this valuable benefit. This act directly violates our agreement's terms and severely compromises our investment's value. Despite our attempts to address these issues with Club Destin when they occurred, we were met with evasive responses and no resolution. Our faith in the integrity and professionalism of this company has been shattered, and we believe that our trust as consumers has been blatantly breached. We request that the Better Business Bureau investigates this matter thoroughly and takes appropriate action against Club Destin. They must be held accountable for their deceptive practices and blatant disregard for their customers' well-being. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We trust that the Better Business Bureau will advocate for consumers like us, ensuring fair treatment and upholding the principles of transparency, honesty, and integrity. Sincerely, John and Penny Graves

  Business response

  01/16/2024

  Over many years Club Destin has been able to maintain low maintenance fees with minimal annual increases typically between 1-3%. Due to the dramatic increase in the Association's property insurance premium, the board did approve and levy a special assessment. The Board of Directors does have a fiduciary duty to uphold what is best for the association and all owners as a whole. Any and all fees assessed to owners are in compliance with the associations governing documents, which can vary year to year. Club Destin has not had a special assessment in the last 20 years; therefore, this is not considered an annual fee. Notice of the assessment was sent to you in accordance with our governing documents. Governing documents allow for a 30-day due date, which was extended to 60 days. The board of directors did hold a meeting regarding the special assessment which was open to owners. A notice of this meeting was mailed to you which included details of the specials assessment, why it was being considered, and the date/time of the meeting. You are correct that Club Destin is not affiliated with RCI, but we do have several affiliations with other exchange companies. We are happy to provide you with these exchange options. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to file a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau against Club Destin for their refusal to allow me to deed back my timeshare property to them. Despite my attempts to reach out to their customer service representatives, I have been denied twice without any valid reason. I purchased this timeshare property in the 80s and have only used it five to six times. The salespeople were manipulative and convincing, and as naive young adults, my husband and I fell for their deceptive tactics. We were under the impression that the purchase price was the only amount due and were not informed about the hefty maintenance fees that would continue to increase over time. Since my husband's passing in 1992, I have been shouldering the financial burden of the timeshare maintenance fees on my own. However, as I have aged, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up with this financial obligation. Additionally, the property's location is not as convenient as it once was. I was previously able to use the beach across the street, but now, I am required to walk down an alley and purchase a spot on the beach from the beachfront owner. Given these circumstances, it is foolish for me to continue paying for a property that I have no use for. To compound matters, I have been unable to receive assistance from any parties involved. My attempts to list the property with Tropical Destinations, LLC, have been fruitless, and Club Destin has refused to take back the ownership of the timeshare property. Despite numerous attempts to rectify this situation, I have been met with a complete lack of cooperation and understanding from Club Destin.

  Business response

  09/11/2023

  In response to Ms. ********, we would like to explain that Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. manages the property and does not engage in active sales. Through a title search, I found Ms. ******** did purchase a timeshare week in 1983; however, they purchased their week from Sea Dome, Motor Inn Inc. It was not purchased through the association.  Sea Dome Motor Inn, Inc. was the developer, and the association does not have, and has never had, any interest in Sea Dome Motor Inn, Inc. Furthermore, Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. has never engaged any timeshare sales presentations or contractual agreements. Documentation provided by the developer includes disclosures that were provided to Ms. ******** at the time of purchase. The timeshare property owned by Ms. ******** is deeded real estate, it is not contractual and cannot be cancelled. Club Destin does currently have a partnership with a timeshare resale company to assist owners that wish to list their property for sale. Club Destin is happy to provide that information. At times we do have other active owners that wish to purchase additional weeks and we can certainly assist, should that become an option. 

  Sincerely, 

  Management

  Customer response

  09/18/2023

  
  Complaint: 20584585
  
  I am rejecting this response because: 

  
  Thank you for sharing the statement provided by Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. regarding my ownership of a timeshare week. While it is true that I purchased my week from Sea Dome Motor Inn, Inc., it is misleading to suggest that Club Destin has no responsibility for my ownership.
  
  
  It is clear from the message I received from Club Destin that the company has taken over Sea Dome and assumed responsibility for my ownership. The message stated explicitly that "...nothing would change with my ownership." I understood from this communication that Club Destin had taken on the obligations of Sea Dome with respect to my ownership.
  
  
  Furthermore, while it may be true that Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. has never directly engaged in timeshare sales presentations or contractual agreements, the fact remains that the company has taken over another organization that did engage in such activities. By doing so, Club Destin has assumed responsibility for all existing contracts and obligations, including my ownership of a timeshare week.
  
  
  It is also important to note that my timeshare property is deeded real estate, as confirmed by the developer's documentation. While it may not be contractual in nature, it is still subject to legal rules and regulations governing real estate transactions. As such, it is inappropriate to suggest that my ownership cannot be canceled. If Club Destin is unable or unwilling to assume responsibility for my ownership, there must be a way to dissolve the contract and transfer ownership back to the property developer or another interested party.
  
  
  In light of these facts, I respectfully request that the Better Business Bureau continue to investigate this matter and hold Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. accountable for its responsibilities as a timeshare property owner and operator. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  Penny ******** 
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Club Destin has acted neglectful and careless to the serious matters that I have brought to their attention. As a consumer, I feel completely misled and deceived by the sales tactics used by this company, and I am beyond frustrated by their refusal to address the issues I have presented. When I initially purchased my timeshare from Club Destin, I was assured that I would be able to cancel at any time, and that I would be able to use the timeshare to save money on vacations. However, after realizing that the terms and conditions of the contract were not fully explained to me, I attempted to cancel my timeshare, only to be told that this was not possible. The salesmen that I dealt with were extremely aggressive and did not provide me with the necessary information that I needed to make an informed decision about my purchase. This lack of transparency and honesty on the part of Club Destin is absolutely unacceptable, and it is a clear breach of trust on the part of this company. Club Destin's response to my request for assistance in cancelling my timeshare was completely inadequate. Instead of offering any helpful solutions, I was simply told to sell the timeshare myself, which is not feasible for me. In light of these experiences, I am left feeling both angry and frustrated with the lack of professionalism demonstrated by Club Destin. As a consumer, I expect to be treated with respect and honesty, and Club Destin has failed to fulfill this expectation. In conclusion, I am requesting that Club Destin take immediate action to rectify this situation. I would like a full refund for my timeshare purchase, as well as an apology for the deceptive and underhanded sales tactics used by this company. It is my hope that this complaint will not only bring attention to the problems I have encountered, but also serve as a warning to others considering doing business with Club Destin.

  Business response

  08/10/2023

  In response to Ms. ***** we would like to explain that Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. manages the property and does not engage in active sales. Through a title search, I found Ms. York did purchase a timeshare week in 1944; however, they purchased their week from Sea Dome, Motor Inn Inc. It was not purchased through the association.  Sea Dome Motor Inn, Inc. was the developer, and the association does not have, and has never had, any interest in Sea Dome Motor Inn, Inc. Furthermore, Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. has never engaged any timeshare sales presentations or contractual agreements. Documentation provided by the developer includes disclosures that were provided to Ms. York at the time of purchase. Documents attached for reference. The timeshare property owned by Ms. York is deeded real estate, it is not contractual and cannot be cancelled. Club Destin does currently have a partnership with a timeshare resale company to assist owners that wish to list their property for sale. Club Destin is happy to provide that information. At times we do have other active owners that wish to purchase additional weeks and we can certainly assist, should that become an option. 

  Sincerely, 
  Management

• Initial Complaint

  07/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We purchased the timeshare condo in 1991 and enjoyed for several years. We realized that we needed to try to sell it and $500 when we listed it with a Florida ERA Real Estate agent. We have always paid our maintenance costs and taxes on time (which have increased significantly) but decided to try to be relieved of these expenses by listing it November,2020 with the resort’s resales office at a very low price (just to sell it). We never have any calls or or offers so I have contacted them several times and always told that sales are down at this time and no offers have been made. We were then told that the resort refuses to do any “by back” which we would not even expect any money - just the chance to get out of this expense. We were really stunned when we received a demand payment of $555 to be paid in full by April,2023 for a special assessment of insurance shortfall. We have paid everything but we are just wanting out of this timeshare situation.

  Business response

  07/25/2023

  Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. manages the property and does not have a deed back program or engage in active sales. Your deed property was purchased from ClubLife Resorts, Inc. It was not purchased through the association.  ClubLife Resorts, Inc. was the developer, and the association does not have, and has never had, any interest in ClubLife Resorts, Inc. Furthermore, Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. has never engaged any timeshare sales presentations or contractual agreements. The board did levy a special assessment due to the insurance crisis happening in the state of Florida. This is the first Special Assessment the Association has had in over thirty years.  Club Destin is affiliated with several exchange companies Club Destin does currently have a partnership with a timeshare resale company to assist owners that wish to list their property for sale. Club Destin is happy to provide that information. At times we do have other active owners that wish to purchase additional weeks and we can certainly assist, should that become an option.

  Sincerely,

  Management

   

• Initial Complaint

  07/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We’re owners with Club Destin and are really disappointed that we’re having to write this in the first place when we gave them time to do the right thing. We just can’t let this be dragged out. Their company had promised us one thing and gave us another, and now they are refusing to do anything to help us get out of this mess. We were told that if we wanted to cancel our timeshare then it would be our responsibility to list it with a third party to sell. We are not willing to pay any additional fees or take the risk that our timeshare will not even sell, especially when we shouldn’t have been sold something in such a dishonest manner. It should not be our responsibility. We feel strongly that Club Destin should take back this timeshare and present it honestly to someone else who actually wants it given the actual value does not even come close to what we paid for. We just want to move on with our lives without any further hassle but they don’t seem willing to let us do that. They didn’t respond to our last letter and we’ve gave them plenty of time and opportunity to fix this.

  Business response

  07/20/2023

  In response to Ms. ******** we would like to explain that Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. manages the property and does not engage in active sales. Through a title search, I found Ms. ******* did purchase a timeshare week in 1990; however, they purchased their week from ClubLife Resorts, Inc. It was not purchased through the association.  ClubLife Resorts, Inc. was the developer, and the association does not have, and has never had, any interest in ClubLife Resorts, Inc. Furthermore, Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. has never engaged any timeshare sales presentations or contractual agreements. The timeshare property owned by Ms. ******* is deeded real estate, it is not contractual and cannot be cancelled. Club Destin does currently have a partnership with a timeshare resale company to assist owners that wish to list their property for sale. Club Destin is happy to provide that information. At times we do have other active owners that wish to purchase additional weeks and we can certainly assist, should that become an option. 

  Sincerely, 

  Management

  Customer response

  08/14/2023

  Dear Management,
  We appreciate your response, however it fails to address our concerns still. We reiterate that we are very disappointed and frustrated with the situation we find ourselves in due to a transaction conducted under dishonest pretenses and ridiculous pressure. We acknowledge that Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. and ClubLife Resorts, Inc. are distinct entities, but we remain victims of this situation and someone has to take responsibility and FIX THIS.
  Your suggestion to sell our timeshare through a third party IS NOT a feasible solution, it only shifts responsibility without any real resolution and leaves us stuck in the same spot, probably after wasting even more money and still seeing no results. Realistically, the likelihood of selling a timeshare is low. There are timeshares online going for $1.00 and nobody is buying them. Plus, most companies that sell those timeshares want money up front and I’ve already tried that and it doesn’t work. Once they have your money, there is no motivation and its just another scam. The sales staff wouldn't have needed to pressure and lie to us if people were just out shopping for these things, but YOU know that. Given that Club Destin was indirectly involved in our purchase of this timeshare, we believe that the responsibility is on your organization to rectify this situation. We have no other contact or avenue of seeking assistance for this because it seems everyone involved is trying to wipe their hands of any wrongdoing, and its leaving us frustrated and stuck. This can't continue.
  We kindly request that you make this matter a top priority and provide us with concrete options to exit our timeshare membership. Please present a resolution that is not merely convenient for Club Destin but is truly fair and beneficial for us, and then we will be getting somewhere. We want to put this behind us as much as if not more than your association, but we're not going to be taken advantage of just because a big company feels like they have no obligation to do the right thing.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  When I first purchased our timeshare with Club Destin, the salesmen knew I lived only a town away from Club Destin and that I had no desire to vacation at Club Destin. That’s why the focus of the sales pitch was how great it would be to be able to trade the Club Destin timeshare through Interval International to travel all around the world in condos of all sizes. I did have a successful trade early on for a ski week at a condo in the Colorado Rockies, but after that, it became more and more difficult to trade the 1-bedroom Club Destin condo for locations or dates that I was searching for. I ended up trading it a number of times for locations or dates I did not want, just to avoid wasting the week. Many other years, the annual maintenance fees and Interval International membership fees were completely wasted, as I was unable to trade it for anything that would meet my family’s desired locations or schedules. It became apparent that there is no trading value for my Club Destin timeshare, and the salesmen oversold and over promised. This timeshare continues to be a financial burden on me year after year. It will become even more difficult to continue into retirement. I will never use it again as a vacation destination, and it has become an unrealistic expectation to be able to use it as originally promoted for trading. The thought of transferring this financial burden to my children upon my death is just awful. They have no desire to own this. I contacted the General Manager at the resort who was no help at all. He told me to sell it on my own and that the association doesn’t deed back weeks. I have already tried to sell my timeshare and had no success. I do not want to go down that path again. Club Destin needs to be responsible for righting the wrong since it seems they just let their salesmen say anything to make a sale.

  Business response

  06/26/2023

  In response to Ms. *******'s, we would like to explain that Club Destin Condominium Assocation, Inc. manages the property and does not engage in active sales. Through a title search, I found that Ms. ******* purchased her week in 1990; however, Ms. ******* purchased her week from ClubLife Resorts, Inc. It was not purchased from the Assocation. ClubLife Resorts, Inc. was the developer, and the Association does not have, and has never had any interest in ClubLife Resorts. Furthermore, Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. has never engaged in any timeshare sales presentations or contractual agreements. Usage history also shows that Ms. ******* bank's her week every year with an exchange company. Club Destin does not have any control over usage/availability within third-party organizations. Club Destin is affiliated with several other exchange companies if Ms. ******* would like to know about different exchange options. We are also happy to provide resale resources. 

  Sincerely, 

  Mangement

  Customer response

  07/06/2023

  
  Complaint: 20236704
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  ClubLife Resort can't do anything to help me because they're not in business anymore. So that leaves Club Destin with the responsibility to right the wrong. Trading is incredibly limited and there were unrealistic expectations set for us about trading. Once again, I have already tried to sell my timeshare and had no success. I do not want to go down that path again. If the Association I am paying into is not willing to work with me on a resolution, then what am I supposed to do? 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *******

• Initial Complaint

  05/19/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Club Destin has failed to offer any way out of our timeshare that we purchased back in 1993. We have paid off the timeshare, yet we continue to be burdened with special assessment fees without warning and maintenance fees, despite using the timeshare only once in 1995 (not even through Club Destin, I might add; we traded our week through Interval International). This is unacceptable! Over the years, we have made numerous attempts to contact Club Destin and have even followed their suggestions of using resellers, but with no success. We have spent thousands of dollars to these resellers and Club Destin and yet, we still cannot get out of this timeshare. It is outrageous and unfair that Club Destin does not have an exit program like other companies do to help loyal customers like us who have been paying for almost 30 years. Furthermore, we even went as far as to send in a quit claim deed to possibly return the timeshare back to Club Destin, but they rejected it. This is unacceptable and it demonstrates Club Destin's lack of empathy and understanding towards its customers. In light of all these issues, we demand that Club Destin rectify the situation and offer us a clear and viable way out of our timeshare. We have already spent more than enough. We hope that the BBB will take action against Club Destin and hold them accountable for their lack of customer service

  Business response

  05/19/2023

  The Special Assessment recently approved and levied is within the rights/authority of the elected Board of Directors, as outlined in the condo docs. Any and all fees assessed to owners are in compliance with the associations governing documents, which can vary year to year. Over many years Club Destin has been able to maintain low maintenance fees with minimal annual increases between 1-3%. The Board of Directors does have a fiduciary duty to uphold what is best for the association and all owners as a whole. With the dramatic increase in the property's insurance premium, the board did approve the special assessment. Notice of the assessment was sent to you in accordance with our governing documents. Governing documents allow for a 30-day due date, which was extended to 60 days. Club Destin has not had a special assessment in the last 20 years; therefore, this is not considered an annual fee. You purchased your week from the developer, ClubLife. Club Destin Condominium Assocation only manages the property and does not engage in active sales; however, Club Destin can provide you with resale resources. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  04/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Upon buying this time share, we were told that the maintenance fees were just over $200 annually. They have progressively gone up to approximately $620 per year. I’ve paid it every year. This year, after having paid the annual fee, I received an additional bill for almost $400 to be paid immediately! I am a 64 year old retired teacher. I do not have that kind of money! It is absurd that they charge so much money! The resort is old. To just send another bill, out of the blue, after having faithfully paid the annual fee is in bad faith and ridiculous! I want the additional fee to be rescinded. Please help me! Thank you in advance!

  Business response

  05/10/2023

  Dear Ms. *******

  The Special Assessment recently approved and levied is within the rights/authority of the elected Board of Directors, as outlined in the condo docs. Any and all fees assessed to owners are in compliance with the associations governing documents, which can vary year to year. Over many years Club Destin has been able to maintain low maintenance fees with minimal annual increases between 1-3%. The Board of Directors does have a fiduciary duty to uphold what is best for the association and all owners as a whole. With the dramatic increase to the property's insurance premium, the board did approve the special assessment. The association can also work with you regarding a payment plan, if you are not able to pay within the due date. The Association has not had a special assessment in at least the last 15 years; therefore, it is not considered a common assessment.  As owner, you agreed to comply with the governing documents upon purchase. Attached is a copy of your deed for reference. If owning this timeshare no longer works for you and your family, you do have the right to sell your week. Club Destin can provide you with resale resources should you decide to sell. We thank you for being a loyal owner. 

  Sincerely, 

  Club Destin

• Initial Complaint

  03/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I’ve been going back and forth with Edy and Jason from Club Destin to escape my timeshare obligation. The only option they want to offer me is to list my timeshare. They seem very remorseful, but their remorse doesn’t do anything for me. I’ve already tried selling the property on my own and know it’s a system set up for me to fail. I’m not entertaining the possibility of undertaking that again. I’m undergoing operations to replace my knees and treat a liver infection. They shrugged me off with half-hearted well-wishes and no solutions. I NEED HELP!

  Business response

  03/22/2023

  Club Destin Condominium Association, Inc. manages the property and does not handle timeshare resales. Owners deed and sell their weeks privately and independently, but we can provide viable resources to sell your property. 

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩