ComplaintsforARI Holiday Network, Ltd.

• Initial Complaint

  01/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I am thoroughly frustrated with American ********************* It is with urgency and determination that I seek your assistance in rectifying this outrageous situation. Let me be unequivocally clear: I no longer want any association with this company. I have provided valid and compelling reasons for my desire to terminate my ************** to be met with dismissive attitudes and empty promises. Throughout my numerous interactions with ***, I have had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a representative named *********************** who seems more interested in retaining me as a customer than in addressing my concerns.*****'s persistent attempts to sway me into accepting contract rewrites that perpetuate my entanglement with *** are nothing short of maddening. I am resolute in severing all ties with this company, as I never intended to make a lifetime commitment to them. The audacity of *** to claim that I am indebted to them for 99 years is both preposterous and unacceptable. This arbitrary timeframe serves only to further restrict my ability to fully benefit from this timehare membership.I was deceived into believing that the contract was initially for a mere 10 years. The revelation that I have been unwittingly roped into a lifelong commitment is beyond appalling. I refuse to allow *** to hold me hostage, bound by a contract that was based on false pretenses and manipulation.Due to these circumstances, I demand *** present me with a feasible release option to terminate my timeshare agreement. It is unconscionable to force me into a lifetime of financial burden and limited flexibility, especially given the deceptive practices employed by the company.I implore the Better Business Bureau to investigate this matter thoroughly and hold *** accountable for its unjust agreement and provided with a fair resolution to this ongoing ordeal. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I await your intervention and a just resolution to this distressing situation.

  

  Business response

  02/06/2024

  Please advise that this complaint has been addressed. We have reached out to ****************** and left several messages. She has been offered a 10 year term.

  Thank you,

  *******************************

  Customer response

  02/06/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  11/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am high dissatisfied with this company. I continue to reach out to them regarding my account and hardship program for my release. I have reached out to several representatives for months who state they will connect with ******************************* and have him contact me. To this day I still have not heard anything from anyone at **** I have emailed, called, sent letters and etc. and no response. It's imperative I hear from someone soon. I have provided all the information they have requested to get this done and release me from this burden. Thank you fro your assistance.

  

  Business response

  11/17/2023

  We appreciate the feedback.  I have reached out with several options to come to a mural agreement regarding the timeshare.

  The best way to come to this agreement is for her to call me directly at ********************.

  Sincerely,
  **********************

   

  Customer response

  11/22/2023

   
  Complaint: 20874847
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I would like ****** to present any offers here through the BBB. Phone calls to him continue to be unsuccessful and disappointing. I will only correspond through here moving forward. I look froward to hearing back from ****** as soon as possible. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************************************

  

  Business response

  11/27/2023

  Please be advised that we have reached out to ****** with a revised offer to meet her terms.  If she would kindly follow up directly with our office.

  Thanks,
  *******************************

  Customer response

  11/28/2023

   
  Complaint: 20874847
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I would like this offer in writing. I do not trust your company. You can provide it here or to my direct email, ************************** I look forward to hearing from you. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************************************

  

  Business response

  11/28/2023

  We have been in contact with this client. As noted in our system, we have made several offers to over the years to come to a mutual agreement.   A revised contract will be in the mail in the coming days. Please be sure to sign and return to our office so that it can processed.

  Thanks,
  *******************************

  Customer response

  11/28/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I will keep an eye out via mail for those documents you are referring to. Thank you.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************************************

  Customer response

  02/22/2024

   
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: 

  I reject the business response!

   

  I am completely appalled by this company! I continue to request to get out of my contract with ***. But instead, ****** emails me a new contract to stay with them for an additional TEN years. Why on earth would I do that when I havent used this timeshare in over 20 years. My husband is disabled and we cant travel. I signed this timeshare when I was young and dumb at the age of 21, Im now 52 years old and wiser. *** provided me alcohol during the timeshare presentation back in the day; Im assuming to get me buzzed so I would sign this timeshare for life.  Ridiculous!  The last time ******************************* called me he said the paperwork is in the mail.I have NOT received any paperwork in the mail.  Thats why Complaint ******** closed. Im thinking I will receive this paperwork and be done.  No paperwork was ever received via mail.  Such a scam! I just want out of this burden! Please help me resolve this issue. Thank you.

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************************************

  

  Business response

  02/26/2024

  This email is in response to the complaint.  We sent an email with paperwork to ****** on November 28, 2023 and show that she opened the email on December 5, 2023.  We are happy to resend paper work regarding a solution to her contract complaint.  If ****** is not amendable to what is sent her way, we recommend she contact us directly to discuss a mutual agreement.

   

  Regards,
  *******************************

   

  Customer response

  02/26/2024

   
  Complaint: 20874847
  
  I am rejecting this response because of so many reasons!!  I never received anything in the ** Mail as ****** stated I would.  The email that was emailed to me in November 2023 said "For Review Only, Don't Attempt to Sign".  So I didn't sign.  I received the same email on 2-22-2024 with an offer to continue my timeshare for 10 YEARS!!  I declined.  Again, I haven't used this timeshare in over 25 years. I was given alcohol during this timeshare presentation to get me "buzzed" I'm sure. *** said ************** would be ******, MX but it turned out to be *******.  A cold place I would never visit.  A complete Bait and Switch on a "buzzed", young and naive 22 year old.  And I'm pretty ARI didn't mention it was a "LIFE" contract or maybe they did but I was too buzzed to understand thanks to the alcohol they provided me.  This wouldn't fly nowadays.  Let me ask you CEO/CFO/President......would you let your 22 year old daughter, sister, granddaughter sign a contract FOR LIFE after she's been given alcohol by the shady sales men? I just want out!!          
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************************************

  

  Business response

  02/27/2024

  To whom it may concern:

  This email is in response to the complaint from ******************************************.  Please advise that we have revised our offer to Ms. ***************************** and we have come to a mutual agreement.  Paperwork will be sent in the mail in the coming days.

  Regards,

  *******************************

   

  Customer response

  03/04/2024

   
  Complaint: 20874847
  
  I am rejecting this response because of the verbiage in "Special Instructions" of their revised contract.  New contract is for 5 Years. But the contract states "To cancel ARI ********** member MUST call on March 1, 2029".  I don't like this verbiage of how I MUST call to cancel.  What if I forget? What if I'm not around to call?  I want my ARI ********** cancelled immediately after the five years without me HAVING TO CALL TO CANCEL. 

  This is what I I suggested: 5 Year Contract.  Members ARI ********* will end/terminate on March 1,2029. *** will send the member a confirmation in writing that their timeshare has been completely cancelled and no more money is owed to ARI.  Total owed is $2381.40, member may pay off this amount early if she so chooses.  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************************************

  

  Business response

  03/05/2024

  Please advise that we have followed up with Ms. ***************************** and will be sending her a revised agreement.  As previously mentioned, we would encourage her to reach out to us directly to finalize the changes to her membership.  We have been responsive to coming to a mutual agreement and would appreciate the direct communication. 

  Regards,
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  10/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 9/3/21 we attended a festival ( ******************* in ********, *******) in which we signed up for a 3day2 night . Several promises were made by ***** the salesman. All to which weren't apparently true dealing with a additional person we had . Regardless of that we fast forward to COVID and was unable to make the trip in the timeframe because of COVID . I have since made several attempts to make a date for the tour to no avail. Every time we try to make a appt we are given a opportunity to a supposed much better deal than taking the tour but for a additional 280 on top of the 139 already paid that we aren't really interested in . The lady has been considerate enough to extend the offer yr to yr waiting for the tours to open up again . We feel we have been more than patient in trying to resolve the issue and have been more than patient in our wait as well . I have the original paperwork that guarantees the tour as well as the 3 days2 nights in exchange for the 139. We kindly request a refund at this point

  

  Business response

  10/02/2023

  We are sorry to hear that the tour was not able to be scheduled.  Kindly note, that ************************* is reaching out to offer the refund.  If there is anything else, please contact ********************.

  Thank you,
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  06/16/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I've not been able to vacation to the places that I desire due to the lack of points available. With only ***** points, I'm limited to where I can go. Sometimes, I had to bank points so that I could have enough points to actually use on a one week vacation. This is an inconvenience that I never would expect considering how great of a deal the sales reps made it seem. Additionally, the places that I have visited are significantly below standards. Some are unclean, require upgrading, and the appliances have not been in good condition. This is disturbing considering the amount of money that I have paid for this service; I expected a higher level of quality in the hotels. Furthermore, some of the hotels that are listed on the catalog are not even available when I go to select a place online. This is misleading and very disappointing. Owning a timeshare through *** has been a financial hardship for me and my family. I use the timeshare points because I feel guilty wasting my money and not using at least a week. However, I am convinced that I can get a better deal by going to an Airbnb or booking a hotel. At this point, I want my ownership canceled completely. Ive been trying to contact someone to help me at *** but no one has bothered to respond to me.

  

  Business response

  06/19/2023

  Dear Customer Relations Advocate:                                     
  
  This letter is in response to concerns brought to your attention by Ms. *********************** regarding a purchase agreement initiated with American Resorts International.  
  
  First and foremost, we deeply regret that *** ******* has formed such a negative opinion of American Resorts International. However, it does not change the fact that we are not currently positioned to handle re-sales and cannot simply accept relinquishments from our members at their convenience. Furthermore, we do not agree with the claims ****************** has made in her communication to your office.  I can assure you that the concept of timeshare and ownership was highly promoted during our sales presentation, as most of our members would not have purchased otherwise.
  
  However,in the interest of maintaining good relations, we are very sensitive to our members who may be physically unable to travel, or financially unable to maintain their interest in the program.  I have reached out to ****************** to discuss an alternative option regarding her membership.
  
  If ****************** is interested in having such this discussion, she may contact us at our corporate office at ***********************, and we will be happy to provide her with the details.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************
  Director of Member Relations
  
  AC/kt
  
  
  

  Customer response

  06/21/2023

   
  Complaint: 20195787
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The alternative option was for me to pay another $4000 for a new contract that would keep me tied to this company for another 10 years. Additionally, whether or not you agree with my claims does not change that they are factual. This ownership is fully paid off, so if it's such a good investment, you all should be happy to take it back because you could ************* for more money. It seems like you guys know it's not as good as you make it out to be so you do everything you can to trap the people you were able to ******* into making a purchase. 

  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  

  Business response

  06/23/2023

  We appreciate Ms. ******** feedback.

  As previously mentioned, we are not currently positioned to handle re-sales, and cannot simply accept relinquishments from our members at their convenience. 

  The best way to come to a mutual agreement is for ****************** to continue the conversation with our team directly.  We are available by phone or email and loo forward to speaking with her. 

  Sincerely, 

  Angelo 

  Customer response

  06/30/2023

   
  Complaint: 20195787
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Do you have a different option for me other than paying $4000 just to be stuck for another year? If not, then I don't know how you expect that continued conversation could resolve this. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  02/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a timeshare in 2007 when my daughter was coming out of a comma an was misinformed about how it works. Now I am a three time cancer patient and never used it an they will not let me out. I am also bipolar but no one cares I have also contact the mental health department. This is the truck

  

  Business response

  02/23/2023

  Dear Customer Relations Advocate:  

  
  
  This letter is in response to concerns brought to your attention by ********************** regarding a purchase agreement initiated with ******************* ****************** in 2007.  
  
  First and foremost, we deeply regret that ********************** has formed such a negative opinion of ***************************************** ******************.  However, it does not change the fact that we are not currently positioned to handle re-sales and cannot simply accept relinquishments from our members at their convenience. I can assure you that the concept of timeshare and ownership was highly promoted during our sales presentation, as most of our members would not have purchased otherwise.
  
  We do offer a special release program for qualified members.  If ********************** is interested in having such a discussion, she may contact us at our corporate office at *********************** and we will be happy to provide her the details.
  
  Sincerely,

  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  03/23/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On 9-12-2021, my family and I attended ***************** in ********, **. There, they had a man selling a vacation package for a 3 day, 2 night plus mini golf ************ Getaway Promotional Preview Package at ********************************* in ***** **. We paid $139 using my Discover card on that day. The agreement was we would attend a 90 minute presentation during the getaway. The sales person insisted this was "not a time share". He stated we needed to call this specific number, ************, to make the reservation. I have called this number over 10 times and left 3 voice mails over the past 45 days with no one returning my calls. The voice mail goes to a person named ******. Last week I called HQ, explained my issue, they said I needed to talk to membership and they would transfer me. They transfered me to ******** number, which went to voicemail. In her Voice mail, she states she returns all calls between 10am and 4pm. I am seeing someone to call me to reserve the getaway promotional preview package or a full refund of $139.

  

  Business response

  03/25/2022

  Please note that we have contacted the customer and have given a refund.

  Thank you,

  *******************************

  Customer response

  03/28/2022

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  April 1, 2021 ARI's Holiday network has chosen to close Alpenland Maria Alm due to not being a viable property due to Covid. They offered the only other resort in ******* (********** in Pongau). They expect us to pay maintenance fees on a resort we did not sign for or agree to. We have no desire to use the amenities they offer and asked for additional choices. This was never given to us. We are now receiving calls from a collection agency. We too have had to make hard choices in this unfortunate time of covid. I am sorry that all you are concerned about is the profitability of your resorts. You have no remorse as to the concessions we all have been faced with. Talked to ****** Callegari, he said he would follow up with us when he got back from vacation. No follow up. I know you are trying to retain members, but after this, we just want some fairness!

  

  Business response

  09/21/2021

  Dear ********************,

  This letter is in response to your request to be released from the responsibilities associated with your  membership with American Resort International's Holiday Network due to the closure of Alpenland Maria Alm.  
  

  
  The terms allow for the Holiday Network to add or subtract resort properties that we believe to be in the best interest of the project without interfering with the rights of our members.  While we are saddened by the loss of the Maria Alm project the long-term sustainability of the Holiday Network is our ultimate goal.  This decision does not affect your ability to deposit and trade within ********************** Resort Network.  
  
  
  I will be in touch this week to discuss options.
  
  
  
  Sincerely, 
  
  ****** Callegari

*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. ↩