Great Resort Vacations

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Great Resort Vacations presents itself as a members-only travel agency that provides access to discounted travel opportunities worldwide. Officially a distributor for RSI Vacations, the company's core product is a vacation club membership, a model positioned as a more flexible alternative to traditional timeshares. Their marketing promises significant savings on everything from week-long condo stays and all-inclusive resorts to major cruise lines and hotels. The central pitch is that by joining their club, members can travel more frequently and affordably, creating lasting memories with loved ones. The company boasts a combined 120 years of experience in the resort industry and an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), suggesting a level of established credibility.

The Advertised Benefits

On its website and through its representatives, Great Resort Vacations outlines a compelling suite of benefits for its members. The primary advantage is purported access to wholesale pricing on a vast inventory of travel options not available to the general public. This includes everything from luxury travel accommodations to more modest budget travel getaways. The company emphasizes flexibility, stating that if members can travel at the last minute or have adaptable dates, they can find incredible value, with some full-week condo stays priced as low as $249. They claim to partner with major industry players like RCI and Casablanca Express to broaden their offerings. The BBB profile includes some positive testimonials, with customers praising the customer service, the value of the deals, and the detailed explanations of benefits they received. This paints a picture of a service designed to make extensive travel both achievable and affordable through a one-time membership purchase.

The Reality of the Membership Model

Despite the appealing promises, a significant volume of customer feedback raises serious questions about the company's business practices and the actual value of its membership. A recurring and critical issue highlighted by numerous consumers is the nature of the membership itself. One of the most severe allegations comes from a customer who described it as a "lifetime" membership. This individual reported that even after attempting to stop paying the annual fees, they were subjected to relentless calls, transforming the membership into what they called their "greatest regret." This experience is not isolated. The Better Business Bureau has logged 84 complaints against the company in the last three years, with many detailing similar frustrations. Customers report being locked into agreements that are difficult, if not impossible, to cancel. Some consumers have stated that the only way to potentially exit the contract is with legal assistance, turning the initial investment into a long-term financial burden.

Sales Tactics and Misrepresentation

A common thread among negative reviews and BBB complaints is the allegation of high-pressure and manipulative sales tactics. Many potential customers are lured to presentations with the promise of a free gift, such as a cruise or a trip to a popular destination. However, attendees often find themselves in lengthy, high-pressure sales pitches. One review on the company's own site described the experience as turning from a helpful conversation into one using "emotional manipulation around ‘family values’ as a tactic to guilt us into signing something we weren't comfortable with." Other complaints filed with the BBB recount similar stories, with one customer stating a manager screamed at their mother over the phone when they tried to cancel after realizing the service didn't deliver what was promised. Furthermore, there are widespread reports that the promised travel deals are not as good as advertised. Multiple members have found that they could book the same hotels, flights, or vacation packages for less money on their own, negating the core value proposition of the membership.

Evaluating the Service and Promises

The discrepancy between the company's marketing and customer experiences appears to be substantial. While the idea of a vacation club is appealing, the execution by Great Resort Vacations has led to numerous problems. Complaints frequently mention that once a customer has signed up, the promised level of service disappears. Members report being transferred multiple times when trying to book a trip, with promised travel plans never materializing and calls going unreturned. The availability of desirable resorts and locations is another point of contention. A BBB complaint noted that when trying to book vacations, the only available properties were in undesirable, off-the-beaten-path locations, making the membership effectively useless for prime destinations. The "free" promotional trips used to attract customers are also a source of frustration, often managed by third-party companies and laden with fees, strict limitations, and near-zero availability, making them difficult to actually use.

Conclusion for Potential Customers

For individuals considering a membership with Great Resort Vacations, extreme caution is warranted. The business operates as a travel agency through a membership model that, while legitimate in concept, is plagued by a pattern of serious consumer complaints. The advertised benefits of discounted booking flights and hotels and access to exclusive all-inclusive resorts are often overshadowed by reports of aggressive sales tactics, binding "lifetime" contracts that are nearly impossible to cancel, and a service that fails to deliver on its core promise of value. While some positive reviews exist, they are vastly outnumbered by detailed, consistent accounts of financial regret, poor customer service, and a product that does not live up to its marketing. Before engaging with this company, it is essential to research its extensive complaint history on platforms like the BBB and Reddit, understand the legally binding nature of any contract presented, and be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true. The potential for long-term financial commitment and persistent, unwanted contact appears to be a significant risk associated with this membership.