Resorts Unlimited
BackBased in Holladay, Utah, Resorts Unlimited operates within the travel and tourism industry, but it's crucial for potential clients to understand its specific business model. Rather than functioning as a traditional travel agency that books individual trips, Resorts Unlimited is a membership-based luxury travel club, a structure that presents both significant advantages and considerable drawbacks, as reflected in customer feedback.
For some members, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Testimonials speak of "amazing" and "incredible" vacations, highlighting seamless booking processes and breathtaking stays in destinations like Lake Tahoe. Positive reviews often mention long-term satisfaction over many years, with specific praise for staff members like Curt, suggesting that for the right customer, the company can foster strong, beneficial relationships. These satisfied clients appreciate the access to a portfolio of resort condominiums and the simplicity of having a dedicated service for their family vacations, finding real value in the membership.
Understanding the Membership Model
It is essential to understand that Resorts Unlimited operates as a vacation club, which is a model similar to a timeshare. According to the company's website, joining involves a substantial one-time, non-refundable membership fee, along with annual dues. For each week booked, members also pay a usage fee. The company promotes access to thousands of luxury resorts worldwide and special "Hot List" travel deals for as low as $100 for a week, which appeals to travelers seeking value in condominium-style accommodations. This structure is designed for those who travel frequently and prefer the amenities of all-inclusive resorts or condos over traditional hotels.
Reported Downsides and Customer Concerns
Despite the positive outcomes for some, a significant volume of negative feedback points to critical issues that prospective members must consider. These concerns fall into three main categories:
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: A recurring complaint involves the company's sales methods. One former potential customer described the process as high-pressure, stating they felt cornered and oversold even after expressing a lack of interest more than ten times. This approach is a notable red flag for consumers wary of aggressive sales environments.
- Limited Flexibility and Availability: The membership model may not suit every travel style. One family reported that the resort network did not align with their desired destination choices, such as outdoor-focused locations like Jackson Hole or Banff. They also found the "hotlist" of last-minute deals impractical for a family that needs to plan ahead, suggesting the service's utility is dependent on a traveler's flexibility and preferences.
- Serious Cancellation and Billing Issues: The most alarming feedback revolves around the cancellation process. Multiple customers have lodged serious complaints, describing the company as dishonest. These former members claim that after requesting to cancel their memberships—in some cases, providing written documentation—Resorts Unlimited continued to charge their annual fees. They report that their calls and messages went unanswered, forcing them to repeatedly dispute the charges with their banks. This alleged difficulty in severing financial ties with the company is a substantial risk for anyone considering the long-term commitment of a membership.
Conclusion for Potential Customers
Resorts Unlimited presents a polarized picture. On one side, it offers a gateway to memorable, high-quality resort stays for members whose travel habits align with the club's offerings. The potential for great vacation packages and personalized service from a dedicated travel planner exists. However, the consistent and severe allegations regarding sales pressure and, more importantly, unethical billing and cancellation practices, cannot be ignored. The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Potential customers should exercise extreme caution. Before signing any contract, it is imperative to get a clear, written explanation of the cancellation policy and to be fully aware of the financial commitment, including the non-refundable initial fee and ongoing annual dues. The service could be a fit for some, but the reported risks are significant and warrant thorough investigation.