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8 comments

Most "scams" are designed to scam everyone; not only a select, unfortunate few. The fact that Iberostar, a world-class resort chain with over 110 leading, luxury properties is offering a loyalty program should not come off as a scam.

We purchased a Gold membership a while back and are so far happy with the purchase. I've read dozens on reviews so far from a lot of angry people. I feel sorry for them, but I'm afraid they largely either 1.) had a misleading salesperson, or 2.) did not understand the terms of the agreement or had unrealistic expectations.

A few notes on the membership:

1. There is no discounts on or free airfare. That was obvious to me before I bought, and should be obvious to anyone in a similar position.

2. The discounted rates are legit. The discounts are on top of published discounts at the resorts. The general public can get special off-season discounts and much more. The club gets those, PLUS another 25-50% off. Now that I'm fully involved in the program, I see how insane the prices are. I can book my wife, daughter, and I at Iberostar Punta Cana for 4 nights in October for $501. The general public can get those nights with their own discount for $715. So, for that particular booking, it's 30% the lowest published, discounted rate. That's an outstanding price.

We got to Iberostar about once per year, and I expect to continue that pace for many years (we are building a family, so travel isn't a huge priority). Even so, I expect to save ~$750 per year, minimum, for the next five years. Once my kids are older, that savings will go up over time. Not to mention the on-site perks are worth a few hundred per trip (private lounges and beach areas, while not materially different, do offer a small sense of superiority).

3. Lloydshare is also not a scam. For those unaware, The Club is offering an annuity payback of your membership price at the end of the membership period (10-25 years). No, it's not a prudent investment, but it is a small comfort that you'll eventually get your money back.

4. I don't work for Iberostar whatsoever. I work in DC. In fact, I proposed to my wife at Iberostar and you can watch the video on YouTube (it's called "A Jamaican Proposal"). You can even see the StarFriends in the video.

Bottom Line: The program is not even close to a scam. You get real, significant discounts, myriad special perks and service (free golf/massages, better booze, private concierge and lounges), and an opportunity to convert your membership to Iberostate equity, or to get the money back at the end of your term. It's not for everyone, obviously, but a scam it is not.

For my wife and I, we are not rich, but the decision to join The Club was a pronouncement that this is the lifestyle we want to have for our foreseeable future. We are still young (early-to-mid-30's), and we would really love to spend the next two decades continuing to see the many great parts of the world with decent style and service. We trust Iberostar, and are avid fans of the resorts (like many of you). We are happy to be partners with the company as they look to expand their footprint to more places across the globe.

Eric Przybylski

Reason of review: Fair pricing.

Location: Cancun, Quintana Roo

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Guest

If you honestly believe Lloydshare is going to pay you at the end of your Vacation Club agreement, then indeed you have been scammed. Why would a company give you anything in return for something that is worth nothing.

A Vacation club is just that, a club.

There is no real property and you own nothing. Just a right to use agreement at a discount for Iberostar properties.

Guest

I'm happy too with the membership is all about reading the contract and also most importantly is to negotiate all the things they can give you such as more rci weeks, credits for the trensetter website or iberocash to be use towards iberostar hotels only. Have all that in the contract on writing.

You can even ask to put in the contract that they will upgrade you every time you book a room... the sky is the limit is all about the negotiation before you sign...

Nobody is putting a gun to your head to sign you can just walk out if you are not happy with what you are getting. The more you travel the more money you save.

Guest

UGH.

Guest

SCAM, LIES, ABUSE! STAY CLEAR of Iberostar!

Guest

Thank you for your encouragement. All the reviews I have seen so far were negative. Just perchased a membership 2 days ago and started to panic when I saw total negative reviews....most of them were from 2015, so maybe they have worked out some bugs by now hopefully.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1242056

Good Evening,

I was just reading through the many reviews concerning the club which I am "sad" to be a part of.

I am wondering what Lloydshare is? and also iberostate equity.

I am unfamiliar with both of these terms and any possibility of this being some sort of actual investment. That might make me feel somewhat better.

THanks and that is great that you feel that there is a benefit to your membership.

Lori

Toronto ON

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1267430

The Lloydshare is just like any other investment, you might get what they promised or you might not. If you read the bottom part of the annuity contract it says that the club is not associated with Lloyshare and is not responsible of the amount at the end of the term. We will see that =)

Guest

I have to agree with Eric Przybylski. My wife and I joined last year and have all ready saved money on our trip.

we took our trip to Punta Cana for 9 nights. it was amazing. we where picked up in a brand new vehicle SUV Just for us. from arrival to departure they took care of every need.

have to add that it was to hot for me to golf so we exchanged the golf package for massage package that was a saving of $220 per couple massage this was included with being a member. nice part they gave us two massage couple packages. $440 total and 50 minutes of professional massages.

I have a lot more to say so I will add my own post.

thanks

Paul Sahadi

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