Manhattan Club promised you a slice of heaven that you could return to again and again. Now, though, the fantasy’s beginning to look like an albatross of increasing fees, strict timetables, and the realization that your timeshare is no longer a fit in your life.
If all this sounds familiar, do not worry. Just follow the guidelines, look for the exit strategy that you fit in, and visit Timeshare Exit Advice to connect with the right timeshare exit company.
This step-by-step guide will help you reclaim your freedom, safeguard your finances, and move forward with confidence.
Ready to break free from the timeshare trap? Let’s begin.
Reasons Owners Quit Their Manhattan Club Timeshare
Owners want to cancel their Manhattan Club timeshare for several reasons, many of which are similar to common timeshare issues but amplified by specific complaints tied to this property. Here are the key reasons:
Rising Maintenance Fees
Many owners report that maintenance fees have skyrocketed over the years, making their timeshare significantly more expensive than originally anticipated. Some claim that fees have nearly doubled since their initial purchase, making it financially unsustainable.
Lack of Availability
One of the biggest frustrations with The Manhattan Club is that owners struggle to book their stays, even when they attempt to reserve far in advance. Despite paying high fees, they find that rooms are often unavailable for owners—yet the resort seems to have no problem renting units to the public through travel sites like Expedia.
Deceptive Sales Tactics
Many buyers claim they were misled during the sales presentation. Some of the most common complaints include:
- Promises of easy booking and flexible reservations, which turned out to be false.
- Being told that ownership would increase in value, when in reality, timeshares typically depreciate.
- Sales reps downplaying or failing to disclose high annual fees and the difficulty of selling or exiting.
Legal and Regulatory Issues
The Manhattan Club has faced legal action due to its sales practices. In 2017, the New York Attorney General launched an investigation into the resort, citing misleading sales tactics and false promises regarding availability. As a result, many owners became even more determined to exit their contracts.
Diminishing Value & Inability to Sell
Many owners realize that their timeshare has little to no resale value, making it nearly impossible to sell. Unlike traditional real estate, timeshares depreciate quickly, and resale demand is low. When they try to sell or give it away, they often find there are no interested buyers.
Desire for Financial & Travel Flexibility
Some owners simply want out because their travel needs have changed. Whether due to aging, financial concerns, or lifestyle shifts, many find that a timeshare no longer fits their vacation habits, and they prefer the flexibility of booking hotels or vacation rentals instead.
Manhattan Club Timeshare Lawsuit
The Manhattan Club Timeshare Lawsuit was a major legal case involving deceptive sales practices and false promises made to timeshare buyers. Here’s a breakdown of what happened:
New York Attorney General Investigation (2014-2017)
In 2014, then-New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman launched an investigation into The Manhattan Club after numerous complaints from owners. The key allegations included:
- False Promises of Availability – Sales reps assured buyers they could easily book stays, but in reality, rooms were often unavailable for owners. Meanwhile, the resort was renting units to the public on travel websites like Expedia.
- Misleading Sales Tactics – Buyers were led to believe they were making an “investment” that would increase in value, when in reality, timeshares typically depreciate.
- Failure to Disclose Costs – Many buyers claimed they were not properly informed about rising maintenance fees and other financial obligations.
2017 Settlement Agreement
In 2017, The Manhattan Club reached a settlement with the Attorney General’s office. As part of the agreement:
- Sales at The Manhattan Club were halted indefinitely.
- The timeshare developer, Ian Bruce Eichner, and his associates were forced to pay a $6.5 million settlement to refund eligible owners.
- The resort was required to implement new transparency policies regarding availability and fees.
Utilize Your Manhattan Club Rescission Period
Every timeshare offers a rescission window during which you can cancel the contract immediately. You have 3-10 days to act quickly within the rescission period, which is also known as the golden or cooling-off period.
How To Rescind Your Contract
- Write a Cancellation Letter: Write a timeshare rescission letter to the Manhattan Club. Attach relevant documents, payment slips, and contact details.
- Send It To The Resort Via Mail: Use certified mail with a return receipt to ensure Manhattan Club receives it.
- Keep Everything In Save: Save copies of everything—your letter, the receipt, and the correspondence.
Negotiate Directly with Manhattan Club
If the rescission period has passed, your next option is negotiating directly with Manhattan Club. Although there is no hope that Manhattan Club will accommodate your timeshare problems, as they are known for not accommodating owners, you can still take a chance. You never know when luck will be in your favor.
Selling The Timeshare
Selling your Manhattan Club timeshare might seem like a quick way to cancel the contract, but the reseller market is full of scams, and timeshares often sell for less than you expected.
Read the discussions on the Facebook timeshare group to learn more about the resale market situation. They will help you understand and gain knowledge.
Challenges of Selling a Timeshare
- Low Demand: Most buyers prefer purchasing directly from the resort.
- Extra Fees: You will likely pay listing fees, commissions, and closing costs.
- Scams: The resale market is not for newcomers to the industry. Scammers will loot you, and you will lose all your money at once.
If you sell, use reputable platforms like RedWeek or Timeshare Users Group. Or visit Timeshare Exit Advice to consider other cancellation options.
Why Stopping Maintenance Fees Is a Risky Choice
Some owners consider simply stopping their maintenance fee payments. They think so because they are misled, or the exhaustion sometimes forces them to take this step. While this might seem like an easy way out, it’s a risky move that can have serious consequences.
Risks of Stopping Payments
- Damage to Your Credit: Unpaid fees can lead to collections and a plummeting credit score.
- Legal Action: Manhattan Club could sue you for unpaid fees.
- Accrued Debt: Interest and penalties can quickly add up, leaving you in even deeper financial trouble.
Work With A Timeshare Exit Company
If you know every cancellation step but can’t decide which one to opt for, a timeshare exit company can help. As they deal with numerous exit queries daily, they specialize and can offer you a solution within minutes of consultation.
Why Choose a Timeshare Exit Company?
- Expertise: They know the ins and outs of the industry and can guide you through complicated contracts.
- Escrow Services: Reputable companies use escrow to protect your money until the job is done.
- Peace of Mind: They handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.
At Timeshare Exit Advice, we’ve vetted top exit companies to ensure you work with trustworthy professionals. Our reviews highlight companies that offer escrow services, transparent pricing, and a proven track record of success.
Avoid Timeshare Resale Scams
The timeshare industry is, unfortunately, filled with scams, and the resale market is no exception. Run the other way if someone promises to sell your timeshare for a hefty upfront fee.
Red Flags to Watch For
Upfront Fees: Legitimate companies don’t ask for large sums of money before delivering results.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: If they’re pushing you to sign something immediately, it’s probably a scam.
False Commitments: Be wary of companies that can’t provide explicit, verifiable success stories.
Final Thoughts
Cancelling a Manhattan Club timeshare alone can be challenging for the owner. Also, trying to get out of a timeshare at times might dig you deeper into the trap. Henceforth, it is better to reach out to Timeshare Exit Advice.
Whether you’re still within the golden window, trying to negotiate with the resort, or looking for other ways out, we can help you connect with a timeshare exit company that can solve all these issues.
Our team of experts has done the legwork to match you with trustworthy timeshare exit companies that can walk you through the process safely and efficiently—no scams, no hassle.
Ready to take the first step towards breaking free from your timeshare? Let us assist you in finding the right solution for your case. Remember, we don’t hate timeshares, we love them, we only hate scams! Book a free consultation with us today!
How long does it take to cancel a timeshare?
It depends on the method. Rescission is quick, but other options like selling or working with an exit company can take months.
Will cancelling my timeshare affect my credit score?
It depends on how you cancel. Stopping payments can hurt your credit, but other methods like selling or hiring an exit company won’t.
How do I know if a timeshare exit company is legitimate?
Look for companies with positive reviews, transparent pricing, and escrow services. Timeshare Cancellation Companies reviews can help you find trustworthy options.
Why is the rescission period known as the cooling-off period?
The rescission period is the cooling-off period because it offers cancellation without payment.
