Exploria Resorts Reviews

We fell victim to Club Exploria's deceptive practices after my wife received a call from radio station 93.1 FM claiming she won a free trip. We accepted a stay at Pocono Mountain Villas where we were forced into a high-pressure sales presentation by Jose **, who made numerous false promises. Moran claimed our membership was a tax-deductible property investment, which our tax preparer confirmed was completely false. He promised we'd never pay full price for vacations with endless worldwide options and could pass on this valuable asset to our children. After paying over $5,000, we discovered none of this was true. For over six months, we attempted to book family vacations through their system. Nothing was ever available for our travel dates despite the website advertising worldwide destinations. When something rarely appeared, it was only single day stays for two people, completely useless for family trips.

Liars. Do NOT buy anything from them. They just straight up, blatantly lied to me in every way imaginable to get me to sign up. They delayed sending me all of the follow-up needed to uncover those lies until after my grace period to exit. Then they refuse any sort of exit. Such a total ripoff and scam.

As an Air Force veteran and frontline healthcare worker, I was targeted by Exploria's predatory sales tactics during what should have been a family vacation in Orlando. They lured my wife and I in with a "promotional package" supposedly honoring my military service and our pandemic work, both being Nurses. It was nothing more than a trap to drain our finances. The initial presentation lasted an entire day despite promises of 2-4 hours. Saleswoman Esperanza made countless false promises about worldwide travel, rental income, resale options, and platinum status benefits. Every single promise was a lie. We foolishly upgraded twice, paying a total of $37,242.75, believing their deceptive guarantees about better accommodations and increased benefits. When we tried accessing the promised "premium" Building 601, we were told our configuration disqualified us.

Let's see.... Lied to thru the sales pitch....hurried thru the closing process as the office was closing....ADA rights violated....so many lies....haven't even used any points! Misleading and no way out but to foreclose....don't do it!!!!

The presentation was fairly pleasant, but you don't realize how difficult it is to make reservations until after the opt out date has come and gone. You have 10 days to cancel your purchase, yet it took almost 4 weeks before we could get into the information and reservation system, only then did we find out it is nearly impossible to make reservations without either making a phone call or more often opting for someone to call you back. Arduous at best. I was skeptical when we went to the time share, the toaster didn't work on one side, when it rained water flowed via a failed gutter right into the living room (like a garden hose), the hot tub spewed black out of the jets.

I had one of the most disappointing and stressful experiences with Embark by Exploria Resorts, and I feel compelled to warn others. Last year, my ex and I signed up for a trial membership. Although we could not use the membership until it was paid in full, I made every single payment from my own account — on time — for 12 months. My ex did not contribute a single dollar. Now that it’s paid off, I finally made a reservation for a vacation with my kids — their only trip before school starts — and this company is threatening to cancel it.

Ermias **. I am writing and calling the Exploria so that I can cancel and terminate the timeshare they made me signed before the 10 days grace period! No one has responded me so far. I would like to write this review to use as a legal documentation for my credit bureau. Please terminate the timeshare contract before the due date today date 07-21-25 signed date 07-14-25.

I came to check in yesterday at Summer Bay Orlando and upon arrival I was told that I did not qualify and that I would have to cover everything out of pocket. I mentioned to them that when the lady I spoke to on the phone did my reservation she never once stated that I didn’t qualify due to income. Even after she find out my income she said you are all set see you in July. So not only did I have to pay $250 before I ever showed up I was charged another $250 and $350 yesterday. The lady who checked me in said to call customer care and they can review the calls and give me my money back. I have been on hold over an hour already. No one wants to or is even willing to help.

In August 2004, my husband and I were lured into attending a “90-minute” presentation at Westgate Resorts in Orlando, Florida, which extended beyond two hours and ended with us purchasing a two-bedroom unit. On that same trip, we were approached by a Summer Bay representative offering us Disney tickets and a $150 gift card to attend another 90-minute presentation. Despite our earlier purchase at Westgate, persistent representatives convinced us that Summer Bay would transfer our Westgate purchase if we found their offer more appealing. The tour resulted in another pressured purchase based on numerous misleading claims, more flexible travel options, the ability to gift or rent points, and assurances of easy bookings and resort availability. Unfortunately, every Summer Bay promise turned out to be a lie. We were unable to rent out the unit, frequently found no availability at desired resorts, and encountered hidden fees upon check-in. We were even discouraged from staying at the home resort itself. The financial burden, including ever-increasing maintenance fees and useless points, became overwhelming over time, especially as my husband’s health declined. For over twenty years, this timeshare arrangement has caused nothing but frustration and financial stress. From misleading sales practices to false promises and poor customer service, my experience has been marked by manipulation and dishonesty.

We were misled about the overall value of timeshare ownership with Exploria Resorts, as we were promised we would save money compared to traditional vacationing. Instead, we have paid considerable amounts with the upfront purchase costs, escalating maintenance fees, and reservation fees for resorts offering poor availability. We were never provided with clear options for resale or exit after the contract was paid, nor were we informed that the maintenance obligations would persist indefinitely. We now understand there is no true investment value—only ongoing liabilities.

When I first purchased an Exploria timeshare in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I was led to believe it would be a beneficial investment. But at every turn, I have been subjected to misleading sales tactics that resulted in further financial burdens rather than the benefits I was promised. Two salespeople conned me into upgrades by convincing me that combining my two timeshares would lower my maintenance fees. However, after signing the agreement, I discovered that instead of consolidating my timeshares, I had unknowingly purchased an additional one, leading to even higher maintenance fees. This was a blatant misrepresentation, and I was never given a proper opportunity to review or understand what I was signing.

My 20-year nightmare with Exploria Resorts began in 2003 with a high-pressure 4-hour presentation that should've been "less than one hour." I was misled at age 22 into purchasing a timeshare with promises of "large discounts" worldwide. In 2014, they trapped me in another presentation under false pretenses, pressuring me to upgrade to a two-bedroom unit with 75,500 points. The salespeople claimed I was making a "good investment" that would "increase in value" - complete lies.

We purchased from Exploria because my late husband believed their lies, and I foolishly finally agreed after much pressure, to give them a chance. What a mistake. Our stays at Pocono Villas were always less than satisfactory and we tried to be kind and make the best of it. After a second visit, my family members refused to come any longer. The advertised amenities like fitness center and indoor pool and spa have been "under construction" for YEARS. Until 2024, the accommodations were not clean nor did they have the amenities promised. We had to request them.

We have owned our Timeshare for 43 years, and it has went through many different owners with Exploria owning it now. We are older now, and don't vacation as we did in he past. Our maintenance is paid until next year, and the loan has been paid off for years. We decided to contact Exploria to just give it back to them through a deed back program. Surprise of surprises they won't take it back. They gave no reasons, and said we could sell it or deed it to someone else. Yeah, really, no one wants to buy an old timeshare. And I wouldn't burden any of my family, friends with this albatross now that I know they can never rid themselves of the thing when they don't need it anymore. My advise is stay away from any, and every offer to buy timeshare from any company, especially Exploria. Don't fall for the offer of money to tour the property. Don't be like me, because now I guess Exploria can sue my estate for the maintenance fees after I'm dead and gone.

I have been a club Exploria owner since my early 20's. I am now 36 years old. To start, customer service. When they get you in to try to sell you, they make it seem so nice and appealing. Like they will be there every step of the way. The truth is that it's nothing like they claim. The maintenance fees are way higher than explained to me and grow exponentially! To make a Reserva prepare to be on hold for an hour. Easily over an hour. If you call to make a payment you are on hold no more than seconds. Most of the vacations I try to schedule (yes with plenty of early notice ahead) are booked so I can hardly use it. Mine is paid off just dealing with maintenance fees yearly. Will transfer title to anyone interested. I'll pay you to take it. Good luck!

My husband won a one night stay at the poconos but we had to endure a 90 min presentation. Well, that turned to 3 hours! My husband and I repeatedly said NO so a supervisor intervened adding more “perks”. It was about to turn to 4 hours until my husband told them that they were giving him a migraine and that we were NOT interested. Extremely pushy!!! Selling us a dream telling us that if we purchase the timeshare we would get villas and simply the best of the best. (Not true by the way.) The sales rep opened his account and showed us what’s available and things were so outdated so that was a lie immediately. FOLKS, LISTEN and do your research FIRST. Take a break, go to the bathroom and read reviews if you don’t want to do it in front of them and be rude. SAY NO and tell them straight to their faces that NO is NO. NO is universal. Don’t get suckered into this. Hopefully someone listens.

Have been an owner for 15+ years and things have always not been great but I always enjoyed my vacation. Recently, We finished off paying for our timeshare years ago only to get a bill for $5,000 for maintenance and assessment fees, this is outrageous. They sent the bill in December and expected the money by the end of January. They only sent out these assessment fees to original owners. This is clearly discrimination. Only the owners from Pocono Mountain Villas received the assessment fee. Of course they offered you to sign paperwork to give them your timeshare and then you would not be liable for making the payment. I do not recommend this place to anybody. How can they do such a thing.

Updated on 04/11/2025: Scammers continue to use my phone number to send thousands of robocalls from 6am to 11pm at night. No word from CEO or anyone in their department. Address given was a Denny’s restaurant in florida who asked us to post this review to tell others even THEY are tired of receiving letters meant for this fraudster company.

My name is Sheila **. I am the owner of timeshare at Exploria which once was Fairway Villas. My dad passed this onto me and my daughter, our acct number is **. I've been paying maintenance since 1999 to this timeshare. I put in paperwork to cancel this membership since last year January 2024. I sent your paperwork which was notarized and recently you asked for death certificate which I sent in. A woman called me in November said she would get back to me in December. Now it's January going to be February. I don't want this membership anymore and you are saying I owe 11000 dollars. It sounds like you are threatening and bullying me. I need a phone call or something in writing to resolve this matter asap.

Don’t even give an ear to these people, they are nothing but manipulative individuals looking to make money off anyone that gives them the opportunity. I was approached by a team of sales reps at Exploria who appointed me to Robyn **. Robin deliberately took advantage of me at a vulnerable time in my life. I explained that I was recently divorced and bought a home to start new again with my 3 year old daughter, only for them to use this information to pressure and manipulate me into purchasing a vacation package with them.

I was contacted out of the blue by a representative named Mark regarding a stay at Exploria Resorts. I had stayed there two years ago and had a disappointing experience, but Mark assured me that there had been significant changes and upgrades to the resort since then. Trusting his words, I decided to give it another shot, hoping for a better stay. Unfortunately, this recent visit only confirmed my doubts about the quality of this place.

As an owner who purchased last July, I can confidently say that many of the negative reviews about Exploria Resorts are exaggerated. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’ve even managed to turn my ownership into a profitable venture by renting out my weeks during popular events. From the start, the process was clear and straightforward. The sales team provided thorough explanations of what to expect, and I never felt pressured. I purchased with the intention of utilizing my ownership as both a vacation opportunity and a rental investment. The rental income exceeded my expectations, particularly around high-demand events like festivals and seasonal celebrations. The ability to offset costs with rental income has been a game-changer, making this investment a smart financial decision.

*** I am an Owner.*** I just want to start off by saying. When they pitch the offer to you it sounds like an absolute dream! But it’s not by all means. I started off this nightmare through a marketing opportunity 99 bucks to stay in Florida and a free stay with Exploria & 90 mins pitch. I meet with Jose in the marketing office in Pennsylvania who truly has the gift of Gab. He painted a picture that this was the greatest opportunity and I told him my family was looking to buy in Serenity which is also located in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. As he claimed he was rolling out the red carpet for us…. Bull…. I should have went with my gut.

Alligators were loose on property without proper signage. Rooms were not handicap capable. You will be held hostage unable to view unit being sold. Closing docs will be incomplete and not have financial company information. Ignores cancelation

Bought Exploria about a year ago and it’s been the best way for me to vacation. They have this marketplace where you can earn rewards credits. I’ve already gotten 2 free flights because of it. GREAT vacation package!

In 2019, my wife and daughter went to a shopping mall and were enticed to attend a presentation with Exploria Resorts in exchange for free a cruise offer. We attended that presentation and what we got was a high-pressure sales meeting for a timeshare. Despite our constant refusals, the salesperson pushed hard, making FALSE PROMISES about savings and easy booking.

The presentation was a little long, but overall I’ve had my point package since 2017 and it’s allowed me to take the vacations that I want to take. I give a vacation to my children every year for their birthday, and my family does a reunion every year since 2017. I’ve upgraded once after I retired and it’s been the best plan for my family. My program is paid off, but I do have a yearly maintenance. It’s not bad though, I take 2 vacations a year and give out an additional 3 vacations to my kids, so I don’t mind a yearly 1,000 maintenance for 5 vacations

I paid full membership in Exploria in 2107; part as deposit and the remainder on monthly instalments that were completed in 2017. I received acknowledgement to that effect in 2017. Now in 2024 they say that my contract is cancelled due to a missed payment. I think that this is merely a scam to force me onto annual maintenance fees. I don't recommend anyone sign with this questionable company.

I have been an owner for 10 years and I love my ownership, especially using RCI, last calls my house had a major flood and I was able to stay for a whole 2 months in the same resort for $370 a week at Club Wyndham at Shawnee.