Why You Might Want to Reconsider Your El Cid Vacations Club Timeshare (and How to Get Out of It)

Many people who join the El Cid Vacations Club (ECVC) expecting a smooth, enjoyable way to vacation in Mexico soon realize the experience isn’t what they were led to believe. What initially appears to be a dependable and attractive way to access resorts in places like Mazatlán or Cozumel often reveals hidden frustrations, unexpected restrictions, and unresolved customer service issues. This article breaks down what ECVC really offers, the recurring concerns reported by members, and why working with a timeshare exit company might be the most practical solution.

What is El Cid Vacations Club?

El Cid Vacations Club is a vacation ownership program under the umbrella of Grupo El Cid Resorts, a Mexican hospitality company that’s been around since 1972. It’s currently led by Carlos Berdegué Sacristán and offers members access to several resort locations in Mazatlán, Cozumel, and Puerto Morelos-Riviera Maya. With a multi-site affiliation agreement with Interval International (a Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation subsidiary), ECVC members can exchange their stay for other vacation properties in the network worldwide.

The membership comes in different tiers based on how many "points" you own:

• Standard VIP: 300,000+ points
• Gold VIP: 500,000+ points
• Platinum VIP: Over a million points

Higher tiers promise more benefits, think better room selection, earlier booking access, exclusive check-ins, and more. 

The Problems Behind the Promise

While the setup may look appealing, the experiences of actual ECVC members tell a more complicated story. Over the years, numerous reports and complaints have surfaced that suggest all is not as advertised.

• Misrepresentation of Benefits: Many members say they were promised significant travel discounts and broad flexibility with how they could use their points, perks that mysteriously vanished after signing the contract.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Several buyers describe the sales presentations as aggressive, often lasting for hours and filled with promises of gifts, free services, or cancellation options that turned out to be misleading or entirely false.
• Booking Difficulties: For something that's meant to ensure vacation access, many members struggle just to make reservations. Limited availability and confusing booking systems make using the membership more frustrating than convenient.
• Poor Customer Service: When things go wrong, good customer service can make all the difference. Unfortunately, ECVC members commonly report that trying to resolve issues is a battle in itself, often receiving delayed responses or no help at all.
• Cancellation Challenges: Even when buyers act within their legal right to cancel the contract, some report facing major obstacles. This includes being denied rescission, ignored requests, or difficulty recovering deposits.
• Unethical Behavior and Lack of Transparency: Some users allege that they were outright lied to about cancellation terms and contract details. In one case, a reviewer stated they were told they had a grace period to cancel, but when they tried to exercise it, they were stonewalled.

So, What Can You Do About It?

If you feel stuck in a timeshare contract with ECVC, you're likely wondering how to break free from it. The fine print, legal terminology, and resistance from the company can make this feel like an uphill battle. That's where a reputable timeshare exit company can come in.

These companies specialize in helping consumers get out of timeshare contracts, even the tricky ones. While not all exit companies are equal (and you should definitely do your research about them), a legitimate firm can help assess your situation, explain your rights, and negotiate on your behalf or take legal action if necessary.

When looking for a timeshare exit company, keep in mind:

• Avoid firms that ask for large upfront fees without a clear contract
• Check third-party reviews and complaints
• Ask for a timeline and detailed process

In Summary

El Cid Vacations Club presents itself as a flexible, benefit-rich way to vacation across Mexico and beyond, but many members find that reality falls short of the promise. Between hard sells, difficulty booking, and sketchy cancellation practices, it's easy to see why some people start looking for a way out.

If you’re considering parting ways with your ECVC membership, you have options. A trustworthy timeshare exit company can help you.