If you've ever dipped your toes into the world of timeshares, you may have heard of Silverleaf Resorts. Once a standalone timeshare company, Silverleaf now finds itself as part of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations (HICV) family—a result of a 2015 acquisition by Orange Lake Resorts, which itself is owned by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). But what does that actually mean for timeshare owners? Well, if you’re here, it’s probably because the Silverleaf name doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Let’s dive into why that is and, more importantly, how to get out if you’re stuck with one of their contracts.

A Brief History of Silverleaf Resorts (and Why You Should Care)

Silverleaf Resorts was founded in 1989 and initially headquartered in North Richland Hills, Texas. The company operated over a dozen timeshare properties across six U.S. states—Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Texas. On the surface, it all sounded great: charming resorts with golf courses, clubhouses, and even indoor water parks. But as any seasoned timeshare owner will tell you, the details were not as they seemed.

When Orange Lake Resorts acquired Silverleaf in 2015, they doubled their portfolio of timeshare properties, but they also inherited a mountain of problems. Suddenly, owners were facing new fees and changes to their contracts that left many feeling blindsided. If you’re one of these owners, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not imagining things.

What Went Wrong: Silverleaf’s Legacy of Complaints

Surprise Fees and Broken Promises

Before the acquisition, Silverleaf owners had a certain set of expectations based on their original contracts. But after Orange Lake Resorts stepped in, those expectations were turned on their head. Suddenly, perks that used to be included—like bonus bookings—came with hefty fees. Imagine going from free weekday stays to being charged $25 per night, or worse, $75 for weekends. That’s not a small change, especially for owners already paying maintenance fees.

And speaking of those fees, many owners were promised no rises in maintenance costs. However, that didn’t last. Instead, owners found themselves facing steadily increasing bills, making the cost of their vacation far more than they bargained for.

Administrative Chaos

Timeshares already come with a reputation for being complicated, but Silverleaf (and its successors) took things to another level. Some owners reported never being notified when their property transfers were finalized, only to later be slapped with late fees for bills they didn’t even know existed. Even when errors were acknowledged as administrative mistakes, the company still pursued those late charges. 

Customer Service Woes

If you’ve ever dealt with dismissive or outright rude customer service reps, you’ll feel for the Silverleaf owners who’ve shared their horror stories. From unanswered questions to outright hostility, dealing with their support team often felt like more trouble than it was worth. This lack of communication left many owners feeling trapped, frustrated, and desperate for a way out.

The Broken Exchange System

One of the main selling points for Silverleaf timeshares was the promise that you could exchange your week for another. Sounds great in theory, right? But in practice, many owners found this to be more myth than reality. Desired dates were often unavailable, and the exchange process was riddled with obstacles that made it anything but straightforward.

Why You Might Need a Timeshare Exit Company

Here’s the thing about timeshares: getting into them is easy (sometimes too easy), but getting out? That’s a whole different story. This is where timeshare exit companies come in. They specialize in helping owners legally and permanently escape contracts that have become financial and emotional burdens.

Specific Challenges with Silverleaf Contracts

Silverleaf’s history of administrative errors and opaque contract terms makes it particularly tricky to navigate on your own. Many owners have found themselves tangled in legal jargon and unexpected fees, making professional help a worthwhile investment. Timeshare exit companies can:

1. Review Your Contract: They’ll identify any loopholes or inconsistencies that might help your case.
2. Negotiate on Your Behalf: Experienced negotiators know how to deal with companies like Orange Lake Resorts to reach a resolution.
3. Provide Legal Support: If it comes to that, having legal experts in your corner can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Silverleaf Resorts may have started as a promising timeshare option, but over the years, it’s become a cautionary tale. From surprise fees and broken promises to frustrating customer service and administrative blunders, there’s no shortage of reasons why owners might want out.

If you’re feeling stuck, know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face this uphill battle by yourself. A reputable timeshare exit company can help you untangle the mess and move on with your life. Just make sure to do your homework and choose a company with a solid track record, because if there’s one thing you’ve learned from Silverleaf, it’s that not everything is as it seems.