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2.3
Updated by user Nov 20, 2018

Spoke to an agent and they clarified a few things. See update on review.

Updated by user Nov 20, 2018

Update: I've spoken to a representative there and have had my concerns dealt with. The big benefit to Travelsmart is the Diamond Club bracelet.

You don't automatically get the VIP room as I'd been originally told, but you get the bracelet, which they sell for and value at $50/day, so $350pp per trip.

So all-in-all, you do come out ahead if you consider the bracelet and you know how to navigate the system (which is complicated - even the reps don't always get it right). If you have time to learn the ins-and-outs of the system, and if you really like Royalton resorts and having the DC treatment, then you could save a bit of money by signing up to Travelsmart.

Original review posted by user Oct 31, 2018

We bought a membership in 2015 and have booked it a couple of times.

When we got the presentation we were shown the Diamond Club section and the rooms and were told that this becomes standard when you start travelling with TravelSmart (really nice rooms, 24h butler, etc).

We paid I believe around $12,000 for our 15-year package which 'includes' about 25 trips. On top of that, you pay about $380 CAD per year in an annual membership fee.

So total package price ~$18000 when you count that annual fee (cost is about $720/trip).

When all is said and done, it comes up to about 15% off the regular Sunwing price (I was just told on the phone by a rep that using your points for 15% off the package on Sunwing usually comes up to a better deal for Canadians).

So, assuming a $2k vacation for two people ($4k/trip), you're saving ~$600/trip. So, if I use it perfectly, I'm paying $720/trip to save $600/trip.

Not the end of the world if you're getting nice rooms, butler service, etc., but it's been confirmed to me today that I was *flat out lied to* ("Sorry for the inconvenience", I was told. It's not an inconvenience, it was the only reason we signed up for this whole thing to begin with - we thought "Hey, we're not necessarily saving a ton of money, but we're paying a similar amount and getting really nice rooms, and service, etc. and we could treat our friends and family when they travel with us").

You don't get any of that stuff. You can pay extra to get that stuff (obviously, as anyone can), but it doesn't come standard. The 'luxury' room you get is the standard room, plus a house coat. You get the bracelet I guess that gives you higher-end booze (and hopefully access to the Diamond Club area, though that hasn't been confirmed to me), but that's it.

On top of that, if you don't use your points you lose them unless you specifically call to ask them to roll over and they expire at the end of the following year (found out the hard way).

And paying is a huge hassle.

It seems they were never able to get my credit card info in the system, and the people that you pay your annual fees to are different than the people you pay your membership to and I've been hit with $200 of late fees because I didn't pay my annual fee on time, despite calling people there and making sure I was paid up (I guess I didn't speak to the right department).

Anyhow, in the end, it's a *scam*. At best, if you use your membership exactly as it was meant to, you pay $720 to get about $600 discount and access to the diamond club bracelet. If you get late fees or lose points, because of expiry or rollovers, etc, then those figures just get worse.

Reason of review: Not as described/ advertised.

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution.

Travelsmart Vip Club Cons: Lies about what benefits the package comes, Predatory and deceptive sales practices, Fact that they take advantage of people, Website is terrible and never up to date.

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

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Bianey Vyd

Diamond Club Privileges/Benefits are clearly defined by the brand aka Royalton. The bracelet defines you, the traveler, as someone who is entitled to all of the benefits that come with wearing it, and yes, that includes the services of a butler.

We were told and sold the same information as the original poster. The same pitch used to attract many potential buyers. They cannot claim this was the failing of 1 or 2 salespeople. It's scripted.

When the time comes, they renege on their offerings but if you read your contract there is nothing in black and white that says, BUTLERS EXCLUDED. Disney and Marriott don't pull the rug on their members and neither should TSVIP.

Tee S Miu

DO NOT SIGN UP WITH TRAVELSMART. They are a scam, ripoff.

You better using a travel agent who will book everything and flights included.

15 years locked in is *** Something you cannot even guarantee. And then they only go selected places.?

Guest

agreed.wish I could just stop paying and be done with it. It is a pain in the *** booking. Now they are saying oh no diamond club in cuba..gimme a break...total waste of time and money

Patrick P Rgk

(OP here) Just a heads up that I have responded to the email provided in the response comment with more details and have not heard back from them yet.

TravelSmartVIP

Dear Member, We're extremely concerned to hear that despite using your membership you are still unclear as to the benefits included. When traveling as a member, you are guaranteed to receive all of the Diamond Club resort benefits at no additional cost and we have a TravelSmart member service team in each club resort that is dedicated to ensuring our members and their guests receive all of their corresponding benefits and fully enjoy their vacation.

Annual emails are sent out to all our members regarding the annual fee payments as well as the point rollover procedure, however, we apologize if this was not made clear enough for you.

If you could send us through your membership details to socialmedia@travelsmartvip.com , referencing this review, we will gladly ensure one of our service agents reaches out you directly in order to clear up any doubts you may have as to how the membership can be used to your advantage. We are confident that if you allow a member of our team to fully explain how the membership works you will be extremely satisfied with the benefits and savings offered.

Guest

Thanks for this. I heard a similar complaint from a friend (that they were promised the luxury experience for all future trips) and it was fraud.

I wasn't aware of breakdown of the costs. This was helpful.

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