The Manhattan Club once existed, but later, its increasing fees and strict timetables led you to realize that timeshare is no longer a good fit in your life. If you’re now looking for ways to get out of these burdened timeshares, do not worry. Just read the article, learn various exit options, and choose which one fits your case. The various exit options that you choose are:
- Using the legal rescission period to exit (if you’re still eligible)
- Ask the Manhattan Club for their in-house exit options
- Work with a reliable third-party exit service to work on your behalf.
- Sell your timeshare on online resale platforms.
- Give it away or gift it to someone else who wants it
- Be cautious of fake buyers or companies
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 increased significantly over the years, making their timeshare 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.
Know Your Ownership
Before proceeding with cancellation, it’s mandatory to understand your ownership details. Always begin by confirming whether your rescission period is still valid. Check if you own a fully paid-off timeshare or if you still owe a mortgage. Most timeshare cancellations can only be considered if the timeshare is fully paid off. Ensure you are up-to-date on maintenance fees, as non-payment can result in cancellation limitations. It’s also essential to determine whether your timeshare is point-based or deed, as this affects the cancellation and resale process.
1. Utilize Your Manhattan Club Rescission Period
Every timeshare resort offers a legal rescission window to owners during which they can cancel the contract without penalty. This recession period is also known as the “Cooling-off” period, which typically ranges between 3-15 days, depending on the state where it is purchased. This rescission period requires you to act quickly because once it expires, you will need to go for more complicated, other exit options.
Manhattan Club Cancellation Policy
The Manhattan Club operates under New York timeshare laws, and according to the state, timeshare owners have the legal right to exit from a contract within seven business days. This period begins on the date the contract is agreed upon or signed. This period allows individuals to reconsider their decision and retrieve their money. If that window expires, the Manhattan Club does not publicly advertise its exit programs, such as the exit or deed-back program. Still, they may occasionally offer this opportunity on a limited basis.
To rescind the contract, the Manhattan Club requires you to:
- 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 the Manhattan Club receives it.
- Keep Everything In Save: Save copies of everything—your letter, the receipt, and the correspondence.
2. Negotiate Directly with the Manhattan Club
If the rescission period has passed, your next option is to negotiate directly with the Manhattan Club. However, there is no hope that the Manhattan Club will accommodate your timeshare problems, as they are known for not accommodating owners. The resort may try to offer you alternatives or upgrades to keep you in the contract instead of providing the relief you need. However, you can still take a chance. You never know when luck will be in your favor.
Remember, when considering this route, never negotiate over the phone; always conduct all communication in writing. Moreover, avoid any upgrading offers from the resort; always focus on your exit goal. Even if the Manhattan Club agrees to deed-back your timeshare or accept termination, request written confirmation.
3. 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 Timeshare Cancellation Companies
- 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.
What to Look For in Exit Firms
Not every timeshare exit firm is reliable. There are many scam exit companies, so always proceed with caution.
- Work with exit firms that are transparent about their pricing, timeline, and process.
- Check the company’s reputation, reviews, ratings, and complaints on third-party platforms, such as Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, or Google.
- Look for an exit firm that does not require upfront payment. Instead, work with those who offer escrow payment options.
At Timeshare Cancellation Companies, 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.
4. 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 current state of the resale market. They will help you understand and gain knowledge.
Challenges of Selling a Timeshare
- Low Demand: Most buyers prefer purchasing directly from the resort, while others prefer to book regular accommodations for their vacation rather than buying a timeshare.
- Market Saturation: The resale markets are overcrowded with timeshares. Your listing may not stand out to the serious buyers.
- Less or No Resale Value: Timeshares lose value over time, and you may not get a good amount in return. When you list your timeshare, you probably see that many timeshares are listed at $1 or less, which makes it difficult for you to sell your timeshares at higher prices.
- 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 Cancellation to consider other cancellation options.
5. Give Away or Gift Your Timeshare
Like many, you can also give away or gift your timeshare to someone and free yourself from a long-term burden. However, consider giving it only to someone who wants it and knows its ongoing associated costs. Because if they fail to meet their obligation, you’ll still be on the hook.
Giving away should be done properly, as it involves many financial and legal risks. Before giving it away, ask the Manhattan Club first because many resorts require approval for transferring ownership. Moreover, please note that your resort may block transfers or charge high transfer fees.
Additionally, Florida state (Chapter 721, Section 17) states that even if the contracts are canceled or rejected due to bankruptcy, the original owner will still be bound by contract obligations.
Therefore, if you opt for this route, consider involving a legal professional or a title transfer company to ensure the process is handled legally.
When to Take Legal Action
You can consider legal action to cancel your contract only under specific situations. If you later realize your contract was made on fraudulent claims, fake promises, or misleading information, you can sue the resort and present your case in court. This can include false information about booking flexibility, promises of investment-like returns, or pressure to sign quickly.
Moreover, if your resort denies your deed-back or cancellation requests, and you’re facing legal threats or credit damage, consult with a consumer protection lawyer. They can assess your case and help you challenge the contract under state laws that protect buyers from deceptive business practices.
Timeline and Cost Expectation for Each Option
Here’s a brief overview of each option’s timeline and associated costs.
| Method | Timeline | Cost |
| Rescission (cooling-off) | 1–2 weeks | Free |
| Work with Diamond directly | 3–12 months | Free–$1000
Admin Fees or Back Dues |
| Hire an exit company/law firm
(Without Escrow) |
3–12 months | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Hire an exit company/law firm
(With Escrow) |
6–24 months | $4,000-$10,000+ |
| Sell it | 2–6 months | $100-$1000 Listing/Transfer Fees |
| Give it away | 2–6 months | $100-$1000 Listing/Transfer Fees |
| Legal Action | 6–24 months or more | $5,000-$10,000+ Case by case varies |
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: The Manhattan Club could sue you for unpaid fees.
- Accrued Debt: Interest and penalties can quickly add up, leaving you in even deeper financial trouble.
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.
Note: If you encounter fraud or a scam, immediately report it to your state’s attorney or the FTC.
Manhattan Club Timeshare Lawsuit
The Manhattan Club Timeshare Lawsuit was a significant legal case involving allegations of 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.
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 advisable to contact Timeshare Cancellation Companies.
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!
FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to cancel a timeshare?
It depends on the method. Rescission is quick, but other options, such as selling or working with an exit company, can take months.
Q2: 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.
Q3: 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.