Elite Island Resorts

• Shady way to advertise at the cost to the customer

  By: lauren Jul 11, 2013
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  Elite Island resorts "give" trips away to fundraisers. The people attending bid A LOT OF $ on what they believe is a "win." I wanted to relay something that resulted from a recent event. Elite Island Resorts was one of the top prizes. Myself and a friend poured in more than $150 to obtain a chance at this “prize.” There WAS a disclaimer provided to alert anyone bidding that they were responsible for addtl charges and cost were involved, airfare was also the responsibility of the “winner.” We understood all that.
  
  What we didn’t understand was, if we went directly online (minus the $150 plus we invested to “WIN”…a complete waste), we could easily get the whole package(including airfare for some dates) MUCH cheaper. In fact, the “winning” prize was more of an advertisement for the company and NO GAIN at all to the “winner”. I can’t say that this is true for ALL dates traveled since I did not check 2014. But from the time of “winning” through Dec 31st, there is not ONE TRAVEL week where the “winning prize” is any benefit.
  
  I urge you NOT to use this company for ANY EVENTS. I know everything was done with good intentions. However, this is incredibly disappointing.
  
  I contacted Elite Island Resort directly. I spoke to and emailed the President, Steve Heydt([email protected]). He was smug, pompous and actually giggled while I expressed my concern and disgust for the advertising. He noted the disclaimer. I was and am aware. He also noted I could use the certificate at another time when the rates may be higher? Really? When might that be?? For a 6 period time---there is NO cheaper advantage or winning.
  
  I see as a “scam.”
  

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  • My demands:

  • Nothing- Just to stop this cheesey method to advertise. No more "GIVING" to fund raisers to advertise - there is NO WIN

  • User Recommendation:

  • Stay away

  • Resolution:

  • Unresolved

  Complaint #: 1404
  • Also reported:

    • Monetary damages:

    • $150.00

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