Here's how it works:
Many guests assume that the resort concierge and/or guest services at all inclusive resorts are there solely to assist them with restaurant reservations, excursions, and general travel advice. While they can and do offer those services, most travelers to all-inclusive resorts don’t realize that many resort concierges are the resort’s top referral source for timeshare and vacation club sales.
- Resort Concierges (or Guest Services) are often incentivized with commissions, bonuses, or perks for referring guests to attend timeshare presentations. Some even receive direct compensation for every guest they sign up, prioritizing timeshare sales over unbiased recommendations.
- You may be offered a free breakfast, a tour of the resort, an excursion, a spa credit, or another enticing “gift” in exchange for attending a “brief” presentation. What they don’t tell you upfront is that this presentation can take more than four hours of your vacation time and is designed to pressure you into making a major financial decision on the spot.
- Concierges typically won’t disclose that they’re referring you to a timeshare pitch. Instead, they may frame it as an exclusive event, a VIP experience, or a “special deal” only available during your stay.
- If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a concierge or resort staff member pushes a high-value freebie in exchange for a “quick meeting,” you’re likely being funneled into a high-pressure sales pitch.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Be cautious of unsolicited offers from the concierge, especially those involving free gifts, discounts, complimentary coupons or excursions, or other special events.
✅ Ask direct questions. If you’re invited to an event, ask, “Is this associated with the timeshare or vacation club?” If they hesitate or dodge the question, you have your answer.
✅ If you’re not interested, be firm. Politely but firmly decline any invitations; if they persist, let the front desk know you do not wish to be approached by them again.
✅ Remember: Your time is valuable. You didn’t come on vacation to sit in a sales pitch – your time is better spent enjoying the resort, exploring, and making memories.
Bottom Line
While resort concierges can help plan activities and excursions, they may be more focused on steering guests toward the resort’s timeshare and vacation club program than providing unbiased recommendations. Stay informed, stay firm, and most importantly, enjoy your vacation on your own terms! For more information on what you need to know about timeshares and vacation clubs, head to our blog post.
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