Unethical management and data security issues at Interval. Among other concerns, I also uncovered a potential SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) violation due to a lack of data security during my employment there in 2013-2014. (Please see "Ethics: The cost of violations and how to mitigate them.") During a sexual harassment investigation involving an IT Contractor, I discovered that data security was at risk due to the use of dozens of high-level highly compensated IT and Finance Contractors whom had almost unlimited access to confidential customer and company information. Despite diligent effort, I was unable to locate records that background checks or drug checks had been executed for these workers nor had their identity been validated or the basic security protocols followed, such as a photograph for their security access ID badge or their vehicle information. Yet they had security clearance that exceeded that of many executives. The company had an expensive security system in place at every door as well as security guards, not to mention server servicing and backups yet their failure to consistently apply security procedures to consultants completely undermined these measures. Every employee of the company, including those earning under $10 an hour with little to no access to confidential information submitted to these screenings. However, these contractors were being paid through accounts payable therefore they were not subjected to HR screenings. Additionally, most were hired through various staffing agencies with outdated and/or inconsistent contracts. Based upon an agency contract audit I initiated and managed, I found that most agency contracts either did not require the agency perform these screenings or even if it was stated in the contract, the agency did not actually execute that requirement unless they were specifically asked to do so and I found no records such had occurred. Therefore I identified this known practice created significant risk to employee safety as well as data security. Data security has increasingly become a major threat to US companies with recent breaches at multiple government agencies, Home Depot, Target, Anthem, Ashley Madison, JPMorgan, Ebay and Sony Pictures just to name a few and the associated costs is easily in the billions. Interval's quarterly SOX audit never caught the issue. The audit simply did not ask the right questions so everything was checked off and cleared along with executive signatures that they had no concerns about internal systems, quarter after quarter, year after year. Which is likely why I was terminated abruptly as the quarterly statement was being prepared and I would not have signed it without this issue on it. This was the company's long standing practice so apparently no one had ever questioned it. When I repeatedly pushed for corrective action on the potential SOX violation asking that consultants submit to these basic screenings, I was immediately terminated and escorted mid-day from the building. The SVP of Human Resources was well aware of the situation and in fact created or at least significantly contributed to its existence yet remains in position. Additionally, I informed the CEO, COO and Chief Legal Counsel of these concerns as well as other potential business ethics violations. While I have no idea if they addressed the data security issue, they took no action to address the negative impact I suffered. Most concerning to me is the fact that many tourism and hospitality customers may not realize that IILG manages the back office and therefore customer data for various subsidiaries and partners that may include Trading Places International (TPI), Hyatt Residence Club, Aqua-Aston Hospitality, Vacation Resorts International, VRI Europe, Hyatt Vacation Ownership (HVO), the Hyatt Residence Club, Hyatt Vacation Ownership, other affiliates of Hyatt Hotels Corporation as well as other participants in their timeshare and cruise exchange programs. This potentially exposes hospitality service providers and millions of their customers to data breach without their slightest level of awareness. For example, who would have the resources and perspective to link burglaries of the families of these various providers while they travel? Would investigators be able to identify a pattern and source or would they simply conclude occurrences were unrelated? read more

Unfortunately many years ago (before online reviews) my husband and I got suckered into buying a timeshare in Florida and membership with interval. Like many others we were told we can go anywhere and anytime when we bank our week...which is all untrue. There is never anything open that is worthwhile. We don't actually have flexible work schedules so we end up booking whatever we can get. This year we ended up going to Williamsburg, Virginia. We stayed at the Plantation resort which was satisfactory, no issues there. But of course when we got to the resort we were asked to go to a presentation, get some updates on interval and a free breakfast. My husband and I asked if they would try to sell us anything at the presentation. We were assured it was just informative and we just needed to fill out a satisfaction survey at the end...untrue again. We ended up going just to get gift card. FYI the gift cards are actually real. We got to the breakfast and of course the interval guy began schmoozing us and engaging us in conversation. The guy was great at first, very personable until he knew my husband and I were not going to fall for it. We asked several challenging questions that he could not give a straight answer to. It was so ridiculous he even started praying that we allow him to get through his presentation without asking any more questions. So we stopped asking questions because at this point we just wanted to get out of there and head to Busch Gardens with the kids. He went on for another 20 minutes going around and around in circles talking about his timeshare experiences, how amazing his vacations were and how he gets to go anywhere because he's part of this "exclusive club". But he could not get to the point as to what he wanted from us until I finally had had enough and I told him to just get to it. That's when he informed us that interval international is now selling "points" to be a part of some "exclusive club". Supposedly you'll be in an "exclusive group" of people (1% to be exact) that can travel anywhere. But to get all this you'll be out is another $11,000-$15,000...on top of the thousands of dollars you already spent to buy your original timeshare that you cannot actually use. Ridiculous!!! Eventually my husband and I couldn't take it anymore. We flat out told him we are not buying and to please go get us our gift card. Then his attitude changed drastically, he began making rude comments and even insulted my integrity. He then continued into a rant telling us that we would need to sign off that we have declined this "amazing" opportunity. He told us (in a somewhat threatening manner) we could NEVER buy these points again. Either way this was the last time we were going to go to any of these presentations. These people frustrate you so much. They play nice at first when they think they're going to make a sale but when you're not interested... Boy does everything change! The gift card was no longer worth the time and energy. We are just going to enjoy any vacations we CAN get through this questionable company even if they are not ideal. Run away as fast as you can and don't fall for these pitches! read more

Folks, be careful here. I went to find out how many points my timeshare was worth in a 15 minute question and answer session at the Marriott Orlando Sale Dept. He point blank told me that even though Interval is owned by Marriott that they consider that people that make Interval reservations are "2nd class customers". I was surprised by this and upset. And he repeated it. I asked for him to explain and he listed Interval pretty low on the list in the reservation area. (Customer priority list of where customer book from) I had explained to him where I was place at the resort. I had construction active 15 feet to the right and another property right behind with construction. Cones on the sidewalk and a dumpster in front. He said yes that is what happens with Interval customers because they get last choice and placement at resorts. He also stated that it is going to get very hard to book week vacations here in the future because of the point system and people taking half weeks and long weekends. He also stated my time share was worthless unless I purchased 2500 points($36k) then it suddenly became worth 2550 points. He also stated that I should do it now because the special was ending soon. He was also rude and demeaning to his female coworker. I was so upset with this experience that I left the resort this morning and came home. I had only checked in on Monday. Tuesday I was talking to the managers and time sale sales from 10:30 at until 4:30 pm. This was the worst experience at a Marriott in my life. Interval, Did he lie about us being 2nd class customers? Are we going to find it as difficult as he says to get reservations? If the top 2 question are not true then did he also lie about me not getting points for my timeshare unless I paid him $36k? Interval I know a lot of this is Marriott but for better or worse you are now Marriott and what he said does impact you. Sorry I am rambling, but I am still upset. Even after the 9 hour drive home. read more

We been having amazing vacations for more than two decades thanks to Interval International. Everywhere we went has been an amazing experience and the staff in the resorts have always been wonderful in accomodate us and our son with special needs. We couldn't mention all the people and places but I can mention the Marriott's resorts as our favorite destination. We always have excellent customer service at Interval International but we have to give special thanks to our amazing agent William K. My husband, my kids and myself want to thank him so much for helping us create, during all these years, all the amazing memories we have. So many thanks for his help, professionalism, amazing skills at customer service and simply for always giving us the best and provide us with wonderful places to stay. He always have a great attitude, we think he really enjoys his job :) This year our resort went to another company to make "free" reservations and after trying it twice and had the most awful experience, we gladly paid the fee to do our reservations with Interval International, and I'm telling you without a doubt, that money we paid was so worthy with the first call we made and got our favorite place and reservation in less than 30 minutes. thank you William K :) So thanks again Interval International, always a pleasure making business with you. read more

I have worked in the Timeshare business for 28+ years and have always chosen Interval International as my primary exchange company not just for business but for personal use. Yes there is another company that has a few more locations but the quality with the II resorts far exceeds the others locations. Recently the points program was launched and I can tell you my owners are elated because they are now able to take their vacations to locations that used to be out of opportunity. The website is very user friendly and is how we exchange most of the time however when I have a special request I reach out my rep Chris McGill or to Yvonne Fields who is always very helpful and accommodating. Just in the last few weeks they have helped an owner going to Disney world with 2 units at the same time, an owner go to Malta for their honeymoon so it had to be booked on a certain date, Yvonne assisted me with an all inclusive getaway in Cancun so a husband could surprise his wife on their anniversary and is now helping me to get 2 2 bedroom units in Hawaii next summer. Sometimes it just takes us as an owner to slow down take a breath and walk thru the process a little slower so that we understand, then most are very happy. My KUDOS to all of the II staff for making it possible for everyone to enjoy life and go on vacation. read more

I had an outstanding experience using Interval International to book our family vacation at Sheraton Vistana Villages in Orlando, Florida. The entire process was simple, smooth, and hassle-free from start to finish. I was impressed with the quality of accommodations available through Interval International. Sheraton Vistana Villages exceeded our expectations with its spacious villa, beautiful grounds, excellent amenities, and convenient location near Orlando's top attractions. The resort was clean, well-maintained, and offered plenty of activities for both adults and children. What I appreciated most was the incredible value we received through Interval International. Their exchange program allowed us to enjoy a premium vacation experience at a fraction of what it would have otherwise cost. The booking process was easy to navigate, and I was able to find exactly what I was looking for without any issues. I highly recommend Interval International to anyone looking to maximize their vacation ownership benefits and discover amazing resorts around the world. We made wonderful family memories on this trip, and I look forward to booking many more vacations through Interval International in the future! read more

After reading so many bad reviews on Interval, I just had to post my review. I've been an Interval World member for nearly 20 years and believe me it has opened the world to us. We have traveled to exotic places that I never thought we could ever afford to see let alone stay in the luxury that we have found in their resorts. But you have to be flexible and willing to try new experiences. When I could not get the French Riveria in the summer time I settled for a timeshare chalet in the French Alps and had an amazing vacation in an exquisite French village. When Hawaii and the Caribbean were not available in winter I settled for Southern Spain on the Mediterranean and found a place that I have returned to many times. And yes eventually, few times I did get timeshare in Hawaii and one week in Paris, but I would not have traded those other wonderful experiences for anything. I've never been disappointed by Interval. We have enjoyed large beautiful timeshare units around the world where we could relax and invite family and friends to join us in places they never dreamed they could afford to visit. Thank-you Interval for some great memories!!!!! read more